LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Hastings Standard, Issue 306, 26 April 1897, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

An article entitled " Marvellous Invention ' will be found on our fourth page. The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Druids will be held in Gorman's Hotel tonight at 8 o'clock. A very successful football practice was held on Saturday afternoon. Some 25 players rolled up and good form was shown by many of the men. The usual dance in connection with the Olivette Assembly will be held at the Oddfellows Hall this evening.* A young woman engaged as barmaid at a Spit hotel attempted suicide on Saturday afternoon. She was fished out of the harbor little the worse for her imersion. The annual Athletic Sports in connection with the Heretaunga School will be held on the school grounds to-morrow and Wednesday, 27th and 28th inst., commencing each day at 2 p.m. Messrs Grace Clark and Co., have arranged for a musical evening at the Theatre Koyal, Napier, on Wednesday next, in aid of the Food Relief Fund. Hastings talent have promised assistance. A well-known Maori in kilts caused quite a sensation in town this morning. He lost his nether garments in the flood and was forced to improvise a kilt out of his wife's shawl. He is now paying a visit to his tailor. On Saturday mention was made of the capture of a rare ornithological specimen on the flat. The credit of the find should have been given to Mr A. B. Greene, conmission agent, etc. Unfortunately the bird bit him, and the wound h\s affected an already weakened brain. However, he is able to get about to-day, but it will be some time before he is sufficiently recovered to again catch a reporter asleep. There is in Hastings at present what appears to be an important piece of evidence against Butler, charged with the murder of Lee Weller. A young man named William Porter, accompanied by Constable Smith, was interviewed at the Standard office this morning, and stated that he had just walked from Auckland through the lake districts. He further states that he was Weller's valet for some time in New Soutli Wales, and only left him when he (Weller) was induced to go prospecting in the Glenbrooke Mountains, where he was murdered. Porter was wearing a soft fawn-colored hat which he states was worn by Lee Weller, who gave it to him when they parted in Sydney. The lining of the hat bears the name of a firm of hatters in Johannesburgh. I'orter states that he was intimate with Weller and could swear to his clothes. It is probable -that Constable Smith will communicate with the Department on this matter, and more may be heard about it anon.

Wellington warehouse prices are in every instance charged by the D. I. C\ when executing orders received by post. Those of our residents who want really nice fashionable goods need not hesitate about communicating with the I). I. C., Wellington. Complete furnishing is now a special feature of the I>. I. and those who anticipate requirements in this direct tion will be supplied with catalogues and estimates post free.—Aovr. Eccles' Quinink and Ikon Tonic contains Quinine and Iron in a high state of punt\. and is the most agreeable -tn : i ti!»sr. and efficient agent yet discovered. 2s 6<l per bottle. To be obtained from A. F.ei LKs. chemist, Napier and Hastings, and at all leading country , —.Vovr.

-Tust received 100 pair Evening shoes, frosn 2s Od; also walking shoes from 5s 6d. worth 8# 6d; slippers Is. See window for pnees. Patterson & Co., >"apier.—AiiVT.

An epidenie of influenza is at present invading Hastings. One or two very severe cases are reported.

In connection with the Flood Relief Fund Mr J. N. Williams' residence has been connected free of charge with the local Telephone bureau. Macldison and Co., always in the lead in matters affecting drapery and millinery have made an excellent selection of winter goods, and announces the landing of 18 cases by the Rangatira. These will be opened up immediately, and ladies of Hastings and district will have an opportunity of purchasing the pink—or red is it—of fashion. Jubilee year has brought in more attractions than ever before received, and Messrs Maddison and Co. are receiving all the very latest novelties. The Misses Beamish and Margaret Allen had a very narrow escape from a serious accident this morning. The ladies were seated in a trap which was standing near the Post-office, when the Fernliill coach arrived. The horses shying at a concrete sewer swerved, running into the trap occupied by the ladies, who were thrown out violently. Miss Allen escaped without injury; but it was at first feared Miss Beamish had sustained injuries, and she was at once driven round to Dr Tosswill's residence where she was attended to, and happily it was ascertained that she escaped with a severe shaking. • The pole of the trap was smashed, and one of Mr Dennett's verandah posts was taken completely away. No blame seems to be attachable to the driver, whose horses were going at a walking pace at the time of the collision.

An application for Letters Patent appears in last Government Gazette from Mr A. Cashion, of Hastings, for an invention for an improved hurdle for use in hurdleraces. Considering the number of serious accidents to horses and riders taking part in hurdle racing the invention should be welcomed by Racing Clubs, owners, and hurdle-riders throughout the world. The top portion of the hurdle is connected with the lower part by hinges and is kept in position by india-rubber springs. If a horse strikes the top portion of the hurdle heavily it gives, and allows the animal to reach the other side without mishap, the hurdle immediately assuming its original position. Judging by the working of the model the invention should save hundreds of pound's worth of horses, even in New Zealand. Owing to the number of accidents the Victorian Racing Club recently decided to pad the top bar of the hurdle, but that will not prevent the horse from falling. The invention has been patented in every racing country in the world and there is certainly much money in the clever device. The model may be inspected at the Standard office. At Otaki 011 Wednesday a fashionable marriage took place between Mr Skipper Royal and Miss Rewa Te Whiwhi. The bride was attired in a handsome cream dress, with the orthodox veil. The bridesmaids, the Misses Mary Skipper, Ria Royal, Heke Ivinewe Royal, Tiri Nganero Hori, and Raungaiti Taliu Royal wore white dresses, and each with a Maori mat around the shoulders. A sumptuous spread followed, and a dance in the evening wound up the festive occasion.

Johannes Wolff, the celebrated violinist, has a violin valued at The average weekly losses of vessels on the seas throughout the world is 12.

A thousand children are born in London workhouses yearly. The average height of the human race is, for men, sft 6in ; for women, sft 2in. Dale's Restaurant for oyster suppers.* Our stock of boots, shoes, and slippers is very large ; we are giving the best value in Napier. See our window for prices.—Patterson & Co., Napier —Advt. Eccles' Corn Paint quickly removes either hard or soft corns. Only a few applications necessary. In bottles Is Gd, from A. Eccles, chemist, Napier and Hastings.—Advt . Patterson and Co. give best value of Teas, Pure Ceylon for Is 6d, worth 2s. A big reduction on all Teas for 51b or over. Get our price list.—Patterson & Co., Napier.—Advt.

To tlie deaf and those troubled with noises in the head or other aural troubles. Dr Nicholson, of London, the worldfamed Aural Specialist and Inventor of Artificial Ear Drums, has jnst issued the 100 th edition of his illustrated and descriptive book on Deafness and Aural Troubles. This book may be had from Mr Colin Campbell, 160 Adelaide road, "Wellington, N.Z. Mr Campbell was cured of his deafness by Dr Nicholson's system, and takes pleasure in spreading the news of the great specialist in New Zealand. A little book on the cure of Rheumatism, Corpulence, Lumbago, and Indigestion by the same author, may be had from Mr Campbell, also free. —Advt.