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Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 185, 26 April 1878, Page 2

We have been informed that the Little Akaloa portion of last Fridays issue of this journal was detained at the Head of the Bay. the mail-carrier declining to take the papers as he had too heavy a load to carry, and we understand that the Christchurch papers of that date were also left behind for the same reason. We take this opportunity of apologising to our subscribers in Little Akaloa and its vicinity for this unlooked-for, and, we think, unnecessary detention of their papers. We have on one or more occasions animadverted on the present faulty and intermittent system of mail services to these outlying bays, and suggested that public steps should be taken to obtaining some more advantageous and accommodating system. It is absurd to think that any mail should be too large fer transmission by the mailman, or that its size should interfere with his carrying the usual newspaper bundles which accompany the mail. We ask : Had there been another mail bag of the same proportions as the newspaper bundles, would the mailman have left it behind ? We think not; but if he would have done so, it is surely time that the public in the Bays were up and stirring for some better mode of obtaining their news and their correspondence.

We would remind our readers that the electoral rolls of the various ridings in this County are now at the respective places, as mentioned elsewhere by advertisement, for inspection, and that all objections to them must be made in writing to the Resident Magistrate, Akaroa, on or before the 3ist of May next.

A special meeting of the Borough Council was convened for last evening but at the appointed time only the Mayor, and CrsPenlington and Annand put in an appearance. In-the absence of a quorum His Worship adjourned the meeting to Monday the 29th inst., at 7.30 p.m.

An accident, fortunately not of a serious nature, occured in Okain's Bay on Wednesda} r evening last. It appears that about half-past eight in the evening mentioned, a young man named Alexander Coffin in the employ of Mr Thacker was returning from the jetty on an empty trolly when probably from some obstruction on the tramway, the trolly was dragged off the line, throwing the rider under the fore wheels, one of which passed over his head and body, thereby breaking his collar bone and bruising him severley. We understand that the sufferer was sufficiently recovered yes+erday, to come to Akaroa when he placed himself under the care of Dr Guthrie.

On Tuesday, the 23rd inst., the children attending the Akaroa, German, Robinson'sand Head of the Bay Schools, met at German Bay to enjoy in common a day's holiday and the various good things that had been procured by voluntary subscriptions and donations from the parents and others in the different localities mentioned. The weather was everything that could be desired, save that a little less heat' might have reudered temperature more enjoyable. The spot chosen for the picnic was on a portion of the land belonging to W. G. Inman, Esq., who had kindly permitted its use for the purpose. There some three hundred children with their parents and teachers were assembled and soon the fun grew fast and furious, the little folk being evidently determined to make the most of the day. Messrs Meech, Billens, and Nicholls,.' were indefatigable in promoting and arranging games and sports, A'lvhh d.ispite the heat' were kept up with unflagging spirit. Toys had been also contributed and these together with sums of money were distributed in prizes. Mr S. Lee, with hi usual liberality, had placed two of his coaches at the disposal of those who came from the Head of the Bay and Duvauchelle's Bay, picking up others on the way round; while Mr B. Shadbolt's waggonette was also kindly lent for the same purpose, all three vehicles arriving on the ground perfectly packed with adult and juvenile passengers, to whom, doubtless, the pleasant drive was by no means the least enjoyable item of the day's outing. That the wants of the inner man had been plentifully attended to may be judged by the quantity of provisions provided, there being no less than 210 lbs of cake, over 500 buns, besides pyramids of bread and butter and gallons of tea, on the ground. While the sports and. games were being carried on here, some busy and willing hands were engaged in making the tea, cutting the cake, &c, in a which had been Mr Imnan's former residence, and to this place, about 4 o'clock an adjournment was made, ample justice being done by the youngsters to the good things provided. In fact, it is a wonder how the various vehicles staggered home under this increased weight of the cake and buns, and as for those who walked home, who shall express what they must have suffered? Altogether, the 23rd of April 1878 will long be remembered by those who took part in the combined school-treat, and it is to be hoped that the occasion will be made an annual affair. It tends to bring together the children of the district, and unite them in amicable relations, and friendly competition. Too great praise cannot be given to the various committees .fdfpromoting so excellent a«r arrangement, and for the successful manner in wjuch it was carried out, while thanks are due to those ladies and gentlemen who assisted on the day itself, as also to those who helped by donations and contributions.

