Trade is not in a flourishing state, several members walking about, who would gladly seek a more favorable field if their finances would permit. Mr T. E. D. Fox, who some time ago dropped his stick and took to station-work, lately left for Australia, where other New Zealand comps have met with good success.

At the half-yearly meeting of the Hawke's Bay Branch of the N.Z.T.A., the balance-sheet showed a credit balance from last half-year of £11 3s 6d; receipts from all sources, £22 14s; expenditure, £27 5s; leaving a credit balance of £6 12s 6d. The report showed that during the half-year 11 members had joined and 11 had left, leaving the number at 36. It set forth at length the action of the Board during the strike; also the negociation between the Board and two country newspaper offices in regard to the admission of the latter into the roll of society houses. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. Mr D. Archibald, the present Acting-Secretary, was appointed to the office for the unexpired term of six months. Votes of thanks were passed to the President, Mr J. H. Long, and the Secretary, Mr J. Carruth, for their efforts in endeavoring to have a branch of the Master Printers' Association formed in Napier, and regrets were expressed that these efforts had not been successful.

The proposals laid before the master printers in reference to tendering were: (1) That no tender be sent in for local bodies' work. (2) That a minimum price be agreed upon for tendering. (3) That each office tender for different bodies' work at its own price, position to be decided by mutual agreement, and rotation of tendering to be changed each year. The reply of the Herald was that while fully sympathising with the objects of the movement, and willing to give all assistance, they thought that so long as three daily papers were published in Napier, it would be found impracticable. The manager of the News replied to the effect that he had already made an attempt to bring about an understanding, but without success. He added: « At present the work of public bodies is done for next to nothing. » The proprietor of the Telegraph curtly replied that he had no reason to believe that any need existed for a Master Printers' Association, and he considered it out of place for employees in other establishments to raise the point as to the management of his business. A reply was sent telling him that he had completely misunderstood the objects of the Typographical Association.

Mr J. Langley, foreman of the Herald bookbinding department, has entered the holy estate of matrimony; and he and his partner have the best wishes of the Craft in Hawke's Bay for their future happiness.