QUEENSTOWN NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18687, 17 October 1922, Page 2

QUEENSTOWN NOTES

(From Oub Own CoREESPONbENT.) QUEENSTOWN, October 16. We have been having rain fairly frequently in this district during the past week or so, which is quite a change after what we have been accustomed to for some months past. On no occasion has the fall been what might be termed heavy, but the visitations have been most wfelcmc as the country had become unusually dry for this time of the year.- Indeed, farmers were becoming apprehensive of the prospects of the coming season, while those of them who are dependent on tanks for supplies of water for household purposes were becoming much embarrassed by the dry period through which we have been passing. The lake is still exceptionally low, thus causing a certain amount of inconvenience in the berthing of the steamers as well as in connection with the water supply to the hospital, which draws upon the lake per medium of a turbine. Owing to the lake conditions referred to the latter automatically went out of use some months ago. Pumping has had to be resorted to in the meantime.

Queen carnival matters are now working up toi a climax as the grand finale has been fixed for Friday next. Throughout tho contest an effort has been made by the Central Committee to avoid the overlapping of the efforts of the four Queen’s Committees, or rather, the clashing of fixtures. 'This has been effected by allotting each of them days for their enterprises, an equal number having fallen to each committee in regular rotation. The amount of originality and resource shown throughout the past weeks has been wonderful, every conceivable realm having been explored for new ideas with which to keep the interest of the public aroused and the coir, flowing freely from their pockets. Each Monday at noon the flags on the Post Office Hotel have indicated the positions of the respective queens, and for the past month Hockey has kept on top, with a duel between Football and Cricket for second place.’ The Rifle Club section wa s a little late in entering the arena, consequently /it has suffered in obvious ways, and tho red and white flag has not managed yet to float above any of the others. Each section has been allotted a day this week for a monster final effort,, and all returns have to bo lodged with the Central Committee by noon on Friday. The result of the final count will bo kept secret tiJI the evening, when the name of the winning queen will be announced at the public function to bo held in the Garrison Hall. There is, of course, a good deal of conjecture as to whom tins will be, as in contests of this kind it is customary not to show one’s hand till the final round, and one or many sections may have a “trump” up their sleeves. [ One thing is certain, however, and it is this—the objective, that is, the funds required for carrying out much-needed improvements to the local recreation reserve, will be jjeaohed. The amount asked for will in all probability lie exceeded, but it can readily be absorbed in a big undertaking like this. i