QUEENSTOWN.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XIV, Issue 728, 23 October 1883, Page 3

QUEENSTOWN.

October 22.

This paragraph must take a rather personal character against my wishes. It seems that your correspondent did turn up a real hornet's nest re payment of wages and the truck system. There is really no reason for the frothy shower of contradictious and aspersions showered upon your journal. The remarks were simply made in bad taste and ignorance of the law. The men on Enwright's contract on Saturday were paid in current realm of the colony on the ground. So by other contractors last week. Eh ! It is curious, you know. They have even been enquiring from Wellington about these matters. So much for the remarks you gave insertion to in these letters. The publication of them has met practical reward, and the working men are glad for the free expression given to that "cry" which the local papers, for judicious reasons no doubt, would not recognise. The Volunteers had a meeting on Saturday evening. The cost of the last invitation ball rather surprised members. The question arose this way : How about paying the expenses of members shooting for Captain Brown's brigade prize. The belt is a very handsome one. The corps did not pass more than a formal resolution that travelling expenses should be paid. Balls cost money, and you cannot expect to eat your cake and have another at the same cost. Captain Evans said that no doubt the battery would send down seven good men. It is, however, rather awkward for Volunteers, considering the miserable capitation allowance they receive, to pay personal expenses out of their own pocket. The Acclimatisation Society advertise young trout fry for sale. They are in excellent condition for removal, and reflect great credit upon the careful exertions of the curator, Mr O. Mackin.

The fishing season has produced no great catches as yet, but some nice bags have been made. The younger fish now rise to the fly in the rivers and creeks, but the large fish seem to be very wary and artful dodgers. Great improvements have been effected about that old-established hotel " Eichardt's." These have been extended to an entire renovation internally, and to external decorations. The Harp of Erin (Mrs M'Bride's) has also had additional accommodation, etc., added. All points out that the dull season of the year is passing away, and a more lively state of things anticipated. The rev. O. W. Hampton seems determined to improve the appearance of the Church of England. Externally it has been painted ; a neat new fence put around it, and some additions are being made to the parsonage. The total effect of these changes are pleasing, and reflect great credit upon the incumbent's zeal and efforts.

We had an entertainmeut by our Arrow friends last Friday night. The occasion was in aid of the Arrow Gymnastic Club. The affair was a success, especially the dance part of it. The athletic part may be good for amateurs, but professionals alone enn shine in this department. There was a little too much pretentious ambition. The company were, however, favorably received. Your readers will have seen a good deal of fuss has been made over the visit of an Austrian Celebrity (Baron Hubner). He was well received, but he wanted no fuss. None of these men do. They are not mushroom aristocracy or shoddy capitalists. Your correspondent only saw him at a distance, but it was painful to see people crowd, elbow, aad almost stare him out of countenance. The Baron's forte is tact, diplomacy. Mr Mayor Keid, who did the honors, speaks of him in very friendly terms as a most courteous gentleman. Our brass band, however, managed to come in for a rebuff. They assembled to do honoi to our visitor. The Baron had a headache and went to bed. Of all the cities of Europe your correspondent knows of, the brass band nuisance is the greatest in Vienna. Fancy therefore the honor. Events will be rather crowded upon the 9th November next. Apart from pic-nics there is to be an Hospital Ball and some few other "trifles." It seems as if the day and night will be overdone.

A private company has been started to work ground adjoining the Invincible Company's lease. The stone shown is very gootl. A lease has been applied for. The Company consists of eight members, and it will not be a registered company at present. Many applicants for an interest in it were refused shares. The expenses attending these companies are found to be a heavy handicap. The Queenstown Cricket Club has been reorganised with a good deal of spirit. It will receive a measure of support this year outside of the ranks of players and there is every prospect of it making a notable record in matches during the season—so look out for Cromwell laurels.

Your local brewery has supplied some beer to this town. It has been well and favorably commented upon. The producer is Mr Morgan O'Meara, late of this town. Mr Reid's local brew continues of same quality. The public have therefore no occasion to send for supplies to distant markets. These breweries should encourage the farmers to grow and rely more strongly upon a barley crop. However, it is not every farmer who understands the proper cultivation and saving of it. A great deal depends upon the seed and a good deal of this has been sent into this district lately by town brewers. More of this crop will be sown this year than previously, the demand for good barley having been so large during the past season. Hops also should be capable of being grown with success in Vincent County, especially about Alexandra and gullies. A. Ford who obtained a mining lease last court day, and whose prospecting claim was mentioned in a former communication, proceeds to further test the ground situate upon the Rees River, Earnslaw District. Thus there will be again several prospecting parties out in this direction. Prospecting operations are also proceeding at Arthur's Point, Lower Shotover, and Head of Twelve Mile (Few's Creek) Lake Wakatipu. Work must be thus encouraged upon some ground not disclosed as yet. From Stoney Creek, Upper Shotover, accounts continue very favorable. Altogether mining pursuits continue very favorable. Judge Ward's Court (District one) sits on 29th of this month. Some criminal cases from your quarter will be heard before it, and there are a number of bankruptcy cases to bo dealt with also.

Bunny declines to be poisoncil by grain. Tbe exterminator is therefore being largely used. Those of Stewart and AVatson are most generally need and seem to give satisfaction to the rabbit inspectors. The ingredients are charcoal and sulphur, and all dug-outs prove its efficaciousness. Still many are of opinion that the rabbit might bo made a useful industry in many areas abandoned by sheep owners.

Sir VV. J. Clai'kc has agreed to become the head of the English Constitution of Freemasons in Victoria. The estimated number of telegraphic messages between Australasian colonics and Europe, for the year 1882, is said to be 39,157, representing a sum of £225,567. Queensland seems to be leading the van in the way of immigration, judging from latest telegrams. Nearly 3000 immigrants have arrived during the last few weeks, while over 2000 more are now on their way out. Oood fob Babies,—" We are pleased to say that our baby was permanently cured of a serious protracted irregularity of the bowels by the use of Hop Bitters by its mother, which at the same time restored her to perfect health and strength." —The Parents. Sec.