NAPIER NEWS.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXI, Issue 3902, 25 May 1899, Page 3

NAPIER NEWS.

(OWN correspondent.) Yesterday. Anything but Queen's weather prevailed for tbe holiday to-day. Rain fell early in the morning and np till lanoh time showers fell at short intervals, then the sky cleared, the sun came ont brightly and there waa every indication of the weather remaining fine. Many were tempted ont by tho pleasant change, bat they had to pay dearly for it. Towards 3 o'clock the rain came on again heavily and continued right on witbont intermission.

Fortunately it was fine during the volunteer parade, and a large number of townspeople assembled ou the parade to witness the ceremonials. There was a goodly muster of tbe two local corps and battalion band, and tbe men showed themselves to be profioient in tbe manoeuvres which they were put through. Additional interest was lout to the proceedings by the ceremony of the trooping of tbe colours, the fmt time it has been performed here. Subsequently the officers of the East Coast Battalion were the guests of Dr de Lisle at luuch.

Apropos of the Premier’s visit I believe that, brief as it was, time was found in whioh to discuss the question of the Liberal candidate for tbe next eleotion. It is understood that Mr 8 Oarnell is desirous of again wooing the electors, but tbe Premier will not promise him the support of the Great Liberal Party Fvery effort is being made to induce Mr Oornford to stand, but I have roasou to believe he will not consent.

Outside the volunteer parade this morn ing the only holiday attraction in town was a football match on the Recreation Ground between teams of the Guards and Rifles. The game resolved itself into a mad scramble, Guards being declared the winners by 11 points to 3. Visitors to tbe Plumpton coursing meeting (very few as it happened) were perhaps tbe greatest sufferers by the wet weather. There is little or no shelter on the ground, aud there was nothing for it bat to make the best of a very awkward situation. The sport was decidedly weak, ODly one decent course taking place. The stakes ultimately fell to White Rose. A Meanee dairyman named Coster met bis death today under very sad conditions. Whilst driving into town bis horse bolted and he was thrown very violently out. When picked up he was nnoonsoions and in a dying state, and although steps were at once taken to have him removed to the hospital, the body was lifeless when it reached the institution. Coster was a hard-working man, and was greatly respected by the settlors in the Meauee district.

The rain greatly interfered with tho attendance at the Gaards ball in the drill shed tc-nigbt, for although there was a large number of persons present it was anticipated that the hall would be crowded. Tho gathering was extremely enjoyable in every respect, and served the purpose of dosing the day’s festivities udmirably. Our member Mr R D D M'Lean will address the electors of Napier at an early date, when he will deal at length with some of the gross misstatements made by the Premier.