NAPIER NOTES.

Hastings Standard, Issue 105, 27 August 1896, Page 3

NAPIER NOTES.

[From Och Own Correspondent.] Napier, August 27. The examination of the breakwater made yesterday by the "Works Committee of the Harbor Board, Press representatives, ami the Board's Engineer (Mr C'arr) should restore confidence among the ratepayers as to the ultimate success of the structure, for their confidence, like the breakwater itself, has been shaken lately. Misrepresentation has been vigorously impressed upon the ratepayers as hard fact, and nothing _but an accurate statement of the real" position of affairs can restore that confidence. Mr Carr yesterday pointed out every part of the damage done to prove that his report was correct. He showed that he had made ample margin in his estimate of the cost of repairs, and that the older part of the breakwater and wave-break-ing apron is not affected in the slightest degree. The damage done is confined to the monoliths of the newest part of the structure, the portion below water not having suffered at all. The only change below water is that the apron has been spread out, and has been sloped off properly by the beating of the waves. This of course is what is wanted, as the apron can only act properly when well spread out. The meeting of ratepayers has been adjourned for a fortnight to give time for the diver to make a more thorough examination under water. It is to be hoped that the meeting will be take a sensible view of the matter, and not allow themselves to be influenced by a few property owners at the Spit. The Railway Social at the Gaiety Theatre last night was a great success. The Theatre was beautifully decorated with flags, ferns, nikau palms, and cabbage tree branches, which hung from the roof and on the walls of the building. The president of the Railway Servants Society, Mr E. G. Pilcher, made a speech in which he explained that the social was in aid of a library fund. About 150 couples were present who danced to the music of an efficient orchestra. Altogether a very enjoyable time was spent. There have been some complaints made lately about the unsatisfactory drainage of the Boys' High School, and the Board of Governors appointed a committee to inquire into the sanitary arrangements of the school. They have discovered that the complaints had some foundation, and propose that there shall be a charge made in the system of drainage. Not very consoling to the parents of the scholars ! A football match was played yesterday afternoon on the Eecreation Ground, Civil Service v, F Batter}'. The artillerymen were ingloriously beaten by the Civil servants by 18 to 8.