NAPIER NEWS.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXIV, Issue 4279, 16 November 1901, Page 2

NAPIER NEWS.

[Own Correspondent.] NaDier, Yesterday. The proposal which was mooted twelve months ago to form a Hawke’s Bay Rifle Association has now taken definite shape, and at a well attended meeting held last night it was decided to carry the proposal into effect. It was decided that the subscription be 5s for volunteers, 7s 6d for volunteer officers and members of defence rifle clubs, and 10s for civilians, and that the “ shoots ” of the association be held on the Waipawa range. These decisions are, of course, subject to approval by a general meeting, to be held at an early date at Waipawa. At this meeting suggestions as to the most suitable date for the competitions will be considered. The movement has, I understand been taken up with great interest in all parts of the district, and the result will no doubt be the formation of a strong association.

The summer like weather which has been our lot of late was rudely broken yesterday by a keen snap cold enough for any winter’s day. In the afternoon there was a short but brisk hailstorm, but the stones were of but moderate dimensions, not nearly approaching in size the mammoth specimens we are told by cablegram, have been distributed lavishly over Victoria. In spite of adverse conditions the spring show of the Napier Horticultural Sooiety has been attended with success. The display was in every way a highly creditable one, many of the blooms being particularly choice and well developed. Mrs Close was awarded the ohampion prize in tea roses with a “ Caroline Testout ” specimen, while Mr Arrol was similarly successful in hybrid perpetuals with a “ Tom Wood.” Southern savants who ridiculed the idea of such a famous cricketer as Albert Trott condescending to act as coaoh for the Hawke’s Bay Association will now have to make their apologies in the best way they can. The engagement is, l believe, for three months only, to enable Trott to get Home again in time for the English season. That he will prove a tower of strength to the Hawke’s Bay team on their southern tour goes without saying, and with him and Dent bowling, matters will not prove particularly lively for the batsmen. The Land Board at their monthly meeting to-day granted twelve months extension of time in which to effect residence to the holder of sections 7 and 8, block VIII., Norsewood.—The following transfers were sanctionedSection 13, block XIV, Takapau district, from Clara "Robertson to A. G. Elliott; section 4, block I, Mangatoro, from C. Torrens to R. Maxwell. The prices of the selections comprising the Mangatoro settlement, recently acquired under the Land for Settlements Act, were fixed and it was resolved to reoommend that the ballot be held at least one month before the Government take possession.