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Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 4, Issue 162, 27 October 1860, Page 6

Mohaka. — A Public meeting wa9 held at Mohaka on the 18th inst. of the electors of the district, in order to give Mr. Riddell an opportunity of explaining his late conduct, and to hear what has been his past policy in the Council. Mr. Stapleton waß elected to the chair, and in a few words explained the objects of the meeting. Mr. Sim requested the chairman to call on Mr. Riddell to give -a distinct explanation of his past policy, and also what his future policy would be should the electors of this district continue to support him. Mr. Riddell addressed the meeting. In the fir3t place, he explained his reasons for retaining bis seat in tlie Council, namely, the absence of the chief Returning. Officer in. Auckland. He said that he was not anxious to retain his seat in the Council against the electors' desire ; so that he should leave it for them to decide whether he should still be their representative or not. As for his past policy in the Council, he said that he had always supported ' the country interests in order that "the tovrn members should not exercise too much influence. He gave an explanation of the new Land Regulations, but advocated the old system. As for the future, he would, strongly advocate economy in the management of the Province ; he gave the Superintendent a strong hit Jor his extravagance in spending in 7 months the yearly income of the Province, viz., $40,000. As regards roads to the district, he was for the present line being Continued, leaving the inland road for a future occasion ; but he expressed his fears ' that we should not be able to get much money for some time, on account of the present difficulties of the Province. Nevertheless, he would exert himself to get money voted for a track up the river, in order to facilitate the settlers inland getting their goods up and down. He should try for an alteration in the present postal arrangements. Should he still represent them, he would act up to the above. He would now answer any questions from the electors. He called on them to let ' him know whether they were., desirous or no that he should still represent them"? Mr. Sim asked Mr. Riddell, if the electors should still support him, how long would he retain his seat? Mr. Riddell answered for the next session only. Mr, Sim asked Mr. Riddell if he was leagued with any one anxious to represent the district for the future? This Mr. Riddell thoroughly denied. Mr. Lavin asked where was the balance of the money voted for the Mohaka road in the last estimate& gone to ? Mr. R. explained that it had been spent iv the south portion of the Province, and it was those officers to blame who appropriated funds for different purposes than they were voted for. After a few more questions, on the motion of Mr. Curtis, the meeting was adjourned to an indefinite date, until Mr. Dolbell. would have time to be corresponded with, as the majority, of the electors felt themselves pledged to Mr. Dolbell, as they had signed a requisition soliciting him to become their member, believing that 'Mr. Riddell fully intended to resign before the 'next session. AwbtjxljY. Sudden Death. — On Thursday morning, an old man named Daniel Turner, a Bhip carpenter and well known in Napier, fell down a short distance from the "Herald" office, and almost instantly expired. He had been drinking for some time. An inquest upon the body was held the same afterno#n before Dr. Hitchings, the coroner, and a jury, when the latter returned a verdict that deceased died from a fit of apoplexy, caused by excessive drinking. r Militaby. — By the White Swan, Major Young /commanding the detachment of the 65th in Napier) and Capt. Buck, both left en route to Taranaki. The command now devolves upon Captain McGregor ; and Captain McGrath succeeds Capt. Buck. We learn that on the arrival of the 14th in the colony, the strength of the detachment here ■will be materially increased. His Honob the STPEKmTENDiafT arrived in Napier on Wednesday evening -per Eliezer. He will address the electors on next Wednesday upon 'subjects of looal interest which have been before *the General Assembly. MiMTABy Theat.be. — We call attention to the programme of the opening performance at the Royal York Theatre, to be found in our advertising columns. This announcement certainly carries with it the oharm of novelty. The Annivebsaey. — The approaching holidays will at least be celebrated by a regatta and a ball;— intiraations'to which effect will be found elsewhere. . The first-class ball is not, we believe} likely to come off 5 and some uncertainty, arising from the dilatory manner in -which subscriptions are offered, yet exists with regard to the rural sports.