LAKE COUNTY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2326, 29 September 1898, Page 25

LAKE COUNTY.

September 24. — It looks somewhat ominous that almost true to date and hour a repetition, though on a much smaller scale, of the floods of 1878 should come round. On Thursday last it turned very warm, and during the succeeding night heavy rain, accompanied with lightning and thunder, came down. The result was a flood of tolerable dimensions, which did some damage to both private and public property. The rivers have now gone down, and it would appear the rain was of a local nature only, as none fell at Gore, the rain in Southland not extending south beyond Lumsden. However, the weather in the Wakatipu basin looks still very unsettled. A great many landslips upon the mountain roads have occurred in all parts of the district, wheeled traffic upon the Macetown dray road being interrupted. Accident. — Captain M'Dowall, of the s.s. Ben Lomond, while the steamer was unloading on Friday night last week, at the Queenstown wharf, fell overboard between the wharf and the steamer, fortunately escaping with some broken ribs, when the accident might easily have been much more Serious. The injuries will keep Captain M'Dowall on the sick list for some little time, his place being filled by Captain J. Farrant. The L. W. S. S. Company are keeping a reserve of certificated masters in their employ to fill occasional vacancies. In fact, Queenstown is growing its own supply of sailors. Mr John Robertson, a native of the town, holds a captain's certificate, while his brother James, who is of a mechanical turn of mind, has recently been placed in charge of ,the engine department on board the Antrim. On Dit. — It is said that Mrs Fraser, the licensee of Bichardt's Hotel, Queenstown, intends to retire from business. This report is generally regretted, as Mrs Fraser is not only most attentive and courteous, but is of the class of ladies which is calculated to elevate the_ occupation of hotel-keeping. The fair fame which this hotel has so long enjoyed has been well sustained, if not enhanced, "during Mrs Fraser's tenure. Horticultural Society. — The Queenstown Horticultural Society is now fairly launched under most favourable auspices, and the first show is fixed for February next. The society includes an industrial branch, and embroidery and so forth will be exhibited for exhibition. The time for the show could not be better chosen, as it is the height of the touring season. It is to be hoped that native flowers and shrubs will find a prominent place in the show. Signs of the Season. — The coaches upon our hills and the steamboats upon our lakes have resumed their summer running, and are beginning to be patronised by travellers of all descriptions. The hotels catering for the travelling public are wearing a bright and renovated appearance, and everybody is getting ready for coming events. Improvements. — The Arrow Post Office has just undergone considerable extensions and alterations. Hitherto all the accommodation provided for the public consisted of a passage 4ft wide by about 10ft long, and one solitary window at which all the business with the office had to be transacted. The passage has now been considerably widened ; a secluded room connected by a separate window with the office is provided for business of a private nature, such as marriages, saving bank transactions, and so forth ; the batteries are removed to the telephone room, and an all-round improvement is effected. The contractor for the

work was Mr John Galland, builder, at Arrowtown, and not only is everything completed in the most finished and workmanlike manner, but Mr Galland has displayed much taste in the details of his work. The offices, as finished by him, would be a credit to any up-country town, and compare favourably with any of the same kind in Otago. Arrow Jockey Club. — This Club has drawn up its programme for the Spring meet of one day's sport in November next. There will be seven events in all, the stakes amounting to £80 10s. An enjoyable day's sport is confidently anticipated. Death. — Yesterday at the Arrow Hospital died Mr W. Thompson, for many years bootmaker at Macetown, at the age of 74 years. Deceased was of a cheery disposition, and bore his age well. He leaves two sons, who are settled at Macetown.