HASTINGS NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1416, 17 April 1912, Page 5

HASTINGS NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Mr. Thos. Horton, who recently returned from Australia after securing the premier award at the Melbourne show for his firm's exhibit of fruit, left ■ yesterday morning on a visit to Nelson.

Mr. T. Cotter, formerly of the Masonic Hotel, Dannevirke, has taken possession of tho Grand Hotel, Hastings. Mr. W. F. .Bvaus, of Haveloclc, accompanied by Mrs. Evans and child, left yesterday morning en route to England. The Hastings Chamber of Commerce met on Monday evening, Mr. K. 11. Williams presiding. The question of advertising the town and district by means of a pamphlet, and also*through-illustrated newspapers, was discussed, but, ultimately, it was decided lo take ilo action, members considering that tho citizens themselves could lake any steps tlint seemed ndvisublo in this connection. Tho chairman referred to tho proposal to construct a tramway from.Puketitiri and Hastings. This had been brought before tho County Council by Messrs. Bennett, Peacock, Collier, and M'Kae., Tho reason for the proposal was tho bad condition of the roads, which wero so cut up that nieqiis would have to bo devised for the carriage of the produce and timber of tho district to their markets. Hβ suggested that a special meeting of the chamber should bo held, the gentleman, referred to should be invited ,to attend. The question could then be fully discussed, and, if they ngrooil, tho chamber would give the pro-s----pect their whole-hearted support. Mr. E. Basil' Jones drew attention to the necessity for the Kailway Department issuing workmen's tickets between Hastings and Napier. Tho secretary was instructed to write to the Minister, urging the necessity, for issuing such tickets between Xapier and Hastings, and vico versa, and also (o point out, to tho Minister that, the railway fares between Hastings and Fnrndon and Fariidon and Nnpier should bo brought into lino. On the motion of Mr, li. A. Mossman. it was decided to con-

gratulate (he Hon. W. 0. S. Mac Donald on liis appointment as Minister for Public Works, and lo ask him to push on the construction of the' East Coast railway with all possible ,dispalch. Speaking nt'the last meeting of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce, Mr. E. Basil .Tones suid that, in lilOii-10, tho Frimley Canning Compiiny had employed 110 women and girls- in tho busy season. In 1910-11 tho number had been about SO, whilst this season only -15 had been obtainable. He added that unless more labour was obtainable- next season the J-'rimley fnclory would have to close, down. Workers' trains between Napier and Haslings would probably assist towards . a bet lor supply of labour.