QUEENSTOWN.

Cromwell Argus, Volume VII, Issue 369, 5 December 1876, Page 6

QUEENSTOWN.

(from our own correspondent.)

December 4.

The usual Government inspection of the Queenstown Volunteers took place on Monday evening last, the inspecting officer being Captain Finn. The attendance was small, owing no doubt to a number of members of the corps having gone shearing. Captain Finn stated that Mr George Vause having become again a resident amongst us it was a good opportunity for starting the band again, and that he (Captain Finn) intended to give his hearty support and co-operation. He trusted the men would do likewise, for there were plenty of young men in the town whose talent was lying dormant for the want of some one to lead and instruct; but as that difficulty was now overcome he saw no reason why the affair should not become a success.

The fifth competition for Capt. Finn's prizes took place on Friday morning. There is very little alteration in the respective positions of the men who have taken part in the different competitions from the first. Corpl. Aldred made the capital score of 81 ; he made a possible—seven bulls eyes—at the 400yds range. The principal event will lie between him and Sergt. Jenkins. I believe it is the intention of the officers here to challenge the Arrow corps to a return match on New Year's day, when money and other prizes will be given. As the Church of England Committee intend holding a bazaar on that day and a concert in the evening, both events should hold out enough temptation to a great number to pay Queenstown a visit. Mesdames Clark, Betts, and Evans, have been most indefatigable in their exertions for some time collecting material for the different stalls. I hope their efforts will be crowned by success. An inquest was held at the local hospital on Friday on a man named Taylor, a shepherd in the employ of Mr Cameron of "the Nokomai. The deceased was admitted into the above institution about a week ago, suffering from liver complaint. On Wednesday, after partaking of a hearty dinner, sudenly he expired, kpost mortem, proved that Taylor's heart was double the natural size. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony adduced.

The Wakatipu district at present is graced with the presence of a no less distinguished visitor than the Hon. the Minister for Justice. Since this gentleman's arrival here he has been interviewed by all the elite of Queenstown, It is to be hoped that pressure will be brought to bear by our Municipal Council and others during his stay showing the necesssity for having a new gaol built in place of the ricketty tumbledown stack of buildings denominated Her Majesty's Gaol. We have a splendid new court-house, and to make everything in unison with it we require a new place for our refractory and other criminal classes. The fittings in the new survey department—a portion of the new Government Buildings—are just completed. The contractor, Messrs Foord and Galland, made a most satisfactory job of the whole. I am not aware myself, neither can I find anybody else that that can give the desired information, when the new court-house is likely to be completed in regard to fittings and furnishing.