ARROWTOWN

Otago Witness, Issue 2572, 1 July 1903, Page 39

ARROWTOWN

June 27.— During Ihe past week we have had quite n^touch of wintry weather. After heavy rains, which, continued at intervals over four days, a heavy fall of snow came, and at the moment of writing there is at least 4in on flic lower levels, while in the higher country it is evidently to be measured by feet. The hearts of our miners should be cheered, for, given, for tho rest of the winter our usual succession of frosts, a plentiful supply of water in the spring is assured. The Winter Aspect. — Although the snow on thr ground is unpleasant for traffic, still it has its attractive features. Of tho great number of ,to\msts who vi9ited the district during the summer season. I am confident that the great majority would find greater attractiveness and beawby in the aspect of tho country at the present time, with its beautiful winter coveTmg, tha,n in. the warm season, when everything 13 parched and dry. It is cold— veiy cod, - but one htadly notices that the atmosphere is bo dry, the air so invigorating Winter games are the order of the day. The small boy, as /soon as the watchful eye of authority is turned, indulges in a good snowball match, sometimes to the discomfiture of adult dignity. There is, however, but little clanger of accidents through the pastime, the snow being co thick that the chance* of stones being picked up to add to the composition. of the ball are remote. By the beginning of the week the ice on the dam will in all probability be safe to skate on. A few cnthusiastics have spent ft lot of labour in cutting a race to allow the water to enter the dsim more freely, so that, given a few good frosts, a splendid largo sheet of ice will be available. It is certainly most kind of the owner, Mr P. Butel, to grant the use of the dam for the purpose.

Debating Society —l mentioned m my notes last week the formation of a Literary and Debating Society. I understand that the question the committee have chosen for the first evening's debate is in reference to preferential tariff. In ill probability during the comfhg session of Parliament the subject will receive much attention, so that I think tho committee have done wisely in bringing before members of the society a question that their representatives are discussing in tho Hnu-e 1 understand that by the number of those who have become members the success of the society is assured.

St. Paul's, Arrowtown. — The Sunday school in connection with this church is about to lose the seriicef, through removal from the district, of their organist, Miss Graham. I understand that the scholars are about to present hpr with a token of their appreciat.on and regard, her departure being much regretted Oni; of the beries of socials held at intervals through the >ear takes place on July 3. The popularity of those held in the past w.ll be a sure guaiantee of a. large attendance. I am sorry to &ay that the -vicar, Rev. H. Erooke, is not keeping vi the be*t of health.

Pcrsonal.^"Y(>ur 0-wn" of Lake County, I am pleased to sa>. is progressing favourably towardb reccvfiy u'jdcr the f-veclleiit attention of Dr Thomson. An operation i\as performed by Dn Thomson and Brown on Sunday last, this being ii> e\ cry way succ«""sfj', il'P patient going through thf- trvm<r tHi al with great fortitude. A few veeks will t' 1 ail probab lity see him about again in heath Industrial Progress.— Me«=i . Murpl. »• artl Richardson have purchasrd .i brcticn in the main street, and intend crechij? a lurge blacksmith and wheelwright" s shop thereon.^ I brhe.e it is their intent on to procure the fcrvices of a competent blacksmith. Both part-

ners being deservedly popular in the district, there is little doubt but that their venture will meet with success.

Macetown Road. — The contractors for the deviation of the Macetown road above the Arrow Falls Company's claim are pushing on with their work, although from the nature of the ground and the inclement weather progress is slow. The road line is being altered to enable the company to work the ground about tho old road, the gold having been followed in that direction.

MINING.

Work has been discontinued at the Arrow Falls Company's claim for a week past. Frost has put an end for the time being to oil sluicing a.nd hydraulic work. The work of dismantling the Kawarau Bridge da-edge previous to her removal is being pushed on by Mr Hoskins and his men. The deckhouses have been removed, and a start made on the machinery. The quantity of snow on the tops guarantees t plentiful supply of water for mining purposes in the spring, and at the present time there is a greater quantity on the high country than at any time last winter.