PATEA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 155, 5 October 1881, Page 3

PATEA.

(teom Otjb own cobeespondents.) October 4, 1881.

A meeting was held on Saturday even* ing to consider the desirableness of reorganising the Fire Brigade in this town. Several insurance agents were present, and the N. Z. Company offered a manual engine to be used by the brigade so long as it continued in existence. Many were induced to join, and from the list of names I should say that a first rate brigade may be formed. It is certainly becoming a serious question, as there is absolutely no means at hand to arrest a wholesale destruction of property should a large fire break out in some of the blocks ; and it should be one of the first duties of the Municipality to provide for a water supply, and abolish wells if possible, which will be a great source of disease as the town grows larger. A plentiful supply of water for some years to come could be obtained from Kakaramea creek.

A meeting to consider the question of Btarting a brass band was held also on Saturday evening, and promises to bo a success.

We are anxiously expecting to hear what Mr. Hutchison has to say to us on Wednesday evening. I am afraid, from what I can I can gather {that he will be a weak straw in opposition to our member, although perhaps a little opposition will do a deaf of good, and awake the Major to a senso of his position. I suppose we shall have our pertinacious friend (G. P. S.) sgaia ko the fore. What with municipal, county, and general elections, we shall have our bands full for a long time. By the way, speaking of " Mayor," Mr. Dale has issued his address and forwarded post cards to all ratepayers. Mr. Sherwood is yet holding aloof to ieel his way. Of the two I should say Mr. Sherwood stood the best ohance. The indomitable "Billy Wilson" has issued his address, and has also canvassed in a peculiar manner by affixing a placard on the " old belltopper " (a little the worse for wear) having "Lord Mayor" in large characters thereon. However more anon on this question.