LAKE COUNTY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2661, 15 March 1905, Page 35

LAKE COUNTY.

March 11. — It still continues fine and dry, and throughout most of the district harvesting operations are in full swing. It is to be hoped that now that the harvest is being gathered it will continue fine until those operations are concluded. On the Crown Terrace the crops are not quite fit for cutting, ■but another week will probably see a commencement This week has been on the whole a dull one ; the farmers are all busy gathering their year's produce, local events have been xare, and the travelling public few. l£e travellers of the past week were for tne most part those who formed the Commission. This evening a fair number of visitors arrived by the week-end excursion Land Commission.— Scarcely any interest ■was shown in Oueenstown at the sitting there Tf the commission yesterday. The members arrived the evening before, and sat : yesteida y How lHtle interest was manifested m its togs is shown in the fact that only two persona now engaged in farming attended the aneeting-namely, Mr Alex. Fraser, from Head of the Lake, and Mr F. M'Bride, of Queenstown. These two being examined, the commission requisitioned the local knowledge of Mr John Edgar, an old resident, who happened to be present, Eanger Mackenzie, and Mr George, Government valuer. It is very evident that the farmers in this district, if not satisfied with the existing state of things, at anyrate, had nyn v grievance strong enough to take them to Queenstown. The members of -the commission have left for Pembroke, there- to take evidence.

Skippers Library. — A ball to commemo xaie the opening of the new Skippers Library Hall was neld last evening, when a numerous end representative -gathering, good music, aaid excellent refreshments ail made the function • tremendous success. There is a. thoroughness"' which characterises -all they do at Skippers, and this is evidenced in the action lately taken by members of the Acclimatisation Society to preserve and increase the trout in the Upper Shot-over. At a recent meeting a sub-committee was formed, of which Mr Andrew Lambie -was elected chairman and Mr E. Stevenson -secretary. An effort is being made to obtain 2000 rainbow fry for liberating in the upper waters.

Hospitals. — At the last usual monthly meeting the Arrow Hospital Trustees rewarded all good and faithful servants by voting a email increase in all salaries of the staff. The board is exceptionally fortunate in itstaff, and members were unanimous in marking their appreciation of the conduct of fho institution. Nothing of interest was transacted at the last meeting of the Wakatipu Hospital Board save the dealing with tenders for supplies for the ensuing year.