HAWKSBURY.

North Otago Times, Volume VII, Issue 167, 28 December 1866, Page 2

HAWKSBURY.

(FROM OUB OWN OOBEI8FONDINT.) Hawksbury, Dec, 26. On Saturday last rain again fell in large quantities. It commenced about 8 o'clock in the morning and kept pouring without intermission till 8 in the evening ; the wind being from the southward ; during the night it moderated a little, descending in showers at short intervals, and continuing till 8 o'clock on Sunday morning before finally abating ; rivers and creeks have been swollen in consequence, and ordinary intercourse has been interrupted ; in some instances, the water completely covered the road. Most persons here state that more rain fell on this occasion than ever before was known in the same space of time, viz : twenty-four hours. The crops situate on the low lands have been materially injured by the floods, others in elevated situations hare been much benefited by this large increase of moisture. Sor«ie fanners have lost their whole crops of hay — they being carried away wholesale by the floods. The weather still remains unsettled. You will be sorry to hear that our old friend Sergeant Burns of the police force, has been superseded by Mr Sergeant Brittan, late of Waitahuna; but, who nevertheless, brings an excellent character with him for past services, which will serve somewhat to modify the change. Christmas Eve was ushered in here by a grand lottery, held at the Commercial Hotel, which passed off in the most satisfactory manner imaginable. The croaking and cackling of fowls and ducks, the squealing of pigs, and the screeching of geese, which at ordinary times are considered any thing but harmonious, appeared to be truly delightful and charming to the fortunate winners of the prizes daring their delivery. Altogether, it was the most novel scene I have ever witnessed in this place. Last Saturday, the appeals against the assessment were heard before J. W. Murdoch, Esq., R.M., in the Courthouse ; amounting to two in number, when a reduction was made to accord with the rent paid. Several others intended to appeal, but let the time slip by allowed by the Ordinance. The Town Council has agreed that the rates shall be paid to the Town Clerk on the 1st of February, 1867.