The Akaroa Mail. TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1882.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 631, 1 August 1882, Page 2

The Akaroa Mail. TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1882.

Court Cases —We hear that Mr Brooks is to be sued for selling liquor at the Somerset Hotel. It seems to us a great pity that this matter could not have been arranged without going to law to decide the question. Mr McGregor has also had an information laid against him for selling goods by auction after 5 p.m. We confess we have seen so many goods sold in Canterbury after that hour, that we did not know such a law existed. It has been avowed to remain in abeyance so many 3 'ears that was not aware of it. However, the law exists in the shape of an old Provincial 'Ordinance.' It is a pity it was ever roused from the repose in which it has slumbered since its creation. Let ua hope the present action will lead to its repeal. The Property Tax.—Mr Boleyn thinks that Peninsula pec pie pay too much for property tax in proportion to other places, and he mentioned during the sitting of tbe Council on Saturday tbat he intended to move if other members Would support him "That with a view of ascertaining the amount contributed by the Akaroa County under the Property tax, the member for the district be instructed to ask for such returns in his place in the House of Representatives. He thought the many small holdings increased tho tax. Other members, however, thought that from the allowance made before Property tax was charged many of the smaller holders escaped altogether. We have also been spoken to by some cf the sheep-farmers regarding the property tax and tbe tax on sheep. Some appear to be of opinion tbat these two taxes being in force together means double taxation, and think that the old Provincial Ordinance under which the sheep tax is levied should be repealed. Sheep they say are property and why should they be taxed twice over more than any odier property.

Little River Church. —An entertain ment in aid of St. Andrew's Church build, ing debt was beld in the Little River Schoolroom on Friday last. In spite of the rain, there waa an excellent attendance. The room was most tastefully decorated, and refreshments were to lie procured in the infants room, tbe proceeds also going to the fund. The Rev. E. Garbett, curate in charge of tbe district, occupied tho chair, and made- an opening address. He said he was glad to have an opportunity of meeting so many friends out of Church. The entertainment was one of four that it had been determined to get up with the view of paying off a debt of £121 on the Church building. He desired not only to call attention to the energy of the vestry in getting up these entertainments, and to congratulate them on the largo attendance, in spite of the rain, but also to thank those ladies and gentlemen who had come a long distance in bad weather to help. The programme, which was an excellent one, was introduced by Mr Garbett calling upon Mrs and Miss Buchana / 'n for an instrumental duet, which was executed with admirable style, and duly appreciated, as were also Mr Williams' Song, "The Midshipmite ": Miss Shadbolt's song, " Blue Alsatian Mountains " ; Mr Garbett's reading, "The Tinker and the Miller's Daughter"; Mr Dunbar's song, " They have all got a Mate but Me"; Miss Alice Coop's sontr, " Barney O'Hea" ; Mr Jacobson's song, " The Gallants of England " ; Mr Proudlook's song (in character), " Betsy Waring " ; Tbe Misses Sbadbolt.s instrumental duet, "Palermo Quadrilles"; Mr Wm. Birlling, jun.'ssong,'' Perhaps she's on the Railway" ; Miss Buchanan and Mr Williams' duet, " Gipsy Countess " ; Mr Tyson's reading, " Sam Slick's Latin Losson " ; Mrs Bii-lnnan's " Irish Diamonds "; Miss Alice Coop's song, "Jessie's Dream"; Mr Jacobson's recitation, and Mr Proudlook's song, " Cork Leg." The audience thoroughly enjoyed the programme throughout, but their special appreciation was deservedly shown to Mis.. Alice Coop's " Barney O'Hea " (encored;, Mrs Buchanan's "Irish Diamond:." (encored), "Tho Gipsy Countess." by Miss Buchanan and Mr Williams, Mr Jacobson's soul-stirring recitation, _.nd Mr Proudlock's " Betsy Waring " (encored). Tho stage having beeu cleared, the programme was brought to a close by a farce, " The Photographer," produced in a most, admirable manner by Messrs S iih. Grove, and Ferguson; the music by Messrs Johnson, Peterson, and Everett. Refreshments were contributed by Mosdames Coop, S. Joblin. G. W. Joblin, Tyson, and Proudlock. Mrs Proudlock lent her piano for tho occasion. A dance took place afterwards, dancing being kept up until the small hours.

, Prior of Cheese.—Mr C. Mac Donald has been the first gentleman who has forwarded to the Farmers' Club for general information tho price obtained for cheese. He informs Mr Barwick, the secretary, that the last of his cheese was sold in Dunedin this month at 9d per lb.

