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Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 360, 30 December 1879, Page 2

We understand that the member for the district, William Montgomery, Esq., will visit the Peninsula in a few days, not so much for political purposes, but simply to make a personal call on his friends in the several bays.

The Catholic Bazaar is to be re-opened on New Year's Eve, and kept open during the afternoon and evening of that day, and also on Thursday, New Year's Day. We understand that, with a view of clearing off the remainder of the goods, very large reductions have been made in the prices.

A fire occurred at the Akaroa Lighthouse on Thursday last, by whioh a considerable quantity of paraffine, some 100 cases, was destroyed. Fortunately the material was stacked at some distance from the buildings, which were therefore ndt endangered. The origin of the fire is at present, to use a hackneyed expression " enveloped in mystery," but an enquiry is to be held.

The s.s. Waitaki was to have called in here yesterday on her way northwardOwing to being detained, however, bj calling at Timaru, she did not arrive, and may be expected to-day.

The nomination of a councillor to fill the vacant seat at the civic board, which was to have taken place on Saturday last, again fell through for want of a candidate. Fresh nominations will be received up to noon on Wednesday, the 7th of January.

Mid night,services will be held to-mor-row evening, New Year's .Eve, at St. Peter'9J„nd at the Congregational Chinch, Akaroa. The commences at I.l.3oJLnd the latter at 10i3Tj;p.m. j

At the Akaroa R. M. Court yesterday, a man named William Connors was sent to gaol for seven days for the combined offences of drunkenness, using obscene language, and assaulting Constable Scott, the assault consisting of an attempt to make a meal; off the Constable's finger. His Worship administered a severe caution to the defendant as to the serious nature of his offence, pointing out that he had rendered himself liable to a prolonged term of imprisonment.

:• A public meeting of ratepayers was to have been held on Friday last, the 26th inst, at the Road Board office, Duvauchelle's Bay, for the purpose of considering the question of stopping the road through Rhodes' Flat. At the hour appointed, however (2 p.m.), as there was no one in attendance, the Clerk to the Board declared the meeting adjourned. It is uncertain what course will have to be adopted now, as the Act does not contemplate the case of a meeting of the kind lapsing. The meeting of the Road Board which was to have been held on the same day also fell through for want of a quorum, and waa adjourned till Friday next. We observe that fresh tenders are invited for cutting the grass seed on the sides of the roads. For this purpose the district is divided into three.sections.

Elsewhere will be found an announcement of a ball to be held at the Somerset Hotel, Head of the Bay, on New Year's Eve. The price of tickets is moderate, and the season a festive one, and no doubt it will be largely patronized.

From the Christchurch papers we learn that a disgraceful breach of the peace took place in that city on the morning of Boxing Day. It appears that an Orange Society was proceeding in procession to the railway station intending to spend the holiday at Prebbleton. When they reached a point opposite Barrett's Borough liotel, they were set upon by some roughs, armed with pick-handles. Several of the processionists appears to have been severely injured, some serious wounds having been inflicted. Intense excitement prevailed throughout the day, and a considerable number of special constables was enrolled. On Saturday four of the alleged rioters were brought before the R. M.. Court, and remanded till Monday. Several others charged with throwing stones at a later period of the day were fined 60s each. A similar disturbance took place on the same day at Timaru. At this place the disorderly crowd was much more numerous, but they seem to have contented themselves with hooting and yelling. A strong force of police assembled, but no arrests were made. If the weather continues favorable over the New Year, of which there seems every probability, there should be a good gathering in Akaroa on Thursday, to witness the sports, which are to take place on that day. Besides the shore sports we understand there are to be two boat races for two silver cups presented by Mr Beecher.

A meeting of the Committee of the Horticultural and Industrial Exhibition was held last evening at the schoolroom. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair. The secretary, Mr S. Watkins, read a statement of redeipts and expenditure in connection with the late exhibition, from which it appeared that the receipts from all sources had amounted to £41 2s Bd, in which was included a balance in hand from last year of £3 14s 2d. The expenditure up to date had been £19 18s 6d, and there were certain accounts to come before the committee. These accounts, amounting tosomething over£ll, were passed for payment. Before separating, the committee passed a cordial vote of thanks to their indefatigable secretary, and requested his acceptance of £3 3s as a slight acknowledgment of his services. It was resolved that it would not be necessary to have another meeting before Juue, till which time the meeting adjourned. The secretary read out a list of the donors of prizes both in money and goods. The cash donations for this purpose amounted to £16 14s, and the goods, at a low estimate, were set down at £24. This would bring the total receipts up to £65—a result which must be considered highly satisfactory and encouraging for those who have interested themselves in the affair.

We are requested to draw attention to an Art Union to be held on New Year's Day, at. Mr Walker's furniture warehouse, near the. jetty. The prizes consist of oil paintings, chromos, eleographs, and several smaller articles, which may be seen on the premises.