QUEENSTOWN.

Otago Witness, Issue 890, 19 December 1868, Page 8

QUEENSTOWN.

(fbom a correspondent.) December 10th. Our proverbially fine weather has returned to us, and the wheat crop is looking magnificent. The Shotover bridge is still the topic of conversation. The tidings that the matter had been taken into consideration by the Corporation here seem to have had a galvanic effect on \ Official circles in Dunedin, and aroused them into unwonted activity, so far that a telegraphic message was actually sent to the Mayor, informing him that any petition about the bridge was needless, as plans were in course of preparation. An appropriation for the bridge was first passed in 1865, and it was again voted last April. The plans must be well matured by this time, and it is to be hoped the bridge will take less time to build than the plans have consumed in their preparation. The race meeting programme is not fully fixed, but it will fully equal that of last year, and a good turn out of horses j is expected. The prizes will probably: amount to LSOO. Mr Manders, one of the few remaining original organizers of ' tho meeting, has been obliged, by the pressure of business, to retire from the duty of Honorary Secretary, after a five years' service. His zeal contributed much to the success of the past meetings. Mr Davies, who has filled the office of telegraphist, has resigned, and left the district on account of ill health. He has earned the good opinion of our little community during his residence here. Some of our country publicans have been careless in attending to the renewal of their licenses, and as the law does not afford a remedy for forgetfulness in such a case, the revenue will be the loser to the amount of LIOO. On the whole the number of licenses applied for is equal to ■ last year. The prospects of the trade m some instances u-re not very encouraging, the furniture of Powell's Family Hotel having been advertised for sale under a bill of sale held by the Bank of Otago. The firm of D. Powell and Co. , auctioneers, are said to be entirely separate from the hotel business, and not to be involved in any way. Mr and Miss Scott have been elected unanimously to the offices of schoolmaster and schoolmistress of the Queenstown School. The salary is L2OO a year, with excellent quarters and fees. Our timber trade is improving, there being a steady and increasing demand from Dunstan and Cromwell, giving full employment to the retura drays.