HASTINGS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1315, 13 May 1897, Page 17

HASTINGS.

The statement is made in the Napier papers that a woman has been driven out of her mind by the floods at Clive. The unfortunate woman, who has just been sent to Wellington, has been in the asylum before, and is subject to fits of mental aberration.

The services being conducted by Mr and Mrs Soltau have been largely attended..

The band gave a concert on the racecourse last week, and collected about <£4 for the Flood Fund.

The Oddfellows’ Lodge subscribed three guineas to the fund in aid of the widows and orphans of those drowned, and have given sevoral other sums to assist members of their own lodge who were affected by the flood. The late Dr Faulkner was well and deservedly respected, especially amongst the poorer classes. lie took honours at Cambridge, and studied medicine and surgery at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital. He-held the diplomas of Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians, London, and Member of the Royal College of Surgeons, England. Fourteen years ago he came to Hastings, where his kindness and skill endeared him to his many patients. A gentleman named Murdoch has written to the papers, his object being to point out that he-had been saved from the flood'be-cause'-his-house’ stood on piles, and adding that the reason Hastings people did not build higher was that “ they were too lazy to walk up a few extra steps !” This insinuation was at once resented, and a deputation formed to wait on the Mayor and Captain Russell to see what could be done to remove such an imputation from the people of Hastings, who are a most industrious class! Ultimately it was resolved that it would be hotter to place the matter before the Hon John McKenzie, and ask that a sum ho placed on the estimates to afford ! compensation to the people who have been thus aspersed. - A brutal cowardly assault was committed last week on Mr M. Johnstone, manager for Blythe and Co. Mr Johnstone was returning home with his wife from a party, when a man, who had drawn his hat down over his face by way of a disguise, struck him several blows on the mouth and other parts of the face, rendering him speechless. Mrs Johnstone screamed for assistance, but the cowardly ruffian made off.

Hastings is very badly treated in the matter of police protection, although frequent representations have been made to the department No doubt c-till further repiosculations will bo again made to the department.

The Euchre Party organised in aid of the

Flood Fund was a great, success, and a good sum will be the result.

Sports are being arranged for the same object on the 2nd June, and from all appearances the proceeds will add largely to the fund.