NAPIER NOTES.

Hastings Standard, Issue 106, 28 August 1896, Page 3

NAPIER NOTES.

[Fbom Our Own Correspondent.] Napier, August 28. A " fatigue party " of the Napier Navals put in some good work' yesterday evening decorating the Garrison Hall for their annual dance to-night. The affair promises to be a great success, the Navals being held in high favor with the fair sex. The Hawke's Bay Rugby Union held their weekly meeting at the Criterion Hotel last night, Mr A. C. Norris in the chair. Other delegates present were Messrs C'owell, Bertrand, Wilson, Firth, Miller, Swan, Brewer, Renouf, Leigh, and Tuckwell. It was resolved that the Junior Club be allowed the use of the Recreation Ground on Wednesday next, September 2, and that the Caledonian Third and West End meet to-morrow if the weather is favorable. A committee was appointed to receive the Wellington representatives, who arrive from the North to-morrow, which consists of those present (excepting Messrs Brewer and Leigh), Messrs F. Logan G. Fleming, and the Hawke's Bay representatives. So far the Wellington team has had a most successful tour, being only beaten by the " champion province," Taranaki. Our own team this year is very strong, and the men having played together it is to be hoped that they will show good combination, the want of which has hitherto been the one thing that has spoiled the Hawke's Bay reps. On the whole their chances of beating the visitors are fairly good, and they will, at any rate, make a good fight for the honor and glory of their province. The 4.20 train will be delayed till the conclusion of the match to enable visitors from along the line to see the game. The Wellington men leave for their own city at 0 o'clock to-morrow evening, the Te Anau having been delayed for them. Now that things arc in such a turmoil in Zanzibar, it is a good opportunity for Great Britain to take complete control, annex the whole country in fact. At present the place is British in all but name, and a deal of good would be done by abolishing the sultanate altogether. It may be news to your readers that Zanzibar is the only part of the world where slaveryis permitted, that is to say, is legal, under British rule. When this was mentioned in the House of Commons the reply w : as that " The Government could not interfere with the domestic arrangements of the Sultan." If Zanzibar were a British possession that could not be urged as a reason for what is a disgrace to Britain, and the sooner it is taken over the better it will be for the credit of our country.