Untitled

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 174, 19 March 1878, Page 2

A most serious accident, attended with fatal results, happened on Friday last to a man named Neilson at Le Bon's Bay. It appears that one of the trucks from Mr Smith's - mill, becoming detached from the rope,. came down the shoot at a terrific pace, and ran off the jetty on to the E. U. Cameron, schooner, which was moored at the end, taking the mast clean out of her, a splinter, as it is supposed, striking Neilson who was in the boat alongside, and knocking him into the water, where he floated for some^five

minutes, apparently in an unconscious-, state. On , being picked up lie was found to be insensible, and it was evident that his arm waa broken, but no serious apprehensions were aroused. Dr Guthrio was at once sent for, and was speedily in attendance. On examination, it was found that the unfortunate man was most severely injured, for, besides his arm being fractured in two places, he waa suffering from concussion of the brain, his chest was crushed in, and some of the ribs had penetrated the lungs. Dr Guthrie, of course, did all that was possible for the sufferer, but gave but little hope from the first of his ultimate recover} , . Neilsondied on Sunday last, and an inquest was held yesterday when the jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

The Little River Eoad Board are apparently honorably intent on redeeming the pledges given at the election in January. The serious inconvenience and loss-endured by the bulk of the settlers in the Little River valleys was on that occasion freely admitted, and remedies of a comprehensive character promised. These have been entered upon with a will. Men are actively engaged in erecting a new bridge near the school at the junction of the main road with that of the Eastern Valley, and a contract has been entered into with Mr G. Saxton for raising the road that extends from the bridge to the hill slopes of the Education reserve. This road heretofore has been under water many months of the year, it is now to be raised four feet above the lowest part of the existing level to a uniform height. Great improvements are also in progress in the Western Valley. Several men are engaged in forming its main road, and this work will be prosecuted from the junction with the Christchurch and Akaroa road near the Post Office, till the base of tiie ridge is reached, beyond which lies Fort Levy—a distance of nearly 2 miles. From the termination of this road a bush track is being cut off six feet in width to the top of the ridge which hare is. known as the " Wai puna '> but the width of this bush track must be ascribed to an error of judgment. A track cut and cleared 6 feet wide with a wall of growing scrub on each side of it, is, as a thoroughfare, an absurdity. The branches of the growing scrub will meet across the track after one season's growth. With this exception these works reflect credit on the Board.

We observe in the tabulated statement of particulars of, the recent " prize firing '' between the Chriatchureh High School cadets and those of Titnaru, that Master A. J. Joblin, of Little Kiver, carried off the finst prize with 8 points to spare. The same lad took the first prize of the Opawa School at the Christmas examination.

Now that wheeled traffic is becoming more common in our streets, it is of the utmost importance both for the safety of life and limb, as well as for the furtherance of such traffic, that our thoroughfares should be made as free as possible from all danger to those driving. With a view to this, we wish to call the attention of the Borough Council to the necessity for a railing being placed on either side of the road, at the ends of the culvert between the residences of Mr Allott and Mr Armstrong on the beach road. The sea wall is also very dangerous for vehicles, especially if the horses are. given to shying, or are what is terned "fresh"—it is merely a case of a swerve to one side, should! another trap be passing at the same time, atid there is nothing to save both vehicle and horse from probably going over the wall. We are of opinion that a light fence would be of the utmost service at this place, and recommend the suggestion to the consideration of the Borough Council. By a notification which appears in our advertising columns our readers will observe that the poll for the election of a member of the Okain's District Eoad Board will lake place on Saturday, the 23rd iust. The candidates for the vacant seat are Messrs P. Callaghan and T. H. Oldridge. For further particulars we reier ratepayers to the advertisement in question.

We have .to draw the attention of our readers to an advertisement in another column re " The Public Libraries Subsidies Act, 1877." It may, possibly, now that it comes to be a question .of the appointment of a grant in proportion to the amount voluntarily subscribed, be a matter of regret to some here that they have not been more zealous in their support of our local Public Library. We trust this instance may stir them up and cause them to be more liberal for the future. Owing to the late hour at which business was commenced at the Akaroa and Wainui Eoad Board Office or Saturday evening last, very little work could be done. The Board will meet again to-day, at 10 a.m.

There were no cases set down for hearing at the li.M. Court on Friday last

We have much pleasure in being able to announce that Sir Geo. Grey has deter, mined to pay a visit to Akaroa before returning North. His Worship the Mayer and some members of the Borough Council instructed the Town Clerk to forward the following telegram to Sir George on Saturday last: —''Akaroa, 16th March, 1878. Sir George Grey, Christchurch, — The corporation and people of Akaroa much wish to see you in their Borough before you return North, trusting that in your tour you will not overlook the oldest and most historical settlement in the Middle Island. A Large public work is proposed to be earned out here, having for its object the connecting of Akaroa Harbour with the railway system cjf the colony, and which we deem it important; Ministers should see.—A. I. M'Gregor, Town Clerk." A telegram was .also forwarded" "to Mr Montgomery, M.H.R., asking him Jo see the Premier, and, if he consented to come, to accompany him. The result was that yesterday Sir George telegraphed as follows :—" Christchurch, 18th March, 1878. His Worship the Mayor, Akaroa, —I thank the Mayor and corporation of Akaroa for their kind invitation, and recognise all they say in favor of their historical and beautiful settlement, to which I am also attached from the happy days I have passed there on several occasions many years since. Will have the pleasure of visiting Akaroa on Wednesday. The hour of my arrival I shall notify to-day or tomorrow.—G. Grey." The Borough Council held a special meeting evening to make arrangements for the Premier's reception, when it was resolved to present him with an address, after which the local official personages will he introduced. Sir George Grey will then visit the public institutions. A luncheon is to be prepared at WagstafPs Hotel, where, as the Council cannot obtain the Town Hall, the Premier will address the public. An advertisement in another column invites the attendance of the .residents in the district.

