The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, APRIL 18.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 3, Issue 287, 18 April 1879, Page 2

The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, APRIL 18.

In another column Mr Symons notifies that he is prepared to time and repair pianos. We hove had .thej^a? lll " 6 o f j n _ epecting some of this gentleman's inerous testimonials, many of which are from persons personally known to us, and ranking high in the musical world. The tenor of them all is that Mr Symons is a thorough master of his art, and may safely have any instrument confided to hie care. Orders may be left at our office, or at Bruce's hotel, where Mr Symons is .staying.

A very interesting social tea meeting took place in Le Bon's Bay on the evening of Good Friday. At firat it was intended exclusively for the friends belonging to the Congregational Church-, giving an op portutiity for discussing the advisability of enlarging the church. After it became known, it was very evident that a large meeting might be expected, and an abundance of good things was provided, which proved to be enough and to spare. Although extra seats were provided from the schoolroom, the church was crowded to the doors,,and some were unable to get in. A well executed motto, drawn by Mr Maeinillan, was erected on the platform— " Civil and Religious Liberty," the motto of Congregationalism. Mr W. Barnett, who presided, in the course of his speech referred to the part taken by English Congregationalists in helping forward civil and religious liberty. Hβ said the Government of Cromwell, more influenced by them than by any other body, made as near approaches to general toleration as public prejudice would endure, and although the}' were now a body much respected for their numbers, far more were they to beheld in lasting veneration for the unshaken fortitude with which at all times they have maintained their attachment to their principles, and holding them fast, had carried to its utmost pitch the great doctrine of toleration. They, with the zeal of martyrs, the purity of the early Christians, the skill and courage ot the most renowned warriors, gloriously suffered and fought, and conquered for England the free constitution which she now enjoys. The meeting was also addressed by Mr Recce and M. J. Kirkby. The collections taken on behalf of the building fund amounted to £3 10s, and £13 was further promised when the church was enlarged. The meeting was enlivened by the singing of Sankoy's hymns.

The p.B. Titan visited Little Akaloa about noon on Good Friday with about 100 excursionists. The day was gloriously fine. Cricket, rounders, and other games were played. The excursionists left at half-past five in the evening, having thoroughly enjoyed their days outing. The Titan also came down oh Easter Monday with* about 30 excursionists, but the day being so miserably wet, they had but little pleasure as it rained from their arrival till they left.

The Akaroa Cricket Club has certainly not distinguished itself during the past season. As a last despairing effort at covering themselves with glory, it appears that they have challenged the Borough Council to a "muff" match. The idea has been responded to by that body, and bids fair to be a success. It is proposed to play on next Monday, and the ground selected is the paddock at the back of Mr Watkins , store, which, bad as it is, is the only available piece in Akaroa. Of course no gate money can be charged, but a collection for some charitable purpose will be made on the ground. On the Cctincil's side all councillors, ex-councillors, officers, and ex-officers of the Council are eligible to play. As many as can do bo will appear in costume. Altogether, we consider that a first-rate day's amusement may be looked for, and hope to see a great gathering on the occasion.

The annual treat and picnic got up by the teachers of the Catholic Sunday School, was held on Tuesday last in the grounds surrounding the church. All friends had been invited, and the invitation was numerously responded to, as there were certainly over 400 people assembled on the ground, the majority of course consisting of children. The affair had been postponed from the previous day, Easter Monday, on account of that day proving wet. On Tuesday the weather was all that could be desired, and all present ap peared to enjoy themselves heartily. There were races, jumping, and other sports provided for the amusement of the youngsters, and & number of handsome articles were distributed as prizes. Soon after three o'clock the child ren were grouped in circles on the grass, and tea, cake, and other eatables were served round by a number of zealous volunteers. The demand for these good things was, as might be expected, enormous, but though a severe strain was placed on the commissariat department, the supply was nevertheless equal to the demand, and none were sent empty away, while very many obtained a considerable over-supply. We observed one youth with both hands full of cake and holding another large slice, dog fashion, in his mouth. Many of the visitors exerted themselves greatly to keep the youngsters amused, among whom the Rev. Mr Anderson, and Messrs Victor and Nicholls deserve special mention. Mademoiselle de Malmanche, assisted by several ladies, was indefatigable in keeping supplies of tea and eatables going, which Mr Brocher, and other gentlemen and ladies busied themselves in distributing to the famishing hordes without. At a little after six the bell rung, and most of the children present assembled in the church, where a few hymns were sung, and the company dispersed, one and ail averring that they had spent a most delightful ■ afternoon,

The case of arson occupied the Supreme Court on Wednesday from 10 a.m. till 7.15 p.m., during which time seventeen witnesses were examined for the prosecution. The case was,to be resumed on Thursday, and would probably occupy the whole of that day. It is not unlikely that it will extend into Friday.

