The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume V, Issue 479, 25 February 1881, Page 2

The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25.

Thkrk arc vaonncies for two schoolmasters on the Peninsula at present. The Wainui Sihool Onnnittee ntlvcrtise for n married man a.s master ; and the German Bay Committee require the services of some one to take charge of the new side school. Particular appear in our advertising columns. A boat accident took place on Tuesday evening last, which fortunately resulted in nothing worse than a ducking for the two inmaten of the boat—Mr J. Roberts and Mr L. Wat kins. They were executing some manoeuvres, and succeeded in capsizing , the boat, but as they were close to Daly's jetty at the time, an involuntary bath was the only result. A aiKF/riNG of the committee of tin , newly formed Daiiy-farmers' Association took place on Tuesday last in Akaroa. A code of rules was drawn up to be Rubmitied to a future mooting. It was also reported that stops had heen taken to communicate with the New Zealand Shipping Company as to arrangements for freight, etc. It appears that wo were in error in stating that Mr BarwicU had been appointed secretary to the associationMr Duxbury has accepted the office

A shout time ago the wife of one of our townsmen took into her employ an amiable (and, liy the way, good looking) servant. The young lady did the work wished by her mistress in a most satisfnctory manner, and as a mark of appreciation was presented with a dress very similar to one often worn by the donor. The other day Mr had occasion to come home earlier than usual, and just as he entered the door of his house he noticed (as be thought) the esteemed partner of his life busily engaged preparing something for the forthcoming meal. Her back was turned towards him, and he gently creeped up, rnaehfd over her shoulder unnoticed, and implanted such a loving kiss on her beautiful cheek. Mrs has heard all about it, and says she will have the dress changed for a different pattern

Through the liberality of Messrs P. and D. Duncan, the employees with their families, numbering about 200. held their annual picnic at Little Akaloa on Tuesday. They left Christcliurch by the first train to Port and were conveyed to their destination by Messrs Cameron's p.s, Titan. A very enjoyable day was spent in racing and dancing to the lively strains of the Railway Band. Very unwillingly a start was made for home in time to catch the 7.20 p.m. train, but before leaving the steamer Mr D. Duncan, in a few appropriate remarks, called for three cheers for Mr Cameron, which were hearti y given with musical honors. Christcliurch was reached without a single mishap, everyone being highly delighted with their day's outing.

The quarterly meeting of the Licensing Commissioners for the Peninsula districts will be held next Tuesday at the Resident Magistrate's Court, Akaioa, at noon.

The Ellesmere Guardian says :—The heavy rain of Sunday night did not do any appreciable injury to the grain in stack or stook. It has, on the other hand, been ex tremely beneficial to the pastures and root

crops

The Otaejo cricketers arrived at Christchurch on Tuesday night at five minutes past nine o'clock, the express thus being 45 minutes late. About 200 people had assembled on the platform, and ac the train came in hearty cheers were given for the visitors, who, after alighting from the train, were driven in Mr Beecher's drag to the Royal Hotel, where they will be located during therir stay.

An enquiry is going on before a Committee as to the mismanagement of the Wellington Lunatic Asylum. Some painful disclosures of ill-treatment of patients have been made.

The Ni-w Zealand Times, in referring to the success of the shipment of butter sent home by the Protos, says : —" We trust to fee this export trade established on a very large scale. The London prices current shows that from Is to Is 4d can be obtained for the finest qualities of tinned butter in London. It is clear, therefore, that a large export trade in butter would bring great gain to the New Zealand farmer. And there is abund rice of demand for it there. The yearly consumption of butter in London is estimated at ten pounds per head of the population, or 40,000,000 pounds per year, without including some 3,000 tons necessary for victualling ships leaving the port. Here now is the prospect of a highly profitable trade, in which this colony ought to fully participate, as well as in the export trade of frozen meats.

The Southland Daily News states that the well at one of the public schools was cleaned out lately, when among the un'onsidered trifles that had accumulated were a number of full-grown rats in various stages of decomposition, together with mice, worms, and such like "small deer." Our contemporary suggests the substitution of an Abyssinian tube well, and asks is it to be wondered at that the children dunking such " broth " are frequently attacked by obscure diseases ?

At the pitting of the Board of Reviewers at Oamaru, in reference to clause 24 of the Property Assessment Act, which says that property let for over twelve months shall be assessed at fourteen times its annual rental, an objector urged that the clause d'd not apply in his case, as his property was let to six tenants who wero upder one roof, and the clause, he held, only applied to cases where a property was let in one lot to a single tenant. The latter would be liable under covenant of the lease to keep property in good order and condition, arid fully insured, wiiereas in his case these expenses fell upon his shoulders. The Court coincided wi.h the view taken by the objector, and reduced the amount by £1,450, the original assessment being £7,440

Rumors are current that a new penny morning paper will be shortly established at Timaru.

