Peninsula News.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 674, 29 December 1882, Page 2

Peninsula News.

Fireworks on New Years Day.—-The following is a list of the fireworks that will be set off at Chamberlain's Hotel on New Zeara Night :—8 rockels, 1 iljum - mated ve'tical wheel, 2 pyramids of silver ireea, 2 Jacks in the bos,2 prismaticlighls, 2 Italian streams, 2 Roman candles vvith brilliant stars, 2 Catherine wheels, 2 Chinese flyers, 2 triangle wheels, 2 Tourbillions-, crackers, &c. The Weather.—The weather kindly held up till the holiday's wore ovjar, but last night the sou-west gale was very severe indeed. The damage done, how ever, is of little importance. Mr Aylmer's punt was broken up, and another belonging to Mr Henning was sunk. The Chance also diifred from her moorings, but, we are glad to say, sustained no injury. The breastwork has been a good deal damaged, a heavy sea sweeping ovor it. In some pans it has sunk considerably, and no doubt the Council will be at considerable expense to put it in proper repair. The creeks did not rise to any extent, the dry ground receiving the welcome moisture. A good mmy branches have been blown off the trees, ihe willows especially buffering severely, but, take it for all in all, we believe that the benefits conferred by the rain have far more than compensated for all the damage done. The grass will doubtless spring in a wonderful way after the welcome moisture, and we may fairly look upon the autumn and early winter feed as well assured. Akauoa School.—The following is the Inspector's report on the Borough School, which, as will be seen by perusal, is a highly satisfactory one :—'• Akaroa School, examined September 27th. 1882. Attendance—Number on roll 120, average last quarter 104, present at examination 100. Staff and distribution—Mr Nicholls, master, Standards VI., V., IV.. III.; Miss Buxton, mistress, II.; Mr McGregor, P.T., I.; Mr Penlinglon, P.T., infants. Results of Examination in Standards—Presented, in Standard VI., 2 ; do V., 2 ; do IV., 2 ; 'do IIT., 24; do 11., 28; do 1., 9 ; total, 67. Average age—Standard VI.. 12.11; IV., 12.5 ; 111.. 11 ; 11., 10.5 ; 1., 9. Passed— Standard Vf., 2 ; IV., 2 ; 111., 23 ; 11., 24 ; 1., 9 ; total, GO. Percentage, 89. Percentage of number presented in standards to number present at examination, 67. General Remarks—This school shows considerable improvement, the work generally being of a better quality than it was last year. The questions set in science were very well answered, and the papers of all classes were neatly written and very accurate. Ihe school is as well organised as the nature of: tiie building will admit, and good order is maintained. —W. L. Edge, Inspector."----i Gexeral News.—Sir Julius Vogel is to be present at the opening of the Lyttleton Graving Dock on January 3rd.—ln the divorce case, McKay v McKay and Campbell, co-respondent, a verdict has been given for the petitioner with £300 damages. The petitioner claimed £1000. Judge Richmond said it was the first case in New Zealand where damages had been claimed in a divorce suit. A rule nisi, returnable in five months, was granted for the dissolution of the marriage.—At the banquet to Sir Julius Vogel in Dunedin the other night, Dr McDonald (the rector of the High School), in replying to the toast of " The Schools of Otago," made an impression upon his guests by a telling speech, which he wound up in the following words, as reported in the Otago Daily Times :—Gentlemen, I must say that it is to me a very curious reflection to think that I am told that in advocaling views of this kind (the claims of the high schools) I am speaking for the rich against the poor. I, gentlemen, of all men ! I come bafore you informapauperis. My fother was a poor man. He was a journeyman tradesman, who, from six in the morning until six at night, worked hard. There was no eight hour movements in his time—Cipplause)—nor for long weary years after. If lam here tonight speaking to this large and influential assembly; why is it? It is because in my native country high schools and Universities are accessible, even without the aid of scholarships, to the sons of the poorest in the land. [Great applause.] If I have reaped the benefits and blessings of that system in the dear land of my birth, am I not to plead for it—am I not to work for it, in the land which will be the native land of my cfiildren's children. More Work for Little River Road Board. — At the last meeting of the Spring's Road Board a letter was read from the Little River Road Board, stating that complaints had been made respecting the manner in which the contractor for tho Ilalswell river waa carrying on M 3 work. The surveyor to the Board stated that previous to the receipt of this letter he had remonstrated with the contractor on the subject, and that since its receipt he had given him six days in which to report the river clean, or men would be put on at hie'expense. The six days expired that day, and he had received no report. In connection with this matter Mr Herrick stated that only that very morning he had been informed that the river was higher than ever, The Board directed the surveyor to put on mon at once at the contractor's expense. After a lengthy consideration of this subject the Board came to tho conclusion that it would be advisable, on tho expiration of the present contract, that the supervision of the Ilalswell River should be undertaken by the Little River Board for the following reasons —That tln« Little River ratepayers are the first to suiter t'r.itn neglect of contractor, especially at this season of the year; that as this Boards surveyor resides nearly twenty miles away from the extreme end of the work, it i* impossible for him, having regard to the other duties he has to perform, to maintain that constant supervision which is especially necessary at thi.s season ; that one of the main roads of the Little River district is contiguous to the river for a considerable distance, whilst this district has not a formed road beyond Like road, in the Green Park district; that the ordinary supervision of the main road to Akaroa would necessarily bring the surveyor to the Little River Board in frequent contact with the Halswell, whilst it involves an express journey for this Board's surveyor to inspect it. The clerk \va3 directed to communicate with the Lil'Ae River Board, to this effoct

