ARROWTOWN.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 36, 20 July 1870, Page 5

ARROWTOWN.

—o—\From our own Correspondent.) July 19, 1870. The expectations of everyone that our last escort would be far above the average were not disappointed : the favorable weather told a tale, and fully a third more than the usual quantity of gold was sent down last time. The late floods promise, however, a different story for the next. In mining matters, things have resumed their old aspect. Damages have been almost all repaired, and the miners are once more pursuing “ the even tenor of their way.” Farming operations have been prosecuted vigorously : the young wheat seems to have had rather an overdose of moisture, but, upon the whole, promises an abundant crop, with ordinary luck. Unknown four years ago in the district, its culture is now a matter of supreme importance, as the staff of life should be. Oats are plentiful, but held for higher prices; and buyers at present only buy from hand to mouth at 4s 3d to 4s 6d, which will probably be the highest price this season—almost every farmer holding back in expectation of the prices which ruled last year : but towards next autumn, they will probably be more anxious to effect sales ; at least, there is no likelihood of a scarcity. The Agricultural Association intend doing something practical. The forthcoming ploughing match is the topic of the day among the farming community. These societies have conferred the greatest benefits on the entire nation at home, and may be safely expected to do great good here ; the sooner “ bush farmlug” becomes a thing of the past the better. The weather here lately has been more settled. John Frost has completely overthrown King Mud. Wo were getting pretty well accustomed to the rule of the latter sovereign ; ho was omnipresent—onnipotent. In fact, if he had reigned much longer, we might even have felt kindly disposed towards him ; but for the last three nights, there have been the hardest frosts of the season, and we may yet have a severe winter. Meanwhile the track to the 12-mile, and other mountain tracks are one sheet of ic r. The land sale which was held in the Public Library Hall, last Wednesday, disposed of the last scrap of unsold land in the township. The despised and rejected sections of former sales found buyers at delightfully fanciful prices. Surely this says something for the prosperity of our unpretending township. The mail which arrived last night brought two mails which were not forthcoming last week from Dunedin. Doubtless other townships on the line are as badly off for letters; but, possessing telegraphic communication, it is merely a question, of whether twopence for a letter or a shilling or two invested in electricity, is, the handiest for them. We hear nothing further of our proposed telegraph station, The Improvement Committee, however;, have had an assurance from Government that as soon as the season has advanced sufficiently to admit of the money voted for the- formation of the streets being advantageously expended, the works will be commenced. The Twelve-mile, Arrow, has never been behind-hand in the good work of supporting the Wakatip Hospital j and another benefit oa the 9th was successful in the highest degree. Contributions of goods wore raffled : amongst others, a chair, for the accommodation of the innocent blessed babies, brought £l4, the bachelors going in “ a hurricane” against the married folks, and frantically staking another “ two bob” for another throw ; and they did cany it off —but it may be a “ caution” some day to the lad who won it. The sum of £45 was thus realised, and nearly the same amount was raised by subscription. The Public Library has received, through the kindness of Mr Haughton, M.P.C., an accession to its shelves, viz., “The Yotes and proceedings of the Provincial Council” from the first session to the present time, and the Colonial “Hansard.” The Committee have announced, for the next moonlight Saturday night, a “ Winter Evening’s Entertainment,” consisting of music, readings, and the magical illusions of a certain Professor Ganderson, the Wizard of the South. The programme is attractive enough, and will certainly bring a full house.