NAPIER.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume II, Issue 117, 31 December 1873, Page 2

NAPIER.

[from our own correspondent.] December 20. The Supreme Court sittings were brought to a close in time for Judge Johnston to return to Wellington by the last trip of the Rangatira. When the lawyers took their wigs off, the town dropped down to its usual condition of dulness, but the result of at least one of the trials has been to leave* ample materials stored up for future use, when the proper time arrives, to bring about great changes in our Provincial Government. The trial for libel to which the Daily Telegraph newspaper was subjected, has opened mens* minds, and exposed that which has been long suspected, that the art of good Government is esteemed in Hawke’s Bay to be the power to keep a smooth surface, no matter what depths of foul mud may be hidden beneath. The- stream has been running smoothly and deep for many years past, but tne waters have been troubled and have become muddy. There is little doubt that at the next elections a strong opposition will be formed. During the hearing of the libel case—which occupied two days—-the Court was densely crowded, and when the jury retired at 9 p.m. on the Monday, there was considerable excitement. It was thought that no verdict would be arrived at. After an absence of two hours, the jury returned into Court, and the foreman asked the Judge two.or three questions, the replies to which appeared satisfactory; at all events, after a long whispering, the verdict was brought in " guilty, with a strong recommendation to mermr.” (!) The defendants were fined £a each ana costs. Since then Committees have been formed for the purpose of raising by subscription sufficient money to defray the expenses to which the Daily Telegraph had been put by the trial. It m reported that Mr. Sealy, the Crown Lands Commissioner, has applied to be placed on the honorable roll of pensioners. The unallotted shares in the Auckland Steam Packet Company are being rapidly taken up, and I hear that the Company has obtained a subsidy for a boat to run between Napier and Auckland via Gisborne. The hotel-keepers and cabmen have been taken somewhat aback by the news that the representatives for the Colonial Prise Firing will be encamped on the range ground, instead of, as it was supposed, living in town and being driven to and from Napier and Taradale. TheMeaneeand Taradale publicans naturally rejoice. While on this subject I may mention that the firing by the Napier Volunteers, for selection of representatives

has been unusually bed. The weather has been very unfavorable, being hot, glaring, and very windy. Loren of hone flesh have at length woke up, and it is now determined to hold a race meeting in March next. The precise day has not yet been fixed, owing to a want of knowledge as to the time when the Colonial Prize Firing will take place, as it is intended to hold the racing when the representatives are here. • Station properties are still changing hands; ‘ndeed, the high prices offered for land are quite sufficient inducement for holders to sell. Cautious people are inclined to think a crash must come, and I have heard persons who have disposed of their runs say that they expect to be able to buy again in five years time at about 50 per cent, less than what they sold for. The past week has been taken up principally in the examination of the pupils at the various scholastic establishments in town. The Napier Grammar School has earned for itself a high character, and there is little doubt that, under the able management of the Rev. G. M. D’Arcy Irvine, there are few better schools in the colony. ____________