LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Hastings Standard, Issue 375, 17 July 1897, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

On our fourth page to-day appears a sketch from the pen of Mr Fabian Be Lisle. Mr J. C. M'Kerrow left this morning for Napier, where he inquires into a number of old soldiers' claims.

There was a big muster for the run with the hounds at Riverslen to-day. The express from South arrived here an hour and a quarter late last evening owing to one of the engine springs giving way. The Skating lvink at the Band Hall this evening will be opened at the usual hour. Music will also be supplied during the evening. The Hastings Gymnasium is to be re-organised-and the services of a first-class instructor have been secured. This is an institution that should be supported by the youths of the town. It is rather hard on the members of the Fire Brigade that when an alarm is given they have to assist in dragging the- steam engine to the place of operation. In other places a horse can always be relied upon, but apparently Hastings is not educated up to the point of giving a subsidy for this much needed assistance. The officers of the Fire Brigade made a mistake this morning in taking out the steamer and leaving the manual in the shed. It was fully twenty minutes before the water was playing on the burning building, by which time the cottage was doomed. The Brigade appears to have an aversion to using the manual, which must have been of much service at to-day's fire. Three Hastings gentlemen left for a tour of the country a day or two ago armed with good intentions, a magic lantern, a camera, and a number of ct ccterass. Yesterday the advance guard wired us from Porangahau as follows: world's wonder arrived here last night soaked to the skin. Perform Saturday night in aid of local Sunday School. Not likely to reach Wainui." The new manse built by the Presbyterian congregation for the Rev. A. S. and Mrs Morrison is one of the prettiest suburban residences in Hastings. The house consists of three bedrooms, a draw-ing-room, kitchen, scullery, bathroom, &c., every bit of work being done in a solid, lasting manner, The exterior of the premises also present a pleasant inviting appearance, the whole doing the utmost credit to the contractor, Mr Sowersby. Miss Yauglian, organist of St. Columba's Presbyterian Church, Ilaveloek, was last night entertained at a social given by the members of the choir and their friends. The object of the social was to present Miss Yaughan with a silver tea-pot on the occasion of her retiring from the position of organist. The social was held in the Mechanics' Institute, which was suitably decorated. Th-e Rev. J. B. Finla.v presided, and on behalf of the choir made the presentation, referring to Miss Yaughan's long and faithful services. Mr Holmes (lion, secretary of the church) for the members and adherents of the congregation also presented Miss Yaughan with a purse of sovereigns, conveying their good feelings and good wishes. Mr Yaughan suitably responded for Miss Yaughan. An interesting programme was gone through, the proceedings opening with the Old Hundreth and closing with Auld Lang Syne. Among the items were several games, one being the representation of some of our latest and popular novels. The choir rendered some glees. Songs were contributed by Miss Fulford and Mr Speight. Mr Finlay gave a recitation entitled " Our Folks." Miss Yaughan contributed pianoforte selections, and Miss Watson played the accompaniments to the vocal items. Yotes of thanks concluded a very pleasant evening. This morning at 11 o'clock (?ne of the oldest landmarks of Hastings was burnt to the ground. The scene of the fire was discovered to be in one of the cottages on the section opposite Annett's ' shop in Warren Street, and though the iire was was not m an advanced stage when discovered all efforts to deal with it by buckets were futile. The Fire Brigade here are noted for their promptness and discipline, but certainly the delay in bringing the engine and getting the jets into play this morning was anything but creditable to a body of men who have such a reputation to sustain. Twenty - two minutes elapsed between the ringing of the bell and the time the water began to play on the flames. The cottage was occupied by Sarah, Pene Te Na, and other Maoris, who however saved most of their belongings. and, marvellous to relate, the origin of the lire in this instance is noi " a mystery." It appears, on Sarah's showing, that one of the Maori women came into the cottage for the purpose of getting some live charcoal to kindle her fire, and in taking it out a gust of wind caught up some and blew it on to the verandah, thence under the cottage, which being old- and dry easily took fire. This cottage was the oldest building on the Heretaunga Plains, being the first building erected on the plains by a white man, and it was first used as one of Mr Tanner's outstations; consequently with it has passed away an interesting link between Hastings of to-day and the earliest settlement. As far as can be ascertained there are no insurances. Last evening in the green room of the Princess Theatre the members of the Bowling Club and a large number of visitors assembled to wish God sped to Mr J. S. D'Emden, who is leaving for Wellington. Mr Maddison, who presided, in proposing the toast of the evening referred in feeling terms to the many sterling qualities of Mr D'Emden in business, in sport, and in private life, He informed the assemblage that the club intended forwarding a pair of bowls to Wellington after Mr D'Emden as evidence of the esteem, affection, and respect in which the Bowling Club held him ami in acknowledgment of his services in its connection. The conclusion of the chairman's remarks was the signal for hearty applause, which was renewed when Mr D'Emden rose to thank the club for its present and to bear testimony to the bon camaraderie and manly heartiness which prevailed amongst the members. During the course of the evening toast and song followed one another in rapid succession, and each speaker in the course of his remarks took occasion to express his regret at the departure of the guest of the evening. Amongst the visitors were Mr J. C. McKerrow, Mr Mannering, the new manager of the Union Bank, and Mr M. E. Groome, the latter speaking to the guest's health on behalf of his country friends. The following toasts were proposed and suitably responded to : —" The Bowling Club," coupled with Mr Maddison. proposed by Mr D Linden ; " Ihe Visitors," coupled with Mr McKerrow, proposed by Mr Ellis ; " The visitors who should be bowlers." coupled with the names of Messrs E. IJ. Williams and T. I'hilson ; " The Mayor," proposed by Mr W. C, Maddison ; " The Hastings Octave," coupled with Mr H. H. Hunt; " The Press," coupled with Mr A. L. Ryan, proposed by Mr S. F. Haszard ; and Mr Mannering," proposed by Mr A. I/. D. Fraser. Songs were contributed by the following gentlemen .-—Messrs Ridgway, Ryan, Thornton, Ellis, Hunt, Groome, McKay, and C'. Stubbs. The Hastings Octave rendered three concerted pieces very creditably, and the reunion concluded by all joining in the refrain of "Auld Lang Syne," followed by " God Save the Queen." Mr D'Emden carries with him the good wishes of the entire community.

