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Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 3, Issue 241, 8 November 1878, Page 2

A report of a meeting of the Little River Road Board is unavoidably held over till our next issue.

A meeting of the Lakes Trust took place yesterday, at Wascoc's Hotel. The members present were Messrs Latter (Chairman), Gebbie, Marshall, Parkinson, and Dalglish. Neither of the Engineers to the Trust, past or present, put in an appearance. At the time of our advices the meeting was still sitting. We shall furnish a report of the proceedings in our next.

A meeting of the Akaroa and Wainui Road Board takes place to-morrow, at one o'clock at the usual place.

We regret being unable to furnish our readers with a report of the last meeting of the Akaroa Borough Council. Our reporter, being called away on business, inadvertently took his report with him, and though we endeavored to obtain a copy of the minutes, we were unable to do so.

The telegraphic intelligence which we publish in another column will be found to be of a very interesting nature. Unfortunately, its tone is exceedingly threatening, the chance of the flames of war bursting out again appearing highly imminent.

A meeting of the Regatta Committee is convened for to-morrow evening at Brace's Hotel at eight o'clock. As the business is important and the time is now getting short for making the necessary preparations, it is hoped that members will attend

in force,

From an; advertisement in another column, it will be observed that an'eleption to fill up four extraordinary vacancies in the Borough Council, caused by re'sigv nations, will take place on Saturday, 30th inst. We have not as yet heard the names of any probable candidates, but we have little doubt but that with the hour -will come the men. The burgesses should bestir themselves to obtain suitable men, as much work, requiring judgment and business tact, still requires to be done in shaping the future of the Borough. Since last writing, no other candidate is as yet in the field for the office of Mayor." Although the names of others have been mentioned, they have as yet given no sign. Both Messrs Bridge and Meech prosecute a steady canvass amongst their friends, and both speak hopefully of the result. What has become of the public meeting spoken of some time ago to hear the views of the candidates ?

Mr J. D. Davis notifies in another column that the drawing for his Art Union is postponed for the present to a date of which due notice will be given.

It will, no doubt, be interesting to travellers to Christchurch by way of the lakes to learn that Mr S. Lee, the proprietor of the line of coaches on that road, has changed his stages. After leaving the Head of the Bay, the first stage will terminate at Mr Olphert's Hotel, Little River, the second at Mr "Lee's stables, Ahuriri, and thence to Christchurch, horsea not being changed at Wascoe's and Haines' Hotels as formerly. It remains to be tested whether this will be an advantage or otherwise to the travelling public.

We observe from the passenger list of the Kotorua, which arrived in Lyttelton on Saturday, that our representative, Mr Montgomery, has returned to Christchurch, after the business of the Session.

The last Gazette contains an announcement by the Governor in Council vesting the Pigeon Bay wharf in the local Koad Board, and also giving a tariff of wharfage clues payable. It will be remembered that this matter was brought before the County Council some short time since, and has been promptly attended to. The only public wharves in the Peninsula now not in the hands of the local bodies are the two within the Borough of Akaroa, and the Head of the Bay and Wainui jetties.

By a proclamation in the Gazette of the 26th October, wo observe that the City of Christcliurch has been divided into four wards. This will necessitate an increase iv the number of .councillors from nine to

The Tararua brings intelligence of a fearful outrage having been committed in Victoria by bushrangers. The following is the account of it, dated Melbourne, Oct. 30 : —On Sunday night last Melbourne was startled by the intelligence from Mansfield that two constables had been shot dead, and that a sergeant of police was missing. It appears that two parties of police had been out in order to capture some bushrangers, headed by two brothers named Kelly. Whilst the party of four police were encamped in a rather inaccessible wooded country, the bushrangers, four in number, suddenly made their appearance and bailed up two of the constables, one of whom, on attempting to draw his revolver, was shot dead. The other surrendered. Presently the sergeant and the other man came in. One of the constables attempted to defend himself, and he was shot dead also. | Mclntyre, who was unarmed and had previously surrendered, saw a chance, and made his escape by jumping on horseback. Shots were fired after him, and :the horse was killed, but he escaped, and reached Mansfield, a distance of twenty-five miles, on foot, after hiding away for some hours from his pur. suers. Sergeant Kelly, who was left with the ruffians, has not since been heard of, although every search was made, and it is believed he has, been shot. The affair has created the pfofoundest .sensation, and armed parties of police have been sent out in pursuit, Th? country is ver}' wild, and the capture of ,the desperate gang may be a work of difficulty and danger. The bodies of Constables Scanlan and Lonargan have been brought into Mansfield fo r burial. By telegram dated Melbourne Nov. 5, we leara that the bushrangers are still uncaptured."

twelve.

A. K. Harlock was conveyed to Akaroa in the Taupo cri; Tuesday. He will be brought up foi examination this morning. A difficulty has arisen with regard to the evidence for the prosecution. < The accused is charged with forging, an endorsement to a promissory note. This note is in the custody of the Bank authorities, and these latter refuse to give it up as it has not yet

matured

From the Press we clip the following telegram, dated Wellington, Nov. s:— The New Zealand Times to-day, says there is no truth in the report about the Taupo striking on a rock. Captain Johnston, who held a survey yesterday, informs me positively that the vessel did strike, and must be docked for repairs or arriving at Dunedin. Several of her plates are much dented, and one started. The latter was temporarily repaired by caulking. No

doubt the vessel had a narrow escape. An enquiry will be held. One of the passengers has given me the following particulars. Shortly after one a.m. on Saturday about an hour after Captain Andrews had turned in, the deck then being in charge of the second mate, a new chum on the coast, the watchman ran forward to the second mate, and informed him there were breakers ahpad. The officer took no notice, saying he was steering the course given him by the captain. The'watchmain again shouted " breakers ahead." at the same time rushind below and, on his own responsibility, stopped the engines. Just then there was a ciash, the steamer bumping twice. Lamp glasses were smashed, and several passengers thrown out of their bunks. The steamer appeared stationary for about a minute, and then slid into deep water. By this time the Captain and many passengers had reached tlie deck. Immense excitement succeeded, though the night was calm, and the water smooth as glass. After passing over the reef, breakers were distinctly observed on each side of the ship. Immediately the vessel svas over the reef the captain ordered all the boats to be got ready for lowering, in which state they remained till arrival in Wellington. The ladies displayed great coolness during the excitement, while a few of the male passengers behaved more like lunatics. When the vessel four of Kelly and Leon's troupe were in the smoking room ; two of them rushed down to assist their companions, Beaumont and Bead, and another made for the boats* awaiting orders. Leon seized a life-buoy and has since slept with two under his head. Japanese Tommy was tossed out of his bunk, and collaring in the dark another man's coat, made for the deck. He was nearly crushed going up-stairs, first knocked down by G. S. Graham, who, in the excitement, forgot his spectacles; before reaching the deck he was trodden down by four persons. Tommy then immediately jumped into the life-boat. Some most ludicrous scenes ure reported.