Peninsula News.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 662, 17 November 1882, Page 2

Peninsula News.

Fiusco' Ma'Tj.—Tho Hawea left Wellington at noon yesterday with the mail. The Akaroa portion will arrive to-day.

Pkofes-O-J Phaser.—The weather being bad on Tuesday evening, and tho attendance at tho Hall in consequence being s'ety limited, Professor Fraser did not deliver his promised lecture.

Meeting: Schoolmasters' Association.— At a meeting of teachers held in Akaroa on Wednesday, it was ai'-anged to offer five good prizes for exercise hooka at the forthcoming Exhibition. The following are tho conditions • —The work exhibited may have been done at any time. ft is fo be judged by neatness, cleanliness, and arrangement only. Teachers to enter at the beginning of th?* book the standard for which the competitor is preparing. Work lo be done on not less than twenty-five pages. Names or dates written in books will not disqualify them.

Tun WfOA'i'iißU.—Daring the last few days moderate and refreshing showers have fallen in all uarr.s of the Peninsula, and the cocksfoot harvest, on wiiich so Inrgc'y depends the prosperity of this part; of the country, has now a fair prospect of being very heavy. Pasture in all place.-; is very plentiful, and the oldest inhabitant has to tax his memory to remember a parallel season. The rain-fall and rapid g'owih has however, had the effect in many places'of laying tho rye grass crops. The demand for cocksfoot has already com menced, and we he-ir that the agents of f.everal buyers are already making arranging tits with growers for the coining crops. llourfCUi/riJUAL and Inol'sculal Kxiji uiTtoN CoSuilT't'EU. —The meeting of this comiiiitlcc, held in the Borough ychooiroom last Tuesday evening, was only attended by Messrs Westenra, Perm, Licknell, Newton an I Uargroave-**, and in the absence of the Secretary, tho proceedings were of a conversational character, and in hilled tn-it of obtaining the judges for the Hoiticiiitural department from a distance. It was suggested that the services of tbe Christchurch nod Emgiora nurserymen might bo obtained in this capacity. Tne meeting r-ftei-Y-v-odfi ut Mon ■■.■■.*s 'ill Tuesday, ill-it!i in si., at 'ho w.ms plac:-. No -inubi: the wA weather b \d something to do with the HmiAu aiAnd-mce of member.-: ;A connuiUco. Liittu:-; Rivi:r i'.aijWAi. — We publish j :iie i'oiiowim*' telegrams that have prised bijUv-'.:on Oiir A •""e'-en-.-'tive and Li;o 'lor;, j iho AuiiAer for j'uiilie Yv oiks on the above >ur;jecl'. " Ahrn-tehu-A', lOih Nov., 1832. To the Hon. Minister foi PA-AA Woiks, Wellington. My consti'iion!:-; anAo'.vAy ;*:qo'Cft:ig to &■-: th-.: c-'iiertFion of the Little River Railway. I understand *.vo*!-ir:g uhms bay.- A\,.'i; raady for scants injiiihA "i fl |,.,]i j;,;,.] !; bi'ged "if* you vwii be aa good f.s co stale in when j Aiuler;- will bo c:died for. .Signed — W'.j I.io.N'i'tlvMK.t'/.'' " WAAington, i\ovemb?v I U. To VV. Jloritgr-m:r>. Hsri., M.A.A. ! The piun- !*.>c not yet -v.Ay. I will l.c in ! Oh.ri-iV-huroh v/'uh Mr Blair in p. bo i it r. iV-rt-j night, and wi:l Aeu iiAcr':*. you ~.A*Oi*.: Amdor-i wilt be cal'od for. V/aL'.'lit' YV. j JoilN.S'i'ON.'' !

(HiAss Mowrcus.—Our enterprising friend Mr (jr. Checkley, has purchased dining his recent visit, to Cfnisicini'ch an im proved giass mower,.combing all the latest hnpro'vemeiits for hav-mal;ii)g. The machine 'v quesl'on has been a great success in the old country, and in open lands here will do tho work of many hands. After harvesting his o*vn crop, Mr Checkly .pro- : poses to hire the machine to his fellowfanners, who no doubt will find it profitable dining the coming grass seed harvest, when labor will be without doubt to some esient scarce during the height of the season. Experts speak highly of the machine and it is much to be desired that some expeditious method could be found of shortening the work of the laborer with bis book in hand. We hear that Mr Checkley has dimug bis visit to the plains interviewed the Flemington Daiiy at Ashlnn ton, aud that he will give the results of his visit to an early meeting of the Fa- mors' Club.