Tux insolvency notices were filed in Dunedin last week, and we learn that from a commercial point of view the place is in a state of the most dreadful depression.

Ettik Hart, sister of the youthful bushranger burned at Glenrowan, is now a barmaid at Buckley's Robert Bums Ilot-.1, Lonsdalc-strect, Melbourne. Mr? Skilliou remains at Greta with her youngest sister, arid waits for the time when her husband will come out-

A novel fly-cntcher was exhibited — probably unintentionally—by a tradesman of Tay street, Invercargill. Passers-by were very much amused by observing a rat amongst the crockery and other articles exposed for sale in the window, but their amusement soon changed to wonder when it was seen that the animal was busily engaged in catching flies. The owner of the establishment was amongst the spectators, but we (Neios) have not heard whether he intends taking out a patent for his fly-catcher, which, by the way, he may have some trouble to catch.

In the District Court, Christchurch,lately, an unstamped document having been tendered, Mr Spackman, plaintiff's counsel, guaranteed the payment of the fine, whereupon Judge Ward observed that he had known some lawyers whose word would not be taken for £5. Mr Joynt hoped His Honor would name them.

Wednesday's Times says :—-Lawyers, as a rule, are not noted for their effusive benevolence or personal prodigality, more especially when a question of costs —at all times a matter which excites the legal acumen somewhat keenly—is under discussion ; for they generally argue that the venerable maxim affirming that the laborer is worthy of his hire is with them " a clear case in point." An exception to this rule, however, was exemplified in the Christchurch R.M. Court yesterday,in the case of Williams v. Gordon, in which Mr Holmes claimed £1 Is costs. His learned and liberal friend on the other side(Mr Joyce)evidently did not think the fee should be claimed, but "If you want a guinea," said that gentleman to his erudite confrere, " I'll give you one!" Quick to agree with his adversary, Mr Holmes promptly rejoined, " Very good, pass over one." Mr Joyce : " Very well, give me a blank cheque, and I will sign it." Mr Holmes promptly produced a pocket-book, from which tl c required document was taken, and threw it, with an air of triumph, across the table to his brother professional. But the challenge was not accepted, and amid considerable laughter, the tables were turned. Two of the horses engaged in the forthcoming race meeting at Dunedin have sustained injuries more or less severe. As Natator was being landed from the train he fell off the platform on to some rough ground. A more serious accident occurred next day to the Cup favorite, Sir ModredCutts was giving him two miles fast with Sir Garnet and Hilarious, when a greyhound got in his way and made him fall heavily on his head, and one shoulder knocking two teeth right out of his jaw. Hβ was immediately taken to his stable and examined, when he showed no signs of further injury ; but he must be stiff for a day or two, if not altogether upset by the shock.

Efforts are being made to secure the opening of the Christchurch Public Library on Sundays. A counter petition against the step is also being signed.

The Australian cricketers commenced their match at Auckland on Tuesday. They went to the wickets first, and Auckland succeeded in putting them all out for 144. The Auckland team then went in, and when the stumps were drawn had scored 20 for the loss of two wickets. Wiiatever may be the reason, the Anstralians appear to have punished the Christchurch team worse than any they have encountered in New Zealand as yet. The Twenty-two made a total of 90 in their first innings, and the Aus tralians put together 117 in their second innings In the second innings of the Auckland men five wickets were lost for seven runs when time was called The match therefore resulted in a draw greatly n favor of tli3 Australians

Says the " Loafer " :—lt is satisfactory to learn, from al! parts of the province, of the prohable happy result of the present harvest, but though I can swallow a good bit, I pass on the statement of a Queensland farmer, who writes to the Ellesmere Guardian in reference to the present prospects of that district, which he calls " the heart of New Zealand and the pride ot Canterbury." A farmer friend of his, he says, assures him that he will realise from a crop of 300 acres of wheat 75 bushels to tho acre. He saw the crop he says, which surprised him very much. This I a n quite credit. He concludes by stath g that he found the people of the district willing to give every information as to its resources. So they would be, but I trust even the kindly enthusiasm of a " Queensland farmer " will not continue to be so expansive as to believe such statements as that alluded to above. We can grow wheat in Canterbury, especially in the district the "Queensland farmer" has been residing in, but we can't come it quite so big- as that. If that par. gets copied, some of the honest old fanners in other parts will be humorous over that 75 bushels to the acre. The Wellington correspondent of a contemporary writes :—Members of tho Government have been in direct communication with Mr J. C. llichmond, with a view to offering him a scat in the Legislative Council, which ho is very likely to accept. It in understood that the selection of another Minister is hung up pending Mr Richmond's reply. It has leaked out that his return to New Zealand was hurried, if not actually caused, by the Atkinson party coming into power.

