The Akaroa Mail. TUESDAY, MARCH 16.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 381, 16 March 1880, Page 2

The Akaroa Mail. TUESDAY, MARCH 16.

In consequence of the length to which our report of the proceedings of the Native Commission has gone, we are compelled to hold over our leading article, some correspondence, and other items of interest. Mr G. G. Stead, of Christchurch, has laid a criminal information against the Directors of the Otago Daily Times. The case will come before the R.M. Court on Friday next. Mr W. H. Spackinan, from tho firm of Messrs Wynn Williams and Deacon, appearing for the plaintiff, and Messrs Sievewright and Stout for the defendants. Owing to the inability of the Waitaki to get out of the Manukau yesterday, the San Francisco mail has been still further delayed, and will not reach Christchurch till Tuesday at the earliest, and possibly Wednesday. Messrs Tosswill and Co.. the gentlemen who represented Akaroa in the Cricket Match, Akaroa v. French Farm, played on Saturday last, had a somewhat narrow squeak for it on returning home in the Dream. They left Tekoa Bay at 7.30 in the evening, at which time a strong breeze was blowing from the N.E. It drove them out of their course, and the waves half filled the boat. Mr Tosswill thought it expedient to make for the Kainga, from which place they made the wharf by 10 o'clock. It took all Mr Tosswill's knowledge of sailing, combined with the good sua qualities of the Dream, to escape what would most certainly have been a serious accident. The committee of tbe unemployed a Christchurch had an interview on Thursday last with Mr Austin, the District Railways Engineer, from whom they learned that work would be provided for all applicants upon a stated scale, on the Northern Railway works. On Saturday morning passes will be issued to Waikari to all who may apply. Owing to Mr Stevens, through misapprehension, forwarding the list of names to Auckland, it will be necessary for a re-signing, and tbe unemployed arc therefore invited to attend in \h>. square this morning, at 10 o'clock, for/Jiat purpo.-e.

It is high time the attention of our cheese-paring Government were called to the present dangerous state of, not only the Government wharf, but likewise* of the crane erected on it. It is not exaggerating matters to say that tho crane is not to be depended on, any single lift it makes rendering an accident, quite likely to cause death, liable at any moment. Moreover, the fair state in which to describe the wharf itself would be as rotten. The piles are by no means sound, and the planking is most defective, a sprained ankle being obtainable at any time by even the most cautious. A thorouh inspection by an authorised and competent person, with a view to remedy the defects, is most urgently required. There being no Harbor Board, it becomes the duty of the Borough Council to take over the Wharf, and we understand this body would be willing to do so provided the Government first build a new one for them. But it is simply absurd to suppose the Government would do so with the intention of handing it over to the Council without claiming a large compensation. Capt. Johnson Head of the Marine Department, whilst on a flying visit here in the g.s. Stella some three months back, encountered Mr Scott, Inspector of the Lighthouse, and an intending passenger outwards by the same steamer, and having had his antention directed to the bad state o£ things, asked him to inspect it and tell him what was required. But Mr Scott informed him that the Wharf was in such a bad state, that it would take too long to examine, and there the matter dropped. We trust no time may be lost in taking some steps into the right direction in the matter

As will be seen from an advertisment which appears elsewhere, the Carandinis are to give two concerts at the Oddfellows' Hall, Akaroa, on Thursday and Friday next. They have lately been performing in Nelson where they have done fair business. A local paper says of their performances:— "Madam Carandini has lost none of of her power, and her perfect finish enlists the rapt attention of her listeners. The lady is as great a favorite as ever she was, and her performance last night proved that she fully understands .heart of combining graceful acting with her vocalisation. The gem of her efforts last night were—The Scotch ballad, " Jessie, the flower of Dunblane," and "The Last Rose of Summer," the latter

