KAIKOURA.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2241, 8 June 1881, Page 3

KAIKOURA.

[rllOM THE OWK COBB BSPOND ENT OP THE pbbbb.”] The Presbyterians’ second anniversary of the opening of their Bohai church took place in the northern suburban district. The church is the largest in the northern district, and was packed to overflowing. The tea was most excellent, and was provided by Meadames Borrison, Clements, McDonald, Schroder, Houl, MoAra, and Palmer. After the good things were disposed of the Bev. McAra begged Mr Q-. F. Bullen to take the chair, and proceedings commenced by singing the “ Old Hundredth." Mr Bullen said this was their third tea meeting. He was glad to see so many present, as it was a sign of the interest taken in the work. He hoped they would not relax their efforts, and they would be rewarded by success. [Applause.] Oapt. Davidson was unavoidably absent. Mr Jameson next addressed the meeting. He said the Presbyterians were really a republican body in the way they managed their church affairs. It was the people’s will that set things going and made the church to prosper, but where they lacked energy of course they did not progress. The chairman said the pleasantest part of his duty was to introduce the Bev. Mr McAra. The reverend speaker was greeted with applause on going forward. He spoke of the many pleasant, earnest gatherings of the congregation of the Xohai. If they erred in any way it was not willingly, but from lack of judgment. He said that the Presbyterians founded their teachings on the Bible, and conducted the principles of their Church on more especially the New Testament doctrine. His address was of a very impressive nature, and after expressing pleasure at seeing so many present, and giving them a benediction, be concluded his remarks. A most excellent magic lantern was then exhibited, the Bev Mr McAra describing each subject as it passed appropriately. The youngsters were amused, and their elders well entertained throughout. Votes of thanks were passed to the choir and lady who presided at the harmonium; also to the ladies who provided the tea, and to the “ young men ” who kept them in hot water. The chairman also received a vote of thanks, which terminated the proceedings. Kaikoura, as its name implies, is well off for crayfish, even at the present moment, and when the Maoris named it there must have been plenty—Kai meaning food and koura crayfish—here; and to eat them in perfection this is the place. As soon as. possible after being caught boil them (not too fast) half-an-hour in boiling water and a handful of salt, and eat them warm, either with potatoes or bread and butter. They are much sweeter hot, the juice remains, they are more digestable, and, I will venture to say, after once having them so yon will not care about them cold. But besides Cray there are plenty of other fish. There is a little village called after the fish hapuka—Le., codfish, a thicker fish than our English cod and not so nice. There are others in plenty, but I will not tire you with them now. But speaking of kai, another epecies of food is very abundant here, viz., potatoes. Some there are 2ilbs weight, and sound too. I have heard others describe them as big as your foot. They run from fourteen to sixteen tons to the acre. The lowest, I hear, is eleven tons.

The rite of confirmation was adminiatered in St. Peter’s, Kaikoura, by his Lordship the Bishop of Nelson. There were fourteen candidates, eleven being females. The congregation was an exceedingly large one, the church being crowded in every part, special seating having to be provided. Most impressive addresses were delivered to the candidates. His Lordship also preached to a large congregation in St. James’, Kohai, in the afternoon. The church was very tastefully decorated with flowers. In the evening his Lordship preached an excellent sermon on “Prayer.” The Incumbent (Eev.W. Batterns) assisted at all throe services, Mrs Batterns presiding at the harmonium, and playing special and appropriate music. His Lordship the Bishop of Nelson gave a lecture on Saturday evening on a “ Fortune made, spent, and saved,” or the “ Memories of a city merchant.” The audience was small,

1 owing to the weather, but thoroughly appreciative, his Lordship being frequently interrupted by applause. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Bishop, and also to the Bov. W. Mathews, who occupied the chair. There was not much festivity held here on the Queen’s birthday. A pigeon match was on the tapis, but came to naught on account of there being no pigeons to shoot. Sparrows were next thought of, but were found oven then at the short notice to be insufficient. Think of that, ye sparrow clubs. Hawks, which threaten to be a great pest, have been attracted by the vast number of rabbit caresses left by the rabbiters after skinning. They might have been a good substitute, as they are destruciive to chickens, hens, and even lambs, by pecking out their eyes. The only amusement indulged in, therefore, was a ball and supper. Tbe former took place at tbe Templar Hall. There were about forty couples present, who thoroughly enjoyed themselves. About midnight they adjourned to Cannon’s Temperance Hotel, where they had supper.