LAKE COUNTY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1920, 4 December 1890, Page 19

LAKE COUNTY.

Decbmbbb I.— The new Lake County Oounoil, in which only two seats have changed their tenants — i.e., Skippers and Arrow — has lost no time in getting into harness, holding its first meeting last Monday. A goodly amount of business of a routine nature was transacted and the business of the county looked into. The finanoial state of the county is represented by the following figures : Amount of overdraft, £1931 6s 7d ; account! passed for payment, £771 17s 2d ; outstanding liabilities, £462 13s ; total liability, £3168 19s 9d, legal limit of overdraft £)579. At might be expected, the new order of things Imposed upon the council by the abolition of tbe gold duty cropped up and caused some disoussion, without, however, leading to any resolution, and the further consideration of the subjectfwas held over till next meeting. It is not difficult to foretell the result of this innovation, and it is really surprising how the House of Representatives could have brought itself to pass so absurd a measure. Indeed, the only purpose the business serves to show is how very little the aggregate of the House knows about the goldfields and goldfieldi matters. That the new iniquity cannot live long is equally clear, for It it clear that It is bearing far more unfairly upon the miners than the export duty on tbe gold did, and will react upon the county councils affected in such a manner that tome radical change will very soon make itself felt. Mr M'Dougall brought forward a motion that refleots great credit upon that gentleman, to the effect that the telegraphs and telephones of the colony be placed at the service of parties in urgent need of medical advice, whether the need arises from accident or serious sickness, at a charge something like that at present levied upon press telegrams. Such nn Innovation will be of immense value to all outlying centres. Them are some very grave rumours circulating in connection with the repairs of the Victoria bridge, and the council would do well to look into the matter and let the public know the real state of affairs. As it is, the rumours are of euoh a nature that they are most damaging to all ooncerned. Thb Fbsi ahd Independent.— Nomination day has o >me and gone, and no other candidate than Mr T. Fergus having been nominated, the election, so far as this district is concerned, is over, and we can look on calmly and watch the rest of the colony going through the turmoil which is deemed necessary every three years for the benefit of our adopted country. Mr Fergus is now finishing off his rounds in and about the neighbourhood of Garston. So far as he has gone — and he visited every place of importance— his campaign has been literally a triumphal procession. Brass band overtures, cheers, acclamations, votes of confidence, and thanks were actually showered upon him ; and there is perhaps a slight fear that the electors may Bpofl a good member by a too prodigal display of satisfaotion with him. We once upon a time had a member who did very well until be was drawn through thn streets of Queens town in a triumphal oar, built expressly for the occasion. It seemed it wa» the last straw that broke the camel's back. Too much adulation might work more mischief than too little. However, we havo sent our old member back without opposition, and with a carte blanche to do the best he can for us in working out our political salvation and that of the colony. Other Elections.— Besides the county and borough elections, there have been those of the trustees of our looal hotpitals, that of a member to represent this 'district at the Southland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and that of county chairman, so that there has been quite aorop of elections, Mr John Eliot was eleoted to the last office, Mr Q. Heller wai chosen to represent tbe Lakes district at the Southland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and a number of gentlemen were appointed as trustees for the looal hospital!, whose names are guarantees that the affairs of these institutions will be well looked after.

A Stobm in a Teapot.— Some loud-mouthed reformers have been playing at improving the Arrowtown corporation by removing it off the face of the earth. A meeting was called for the purpose, and when the ratepayers met in dread and fear of being asked to cut their municipal throats there was no one to give the signal, and the corporation was saved. Such conduot merits reprehension, and in this instance has led to some little heartburnings and also expense to the corporation, which without this is in a pretty bad «tate financially. It appears that there are some £285 in uncolleoted rates, while tbe borough is paying interest on an overdraft of £110. A funny state of affairs to say the least of it.

A. Cause Cklbbre. — Humour whispers that actions for libel and defamation of character are about to be preferred against a well-known resident and settler at the Arrow. Damages are laid, I hear, at a pretty high figure.