THE ARROW.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Volume II, Issue 63, 5 December 1863, Page 4

THE ARROW.

(from our own correspondent.) December 4th. The first promise of the Arrow river yielding good gold has been amply confirmed, the majority of claim-holders who have as yet found gold having every reason to be satisfied with the result of their labors, and many who a lew weeks ago could hardly make both ends meet may now congratulate themselves on having gained a tolerably heavy instalment towards completing the diggers' much coveted and eagerly sought for " pile." If report speaks truly, there is already a quantity of gold awaiting escort, nearly equal to the amount sent down last week, and there no doubt would be more, only that the miners are holding back their gold and only selling enough to cover their actual expenses, in consequence of the reduced price given by the Banking monopolists. The generally cheerful tidings from all parts of the river has not lessened, but tends much towards buoying up our traders' hopes that their interests are not quite utterly ruined, although trade be not hitherto revived to the extent anticipated at the commencement of the season. A superior source of amusement to any that has been heretofore offered to the Arrow public has presented itself during this weak, by the

presence of Mr Tom Fawcett, and the principal members of his dramatic troupe, who are at present performing at the Golden Age Hotel. A judicious selection of pieces, short and merry, adapted to the strength of the company, invariably well acted and presented with no ostentatious attempt at effect practically impossible, from the limited resources of an up-country stage, has resulted in delighting appreciating audiences. At the usual weekly meeting of the Arrow * Township Committee on Monday last, there were present-—Mr Haughton, (chair) hon. sec. £. T. raine, and Messrs. Richmond, Rout, Melody, Ings, Hazle, and Spencely. The following resolutions were passed:— " That the meeting express their very great dissatisfaction at the disgraceful conduct of the Provincial Government in the matter of the Twelve mile track." " That the meeting consider it is necessary to again call the attention of the Government to the impassable state of the road between the Arrow and Frankton, especially the bridge at Lake Hayes." " That the meeting also consider that a dray track between Queenstown and Frankton ought to be immediately constructed for public convenience." "That the Committee urge on the Government to improve the short road to the Upper Shotover, opened at the expense of the inhabitants of the Arrow." "That a vote of thanks be presented to Mr. Robert N. Hawes, of Hayes Lake, for the energy and perseverance with which he has, for the past six months, kept the dray track open between the Arrow and Frankton, bv making and keeping passable the temporary bridge at the Lake." "That a fine of 2s. 6d. be inflicted on any member of the Committee absenting himself from the weekly meetings without sending to the secretary a note of apology; and that the secretary, as treasurer, be deputed to receive the fines. Time of meeting, half past eight." "That a ballot be taken at the next meeting for three members to fill existing vacancies on the Committee, each member present to pro pose three names, and the secretary to act as scrutineer; and those gentlemen who have the majority of votes to be considered duly elected and qualified to act." The first four of the above resolutions may be taken as embodying an expression of the general feeling of the inhabitants of the Arrow district. Increasing dissatisfaction is every day expressed at the extreme tardiness shown by the Government in commencing the oft promised roads and bridle tracks leading to this township. Throughout the weary winter we consoled ourselves with the idea that as soon as spring set in we would no longer be denied the boon of a connecting link with the rest of the civilized world, but that a paternal Government, duly appreciating the many weighty contributions to the general exchequer, in the shape of taxes, imposts and duties, as yet cheerfully paid by the hardy pioneers of this remote corner of the province would at least invest a tithe of cur hard earnings for our own especial benefit. Spring has come, time and season are both favorable for the commencement of operations, but as yet all that has been receive d as an earnest of the gooc intentions of the Government, to meet the pressing exigencies of the district, is a vague report that certain sums are to be voted for roads and bridges, and that a surveyor-general has been ap" pointed to carry out plans for the benefit of the digging communities generally, but whether the oftcer in question has been appointed, or whether the office only exists On paper, the Arrow people as yet have no means of satisfying themselves. 'What the community here want is some tangible proof that Operations have been fairly commenced, either by ah official report thereon, or the bodily presence of men actually at work in this immediate neighbourhood. Very little discussion ever arises as to the actual ability of the Provincial Government to perform whatever is necessary for the benefit of mining districts, but a strong opinion is certainly expressed a* to their want of inclination to be up and doing their best for our welfare; the general feeling here at present is that the the time has long since pasted when either miner or storekeeper should rest satisfied with mere empty promises, and the powers that rule o'er us should at once take prompt action in responding to the just demands of this district, if they do not wish to evoke a bitter burst of indignation at their apparent slumbering inertness.