NOTES FROM ARROWTOWN.

Cromwell Argus, Volume II, Issue 97, 19 September 1871, Page 5

NOTES FROM ARROWTOWN.

—o— BV A NOVICE.

For the “ ridiculously small sum of five shillings,” as Mr Mantalini would say, will a man be able to become a full-blown, dulylicensed gold digger for one quarter of a year ! A resolution to issue miners’ rights on these terms has just been agreed to by the collective legislative wisdom (Heaven 'save the mark !) at present assembled in solemn conclave at Wellington. Honorable members thought perhaps that they were conferring a great boon on the minors, for which they ought to bo truly thankful. I think it, however, simply a piece of folly,—involving an increased expense for printing and parchment —increased clerical labour—increased trouble to everybody. No wonder the old Shotover ceased running the other day. Vulgar people said it was an immense laud-and-rock slip that had dammed him up for a few hours ; but I conceive that the weak-minded river simply felt disgusted, and dried up, lamenting the glories of by-gone days, and finding goldmining doled out in five-slullings'-wortlis. Th e same generous House could .not see their way to grant what the miners really do want —the abolition of the duty on gold. No ; they resolved to stick to the half-crown per ounce under any circumstances. I note that the Dunedin Acclimatisation Society have resolved to devote £SO to the hardier kinds of Californian tree seeds'. I have often wondered that in the “race for riches” in this our own adopted land, such a simple and lucrative branch of native industry as tree-growing has been so much overlooked. There are many farmers about hero who for the last few years could have had each a few acres of quick-growing trees, such as blue gum*, coming on for useful purposes ; the cost, a trifle ; the returns, a fortune. All the timber we use for building and mining purposes, and oven the most of our firewood and fencing, come from various parts of Lake Wakafcip. But it is not too late: the country is not quite done yet, and, if it has to be handed over to the Chinese, probably John would be a good customer for even gum trees.