The Hastings Standard published Daily WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2, 1896. THE ONWARD MARCH.

Hastings Standard, Issue 110, 2 September 1896, Page 2

The Hastings Standard published Daily

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2, 1896. THE ONWARD MARCH.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

That Hastings will one day be the city of Hawke's Bay all who have watched the progress of the district will admit ; but if she is to take a part in her own advancement it is time she woke out of her lethargic sleep, and marched in step with the times. Situated as it is in the heart of the best pastoral country in the colony Hastings has its natural advantages ; but it is idle to think that her wealth will come without the necessary push. Our business people are no doubt satisfied with their returns, but their trade might be materally extended were they to take a greater interest in the progress of the place. Napier has still the control of our principal institutions. and she naturally looks on in a jealous sort of way at the strides Hastings has taken of late. What we want is more self-reliance. People here have come to look upon the breakwater city much as a child does on its parents, and in the same way looks to it for many of its wants. All will admit that Hastings possesses drapery establishments quite as good as those in the sister town ; her grocers have premises capable of supplying a city ; the boot importers have as handsome shops; the chemists are quite as far in advance as in the sister town, and almost every trade has premises that will compare favorably both in stock and prices with any of the Napier establishments. And yet there are residents here who send away for almost everything they use. There is a lamentable absence of public spirit, and the majority of residents seem not to anxious too cut away the apron strings. The proposal to give Hastings her rights in regard to the head-quarters of the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club and the Agricultural and Pastoral Association have only been taken up in a half-hearted sort of a wav. No one appears to have had the courage to ask that the question of the transfer be considered on its merits, and of course Napier will hold on to such institutions as long as she possibly can. For our own part we are thoroughly satisfied that Hastings will become a town of importance, and in throwing

in our lot with the citizens we have started an industry which gives employment to a large number of hands. For the support so far received we return our warmest thanks ; but in keeping with the march of progress in this district we are anxious to launch out on a larger scale. Hastings must come forward, favored with natural advantages, and in the onward march we hope to keep the Standard proudly waving. Maturally we have had much opposition, but as the initial difficulties are one by one overcome we endeavor in every way to keep pace with the onward movement. We crave no sympathy, but respectfully solicit further support.