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Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume V, Issue 448, 5 November 1880, Page 2

Regarding the movement for the establishment of a brass band in Akaroa, we believe that it is progressing favorably. We understand that some twelve months ago Mr Meech took some steps towards the formation of a band, and obtained the promise of subscriptions to the amount of £20. These subscriptions are still available, we believe. We would suggest that a meeting be called, and the feelings of the inhabitants tested in the matter. The promotion of innocent amusements such as the one in question has everything to recommend it. First, it affords an outlet for some of that superfluous energy which ought to charaet°rise our young men, and tends to prevent its being turned into debasing channels ; or, still worse perhaps, its giving way to a sluggish apathy ami indifference to everything but the pursuit of wealth, which is perhaps the phase of Colonial character most painful for the philanthropist to contemplate. Again, by utilising the talent which undoubtedly exists among os, we assist in the diffusion of pleasure in its most innocuous form ; and further, the question lias its economical point of view— its aspect of pounds, shillings, ami pence. There is no doubt that omgreat natural production of Akaroa, and the one which its inhabitants ought to labor most assiduously to promote, is its attractiveness as a resort for visitors. In this respect Nature lias done everything possible tor us, and we have done as little as possible to aid her ourselves. Anything whatever, therefore, which would have the effect of rendering our pretty little watering-place more attractive is well worthy the attention of all whose interests are bound up in it. Now, the furthering of music, vocal and instrumental, of boating, of cricket, of, in fine, any description of morally and physically healthful amusement, must have a tendency to render the locality more pleasant as a resort for visitors, and to relieve it from the charge of extreme dulness which is now, with considerable justice, made against it. When we commenced to write we intended merely to mention what was being done in the matter of this band. The question, however, of the advisableness of promoting amusements in general naturally suggests itself as a corollary, and we now commend the whole subject to the serious consideration and active cooperation of our readers.