The Hastings Standard Published Daily MONDAY, DEC. 7, 1896. ADVANCE HASTINGS!

Hastings Standard, Issue 190, 7 December 1896, Page 2

The Hastings Standard Published Daily

MONDAY, DEC. 7, 1896. ADVANCE HASTINGS!

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

Fon the past two months politics have so much engaged the attention of our townspeople that little else has been spoken of. Now that the contest is ended no doubt business will resume its old groove, and things will move along in their old jog-trot fashion. There has always been a disposition on the part of our business people to allow things to take their course, and there has not been the pushing enterprise to be seen in growing towns in other parts of the colony. Of course there may be reasons for this apparent want of animation ; but it certainly does seem strange that Napier has so long been allowed to keep the control of our principal institutions against the expressed desire of almost every person in the district. The Standard bas frequently pointed out the advantages to be accrued by the transfer to Hastings of the headquarters of the liawke's J! ay Jockey Club and the A. and P. Society. We are given to understand that one of the warmest advocates of the change is Captain Russell, who will no doubt now make another effort to give Hastings its rights. We have seen sufficient enthusiasm during the election fever to warrant the belief that if the Liberals and the Conservatives and the Prohibitionists and their opponents sink their differences and pull together for the common weal, this district will advance by leaps and bounds. What

is wanted is concerted action. There is not the slightest doubt that Hastings must become a place of importance. Its situation and natural advantages proclaim that. The past year has seen several shops and offices erected in the main street, and dwelling houses are going up in all directions. It is not to much to expect the starting of a wollen-factory in our midst in the near future ; and the town must ultimately become the dumping ground for the whole wool clip of the district. The proposed railway to Opotiki should not be lost sight of, and Mr Whyte's scheme is of sufficient import to Hastings for a public meeting to be held to go fully into the matter. Mr Fitzßoy's knowledge of the Poverty Bay district should prove of inestimable value, and no doubt he will be happy to express an opinion on the venture. A short time ago a proposal to lease or purchase a recreation ground in close proximity to the town met with much favor; but the election excitement threw the project into the background. No doubt it will again be taken up, and sufficient encouragement should be given to lead the promoters to hope that this necessary adjunct to a growing town will shortly become an accomplished fact. These and other matters merely want to be taken in hand by the leading men of-the town, and Hastings people will rally round and keep the district well forward in the march of prosperity.