THE LAKES.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2488, 6 February 1871, Page 2

THE LAKES.

(from our own correspondent.)

Queenstown, Feb. 1, 1871

The Superintendent arrived here this evening by the Antrim from Kingston, where he had been met by some of the principal people in the district, including the Mayor of Queenstown, Dr Douglas, J.P., J. W. Robertson, J.P., 0. B. Haughton, M.Cf.A., Messrs Vause, Malaghan, Powell, Eichardt, Minders, and others. To-morrow His Honor addresses a meeting at Queenstown, and proceeds on Friday morning to the Arrow, reaching Cromwell the same evening. It seems probable that he will secure the majority of votes in the Wakatip, as the general opinion is that he has fairly done his duty to the district and that his policy in general has tended to the development of the Province. The election of Mr Haughton will also tell in his favor, as it has proved that the large majority of' registered electors are in favor of loans for immigration and public works, which Mr Reid is understood not to go in for. Mr Reid is expected np, and will have his say in turn. He will, of course, be attentively listened to, but will hardly turn many votes, "

The late election was very hotly contested, Mr Shepherd making a much better show than was anticipated on the other side—in fact he polled the majority at the outside places. This is attributed to the fact not only of a long and diligent canvass, but to the judicious use he made, for his own purposes, of the cry against the Chinese, which secured a large number of mining votes. Mr Haughton either seemed or was very care’ess, and would seem until the last day or two not to have been very hearty about his own election ; but as he has the credit of being rather deep, he may have been, for all we know, playing a skilful game the whole time. However, he is in, and even his quondam opponents seem well satisfied. Mr Shepherd has gone down country to try some other constituency. He will also have to seek a seat in the Provincial Council, as, in compliance with an influential requisition, Mr J. W. Robertson has consented to stand for this district with Mr Haughton, and opposition to these gentlemen is considered to be futile, Mr Robertson being a large holder of property and personally exceedingly popular. So much for election subjects. During the last few days the weather has been most sultry and oppressive, but shows signs to-day of breaking. The crops, especially cereals, are looking splendid ; the harvest, indeed, is well on as regards the wheat, and will not be interfered with to any extent even should rain set in. The flats between Frankt m and the Arrow are a perfect picture just now : the wheat crops cannot be equalled in the world. A prosperous season awaits the industrious farmer.