The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 1877.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 67, 9 March 1877, Page 2

The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 1877.

The long winter evenings are now approaching, when, in many cases, time will hang heavily and some difficulty in finding amusement which, during the summer and autumn can readily be obtained out of doors. It is true, that during the winter this can be secured in the home circle, and, although this source of recreation is highly to be commended, still, as individuals living in a community do not live for themselves alone, but also for the good of society at large, so, those who enjoy the happiness of a well-regulated home, should endeavour to diffuse amongst those who are comparatively homeless the innocent pleasures which have afforded them so much delight. In speaking of those who are comparatively homeless, we mean young men who, residing at a distance from the paternal home, are thrown almost entirely upon their own resources in order to pass the time after the business of the day has closed. With such, the winter evenings drag most heavily along, and in too many instances the only sources of amusement open are the bar-parlor or the billiard-room. We do not mean, when affirming, that "it is the duty of those, who enjoy the " pleasures of a well-regulated home, to " diffuse innocent recreation amongst the " comparatively homeless," to advocate the adoption of a system of free invitations ; on the contrary, we have too much respect for the sanctity of home and its associations, to have its privacy needlessly invaded. What we mean is, that those who compose the home circle should be willing at times to emerge therefrom and give the public the benefit of those talents which have made the winter evenings at homo pass so pleasantly. In other words, what we wish to see announced ere long, is a well selected syllabus of weekly soirees, to be held in the Town Hall, Akaroa, during the coming winter evenings. Some of these might be devoted to lectures on literary and scientific subjects ; whilst, on others an entertainment consisting of vocal and instrumental music, interspersed with readings and recitations might be given ; a dramatic performance might with advantage be occasionally introduced. We are satisfied that local talent will be found, amply sufficient for the entertainment, and for the lectures : if Professor Bickerton could be induced to visit Akaroa, and deliver one or two of his popular scientific lectures, we are confident that any expense which may be incurred, will be amply repaid by the instruction and amusement afforded. Mr. Howard, the principal of the Normal School, might also be invited to address 'an audience on education. Mr. Howard is no dull prosaic lecturer, but treats his subject in a masterly manner, diversifying his remarks with racy and sparkling humour, and appearing to possess an inexhaustible fund of lively anecdote. Our friends, the Good Templars, might also occasionally give an open lodge meeting in the Town Hall. It would be a fine opportunity for the advocacy of their principles, and would show to the outside public, that an evening can be agree-

ably and profitably spent without the aid of the intoxicating cup. We have thus indicated a course by which some of the winter evenings may be enjoyed in a manner combining instruction with amusement. The necessary arrangements will have to be made by others, but we do hope that ere long some effort will be made in order to bring about so desirable a result.