Akaroa School—Mr Walker, Drill Iri3liUcfor, visited this school on Wedties-

day, and expressed great satisfaction with the attention which has been paid by the teachers to the calisthenics of the girls, and to tho drilling and gymnastic exorcises ot* the boys. Piizes Were awarded to William Sims and Gilbert Dalglish for proficiency in gynasiics. Mr Walker hopes to nv-kehis next inspection in about thi co months, when there will be a still more seve-re competition for prizes. The value of the school gynasium was

evidenced by the strength and agility displayed with coolness by a number of hoys, who a year or two ago were very deficient in these valuable qualities. Prizes for sue-

cess at the general examination in September will probably be distributed, as usual,

immediately before the Christmas holidays, if the insp-'Ctor's report is received in time. Mr Ciiron has very kindly promised a

prize for proficiency in the Fiench

language

Quoit Club Mbeting.—A meeting was held at Rodrigues' Hotel on Tuesday evening last, for the purpose of forming a Quoit Club. There was a good attendance, in spite of the bad weather. Mr Billens was appointed chairman, and he stated that theie were already 32 promised members, which at 2s 6d per head represented £4. This amount would onablethem to procure two sets of quoits, and he anticipated that directly tilings were in working order the number of members would rapidly increase. Ho regretted that they could not adopt rules, as they had none to go by, but ho expected some rules of other clubs to arrive before nest meeting. The election of officers was the first thing to do. The meeting then elected the following officeholders for the first year :—Mr Nalder, president; Mr Daly, vice-president; Mr H. C. Jacobson, captain ; Mr V Masefield,

vice-captain; Mr W, Parsons, secretary and treasurer. The committee to consist of the following gentlemen :—Messrs 0.

Watkins, M. Sullivan, M. Daly, Funnel, D. G. Riches, A. Munro, 11, Billens, and

W. Jacobson. A hearty vote of thanks to Mr Nalder for the use of his paddock was passed. It was arranged that the next meeting bo held at Rodriguez' Hotel on tbe 2Sth inst. Some of the members challenged others present to a game and the result was that on Friday nest the first two in itches of the club will be played in Mr Nalder's paddock, tho first game commencing at 5.30 p.m. Akaeoa Hope Lodge Entertainment.— There was a crowded house on the occasion of the Good Templars Social Gathering on Wednesday evening, and the whole affair was a sncces. The proceedings commenced with refreshments, which were provided by Mr Campbell Brown, and dispensed by several young ladies. Over one hundred partook of the very capital tea laid out, and after the good things had been cleared away, a huge number of people came to the entertainment, so that ther-i was scarcely sufficient sitting room for those present. So many ladies and gentlemen used their be.it endeavours to secure a pleasant evening's amusement, that it is impossible to particularize. Mr Nalder presented some beautiful roses to decorate the hall, which gave a cheerful aspect to tho tables ancl stage. He also kindly gave a guinea towards the expenses. Tho entertainment commenced at about 8 p.m. by Mian Dalglish playing the "March from Norma " very nicely. Miss Connell was down on the programme to open the proceedings, but owing to illnesa. she was unable to do so. Mis c < Armstrong then sraig " Barney OTlea," and way loudly applauded for her excellent rendering. Mr Billens followed with a' song " The Midshipmite," and sang it in a spirited manner, and on buing encored gave "The I ar's Farewell." MrMcCliotock afterwards recited " CasaHnnca," and on being recalled recited '• Wallace's Adress." Mrs Black then sang " Home tbey brought her Warrior dead," tho modulations of her voice being very fine and the feeling displayed being especially noticeable. Tbe next item on the programme was a recitation by Miss Carrie Fisher, of Christchurch, who had come to Akaroa on purpose to take part in tho proceedings, '• The Lovers Quarrel " was the title of her first recitation, and delighted the audience so much that another picoo was demanded, and Miss Fisher responded with '* Alice Lee," which was enthusiastically received. Mr Spurr then sang "My boy Tamtnie," and .'s an oncore gave " Ye banks ami braes o'Bonnie Doon." After Mr Bussel bad read "Tbe Song of the Shirt," the first part of the entertainment came to a close by Miss Daly playing some very pretty airs on the piano. After an interval of ton minutes, the second part of the performance commenced with an instrumental duet, (cornet aud piano) by Mr and VfA,.q Df.ly, which was wcli received. The Rev. Bobbins being '.-.■;k-voidably absent. Professor Frazer took

! :is place, and addressed ihe audience His speech was brief and humorou-*, and' was of course on the advantages of total abstinence. Mr Walker then recited " The Bachelor," a vny v.:v.\yy piece, which

caused much a-.uusemjiit. Miss Armstrong sang tiie simple ami sweet little song "Tbe Mill Wheel,'' and did it justice. Mossrs Giles and Hamilton, whose names followed on th,, programme, did not appear, and Mr Granger followed with a stump •ipooch entitled " Physi-mahogany." which cftustid a lot. of fur. AA>2 (Jarrie Fisher M'.e** recited " Tho BrMogroo-ns Pledge," arid was deservedly oppla tided. After Mi.--.-; Armsuvmg and Mr J.-.cobson had simg •' When tin* Pwp.llows," Mr Bruce e*i*:.e toi*w';.*'A e.ii-.l apologised for the ab- *■•»-•;'!.'<■■ of Air McGregor, whose name was down for a Highland dance, and asked ii.o;,e picse;,: to accord a vote of thanks io :A*e friend* vim had kindly helped to sec'ivo the success of the evening.

