HAWKE'S BAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2811, 29 January 1908, Page 27

HAWKE'S BAY.

A public meeting at Hastings on the 22nd passed this resolution— " That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that the North Island Brass Band Association's next meeting be held at Hastings." John Oswald Taylor was committed for trial at the Supreme Court for causing Lewis Alexander Burbery actual bodily harm. appeared on the 22nd wita two gashes in his head, and swooned whil3 giving evidence. A peculiar situation hae arisen in the Dannevirke Borough Council. The council, with the exception of the Mayor, agreed upon the work of regrading and improving the main street of the town. A petition was presented asking that the work be not gone on with, but councillors decided that, in view of the necessity for the work, the prayer of the petition could not be acceded to. Later the Mayor refused to put a motion that the work be proceeded with, and a deadlock has arisen. A special meeting was held again on the 23rd to further discuss the matter, but again the Mayor refused to put the motion. Councillors all united in opposing the action of the Mayor, and it is possible that no borough business can be transacted until the Mayor gives way. Martin Johnston was charged at the Napipr" Court on the 24th with alleged arson in connection with the recent Hastings fire. Accused was the proprietor of a restaurant known as the Silver Grid. On the application of the police, a second remand was granted in order that further evidence might be obtained. Edward Arthur Jones, alias Edward Johns, was remanded from Hastings to appear at Palmerston North on February 3 on a charge of indecent assault on a girl under 16 years. He was also fined £5 for using obscene language at Pbrangahau.

WELLINGTON. at Wanganui has^ created considerable discussion, the advocates of Thursday and Saturday "being fairly evenly " divided. The Borough Council decided to-night to take an informal poll of the burgesses on the 29th inst., and to be guided accordingly in fixing the day upon which the half-holiday shall be observed.

Three Johnsonville residents left Makara on Sunday in a small boat for a few hours' fihhing. They landed on Sandy Island, mooring their boat, which, however, drifted away. They were compelled to spend the nieht on the little island, which is submerged at high tide. They were knee-deep in the water for some time, but at daybreak they were rescued, much exhausted, by a passing fisherman. There was a close holiday in Wellington on the 22nd to celebrate the anniversary of the province. The chief attraction was the race meeting at Trentham, where there was a- record attendance. The Port Nicholson Yacht Club held its annual regatta in the harbour, and there were numerous picnic parties and harbour excursions. A deputation representing the Wellington Society of Professional Musicians waited upon the Finance Committee of the City Council and suggested that an experiment be made by the council by appointing a city organist to give a 6eries of recitals •on the city organ. The Mayor stated that the matter had been under consideration. The council would do what it could_ to give effect to the wishes of the deputation. A break in No. 2 cable and a fault in No. 4 cable were repaired by the Tutanekai this week, with an interruption of only five ho\irs to the work. The re-appointmenfc of Mr Charles Louisson, of Christchurch, to the Legislative Council, is gazetted. Mr John Paiuki, of Ruapuke Island, Foveaux Strait, has offered the Government a free supply of granite of good quality for the new Parliamentary Buildings. The Government architect is preparing sketch plans for members of Parliament to coneider, and when a decision is reached a3 to what is required competitive designs will be invited. Three premiums will be offered.

Joseph Donnelly pleaded " Guilty " to trespassing on the Trentham racecourse, and was fined £2 and. costs (30s). A Wanganui Christian Convention on the linos of 'the famous "KesVick Convention, the first in New Zealand, was opened on the 27th, anrj will be continued during the week. The Rev. Charles Inwood, who is the delegation from the Keswick Conference, is present. There were large congregations, and there is every prospect of a very successful time.