By speoial request tha entertainment given at St. Mnry'i Sohoolroom on Tuesday evening, will be repeated, weather per mitting, at Bell Blook to-morrow Friday evening. The prize for the best kept garden by •hildren under 18 has ' not yet been awarded by tho Horticultural Show as th» judges, Messrs, T. Skinner, and W. H. Skinner have not completed their in spection. A heavy hailstorm, accompanied by a cold wind, was experienced in towa «t 7. o'clock this (Thursday) tnorning. Such weather within a fortnight of Christmas is quite phenomenal. "'• " The prospect of quod times, butter and all produce rising in price, have induced Q. M. Braach aud Co. to increase their purchases for the coming Christmas holidays. They are now showing a splendid assortment of Tobacconist Ware, Jewellery, Fancy Goods, and Toys, which for variety, choice, and prioes cannot be surpassed. An early inspection is re spectfully invitad. A large assortment of Music to stlect from. Piann and Werth eim Sewing Machines on time payment or otherwise. — Advt. h b d3O A special meeting will be held in St. Andrew's Church this evening, for the purpose of moderating in a call to the Rev. W. Grant. The Rer. Jas. Tread well, of Wanganui, will preach and preside. A collection will be taken, up iv aid of the church fund». A gold watob, nays a Marfborough paper, was found in the right hand branch of the Mahiikipawa Greek the other day, ,18in.' below the surface. It is supposed to have belonged to the wife of Captain Soromer ,ville, who was for several' years resident at the Grove. The watoh wue in a good state of preservation, and is aaid to havo been lest by Captain Sommerville when visiting the creek about 20 years ago. The late clerk of tha Hawera County Council, G. V. Bate, who is now under going a sentence in Mount Edeu Gaol for embezzlement, was a passenger by the Gairlooh on Tuesday. It seems that the Standard Insurance Co. gave a bond fcr £200 that Bate would carry out bis duties aB clerk iv a faitbful manner. 