QUEENSTOWN.

Cromwell Argus, Volume 1, Issue 50, 26 October 1870, Page 5

QUEENSTOWN.

{From our own Correspondent.) October f 24. r really don't believe that one could Had in any part of the habitable globe a city, town, or village whore the people are so apathetic with regard to anything that concerns themselves as Queenstown. From the paper downwards, everything local is passed by with the greatest unconcern. Let any unfortunate individual try to start anything for the benefit, or, more especially, for the amusement of the people, whether it he a cricket club, volunteer corps, concert, or whatnot ; and unloss the promoter Is indefatigable, and bears all the preliminary expenses himself, in a ; . week the cricket club, vol,'iirieer corps, concert, or what-not is in oblivion—a" thing of the jast.

Mr Worthington, our gold receiver, ivhohas always been the leader in getting up any Sports or amusements for the barbari loci, thinking the news of the European war might prove' a stimulus, endeavoured to establish a local Ri.la Corps, an idea which has been twice before' started ; but I fear his third attempt will end in failure, as at a meeting called by the Mayor to ventilate the matter, there were not more than twenty of our loyal citizens present, and most of these seemed to think that the purchase of a uniform would absorb too many bawbees—which result must be very encouraging to the promoter.

The Cricket Club, organised by the same gentleman, is faring better ; and, I believe, should we have the pleasure of playing a match with your able Cromwellites this season, you will find your work cut out for you.

Last Friday week 1 had the pleasure of being present at a concert, got up by Messrs Richardson, Turner, and Eichardt, and given for the joint benefit of the Queinstown and Shotover schools. It took' place in the Masonic Hall, and, I regret to say, the attendance was not so large as the entertainment warranted. The programme consisted of vocal and instrumental solos, and several songs by our local " Christies," Messrs Turner, Begg, Richardson, and Eichardt (pianist), assisted by Mr Brown of the Shotover school. The songs given by a lady, who has always kindly assisted at entertainments of this description, met with the applause due to her admirable taste and execution. Ln fact, I may say she is the mainstay of our concerts,—other ladies, possessing good voices and a knowledge of music, holding back for some reason unknown—! hope not an invincible one. In a musical point of view, the concurt was a great success, and the only thing to mar its good ell'cet was the very ungraceful speech made by the gentleman who returned thanks. Mr Howarth, of Half-way Bay, appears to be a most unfortunate man. 1 hear he has run his steamer ashore at the head of the Lake. The new saw-mill about to he erected by Messrs Maokay, Bros., Boult, ami a fourth gentleman whose name 1 have forgotten, promises to be a great success ; and will, no doubt, by lowering the price of timber, lewd to the rapid growth of our city. There was a great talk a few weeks since of a new newspaper to be started by Mr J. Mackay, of the Brace Herald, but not having heard or seen anything of him for some time, I am rather inclined to think he has thought better of it, and really does not moan it, in spite of the numerous bills stuck up about the town. Amongst other news, I may mention that Father Bclliard, of Invercargill, has been making a tour through our outlying districts, and has, altogether, made a stay of nearly three weeks, carrying everywhere with, liim the esteem and good wishes of all who know him.