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Hawke's Bay Weekly Times, Volume 1, Issue 22, 17 June 1867, Page 141

Earthquake at Wellington.—The Independent, June 11, saysA smart shook of earthquake was felt in this cify about half-past six o’clock on Sunday morning.”

Public Meeting in Connexion \rtrn the Late Floods.—A numerously-attend-ed public meeting was held at the Mcanee Hotel, on Thursday last, the 13th inst, in accordance with an advertisement published in the local papers, “ to consider the damage done to public works by the late floods, and to devisa means to prevent, if possible, the recurrence of the like.” Amongst the gentlemen present wore his Honor the Superintendent; J. M: Balfour, Esq., Colonial Murine Engineer; Alfred Slieatli, Esq., Telegraphic Engineer : the Provincial Engineer; and the two members for the Meauce district. His Honor,

having been voted to the chair, opened the business of the meeting, and Mr Balfour, after a suggestion from Mr Powdreil, expressed his opinion that of two plans proposed for carrying off the surplus water, it would be more advisable to widen and embank the present river than to open a new channel because the expense would be much less, 6ay £1,600 or £1,700 as against £IB,OOO. After a considerable amount of discussion on the merits of the two plans, and the assistance to be expected from the Provincial Government, Mr Buchanan said that the meeting should decide how to raise tho money —as, if the contribution were to bo compulsory, legislation would be necegsary in the General Assembly, so as to levy a rate on the lands of the Meunee district, and it would be well to ask the members for the province (Messrs. M'Lean and'Ormond) to initiate such a Bill. The be9t way of afterward? carrying out the object was a question for the engineers. If the money were raised by assessment there would be this advantage, that absentees could be reached. Af ter some further discussion, Mr G. Peacock proposed the following resolution, which was carried, viz.:—“ That in the opiuion of this meeting the owners of property on the Meanee should bo rated for lhe formation and maintenance of tho proposed works on the river, and that the members for the district be requested to bring in a resolution of the Provincial Council a tunning the necessity of this.” Col. Whitmore then alluded to the state of the roads in the district, and proposed a resolution to the effect that it was of first importance the Government should vigorously prosecute the needful repairs to the roads and bridges, that tho settlers might have access to the port,—which was withdrawn on his Honor’s assurance that the Government was doing all it possibly could under the circumstances, and that in case the settlers began the construction of a temporary embankment to afford present protection to the district, it would be prepared to assist, dome complaint was made concerning the delay that would attend the action of the General'Government legislation outlie mat ter, but it was ultimately concluded to act upon the first resolution, get subscriptions, and, with Government aid, proceed with the needful repairs ; as, in tho Act, there would be no difficulty in providing for subscriptions paid at once being allowed for. A vote of thanks to his Honor lor his conduct in the chair concluded the business of the meeting.

Volunteer Parade. On Saturday afternoon last a special parade of the Napier Hide Volunteers took place on the parade ground, opposite the Herald Oilice. ilie object of the meeting was to present Corporal W. Northe, N.R.V., with the Prize medal for the Annual Provincial Firing. The day was anything bub propitious—drizzling rain, and a cold southwester prevailing. The attendance consequently was not equal to what, under more favorable circumstances, it would have been; the number of V'olunteers present (some 18 rank and file) especially dis appointed us—the. occasiou being one on which no member of that corp 3 should have absented himself. After tiie order conferring themedal upon Corporal Non he had been read by Captain Withers, Lieut.Colonel Whitmore proceeded to present the medal to the winner. Ho spoke to the following effect: Corporal Norlbe, it gives me great pleasure in being the instrument of General Government in presenting you with this mark of their appreciation of your conduct; and 1 trust that you will live long’to wear themedal which £ now pin to your breast—not only with credit to yourselij but also with. honour to the gallant corps to which you belong—the effectual services rendered to ihe country by which have already been fully acknowledged by His Excellency the Governor. ,1 trust tho present'occasion will serve to impress your Comrades with the necessity.-foi\- constant rifle practice ; and that next year we will shine not only m our own.province, but also in other parts of the colony. Otago has been able to

beat the rest of thojsohny; we must emulate each other in the endeavour to beathera.- Alter the conclusion of Lieu-tenant-Oofonel Whitmore’s speech, Corporal Norlhe rejoined his company, which .then went through some skirmishing, in a manner which seemed to give general satisfaction to the officers. This concluded, the-company “ lodged arms,” and quickly dispersed—the whole proceedings having occupied about an hour.

I ' HOTOR^i: '* Wednesday last, Mr M Lean was re-elected, without opposition a member of the Provincial Council, his seat havmg become vaeaut in consequence of Ins acceptance of the office of Superintendent. The attendance was very small.: Mr F. Sutton proposed, and Mr A. Irvine seconded the nomination, and no other candidate offering, Mr M c Lean was declared to be duly, elected.