R.M. CounT.—There was no business of any sort before the R.M. Court lice last Tuesday. Yesterday the brother.-? Mclu-(o.-b. charged with fire raiding at Little ■Akaloa, were biought up on rem md. and on the application of the police were formally remanded again till Thursday nest. On the application of the, the bail •was increased from £25 to £50 each, and two sureties in £100 for each,

Athletics.—A neighbour of ours, Mr George Robertson, who has achieved considerable success in the wrestling ring in Christchurch, where lie has had the best of his opponent Slade, has been offered by Mace a good sum to travel the Colony with Slade. Jn this case, Robertson wi'l only go as paitof Mice's show and it is questionable if the position would suit him.

" Pcess ALMANAC" for 1883. —Wa have just received an e*rly copy of the ■' Press " altnonae for 1883. Tbe publication still retains its character for a large and useful amount of information beyond the purely almanac information. A large number of advertisements serve as guide to the chief business places of Christchurch, an i the whole, including garden callender, etc., is published for a shilling. The almanac in question contains quite an epitome of various colonial information, and is veiy creditable to tbe establishment from which it issues in get up, information, and type.

Okain's Bay "Races.—From an advertisement elsewhere it will be seen that it was proposed to hold races in Okain's Bay on Boxing Day. The idea is little doubt a good one, as after the burning of the Head of tho Bay Hotel, and the general want of accommodation consequent thereon, the chances are no races will be held at the Head of the Bay on the above date. Okain's Bay can boast a superior course to the Head of the Bay, and during holiday time a visit to this Bay, which has now superior roads leading to it, will be an agreeable outing on one of the great holidays of the yeir.

The Egyptian Loss.—The losses of the campaign to the Egyptians, after making a list of estimates from all sources, is calculated at 5000, from and including the day of the bombardment; about one in every thousand of the population. Our loss is less than 300 from all causes during tho campaign in Egypt. The cost of the war Ins as yet been small. The country lonnd Alexandria suffered owing to the want of \vater; but in the interior all went on as usual, the rapidity of the campaign happily preventing any great loss from want of labor. The battlefields were in the desert. There only remains to be considered the damage done to Alexandria.

SERicicui/rURE.—Mr Federli, the energetic promoter of the silkworm industry in Canterbury, has recently distributed large quantities ot worms among those who take an interest in the matter. It is to be regretted that a portion of this distribution was forced, the late frosts having played such havoc with the young mulberry leaves that it was an extremely difficult*matter to find food for the worms. Those left nuder Mr Federli's charge, however, are all doing exceedingly well. Several of them have begun to spin cocoons, and the whole are looking very healthy. He expects to get a second crop of "grain" from some of the silkworms in his possession.

Masomio. — The anniversary of the Phoenix Lodge, No. 1959, was celebrated last night. Brethren from a distance took a great interest, and some twelve or fourteen had assembled on the Christchurch railway platform yesterday morning, ready for a journey to our beautiful town via Little River. A lovely day, a li'tie light ■ refreshment, provided by Bro. Messenger, under tho advice of Bio. George Hart, good company, and real hearty fellowship, lightened the journey to such an extent that some were quite grieved when Birdling's Flat was reached. At that place, that worthy brothe, Sam Lee, met the train with a buggy and pair, but some had to go by coach. The delightful scenery was much appreciated, and hearty indeed were the encomiums passed on it by those who were paying their first visit to the Peninsula. After a very merry trip, Akaroa was reached, and after a -.short ititeryal the lodge was visited. There is no' installa-. tion for this year, as the old officers of the lodge have been re-appointed without one exception. The D.D.G.M., Bro. H.- Thomson, conducted the proceedings, and was supported by the following Grand Lodge officers :—Bro. W. R. Mitchell, acting as S.P.D.D.G.M.; Bro. R. C. Bishop,D.D.J.W.; C. P. Hulbert,'D.G.J.W.; Bro. G. Hart, acting as D.G.S.D,; and Bro. Sansom, D.G.S.B. Besides the Grand Lodge, officers, the following brethren were present from other lodges, Viz.:—Bro.' C. E. Briggs, P.M. Concord Lodge; Bro. Messenger, Canterbury Lodge, who kindly acted as organist; Bro. H. Sintell, W.M. of tho St. Augustine Lodge ; Bro. Davis, WAI. of the Malvern Lodge ; Bro. Barclay, Thistle and. Roso Lodge, Scotland ; and Bro. Fliorns, of the St. Augustine Lodge. After the ceremony, the brethren met at a banquet at Bruce's Hotel, which was placed on the tabic in a way to refb*ct credit on the provider of the feast, as everything was &ood of its kind, and no expense appeared to have been spared to procure all the delicacies obtainable. The usual toasts were proposed, and a very pleasant day closed in peace and harmony.