ARROWTOWN.

Dunstan Times, Issue 686, 11 June 1875, Page 3

ARROWTOWN.

{FROM OUR OWN CORRESrONPENT.) The winter has at last set in hero, and the mountains now look as white as snow can make them. The sheep owners and farmers have been expecting the snow for some time, but, as it did not come ample time has been afforded to muster the sheep on the low lands, and to prepare the soil for the ensuing crops. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to see the fanners pleased with their crops, then there is no growling heard, except with a few, who made mistakes some years ago, by not taking up some of tho rich agricultural land which abounds in this district, and cultivating it. They did not do it then, but there is time yet, and plenty of land to choose. If they tackle to at once, in a few years they will bo amply rewarded for their trouble. I know a farmer in this district who, a few years ago took up about two hundred acres, of the right sort, under the Cold Fields Act. He had scarcely any money to start with, and now, owing to his industry and perseverance, be has been enabled to obtain tbe freehold, and also to build a very comfortable house for himself and family. I would not mind taking his cheque for LSOO any day, for there is scarely any fear that it would be returned with tho detestable brand “nsf” on the back.

Travelling to Cardrona, a few days ago, I noticed almost a total absence of cultivation, but any number of sheep and cattle. This should not bo, for [ have been in formed that the soil on the Crown Terrace is perhaps the best in Otago, for agricultural purposes. It is now lying idle, except for depasturing stock, for which the Government receive little or nothing. The cause is, I believe, owing tc the opposition of the Mining Association political loafers,” as they are called by the correspondent of the Daily Times, an appellation which they certainly do not deserve, for I know myself that their motives are honest, but I cannot approve of their tenets.—l read in the Observer, a few months ago, that several persons—who are not miners—applied for 200 acres of land each, at Cardrona, for the purpose of bona fide settlement, but have lately, been informed they will be refused owing t the opposition brought to bear by the local Mining Association, although the surveyor (Mr Spence, of Queenstown) reported that hi knew of no objection-why they should not got it. But what is the opinion of such an experienced gentleman against this Association ? Nothing. The Warden must be either afraid of these Associations, or else guilty of gross neglect in not reoommmding the applications to be granted. It is true the latter says “the ground is auriferous, and I must refuse but for that assertion has he any real proof ? Not the slightest particle. There are at the present time tens of thousands of acres of some of the best land in Otago lying around Cardrona shut up from settlement, simply because a few persons who are the lucky on ners of thousands of sheep and cattle, wish to have it to themselves for the purpose of despasturing their stock, and for the purpose of securing it, they join a Miners’ Association, and induce t' n em to oppose it on that fatal objection “ it is all auriferous.” At the hearing of the applications the miners, as a rule, never say more than that they have reason to believe that it is so. Some bolder than others prospected the ground 10 years ago, and found a little gold, but they abandoned it. Why did they abandon it? The truthful answer must be “because it did not pay.” The members of the Association—the bona fide miners—do not require the ground because they have plenty to work ; but the other members—the stock owners—do require it, for if it is thrown open they lose the means of making rapid fortunes without having rent, &c., to pay, and must, as a matter of course be obliged to seek fresh fields and pastures new. if this land is thrown open for agriculture. Lease holders, when asked if it is required at present for mining purposes, they answer “no;” but with their native simplicity acid, “it may bo at some future date.” I read in the papers that Cardrona is about to be proclaimed a Municipality, and if such is the case, Cardrona will never go-a-head until they allow the land to be cultivated. If such is done, hundreds I believe would take up small farms and settle, for there is no doubt but the soil is very productive. If they do this they will, in a short time have a township which they can feel proud of. The difference between the bona fide miners and the farmers could be very easily o ’ercome by a short amendment of the present Gold Fields Act, giving power to the miner to enter on any lauds to search for geld, paying the Crown Lessee a certain per centage of the gold found, for compenB .tion. The purchasing clause should be done away with, and the term extended to twenty-one years, instead of to seven years as at present. Of course there are other matters which could be very easily remedied, too numerous to mention here.

Our little township is looking more lively than it has been for some time past, and a little bird whispers that our Queenstown neighbors feel uneasy at the pleasant change. Wo don’t get much from them, but living, as we do, on the boat of terms with each other hero, we now and then endeavor to elevate their spirits, and emulate our dispositions in every way. for they appear to have quite forgotten the command of “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Some of our lads and lasses (honnio Highland ones) knowing that the days when tho people of Queenstown poisoned their fruit for fear of the same being eaten by any except themselves were of tho past, ventured to give them a night with tho outlaw “ Bob Roy,” whom they produced to an appreciative audience, with the greatest success. Each member acted their respective parts in first-class style, which was testified by the applause bestowed. One worthy gentleman, who quotes Wellington society as his model, was so much shocked at seeing

the performers dressed iu kilts that he took up his hat, turned up his nose (a pretty long one), and walking out of the Hall, intimating to several of his friends that the actors wore highly immoral (?) Oh, what disgrace has fallen upon you, my “townies!” Why did you wear kilts at which the moat tender could not blush? Huni soil qui mal-y-pense ■" Anglia— “Evil to him who evil thinks.” The after piece was equally well performed, the piece being “ Out on the sly.” Wo have lately lost tho services of a gentleman who has made many friends in the district. 1 mean Sergeant Hunt. I hoar ho has, after being honorably acquitted of some charges made against him by Mr Stratford, ourR.M., resigned. After having served his country honestly, faithfully, and with credit for sixteen years. It is rumored he will not bo allowed to leave here without a token of the high regard he holds iu the minds of the inhabitants. I know of no man more deserving of it than the kind-hearted Sergeant. Our Mr Manders, M.P.C., is getting on famously iu Dunedin, and has, so the telegrams iu the local paper say, taken part in important debates. One telegram states, “Air Manders made a telling speech.” What a shame for the reporters of the Dunedin papers not to mention, in tho issues of tho following day, something' about this “ telling speech.” Alas ! they forgot all about him, and his telling speech. I wonder who sent this telegram from Dunedin. I can make a good telling speech, hut “ self praise is uo recommendation ”