THE LAKES.

Dunstan Times, Issue 462, 24 February 1871, Page 3

THE LAKES.

(FRCM pUR OffX, CORRESPONDENT.)

Thn long continued‘drought, though favorable-to' harvest operations promises to Ive most disastrous in its effects. Our usual abundant root crops arc ujwn the verge of annihilation. Turnips, carrots, and mangels have atmost entirely disappeared, while potatoes promise soon to follow. Ten to twelve pounds jier ton is said to he the lowest minimum juice for this season. The wheat is in splendid condition, but in dry places the crops are light. Oats generally are n poor crop, and the straw is short; this cereal will not be very low in jirico this year, notwithstanding that the area cultivated is in excess of last year We have two thrashing machines at work, and with this means of cheap thrashing, many farmers will thrash their grain upon the field without stacking. Both of the flour mills are in full work, and producing an excellent article—almost equal to Adelaide. The gardens have suffered severely from the want of vain. Many thousands of trees and plants hare died in the ground for the lack of moisture to supjiort them, while English grasses and clover have similarly suffered. Such a season of drought was never known hero before. Building operations, in Queenstown, arc being entered into with spirit, and the era of wood has changed for one of stone, and brick. We have three brick kilns in full operation in the immediate vicinity ;of the town. Sawn timber has been reduced to fifteen shillings per hundred feet, so no one need want a cheap and durable dwelling, while the supply of land to build upon is of course ad lihitum. The breakwater to the rear of the premises in Rees and Beach streets is fast verging towards completion, and promises to he a substantial and useful piece of workmanship At Arrowtown there is also a marked improvement. The Government have actually expended one hundred pounds out of the two voted for this undertaking three years ago. Such liberality towards the Arrow is without precedent. In mining ojiorations there is considerable activity throughout the district, although water is becoming scarce in places. The Phoenix Comjiany, at Skippers, (late the Scandinavian) have succeeded in striking the reef, but they have not found any gold. The Cornish Company, at the Shotover. have had their first crushing, and the result was an ounce and-a-half to the ton. Mr. Sotithbcrg, at Skijv pers, has discover cd a run of rich stone upon the old line, anti ho has a largo quantity of stono ready for crushing. The Chinese are increasing in number, and appear to bo all doing well, although the presence of these strangers is objectionable.