NAPIER NOTES.

Hastings Standard, Issue 284, 30 March 1897, Page 3

NAPIER NOTES.

[FBOM Ol'R OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Napier, This Day. THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE. The departure of the Gothic from Napier with a part cargo of frozen mutton leads up to the subject that is now agitating the minds of those interested at Home—the better supervision of cargos at this end. It is admitted that great damage is being done to the tcsule by the slipshod manner in which are shipped from New ZesxlsP.l. I have made careful enquiries ami learn that Hawke's Bay is in no way to blame for the general condemnation of careless shipment of the frozen article. . The greatest care is taken by the buyers to secure the best sheep procurable and at the factory only the first-class article passes inspection. From the freezing works to the hold in the ship every precaution is taken, and everything possible is done to put the mutton on board in first-class condition. Everyone admits that the North Island sheep cannot be compared in point of quality with those bred in Canterbury ; but why the 11.8. article is always quoted at an abnormally low figure is the question that wants consideration. Lately the trade has been decidedly flat, and there appears to be no apparent prospect of it bettering itself in the near future. Hands have been shortened at the Tomoana works, and there is likely to be a further discharge if things continue as they are at present. Some people assert that the reason Nelson Bros', business in Hawke's Bay does not give better returns is that it requires a clerk to every two or threehands employed, and that the clerical staff goes a long way towards eating lip any profits that might be accruing from the works. As to that assertion I cannot give an opinion ; but I know there appears to be a long-continued growl that no profit can be made from freezing Hawke's Bay sheep. It is a shame that the whole of New Zealand's trade should suffer because one or two of the works turn out their mutton in a careless way. Perhaps Mr Seddon will learn a wrinkle or two on his trip Home which might prove of incalculable value to the freezing companies of New Zealand. Let us hope that he will.

THEATRICAL REMINISCENCES. A good many of your readers will remember Mr J. Montgomery, better known as " Little Monty," who has been in advance of many a good theatrical combination in New Zealand. He has been through Hawke's Bay several times, and his popularity has been freely noted. Pie was at the head of the tug-of-war craze a few years ago. aud found money in it. He was a plucky little individual and at one time run a show of his own, riding a bicycle across a tight wire 40 feet from the ground. A short time ago he was reported to have died, but I notice by a southern paper that Monty is very much alive and is writing his reminiscences on and off the stage "in all parts of the world." The story will appear iu the Otago Witness, and will in book form at a Ijw figure. Napier residents will no doubt be interested in the work, as Mr Montgomery can recite some funny stories even of his visits to Hawke's Bay. GENERAL ITEMS.

Crabb laid hold of " Bogies and Hobgoblins " last evening, which gave him an opportunity to make a wholesale slaughter on all opposed to the Cold Tea Party. The inquest on the body of the late James M'lntosh yesterday afternoon occupied over four hours. Lengthy evidence was given by \V. Douglas (Te Mahanga), Edward Flannigau, Constable Creeks, Jessie Woolf, Julia O'Rielly, Dr de Lisle, Dr Moore, Walter Harding, James Johnstone, and Joseph Collins. After the depositions of the deceased had been read, the jury retired and in a short time returned with the following verdict : *' That the ceith of deceased was caused by failure of the heart's action, brought on by violence, and that there is sufficient evidence against the prisoners to justify further proceedings." Court Sir Charles Napier, A.0.F., propose holding a " social " on Easter Monday night, the funds to bo devoted to ail the wife and family of the late Mr G. A. Couipton.

, A prohibited person was before the S.M. yesterday morning on a charge of being drunk, lie was let oft' with a fine of kl. Mr N. Kettle, wife and family, left for England last evening in the (iothic. A man named Campbell reported to have died suddenly on Saturday on Mr Ormond's station at Mahia.

Messrs I). I>. Hyde and Co., a real live firm, have attacked Palmerston. where they have purchased the oldestablished business of Mr Lyons. If the establishment is carried as close up to date as those of Napier and Hastings, the tirm should do well with their new purchase.