HASTINGS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1263, 14 May 1896, Page 17

HASTINGS.

The ball to raise funds to enable the Rev. J. Hobbs to carry on his works of benevolence in connection with St. Matthew's Church came oil' on Thursday, ami, not withstanding the wedber, which was dreadfully wet and unpleasant outside, there were more dancers present than could find standing room in the theatre. The ladies provided a splendid supper, and the gentlemen, who undertook to supply the music, proved that they were musicians thoroughly up to date, and of whom the town may justly bo proud. To say that the ball was a thorough success in every department leaves nothing else to be said, except that as the whole of the work was voluntary the total proceeds will be available for charitable purposes, of which we have already indications that there will be enough and to spire during the rapidly approaching winter. It is hardly necessary to say so, but, of course, there was nothing in the shape of intoxicating liquor at the ball, and the success of the entertainment may therefore convince a few cceptic* tint a function of this kind is ever so much more enjoyable without

wines, beer, or spirits. The Rev. Dr Hoiking, who has recently taken charge of the I Listings Wesleyau Circuit, has already made a name for himself by his ability as an expounder of the Scriptures and a church worker in the best sense of the term. As a friend put it the other day, he is a " real grafter," which, to tlmso who understand colonial parlance, mean:' a hit. From the plan of services published in connection with the church, I uotica the new pastor is engaged every night in the week. On .Saturday evening he delivered an open air address, and attracted a large number of listeners,

Sunday was the anniversary of theopening of the Catholic Church, and the Rev. Fattier Smythetook occasion to remind his congregation of the fact. In doing so ho pointed out that the p.ist year had given the members a little breathing time, as no special efforts had been necessary to carry on the work of the church. Notwithstanding this, some £'66 had been spent on the eonvent'Tuildiugs, in addition to the ordinary maintenance expenses, which were something like £l5O. The total amount expended on the new church to date was ,£.'5050 <!s Okl, There was practically no debt, as a member of tho con-'regation had advanced £l5O at a very low rate of interest to cover all tho liabilities. A bout 100 Oddfellows attended the lodge meeting on Saturday evening to be entertained by a company of brethren from £J*pior. In order to stir up a little *&r m in loJge matters a number of

members of the Napier Lodge organised « an entertainment committee, and a pro- j gramme of interchanging visits to the various lodges in the district has also been i arranged. The ordinary lodge business was got over quickly, and the entertainment proceeded, and"was kept up till nearly midnight. At intervals a few items of interest w >,re given by some of the older members, and tea, coffee, and light refreshments in the way of enables were handed round, and much enjoyed by tho company. The district officers expressed the 'pleasure it gave them to eee .-o much enthusiasm in the work of th.i order displayed, and also at the absence of anything of an intoxicd.iiiw : nature amongst tho viands. _ They counselled the lodge to make an effort to organise the first'female lolge of Oddfellows in ilawke's Bay, as it >vai evident from the assistance the ladies had given with the catering that they ouaht to be recompensed by being made " Oddfellows." Thescntimcnt was received with applause, and will shortly be acted upon. Besides the Napier folk, there were visitors present from Maraekakaho, lluigiora, and other lodges. For some time past the lodge has been increasing its numbers at the'rate of one every lodge night. If the projected exhibition in Wellington next year comes oil', the promoters ought to get a copy of tho llavtings borough by laws for the curio section. Several tradesmen have recently ha 1 some elaborate siinia prepared, and have erected them on tho top of tin ir verandahs, but this is now objected toby the officials, as it causes "an obstruction '." And yet we have these same officials re-erect-ing horse posts in front of the publichouses. In some cases these have been put on tho f iot path behind the kerbing, and in others they are approaching the centre <f the road, being beyond the ' channelling altogether. Then, again, if \ three people went to walk down the street together they break a by-law by not ' first; asking permission from the civic I authorities, and yet we have the spectacle ! of the Corporation labourers \\ heeling their barrows up the centre of the footpath at midday, whil • pedestrians have to go in tlic road to avoid being run -over. The people (some of whom are councillors) with tho signboards are petitioning the Council for permission (?) to override the by law ' Very general regret is expressed here at the untoward accident by which Adjutant. Ferry his lost a great many of his lantern slides. Without doubt itwas the best collection ever shown here. A "good and kind" society has been sfartedAvith the Rev. .). Hobbs as president and A. Bishop as secretary.

Tho lirat practice of "lolantho" was most successful. The brass band have sent out a circu lar asking for assistance in getting up an art union so as to enable them to buy some new instruments which are badly «anted.

Messrs Frank and Ernest Roach, sons of Mr (!. 11. Roach, have purchased .Jalisco's store at Porangahati, and take possession next week. Roth hive been residents of Hastings for many years, and will no doubt Ijc missed by a large circle of friends.

Mr and Mrs H. O. Caul ton, who have had a live weeks' trip to Auckland and the Likes, have returned much benefited by the outing. The Native Land Court is pushing matters along with the aid of late sessions.

Several additional and very necessary street lamps are being erected. The result of the Riuroki ballot will bring about ten fresh families to Hasting*, the balance of the sections having been secured by local selectois. The Faust Family and the Pollards are announced to appear here shortly. A gentleman, who has for many years pa-.t talked about making a haggis, recently secured some land and a flock of four sheep, and at last resolved to redeem his promise aner.t the haggis. So he killed part of the II >ck, prepared tin; dish, and brought in his fr.ends to partake of the good things. The pa'ly duly assembled, and, after a thoroughly i-ue cessful trial, decided that S. O. P

is the champion haggis maker of H iwke's Ray. As a judge of ability and experience 1 can confidently recommend the gentleman to the Highland Society as an adept i,. the mysteries of the all, and hope Lli.it at their next gathering I hey will prevail on him to prove his .skill.