THE ARROW.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Volume I, Issue 30, 12 August 1863, Page 6

THE ARROW.

(erou our own correspondent.) August 10, 1863.

The rain of the last two days, and continued threatening and unsettled weather has again had the effect of suspending mining operations to a great extent up the Arrow. Applications for protections still come in " fast and furious," and little will be done except in

some favored localities until the spring is more advanced. The parties working on the Flat near the Gorge of the River are anxious to set to again, but are unable to do so on account of the Hit-or-Miss and Enterprise Companies having applied for protection fcr a month. As these companies have the exclusive right of diverting the river, the claims adjoining their large extent of ground, flooded in its present course, cannot in any way be worked to advantage. The channel is much wider than before the floods, and it does seem hard that these companies will play dog-in-the-manger, and neither turn the water themselves or allow other parties to do so. Many objections have been registered against these protections, and also against the extension of these companies' tail and flood races. These latter will come before the Warden's

Court probably at the end of the week. You will see, however, by Saturday's report, that the Enterprise Company's protection has been suspended for a fortnight. This virtually applies to the Hit-or-Miss as well, for the two companies work together as regards the necessary dams and races. The Drainage Committee met twice last

week, and finally adjourned until an answer should be received from the Superintendent

to the memorial sent in for a subsidy; if this be favorable, the Committee will be prepared to act with very little, if any, delay, having fully examined into the whole matter in all possible details, and having had the assistance of so many practical miners amongst their own body. The coach commences to run again tomorrow with fresh horses, and, we trust, favoring elemeLts. While on this subject, I may tell you a good story which has reached

me from credible authority, displaying the great knowledge of a leading official in the •geography of his department. Mr. Archibald Barr, Chief Postmaster, solemnly asked a coach proprietor a few days ago in Dunedin whether it would not be better to put on a coach at once to carry mails, &c, from Queenstown to Maori Point ?

The escort last week took down 1475 ozs.,

the greater proportion of which was deposited by miners; a clear proof that gold is being obtained, and not in inconsiderable quantities. The first performance of our small but talented " corps draiuatique" was given on Saturday evening last, at the Prince of Wales Theatre, and I must acknowledge far exceeded our expectations. The pieces presented, though necessarily small in consequence of the limited number of the company, were not the less attractive, and had evidently been placed before the appreciative and numerous audience by an experienced hand. The stage and its appointments were, to use a colonial phrase, »• all there," and presented, for the diggings, with such requisites as are) attainable, a really creditable house for the drama. From Mr. Fawcett's promise, we may anticipate some pleasant evenings " in futuro;" though 'tis a pity something can't be done for the audience, part of the house being insufficiently and inconveniently seated, but no doubt if the company meet the support they deserve proper arrangements will be made. The pieces selected were the Spitalfield's Weaver; The Swiss Cottage; and Na* the Good-for-nothing. The great charm of these short pieces was the rapidity and glibness, so to speak, with which the dialogue is sustained, and the contrasts of character which are simultaneously presented to the spectators. Mr. Fawcett's company quite come up to the standard of excellence in these respects, and the acting of all afforded evident signs of careful study. Miss Kate Grant was quite fascinating as Lisette in the Swiss Cottage ; and caused roars of laughter as the hoyden Good-for-nothing Nan throwing herself completely into the fun and sport of the piece and avoiding entirely those clap-trap vulgarities which occasionally disfigure the performance of the character. Mr. Tom Fawcett was quite himself in the three pieces. The unmistakeaMe genius of this talented artiste displayed itself in his making the lowcomedian parts of Simmons and Nat, Stykes as completely his own and with the same thorough success as have attended his delineation of character of a higher caste at Melbourne and Dunedin.

On Wednesday next the benefit for the benefit for the Hospital will take place, when the charming comedy of " Only a Clod" will commence the entertainment. It is to be hoped there will be a crammed house, or it will be but a poor compliment to the company who generously devote their services, thus early, to so good an object.