HAWERA SPECIALS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 6653, 31 October 1888, Page 2

HAWERA SPECIALS.

(From our own Correspondent.) October 29.

6ICKSES3.

Sickness is very prevalent in Hawera at present, many being laid up with numerous complaints. Amongst the number, I under* stand is Mr F. McGuire who caught a very severe cold on Thursday hut, which has settled on his chest. He is at present confined to bed, but under the skilful treatment of Dr Richards, hopes to be about soon.

DEATH.

I have to record the loss of a very old and familiar face from amongst us by death. I allude to the well-known old gardener, "Paddy McSheahon," who died on Sunday night at 12 o'clock. The deceased was close on 80 years of age and was an old soldier, he served in the Crimea, and afterwards came out to New Zealand with the Imperial troops, and fonght in the Maori war. He earned his livelihood by gardening, but was always ia straitened circumstances. Some time ago he applied to the Home Government for his pension, which he considered he was entitled to, but on receiving nn answer to the effect that he did not serve quite the full time, according to the "Articles of War" and. therefore could not claim s pension) he took it to ■ heart very much, and since deolined rapidly. He stayed in a small house on the Mam South Road, where he lived in s miserable condition, tiome kind person who attended him, seeing his pitable condition, sent for a doctor who ordered his removal to the "cottage hospital," where everything could be done for him, bnt he did not recover.

" HOW THE MIGHTT HATB TALLBX." The committment and final conviction of George Victor Bate late coroner, ex-Mayor, County Council clerk, commission agent, insurance agent, etc, etc, etc., for a term of two years hard labour for embezzling the County funds, has met with the approval of all right-thinking people in this district. The general opinion is that the sentence is far too light, seeing that he pleaded < guilty to four charges. His defence was a, most miserable one. He pleaded guilty, but left it to the Court to judge whether the money taken was taken feloniously or merely misappropriated. I was pleased to note the very liberal and just remarks of the presiding judge in answer to a request - of the accused's counsel,that theDenefitofJtha^. doubt might be in accused's favouir-^ftts— Honor alluded to the many high positions I J hold from time to time by Bate, and said if that such being the case the doubt if an J~A| would certainly go against him, as the ]t positions held "by him should teach.~lusrt<r~ i know better.