THE LAKES.

Dunstan Times, Issue 815, 30 November 1877, Page 3

THE LAKES.

—O--(From our own Correspondent.) Queenstown has been lately honored by the presence of two distinguished travellers—" Your own ”of whom no one knew any thing good—and the other, mo less a person than, as he states himself to be—the nephew of the great Daniel O’Connell- of whom uaone ever knew any thing bad. Tie great O’Co'inell has been doing the grand. Great was the excitement on his arrival. Irishmen of all classes waited on him—just to see the son of a real old Irish gentleman and welcome Kim to the City of the Lakes —Doctors, Lawyers, Merchants, Auctioneers, &c., all had the honor of an introduction, and there was but one opinion, “ He’s a splendid fellow ” —just the picture of old Dan—rather fond of the ;t Greater,” but whoever knew an Irishman that was not. He engaged his snite of appirtments at host Eichardt’s, who drove a roaring bnsineis during his stay—he also patronised all the other hotels, where he caused the “flowing bowl ”go roKKd—of course the nephew of a real old Irish gentleman would not allow his guests to pay 1 Oh no. His constant cry was “ Score to me landlord,” and the landlord did. Gentlemen drove him about the district in their buggies—nothing was ton good for the Captain ; his popularity was at the highest, and in a few days it was hinted that a deputation would have the honor to wait on him for the purpose of getting him to contest the ensuing election with the illfated Manders. It would be a grand thing, said one of his countrymen, who showed him round, to have such a gentleman as our representative—Why he can speak 20 languages, and talk to him about any thing he is “ all there.” Much to the disappointment, however, of the intended deputationists the great and popular Nephew has disappeared without bidding his friends “ good bye,” or even sending aP.P.C. Card. Among those win are most anxious for him to contest the Wakitipu is host Eichardt and the other hotel-keepers. One or two ■storekeepers would be very glad to see Mm, also, several friends from whom he borrowed sundry notes. They all say now that he is no more the nephew of O’Connell than I am, but of course they know nothing about it. Some say he is well known at Christcbmch, where he is wanted badly—l know he is wanted at Invercargill. I have not beard it is to contest the district—perhaps it is. However, if this should meet the gallant Captain’s eye, he had best return for his luggage—Eichardt says, that “by Jingo”he can have it. The latest news is that he is en route for Clyde to buy a Station—Look out for him !

The Wakatipu correspondent of the Mount Ida Chronicle can tell a good one, when he’s about it. In the last issue of that paper, he states that—“ Old residents of the Wakatip will regret to hear of the death of R. Anderson, so long landlo-d of the Frankton Hotel, andkte of the Prince of Wales, Queenstown. 1 need only tell you that ,R. Anderson is still in the land of the living, and yet occupies the Prince of Wales’ Hotel, where he will be very happy to interview the Chronicle’s correspondecse. When he calls, he might bring Captain O'Connell with him.

I see by the last issue of the Wakatip Mail that Mr W. Johnston, Solicitor, formerly of Clyde, has left here for pastures new. but his future residence is not known. While here, he took an active part in promoting the Good Templar cause—several will regret his departure. We have still a brace of lawyers left—just enough for the district.

Talking about lawyers, I see by the An-ow Observer that Warden Stratford is going to give a judgment in the Prenrer case, which he will defy an Appeal Court to upset. Well done I Not had that 1 Of course, after such a statement from a gentleman so well acquainted with the mvsteries and uncertainties of law as Mr Stratford is, none of the suitors will call for his Honor Judge Harvey’s opinion. If an appeal should be made and the decision reversed, of course, Mr Stratford will still be right.

Agricultural produce is at a premium her" just now-yon cannot pet a bushel of oats under eight shillings, and oaten chaff is 1.10 a ton. The crops, notwithstanding the late heavy rain, arc looking splendid-, and a ride through Miller’s Flat is really enjoyable. Most of the farmers in this district are hard-working men, and it is time Dame Fortune gave them a turn. The late rain has caused serious havoc among the lambs, especially those being bred towards the head of the Lake—l heard one of the sheep farmers say that if he can count 10 per cent, he will lie satisfied.

The Shot,over bridge was thrown open for traffic on Friday last, and it is to he hoped the County Council will, when the river is low. cause such improvements to he made as will prevent a recurrence of the lata accident.

1 have noticed a great improvement in things generally since my last visit to the Lakes, and if the weather continues favorable for the crons, no doubt, a change for the better will take place. '