MESSAGES.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 281, 22 December 1877, Page 2

MESSAGES.

o [Reuter’s Special to Press Agency.] LONDON. December 17. A circular despatch from tbc Porte has been received, soliciting mediation and the collective intervention of the European powers. It is proposed, in order to prevent further bloodshed. Peace conditions not yet stated. The Italian Government has accepted the proposal for mediation made by the Porte but believed the proposed mediation would bo unsuccessful. Russians are advancing upon Petrova from Elena. Consols 95-]-. December 18. Russian reinforcements are arriving before Erzcroum. Several skirmishes have taken place near Balonm. December 19. The German Government has refused to entertain the Turkish proposal of mediation. Russians have occupied Petrova. The Globe published a rumor that Parliament will meet on the 17th January in consequence of the critical condition of affairs in the East. December 20. The opening of Parliament for the 17th January is con firmed. The Standard states that the Ministry will propose to increase the army. Other conservative journals state that German support to Russia is a real clanger to British interests. o (Special to Press Agency.) LONDON. December 18. Germany and Austria both decline the Porte’s mediation proposal. Layard informed the Porte that England continucsneutral. The Greek Government decided upon a peace policy. 60,000 additional Russian troops have been mobilised at Plevna. Russian troops are advancing in every direction. A Cabinet Council will shortly agree to England’s reply to the Porte’s despatch soliciting mediation. December 19. The Cabinet met to-day. It is understood that England has arranged for the purchase of the Turkish fleet.

OPENING OF THE lIA WE HA TOWN HALL. (from ouk own correspondent.) Tins Hall was opened on Thursday evening last by a public ball. The want of a Hall suitable for public amusements and other purposes has been long felt in Hawera, but a want of public spirit and enterprise, for a long time kept it back as only an imaginary undertaking for the future, but

eventually a few pushing spirits tootc it in hand, and rousing up the dormant nature of the townspeople, succeeded in at last bringing the much talked of project to maturity.

The contract for the building of the Hall was given to Messrs Strang and Sedrling, and too much praise cannot bo given them for the highly creditable manner in which the work lias been carried out. Having many difficulties to contend .againstin procuringtimber, &c., and having the misfortune of getting a lot of their work partially destroyed, by the falling of a part of the frame work, when being lirst erected, they yet managed to complete their contract a few days before the time specified.

The Hall has been erected on the resetvo set aside for that purpose, fronting Telegraph-street, and is the lirst object that strikes the observer on entering the town. The total length of the Hall is Go foot by 32 feet wide, walls 20 feet high, the height from centre of floor to centre of ceiling being 22 feet. The stage has a depth of 14 feet, being 3 feet high with a rise to tiie back of G inches. A dressing room 8 feet by 8 feet is built on to the right side of the stage, which is reached from the outside by steps. Two rooms available for offices, or' Other purposes, occupy the front of the building, with a lobby communicating wi.h the body of the Hall by green baize folding doors. The ornamental porch, and decorated front are highly finished and artistic pieces of workmanship. The shell of the building is built throughout of matai, the front being rusticated. The ceiling and floor are dressed riimi. Mr Aitchison inspected the building, on behalf of the company during its principal stages of construction, and ably carried out the task intrusted to him. Ilawora can now boast of having a Hall second to none in the district.

The opening ball was a groat success, the committee having been indefatigable in their exertions, and deserve the highest credit, for the able manner in which they carried out the arduous and thankless task allotted them. The body of the Hall was tastefully decorated with evergreens and flowers, giving it a beautifully cool, fresh, and rural appearance. The floor was in splendid trim, having been waxed until it shone like a min or, rendering it difficult

for those who were not adopts in the tcrpsichorcan art, to keep their legs. The orchestra was presided over by Mr Knight at the piano, Mr Baker taking cornet, and Mr Matheson violin, and the music they discoursed during the evening, excelled anything of the kind ever heard in Ilawera before. Even those who came with the sole intention of looking on, were unable to resist the alluring sounds, and found themselves fooling it merrily, before they were scarcely aware of their position. The supper was provided by Mr T. Lloyd, and gave th,e highest satisfaction, the only marvel being bow he could possibly have got it up, in the style he did, with the short notice given him. Everything that could possibly be obtained was there, and was of first class quality and excellence.

Between 30 and 40 couples were assembled. Of course, opinions were freely expressed as to who carried off the palm as being the belle of the evening. The lady high in favour was dressed in muslin, with green satin body and trimmings. All the other dresses were good, the Hall presenting a brill iant appearance. Dancing was kept up with great spirit until about five, when the programme having come to an end, the company took their departure for their respective homes, having spent a most pleasant and enjoyable evening.