AKAROA NEWS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11479, 12 January 1903, Page 6

AKAROA NEWS.

An arrangement has been arrived at between the proprietors of the coach running between L_ittle River and Pigeon Bay and the steam launch Piraki, which should 'be much appreciated by visitors to Akaroa. Instead of the coach journey to and trom Duvattchelle's, the launch meets the coach from-' Little Biver at Barry's Bay and at Head of the Bay from Pigeon Bay, saving nearly an hour and giving visitors the option of a pleasant run across the harbour. There is also a substantial reduction in the fares. To celebrate the inauguration of the new route), Messrs Barker and Henning invited all visitors in town and a number of residents to a trip to Duvauchelle's by coach, and thence home by the s.s. Piraki. A good number accepted the invitation, and three coaches left Akaroa. On arriving at the stables tho party, on account of rain falling, adjourned to the house, where afternoon tea was dispensed by Mrs Barker and lady friends, and a pleasant hour was spent. Before leaving on the return journey, Mr Barker said he hoped.the alteration would prove a success, and would be the means of bringing visitors to Akaroa. Mr Wachsmann hoped the enterprise of Mr Barker would meet with, its reward. Mr R. Latter, on behalf of those present, thanked Mr and Mrs Barker for their, hospitality, three hearty. cheers being given. After a pleasant run down the harbour in the launch, the Akaroa wharf was reached, and three cheers were given. for the proprietor. The induction of the Rev. Mr Pattison to thai charge of Trinity Presbyterian Church,took place on Tht-rsd&y afternoon. Tho Revs. Spence, Treadwell, and Mackenzie conducted the service". A social was held in the evening, at which there was a good' attendance, and addresses delivered by tho Revs. Treadwell, Mackenzie, and Smyth. -After a programme of music, an excellent sapper was served. The Akaroa Fire Brigade has decided to send a delegate and a team to compete at the annual Fire Brigade Demonstration at Napier in March. It has also resolved to recommend that the next Conference and demonstration be held at Akaroa.

The cocksfoot harvest promises to be an exceptionally heavy one this year, the late rains causing a splendid growth. The seed on the lower slopes is turning colour, and steady hot weather is urgently needed to ripen it off. Ihe bad weather about Christmas, time had the effect of keeping visitors away, but it has now become more, settled, and coach loads continue to arrive each day.