Queenstown.

— ♦ ■■ — (from our own cobresfomhott). Since my last letter two more persons have joined the great majority, namely, Mr Inglea and Mrs T. H. Daniel. The former, yvho has been ill for some considerable time, breathed his last on the 23rd ult., and the remains of the deceased were followed by a long procession to the cemetery. Ihe death of Mrs Daniel was sudden and altogether unexpected. The deceased lady rose from her bed comparatively well and commenced her morning's duties, in the middle of which she was suddenly taken with a violent pain in the head, and in about two hoars passed away. An inquest was held and a verdict that death resulted from apoplexy was returned. The deceased was much respected by all who knew her, and great sympathy is expressed for the bereaved ones. The local cadets are at present firing for prizes such as clocks, writing desks, etc and a great deal of interest is being taken in the events. The volunteers have also just finished firing for prizes won at the Rifle Association's meeting. The rabble will again be the plague in this district this season. On the hills yourg ones are to be seen in hundreds, and at Miller's Flat the settlers are all complaining of the pest. The mining interest is quiet at present. Several fair alluvial washings-up have been made and the results are very promising. In dredging things are quiet compared to what they were some time ago. The Sew Hoy Dredge Co. have at last made known the result of their toils — having^ kept silent; for some time on that point. They have obteiaei about $9qß& of gold tor tin wc«ky

The tender of Mr Anderson, of Christchurch, I believe, has been accepted for the construe* tion of more dredges for Sew Hoy's area. In the quartz line tho only items to hand are that the Gallant Tip, Macetown, obtained a return of 175£ ozs. of amalgam for a fortnight's crushing. Good gold is reported to be visible in the reef in the main tunnel of the Sunriss Co., Macetown, and the company will commence the operation of crushing as soon as the Premier Go. have put through their stone. Application has been made to the Government requesting that a meteorological station be erected here, and the reply received was to the effect that, provided a suitable man. could be found who would not require remuneration, Government was willing to supply all the necessary instruments. Mr Hotop has offered to take the position, and, no doubt, in a short time, we shall have our station here. Among the exhibits forwarded from this district to the Exhibition was a handsome fire screen, painted by a young lady, Miss Malaghan, of this town, which reflects great credit on that lady's abilities as an artist. Great excitement prevails over the coming boat race, and crews are doing their best to be the winners — if practice will do it. Dec. 2nd.