than ever needed this year; for we have temporally the undoubted experience and sagacity of Mr. Alderman Scrivens, and have placed under eclipse the more doubtful importance of Mr. Williams. And although we have for the one the position and good sense of Mr. Alderman Hayles, and for the other the spirit and independence of Mr. Winter, yet there is, without doubt, a considerable loss of municipal experience and local knowledge. We do not say this to disparage our local servants, nor to encourage others to do so. We would rather uphold their hands and help them in every possible way. But the statement of facts like these is imperative, that we may both know what we have to do and what sort of material we have to do it with. The work is plentiful enough, and the workers' constituency hard enough to please, but patient, thoughtful, honest men are fully equal to the requirements of the hour.
Public Amusements
There was abundance of popular amusements throughout the year, irrespective of private entertainments, lectures at the various institutions, soirées, balls, &c. The Wizard Rosenfield gave his farewell entertainment on the evening of January 8ths, at the Swan Assembly room. Mr. Lewis, an intelligent and gentlemanly person of colour, gave a number of lectures and seances of an amusing and instructive character on Mesmerism, Magnatism, Phrenology, etc. - Cooke's Circus (a throw-off from Astley's) performed in the Priory Meadow, with wonderful success, and at the same time, a large menagerie was exhibited on the same ground. The great United States Circus also performed in Hastings, with 220 men and hrses. It entered the town, headed by a splendid car - containing a large organ, drawn by 40 horses driven by one man. Mr. and Mrs. German Reed appeared on two or three occasions and obtained large audiences for their popular entertainment. The "Sisters Sophia and Ann" also catered for the public with a fair amount of success. Then there was Rock Fair, also the summer and winter chartered fairs of the old town; and although but little more than relics of the past, still afforded amusement to a certain class of people.
Sundry Occurrences
Mr. J. H. Job, having been elected Assessor, claimed exemption on the grounds of having served within a certain period. His place was filled by Mr. Jos. Bannister, the Liberals' agent.
