LAKE WANAKA TO QUEENSTOWN.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 5, 8 December 1869, Page 3

LAKE WANAKA TO QUEENSTOWN.

Jnxjur issue of the 21th ult., wo published a short- article from a correspondent, headed 11 Cromwell to Lake Wanaka.” Having recently made a trip from the Wanaka Lake to Queenstown, a few jottings of the journey may interest some of our readers. Arriving at the Wanaka at sunset, after passing through some excellent grazing country for a few miles before reaching the Lake, we put up for the night at Messrs Hedditeh and Russell’s Wanaka Hotel, prettily .situated on the shores of the lake, and commanding a fine view of the scenery in the neighbourhood, Immediately fronting it is a range of high mountains stretching down to the shores of the lake ; and far away m the background, in a north-westerly direction, the rugged peak of Mount Aspiring, crowned with eternal snow, towers almost to the skies. Viewed from the rise on which the hotel is situated, with the lake below glittering and sparkling in the setting sun, the scene is extremely beautiful, and presents a marked contrast to the barren, sandy country of the Dunstsn district. On an island in the lake, distant about two miles from Messrs Hedditeh and Russell’s, wild rabbits abound ; and as a fine largo yacht is provided by this enterprising firm for the convenience of visitors, pleasuresepkers can enjoy a few Jays’ tranquil repose, or engage in exhilarating sports, as their tastes may direct. Leaving the hotel, a few miles further on the road enters the valley of the Cardrona, -the stream wending its way through a sandy gorge of a hundred yards or so in width, and having to be crossoil and recrossed a great many times. Numerous landslips have taken place on the mountain-side, and the ground thus left exposed presents at first sight the appearance of having been sluiced by the gold-seeker. After a ride of about ten miles through this valley, the township of Cardrona, once so famous for its fertility in the precious metal, is reached. The majority of tho claims on the Cardrona, at one time celebrated for the rich deposits of heavy, si ty gold which they contained, are now almost worked out; although in the opinion of many of the residents in ths township the lead of gold will be found to exist much further down the creek than is generally supposed. Tho workings are usually at depths varying from slJffc to a. considerable quantity of water having to be contended with. TW. celebrated “Gin and Raspberry” claim, in. which about 40ft of water had accumulated owing to an accident which befel the pumping gear, was being pumped out at the time of our visit, and > work will by this time have been resumed. The Bendigo Gully discoveries have had the elTcct of drawing a number of Cardrona residents away, and business at the present time is comparatively dull. A considerable addition to tho Chinese population has, however, recently taken place, and “ John” appears on the whole to be very well satisfied with his earnings and prospects. On leaving Cardrona, the stream from which the township derives its name is followed for a distance of ten miles. This portion of the road is very rough, and can only he traversed by horsemen and foot-passengers. The bed of the stream has been superficially turned over by the miner, and at present the workings appear to be divided between Europeans and Chinese. From what we eo lid learn, the returns from most of tho claims arc satisfactory. Having at last arrived at the foot of the Crown Range (of tho difficulty attached to the ascension of which we had been previously informed) we commenced the toilsome ascent; and certainly wc must say it was necessary to put in practice to its fullest extent the old Scotch adage, “ But a stout heart to a steep brae.” as, out of consideration for the willing animal which had carried ns so many miles, wc preferred “ tackling” the hill on foot. After an hour’s climbing, however, we reached the top, and were amply rewarded for our exertions by the magnificent panoramic view which here arrests the traveller’s gaze. Far below lay immense green fields of waving corn, with Lake Hayes gleaming in their midst, and a corner of Lake Wakatip peeping out through the mountains by which it is surrounded. The country from this point presented a marked contrast to that previously traversed. Reaching the plain after a wearisome descent of the steep mountain side, we found large areas of land under cultivation, the great fertility of the soil being amply shown by the splendid appearance of the crops. After a smart trot we reached the Arrow, distant from tho font of tho mountain about four miles. It is a nice little township, and has many pretty gardens and cultivated patches of ground, which add greatly to its appearance. In the garden of Mr W. Scoles, over which we were kindly shown by the proprietor, beautiful ripe strawberries wore to be seen in great profusion, and fruit of all descriptions seemed to be thriving amazingly. Between the Arrow and Queenstown, a distance of about fourteen miles, a fine level country intervenes. Lake Hayes, a small sheet of water about three miles long, is skirted by the main road, and has many pretty farms in its vicinity. Passing the lake, and ascending a small terrace, which is traversed for about a mile, we arrive at the Shutover crossing. At times this is a very dangerous fording-placc, owing to the shifting nature of the channel, upon which not the slightest dependence can he placed.. A substantial bridge is, however, being erected, and will be a great boon to travellers when completed. Leaving the Shotovjer, and passing more farms, all in a high state) of cultivation, Frankton, situated at tho end of the Wakatip Lake, is reached. This is an exceed- 1 ingly pretty spot for a township, although as yet tho buildings are not numerous. Tho Wakatip Hospital is erected .here, and a more healthy spot could not possibly he found. A short distance from the Hospital, and separated from it by the- Kawarau River, which leaves the lake at this point, tho homo station of Messrs Boyes Bros, is situated. Frankton was also selected as tho site for the Brunswick Flour Mills, and from hero the whole of the flour consumed in the Wakatip district is dispatched. This flour is also finding its way largely into the Dun-

stau markets. The road from Frankton to Queenstown then winds round the lake until the latter township is readied. For situation and healthiness of climate Queenstown certainly carries olf tho palm when compared with any of the other goldfields’ towns. The climate is described by old residents as being perfect, and judging from the smiling aspect of the country, wo should say the statement is correct. The township is of very considerable extent, ami although the “ palmy days” of tho place liaVo gone by never to return—times when an hotel-keeper would growl if he did not, at the very lowest estimate, take £OO or £7O a-day—yet the business people in general seem to be doing a very fair trade. The gardens are all looking capital, and strawberries and cherries in particular present a temptingly rosy appearance. A public park is laid off on a neck of land which stretches into the lake, and is studded with forest trees and shrubs. In a few years’ time it will be a pretty spot, if cared for in the interim, and will no doubt become a favourite place of public resort. The Lake View Gardens, owned by Messrs M'Oonnoohie and Rowell, are also well worth a visit. Vegetation is here exceedingly luxuriant, and flowers of roseate hues abound in profusion. In reference to the agricultural capabilities of the Queenstown district it may with truth he said, “ Tickle the ground with a hoe, ami nature will smile at you with a harvest.” It was almost with a pang of regret that we left this picturesque, fertile, and pleasant country ; hut where friends arc situate, there also the face of nature wears a smiling.aspect, though the streets are dusty and the land is of a barren appearance, and it was with considerable satisfaction that we arrived in Cromwell after our pleasant tour through the country of the great inland waters.