PIGEON BAY.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume V, Issue 455, 30 November 1880, Page 2

PIGEON BAY.

(From our own Correspondent.)

In consequence of a communication the Chairman of the Road Board had from the Chief Postmaster, Christcliurch, n public meeting was held in the schoolroom on the 23rd mat, to consider whether (he inhabitants should supplement by £100 the subsidy of £250 given by Government to the owners of the s.s. Akaroa, for carrying the mails between Lyttelton and Pigeon Bay. The meeting .was not very well attended. The object oi *tho meeting seems to have become known, and some declared that they would not give a penny.' Of course it was little use in any of this class putting in an appearance. After some discussion of the subject, it was unanimously agreed, on the motion of Mr Menzies, of Macintosh Bay, seconded by Mr Innes—"That as there are no means provided for collecting a subsidy, in the opinion of this meet-

ing the sum of £100 cannot be given to add to the £250 already given by Government." This resolution seems to express the sentiments of those who were not present, as well as of those who were.

The time chosen by the owners of the B.s>. Akaroa for making a demand for an addition to the Government subsidy, when

the incomes of others are being reduced and tho dull times lessen the profits of those engaged in business, was characterised as inopportune. The opinion was confidently expressed that, if the present contractors for the mail service do not choose to continue, it will make a good opening where some others inclined to push their way may step in and make a tangible

profit,

This side of the Peninsula will never be well served till • the residents have a steamer of their own. If any enterprising person were making a move and starting a company, I believe sufficient shares would bo bought to admit of a steamer being obtained, and run to suit the residents in all the bays on the north of the Peninsula. This would bo so great a boon that, supposing the shareholders received no nominal dividend, still they would be great gainers. But as a mere speculation it is believed by men of sound heads and knowledge of \ ho district, that it could not fail to prove abundantly ■"remunerative. Will no one take the hint and try what can be done? Self-interest and public spirit alike indicate this to be the proper course. I have heard mentioned the name of one gentleman who declared that he would be ready to take shares to the value of £1,000 himself.