HASTINGS ITEMS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1166, 29 June 1911, Page 2

HASTINGS ITEMS.

PREVENTION OF FLOODS. RESTRICTIONS ON INDUSTRY. IBy TeleKi'anh.-SDecial CorresaondenU Hastilngs, Juno 28. Tho newly-established Hawkc's Bay liivcrs Board met in Napier 011 Tuesday, tlio lion. J. D. Ormond presiding. Tho chairman's report stated that three engineers, namely, Mr. B. Thompson (representing tho Government), Mr. LaingMeaion, and Mr. C. Kennedy had been appointed to report upon tho recent condition of the Hawke's Bay rivers district, and to recommend such works.as they may devise to prevent the loss caused in the past by the floods. Mr. Kennedy is to reccive 100 guineas for liis report, and Mr. Meason 157 guineas. The Act-ing-Prime Minister was thanked for allowing Mr. Thompson to act with the other two engineers in advising the Ixia.rd. Tho engineers aro to meet tho chairman of tho board 011 Friday next to discuss details. Mr. J. G. Lister has been appointed temporary overseer for tho board. At the onnual meeting of tho Hawke's Bay A. and I'. Society held at Napier 011 Tuesday tlio principal business was consideration of a notice by the president (Mr. A. 11. Russell) in favour of obtaining new show grounds. On a previous occasion Mr. Russell had drawn tho attention of members to tho necessity of looking ahead to the time when,the present ground would be too small foi 1 the annual show. He moved that it be a recommendation to the incoming committee to purchaso a now; show ground if tlicy were able to do so 011 favourable terms, and are able to make tho necessary financial arrangements. Mr. J. 11. Coleman seconded the motion. Mr. G, I'. Donnelly thought it would bo preferable to retain the present grounds, particularly if they could be extended by tho purchase of additional adjoining land, lie would like n conference with the racing club to seo if joint action could not' be taken that would meet tho necessities of tho situation. Mr. li. D. D. M'Lean said that if t'he ground could be enlarged it would be hard to beat. Ultimately the chairman amended tho resolution which was carried as follows:—"That in view of future developments it' be a recommendation that the committee fully consider the question of purchasing a newground; or secondly, such all'ornativo as would meet future requirements."

At the annual meeting of the Hawke's Bay Sheep-owners' Union on Saturday tlio annual report contained the following paragraph:—All persons who closely follow , tho trend of labour politics in New Zealand cannot fail to be impressed with the activity of the Labour party, and tho thoroughness of their organisation. Tho general t'rend of labour legislation no doubt at tho instigation of tho Labour organisations seems to place more and more restrictions on the industries of the Dominion, and any thinking mail can only see one end if th< present rate of restriction is continued, and that is tho utter extinction of industries "requiring much labour. Even now employers, and would-be employers, find the utmost difficulty in interesting capitalists in any industry in which laboi.r is required.

Not satisfied with the protection given to property by an inadequate police staff, business people of Hastings aro advertising for applications for the position of night-watchman.

Some time ago a general meeting of shareholders in (he local Leather Rubber Company received a doleful account of (ho condition of the company's affairs and its prospect's. Latterly very reassuring reports have been received as to tho value of the process in use, and the directors aro again becoming optimistic as to ultimate success.