LAKE COUNTY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1456, 11 October 1879, Page 20

LAKE COUNTY.

j(*BO2C OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Lake County is fast recovering from the late -election excitement. The mUd and delightful weather is awakening our population to the necessities of the season, and the more practical and sober business of life. The vigour with which the vegetable world las started into activity, though somewhat late, gives a healthy impetus to all animate creation, and amoagsfc the general hum and bustle of business old heart burnings are fast being forgotten.' Nevertheless we are looking anxiously and wonderingly to Wellington,' in expectation of some of the great things- that were promised us by our new M.H.R. A few hundred thousand pounds spent in public and reproductive works -would be proof positive to the doubting and unbelieving electors in thiß county that at last the right prophet had arisen. The works at the Kawarau Bridge are pro-, greasing apace, and from the well-known energy of the contractor, Mr J. M'Cormick, there is reason to hope that the work will be pushed through with all possible speed. A large quantity of the material for the bridge lias already come to hand, or is on the way to Its destination. Life in our streams and lakes, as well as in our, woodlands, is showing indications that the labours of those who interested themselves in acclimatising the various birds and fishes of which we can now boast will be amply rewarded in the immediate future. Salmon trout are disporting themselves hi oar waterß ; pheasants, quail, and a number Of other birds of the air, which are highly prized by gourmands, thrive and multiply in amazing numbers; while larkß, linnets, finches, and thrushes sing the praises ef their new country in gladsome and joyous song. The time is perhaps not far distant when the game of this district will form only a secondary attraction to our scenery in enticing tourists from far and near to the shores of our magnificent lakes.

The dray road to the Crown Terrace is completed, and the contractors to whose hands it has been entrusted have shown that they are no novices at such undertakings. The work certainly ranks amongst the best which has been done in this County ; and in connection with it I may mention that although as many a3 20 men have been employed, not a single day was lost by any of them on account ot strong liquor, and not more than about three days because of the •weather, though upwards of four months •were consumed in its completion. The want of a side school at Arrow Junction is more and more felt with everyday, and it is high time that steps were taken to erect a building and appoint a teacher, so that the school may be in working order by the coming winter. There are about 40 children of the regulation age who would all attend the school if started, but who are now growing up in ignorance, the distance to the Arrow school being too great for the children.

A . gentleman of Arrowtown received an envelope closely written on the inside, by last 'Frisco mail, from "Captain" Jackson Barry, in which the writer states that he did not send a letter because his letters always got into the Dunedin Times, and were spread all over the "world." However, it Will be some satisfaction to his friends to know that the " Captain " is doing well, and that his "buck" is in the hands of the publishers.

In spite of the dull times, amusements, whenever the opportunity offers, are well attended. A ball recently held at Macetown was an unqualified success, and a concert and ball in aid of the local school funds at Cardrona, the other week, not only proved the means of much amusement to those who attended, but resulted in a very handsome addition to the finances of the school. The chief affair of the season was, however, a grand ball and supper in aid of the Arrow Hospital. The gentlemen to whom the management of the affair was entrusted worked with great energy to make it a success, and they have every reason to be proud of the result. Upwards of 50 couples attended, and dancing was entered into and kept up till daylight did appear. All the arrangements in connection with the ball were complete, and gave general satisfaction. The Athecseum Hall, where the ball was held, was handsomely decorated with flags, evergreens, and artificial flowers, the work of Mr Charles Seymour, who has established him self as quite an artist in this direction. Some large pendants, which hung from the ceiling of the hall, were universally admired as works of art. The decorations, which were very tasteful and chaste, set off the hall to great advantage. The supper was on a scale of magnificence and abundance never before seen in Arrowtown. It was served in an extension which Mr Scoles is adding to his hotel.

Some land sales which have lately taken place here show that the value of this class of property is still increasing in lake County. The lease for seven years for 58 acres brought £70 10s ; and that for a similar term of years, but for 53 acres, was knocked down at £150. These amounts had to be paid cash down, and the usual rent of 2s 6d per acre haß to be added to the above-quoted amount.