HASTINGS.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 11122, 14 January 1899, Page 4

HASTINGS.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] January 13, 1899. We seem to be losing our reputation as the " City of Blazes," as during the past six months there have, according to the fire inspector's report presented to the Council last night, been only four real fires. This is a very satisfactory Btate of things. It would be still more satisfactory if steps could be taken by the Council to provide adequate provision in the residential portions of the town for a water supply. The fire inspector pointed out the fact that in one place in the Karamu road, near to the Heretaunga Sohool, there are four good wells, the water from which is constantly wasting. The cost of sinking a reservoir sufficient to hold some thousands of gallons of water would not be more than .£2O or .£25, and the protection afforded would be great, as at this point no water supply is available nearer than the sewer. There | are several other places in the town where reservoirs would be invaluable. At present with but few exceptions the steam engine cannot be taken away from the main street in case of fire beoause there is no water. Satisfactory progress is being made with the new vicarage for St. Matthew's parish, roofing operations being nearly completed. , It is rumored that one of our prominent professional men is about to leave the district to open up practice in Western Australia. The Hastings volunteers journeyed to the Te Mata range for the annual volley firing. Captain Ware was in command and the averages made by the two squads waß good. Government inspection was held last night, and the result was eminentty satisfactory. Sergeant-Major Dewar was present.