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Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 156, 15 January 1878, Page 2

We beg to draw tho attention of the electors to the meeting called by W. Montgomery, Esq., M.H.R., for to-morrow night, when that gentleman will address his constituents, and review the legislation of the past session.

In confirmation of the facts stated in a letter, which appeared in our columns, relative to the ascents of the volcanic mountain, Tongariro, the Wairarapa Register of the 7th inst., has the following : —" A short time ago a Press Agency telegram informed us that Tongariro had been ascended " for the first time " by Mr Connolly, an artist. A writer in the Akakoa Mail refers to Dr HochstetterV work, in which he states that Mr Bidwill ascended the mountain in 1839, and Mr Dyson in 1851. The writer, who does not give his name, adds that he himstlf ascended it in 1870, while another party ascended in 1872. These statements agree with records, and pan therefore be relied upon."

The Temuka Leader in giving an account of an accident which occurred at Ivakahu, says:—" Frominformationreceived a lad who was driving a reaping-machine accidently got one of his arms fearfully lacerated," and goes on further to state that "the sufferer sustained great loss of blood previous to the arrival oi physical aid." Is this intended as a compliment to the local police ?

They seem to understand in Reefton how to get at peoples pockets for religious and charitable purposes, as we observe, in the Inangahua Times oi the 4th inst., that, " the Hospital Fete Committee expect to be able to hand over £100 to the funds of that institution, and that £200 nett has been realised by a bazaar held in aid of the Church of England Church Building Fund, which amount is sufficient to clear the building from." Creditable this to the liberality of the Reeftonites 1

An advertisement in another column notifies that tlie Alleen Troupe of acrobats, vocalists, &c, will give performances in the Town Hall on the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd inst. Judging by the critiques, on this company's performances, which we have read in the Wellington, Christchurch, Timaru, and Oamaru papers, we confidently predict that the entertainments given by them are far in advance of anything that has been seen here previously. Whereever this company have performed they have always-drawn full houses,a fact which speaks for itself as to the capabilities and powers of each and every performer. As a sample of the criticisms, by our couiteniporaries, on the astounding feats of some of the artists, we clip the following from the Oamaru Evening Mail of the Bth inst: " We were prepared for something novel when we attended the Alleen Troup performance last night ,* but our expectations in this respect were greatly exceeded. We scarcely expected ever to see a "human " man tie himself into knots like so much rope, and yet this wonderful feat was effected by De Bries, the contortionist and india-rubber man ; nor were we aware that there was any child in this hemisphere half so clever as a dancer and delineator of negro character as Master Elder the younger, who was assisted by an elder brother, who is also clever. What we admire about the entertainment is that the company is not only clever, but presents a varied programme. The one-legged gymnast (Elder) and his colleagues, Messrs Laural and Lamont—but more especially the first-named—performed some miracnlyus feats, but the graceful flying leaps and evolutions of Alleen Laural were delightful, and proved her to be the most accomplished lady gymnast that has ever visited this Colony, Mr Marshall, whose voice has greatly improved, sang during the evening, the favourite song, " My old friend, John," being his best effort. " The Mischievous Monkey," a most laughable farce, concluded the entertainment."

The yacht Winona is still in the harbour, and we are glad to think that the place presents sufficient attractions to detain Mr Street here for even a few days. We should not hesitate to assert that the prosperity of Akaroa was assured, were it to be made a pleasure haven by other yatch owners in this island.

It is not perhaps generally known that Bodies Corporate require, by the Act, to have a seal. One or two of our local Road Boards might take a hint in time on this point. Tojthose who make a practice of bathing, it may not be a superfluous warning to inform them that of late sharks have been evidently becoming more numerous in this harbour, and to be of larger dimensions than those commonly frequenting these waters. During the last week no less than three or four of these fish, measuring from five to six feet have been caught in the fishing nets, and there is no saying that their confreres may not be about when children are bathing.

The Right Rev. Bishop Redwood, intends visiting Akaroa, in company with tbe Be v. Father Henneberry and tlie Rev. J. J. Donovan. His Lordship will reside at the priest's house whilst here, and will assist at the, special mission and other services which are to take place during theensning week- The Bishop and party are expected to arrive on Friday next, via Pigeon Bay..

A rather unusual case was tried in the Resident Magistrate's Court Pigeon Bay, on Wednesday last, 9th January, when Mr J. Goodwin brought an action against Mr T. M'lntosh, for mustering his sheep without having given due notice, according to clause 47 of the Canterbury Sheep Ordinance, 1872. The case, however, was dismissed, as the information was wrongly laid, and should have been placed under the 7th section of the Amended Act of 1874. The next case which came before the Court was between the same parties, the plaintiff in this instance snmmonsing the defendant for having in his possession twenty sheep with more than one-third of the ear cut off, contrary to clause 7 of thesame Act. This action also fell through, as the clause under .which proceedings were taken referred to the cutting of the ears, not. the possession of sheep which had so mutilated, the onus of proof as to the party cutting the ear, or ears, lying with the plaintiff. As Mr Goodwin failed to sub-. f stant ; ate the charge, and, in fact, said that he had no proof what- ver that Mr M'lntosh cut the sheep's ears, the Bench dismissed the case, from which, together with the former one, a lesson may be taken hy sheep owners on the Peninsula.

On the evening of Saturday, the 12th inst., advantage was taken of the temporary return of Mr A. R. Inwood to present that gentleman with a small testi-" monial of the regard and respect which his many acts of kindness, . and his long continued services to St. Peter's Church, in the capacity of organist, during his stay in Akaroa, had only deservedly inspired. The presentation took place at Bruce's Hotel, and was, as might be expected, numerously attended. Mr Justin Aylmer occupied the chair, and the Rev. P. C. Anderson the vice-chair. The former stated that he had great pleasure in presenting the guest of the evening, Mr Inwood, with a beautiful marble clock, suitably inscribed, and explained somewhat fully the reasons for the presentation. This was responded to by Mr Inwood, who stated that he was unable to express his feelings at the unexpected gift, but that there was one thing he could say, which was, that he knew the people of Akaroa very well by this time, and that he had received great kindnesses at their hands. Mr J. D. Garwood here proposed the health of Mr Inwood, and also made some remarks appropriate to the occasion, which were responded to by Mr Inwood. Mr H. Bridge proposed the health of the vice-chairman, the Rev Mr Anderson, and in the course of his remarks stated that a fund was in existence, connected with the Akaroa Mail, for the procuring of a better organ for St. Peter's Church. A subscription list was opened in the room, and the sum of two guineas collected, while more subscriptions were promised. The evening concluded with a few songs kindly given by certain gentlemen present, k being generally the opinion that a most social reI union had been passed.