LE BON'S BAY.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume XXII, Issue 1671, 19 July 1892, Page 3

LE BON'S BAY.

OUT AND ABOUT,

Gn Wednesday the weather was much finer overhead, but the roads, as may be expected, were very muddy. Several small slips had taken place on the Jetty Road, and some were cruel enough to say the metal on the banks above the road had taken compassion on the Road Board, and fallen down to fill up the ruts. If that is so, we will willingly bear a week or ten days' bad weather. The Road Board are distributing poisoned wheat to the residents who will wage war against the poor little sparrow and other birds that have a weakness for wheat. On Friday after noon, about four o'clock, tbe more quiet settlers were startled from their peaceful state by a party of ladies and gentlemen going down towards the beach, bound for the tug-of-war at Okain's. Soon they were winding their way up the hill till Mr J. Knight's pretty and compaot homestead met their view ; then down the steep hill to the house. A few enquiries were then made as to the nearest way to Messrs Barker and Co.'s oamp. Those hardy sawyers are busy cutting the poles that will' ere long, connect us with picturesque Akaroa. Mr Knight kindly directed us, and away we went at a merry pace till we arrived at the camp. A few of those ahead had taken the wrong road, but one went speedily along and informed them, and all were soon dismounted and seated round a good fire. Host Trueman had tea and 'brownies' (as be called them) ready, but they were white, and went very well with tho tea. Tiveryone was gjlad of a rest, but all re-mounted again, and were soon on the way to the scene of action. There being 15 or 16 of us together, we looked as if we wished to take Okain's by storm. LAMBS. Already lambs havo made their appearance on Mr W. Barnett'e farm. On Thursday morning last, having occasion to be up the hill, your correspondent saw five lambs, and should moderate weather continue, they will be all right. THE WEATHER. The weather for the past few days has been really very fine, Saturday and Sunday being very fine. Already the grass is showing signs of springing. To-day ("Monday) is rather dull, and like rain. The sea is very calm. THE TUG-OF-WAR AT OKAIN'S On Friday night last the Athenasum Hall waß a scene of stir, the people being alive to tbe fact that again the Leßon's team were coming to test their strength. The attendance waa very good, and great interest was taken in the whole affair.

After the tug-of-war contest, a dance was held, to which a good number stayed, and the Btrains of music soon set them all in a whirl. The ladies very thoughtfully handed round refreshments, which were highly appreciated by all present, especially the visitors, of whom some were compelled to return horre early.

The next pull is tbe final, and will come off at Leßon's. 1 believe lam right in saying tho present contest should have been tbere, but it was thought Little Akaloa would enter a team, and Okain's being more central, of course we thought it would be fair. However, Little Akaloa did not make any attempt in that direction.

In fairness to Leßon's, it might be said three of tbe teßm were in Christchurch, and only returned that day by the steamer. This in no way assisted them in the pull, and one man bad tbe misfortune to hurt his baok at the saw pit, and was almost useless. In the second pull their Captain applied to have a fresh man in, but the Captain of the Okain's team said his men objected to any change. The following are the teams :—Okain's—John Thacker, L. Graham, J. JensenJ C. Holstein, R. Mcintosh and H. J. Mason. Captain, Mr W. Priest; Referee. Mr Mcllaie. LeßonV-T., 8., and H Barker, F. Leonardo. T. Molntoßh and Jamefi Kirkby. Captain, Mr G. F-ianklin ; Referee, Mr A. Buchanan.

The first pull was won by Okain's, the time being 10 minutes. Okain's also won the second pull, which lasted 5$ minutes.