The S.S. Taiaroa.—Owing to the gale, the s.B. Tftiaroa wlis detained, and is not expected to leave Lyttelton for this port till 11 to-day. ** Muff Cricket Match.—lt has been decided to hold the costume muff cricket match on New Year's Day. in Mr Watkins' paddock, close to the Oddfellows' Hall This is a good arrangement, as visitors to the Exhibition will be able to witness it. Lyttelton Regatta.—The Zephyr was towed down to Lyttelton by the Akaroa, and the Dream was taken by the s.s. Hawea. Tho Chance sails this morning; should the weather allow her. It will thus be seen that we shall be well represented at the big Regatta, and we fully expect that our representatives will cut no mean figure in the races in which they compete. The Cocksfoot on the Akaroa and VVainui Roads.—The Clerk of the Akaroa and Wainui Road Board invites tenders for the right ot cutting grass seed on the roads in the district. The time allowed is very short, as the tenders will have to be sent in by to-morrow at noon. There is a splendid crop, and it is to be hoped the Road Board will let it to advantage, ac they want money badly just now. The Exhibition.—Judging from all we hear, the Exhibition is likely to prove a great success. The show , of dairy produce and machinery will, it is said be very good, and many entries are expected in the Horiicultural and Industrial divisions. The concert on the evening of the 2nd promises well, as will be seen by the programme published elsewhere. We call special attention to the Hon. Sec,'s advertisement regarding time of entries, etc. Accident.—We are sorry to record that Mr Peter Brown met with an accident at Okain's Bay after the races. It appears that Mr Rodrigues was taking some cases from his booth to the schoolroom, where a dance waa being held, on the night of the races. Mr O'Reilly's trap was the vehicle used, and Mr Ketridge was driving. Mr Brown wae riding in the trap, ami a jolt threw him off. The trap was stopped, and Mr Blown was at once picked up. but was found to be unconscious. He was brought into Akaroa, but we are sorry to say he still remains in a state of" coma, and severe injury to the spine is feared. The night was pitch dark, and the road over rough country, but the injured man fell on the sand, and it is strange how he received so severe a shock. Bad Behaviour at Little Akaloa.—A correspondent writing from Little Akaloa sa y s: —This pretty bay'is just now the resort of several visitors from town, in seirch of health. The doctors have ordered sea bathing, and a nicer white sandy beach it be difficult to find. It is "much to be regretted that ladies bathing cannot do so without being subject to the rude sfaringand speaking of a lot of persons of the other sex. Certainly one would give these people credit for more decency and common sense. Is it possible that they cannot see that they are only enhancing the value of their own property by doing their best to encourage visitors to the bay. To us it seems a very doubtful way of doing it, when a mob of men assemble on the shingle and make rude remarks while others ainupe (?) themselves by riding their horses into the sea as far as the ladies are bathing. It is to be hoped for the credit of the place that such disgraceful and unmanly conduct will not be repeated. Barry's Bay.—A coi respondent writes ; —The home- loving inhabitants of thislittle place, untempted by stirring accounts of races to be held in Okain's and cricket matches in Akaroa, determined to celebrate Boxing Day in a way that would please both young and old in their own Bay, leaving other more restless pleasure seekers to roam farther away. Accordingly, the members of the Cricket Club were early assembled to open the day's sport by a friendly match between themselves. H. Broderick and T. Brough chose sides, and the tons for first innings being in favor of Brough, he sent bis men to handle the timber. Their efforts in that direction proved a great success, as 79} was scored in a very short time, Brough himself contributing 39, and having the honor to carry his bat out as well. Broderick's side then went in, and made desperate efforts to equal their opponents in prowess, but in spite of the valiant play of W. Wright, who made 24 and also carried out his bat; they were all out for 49, leaving the Broughites winners by 30 runs. Ernest Spurr distinguished himself by making two splendid catches. At the conclusion of the game, players and spectators all adjourned to the schoolroom, where they found the respected Chairman of tiie School Committee, Mr D. LeCompt, hard at work making preparation for the satisfying of their craving appetites. Too much praise cannot be accorded to this gentleman for the hearty manner in which he worked to make the whole thing a success. There being a plentiful supply of eatables provided for young and old, it was thought that a little healthful exercise in the shape of running and jumping would sharpen up the youngsters' to do justice at the table, Accordingly, a varied assortment of toys, to the value of about £3 were brought out by Mr Mondey, who acted as judge, Mr D. Lecompte being starter. The little ones did their best, and soon emptied the boxes. The children were then called in the schoolroom, which was nicely decorated with flowers and evergreens, and, in the opinion of the small fry, the most important business of the day began, and they well per.formed their task. The elders then determined to see what they could do to send home empty boxes, but all their efforts proved of no avail, so it was eventually determined that a third attempt should be made in the evening. At the close of the proceedings the Chairman called upon the children to give three hearty cheers to Mr Stewart for kindly lending his paddock for the running and jumping contests. It was mentioned that the prizes for scholastic attainments were awarded on the previous Friday, at the breaking up for the holidays. The value of the books given was £4, three guineas of which had been generously given by Mr Montgomery. Mr E. Latter had also very kindly given two sewing prizes.