THE SHOTOVER.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Volume II, Issue 69, 26 December 1863, Page 4

THE SHOTOVER.

(from our own correspondent.) The accounts from the various Points along the river are of but little importance, it having abated but little since the late heavy rains, and its continuous flooded state is increased by the intense heat dissolving the snow which caps the dividing range. If such weather continues a week or two, it is hoped that the last vestige will soon disappear. There is one thing to be observed, that the miners are acquiring experience from the past, and now see the folly of constructing light and frivolous works on such a river as the Shotover ; the substantial works which they have executed lately have in nearly every instance withstood the effects of the late rise, save where the works are in an incomplete state, and consequently have - suffered. Many of the miners along by Sutherland's Beach, and that part of the river have registered their claims, and are now enjoying themselves in Queenstown during the holidays ; until those festivities are over we cannot reasonably expect to see much activity on their part. Action has been taken by the inhabitants of Arthur's Point for the establishment of a Cricket Club. A public meeting was held on Wednesday evening last, at Mr Mirfin's Criterion Hotel, when resolutions were carried, and preliminaries arranged, with a view to its being successfully carried out. Twenty-five members were enrolled, and as many more will be added. In the meantime, thanks is due to the Secretary of the Queenstown Club for his kindness in allowing the use of a portion of cricket appliances to practice with while their stock are being had from Duredin. There is every expectation of their being able to select a team to compete with the adjoining clubs at Queenstown and Arrow.

During the past week, immense land slips have taken place at an elevation of 1800 feet above the river, and immediately over the west township; the first slip ocurred on Monday night, and the noise awoke nearly all the inhabitants of the point; since then several large falls have taken place, hundreds of blocks of stone of tons weight could be seen rolling down the hill amidst clouds of

dust, but fortunately the blocks were of such a nature, and the velocity so great that they broke into small fragments, otherwise the parties residing on the river bank would have been in a bad position. +