being given in response to an encore for the former. The audience enthusticilly showed their appreciation not only of her efforts in the solos, but in tlie quartettes and trios. Mr Gordon Gooch's singing was vigorous and accurate, each of his songs was greeted with unmistakeable demands for his reappearance ; but " The Yeoman's Wedding," and " Jack's Yarn " appeared to give the greatest satisfaction to the audience. Miss Marie Carandini possesses a voice which combines strength with sweetness, as was particularly evidenced in her vocalisation of the ballad " _ cannot mend my Wheel, Mother ;" also in the song "It was a Dream." The valuable voices of Miss Deakin and Mr Sherwin showed to great advantage in the quartette " The Blue Bells of Scotland " Both Miss Carandini and Miss Deakin are sparkling and elegant accompanyists, and their pianoforte duets were splendid executions, which were greeted with considerable applause. The duet" Trust her not, she's fooling thee," by Madam Caraa_ini and her daughter, was not allowed to pass without a recall; and the trio " I'm not the Queen," given by the same ladies, with the assistance of Mr Sherwini, was similarly treated. The concluding solo and chorus, "The Merry Gipsies," was splendidly given, and sent the audience away thoroughly delighted with the evening's entertainment.

Persons are cautioned in our advertising columns, by J. W. Hamilton, Esq., agent for Mr Robert Town send, against trespassing or damaging property on the Blythcliffe Estate, or entering tho house situated on the same grounds.

We are in a position to inform our readers that it has been decided tbat tbe Rev 11. Stocker is to remain in Akaroa. It will be remembered tbat an offer was made to the Rev. gentleman asking for his return to Lincoln. Mr Stocker left the decision in the hands of the Bishop, and the result is tnat he is to remain amongst us, a result which will, we are sure, be welcomed by his parishioners sincerely. From all wo hear, it appears that the canine race are in trouble agasn, and this time we believe the dogs of a well known sporting gentleman to be the sinners. Ungrateful wretches ! not having the good sense to learn wisdom aud that principle so earnestly taught to all good children, " to keep one's hands from picking and stealing," they must choose last Sabbath morning to make a forage upon the various fowl yards adjacent to their residence. Mr Dixon, steward to the Hospital, picked up fifteen dead hens and pullets, and how many he has lost he does not know. Mr Cullen lost three. Mr S. Watkins has not yet ascertained tbe number taken from his yard, and Mr Burke suffered a considerable loss, one amongst the number being a most valuable bird which he valued at £2 2s and had been intending to send it to the show. We learn from our exchanges that the celebrated " rag planter" Mr Joseph Ivess, so well known in this district as well as in several others, has at last passed the

Rubicon prescribed by the R.M. Court of this Colony as distinguishing between public news and libel. The case was heard at Ashburton on Friday and Saturday last, and was owing to a charge laid by Mr E. G. Crisp, Solicitor of that town, represented by Mr Branson, a brother Solictor, Mr Ives with his usual manly independent spirit, employing no legal talent, but allowing the case to be decided on its own merits. The proceedings were taken in consequence of the publication of an article in the Ashburton Mail accusing the Borough Solicitor (Mr Crisp) of extorting money from defaulting ratepayers by writing letters demanding the back rates, and charging 6a for doing so. The article in question was read in Court, and on Mr Zouch being asked, he said he considered it liable to damage Mr Crisp's professional character. Mr Houghton, the editor of the Mail, Baid the article was only a fair comment and information to which the public had a right. His Worship said there was sufficient evidence to prove a prima facie case for trial at a superior Court. Accused would be committed for trial at tlie next session of the Supreme Court.

A cricket match was played on the French Farm school grounds on Saturday last between two elevens representing Akaroa and French Farm respectively. The day was all that could be desired and a good number assembled to witness the play. The latter eleven won the toss and decided to go in first. Mr Baker's (captain) play was greatly admired. The last wicket fell to a score of 195. The Akaroa team then took up the bat, but with poor success, the first innings only resulting in about 30 runs. Following on according to the prescribed rules, they were more successful, Mr Tosswill (capt.) playing in excellent style, and running up a score of 45. Time would not allow of the finishing of the innings, but when the hour arrived, the Akaroa men had upwards of 100 runs with two wickets to fall. We understand the match is soon to be returned, and that a match is cast between the Little River Club and an eleven picked from Akaroa and this side of the river, to come oil on Easter Monday next.