The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER, 14.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 121, 14 September 1877, Page 2

The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER, 14.

Yesterday's election proceedings were considerably enlivened by the appearance on the scene of an effigy, of sanctimonious visage, adorned with the regalia of a certain Order, a few characteristics of the chimney building trade, including Mr Luheau's bricks, a large oyster shell, and a ledger devoid o£ pages and entitled " Burnt accounts." Having been carried in procession round the town, attended by a very brazen band, the figure was deposited in front of the Borough Council Chambers, where, with book on knee, it seemed to offer np'continuarprayer for the various candidates. The devotional and sanctified appearance of this " man of straw " which by-the-bye was said to bear a striking resemblance to a local celebrity, instilled into tho minds of a few ardent admirers the idea of hoisting the good old thing " with his own petard " aud so aiding his ascent to other regions. With a view to this, subscriptions were started on the spot, and nobly rcsponded|to. so that in a short time sufficient had been collected to provide a large quantity of gunpowder, and a supply of fireworks. After the result of the poll had been made known, the effigy was launched on to the waves with four pounds of powder under his person, and amid the cheers of spectators and a brilliant display of fireworks, the image was blown up. •' Decus et decorum est pro patria Mori."

The many friends, in this district of Captain Lloyd, late of the s.s. Wellington, will be surprised to hear of his having given up a seafaring life, and of his being appointed station-master at Chertsey, on the southern line of railway. We are informed that Chertsey is situated between Rakaia and Ashburton.

We beg to draw the attention of our readers to an advertisement in another column, relating to a proposed art union of what are really works of art. We have had the pleasure of seeing these views of our adopted land, and consider them gems of the pictorial art. Any attempt at description, by us, would fall far short of reality. We therefore advise our readers to call at Mr Daly's, and judge for themselves as to the merits of these realistically beautiful pictures.

Mr Hardie, C.E., one of the gentlemen who applied for the office of engineer to the Reclamation and Trust Board, paid a visit to this district last week. In conversation with a gentleman Avho takes great interest in the objects for which the Board is constituted, Mr Hardie expressed himself certain as to the feasibility of draining the lakes, and stated that he would stake his professional reputation on the possibility of it being permanently successfully drained.

We are informed that a cablegram has been received from Mr Latham, the engineer appointed hy the Lakes Reclamation and Railway Trust Board, stating that he had missed his passage from Sydney by the Rotorua, and would have to come on by the next steamer. Owing to this circumstar.ee, it is very doubtful whether Mr Latham will arrive in time for the next meeting of the Board, which is adjourned to Tuesday, 25th instant, at Wascoe's Beach Arms.

Of late years the hotels in Chrisrchureh have been showing marked improvements in every respect, upon what they previously were. This is especially to be noticed at Warnei's, alterations and improvements having been carried out in that hotel by its present proprietor, Mr Radcliffe, which makes it now the premier establishment of its class in Christchurch. The many «.vjdents of the Peninsula who make Warnei's their temporary habitation, cannot help but notice, with gratification, the difference between what has been, and what is now.

We have had the pleasure of perusing a letter dwelling upon the splendid reception and large atteruluaces in Christchurch accorded to Signora Majeioni's dramatic representations. The Majeroni's season at the Theatre Royal is expected to close on the 22nd, after which they play in Dunedin for four weeks; in Oamaru and Timaru each three nights, returning to Christchurch for another short season of one week; thence to Wellington for four weeks. We observe that our old acquaintance, Mr J. Gardner is agent for the Signor. Mr. G.s name and business qualities require no eulogy from us, for are they not known through the length and breadth of the colony !

We understand that the Loyal Good Intent Lodge 1.0.0.F.,.M.11., Akaroa, have purchased a section of land adjorn'ng the library, from Dr. Watkins, for the. sum of £150,* and that they intend erecting thereon a handsome commodious hall, for Lodge and other purposes.

We have to congratulate the Akaroa Hope Lodge of Good Templars on the acquisition of a piano. The instrument, which is a Brinsmead, has been bought from Messrs Milner and Thompson, of Christchurch, its price bing £50. Through the liberality of a lady member, who has advanced £25, without interest, for eighteen months, the lodge is enabled to pay'cash, therefore purchasing at the best edvantage, as £25 had previously been raised among the members.

The simple manner in which "accidents occasionally happen, was shown on Friday last, by an accident winch happened to the younger son of Mr Rodrigues. It seems that whilst playing with other boys, the lad fell, thereby causing one of his play-fellows to fall upon him, breaking one of his arms somewhat severely. Owing to the limb swelling, the fracture was not set until Sunday.

Mr B. Shadbolt has, we are informed, disposed of the York Steam Saw-mills to Mr Pettigrew. We understand that Mr Pettigrew intends removing the mill to Pigeon Bay, where he has a bush property containing, he supposes, enough timber to keep the mill in constant work for the next five years.

The entertainment advertised in our columns for the fouth instant, was held at the school-house, Okain's Bay, on the date specified, but, owing to the unsettled state of the Aveather, the Rev. D. O'Hampton was unable to attend and deliver his lecture on " Time." In his absence Mr Jos. Plutt was voted to the

chair, a programme, comprising songs, readings, and recitations was carried out by the following ladies and gentlemen : — The Misses. Hurt and Moore, and Messrs. Hutt, Wells, Moore, Gilbert, Sefton and Harris. Where all were so well appreciated it is hardly necessary to particularise, but the gem of the evening was decidedly a dialogue, very nicely icndered, by Messrs 11. and A. Sefton. The evening's amusement terminated by singing the National Authem, the proceeds, amounted to £2 19s 6d.