Untitled

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 132, 23 October 1877, Page 2

At a special summoned meeting of the Loyal Good Intent Lodge, 1.0.0.F.,M.U., held at.. their lodge room Jollie-street Akaroa, on Saturday evening, the 20th instants-it was resolved to erect a new hall on the land recently purchased by the lodge from Dr Wat kins. We have been shown the plans, which are by Mr ASimpson, and consider the building will be' when erected, an ornament to the town. The proportions, according to the plan, are length 80 feet, width 35 feet, height of walls, 22 feet.

In addition to the amount being raised by private subscription for the widow and family of the late Inspector Barsham, we have been informed,that the Hon. the Minister of Justice has placed an inspector's one year's pay toward the same object, subject to the approval of Parliament.

The yacht " Venture," belonging to Mr G. Black, is now being altered so as to bring her within the tonnage required by the conditions of the Lyttelton Regatta yacht race. She is to be raised a foot, and otherwise enlarged, by effecting which t her owner is sanguine as to the result being a great improvement on her former sailing capabilities. We trust Mr Black may find everything turn out as successfully as he anticipates, and that the boat may give such a good account of herself) both at Lyttelton here, or elsewhere he may send her. that the expense incurred through his praiseworthy and plucky spirit of emulation may be defrayed by the prizes,carried off. ■-■'

The tear and entertainment to the children attending the Akaroa Government School, took place, as notified, in the school-house, on Friday evening, the.l 9th instant. Everything passed off successfully, both children in years and children of riper years, appeared gratified with the catering to their bodily wants, so liberally supplied by the ladies, who assisted Mr. Nicholls, in displaying hospitality, and the concomitants generally provided on occasions of this nature. The singing of the children, especially in " Now pray we for our country," was extremely creditable, as was also the acting of a charade! Headings and recitations were very well rendered by • some of the, scholars, and altogether the treat was. one that, no doubt, the children will ■ look back upon with pleasure. We almost forgot to mention that a Christmas-tree, with its .diversified fruit, was, to the children, one of the principal attractions. A- selection of music was played during the evening by Miss Connell, on.a piano lent for the occasion by Mrs J. D.bavis.

. A public meeting 'of ratepayers Was held at the Boa'd Board Office, Akaroa, on Saturday last, for the purpose of hearing any objections that might-be .offered., to. the proposed selling of a piece of the old Duvauchelle's Bay Road in accordance with section 93, sub-sections 1 to 3, of the "Public Works Act 1876." There was" a good attendance of ratepayer's'from the locality more immediately concerned in the matter, considerable interest being felt, as it is the first occasion of this part of the Act being put into force on the Peninsula 1 . Mr Martindale Avas the chief objector, and urged in support of his objection, that the piece of road proposed to be sold was of great convenience to foot passengers as a short cut, and "to persona driving cattle and sheep, , also that it was an assistance to traffic by relieving the new road. Many other minor objections were brought forward, the question being thoroughly discussed on .its merits by either aide. The. Chairman of the Road Board, Mr Piper, then called for a show of hands,'resulting InJl2 for, and 9 against, the proposed sale, which will take place accordingly. We question the wisdom of the * ratepayers in their decision on. this matter, and are of "opinion that they should not part with any land they are possessed of. Once passed into pnvate hands, the land is lost to them for ever, and, seeing that they have no prospect of acquiring more, every inch of land is valuable, and is not lightly to be parted with.

A meeting of the local com.nittee of the In'iian Famine Relief Fund was held at the Borough Council Chambers yesterdayevening. It was arranged that as much money as could be collected should be sent to Ohristchurch to-morrow, by His Worship .the Mayor, the opinion being that quite fifty pounds could be so remitted.

In the arbitration case, Sigley and Dixon v. Borough Council, Mr E. C. Latter for the Council. Mr Dalgleish for the contractors the arbitrators have awarded the sum of £121 15s to the claimants, the cost of arbitration, 5 guineas, to be defrayed by the Council. The award appears in full in our report of the Council meeting. There was no business transacted at the R. M. court on Friday last. ,

Thei offertory collections at St."Peter's Church, on Sunday last, were in aid -of the Indian Famine Relief Fund, L*arge congregations attended both" inoriiiog and evening services, the amount collected being nearly ten pounds. "

Strenuous efforts are being made by ; the Committee of the Indian Famine Relief Fund to collect subscriptions, and otherwise give publicity to the movement. Printed subscription lists may be seen at all places of business, and we trust the public will liberally respond to this singular, and unusual demand on their charity. In Christchurch, the Committee have been most energetic, and almost any and every fil an has been devised , artd set on foot, to augment the general fund,, with such success up to the present time that £1,000 has left by this mail for Madras to be applied to the relief of- sufferers. With us only a little can be done, but all should take part in it. Let' there be a house to house visitation by the Committee, and let each one give something, even if it is ever so trifling, according to his means, and the result will be satisfactory, in so far as we shall know that we have dons our best.

The New Life Lodge, LO.G-.T., Head of the Bay, Akarba, celebrated its second annieversary on Friday lastj the 19th. inst by a'tea irieeting and entertainment in the school room. About 70 sat down to a really excellent tea, .provided by".the Brothers and Sisters of the Lodge. After doing ample justice to the good things provided, the roonvwas cleared for the entertainment. Bro. W. H. Clements D,D.G.W.C.T. occupied the chair; the chairman in a few -opening remarks, pointed out that drink had been the ruin of people in all grades of society, and urged strongly on all present to come forward and v join the Order. The room was well filled with an attentive audience who listened with pleasure to songs by Bros. Gutberlet,

Crevey, Smith, McK.iy, Readings by

Bros. Harlock, Berland; Robinson, and Mr Blythen. The entertainment was brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem.

To Contractors. —As specification (to be seen at (the Coutwal • Chambers) says : that no coping should have been put,on footpaths,, njiain roads. Tenders are called* to be sent in at full moon, for taking /off all this coping, and cutting 1£ inch ofl tops of piles. Specification at Sunckell's Well. . No 6\ d Birds permitted fluttering about this desirable, important, practical work. Rob Roy on a : gr&ij mare, with a Hospital Pe?m, will note in a straight line on foolscap.what becomes of the timber.— [Auvt.o ;: • . ; . , ..._...