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Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 195, 31 May 1878, Page 2

By the telegrams which appear elsewhere, it will be seen that the prospect of a peaceful solution of the European difficulty is decidedly increasing. It appears highly probable that Russia has so far : ' caved in " as to consent to submit the terms of peace to a conference, which is to meet shortly. A hopeful sign is the price at which consols are , quoted, viz., 97-|, a higher rate than has ruled for some time past. We observe that the veteran Statesman, Earl Russell, is dead. Having been born in 1792, the deceased nobleman has lived considerably more than the allotted span, and has taken a prominer-t part in political affairs for fully half a century. Tho Australian cricketers have scored a victory over one of the best English Clubs. This should be a feather in the cap of the Christchurch cricketers, to whom the Australians had to succumb. As the Yankee said — " The Britishers licked the world and we licked the Britishers."

A meeting of the ratepayers of the Pigeon Bay district is convened, by an advertisement which appears in another column, for to-morrow, for the purpose of appointing a board to have the charge and management of the domain at that place.

We have to draw the attention of our readers to the sale ot Messrs Garwood and Co's recent shipment of winter drapery, __c., ex Waikato and Himalaya, at their store, on Monday next, when a large and varied assortment of splendid goods will be offered to purchasers. Mr C. W. Bridge conducts the sale, which will commence at 11 o'clock, and we anticipate a large attendance of buyers and brisk bidding.

Attention is directed to an advertisement elsewhere from Mr W. C. Johnson, late of Beecher's Hotel, Akaroa, who is now the proprietor of Sydney House, Christchurch. All who remember Mr Johnson at Bruce's Hotel will readily allow that his name in connection with comfortable board and residence is a sufficient guarantee in itself for care and attention being paid to those who may stay at his house, and we recommend the travelling public to at least give an old friend a trial.

Ou Wednesday last, Mr C. W. Bridge received a telegram notifying the death of Mr Edward C. St. John at the Asylum, Sunnyside, where that unfortunate gentle man had to be removed in consequence of the severe mental illnsss, which has resulted in his untimely decease. Mr St. John was for many years a resident of Akaroa, where he possessed a fine property, and was well known and respected throughout the Peninsula. His sad end will be learnt with sincere regret by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Since the above was in type we learn that Mr St. John was not ill fo: more than two days. He had a paralytic stroke ou Saturday last. On Sunday he seemed to bo a little better, but on Tuesday morning he was observed to be sinking fa-t, and never again rallied.

The meeting of the Borough Council, on .Wednesday evening last, was, as w>* expected, crowded by an expectant audience, ready for tbe fray. Once again the chief subjects of interest, viz., Cr Meech's motion, aud Cr Bridge's reply to Cr Billens aspersions on the Finance Committee with that gentleman's explanation, failed to come oft?—an impromptu scene suddenly occurring, which put to flight other bubi ness, and the major part of the Council. In another column appears a suggestion from a correspondent " Burgess" which in the interests of the Borough, wo consider worthy of consideration. It seems to us really the only constitutional method of relieving the deadlock now existing in tbe Council, and we see nothing derogatory in its adoption. It is full time that something was done to bring about a better state of affairs municipal. Considering the grave charge made by him against certain members of the Council, a charge that amounts to a direct impeachment of their honesty and honor, Cr Billens was seriously to blame in leaving the Council Chamber before that question was brought forward—the more so aa he had been publicly requested in most courteous terms by one of the gentlemen so charged to be there in his seat to explain his statement. To the educated mind, his actiou can bear but one construction—that of shirking the responsibility of his utterances, which, in justice to Cr Billens, we have always supposed to havo been made in the heat of the moment, but for which nevertheless either substantiation or apology is necessary. We would remind our readers that the quartely sittiug of the Licensing Court takes place on Tuesday next, at 12 o'clock. We understand that the only new application that will come before the Bench is that of Mr A. Rodrigues, who applies for a hotel license for his house in Lavaud Street. '

Ori the Queen's Birthday, the p.s. Titan brought an excursion party round to Little Akaloa. There weie about thirty visitors, who seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. A dance took place in the evening, which was well attended, and kept np with unflagging spirit until three o'clock in the morning.

Our contemporary the Lyttelton Times thus discourses on the mistake made by petty, narrow minds in failing to give those who differ from them credit for the same honesty of purpose and disinterestedness which they claim for themselves:— "Unfortunately, the little reservoir of reason has run dry, and thirsty wrath eagerly turns to personal abuse, that inexhaustible spring of sweet waters. It is often troublesome to argue a question ; and the process of doing so requires a certain amount of logical and intellectual power, which is not always available. But the other course.can be pursued with perfect ease, and without any mental strain. It is as simple as AB C. Every man has some faults and commits some mistakes. Well, then, magnify both as much as possible, and treat the exception as the rule. Attribute any occasional want of judgment to malice prepense. But the never-failing fund on which to draw is the imputation of motives. Imagination there has unlimited scope. If a man is trying to do what he thinks is right, do not waste your time in arguing that he is doing what is wrong, but say that he is actuated by selfishness, by a vindictive spirit, by greed of power, or by a general wish to make mischief. This kind of attack is not only easy, but in too many cases it is effective. Many public men, of sensitive feelings, succumb to it. Moreover, it raises a personal prejudice which it is often difficult, and sometimes impossible to overcome.

