HASTINGS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 4044, 8 July 1884, Page 4

HASTINGS.

[from our own correspondent.] After Mr Desmond's speech on Saturday night I went round to the different knots of men assembled about tho road for the purpose of ascertaining the general opinion of Mr Desmond and his speech. They were nearly unanimous in ridiculing him, and said, if they did have a working man to represent them, they hoped to have a yery different sort of man to Mr Desmond—or, to drop courtesy, as he made a point of doing throughout his speech, of Desmond, a man whose sole delight and object seemed to bo to cry down and slang all who were in better circumstances than himself. Had he remained satisfied with explaining his views on different political questions he might have had a certain amount of the audience with him, but when he showed his venom against all employers of labor the general exclamation was, '' A pretty representative this for us to send to the House. What show would he have of doing any good for us or anyone else there."

The Native Land Court, which is to commence its sittings here to-morrow, seems to have had trouble to get a suitable place in which to hold its sittings. The Town Hall, it is said, is too cold and draughty, sosomc of the officials went on a tour of inspection to try and find a warmer place in which to hold the meetings. The first place they hit upon were the rooms under the grand stand on the racecourse. They also had a look at the Presbyterian Church. When thoy found they could not obtain the grand stand, they waited upon|the Presbyterian minister as he was going into his church on Sunday morning to ascortain upon what terms they could have the use of his church in which to dispense worldly justice. I did not hear the answer given, but heard that great indignation was expressed that such an offer should be made. I hear that the Court will be hold in the Oddfellows' Hall, which is a warm snug building-, but rather small.

What with the Land Court, politics, and Miss Georgio Smithson, who is going to enliven us this evening, Hastings should have a busy time of it. I have since heard that tho Land Court officials have decided to take the Town Hall for their sittings.