A public meeting will take place to-day at the school-house, Head of the Bay, at two o'clock, for the purpose of considering the necessary steps toward obtaining a telegraph station in that Bay. The annual amount required to be guaranteed is, we understand, only £60, and this amount would be abundantly repaid by the advantages, both of a business and private nature, that would accrue from the establishment of telegraphic communication with the rest of the Colony. At present great inconvenience, delay, and expense is incurred in forwarding messages from Akaroa to either the Head of the Bay, or those bays still more remote, and this, of course, would be greatly diminished, by the establishment of a central station at the Head of the Bay. In cases of urgency such as sickness, or for the ends of justice, communication between that place and Akaroa will be invaluable, as the means of saving much time and labour_ The meeting will also be asked to appoint committees in whose charge will rest the new cemetery and recreation grounds, with a view, also, to the laying out of the sums recently voted to each of these purposes within the bay. It will thus be seen that" the business of the meeting will be of an important character. We trust there will be a good attendance, and that the points at issue may receive their due consideration and attention.

! A meeting of the Akaroa Library Committee, was held in the library on Monday evening, the 22nd inst. Present —J. Aylmer Esq. (President), and all the members The minutes of the two last meetings having been read and confirmed, the President read a letter from the Board of Education respecting library grants. From the same of a later date, asking for further information. It was proposed by Mr Penlington and carried, that Mr W. Sims be authqrised to furnish the necessary information. Mr Beecher proposed, that Messrs Dalglish, Annand, Sims, and Penlington do form a subcommittee, to prepare a balance-sheet and report, to be read at the meeting of subscribers, to be held on Monday, May 6th. Seconded by Mr Bruce and carried. Accounts to the amount of £7 12s 6d were passed for payment, and the meeting adjourned.

The. tea meeting in celebration of the eighth anniversary of the Congregational Church, Le Bon's Bay, took place as arranged on Good Friday, a large attend, ance being present. The Church was most tastefully decorated with Corns and palms, while on the temporary tallies an ample tea had been laid out. When a/1

had partaken of the good things provided, the church was cleared, and addresses, interspersed with selections by the choir,were given by Messrs W. Bamett, Turvey, Recce, Kerby, Bird, and others. Miss Barnett presided at the ■■harmonium, and thus greatly assisted the choir whose singing contributed in no small degree to the evening's enjoyment, Mrs and Mr Ruffle's rendering of " Meet me at the Fountain" was particularly good, and deserves special mention, though sung under the disadvantage^of being unaccompanied. An apology was read from the Rev. Mr Habens of Christchurch regretting his inability to attend the gathering; and enclosing a cheque for £5 toward the church. The meeting was brought to a close by the choir singing '• Happy Good Night," the benediction being pronounced by Mr W. Bamett. A most pleasant meeting thus terminated, oil being unanimous in the opinion that the eighth anniversary was in every way as successful a gathering as in former years.

A Vestry meeting in connection with St. Peter's Church, Akaroa, took' place at the Parsonage on Easter. Monday, the 22nd inst., the Rev. P. C. Anderson in the chair. Mr H. Wagstaff (Churchwarden), and Messrs Penlington and M'Gregor (Vestrymen) were also present. The Chairman read a letter from Mr Gates, organist of St. Peter's, resigning that office "in con. sequence of his time being so fully occupied." It was moved by Mr Penlington < seconded by Mr M'Gregor, and carried, that the resignation be accepted. The Chairman stated that a sum of £202 had been allotted for the grounds on which the Hospital had been erected, and it was unanimously agreed to invest this sum in the purchase of 101 acres of rural land adjoining the harbor of Akaroa to be devoted specially to the Parish of Akaroa. The Chairman, and Messrs M'Gregor and Penlington were appointed as a sub-com-mittee to select the land. The question of the bond for the Head of the Bay services was left over for the consideration of the new Vestry. After some discussion, it was decided to hold the usual Easter Parish meeting on Tuesday, April 30th. when divine service would take place at 5 o'clock, after which the meeting would be held in the Town Hall, to be followed by vocal and instrumental selections. The Rev. Chairman was asked to arrange the programme for the conversazione in connection with the Easter meeting, at which also the financial position of the Church will be explained. The proceedings then terminated.

