HAWERA.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 299, 27 February 1878, Page 2

HAWERA.

(FROM ouk own correspondent.) There has been little stirring here during the past week, owing to the absence of a great number of our townspeople to witness the Patea Races, but as I am possessed of a lively imagination, this will make but a slight difference to me, in the matter of writing a letter. In fact, I consider there is more credit attached in writing, when there is nothing to write about. Some people have a habit of. writing a great deal, with very little meaning to it—others write a very little, but with a great deal of meaning. I, on the other hand, often write a great deal without any meaning at all, but this is a digression. A meeting was held at.the Town Hall on the evening of the I9th, for the purpose of raising subscriptions in aid of the Patea Hospital. About 15 of our principal townspeople and settlers attended, and Mr Livingstone was voted to the chair. A letter was read from Mr C. E. Gibson, of Normanby, enclosing a one pound note, as a donation to the Hospital, and explaining a method by which he thought funds might be easily raised. His idea was this: that as the bottle licenses were now done away with, the amount of the revenue that formerly accrued from the same should be taxed upon the publicans in equal proportions, and the sum thus obtained, given in support of the Hospital. His suggestion will no doubt meet with the hearty approval of the publicans themselves, who cannot do less than accord him a vote of thanks for showing them such an easy way, by means of which they may be able to benefit and relieve our suffering humanity. A deputation will no doubt wait upon him. The general opinion of the meeting seemed to be in favour of a local Hospital. Dr Cole spoke at some length, on the inconvenience of removing a person with broken limbs a distance of 18 miles, and stated that Mrs Evans bad offered her services as nurse, for the sum of £2O per annum, and that he should be happy to give his own for £25. After a good deal of discussion, pro and con, the meeting eventually broke up, without anything decisive being arrived at.

Mr Bate, the Manager of the Bank of New South Wales, took his departure from here on Wednesday last, en route for New Plymouth, During his stay here, he has always exerted himself to forward the interests of the township, and his loss will be greatly felt, A great deal of opposition was met with in the formation of the Town Hall Company, and but for the energy and determination shown by him, it would doubtless have entirely fallen through. The Institute also owes its advancement to his efforts- As a promoter and subscriber to every kind of amusements, clubs, or institutions, he was always to the fore, and by his cordial co-operation, was often the means of bringing to a successful termi-

nation, what would otherwise have only resulted in a failure. He parried away with him, the good wishes of the host of friends he has made during his long stay amongst us, and his absence will no doubt be also greatly felt by the feminine portion of the inhabitants, with whom he was always popular. A cricket match is talked of as likely to be played between an eleven from here, and an eleven from Carlyle, on Saturday next, and as the season 5s rapidly drawing to a close, it may be looked upon the final contest, ere football, for a time, usurps its place, and causes our athletes to exert their muscles and sinews in kicking its inflated carcass to victory or defeat.

E.M. COURT.— Monday, February 25. (Before C. A. Wray, Esq., E.M., and Capt. Wilson, J.P.) Edward Collins v. J. Duncan. Claim? £6 for cartage of firewood. Judgment fo r plaintiff, by default, for amount and costs 14s. M, D. King v. Ngawina. Claim £6 Bs, for goods supplied. Defendant admitted the debt, and judgment was accordingly given for plaintiff, for amount, and costs 13s.