LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Hastings Standard, Issue 137, 3 October 1896, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Tlie booking for " lolantlie" to-night betokens a bumper house. The Governor and party will arrive by the express at five o'clock, and will be driven to the Carlton Club Hotel. It is understood that Mr C. A. Loughnan has decided not to contest the liuwke's Day seat at the coming election. Visitors have been streaming into town all day. As the weather promises to be fine, carnival weekshould Jje a time of rejoicing. Constable Bennett, of the Napier police, hae been drafted to Hastings to supplement the local force during the carnival week. The train arrangements for the Hawke's Bay races are advertised elsewhere. The management has gone to a deal of trouble in making the several trains suit the convenience of the travelling and sporting public. At a committee meeting held last night the Hastings Cycling Club decided to hold an open run to-morrow to To Aute, starting at 9 a.m. from the railway crossing. The roads are in splendid condition, and given line weather the spin should be most enjoyable. For the last few days the public, has sadly missed the familiar face of M'Corkindale's clock, and many a hurrying passenger looked up anxiously at the vacant space. The timepiece has been undergoing some repairs, but is once more at its post. The committee in charge of the forthcoming Catholic Social met in O'Reilly's Hotel last night, and from the reports handed in the outlook for the success of the entertainment is most satisfactory. Mrs Cullen has charge of the commissariat department, and nothing is being left undone to secure the comfort of the public. The Public Works Statement, which was not put on the wires until an early hour this morning, is a lengthy document of 11,000 words. We thank the local telegraph officials for the manner in which they turned out their " copy." A brief resume of the Statement appears elsewhere. It is understood that the Wesleyan ministers throughout New Zealand devote themselves to the great work of Temperance reform pending the local option poll. They, in many places, are relieved of ordinary pastoral work, and are expected to pay little attention to what are called ordinary week night meetings, and must throw themselves heart and soul into the work of conducting public meetings to rally the temperance forces. The Heretaunga Club held a very successful social in St. Matthew's Hall last evening. There were a large number present, including many of the Pollard Company. The affair was a most enjoyable one, and dancing was kept up till long past midnight. The music, which was good, was provided by Mrs Buist, and Mr T. Johnson assisted with the violin. Miss Wynn played extras during the evening in a finished style. Mr T. Bishop was attentive and energetic as M.C. Refreshments on a liberal scale reflected greatly to the credit of the caterer, Mr G. Pimiock, of the Trocadero.

r A few more specimens of the outrageous rating of the Harbor Board on Hastings residents are to hand. A gentleman disposed of a property in town a few days ago for £7OO, and he is now asked to pay rates on the assessed value of £1328, almost double what it is worth in the open market. The same householder has been rated for £1664 on another property which he will be pleased to dispose of for £I2OO. The working man is even more hardly dealt with, and in one ease last year's contribution of 2s 6d has been increased to 9s. There is general indignation throughout the district, and the householders intend to enter a strong protest against the action of the Harbor Board. Another cause for complaint is that no agent has been appointed to receive the rates in Hastings, and ratepayers are compelled either to go into Napier or go to the expense of forwarding post office orders.

Mr G. G. Stead, the well-known Canterbury sportsman, is in town. Acceptances for the Trotting Club's events close to-night. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Debating Society has been postponed until Tuesday, 13th October. In our fourth page to-day appear Interprovincial news, correspondence, and an article referring to the Pollard Company's season. Special attention is drawn to the service of song, "Wee Elsie," to be delivered at the Salvation Army Barracks to-morrow afternoon. It is understood that overtures are being made to Mr A. L. D. Fraser to allow himself to be nominated as a candidate for the H.B. seat. The Hastings Brass Band, under the leadership of Mr L. Fowler, will give a good programme of selections opposite the Theatre this evening, commencing at 7.15. Messrs R. Hannah and Co. have made a brilliant show in their windows. All the latest fashions in ladies' fancy boots and shoes are submitted, and they form a most attractive display. A Prohibition meeting was held at East Clive Wesleyan Church on Friday evening last. Rev. l>r Hosting presided, and able addresses were delivered by Messrs Wake and Worboys of Napier. At a meeting of the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club yesterday it was resolved to hold the annual meeting not later than the fourth week in July. At a committee meeting a large number of licenses and permits were granted. It was resolved that John Atkins be granted a license to train, on the strict understanding that on his first act of misconduct it would be cancelled for ever. The sum of £4 was voted to Charles Mitchell, a disabled jockey. A table with pen, ink, and enrollment papers will be placed at the Wesleyan Clmreh, Hastings, every Sunday up to the time that the electoral, roll is closed. No pains are being spared\by the Prohibition party to score votes for Prohibition. Rev Dr Hosking is arranging to hold meetings on Prohibition in all the surrounding districts, and claim papers for enrollment will be taken to each meeting. Neil's Celebrated Liver Tonic, a pure botanic remedy for all affections of the liver, biliousness, jaundice, yellowness of the skin, indigestion, &c. In bottle?, 2s and 256(1, at Neil's Botanic Dispensary, Emerson street, Napier, and all leading storekeepers.—Abvr. Wellington warehouse prices are in every instance charged by the D. I. C. when executing orders received by po~t. Those of our residents who want really nice fashionable goods need not hesitate about communicating with the I). I. C.. Wellington. Complete furnishing is now a special feature of the D. I. C., and those who anticipate requirements in this direction will be supplied with catalogues and estimates post free.—Advt.