QUEENSTOWN.

Cromwell Argus, Volume 1, Issue 52, 9 November 1870, Page 5

QUEENSTOWN.

—o—(From our own Correspondent.) November 7, IS7O. " All the world's a stage, and men are but the players ;" and as a proof that the words of the immortal bard still hold good, I am glad to say that we are going to play at soldiers, though for how long this deponent sayeth not, for it is scarcely time to form an opinion how far the principal characters are well cast. Yes—our Wakatip Rifle Volunteers are %ui fait accompli, and the officers are chosen as follow :—Mr M. J. Malaghan is Captain, Mr J. S. Worthington is Lieutenant, and Mr D. Powell is Ensign. Fortunately the two first are thoroughly acquainted with the drill and routine of a company, and no doubt Mr Powell, who has on several occasions gallantly led the Fire Brigade, will soon become efficient; then, well officered, we shall be ready for French or Prussians, Ave care not which—but on the whole would prefer neither. Constable M'Gann, who leaves us to-day to take charge of Blacks No. 1, was presented this morning with a testimonial and purse of sovereigns, subscribed by the principal citizens, "as a recognition of the efficient and impartial manner in which he has discharged his duties as a police officer during his seven years' residence in the district." On Wednesday week we are to receive a fresh batcli of " they fesh," as one of our candidates for a Ooimcillorship styled them, the trout. They will this time arrive from the ponds at Invercargill, and so we may reasonably expect this experiment I will prove more successful than the last, | as they have only half the distance to j travel A new pond has been made under ! the superintendence of our late and present ■ Town Clerks—Messrs Cope and Richard- ! son—and no expense has been spared to I find the new pots a comfortable home. To-morrow night Mr Shepherd, M.P.C., ! addresses the electors in the Town Hall | as a candidate fot a seat in the General Assembly ; but public feeling seems more in favour of Mr Haughton, and I think the former stands but a very poor chance. He has also lost a few votes through his supporting the measure for the reduction of the salaries of the gold-fields officials in the last Council.

Stone buildings are now all the rage. One two-storey house is already nearly completed in Rees-streot; this is going to be used as a butcher's shop by Messrs Wills and Pauline. MrEichardt has also commenced a two-storey addition to the Queen's Arms Hotel, for the convenience of families visiting the town ; each storey comprising a sitting room and three bedrooms. Several other stone houses are spoken of, and Messrs Halleiistein and Co. are shortly going to erect a large stone store. "Wednesday being the Prince of Wales' birthday, tuo&fc of the townspeople' ttie

going down to the foot of the Lake on a pic-uicing excursion, the Oddfellows having chartered the steamer " Antrim " for the occasion. In the evening they give a grand ball. I feel 1 am nearly at the extent of my tether, so must reserve further news for next time.