Concerning the manufacture of gas in Christchurch, we learn that tlifc use of Newcastle coa! is now being altogether abandoned, and in the future only the New Zealand product, from the Grey district, is to be purchased. It i 9 not for one moment pretended that this step has been taken "for the fostering and encouragement of local industry." The simple fact is this ; —For a considerable

period our supply of gas was manufactured from a mixture of the Newcastle and Grey coals ; but it ha£ been demonstrated, by a long series of experiments, that the use of Grey coal only will give the best and most economical results. Surely the propiL'tors of an enterprise deriving all its revenue from local sources need not apologise for utilising a local production. However it has come about, the practice is undeniably a beneficial oik , . It would seem, however, that, as usual, the local production has had to fight an up-hill battle against its foreign rival.

The Nelson Colonist reports that the local Jam and Fruit Preserving Company i.s making rapid progress towards being an established industry. Our contemponuy says a gentleman of great experience has arrived in Nelson, who is willing to take the management of the company on terms which are very satisfactory to the directors, who held a meeting on the subject on Friday evening last. The question ot procuring a suitable building for the operation of the company was considered? and it was shown that such could at present be obtained on very favorable terms. It was also shown that the share list was steadily increasing.

A 'girl was admitted into the Wagga Wagga Hospital suffering from centipede poisoning. She killed the centipede with a broom handle, and afterwards, when using the broom, became inoculated with the creature's venom.

Mr Gladstone having been asked, some little time ago, if he did not consider Tennyson the greatest genius of the age replied in the negative, and added that without a doubt Disareli merited that title.

Mr W. IT. Campbell, editor of the Western Champion, published at Blackall, Queensland, has beem committed for trial for an alleged libel on Mr J. R. Skuthorpe in reference to the relics of Leichardt and

Classen

It is rumored that the proprietors of the most popular society journal In the C' 1 uiies, the Sydney Bulletin, are to 1 c prosecuted for libel by the editor of the Sydney Daily Telegraph.

A case of extraordinary parental cruelty occupied the attention of the Melbourne City Bench on January 31 si. A Mrs Mary Oliver, residing at North Carlton, was charged with ill-using her stepson* aged three years. The principal witncFg was a Mrs Bunage, a neighbor, who depo ed that hearing the boy's scream she looked through Mrs Oliver's gate, which was ajar at the time, and saw her box the child's ears most unmercifully. Sho then threw him with violence on to the flagging and undressed him. She next held him under the water-tap, his face upwards and kept his mouth open. She turned the tap on, and let it run on him. The water filled his month, and he gasped for breath and became black in the face. Someone called at the front portion of defendant's house, and she then placed a heavy piece of wood against the boy's shoulder to prevent him from moving, and allowed thu tap to continue running. The medical evidence was to the effect that the boy was literally covered with weals up to the buttocks, evidently inflicted by some pliable instrument—a strap most probably. On the shoulder blade and head were large bruises. The child, when taken to the doctor, was quitb exhausted, shivering, and his hair was matted with water. The child had been very severely treated ; and in the doctors opinion the flogging was injurious. The defence was that the child's face had been placed under the tap merely to wash it ! The humane Bench, whilst agreeing that the child had been cruelly treated considered the defendant had undergone a good deal of punishment by the exposure of her conduct, and fined her £4 which was at once paid.

The Government Life Insurance officials are utilizing the circulars of the Property Tax Department something after the manner of those enterprising gentlemen who enclose broad sheets of "Alnrming sacrifices" in the daily journals. With the " notice to pay," sent to property holders, are enclosed neat little slips containing a statement of the special advantages accruing to those who insure in the N. Z. Insurance Department, and a " form

of proposal."

The Canterbury Acclimatisation Society has resolved to issue no licences for the shooting of pheasants this % year. but to maintain a closed season with regard to them and California!! quail The decision as to pheasants was not arrived at without considerable discussion.

A RiJfl-Knrron nnd a reporter wore ,]iiar_ rolling one day in the editor's room. ''You lire a donkey ! " said the sub editor.—" You arc another!" said the repotter, promptly. "Pooh! pooh !" returned the subeditor, "You are the greatest donkey I know! ,, " Gentlemen, gentlemen !" said the editor , looking up from his desk, ''you forget, I think, that lam present." 'J. ho sub-editor

apologreJ