Lake Wakatip Mail. QUEENSTOWN, THURSDAY, FEB. 13, 1879.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 1106, 13 February 1879, Page 2

Lake Wakatip Mail. QUEENSTOWN, THURSDAY, FEB. 13, 1879.

Mr I)EAN'E,Cnrator to the Otago Acclimatisation Society, has been here during the past two <liys making preparations for the hatching of 2-30,000 American white lish ova, expected l>y the incoming 'Frisco mad. The total number shipped was a million—one half of which is to bo allotted in equal proportions, we understand, to the Otago and Southland Societies. We are informed that the latter have also liberally offered 100,000 of their share—balance to be placed in Te Anau Lake. The Government steamer Hinemoa is to bring the ova on direct to the Bluff. It will be seen by our telegraphic column that the' Frisco mail arrived at Auckland to-day, but our correspondent his unfortunately mentioned nothing about this portion of her precious cargo. We devoutly wish that it lias arrived "in good order and condition," and that the most"'valuable consignment ever brought to the shores of the Wakatip may be safely landed at its destination. Little seems to be known at present of tho habits, etc., of the white lish, except that it is a delicious fresh water one, averaging about two pounds weight at maturity, and is very prolific. However, the hake is large enough to accommodate all that are likely to be placed in it. A large meed of praise is due, we believe, to Dr Hector for his exertions in procuring this as well as another shipment some twelve months ago—a portion of the latter having been placed in Te Anau Lake. The ponds and necessary boxes are being fitted up by Mr Doane in tb? ga d ns of Mr J. Howell, who has more than once very generously placed his private grounds and the Hue stream of spring water running through them at the disposal of the branch Society here.

We mudi regret being unavoidably compelled, in consequence of an accident, to publish an unfinished report of the banquet given on Monday evening to the Hon. Messrs Ballance and Stout, and also report of excursion to Kingston and a very successful launch of the new steamer. A letter in reply to " Sphinx" reached us too late for insertion in our present issue. Messrs Ballance and Stout left here for Kingston, en route for Wellington, on Tuesday. The third contested 'lection for Anow Riding will take place on Tuesday next. The same gentlemen are again candidates, namely—Messrs Dougl; 8 j Jenkins and M'Uracken. A messenger arrived in town last evening stating that Mr W. Paterson, of Arrowtown, had met with a severe accident in consequence of being gored by a bull. Dr Douglas proceeded to Mr IVerson's, however, at once, but. we have _ heard no further particulars as to the extent of injur} received. A new bodge of the Order of Masonry was opened to-day at Arrowtown, the installation being conducted by his Honor Judge Harvey, D.G.M. The following telegrams between the member for the district and the Commissioner of Crown Lands have been handed to us for publication :—" To Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands.—Willydo kindly inform me what date lands on Crown Tei*raCe will be open for selection ?" The following reply was received:—"Cannot tell when lands Crown Terrace will be opened. Matter delayed by Government until amount voted has been expended on road."