CHRISTMAS.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 278, 27 December 1865, Page 2

CHRISTMAS.

The weather has been unpropitious and is without parallel in this district. Sunshine and summer heat have reigned, but they have brought with them, just as Christmas came on, strong winds, a sultry atmosphere, thunderstorms, and warm rains. The chief cause of complaint is a too moist or humid atmosphere with squalls. From these reasons communication generally was brought to a low ebb between place and place. We now purpose a brief description of how Christmas was spent, In Queenstown the hotels vied with each other, and chiefly directed their intentions to giving a truly Christmas " spread." To the sumptuous repasts and friendly receptions given we can do no more, of course, than just allude to them. The high winds cut off any pic-nic or attempts to spend the day upon the Lake. A few persons visited Frankton and visited an impromptu race. In the evening many rejoicings were pleasantly and happily carried through, and we may assert that, though the pretensions were small, Christmas Day was ushered in, and has departed in a manner worthy of the highest commendation. The decorations of the shop of Mr Atkins, attracted much attention; and a better show of meat, splendidly got up, could not probably be witnessed in the colonies. Lamb, pigs—from the sucking to the family one—veal, beef, &c, were fully displayed. The hotels and other houses were also well decorated with evergreens. Bunting flying from several houses and the vessels in the harbor aided in no small degree to the liveliness in the holiday attire of the town. On Boxing Day Sports took place at the various places and the weather, though unusually cold for this time of the year, proved favorable. The only account yet hand is that of the first day's Sports at Queenstown, which we shall proceed to give:— 1. Handicap Foot Race (100 yards) £ s. d. Ist prize 22 0 „ „ „ 2nd prize 110 There were three entries for this race. All the competitors started from scratch. The race was a very close and exciting one. The following was the order: —Kerrigan, 1; Collins, 2. 2. Three Standing Jumps Ist prize 22 0 „ „ „ 2nd prize 110 Four entries. First prize—Brandly, 31 ft 5 in.; second prize—M'Grath, 29 ft 1 in. 3. Throwing the Stone - Ist prize 22 0 „ ' „ - 2nd prize 110 First prize—Donnery, 25ft 9in; second prize—Bond, 25 ft 9 in. There was a good struggle between four competitors for these prizes. 4. Standing High Leap Ist prize 22 0 ~ „ „ 2nd prize 110 Three entries. This was an exciting contest ; and the first prize was finally secured by M'Grath jumping 4ft If in; and the second by Brandly, 3 ft 11 in. 5. Throwing the Hammer Ist prize 22 0 „ „ 2nd prize 110 Five entries. First prize—M'Nay, 66 ft 2 in; Second prize—M'Grath, 59 ft 1 in. Besides those in the advertised programme, there was a Hop-step-and-jump contest. Seven entries were made. First prize— Brandley, 36 ft 5 in; second prize—Bracken, 35 ft. Other sports, such as boys' races, wrestling, &c, took place, but the decisions are left over until to-day (Wednesday).

The following very useful plan for forcing on vegetation generally, and especially to prevent fruit falling off trees, has been tried with considerable success in other countries and also at Nelson:—"lf is stated as a new discovery that wonderful effects may be obtained by watering fruit trees and vegetables with a solution of sulphate of iron. Under this system beans will grow nearly double the size, and will acquire a much more savoury taste. The pear seems to be particularly well adapted for this treatment. Old nails thrown into water and left to rust there, will impart to it all the necessary qualities for forcing vegetation as described." The mercantile mind is true to itself everywhere. The Melbourne merchants, if they had had their own way, would have swamped the colony with Mongolians, and their brethren of Dunedin are equally eager. Trade in Otago is not very brisk. Immigration has ceased, and Hokitika has taken away no inconsiderable portion of the miners. In this strait the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce has fallen upon the notable expedient of promoting a wholesale introduction of Chinese. The miners and the goldfields residents are indignant at the proposal, and their sentiments are shared in by the non-trading population of the Colony generally. Remonstrances have been addressed to the Provincial Government, and the evils arising from the introduction of a mixed and inferior population forcibly pointed out.) We hope moral considerations will prevail over commercial cupidity. If the history of Chinese colonisation in Victoria be of any value, it may be referred to in proof that the Chinese have been an unmitigated nuisance. They are customers to storekeepers, and there is the beginning and end of the benefits derived from them. If the Mongols in Victoria can be induced to transfer themselves to Otago, most people will be heartily glad; but we trust that no* fresh migration from the Flowery Land will be encouraged.—Melbourne I' Leader/