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Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 178, 2 April 1878, Page 2

Owing to pressure on our space, we are compell-d to hold over our leading article and other matter.

At a meeting of the Selwyn County Council held on Thursday last, the Chairman stated that the Resident Engineer of the Colonial Government had informed him that he had received instructions to proceed with the survey of the following branch railways in the County : —From a point on the Whitccliffs line to Rakaia Gorge; from a point on the Southbridge line to Little River. With regard to the latter railway it is of the utmost importance to Akaroa that the right '• point on the Southbridge line " should be selected. For many reasons we are of opinion that the only point likely to benefit Akaroa is Southbridge itself. The question is whether we want a railway to connect us with Christchurch, to bring a few additional visitors down, and enable Akaroa residents to take a quick trip up to ioiyn, or wish to utilize our magnificent port and tap the southern line of railway. If the latter be the object to be aimed at (and we scarcely think it admits of question) there can be no doubt that Southbridge is the place where the junction ought to take place. From this place, to Rakaia is a distance of only about ten or twelve miles over a level country. From Southbridge to Little River the line would run chiefly along the spit, and would be of an inexpensive character, inasmuch as there would be no land to purchase, and ballast would be abundant. If Lincoln, or any locality thereabouts be selected as the point of departure, our railway would probably only join the main line at the present Southbridge junction, certainly ] not further south than Rolleston. We need

hardly say that any produce which once reached Rolleston would infallibly go on to Christchurch, and Akaroa would gain nothing commercially by such a line. Powerful vested interests are involved in getting the line connected as near Christchurch as possible, and it behoves the people of Akaroa and the Peninsula generally to be up and stirring, and to endeavour to influence the decision to be arrived at, ere it be too late.

A cricket match was played at Wainui on Saturday last, which was got up by Messrs Smith, Walmsley, and A. Watkins, all old cricketers, and as the day was beautifully fine, and a good many visitors attended, a very pleasant day was spent. Considering all things the pitch played very true, but the outfielding was very rough. Messrs 11. Worsley and C. Barker chose sides, the latter side winning by 84 runs. The following are the scores :— Barker's side—first innings, 28; second, 114 ; total, 142. Worsley's side—first innings, 20 ; second, 38 ; total, 58. The visitors were most hospitably entertained at lunch, and we hope this is not the last cricket match we shall have to report at Wainui. We understand from Mr McGregor, Town Clerk, that the number 'of claims to be placed on the electoral roll received by him during Friday and Saturday amounted to over a hundred.

As will be seen by our advertising columns, our Oddfellow friends at Pigeon Bay intend celebrating the Anniversary of the Loyal Hand and Heart Lodge Pigeon Bay, by a ball which will take place in Mr Hay's barn on the evening of April sth.

On Thursday last the pupils of MrW. D. M'Clure, Schoolmaster, Barry's Bay, presented him with a handsome double inkstand as an acknowledgment of his persevering attention. The presentation was made on behalf of the children by the chairman of the School Committee

and Mr Walter Prime, and was accompanied by a letter signed by the pupils. We are pleased to record an occurrence of this kind. Though merely one of the ordinary routine of school life, it shows cordial relations between the teacher and the scholars, and must tend to help both on in their work.

' A oasual inspection of some of J the footpaths in this Borough has caused us to think somewhat. We observed an abnormally large and profuse growth of marshmallows gradually monopolising the pathways, to the danger of unwary pedestrians, especially at night, the risk of being tripped up being imminent: Taking into consideration the present financial position of the Council and the fact that marshmallows make an escellent poultice, and that their growth would seem to be rather encouraged than checked, we have put " two and two together," and come to the conclusion that a new local industry, viz., material for poulticing, or, (happy thought!) for extracting the rates, and half cost of the said footpaths from certain burgesses by judicious application, has been initiated by the Borough Council with a view to replenishing the municipal coffers. But would it not be better to grow a crop on some of the reserves, say, and keep the footpaths in proper order ?

His Worship the Mayor, Mr H. G, Watkins, informs us that he has recehed from E. C. Latter, Esq., a cheque for £4 2s 6d, being the amount of subscriptions collected by that gentleman in aid of Mrs Bunny. The total amount collected for this charitable purpose up to- the present time amounts to £50 3s. Tins is but another instance, and one which it gives us sincere pleasure to record, of the readinesss of the inhabitants of the Peninsula to respond to calls of this nature.

There was no sitting of the R. M. Court on Friday last, owing to the absence of the Resident Magistrate who is holding Assessment Courts. FortliHsamereason the Court will not sit this morning, unless anything special necessitates two justices being impressed for the occasion.

