Kaikoura.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5552, 25 February 1886, Page 4

Kaikoura.

ADVANCE OF THE DISTKICT. ATTRACTIONS FOR TOURISTS. [from our" own correspondents.] Feb. 13. The Public Library is, by long chalks, the most successful of our local institutions. Not only does it occupy the premier position here, but throughout New Zealand it has few compeers in the country districts. In 1884 it stood next to Christchurch in the North Canterbury district, and as its operations during last year sho.v slightly better results than during the previous 12 months, it is not at all unlikely that the Kaikoura Library will again be second in this division to the Cathedral City, or, at any rate, not fall far short of that position, i'he results attained are due very largely, indeed, to the exertions of Mr J. N. Flower, who, as vice-President, has worked unceasingly to further the Institute, and it is mainly owing to his efforts that the receipts for 1885 amounted to nearly JJIOO. A change in the government of the Library has been made by the abolition of the offices of President and vice-President, the management now consisting of a Committee of seven. At the annual meeting, Messrs Flower, Smart, W. Cooke, Boyens, J. B. Barker, G. Arber, and H. W. Broderick were elected without any opposition, the first three being re-elected. Mr Flower was unanimously chosen Chairman. The newly-formed Oddfellows' Lodge is making satisfactory headway, and gives promise of becoming a flourishing branch of the parent tree. Last week a man named William Madden came into town from one of the stations, knocked down a small cheque, got drunk, fell against a horse feeding on posts and rails at one of the hotel fences, was knocked down, kicked behind his left ear Jand killed on the spot. To put the case still more briefly, whisky and a horse's heels combined proved more than the man could stand. He was an old soldier, and at one time fought against the Natives in the North Island. Since the opening of the Pier Hotel, at the Port, several tourists have paid Kaikoura a call. The number includes more than one resident of Christchurch, the visitors speaking very favourably of the place. One gentleman informed me that he was delighted with Kaikoura. That he, his wife and some friends had enjoyed their visit amazingly. To ordinary folks Kaikoura is very quiet. But to those in quest of a healthy seaside resort there is not a better one within easy distance of Christchurch. There is a wonderful diversity of scenery here; plenty of recreation in the shape of fishing, shooting, &c, and a very agreeable climate. Two miles, even less, distant from the wharf one is right into the country, so that if anyone found the sea air too strong, rather unlikely, a change could easily be obtained. Feb. 17. On Friday and Saturday last we had Sharman and Stoodley's circus here. The company had no reason to complain of the patronage they received, as they are reported to have taken about iJIOO. A third entertainment was to have been given, but owing to the steamer Wakatu leaving on Monday morning the company' left hurriedly, and so lost a good house. Lots of adults and no end of children had never before Been a circus. The hitch about the Clarence runs has not yet been settled. The late Manager (Mr A. M' Donald) continues here, and a rumour hag been spread abroad that it is very probable he will be reinstated — that is, if the Sheep Department does not enter into possession. The people of Kaikoura wonder when the Bank of New Zealand building is to be commenced. It is rather undignified for such a flourishing institution as the first Bank of the Colony to be content to rent a place for several years, when it has a monopoly of the business of the place. I hear that the Union Steam Company have an idea of making Kaikoura a port of call. But as this was mooted a year or more back, there may be nothing in it.