The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1877.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 81, 27 April 1877, Page 2

The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1877.

■•During a debate in the House of " Lords, Lord Derby intimated that the " Government had no i hope of averting ** war. England was not desirous of in- " terfering, but the Government reserved " the right to protect English interests." Such is the ominous intelligence flashed along the electric cable only a few days since. Probably, ere now, actual hostilities between Russia and. Turkey have commenced, for they will be the chief belligerent powers, although before the struggle ceases other powers may be drawn into the strife. If only Russia and Turkey are involved, there can be but little doubt as to the ultimate issue the ere ent will fall before the cross, for however bravely the Ottomans may fight, the tremendous power of Russia will eventually crush all the forces which Turkey is able to bring into the field. It is, however, to be feared, that the conflict will not thus be confined, but that other great European powers will be drawn into the vortex of strife. Should England be one of these, it becomes a question, how are the Colonies to be defended ? New Zealand will be specially exposed, for her defences are absolutely nothing. We do not fear the invasion of a hostile force to occupy the country, whathas to be guarded against is the visit of a ship of war or privateer, which 1 under the threat of bombardment, would levy heavy contributions by way of immunity, and then sail away rejoicing in the spoil. It becomes a serious matter for the consideration of Government how far they are prepared to meet such an attack, and what means they have at command to repel such aggression. If, as we shrewdly suspect, they have none, then let them at once sound the note of preparation, and commence in right earnest to prepare, always remembering that "to be forewarned is to be fore- | armed."

The port of Akaroa has honoured with a flying visit from His Excellency the Governor, the steamer Hinemoa, which was conveying the vice-regal party to the South being compelled to put in through stress of weather. We are informed that the Hinemoa would have ran in on the previous night had there been a light at the heads to have shown the entrance to the harbour ; and, that for the same reason the steamer Wellington was also prevented from seeking shelter. Surely if anything will be the means of stirring up the Government this will, at once, to erect the lighthouse at the heads, or do they need a wreck or two, and perhaps a number of valuable lives sacrificed, before they will see the necessity of placing a light which would point to a sure " Harbour of Refuge."