Considerable disappointment and annoyance was caused on Monday last by the steamer Wanaka failing to call in at this port, as advertised, on her trip from Dunedin to Lyttelton. This is by no means the first instance of what is apparently an utter disregard of the convenience of merchants and others in this place where really there should, if anything, be given every facility, as shippers are entirely dependent on the company. At the very least, we have a right to expect that the advertised calls will be strictly carried out and only the most urgent necessity should interfere with the routine of service as printed, which is all that the public here have to go by, for even the agents are not made aware of any sudden change in the

programme.

Pigeon Bay presented an unusually lively appearance on Good Friday last. The s.s. Akaroa arrived, bringing over a hundred and fifty excursionists. The weather was all that could be desired. Mr Ashton of the Pigeon Bay Hotel, in anticipation of such an inroad, had provided an excellent repast, which was done full justice to by relay after relay of hungry and thristy travellers. After refreshing the inner man, the visitors dispersed in various directions, some climbing the hills around, others lounging on the " pebbly strand," while not a few could not tear themselves away from the attractions of the hotel, but remained consumingliquid refreshment and what they would call " larking." Among these the colonial cockney element predominated, and " 'Any " was numerously represented. At about four o'clock the steamer started on her return trip, and " 'Arry" had to restrain his inborn propensities for a short time, simply for want of room. The Akaroa arrived at Lyttelton at about halfpast five, when a rush was made for the

railway station, where an immense crowd had assembled. The last train leaves at' six o'clock, but this, though consisting of fifteen carriages was utterly unable to take even half of the would-be passengers. One or more additional trains hud to run, and Lyttelton once more resumed its wonted aspect. In accordance with an advertisement which appeared in the Mail, the Annual meeting ofChurch Members at Pigeon Bay, was duly held on Wednesday evening last. The meeting, which was well attended was opened, wilh prayer. The Chairman, Rev. I). 0. Hampton, then gave a detailed and interesting account of the work carried on by himself on Banks Peninsula during the past year. The choir afterwards contributed much to the enjoyment of the evening. Miss Patteson presided at tho harmonium, and handled j Die instrument in a very able manner. The ;

first part of the musical programme consisted entirely of sacred music, whilst the second part, was secular. The conductor Mr F. W. Thompson, led the choir in his usual able Way. Where so many came orward, and where all deserve the highest

praise, it is almost invidious to mention any names, and where ladies are concerned perhaps it is as well not to do so. This alone must be an excuse for not giving the programme in detail with-the names; of the singers. Various encores were demanded and given.. All was so carefully rendered that the good people of Pigeon Bay are to be heartily congratulated on their local v talent, and'also';; on; the evident good-will which prevails, and which prompts them to work in harmony for the common good. The Rev. P. C. Anderson being requested to make a few remarks urged on all present to work in harmony together, and said that if people would be content to ascertain the religious opinions they held in-common, in place of disputing about matters on which' they disagreed, more good might be done in the world than is done at present. Having touched on the present Education Act the rev. gentleman resumed his seat, and the second portion of the programme was soon afterwards proceeded with. Votes of thanks were then accorded by acclamation to the choir and to all who had assisted in promoting the enjoyment of the evening. A cordial vote of thanks was also passed to the Chairman, and the singing of the National Anthem brought the evening's entertainment to a close.