ARROWTOWN.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 39, 10 August 1870, Page 5

ARROWTOWN.

(From oar own o:trre»powlcnt,) August 9, Tho weather has had visible influences on mining operations all over tho distri dt, frown out nl i lice I'd being the order of tho day in tho higher grounds ; but wh ere work is practicable, results are not bo low average. The Chinese claim at tho township—smothered, at the last flood—is now being re-opened by a fresh gang of Celestials, who are evidently determined on making a strong job of it this time. Throughout tho district, " John" is getting his full share of the gold, playing havoc with the ground wherever he locates ; at the Twelve-mile becoming, in that respect, the intolerable nuisance he is everywhere else. Farming operations out-doors have been slightly retarded by the frost. There is little to notice at bins dead season of tho year. Tho applications to occupy the Crown Terrace under agricultural leases have been attracting some attention. About twelve or fourteen hundred acres have been applied for, and before loug the plough will probably be leaving its mark on tho beso land in the district. The want of a dray road is the great drawback: packing up posts and rails is rather an expensive item. Some opposition is offered on the ground of the laud being partly auriferous, and a petition is being got up against granting the leases. Nearly every waggon which arrives hero brings some ponderous bundles of fruit trees. The number of trees planted last year in the township and neighborhood was something enormous, and, to judge by the preparations making, the coining season bids fair to eclipse the last. It is not planting a few trees merely for pleasure, but planting them in hundreds for profit. With our magnificent climate—second to none as regards the perfect culture of the old country fruits—and the sheltered position of the township gardens, so suitable for the grape and peach, this place may indisputably be termed the " Orchard of tho Wakatip District." Our opportunities for amusing ourselves lately exemplify the old proverb : "It never rains but it pours." The Bell-ringers have delighted two large audiences in the Public Library Hall. Then we had J)r Carr ; and last Saturday evening, the Library Committee gave an entertainment in aid of the funds, which were augmented very considerably. The whole affair was wound up with a dance. This excellent institution is in a prosperous condition—a fine building, a good collection of books, and cut of debt. The Committee have directed their attention towards adding two or three hundred volumes to the present stock, including many of the latest works published at home. The Kev. Mr Coffey has kindly offered to lecture in this behalf, and the lecture is announced for the next moonlight Saturday night.