HAWERA.

Patea Mail, Volume VI, Issue 521, 18 May 1880, Page 2

HAWERA.

[FROM OUR CORRKSfOXDKXT.] Contracts.— T. Qninlivan and A. Nathan were the successful tenderers for the Government contract, for the land transport between the Pa tea and Stoncy rivers. A public meeting is to be called to urge upon the Government the importance of at once settling the Waimato by occupation,... ami .also the back bush, country towards the Mountain.' The man Willoughby, who was arrested at Hawera last week for stealing a chisel, was discharged yesterday at New Plymouth. Mu F. R. Jackson’s stock sale at Hawera has been fixed for Friday week, the 28th. When the Maori disturbances commenced 14 months ago, everybody joined a volunteer corps ; but since things have been going on smoothly, the ardour of our warriors has abated. Last Friday there was a parade of the Hawera Light Horse, but only about 30 out of 90 turned up. In the evening of the same day, the Hawera Hides met to elect officers for their amalgamated company, but, like the cavalry, only 30 rolled up, and as there was not the proper proportion, the election could not go on. After some discussion, it was decided to abandon the idea of having a foot company at all, and the members agreed to send in their resignations to the Government. No doubt the apathy displayed by volunteers is mainly due to the scanty encouragement they get' from Government. In other colonics, where there is no fear of disturbances from a hostile race, the governments do all in their power to foster volunteering, and encourage a military feeling. Mr A. Chisholm’s fine painting of “ A View of Lake Wakatipu,” was rallied at Lloyd’s hotel, on Saturday last, Mr Gilbert Wilson being the lucky winner. The health of Mr Cbisholm was drunk in bumpers, and also, “success to his genius.” I hear that a gentleman from Wanganui left a commission to offer £lO for the picture to t!,e winner. Mr William Buddy of Normanhy, invites his friends to inett him at the Court House, Hawera, on Thursday next, he having filed a declaration of insolvency. Footballers arc seriously looking forward to a match with the Carlyle Club. If they come up, I can vouch they will get a hearty reception in play, and in right good fellowship.