HAWERA.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 395, 29 January 1879, Page 2

HAWERA.

(I'ROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

It is now over twelve mouths since steps were first taken for the purpose of getting an Institute and Readng-room in the Township. 'The great drawback has hitherto been the want of a suitable piece of land for the building, but after a great deal of vexatious delay, the difficulty has at last been overcome, and a piece suited for the purpose has been granted, adjoining the Town Hall Reserve. The delay, I regret to say, has had the effect of cooling the ardour of the projectors, with whom hope deferred hath made the heart sick. A few, however, stood true to the helm, and by persistence and perseverance have, at last, gained their end. Sufficient money is in hand to start the building, and with the land granted, there is no reason why we should net shortly bo in a position to see our project realised. A meeting will be held at the Native Office on Saturday evening next, whoa it is to be hoped that every one who has the welfare of the Town at heart, and desires to see one of the most useful Institutions added to our already jnatly-to-he-proud-of Township, will nut fail to attend.

A whaio about 30 foot long has been washed ashore at the foot of what is known as Jacob’s ladder. From wind I can hear, it is one of the bottle-nosed .species. A great crowd Hocked to view it on Sunday last, but from having lain in the sun for some days, the stench was intolerable, and its some one observed, it was u-habj too had.

Our blacksmiths had quite a holiday last week, their supply of coal running- completely out, their forges in consequence being stopped. They have, however, succeeded in obtaining a little now, and are once more forging ahead. A great drawback to any company giving a suitable performance in our Hall, lias been- the want of scenery. Mr Neville Thornton, who is acknowledged the second best artist of the kind in New Zealand, has offered to do a set of first-class scenes on very reasonable terms, and it is to be hoped tiiat his offer will he accepted as the same opportunity may not again occur, and it is a want that is greatly felt.