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Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 177, 29 March 1878, Page 2

We would remind those of our readers who have not as yet paid a visit to Mr Teagne's photographic studio, that, if they wish to avail themselves of that gentleman's services, they must do so at once, as his establishment closes on Tuesday next.

A letter appears in our correspondence column, which conveys some useful hints to Akaroa residents. It is always well, in the language of Burns, "To seeoursels' as itbers see us." There is no doubt that our esteemed correspondent calls attention to what is really a crying want, viz., the absence of bathing accomadaton. If the corporation, about whose impecuniosity we hear so much, cannot move in the matter, we should imagine that private enterprise might step in. Baths have proved lucrative investments in other places, and there is no locality more era. inently suited for such an establishment than Akaroa.

We ha\e heard numerous enquiries as to the value in British money of the enormous war indemnity demanded of Turkey by her victors. For the information of such of our readers as may not be well acquainted with foreign currency, we may state that the Russian rouble is worth 3s 2f d in British money.

We call the attention of our readers to the fact that to-morrow is the last day on which claims to have their names inserted on the electoral roll can be received. We observe by an advertisement in another column that Mr M'Gregor will attend at the offices of the Borough Council to-day and to-morrow up to nine o'clock p.m., to receive olaims. From the Oamaru Evening Mail of the 25th instant, we clip the following :—"A special train arrived here from Timaru last evening, consisting of 56 vehicles, for the purpose of conveying the animals helonging to Messrs' Bailey and Cooper's menagerie and circus to Oamaru from Pukariti. The above vehicles will, with the addition of several extra carriages, be formed into three trains. The first will leave Oamaru at 4 p.m.; the second and third at about 7 p.m. to-day." This will give some idea of the gigantic character of this monster " show." All our contemporaries express unqualified approval of this wonderful exhibition, which we observe is to open in Christchurch on Saturday, the 30th instant. The entertainment provided comprises not only a circus, with an exceptionally strong company, but also a collection of rare and curious animals, and a host of wonders too numerous to particularise. It is unfortunate for the denizens af Akaroa that they are off the lines of railway,' as we observe that the authorities are providing every facility for the public in other places to visit the exhibition by means of special trains, at cheap rates and special hours. We understand, however, that arrangements arc making for some cheap trips, particulars of which will be duly notified. We heartily recommend such of our readers

as can any wise accomplish it. to pay a visit to an exhibition which is certainly without a parallel in the colonies, if not in the world.

By a telegram, kindly placed at our disposal by his Worship the Mayor, we learn that the population of the municipality, according to the census just completed, is 642, consisting of 304 males, and 338 females. As the municipality was not formed at the time the last census was taken, it is impossible to compare this result with that of the census taken in 1874. At that time the " town " of Akaroa was credited with a population of 645, but as it is impossible that the population has remained stationary for four years; the difference in boundaries is the only explanation of an apparent nomaly that suggests itself. We observe by notification in another column, that the Rev. Mr Burnett, of Ashburton, will conduct the services in the Presbyterian Church, Akaroa, on Sunday next, during the temporary absence of the Rev. Mr Douglas. The case of the man named Hochensen, referred to in our last, is going on very favorably. Dr Guthrie removed the bandages yesterday, and the state of the hand shews conclusively the value of the treatment with carbolic acid, which has been adopted. The incisions made where the flesh was comparatively healthy were nearly healed, and there were no signs of inflammation. There are two other patients at present in the hospital, from Okain's Bay. A man named Coffin had his foot turned under him, and another, Peter Johnson, sustained a slight injury to the knee. Both are doing well.

A novel objection to pay rates appears to have been made at Kaiapoi, according to the following paragraph, which we clip from the Press; —At the Kaiapoi Magistrate's Court, on Monday, a wbdd cutter, known as," Schnapps," urged that, being seventy-four years of age, he was too old to pay municipal rates. In whatever part of the world, whether the Fatherland, England,' America, or New Zealand, he had never paid, and because he now had a house it was too late to begin. It was stated the defendant had a large sum of money in the Bank. Defendant replied he liked to keep his money, and when he died he would have to leave it. The Resident Magistrate asked if he meant to leave it to the municipality. The Defendant—"No, sir—(laughter)—but I have been free in every country, and ought to be free here." The Resident Magistrate— " Well, the Mayor says we may adjourn the case, and you can ask the Council to remit the claim." If this case is to form a precedent, we tremble for the Borough Council here. Impecunious now, what will become of them, if the people here can escape payment of rates on the ground of being " too old," It is notorious that in Akaroa people can live as long as they like, and the thought of the probable consequences is enough to turn our Mayor and Councillors grey. Our energetic Town Clerk must gird up his loins, and be prepared to join issue with all comers trying on the patriarchal dodge. One gleam of comfort we descry —no lady will ever be mean enough to claim exemption on this ground.

An American paper thus indulges in the use of P's :—" Persons who patronise papers should pay promptly, for the pecuniary prospects of the press have peculiar power in pushing forward public prosperity. If the printer is paid promptly and his pocket-book kept plethoric by prompt paying patrons, he puts his pen to paper in peace ; he paints his pictures of passing events in more pleasant colors, and the persual of his paper is more pleasure to the people. Paste this piece of proverbial philosophy in some place where all persons can perceive it. Be pleased also to ponder upon it thyself patiently, and perseveringly -and profitably, and persistently practise its precepts perpetually."