THE LAKES.

Dunstan Times, Issue 370, 28 May 1869, Page 2

THE LAKES.

(from our own correspondent.)

Arrowtown, May 25. Tho Queen’s birthday was of course honored after the usual fashion by bank clerks and Government officials, who, I was about to tell you, made a holiday ; but it would be more correct to say, especially as we only boast one specimen of each of these hard-worked -bipeds, they managed to pass the day

away as any two persons who have nothing to do and nobody to assist them could possibly manage. In the evening there was a ball—grand of course—at the Library Hall, in aid of the funds of the library, The attempt to introduce the salmon trout into Lake Wapatip has, I am sorry to say, resulted in total failure. When the coach arrived at Queenstown on Saturday evening last there was not one left alive. The largest number died after the coach left Cromwell* There were thirteen in the tank when it reached Arrowtown, but it is doubtful if they were alive or not Mr. Clifford, the Acclimatisation Society’s manager, had charge of the fish, and his untiring exertions, coupled with those of Mr. Nettlefold, Messrs. Cobb and Co.’s road manager, accomplished all that was possible to ensure success. The attempt was a most meritorious one, and expensive into the bargain, the cost being something over 70/., 30/. of which was contributed by the Corporation of Queenstown, besides the outlay in constructing the breeding pond. It is to be hoped that another attempt will yet be made to stock the waters here with fish. His a matter which interests everybody, as from the Wakatip the trout would, in the course of a very few years, find their way into all the principal streams and lakes that fall into the Molyneux. as well as into that river itself. To think of a pleasant day’s angling with rod and line, and then a dinner or supper off trout to follow, creates quite an appetite, and, had the transit of the young fry been successful, the realisation of this treat was only a question of time. Between shooting and fishing, visitors from Clyde and Cromwell to the lakes could enjoy themselves amazingly. Talking about shooting, there are ducks in galore. Lake Hayes and the swamps about the Arrow and Shotover Mats are teeming with them Mining matters at the Twelve-mile (Arrow) are progressing veiy favorably, and there is a great rage for catling in new wati r races. lam informed upon good authority that things are as good there now as was the case four years ago. The population numbers at least one hundred and fifty people. There are two small stores and one public-house, so the place is not overdone with business people. The track to Arrowtown is in a deplorable state, and if something in the shape of repair is not done very soon ’travelling will be almost an impossibility. In places where timber is sledged down from the bush there are holes large enough to swallow a horse. The track between Arrowtown and Cardrona wants sundry repairs. It was said that the Provincial Government had set aside 3U. /. for this work, but nothing has been done as yet, and we shall be very soon in the middle of winter.

Mining at the (Jardrona is exceedingly healthy, and it is very generally supposed that Bond’s prospecting company, who are searching for the missing main lead, will be successful in finding it. If such should turn out to be the case there will be quite a revival of the palmy days of the Cardrona

A saw mill is being erected at the Hawea , Lake, some parties having purchased the “ bench” once belonging to the well-known Mr. Hill; and which was once offered for sale by auction, at the Dunstan Hotel, Clyde, but found no purchaser. I hear there is plenty of line red birch at the Hawea, as also white and black pine, so if things go right with the old mill your district ought to get timber at considerably reduced rates A second saw mill is, I understand, to be erected on the Wakatip, and sawn timber, it is said, will be delivered at Frankton at 12s. 6d. pei one hundred feet superficial. It is to be hoped, however, that the Government will not dream of granting leases of forest areas, or great harm to the public will arise, for, even at the very best, the forests are not so large as to leave room ior monopoly. Nobblers are Cd., as a matter of course. The fall took place immediately after the arrival of the Duustan coach on Friday last, which brought the startling news that sixpenny nobblers was an accomplished fact at Clyde and Cromwell, so we may presume that after this nobody will give more-anywhere.