LAKE WAKATIPU.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XVII, Issue 844, 16 June 1885, Page 3

LAKE WAKATIPU.

(KHO.M OUR OWN COKKKHI'OSDENTS.)

ARROW T 0 W N .

June 15. Oneof theinost peculiar eases ever investigated in Arrowtovvn, or perhaps in the Colony, was brought before Mr Hickson, Stipendiary Magistrate, dining his sitting here last week. It was of sueh a character as to very naturally create a, strong feeling of insecurity in relation to one's business transactions with his neighbor. Shortly put—H. Graham, a well-known storekeeper, was charged with stealing three horses and harness, the pioperty of a young man named George M'Dougall. Graham averred that M'Dougall sold and delivered to him the horses .6jU)d harness in consideration of a debt, and produced a document which purpor-ts to be a receipt to that etfect. Graham was himself debarred from giving evidence in support of his statement, but his two sons swore to the delivery by M 'Dongall of the horses and harness. On the other hand M'Dougall swore that he never sold or delivered the horses to Graham, and denied having signed a receipt or any other document that would entitle Graham to any claim to the property in question. Not the least curious feature in connection with tins affair is that there were produced in Court some five or six papers in the form of money orders, acceptances and receipts signed or endorsed " George M'Dougall," or " G. M'Dougall," and the prosecutor swore that none of the signatures or the endorsements were his. All the documents were impounded and marked by the officers of the Court and will no doubt be submitted to experts. The accused was committed for trial at the sitting of the Supreme Court on the Oth of July. • A Blue Ribbon Association was formed here during Mr Burnett's last visit, and it is arranged to give penny readings in connection with it. The charge for admission is to be very reasonable, and if well managed in other respects—as no doubt it will be—the affair should be encouraged by patrons. It is not a little anomalous that notwithstanding the vitality of the temperance movement in the Wakatipu at the present time that public house-keeping appears to be about the most flourishing trade, as is evidenced by the eagerness hotel property is sought after, All the hotels in Arrowtown changed ownerships within the past fortnight or so. Mr William Welsh has repurchased the Royal Oak, MiDyson is to occupy the Ballarat, and Mrs Bond has leased a newly-built hostelry in Quecnstown, and Mr O'Kane has disposed of the New Orleans to Mr A. Kelly. We have had very open weather in this district till within the past few clays, since which time it has been very frosty and lias every appearance of continuing for some time, and will most likely interrupt mining and other outdoor work. The Tipperary Co. have been crushing since the 24th of last month, and will finish about the end of the current month if weather permits. The Premier have about 100 tons to put through the mill. As soon as this is done, the new haulage machinery will be placed in position, ready for next season. They are about to call for tenders to " break out " stone at per yard or ton. The Ladye Fay re are going to put on hands to get out stone for an early crushing. The New All Nations also are increasing the number of men in their mine, and are determined to give it a thorough trial next season.

QUEENSTOWN.

June 15. Plenty of straw wherewith to make bricks this week. The communication will, unfortunately, be largely a personal one, and yet the whole truth cannot be told except by rendering the outspoken Argus liable to an action for damages. The truth must, however, be told as far as possible. . By the time this letter appears the results of the fish poaching cases will be well known. Not so, however, some of the surrounding circumstances elucidated. The fines amount to a good sum with costs, and there has to be added defendants' own costs, say about £ls, for there were three parties defending. This is so far as regards the assault case. On Friday the same defendants —Messrs Pennyfather and Tanner—were fined £1 and £1 15s costs each for having fish in their possession without being licensed to catch them. On the afternoon of the same day the defendants brought an action against Constable Young for the value of fish unlawfully taken from them. This item was valued at Is 6d per lb., or some £9 in all. They also claimed special damages of £5 for illegal trespass. The case went against plaintiffs, who had to pay costs to the extent of some £4. The whole result was anything but a cheap week's . amusement. They were very dear fish, indeed, particularly as they had none of them to fry and eat with gusto. The visitors defended themselves also upon a variety of technical points. The cases became wearisome, though the Court remained full both upon Monday and Friday, more to hear the bitter personal remarks made than to gain a 'knowledge of the case. Mr Tanner was always jumping up and interrupting the opposite* eide. It might almost have been thought that his side was that of virtue and unblemished honor, and the other one quite the contrary. Inuendoes and unworthy reflections were made against both Court and prosecuting counsel, These were undeserved, uncalled-for, and in no way added to the lustre of the Invercargill Bar. The consensus of opinion is that the decisions are just, leaning if anything to the, mild aide. Some local feeling has been excited over the application of Mr A. J. Kelly for a renewal of Ins license for the Prince of Wales Hotel. The facts are that Kelly was licensee of the Prince, now known as the Mountaineer Hotel. He allowed a temporary transfer of his license to the old Victoria Hotel while the new building was going up, expecting to receive possession of the same. It was not called by the old name, and terms for a new rental were entered into. The evidence about these was most contradictory—oath against oath between the principal parties. The Licensing Beuch expressed its sympathy for Mr Kelly, but could not deal with his application, nor grant him a new license in face of the local option vote. He has thus had to seek pastures new, and within a fortnight or so will enter into possession of the New Orleans Hotel at Arrowtown. Many friends wish Mr Kelly every success in bis new location. Mrs Bond, from Arrowtown, got a license for the new Mountaineer Hotel, rebuilt from the Phoenix ashes of the once well-known Prince of Wales hostelry. Mr Evaus, manager of the Phoenix Company, plainly told the County Council he could not await any longer upon their decision to make a road to Skippers. This was objected to, but Mr Evans said that the Company had thousands of pounds at stake, and they would make the road themselves. The Council, after some consideration, agreed to make an offer of £SO to a like sum to be contributed by Mr Bullen. I mention the.matter to show how the Lake County Council encourages mining enterprise, and the development of a most important industry. Over a culvert, a roadway, or piece of gravelling near some member's holding the Council can wax eloquent and act liberally, but when the gold-mining industry requires some assistance it can only be obtained after a lot of haggling and special pleading. And yet your correspondent ventures to assert that the efforts of the Messrs Bullen and Mr W. L. Davis will produce more valuable and permanent results to the district than the bucolic interests so selfishly fostered.