The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 355, 12 December 1879, Page 2

The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12.

. Tuesday next, Anniversary. Day, promises to be a veritable gala day in AkaroaFor the amusement of all and sundry there will be a Regatta, some athletic sports* the Horticultural and Industrial Exhibition, and a Bazaar. The relative interest ot these different attractions must depend upon various tastes, but to take them in the order named, as will be seen elsewhere, and as we mentioned in our last issue, there have been considerable emendations and additions made" to the programme of the regatta since it was first issued., The wbaleboat sailing race will, as '< usual, no doubt be a close race. , In a hard -bree.se the Dream shonld be to the front, but if light winds prevail we should fancy Mr Baker's boat. For the dingey race there will be about four or five entries; two of them are untried—Mr Kearney's Clyde and Mr Stewart's new boat; the old Shoo Fly and Mr GlynanV boat will also be in it. If it blows hard the Shoo .Fdy will lay out the course ; for turning to windward in a choppy sea, there, is none to beat her if sailed in her old form •; if light winds prevail, Tynan's or Stewart's will show their sternposts to the others. It is very hard to say anything about the winner in the model class, as there will be so many new boats running-, but we reckon the QuickStep will have to use her name if she wants to get placed among the new ones; Mr E. Latter's is the handsomest model seen here yet. Mr Bassett aiid Mr M'Lucas are also trying their hands on five-footers. There is also one built out of paper, which carries lOOlbs of lead ballast, and her owner is very sanguine of her sailing powers. The Lyttelton yacht Fleetwing is coming down for a week's cruising, and will be here on the 16th. Those who have not subscribed will kindly oblige by doing so, as the Committee are short of funds. With regard to the shore sports, there are [ a number of events well wprth competing for, which will doubtless attract the attention of numerous athletes. The event of I the day will be the mile handicap for the Ladies' Cup, valued at £5 ss. With regard to the Exhibition, we should imagine, from the favorable season experienced, that the horticultural part of it would be very superior, though we have no certain information as to the forthcoming exhibits. But we believe the Industrial will certainly exceed anything jet seen in Akaroa. The knowledge that soma very handsome prizes have been presented for competition has stimulated both youngsters and adults to most strenuous exertions, and we believe that the result will be a display which will do credit to the district. Finally, there is the Bazaar. From the number of deft and busy fingers which have been at work now for a considerable time we are sure that a varied and excellent assortment of articles, both useful and ornamental, will be offered to the public by the various stallkeepers. There will be no charge for admission, and the place should prove an agreeable lounge in the intervals of the more exciting contests. Refreshments of every description will be procurable in the hall.

A new " Registration of Dogs Bill" has gone through its second reading in the House of Representatives, Jand will take effect from the first of January next. It repeals all Provincial Acts hitherto in force, and provides for the supply of proper tickets to be fixed on dogs' collars, as well as for the destruction of unregistered animals. The; Act is very short and simple, and is a decided improvement on all former ones.

Mr C. W.. Bridge sold the right to erect booths on the reserve near the wharf on Anniversary Day, yesterday. The competition was very languid, and the prices realized were not satisfactory, the highest being £1 2s 6d.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Akaroa Borough Council which Bhould have been held on Wednesday evening, lapsed for want of a quorum. At the appointed time the Mayor, Crs Henning, Penlington, and Bruce were in attendance. The meeting was adjourned till this (Friday) evening.

There was no business transacted in the R. M. Court on Tuesday, the only case set down for hearing being struck out for want of appearance on either side.

Regarding the progress of the Property Tax .Bill, we find that an amendment has been made in Committee in the exemption clause, making it £500 instead of £300.

In our telegraphic column will be found an important message from our Wellington correspondent, in connection with the railway to Little River.