The Lyltelton Times of yesterday says:— A full meeting of the Committee of the Canterbury Jockey Club was held yesterday afternoon, to considerthe practicability of holding a race day during the Governor's, projected visit to Christchuroh. The chair was occupied by Mr H. P. Lance, and after consideration it was deemed inadvisable to hold a special race meeting so late in the season. Another runaway horse figured in the main street in Akaroa on Wednesday afternoon. This time it was not a baker's cart, but a hoTse and cart of Mr P. Arming's, the butcher, which bolted. Some children were right in the way ot the runaway, and it is hard to say what mischief might have resulted but for the conduct of Mr G-. La Coste, who pluckily rode in front of the animal, and with considerable risk and difficulty succeeded in stopping it. It will be observed in our report of the proceedings of the Borough Council on Wednesday that, at the suggestion of the Mayor, it was resolved to telegraph to Mr Montgomery re the survey of the Railway line to Akaroa. The following reply was received by His Worship yesterday evening :—" Christchurch, April 17, 1879. His Worship the Mayor, Akaroa, —I understand Mr Johnson received instructions from the Engineer-in-Chief to ascertain by careful survey the best and cheapest route for the railway to Akaroa harbor. The terminus has not been decided on. I shall be happy to forward any representation to the Engineer-in-Chief you may entrust to me. William Montgomery." His Worship hereupon decided to call a public meeting of the residents in and around Akaroa to consider the whole matter. An advertisement convening this meeting appears elsewhere. It is to be hoped that the Akaroa people will take some energetic action in this matter. We are by no means prepared to assert that Akaroa is the most suitable terminus for the railway, but certainly before the whole thing is settled the advantages and disadvantages of bringing it round thither should be decided on by some competent authority. This is all that is asked for, and this Akaroa has certainly a right to demand, We hope, therefore, to see a numerous and influential meeting on Monday evening. The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Peter's Church, Akaroa, was held in the Town Hall on Wednesday last. An impromptu tea meeting had been arranged, but as no public intimation had been given regarding it, only a few persons put in an appearance. At the time for the business part of the meeting, a considerable number of the congregation were present. The new incumbent, the Key. H. Stocker occupied the chair, and asked Mr Nicholls, the people's churchwarden, to read the annual statement of accounts. After the reading of the statement of accounts, it was considered desirable that a full statement of the assets and liabilities of the parish should be furnished to another meeting. After some considerable discussion, it was agreed to hold another public meeting, at which the Churchwardens would; bring up a full statement of the position of the parish financially. The election of Churchwardens and Vestry was proceeded with. The Chairman intimated that he considered it prudent to elect the Vestry of St. Peter's Church from residents of Akaroa only, as arrangements could be made in the different bays to have working committees. The Rev. H. Stocker elected Mr J. Aylmer as hie churchwarden, and Mr Penlington was elected people's churchwarden. The number of the veetry was fixed at seven > and the following gentlemen were elected as vestrymen, viz., Messrs Fenton, Curry, S. Watkins, Garwood, Stow, Mullens, and M'Gregor. A vote of thanks to the i Chairman terminated the proceedings. -&t a special meeting of the Financial Committee of the Presbyterian Church convened last Tuesday evening, for the purpose of ascertaining and defraying the expenses of the late tea meeting, it was reported that the proceeds had been as follows : —Tickets sold, £10 Is ; subscrip. tions per Miss Fyfe, £11 7s 6d ; total £21 8s 6d. Expenses as follows :—Providing tea, cost of hall, and labor, £11 4s 3d ; share of cost of advertising, 15s ; 6hare of Minister's travelling expenses £1 ss; total, £13 4s 3d ; leaving a balance of £8 4s 3d. The report was considered exceedingly satisfactory, all the more that free tickets had been given to the Sunday School children, numbering between forty and fifty. :