The first of a series of entertainments was held at Little Akaloa, on Thursday last. A substantial tea was generously provided by the Misses Barker, Bennett, Waghorn, and Pawson. Mr J. B. Barker, being voted to the chair, rose to explain the object of the meeting, viz., the clearing off of the debt incurred by improvements to the church. . After briefly showing the financial position of the Vestry, he pointed out the means proposed for liquidation. The large attendance at this first gathering was an earnest of their sympathy with the efforts being made, and a pledge of further support Their minister, the Rev. D. 0. • Hampton had generously paid their liabilities out of his private purse; but, altlnugh fully estimating, his kindness, he felt sure the parishioners would object to such a course, and be anxious to refund to him as early as possible. Acebrding to the tickets sold, the present gathering would strike off onethird of the amount; he felt, therefore, but little doubt of the whole sum being speedily raised. He held a most promising programme for their enjoyment, and would now call upon the various performers to proceed with the items, which were as follows : —Quartette, " Home," Misses and Mr Waghorn ; song, " Gypsey's warning,'' Mrs Barker ; song, " The moon behind the hill," Mrs D. Waghorn ; song, " Oh, ye tears," Mrs Hunter ; reading," Paddy's visit," Mr Turner; song, "Thy voice is near," Mrs A. Mlntosh ; duet, " Love not," Mrs Barker and Mr Hogswitch ; song, " Come back," Mr R. Shuttleworth ; reading, "Country Squire," Mr Ashwin_ Second part—Quartette, "Farewell," Misses and Mr Waghoni ; song, " Ever of thee,'' Mrs Barker; eoiiiic- .song, "Flora," Mr M. E. Ash win ; duct, " Stranger-, yet." Mrs Hunter aud 'ur-- W.'.gi'iorn ; reading,.'' The '7e;t;ri!uq<ii-t,'' Rev. D. 0. Hampton duet, "Gipsy Countess," Miss and Mr D' Waghorn ; song, " Far away," Mi*:-! Barker! duet, "Our son," Messrs Waghorn and Shuttleworth ; quartette, "-Good night,' Misses Waghorn. Mr Ash win presided at the piano, and being ably supported by the Akaloa Minstrels, the accompaniments >v.-re effectually rendered, and during intervals many of the most, popular waltzes and polkas were introduced—Mr D. Waghorn leading violinist. The programme as a whole appeared to give universal satisfaction, applause being general, and many songs encored. At the close, the Rev. D. 0. Hampton, in a few pithy and humorous remarks, thanked the ladies and gentlemen who had so generously come forward to contribute to the success of the entertainment. Whether or not owing to the supposed effect of the excellent repast so liberally provided, he certainly felt this had been the best gathering he had attended at Little Akaloa, and must afford Mr Barker and his coadjutors great encouragement in their laudable efforts. The National Anthem brought to a close one of tho most enjoyable meetings of the district. It appears that his Excellency the Governor is about to visit Canterbury. The I following telegram was received by the Mayor of Lyttelton on Tuesday last:—" I am directed to inform your Worship that his Excellency the Governor proposes paying a semi-official visit to Christchurch, and will land at Lyttelton about eleven o'clock on Friday morning, May 31.—• Signed, Fred. Le Patourel, P.S." The Lyttelton Borough Council held a special meeting on tbe matter the same evening. We presume his Excellency will not come as far as Akaroa, but if he should determine to do so, we may ask, in the words of the title of a well-known novel, slightly altered—" What will we do with him ? " '

Iv its issue of yesterday, under the heading of "Civic Culinarism," our contemporary the Sun, quoting from this journal, makes us say that Councillor S. Watkins asked certain questions of Councillor Billens relative to the alleged " cooking of accounts." Now as we report that this matter happened at a public meeting where the questions were asked by Mr S. Watkins, we feel somewhat surprised at finding that our contemporary should make the statement that the business in question happened at a meeting of the Borough Council, and also at its having elevated Mr S. Watkins to the dignity, of a Councillor.

The jetties at Le Bon's Bay, Okain's Bay, and Little Akaloa have been vested in the Okain's Bay Road Board.

The Post believes that the Government " contemplate the introduction of a system of ' deferred' telegrams at cheap rates. The tariff will probably be at the rate of ten words for 6d, or just half tbe ordinary charge.. These messages will be sent by telegram to the postal town of the district to which they are directed, and -they will then be stamped and handed over to the Post-office, for distribution by the lettercarrier at the next delivery. On each message there will be an extra charge of Id for postage. This system, if introduced, will be of immense value to the commercial community. ', At present, notwithstanding the numerous steamers plying on our coast, a letter often lies three or four days in the letter-box before it can be forwarded to its destination, and then four or live days more may be occupied in transit. The telegraphic charges are now too expensive for more than very brief messages, but by this proposed combination .of the advantages of the telegraphic and postal systems, merchants would be able to correspond at a moderate tariff, and with sufficient expedition. We believe this idea originated with the Hon. Mr Fisher, the Minister for the Postal and Telegraph services."