LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 80, 8 January 1863, Page 2

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.

Thatcher.— As will be seen by an advertisement elsewhere, this gentleman and Madame Yitelli intend giving their final entertainment this evening, prior to their leav-

ing by the steamer. New local sligs and a new programme are promised, which will no doubt be appreciated by a full Mouse. • ■ Bush Fires. —During the present dry and hot weather several fires haws been raging in various parts of the Province, and we learn that a conflagration of tk/d nature has done serious damage in the Wai/awa district, the village of Walpawa itself Hiving had a narrow escape from its ravages. A correspondent writing from Waijjukurau says : “ A great fire has been bushing a week. It started near Patangata on the 25th December, and has travelled Northward and Westward. It must have done a deal of damage. I don’t know particulars, but I expect it has crossed Homewood Run(Mr.Tiffen’s), Stokes, &c.; perhaps across Te Aute, Kaikora, aud close to Waipawa.” The Waimarama Election. —On Monday last, the 6th inst., Mr. E. S. Curling was returned for this district without opposition. . Racing. —We are glad to find that the number of horses likely to contest the stakes at our race meetings this year is respectable, and that their condition and general appearance is very creditable to their breeders and trainers. That tough colt Charles O’Malley promises well, and we think his backers will not be disappointed iu his performances. We hope that this manly aud thoroughly English sport will be well supported by the liberality of the settlers. Nothing would be more likely to secure Hawke’s Bay a good footing in the list of Provinces than a good race meeting every year. It is our intention to devote a space to a special notice of the breeding of racing and other stock at an early date. The Napier races are fixed fertile sth and Oth March next, and we would draw attention to an advertisement in another column in connection therewith. Amongst the matters of local interest is the introduction iuto the Province of a very promising yearling draft entire, taking last year’s prize at the Auckland Agricultural Show. Also a fine young short-horn bull, shewing some very decided indications of good blood. The addition to the already very creditable horse and cattle stock of this Province of some thoroughly new and good blood is highly gratifying to those who arcinterested in this branch of farming, and we owe to the enterprise of Major Whitmore the opportunity of profiting by it. Catholic Scholars’ Treat. —On Thursday last, New Tear’s Day, the scholars in connexion with this denomination were entertained by the Rev. Father Reignier, at his residence near the Tutaekuri, to their annual treat. The children were accompanied by their parents aud others, to the number of about iIOO, and a pleasant day was passed in amusements, calculated for both young and old, cheered by the bountiful liberality of the Reverend entertainer. Presbyterian Tea Meeting. —Last Tuesday week, a tea party was held in the New Presbyterian School, whence the company adjourned to the Church, where several sacred pieces of music were performed, and addresses delivered. There were about 120 persons present, who spent a pleasant evening.