down to inspect such house and he had found it in every way suitable. He had so reported, but before the postmaster general entertained the proposal he begged him (Mr. Newman) to ascertain the views of the Mayor and Town Council in the first instance, and also of the principal inhabitants. Then followed a long period of confusion and disorder at the meeting, the question being raised whether, as the subject was not on the agenda, and the principal inhabitants having been invited the meeting was a public one or one in which the Council only had the right of discussion. At length, after a sturdy opposition by Councillors Ginner, Williams, Burfield and others, Ald. Scrivens moved that the post-office from George street to Wellington place be approved of. This was carried by 12 votes to 6. The Mayor consented to call a public meeting at the Market Hall in the evening. This meeting commenced at 7 o’clock, and for two hours a most disorderly scene prevailed, in which personalities were abundantly applied to the various speakers. A motion was at length carried by a large majority “That a memorial be forthwith prepared and forwarded through Mr. Newman to the Postmaster General, urging that the removal of the post-office do not take place.”
There were other considerations, however, which weighed with the postal authorities than those which were referred to by Mr. Newman – namely the increasing population and growing trade in the western part of Hastings, and the shorter distance from the railway station. Hence, notwithstand(sic) the memorial against removal from George street to Wellington place, it was decided to do so, and the new premises were at once fitted up for the purpose.
Date of Removal. From No. 4 George street to No. 2 Wellington place the post-office took its journey on the 29th of July, and in place of the old office at the old house, a new receiving-house at a new house was effected.
The Russian War.
Locally, as well as nationally important was the lamentable war with the great European and Asiatic Power of the North, and among the local associations already noticed were the drafting of coastguards, the collecting of large parcels of linen and other necessities by Mr. Hatchard and others for the wounded at Scutaria[a], and the contributing of £1150 to the Patriotic fund. And here it may be added that a number of Hastings men were engaged in that war, some to die, some to come home in disabled condition, and some to return with rewards for bravery under difficult circumstances. Letters were sent home from these brave men which had an interest of their own -
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