LAKE COUNTY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1901, 10 July 1890, Page 18

LAKE COUNTY.

July 7.— lt is really provoking to see how things are distributed in this world. Here we are in the land of the mountain and the flood actually famishing for water, while in Sydney there has been 7in of rain in a few days, and Gippsland is flooded. It is time we had some snow : the other day about— as near as figures can express the downfall— 7*ooool23 flakes per acre, whioh is about the average of the gold that's left to be dug, and miners are unanimous that the supply is altogether inadequate. Under the circumstances there are a great many unemployed, and the general talk is immigration to the Molyueux ; while not a few are actually moving in that direction."

Resuscitated.— The whilom volunteer corps of this distriot are forming themselves into rifle clubs, and as such will be quite as useful as in their former state of existence as amateur warriors and braves, and certainly they could not well be less ornamental. Though the bright scarlet uniforms, glittering orders, and clanking accoutrements have disappeared from the view, the crack of firearms will warn our enemies that we are alert, and as ready as ever to fight for and— yes, burn powder for our hearths and homes.

Political.— There are certain olouds on our political horizon which no weather prophet can properly interpret. So much, however, is clear that Mr Fergus, our present M.H.8., it not nearly so firm in the saddle since the readjustment of our political boundaries as he was before. By the readjustment some of our centres of population hare been sadly demoralised, and so nearly balanced that it is very difficult to say, should there be a contest, which way the vote will go.