On Friday last, Mr 11. G. Watkins, the Mayor, accompanied by Mr Black, the engir.eer in charge of the light-bouse works, and several other gentlemen, proceeded down the harbor in the steam launch for the purpose of making a sort of reconnoissance of the route which would have to be taken in the event of a road being made from Akaroa to the light-house. Of couise the observation could only be of a superficial character, and we have not learnt the professional opinions arrived at with regard to the feasibility of the undertaking.

It is time now that preparations were being' set on foot to provide some sources of entertainment and amusement during the coming winter. Where are the Colorado Beetles? Wo think we may safely assert they will not be considered a pest here, and trust that they will orginise a scries of entertainments to wile away some of the long evenings that are fast coming upon us. In the old days, too, we had an excellent glee-club. Why not resuscitate this pleasing and instructive society ? There is plenty and to spare of local talent, if people will only come forward and assist. We are glad to see that the Mutual Improvement Society are taking steps to recommence their meetings it is a sign of some life, at any rate, existing among us, and we trust that this winter will not be allowed to pass so utterly devoid of innocent amusement as; the last. Will not some willing ones take this matter in hand ?

The births, deaths, and marriages registered, in the Registration District of Akaroa, dnring the quarter ending March 31, 1878, are as follows:—Births, 33; deaths, 7 ; certificates of marriages issued, 11. As the population of the district is over 3000, the number of deaths shows an exceptionally low rate of mortality, being at the rate of about 8 per 1000 annually.

An accident occurred yesterday to Mr A. Scott's horse and cart just at the top of the steep rise to the Church of England Cemetery, where, it will be remembered, on the left hand side of the road, going up the hill, there is a rather steep decline into a gully, which fortunately resulted in merely some loss of time, and a slight injury to the horse. It appears that Mr Scott was taking a rather heavy load of bricks up to the Cemetery, and that the horse, having stopped to rest, when urged to start again, backed, causing the cart to be precipitated down the gully, the horse, of course, being carried with it. The cart was very much damaged, both shafts being broken, and the horse, which was found lying across the shafts and clear of its harness, sustained an injury to one of its legs. A slight fence on the side of the road referred to would prevent a repetition of such an accident, which might occur at any time to equestrians, as well as to carts and horses, only probably with more serious results. As the Cemetery Board will be soon in funds, perhaps they will give the matter their attention.

A meteor, most remarkable for its brilliancy, was visible on Sunday evening at about a quarter past eight. For a few seconds the sky was magnificently illuminated by it. Its course was approximately from north-east to south-west, and pretty near the zenith. After pursuing this course over a considerable portion of the heavens, it vanished into space, without appearing to approach the earth.

An accident, though we hope not of a very serious character, occurred on Friday last, to a man named Henry White, who, while engaged as bullock driver at the sawmill at the Kainga, sustained a severe contusion of the arm when engaged in logging. Dr Guthrie has not been able to ascertain as'yet whether the bone is brokem owing to the great swelling which has supervened.

We regret to learn that Mr Dicken of French Farm who hurt his leg while getting into a boat off the Akaroa jetty, has been obliged to come into Akaroa for medical advice and nursing. It appears that the wound made has turned out more serious than was expected. It is hoped that with** proper nursing, a short time will suffice to effect a complete cure. Mr Dicken has gone to the hospital.

Cooper anil Bailey's Circus and mana gerie has arrived in Christchurch, and seems to have thoroughly sustained the reputation that preceeded it of being an undoubted success, and one of the finest combined shows yet presented to the public. The Christchurch Press speak in the highest terms of both the performance in the ring, and the exhibition of wild animals, over which Professor Johnson, the "Lion King," is reported to have perfect control, the naturally savage beasts obeying his slightest orders with the docility of a dog. Of the performing animals, the trained elephant Tetania won golden opinions, its balancing', and other tricks, being received with a perfect ovation of applause. The Horn., also, were made to perform, the courage and steady determination of their trainer, Mr Johnson, being greatly admired. The Circus programme receives on equal amount of praise for the excellent manner in which the various items were carried out, the feats of the Lowandes. the riding of Madame Cordelia on a barebacked horse, the exhibition of strength by Madame D'Atalie, the female Samson, the aeriel performance of Charles and Lotino Belmont, being specially mentioned. Altogether we strongly advise all, who can possibly manage to spare a day or two, to take advantage of the excursion trip by the Hawea. advertised to leave ; here on Sunday next.

The funeral of tho late Mr G. Scarbrough will take place to-morrow afternoon. The Masonic Body will assemble at their hall at two o'clock, and the Mayor and Borough Council will meet at the Council's offices in order to take part in the obsequies. By advertisement in another column we observe that his Worship request that all places of business may be closed from two to five p.m. The usual meeting of the Council for to-morrow evening has been postponed,