THE LAKES.

Dunstan Times, Issue 341, 6 November 1868, Page 2

THE LAKES.

Arkowtows, Nov. 2. We have been blest with splendid growing weather lately, fine' genial showers in the morning followed by beautiful, warm, sunshiny weather for the remainig, part of the day. The crops are coming on splendidly, and a very largo lot of wheat will be ready for the mill after the harvest. The mill at Frankton is once more at work and turning out flour at the rate of 25 tons per week, so there is no fear of any short supplies of the staff of life for the future. The enterprising firm of llobcrtsou and ilallenstein will take good care when they have the material that the public shall not be in want ot flour. The Wakatip Flour Mill Company have nearly sold all their shares, the company has met with very general support. The necessity for a second flour mill is recognised by all, and, as it w ill beowned by a joint-stock-company and its operations confined to purely gristing purposes, the public will have equal advantages in participating of its benefits, and two markets for the produce of the farmers must always be more satisfactory than one, “ Competition is the life of trade” is a generally acknowledged maxim. The iSiiotover is getting up to its summer level, and crossing will not bo so easy as it lias been for the next two mouths to come, or until the snowlias melted from off the ranges. A bridge is very badly wanted over this abominably dangerous stream, through the lack of which the trade of the district is very much impaired. If the Government cannot afford to place a bridge at Forster’s Ferry, they might at least bridge the river at Arthur’s Point, where the cost .would be but small, although at the same time they are bound in all honor to erect a bridge at the former place. Mr. Simpson, the new dis rict engineer, has since coming into otiice made a great improvenent in the roads, and the district has good reason to congratulate itself upon possessing so competent and energetic an ofiicer The miners ore ah busily employed

and making good wages. There is, however, nothing worthy of especial notice. In sluicing there is such a continued sameness that a description of emi- claim is sufficient for all. The tunnellers up the A now River have been doing extremely well latelv, and it appears that gold wi 1 be lound in most of the terraces abutting on the river. The Board of Wardens are busily settling disputes between the owners of sheep and cattle. Both parties are at war, cash contending that they have an undisputed right to run their stock wherever they please. As to some of the cattle-owners, they look on quite composedly even when their animals are devouring their neighbors’ crops. In my opinion nothing will suffice to keep things quiet but the establishment of a public pound, and com- ( pelling all persons owning stock depasturing on the public estate to he; d them. Messrs. J. W. Robertson and Co., of Queenstown, .have successfully launched their new steamer at tho head of Lake Wakatip. The machinery will be put in at Queinstown, and it is expected, that she will bo ready to take her trips up and down the Queen of New Zealand Lakes by Christmas. The Rev. Father Hicbie held Mass at Arrowtown on teunday morning last, and prt ached in the evening. At both services there were.crowded congregations, the reverend gentleman being listened to witli marked attention. The collections in aid of the good work upon which Father llickie is engaged were exceedingly liberal and satisfactoi y. On Thursday evening Father Hiekie will deliver a lecture for the benefit of the Arrowtown Library.