Hawera Notes and Echoes.

Opunake Times, Volume VIII, Issue 356, 8 February 1898, Page 3

Hawera Notes and Echoes.

Another week of wind and chs' has passed away, and we still survive. The sudden change from war in, genial breezes to chUiy wiutry blas-s has caused everyone to adopt a ch. of raiment accordingly. The high winds of the past week or two has fanned the bush fires into full force again, and the country is once more enveloped in a smoky pall. Several settlers have had anxious times, but so far I have heard of no material damage to houses, the only loss in this respect being Messrs Babbage Bros., near Eltham. The Social Hall Society has at last been formally started, this important ceremony being carried out on Friday eveniug by Mr McGuire, M.H.R., assisted by the Mayor (Mr C. E. Major.) The Council room at the Borough Chambers was filled with a large audience of ladies and gentlemen, and proceedings went off in a very pleasant manner, the speeches being few in number and short in duration, thus affording a very grateful change from the too often experienced plentitudeof talk on like occasions. Refreshments were provided by the ladies in the upstairs rooms of the chambers, and needless to say, received every attention. The rooms, I understand, will now be open on three nights a week, when all the young men who are willing to become members will be able to meet, and by means of debate on subjects of interest, instruction in book-keeking, shorthand, wood carving and similar subject, receive mutual and profitable instruction. Games will also be provided, and probably an occasional " musical evening." The objects of the Society are praiseworthy and it is to be hoped it will succeed.

There has been quite a plethora of amusements of late, entertainments of various kinds being provided ad lib, and with varying successes, financially. The gross takings at the Floral Fete entertainments amounted to £162 odd, which should be regarded as creditable.

The Borough Council last week had another dig at the water and drainage discussion. Matters are about as far forward as ever, as, after the waste of a lot of energy in talk, it was resolved to ask several engineers on what terms they would come and report anew as to the best scheme which can be devised. .The dear old fathers and stickers. Nil desperadum. Feb. 7. " 0.K."