rehearsal were of no mean order, and the execution of them was a complete success. The soloists were the Messrs J. & W. Skinner, A. Beck, W. S. Tinley, A. Wrenn, F. Towner and H. Brett, Jun. The last named (since, many years a successful journalist in New Zealand) vocalised an organophone horn part to one of the pieces which met with an enthusiastic reception and encore.
(For Hastings concerts see next chapter)
Flower Shows.
The Hastings and St. Leonards Horticultural Society naturally held their bi-annual exhibitions alternately in each town, and the interest taken in them both by visitors and well-to-do residents appeared to be of a more practical character than has been of late years . The Subscription (now the Public) Gardens, usually lent for the occasion by Mr. Burton, were always visited with a keen enjoyment, and it was there that this year’s autumnal show was held on the 20th of September. The weather was favourable, the music was enlivening, the exhibits were admirable, and the arrangements satisfactory.
Regatta
This affair was originally intended to form part of the united Hastings and St. Leonards Regatta, but the Postal question having been unwisely revived, an antagonism between the two towns was again renewed, and a meeting of the sub-committee was held at the British hotel on the 6th of September, with G. Gipps, Esq. in the chair, when it was resolved to hold a separate St. Leonards Regatta on the 19th. Nearly £70 had been received or promised, and further subscriptions were invited to be paid into the Libraries or to Mr. How, of 44 Marina, or Mr. Brett, of Norman Road. The day arrived, but, as was the case at Hastings, the regatta had to be postpomed in consequence of rough weather. It was attempted on the following day, but after the third race was again abandoned. It was, however, renewed on the next day, notwithstanding that the aqueous and windy conditions were but so slightly improved as to make it a hazardous affair. Thanks to the exertions of the committee and the good seamanship of the competing crews, the protracted aquatic amusements were at length brought to a close.
Boundary Walking
On the 19th of June the Hastings Council and the St. [1]Commissioners perambulated the boundaries between the Local Board -
- ↑ Brett most likely omitted the word 'Leonards' here - Editor
