LAKE WAKATIP.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 244, 7 November 1873, Page 3

LAKE WAKATIP.

(From our own correspondent.) So ble3t are we of "Wakatip that I have no really bad news to relate; no ill health to report; except what I trust is nearly over now —and is supposed to be hooping cough, chiefly among children, but : occasionally amongst adults. Our social relations have become rather disturbed, in consequence of the notified intention of the Provincial Government to sell leases of the Wakatip Commonage for sheepfarming purposes, in blocks of from 5,000 to ■ 10,000 acre 3 in extent, for a, period of seven years. This intention. has been declared, without the slightest intimation as to conditions. So jealousy and suspicion- stalk like spirits of evil in our midst; and will not pro- ; bably be exorcised until" the seeds of discontent are sown broadcast. . Experience proves that the public or the Government cannot be too careful in preserving privileges. Intending lessees are generally kind people, but established ones are often very stiff and arbitrary. Population is rapidly increasing here: the mineral wealth of the district-f----which is scarcely touched, —the healthy cli T mate, and prolific soil, are a sufficient guar-. antee that this population.will increase to an almost incalculable extent,—so the evils arising from the creation of a batch of sqattpcrats in the centre of auch a district can be seen at a glance, and 'tis no wonder that the present inhabitants should be agitated at the, prospect. Tt is to be hoped that the Government will not commit the district to an arrangement of circumstances that will be certain to set class against class. However, " 'tis an ill wind that blows no one any good." The dogs seem to be getting, saucy over an increased supply ef mutton; for one kept by the editor of the ' Arrow Observer ' has apparently told his keeper to do the barking. Of course the gentleman felt insulted at the idea of having a barking edi-, tor, and was incensed, probably by the surprise of hearing his animal speak-—not .but that, an editor's dog has as much right to. speak as Balaam's ass-jand the more so, because he chose plain English; and worse still —the Imperative Mood. But I hope the> gentleman will take care of • the animal, and j treat him with the consideration which his oratorial abilities seem to merit. Since I last wrote you our entertainments ; have been pleasantly varied b.y concerts and \ merry moments, by Mr, F. Clifton and Miss Fanny Sara; and on Saturday evening last by : the talented Mr. Clapcott on that dry subject, " Life Assurance;'" hat, under the skilI fed management of a. master mind, even that I subject praved suffieieatly- (interesting ta r make the lecture . , . ~. -. j The , Ferry Hotel has agaia

changed haa-ls, from Mr. J". Gharniey tou&r. J. Gibson, late of Maeetowii, for £5lO. That old standard camp. Big Bush, Arrow,' was rendered ( Jively last Wednesday evening by. the., arrival of a newly, married couple—Mi*, and Mrs.. Samuel Barker. Mr. Barkeris an old resident of Macetown and Arrow district, and has lately bought a share in the Big Beach Tunneling Claim for £100; and his kind disposition and persevering habits 5 seem to have made his good forill2u.s~ common wish amongst those who kuow him.