The Temnka Leader of the 13th inst. has the following coitimuncement to an article headed ''Temuka Wesleyan Church":- — "On Sunday last the anniversary of the above church commemoration sermons preached by the Eev W. P. Marten of Ashburton, the each being excellent." We cannot understand this specimen of paragaphing. It may be clear and concise to its writer, but to us it is just the antipodes of lucidity. Like the euchre player " We pass."

The revenue returns of the United Kingdom for the year 1877 showed a gross total of £78,680,554, which was an increase of £1.200,000 over and above the revenue received during the year 1876. The item of customs duties showed a decrease from the amount received during the previous year of £313,000, and in excise there was also a diminution of £485,000, but on the other hand there was an increase of £1,641,000 received from the tax on property.

The delapidated state of the fences surrounding the Government School is a disgrace both to the Committee, . and the place itself. We are of opinion that all the appurtenances of a Government building, or buildings rather under Government administration, should be characterised especially by order and neatness. Surely very little respect can be felt by the children for the school, when the fencing round it is only fit for a pig-stye, moreover, wo opine it is merely for the Committee to ask the Board of Education for a sum of money sufficient to fence the grounds in properly, and they would receive it. Are the Committee afraid of doing this, for fear of being refused ? Or do they feel that in indulging in any expenditure they are spending money of their own, or what ? We trust the matter will be taken up and receive due attention so that we may see a speedy alteration for the better in this respect. All we can say for the fence is that it it is in keeping with the Government Buildings 'whichit adjoins!

Sergeant Ramsay has returned from Waikekikara, where it was rumoured that an individual, armed with a revolver, was wandering about, and informs us that the report had only a slight foundation of truth in it. It appears that a man is living there in a cave, but that he is now building himself a whare, and, beyond seeming to be a little eccentric, is perfectly quiet and orderly and seems to be a man of some birth and education.

The ketch XXX came alongside the wharf yesterday, having taken in her cargo at the Head of the Bay. Capt. Donovan at once commenced the work of taking out the broken mast, in preparation for stepping the new one which is being made by Mr J. Higgins. The new spar is a splendid piece of kauri, and will be much larger and heavier than the former one, and from all appearances the gale would have to be a strong one, indeed, that would carry it away. The workmanship reflects great credit on Mr Higgins, who has, however, on many other occasions here proved Ills skill in this kind of work. Since writing the above, the new mast has been stepped, the rigging fitted, and the craft is now ready for sea.

In the Neio Zealand Herald of the 23rd ult., is published an account of the arrival at Auckland of the schooner Saxon, w Irish it will be remembered put in here dismasted. In his statement of the events of the voyage Capt. McKenzie refers to the attention and kindness he received when here, and for which he, through the medium of the journal above quoted, publicly thanks the Akaroa community.

An adjourned meeting of the Akaroa School Committee was held in the school room on Monday evening, the 11th inst. Present—Messrs Bruce, Missen, Annand and Meech (Chairman). The previous minutes were read and confirmed. The Chairman read the outgoing correspondence, also the following from the Board of Education:—A list of the persons nominated as members of the Board of Education. Also a letter advising the Committee of the postponement of the election of the Board, also that Miss Isabella Bruce had passed her January Examination, A letter sanctioning expenditure of £10forextragymnasticapparatus, and informing the Committee of the sum of £20 being placed to their credit at the Bank of New Zealand for incidental expenses. A memo from the school master re various repairs necessary, and the want of certain maps black-boards &c. The Chairman was requested to see these wants attended to. The Chairman was also directed to get two globes for use in the school, as there is nothing of the sort there at present, and they are much needed. The meeting then adjourned to the first Monday in April, when the annual school treat will be considered, and also the erection of an extra class room.

We have to remind our readers of the annual tea meeting in connection with the Presbyterian. Church, which is advertised to take place in the Town Akaroa, on Wednesday, the 20th inst. The former success of these social gatherings here is a sufficient-guarantee that a very pleasant evening will be spent, while from the well know ability of the speakers, and the care that is beinic exercised in practising the musical portion of the evening's proceedings, it is more than probable that this meeting may even surpass those of previous years.

Amongst the works in progress by the Okain's Road Board, we are glad to be-able to notice the blinding of the so called-shingle on the main road in the Little- Akaloa Valley and also the diversion of the- same road above Turner's. We understand* the Board intend pushing this work on, as a proof of which we may state that the line has been surveyed, and a contract for clearing the bush has been accepted.