LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume I, Issue 26, 26 December 1861, Page 3

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.

The "Weather.—On thcevening of Thursday last, Napier was visited by a thunderstorm of unusual severity. The sky to the S.W. hud during the evening been obscured with heavy clouds, but beyond this no indications were apparent of the elementary conflict. The storm was commenced by a vivid flash of lightning, rapidly followed by others, accompanied by loud peals of thunder. The “ warring of elements.’’ though not of long duration, was one of the most severe experienced for some time past in Napier. The following day was exceedingly cold, considering the season of the year. More Elections.—ln consequence of the unfavorable state of the weather, a sufficient number of electors were not present at "Waimarama on the day fixed—the 14th—for nomination. Another writ must therefore be issued. Mr. Ormond has resigned his scat in the executive, and the vacancy has been filled up by Mr. TifFcn, so that another election will take place for the district of Te Aute, in consequence of Mr. Tiflcn’s accepting office.

Accident.— On Thursday last, as a boat belonging to the Sea Serpent was leaving the Spit for the vessel, an accident occurred under the following circumstances. The boat, in the first instance, was overloaded, containing, besides a passenger (Mr. Horne), Captain Enright, and the mate of the vessel, a quantity of flour, baggage, etc. The boat had only Just got clear of the bar when, being overweighted aft, the sea came over, and the boat was soon swamped. All in the boat happily could swim, and Mr. Horne succeeded in reaching shore. The other two were picked up by Capt. Forester and Messrs, tiraham and Warnes, who speedily manned Mr. King’s boat. The pilot boat also was quickly at the scene of accident, and ren-

dered all possible assistance. Most of the floating property was secured, four rifles and some luggage having sank. Every praise is due to those who rendered assistance.

Waipureku Punt.—We are glad to be able to state that this punt is again at work. It has been removed considerably nearer, we believe more than a quarter of a mile to the Napier side. This position has only been fixed upon temporarily, the near approach of the sitting of Council, making it advisable to incur as little expense as possible, until a permanent site is resolved -upon. As yet it is only available for horses, cattle, sheep, <fec., we believe in another day or two the work will be so far completed that the traffic will be quite uninterrupted.

Odd Fellows Ball. —We beg to remind our readers that this Ball will take place on New Year’s Eve. Considering the particularly felicitous period of the year, or rather years, upon which it is fixed, for the votaries of Terpsichore may dance the old year out, and the new one in, we may safely predict a good attendance. To ensure this we can only say that Mr. Robottom has consented to lead the band, and good music may therefore be depended upon. We understand that the Committee have resolved to dispose of no tickets after the Ball-room is opened, so that intending visitors should lose no time in securing tickets.