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Hastings Standard, Issue 500, 13 December 1897, Page 2

It is pleasing to find that in the speeches at the WoodviHe function on Saturday, party politics were almost entirely ignored. There are occasions when good taste forbids the introduction of controversial matters. This was one of those occasions. Albeit an injudicious individual tried to make political capital out of the railway opening. It is satisfactory to find, however, that he was promptly squelched by the Premier. The Governor hit the right nail upon the head at Woodville on Saturday when he said that the burning of bush was a terrible waste. One of the best assets of the colony is being ruthlessly sacrificed at the instigation of an unwise Legislature. How absurd it seems that one day of the year should be proclaimed a public holiday for the purpose of tree planting, whilst three hundred days are devoted to the denudation of our forests. The Lands Department compels this waste by its regulations. It is time there was a change. Hastings is badly in need of a recreation reserve. It is one of the few important boroughs in the colony not possessed of such a thing. How to procure a reserve is the question. In New Plymouth they instituted a monster art union for the purpose of raising money. Could that example be followed here ? If not, why could not the athletic bodies in the district institute a carnival for the purpose ? New Zealand has again maintained its prowess by winning the sculling championship and yachting race in Victoria. The Maorilanders may be a little behind in cricket, but for all-round athletics they cannot be beaten this side of the line.