LAKE COUNTY.

Otago Witness, Issue 972, 5 September 1889, Page 16

LAKE COUNTY.

September 2.— Judging by -the remarks made at the last meeting of the Arrow Borough Council, it ia pretty evident that that body is not in a very flourishing condition financially. No one who knowa anything about the matter will blame the present members of the council for this state of things, for they are unquestionably as capable, as a whole, of managing the affairs of the ratepayers as any who have held office for some years. This difficulty has certainly been brought about by the false economy and shortsightedness— to use the mildesb terms— of the ratepayers and some members of the old council, who were weak enough to yield to the senseless clamour about carrying on the affairs of the borough with a 6d rate instead of one double that amount — the sum always levied till this year. Indeed the sapient financiers referred to were of tfce opinion tha-b a3d rate would be more than ample to meet all requirements, and weut the length of giving notice that it was intended to strike that rate. The ridicule which this proposal received from the intelligent portion of the townspeople was rather too much for tho proposers, consequently it was allowed to lapse, with the result, of course, that the expense of a fresh notification had to be incurred. In what manner those sage economists expected to be able to pay the Interest on the water works loan, the yearly instalments toward the sinking fund, salaries, necessary works, and bo forth, is an unfathomable mystery to all but themselves ; and a satisfactory explanation of how it could be managed would be very useful to many, and to none more so than to the Colonial Treasurer.

Ended in Smokb.— Some mild excitement was caused in Queenstown between 10 and 11 o'clock one night, about a week since, by the discovery of smoke issuing from the hold of the steamer Antrim as she lay at the wharf. The members of the local fire brigade deserve credit for the smartnoss with which they turned out and tackled the fire, which was soon put out. The smoke was first noticed by Master J. W. Robertson, and but for his timely discovery and quiokness in giving the alarm this paragraph would need a different side heading. It is satisfactory to be able to state that the boat escaped any damage worth mentioning. Wklcome. — After some months comparative seclusion, through the unfavourableness of the weather, the Queenstown Brass Band turned out one evening last week, and treated their fellow townspeople to some (elections from a collection of national airs It is needless to mention that the listeners were highly pleased, not only on account of the skilful way in which the airs were executed, but also because their national flavour awakened an enthusiasm that no other music— no matter how perfect in composition aud brilliantly played— is able to do. Mr A. Fraser, the master of the Queenatown Band haß proved that he understands the popular feeling in this respact, as well as in other things. Bandmasters in other places would be acting wisely were they to follow his example in these matters— lf they are desirous of increasing the popularity of their bands.

Arbow School. —It is reported on the best authority that the attendance at this school has nearly doubled itself since Mr Golding took charge as head teacher. Parents in the Arrow district are • undoubtedly fortunate in having such a staff of teachers as Mr Golding, Miss Mills, and Miss Macdonnell— head master, mistress, and pupil teacher respectively. Both Mr Golding and Miss Mills came with excellent credentials from the inspectors and the committees under whom they had worked. Mr Golding, besides having the reputation of being efficient as a teacher, Is said to have always proved himself both able and willing to make himself a useful member of the community in which he resides. Pastoral.— Despite the long and hard winter we have bad, the greater part of the stock on the high country are looking remarkably well, being in a much better condition than they have been for some years at this season. This state of improvement is due to two principal causes — the decrease in the rabbits and the dryness of the season— for, of course, experienced graziers need not be told that sheep will not fall off greatly in the coldest weather, provided it is dry and they are able to get food enough. In paddocks, however, both sheep and cattle are beginning to get thin now, owing to the turnips and other root crops on many of the farms not 'having been sufficient for such a long winter as this has proved. Indeed several farmers have been feeding their stock on oaten chaff or whole grain for some time pasb Although the days have been warm and sunny lately, the frost at nights has been so keen that there is little or no grass coming on. Morb Hqrshs Killed.— Every winter and spring the casualties among horses and cattle are usually very great in this district; through the frost and the rough character of the country. Last week three horses were killed in the neighbourhood of the Upper Shotover by falling over rocks. Weather.— For 13 weeks we have had more or less frasfc during the nights, the night before lasfc being the first exception. It began to rain at midnight last night, and has, up to the time of writing, every appearance of a flood, for it is pretty warm and the snow on the ranges is melting.