QUEENSTOWN.

Cromwell Argus, Volume VII, Issue 316, 1 December 1875, Page 6

QUEENSTOWN.

[from our own correspondent.] November 26, 1875. Tho groat event of the week is the enrolment of the Arrow Rifle Volunteer Corps. They aro a fine body of men. Mr Mackay, of tho Bank of New Zealand, is the captain, and Messrs Hornsby and Donoghue, lieutenants. Twenty-two joined, and I have no doubt the number will be doubled before this appears in print. Our Dramatic Club have made arrangements to play at the Arrow on the 4th December. This will do good by exciting the emulation of the Arrow Club. The weather has set in very wet, and the mountains have quite a wintry appearance from being covered with snow. Our Good Templars are on the qui vive in anticipation of the forthcoming Grand Lodge meeting, and are holding consultations on future action. Our Volunteer Corps held a meeting on Monday last for inspection and the election of officers. It was found some time ago that if some change were not made the corps must be disbanded. To give eveiy chance for reorganisation, the officers and non-commis-sioned officers resigned. The elections caused considerable excitement, and many joined in hope of seeing a really efficient corps here. On the resignation of the officers, Captain Macklin was asked to take temporary command until elections could be held, to which he consented. He announced that, to stop canvassing, he would initiate a system of promotion by merit, promising to instruct all who were ambitious for appointments and willing to learn. Only two attended the class, and it was afterwards found that the men had power of nomination unless the captain had been gazetted. Captain Macklin stated that two had satisfied him, —Colorsergeant Rogers and Corporal Clark. These were elected, respectively, first and second lieutenants. Captain Macklin was elected to take command, which he agreed to do, only until he could get the corps efficient; and and announced that for the future he would take care promotion went by merit. The corps now numbers nearly fifty members, and is progressing rapidly in its drill. Breechloading rifles were issued this week, and everything about them is so simple that even recruits find no difficulty in doing the platoon exercises after a few drills. We have no reliable information that any suitable candidates are yet in the field for the representation of this district. It is much to be regretted that Mr Hallenstein cannot spare the time. He is most indefatigable in laying our wants before the Provincial Government, and obliging his constituents in every way he can. Our new Court is progressing well, but is an example of the mischief ot dual government. The General Government gives £BOO, and the Provincial £6OO towards the building, but they would not provide ceiling othei than calico and paper. Thus an otherwise good building is to be rendered uncomfortj able because they cannot agree to expenc another two or three hundred pounds. It is 68ft long by 37ft wide, and the flapping of i calico ceiling of this extent can easily fe imagined.