HAWERA.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 230, 23 June 1877, Page 2

HAWERA.

[from our own correspondent.] June 20. I must plcnd pressure of business as my excuse for net having sent you a letter for some time past, for in these go-ahead times few of us in Hawera can say that we have a surplus of spare time on our hands ; in fact, every one we meet seems to be taking a motto from Dr Watts’ “Busy Bee,” and “ improving each shining hour ” as modi as possible. As for the “ making honey ” all the day, I can’t say so much about that, as “ sugar ” is not so very plentiful in Hawera at present, although the Maorics seem to have “ dropped upon ” some lately ; but, nevertheless, J mast say that thc-y have not indulged in any street “ scenes ” on this

occasion, owing, most likely, to thei 1 ’ seemingly growing desire to “quit themselves like men,” and behave decorously.

Since I last wrote, the races have come and gone again, with their usual concomi-

tants. Taking thorn as a whole, they were a decided success, and the stewards can congratulate themselves on- winning hard earned laurels. There is still a small deficiency in the funds, and a few outstanding accounts to he met, hut it is to ho hoped that those persons who signified their intention of subscribing before the races took place, and who have not yet paid up; will recognise the diligence displayed by the stewards in carrying out the meeting, and “dub up" their promised donations.

As a result or (he races, llawera has acquired the services of the well-known race house St. Albans, which has passed from the hands of Mr Donald Fraser into those of a native chief (\loni Pihama), living hereabouts. I understand that lie will “serve” in this district next season. Bully-i'or-you and the renowned Bounding Bock still remain in the possession of their respective Hawora owners. There has been a good deal of talk here lately regarding the action taken by the directors of the Town Hall Company, relative to the erection of the hall. Tenders were called for, received, and opened. I have already informed you of the number of-tenderers, and the amount of their respective tenders. The successful tenderer stated that he would sign necessary bunds, &c., and begin work on the 13th ultimo. However, before this date, he proceeded to Baton to ascertain what arrangements he could make for getting timber ; hut landing that he could not obtain the necessary amount by a certain time, and at a stated price, be returned to llawera, and gave the directors notice that lie would not or could not take up the contract. Thereupon the directors held a meeting, at which they decided to disallow the oilier of his tender, and at the same time strong comments were passed relative to his action in the matter, ft then became a question of whether the directors should allow another tenderer to go on with the building, or to call for fresh tenders. The bad state of the roads, an 1 other extenuating circumstances, wore brought to boar against the idea of accepting any of the other previous tenders, and it was decided that fresh tenders should be called for in three months time. This, of course, would enable the successful tenderer to got timber out of the bush, when the roads arc in a much more favorable condition for carting, which would coat the tenderer much less for carting, and therefore the directois would then expect tenders to put in at lower rates. This subject occupied a great deal of attention at the hands of the directors, and their decision was not arrived at without due consideration of the proa and con';. With regard to the Medical Society, I may state that it is proving an entire succors. Dr Cole is most assiduous in bis duties, and is liked and respected by all members of the society. The stale in which the roads to Ketemarao and surrounding conn) ry are in at present, make hi.-? journeys doubly tiresome and tedious, but. nevertheless, he is always to be found at His post. B men seem to have become very brittle hereabouts lately, two or three rather severe accidents having occurred during the month. In one case a collar hone was broken ; in another, it was found necessary to amputate a linger ; and in a third, a broken limb bad to be sot. The sal)icribors to (lie society are paying up well, and laggards in this respect are few and far between.

Tho old blockhouses are, I believe, to be taken down from tlmir present position and replaced, with improvements (jail, &c.,) on the section adjoining the site for tbe Town Hall.

Mr Winks’ new premises (which were attempted to be burnt down lately) are almost iinished ; and tbe additions to the Hawcra Hotel are also completed, and assume a commanding appearance. The Bank of New Zealand have, I believe, decided to build next to the Bank of New South Wales, Mr Alexander being the successful tenderer for the building. Town sections in Tlawera are rising; in value every day, and quarter acres that sold for £2O a year ago, are selling at double that price now, if situated in any close proximity to the chief places of business.

We are anxiously awaiting tbe sequel to the effusion which emanated from the exceptional intellect of our local poet, via., tho rhyme ‘i Ilawera, City of -Ibe Plains.” May he allow me to suggest the motto for the sequel ;it is—“ New Chum —King of the Plains.”