"SLEEPY HOLLOW."

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 363, 13 January 1880, Page 2

"SLEEPY HOLLOW."

To the Editor of the Aharoa Mail.

Sir,—Your leading article in Friday's Mail has caused the reflection that, with the great natural resources of our fine harbor, we should be so systematically ignored, and, with our undoubted claims to consideration that we have not, ere this, had some substantial recognition from the powers that be. We shall shortly be called upon to feel in a rather disagreeable manner — although no benefit has been received beyond the paltry few thousands now being spent on the short section of line towards; Little River—our liability to bear a quota of the taxation incidental to the millions already borrowed and spent.

Now, Mr Editor, what is the reason of this state of affairs? Has our Parliamentary rcproßsntp.tiye been sufficiently alive to his constituents' interest, or are the people themselves to blame? There certainly seems to be a screw loose somewhere, and the writer's object would begained if he could induce a general thinking on this and other important matters. Some time since a circular was distributed inviting gentlemen to form a society to discuss and take action, where necessary, in any question of sufficient importance. While the thanks of the community are due to those issuing the circular, it is to be regretted they did not show their usual energy in keeping it more prominently before the public, as had it been acted upon with spirit, good results must have followed. Now that our interest is in a critical position with regard to the railway to Akaroa, and there is a chance of losing what we have reason to think ours by right—l refer more especially to the reservos and grants made for this particular work by the late Governments—is a fitting opportunity to arouse ourselves from that lethargic state which has earned for Akaroa the title of " Sleepy Hollow." A committee of settlers could be formed at a trifling cost of money and time to take into consideration, and bring prominently forward, any question affecting the general weal; and, if done with judgment, would well repay the trouble taken in keeping before the public, not only the railway to Akaroa, but any matter not considered under the care of our other local bodies.

Truftinp; that others more able than myself will not allow this matter to drop without expressing themselves, I am, Sir,

Yours, &c,

PROGRESS.