The Somerset Hotel.—As will be seen by the County Council report, Mr Brooks is endeavoring to get a conditional license for the Somerset Hotel, renewable Week by week till the next quarterly meeting of the Licensing Court, in the beginning of Sept., when the quarterly meetings- will be neld. The Council very properly recommended thnt the Licensing Court should grant the request, and two members ot the Licensing Committee were soon found to grant the license in accordance with clause 73 of the Act. However, after this the Treasurer who receives the fees and issues the license, noticed in doing so, that according to the schedule a conditional license can only be granted to a licensed publican, and so refused to grant it without procuring a legal opinion. The wording of the schedule certainly is, " being a licensed publican holding a publican's license:" Now can Mr Brooks l»e called a licensed publican ? He got his certificate and preferred, his. fee, but too late. It is to be hoped some point will be stretched and the license be granted if it possibly can, for the closing of the house is a great inconvenience to travellers. Members of the County Council, Road Board, Farmers' Club, and other bodies that meet at this central place require refreshments most urgently, for they come long distances and have to return. It is to he hoped then in the interests of the public that if it is possible to do it legally Mr Brooks license may be at once granted. Football.—A scratch match was played on Saturday in Mr J. Sunckell, junior's paddock, sides being chosen by Messrs L. Barker, and P. E, Granger, the former's side winning by a goal and a try to nil. The game was very evenly contested throughout, and although the Grangerites were defeated, they several times were in close proximity to their opponents' goal. It would be premature to criticise individual play, but still we cannot close this short notice without giving a word of praise to Messrs H. Munro and J. Lelievre, who both play.d hard on the ball all through the game. At a meeting held after tho game at Bayley's Hotel, it was resolved to form a club, under the Rugby Union rules, to be called "The Banks Peninsula Football Club." The Rev. H Stocker was elected president, and Mr H. C. Jacobson vice-president. The following officers were also appointed :- Captain and hon. secretary, Mr P. E. Granger; sub-captain, Mr T- Drewry; hon. treasurer, Mr A. Munro ; committee to act with above, Messrs H. Munro, J. Lelievre, T. Barker, and Joe Sunckell. It was also arranged that the next match should be on Saturday next, in Dr. Watkins' paddock, but we understand the club have determined that the paddock kindly lent by Mr J. Sunckell, jun., is to be the regular ground. We think they will be wise to adhere to this decision. Those wishing to join the club should at once communicate with the secretary, and get their names placed on the membership list. We should imagine a number will take advantage of this chance sf healthy recreation, considering that the subscription is only a modest half crown.

Little Akaloa. -Our correspondent writes :—On Friday, the 28th, tho Good Templars celebrated their anniversary. At a little after six o'clock the company, to the number of nearly two hundred sat down t«> tea in the schoolroom. To say that tho provision made for the occasion was excellent, both in quantity and quality, is only to re-echo the universal sentiment of all present. Looking at the " spread "on the tables, ono could not help wondering how the ladies in the district had produced so much, Your readers will kindly recollect that in this place there is no store to fly to. Another question arose as the room was being cleared for the concert which followed the tea—what had become of it all; one had but to call to mind " the powers of receptivity of the youthful alumni" (the quotation belongs to a friend who is somewhat ornate in his btyle) to understand whore much of it had gone. The chief member of the Lodge, Mr Hunter, in the chair, gave a short resume of the history of the society since its start in Little Akaloa, and stated that though the Lodge had gone through many trying vicissitudes, yet it had done much good, and he believed it would do much more in the future. It would be prohibitive of your publishing this notice if the various items in tho programme were specified and commented on. It must therefore suffice to state generally that all the songs, etc., prepared, were rendered in a satisfactory manner, and that notably there were not wanting those among the audience, who could not only appreciate the efforts of those who tried to amuse them, but were willing and ready "to help. One gentleman volunteer made known his love for the young lady be had courted " where the praties grow," and another declared his satisfaction at tracing his sweet heart's footsteps " through the snow" both gentlemen being much applauded. Some recitations from visitors were well rendered and gave great satisfaction. Of the prepared songs &c,. it is but fair to say that a well known lady sang with her usual good taste and expression two songs, " The Captain's tear'" and " The Letter." " Won't you tell me why Robin " was sung in a -very pleasing manner evoking expression of great pleasure felt by the audience. " Please give me a penny sir " and •' Let the Angels in " were sung with Jmore than usual expression and pathos. A little nervousness on the part of the youmr. lady who sang the latter is quite excusable, it being her first appearance. "Do they miss me " received deserved applause, but doubtless the most taking effort of the evening was " Jessie's dream," capitally sung by a lady amateur. The gentlemen who did the comic songs succeeded in giving much pleasure, notably the young gentleman who sang " What a fool I must have boon to marry Jane" proved himself to be anything but a facsimile of the person whose folly he wns recounting. Two songs by tho conductor (Air Cox), a hearty vo:c of thanks to all who h_d helped to make the concert so successful, and the National Anthem sung by all, brought this part of tha evenings amusements to an end. Afterwards the room was cleared for the inevitable dance, but as your contributor is reputed to be old and is somewhat stout he did not stay to make " a hobject " of himself, but is quite willing to give credence to the universally expressed opinion that all present had spent one of the most agreeable days in their lives.

Left Out.—A number of letters and other matter are unavoidably left over till Friday's issue.

Thi. Penguin.—This steamer is expected to arrive early this morning, having left Dunedin yesterday at 2 p.m.

lII.—We are sorry to hear that Mr W. Barnett was prevented from attending the County Council on Saturday through a severe attack of illness.