QUEENSTOWN.

Cromwell Argus, Volume 2, Issue 85, 27 June 1871, Page 6

QUEENSTOWN.

(From our own Correspondent.) June 24, 1871. During the past week King Frost has reigned triumphant. The sun's power has! failed to soften the ground harlened bv the night's frost, and everyone possessed of a great-coat has found a use for it. Several skaters have taken advai>tige of the th'ckiess of the ice on the small lagoons in the neighborhood, and some of the " small boys" have had the audacity to make a slide in Reesstreet, the great centre of traffic. So far no casualties are reported. Mining news is somewhat more cheering than usual. Several claims have been marked out on a terrace adjoining Mr W. Shepperd's hut at Moke Creek, in consequence of a promising prospect obtained there the week before last. I understand the ground had never before been tested, so we may hope to hear of some good returns shortly. The dredges on the Shotover have dropped on a patch ; Graves' party having obtained over two hundred ounces in two days ! Barton's dredge is also doing splendidly. The model for the new steamer, about to be built for the Steam Saw Mills Co., has arrived ; she will be commenced at once, and probably completed within two months. The want of a vessel of a large carrying capacity has been a great drawback to the company, as at present they are obliged to pay a high rate of freight on the timber brought down from the mill. The promoters of the Church of England Concert, (to be held on the 4th July), have been so fortunate as to secure the services of some fresh talent, both vocal and instrumental, for the occasion. As several of our favourite lady amateurs have also promised to assist, the result will no doubt prove highly satisfactory. There appears to be no cessation in the building line, new houses springing up around otic like mushrooms ; outdone, however, one and all, by Messrs Hallenstein and Co.'s new store, which has just been opened. In Municipal matters there is nothing very stirring to relate, the number of candidates already named for the coming election only ; reaching 18—six for Mayor, and twelve for I tho three vacancies as Councillors.