THE LAKES.

Dunstan Times, Issue 372, 11 June 1869, Page 2

THE LAKES.

(from our own correspondent.) Arrowtown, June 7.

I see by the columns of your last issue that those hdispensible adjuncts to a settled community at Clyde, the butchers and bakers positively refuse to lower the prices of their commodities down to a level consistent with the altered state of the times, and still leave a fair profit io themselves, after the publicans, who have so long held out against the sixpenny nobler, and who have come down at last. I am not at all surprised that the sinners” should begin to cry out, which they appear to do with jmuch justice on their side, considei ing that they are charged at least one third move for bread and meat than it is worth. Things are in an increased ratio up here to what they are down with you. Our butchers and bakers have so lowered their prices as to become positive benefactors to mankind ; it is the Publicans, who are the offending members of society, for only one boniface in Arrow town sells sixpenny drinks The storekeepers are as inexorable here as a eyour butchers and bakers, for notwithstanding that cartage has been so very low, they still keep up the price of their commodities, but they mast ere long give way to public opinion or suffer by the contest. The Queenstown Amateur Dramatic Corps came over on Wednesday last, and gave an entertainment in the library Hall. The pieces selected were “ The Happy Man” and “ Pox and Cox.” The fust was a most decided success. Mr. Warden Beetham was the Happy Man, and well he sustained his part. I may say, using a theatrical expression, “ he carried the weight of ihe piece upon his back. The hatter and the planter were not so well played, the representatives of both appearing to lack the necessary confidence for stage effect. Mrs. Jenkins, a lady amateur, who performed the part of Mrs. Bouncer, did her best to please, and in time will no doubt make a very passable act'ess. Taking the various members of the Club as a whole, they only want practice to enable them to afford much amusement to those who may witness their performances., t 1 e present bring only their second appearance in public. Mr. Henry Manders, the stage manager, previous to the commencement of the performance made a suitable address. The attendance was not so large as could have been desired, owing, probably, to the prevalence of a rumor to the effect that the proceeds of the entertainment were to go towards a lifeboat and sailors home for Queenstown, both of which, in the eyes of the

Arrow folks, are considered unnecessary for die next century at least. The I‘uhlor, however, was only a cruel canard, as the proceeds* after paying expenses, were to liave been applied strictly to local objects. Tbe expenses, however 1 , were not met by tire proceeds of the performance, and consequently no local institution received any benefit However, better luck next time. \ A very old and respected Dims tan . resident, i a vie person of Mr. Betts lias come to take up Iris residence at Queenstown. Mr. Betts has coma to replace Mr. Weaver, of Wlrittingham Brother’s and Weaver, Merchants, Beach Street. The introduction of new blood into a district must always be looked upon with pleasure, and I have no doubt but that Mr Betts’ affable business like manner will secure him a considerable amount of patroage.