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Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 322, 19 August 1879, Page 2

On Sunday last the funeral of the late wife of Mr A. Phillips, of German Bay, took place. The deceased was followed to her last resting place in the Church of England Cemetery by a large number of relatives and friends. The members of the Loyal ;Good Intent Lodge, of which Mr Phillips is a member, assembled at the Oddfellows' Hall, and proceeded to meet the cortege at the entrance of the town* whence they preceded the procession to the cemetery. The funeral service was read by the Rev. W. Aylmer. Some very strong remarks were made by those attending tho ceremony on the frightful state of the road leading to the cemetery. This road is really all but impassable, and it became matter for surprise how the bearers got through the stiff, tenacious clay which is over ankle-deep. It certainly does seem a pity that the road along which the inhabitants of a wide district have "to convey their dead for interment should be allowed to remain in such a disgraceful state. Beside the extreme difficulty of conducting a funeral decently and in order witli the road in its present state, there remains the fact it becomes all but impossible for surviving relatives to pay a visit to the last home of those who have departed from their midst. Surely a few loads of shingle, of which there is a plen. tiful supply in the vicinity, might be profitably expended in rendering this road passable.

Saturday last, the 16th of August, was the thirty-ninth anniversary of the landing of the first French settlers in Akaroa. The F. F. S., however, did not make any outward and visible sign of commemoration of the day. Wo aro not aware whether any private festivities were indulged in on the occasion. Strange to say, the only public mark of celebration of the anniversary was the hoisting of the French flag by a Prussian, Mr F. Hahn.

Disease is still alarmingly rife among the Maoris at Little River. Some time ago a medical man was sent down to the district by the Native Department, but since his departure we understand that about fifteen deaths have taken place among them. We are informed that one Native who lost two children has had the bodies deposited in a grave, hut the grave is kept open, his intention being to procure some bricks to make a vault of. Wo are surprised that the Road Board, as Local Board of Health, does not take steps to prevent such a flagrant breach of the Public Health Act. That the dead should be permitted to imperil the safety of the living is monstious. While attending to this matter, tho authorities might 'also direct their attention to the causes which have led to this exceptional mortality, with a view of attempting their removal, should it be found that the evil effects are ox a preventible nature. .

Ashburton is now lighted with gas. The Mail thus describes the first appearance of the new light :—•" Ashburton was lighted up with gas for the first time last evening. At first the new fluid burned somewhat blue, ghastly, and not overbrilliant, but tins was due to the adulteration of air, which had to be expelled from the pipes. As the night wore on, the gas improved wonderfully, and before midnight we had the pleasure of witnessing something very superior to kerosene, and a long way in advance of stearine candles. In Mr Savage's fruit shop there was quite a constellation of the new lights, and the windows had a most brilliant appearanceNow that candles and kerosene have been effectively extinguished, and that Ashburton shines with a new radiance, we may express the hope that the lustre of the new illumination will never be impaired. It is due to the gasfitters to say that theilttings everywhere appear to have afforded the utmost satisfaction."

From Friday's Lyttelton Times we learn that at a largely attended meeting of supporters of Mr Stevens and the Hon E. Richardscn last night, it was resolved to appoint two sub-committees" to secure the return of these gentlemen. Amongst the speakers were the Hons John Hall, E. Richardson, Colonel Brett, add Messrs Moorhouse, Stevens, and Bowcn, M's.H.R. After the meeting some 200 gentlemen signed their names as members of the two sub-committees. Mr Moorhouse has announced that he does not intend offering himself as a candidate for Christchurch. He has been asked to stand for the Ashley district, and it is stated that a requisition will also be presented to : him from the I Heathcote.

The Maori squatters who settled some tiihe ago on the Hon Robert Campbell's run at Oamaru, have reluctantly agreed to leave their settlement. Inspector Thompson and a detachment of armed troopers visited them on Monday morning. The special correspondent of the North Otago 'Times thus describes what transpired :— On nearing the spot, three Maori horsemen were met, and immediately turned back. The force, which consisted of 12 constables and about 20 mounted .special constables, halted about 100 yards from the pah, and Inspector Thompson and Mr Sutherland rode forward. The chief was too unwell to make bis appearance, but the next in command came forward. In answer to the Inspector, he said be would not promise to go away, and the officer at once, gave orders for his arrest. At this point the Maoris requested Inspector Thompson to allow them time for a consultation amongst themselves to come to a definite understanding, and they were informed that they would be allowed tilj Wednesday morning to prepare for their departure. The Maoris having faithfully promised to be ready by that time, the party returned to the station. On leaving, many of the Natives shook hands with Inspector Thompson and Mr Sutherland, remarking that they were very sorry they had to go away. They seemed to be awed by the force which was brought against them, and aro not expected to make any resistance. A new steamer, tho Penguin, belonging to the Union S. S. Company will call at Akaroa in the place of the Ladybird on Saturday next. The Penguin has only lately arrived from England, and it is intended that she sludl replace the Ladybird.

A proclamation was issued on Friday, the 15th, dissolving Parliament, which had been prorogued till September 1, and relieving members from their attendance on that date. It is stated that the new writs will be made returnable by the 17th or 18th of September. Meanwhile electioneering goes on apace. Mr Wakefield has received an all but unanimous vote of confidence at Temuka. Mr Studholme addressed a large meeting at Waimate on Saturday evening. The,chairman (a Mr Gaite) announced himself as a pronounced opponent of Sir Georgo Grey. Ultimately a motion expressing confidence in the candidate was declared carried, though amidst loud cries of dissent. Messr B Moorhouse, Fendall and F. W. Williams are in the field for Ashley. Mr i£. G. Wright has issued an address announcing his candidature for Coleridge. The address is an ultra-liberal manifesto. Mr Wright's chance of the seat is considered exceptionally good. Sir George Grey has addressed a meeting of the Liberal Association and their friends in Wellington.

By advertisement which appears elsewhere it will be seen that two important sales are announced to take place on Tuesday next. The vendor is Mr E. C. Latter, and the auctioneers Messrs J. T. Ford and Co. In the first place they will offer certain sections of Mr Latter's property in Barry's Bay, forming a township called " Wicken." These' sites are contiguous to the main Christchurch and? Akaroa road. On the same occasion ninety-five-head of cattle, many of them fat, and some horses will be disposed of.. Plans of the land may be seen at the various hotels and stores.