Local Intelligence.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 6, Issue 348, 3 January 1863, Page 3

Local Intelligence.

Tea. Meeting.— On the evening of Tuesdaylast a ({' social meeting " in connection with the Presbyterian congregation of this town took place in the Church and school-room. The tea tables were laid out in the latter, .and tea was served at 7 o'clock. The arrangements, under the care of Mr. Gill, were excellent ; and, although upwards of 100 persons partook of the refreshment provided, no confusion or irregularity was apparent, while satisfaction was very generally expressed. At 8 o'clock, the meeting, now increased to upwards of 120, adjourned to the church. Prayer having been offered by the Eev. P. Barclay, and the company having joined in singing, four verses of the 67th psalm, — the chair, upon the motion of the Eev. P. Barclay, seconded by Mr. Samuel Begg, was taken by Mr. Donald M'Lean, who made a few appropriate introductory remarks. The choir then, sang Mr. E. A. Smith's Sanctus 2nd, " Holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts." The Rev. P. Barclay then gave an interesting account*of his late visit to Wellington, Picton, Kelson, and Tarariaki, en route to Auckland. — Anthem, — " Make a joyful noise unto the Lord."— This was followed by a "Leaf from the early history of the Presbyterian Church, Napier," by Mr. Wood, in which he adverted to the arrival of the Wonga Wonga, in May 1857, with the Key. D. Bruce on board, and to the efforts of that gentleman and others in advancing the cause. — Solo on the Harmonium, by Mr. Martin, " With verdure clad." — Mr. Thomson, the newly arrived teacher, in a very ingenious speech, compared his own profession with that of a gold miner — each engaged in the search for pure metal, and each requiring patience and perseverance to overcome difficulties. — Anthem, — "Thine, Oh Lord, is the greatness." — The Eev. P^parclay, in continuation of his former remarks',' referred to his arrival in Auckland, to his admiration of the scenery there, and to the kiud reception he experienced at the hands of friends ; he also briefly sketched the proceedings of the Assembly. — Solo on the Harmonium, by Mr. Martin, "March" by Welly. — Mr. Wood quoted a few figures by way of showing the pecuniary position of the church, which was in all respects satisfactory. As a statement would shortly be printed, he was enabled to be the move brief on so dry a subject. — Anthem, — " Oh praise the Lord all ye Nations." — Mr. Barclay again spoke a few words, and the choir sang another anthem with striking effect, — " The Earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof." A vote.of thanks to the choir, more especially to those ol another denomination who had so kindly volunteered their services, was then moved by Mr. Barclay. He took occasion to join his testimony with that of the meeting (expressed in repeated plaudits) to the excellence of the music, and expressed on behalf of the congregation a feeling of regret that Mr. Gilmour, who bad so ably led the psalmody of the church for so long a period, should now be leaving for another part of the colony. The motion was seconded by Mr. S. Begg, and carried by acclamation. Dr. Hitchings, as one of the gentlemen who had rendered assistance (and very effective it was) in the musical arrangements, expressed the pleasure himself and friends had experienced in the help they gave, and concluded by moving a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was seconded by Mr. Begg, and warnoly responded to by- the company. Thus ended a very pleasant and truly social meeting ; may there be many reunions of a similar character. Postage of Newspapers. — According to a new post office regulation, on and after the Ist of January, 1863, newspapers for transmission within the Colony or for overland mails must be posted in single numbers, and so put up that the date of publication may be readily seen. Packets of newspapers consisting of more than one number will be treated as book packets. This regulation will considerably increase the labor in newspaper offices, particularly in those of daily papers, and we cannot see that any public good is likely to result from it. j The new Timber Trade. — The first lot of totara posts split in the Pohui Bush were last week rafted down the Tutaekuri, and sold to different parties on the banks of the river. The men were two months in getting them down, which was about a fortnight longer than usual, and was owing to there being so litfle water in the Mangaone river. A further quantity of 3000 are on their way down, and may be expected in about a month. There are several parties of men now engaged in splitting and sawing in the bush, and good sawyers would find constant employment there at remunerative wages. Lancashire Belief Fund.— The news received by the October mail should stimulate to renewed exertion in the cause of aiding the distressed operatives of England. A small, yet not uninteresting donation to the fund was made on Thursday last. On that day the money box connected with the Presbyterian Church "Sabbath school was opened in presence of the children, and of its contents the sum of £2 10s. was voted towards alleviating the distress at home. The Nomination for the town of Napier will take place on Monday next ; for Waimarama the same day ; for Clive on Wednesday ; for Te Aute on Friday ; and for Porangahau on Saturday. We hear nothing which would lead us to suppose that a poll will be required for either of the country districts, but it is supposed that at least six persons will be nominated for the five Napier seats. J|W Year's Fete. — Thursday last being the firßt||sE; the new year, and the weather being deligilfuL the greater part of Napier was out of town for the day. Of the pleasure seekers, nearly all repaired to the residence of Father Reignier, where the hospitality of past, years was again liberally dispensed to some '3oo persons, r.ali of whom thoroughly enjoyed themselves. ; |& Thatcher's Concerts. — We call attention to two notices in our advertising columns— the first for another entertainment at the Spifib.is evening ; and the second for one at Clive on Tuesday, next.