HAWERA.

Patea Mail, Volume XI, Issue 130, 19 February 1886, Page 2

HAWERA.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPOND JSNT.] Amidst {.ho general moan about (he low price ’of stock baud produce generally this season, it is highly satisfactory to learn that the cocksfoot crop is not only heavy in yield, but the price will prove highly satisfactory. One settler who sold off his stock in the spring allowed the grass to come to maturity, has sold the crop of cocksfoot for £1 2a 6d per acre. Not at all a bad return for, say, throe or four months’ grass. The Maoris, too, been very fortunate this year, the result being a heavy yield with a prime sample. This applies to the country generally. Threepence half-penny and fourpence per pound has been quoted, Norraanby is a township of considerable area, and with the extension lias a lot of unoccupied sections. These sections with the bye streets would afford splendid pasture for horns cows and horses, if each resident had, say, two cows and a horse, and th'U'o would ho capital feed. Unfortunately the modern Job runs more than his two cows and in’s horse. The (own board on behalf of the residents instructed the ranger to fry and prevent this excess. Rumor hath it that this party had sometimes fully two score head on the waste land. The ranger took action, and it appears to me the worthy S.M. gave a just decision in inflicting a fine and costs on Mr Gane for attempting the rescue of the cattle which were being impounded, It is to be hoped that each resident will now have a show, and that avarice will be kept within bounds.

The nominations for the Licensing Committee are now in, and the contest is looked forward to with lively anticipations. Tho candidates are Dr Chilton, Messrs Robbins, Spence, T. Brown, J Davidson, and Major. It will bo noticed that Mr Davidson is tho only member of the late bench, I certainly think this annual committee election is too frequent, and is not fairly worked. For instance, the old members were elected last year they did not act until it was time to consider tho proposals for renewals and. new licenses which were to bo issued in Juno ; and now in February we arc cal!eel upon to elect new members Committeemen have not, therefore, lime to get into harness before tln-ir term is expired. However, nominations yesterday had a spark of humour. Two knowing young sprouts of local politicians thought they would have some fun, and so asked Dr Chilton, our latest medical advent, if ho would consent to be nominated, knowing full well that the Dr was not on the roll ; yes, said the now chum, I don’t mind if I do. Papers were filled in ami signed and given to the Returning Officer. Now the Dr know what be was about, the others didn’t, which made all tho difference. They went chuckling about tho streets relating manyfold tho joke of the rise they had taken out of physic and pills, saying, of course, the nomination was void as ho was not on tho roll. The Dr’s gonial soul was quick satisfied, and with many a good-natured smile, smolo ho at the greenhorn country bumpkins. As you know, it requires two ratepayers to sign a nomination, but the candidate may be merely a resident and need not necessarily be on the roll. The next time those jokers pick out a butt they intend to avoid Dr Chilton. Tho Dr has given them a dose they won’t forgot in a hurry. Don’t be surprised if the Dr heads the poll.

With a new committee for the Hawcra Institute and Library, has been infused life and energy. After a period of inactivity this institution is to have a fresh start in life. Heartily have they gone into the revival movement ; the present liabilities are to bo wiped off at once, the building to bo renovatrd, a chess room to be furnished and made comfortable, a lot of books arc being donated by residents, and an order is to be sent borne for about thirty pounds worth of now ones, such an addition to the library should make it more attractive. What about funds ? Well, stops arc being taken to get the money, Eutertairaonts are to be arranged for by a sub-committee, endued with energy and skill. Ho great is the faith of the now committee in their resources they have at their command for raising the needful that they intend to make the improvement at once, and trust to their future efforts to secure the necessary funds, Messrs Boyd and Co. are having considerable additions to them- bakery. A large oven on new and improved principles lias just been erected, so that this firm will be in a position to keep pace with their increasing trade. The Egmont races are attracting considerable attention throughout the district. A new species for Hawera has developed during this mild racing fever. Several amateur bookmakers have been in the field. Metaphorically speaking, od Is of tremendous nature have been offered, and, as they looked tempting to (he uninitiated have in numerous instances been accepted, The favourite book was one shilling to five pounds for naming the winners in the chief events during the day. The sport referred to got several hundreds on this lay at the same time. The book is so arranged that the bookmaker can only lose once in any case. As showing the immense odds this book gave, I may say that they were as one to twenty four, that is to say the horses for the three events could be placed 2400 different ways in the three races on the nominations, and vet only one sot of throe could win. So that our bookmakers could have got (bad there been a sufficient number of simpletons) twenty-four five pounds, being £.120, and yet only have lost £6. One man docs not give two chances on the same trio. Surely this is the royal way to wealth? Or will npy Puritan friends say .alas, alas, it is the way that leads to the professional gamblers career, with all its bitterness, and -woo and misery.