The Now Zealand footballers meet the Queenslonders at Brisbane to-day. The last train from Napier to-night will be delayed 40 minutes. Wellington intends to welcome the Ear of Eanfuiiy right royally. A young girl to look after a two-year old child is advertised for. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Oddfellows takes place this evening, A Wellington wire at 3 p.m. states that the Wainui lias been floated, and will arrive there this afternoon. m A cylinder bridge is to replace jSie one recently damaged by the the Rangitikei railway line. Mr Blow, Under-Secretary of Public Works, is on a visit of inspection of the Ngawapurua bridge and the railway works between Mangatainoka and Woodville. At the Salvation Army to-morrow afternoon Mr J. Kitchen will give an address, " Incidents in the life and work of Ct. Muller." At the evening service the subject will be " A Tall Man's Hiding-place. Captain Edwin is to be asked to predict a tine moonlight night for Wednesday next for the Catholic social. Quite a large number of country residents have promised to attend, and altogether the attendance should be unusually large. The provisional committee appointed to promote a company for the purpose of taking over the ground known as the Queens Park, as a public recreation'ground met last night, and it was decided to canvass the town with the object of getting the business people and others interested in the scheme to take tip shares. Eccles Cascara Liver Regulator is a safe and effective remedy for Stomach and Liver Complaints,, such as Indigestion, Headache, Constipation, Furred Tongue &c. It never fails to relieve or cure. 2s 6d per bottle. From A. Eccles' chemist, Napier and Hastings, and all leading country storekeepers.—Advt. I)o you want rv good durable pair of Trousers ? Well leave your measure at Dodds'. Only 12s 6d. Address, Heretaunga street.—Advt. Patterson and Co. give best value of Teas, Pure Ceylon for Is 6d, worth 2s. A big reduction on all Teas for olb or over Get our price list.—Patterson & Co., Napier.—Advt. Eccles' Quinine and Iron Tonic contains Quinine and Iron in a high state of purity, and is the most agreeable strengthening, and efficient agent yet discovered. 2s 6d per bottle. To be obtained from A. Eccles, chemist, Napier and Hastings, and at all leading country stores —Advt.