HBH 1890 July 5 local Messrs YATES and TAIAROA as referees in the two matches be acquiesced in by the Union. Meeting of the Hawke's Bay Branch of the Federated Timber Workers' Association was held last night in the Methodist schoolroom, Mr RAMSAY in the chair. Mr B B CREAGH was appointed delegate to visit the country districts and enroll members. Thirty six new members were admitted to the association. The meeting of the Half Holiday Association met at Mrs LANG's last night. Co-respondent writes that Constable WILSON has been seized by "La Grippe" alias known as influenza Following will represent the County second in the match against NAPIER at FARNDON today. H CATHERALL, RANGI, H BLAKE, MONDAY, CAULTON, PEETI, WELLS, J CATHERALL, L ANDERSON, SYMOND, ROBINSON, TAHU, RAIHAMA, F STOWE, CATHERALL. Emergencies: - J MARONEY, JOE, KURO, KANI. It may not be generally known (says a Wellington exchange) that the English sparrow, which at present is scarcely regarded by the New Zealand farmer and orchardist as a harmless, necessary importation, was first introduced into the colony by Sir Walter -then-Dr BULLER. Sir Walter BULLER stated at last night's meeting of the Philosophical Society, stated in the year 1865, when in LONDON he advertised for 100 sparrows, for the procuration of which, and their delivery in WELLINGTON, he offered, on behalf of the Provincial Government, no less a sum than £106....more..then he has not altered his opinion that they are the friend rather than the enemy of the settlers. The concert held at St Andrew's Hall last evening in aid of the PORT AHURIRI district school prize fund was a great success. Chair taken by Mr GALLOWAY Musical portion of the entertainment was opened: - A pianoforte duet played by the Misses DENHOLM Vocal solos-Mrs COULSON, Misses FLETCHER and BUCHANAN Messrs BENSON and GALLOWAY Misses KRAEFT and DENHOLM sang a duet Messrs J G HUGHES and HUME contributed several items. Misses MURRAY-piano duet Mr PUFLETT thanked the audience on behalf of the committee. A young man named KNIGHT was arrested at WOODVILLE yesterday by Constable TREANOR, on a charge of vagrancy. HEMPTON, the amateur 100 yards champion of AUSTRALIA, will make his first appearance on a Hawke's Bay ground as a three quarter back for NAPIER.