The Traveller.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 3, 21 April 1894, Page 10

The Traveller.

QUEENSTOWN. A VISITOR’S IMPRESSIONS. A DRIVE TO ARROWTOWN. THE KAWARAU FALLS. No. 11. There are a great many beautiful drives in and around Queenstown, and if the visitor’s purse be large enough, he can spend a month very pleasantly, and have something new to see every day. A nice outing can be had by taking a trap or the coach for Arrowi town, situated about 14 miles from Queenstown. The trip there and back is generally accomplished in about 6 hours, giving the travellerplenty of time by the way. The route taken is via Frankton, returning by way of the Gorge. Not being overburdened with surplus cash, and the trip under notice being within a nice distance, we gave it the preference, so after procuring a splendid turn-out at the livery stable of Mr C. D. Dagg (who, by the way, does a good trade in the season), we made a start about 10 a.m. A rather cold wind was blowing off the mountains, thoug the air was deliciously invigorating. We were driven by Mr W. Sloan, junr., who hails from the Sunny South, and with whom the mountain air seems to agree. He is a most careful and courteous knight of the ribbons. Under his guidance we soon emerged on to the Frankton Road, where a magnificent view of the Remarkables is obtainable. A lovely drive of about 4 miles brings us to the Kawarau Falls, which lie a little way from the main road, and, havingplenty of time, we went over, and were amply repaid. Certainly noneof us went into ecstacies over the “Mighty Kawarau Palls,” indeed, one of our party who, I think hailed from America, said it seemed to be all “ Kawarau ” and not much falls, but I expect he'had allowed his expectations to run high. However, he very soon recovered his former cheerfulness when he found us ready listeners to what he had seen, and what he hadn’t as yet seen, but what he expected to see ! The next thing I should mention, perhaps, is the Frankton Hospital, situated not far off, and which commands a fine view of scenery the most enchanting. Far gone indeed must be those w-ho could not recover in such a delightful and picturesque spot. As far as the eye can reach stretch the calm w-aters of the lake, and high into the heavens tower those lofty Remarkables, bathed in a flood of golden sunshine, the beautiful snow glistening and sparkling under its beautiful rays, while a peaceful harmony and quietude rest on all around, broken only by the dull, monotonous sound of the Falls, as they continue in their ceaseless course —surely a place above all others where the diseased have a splendid chance of recuperation, and where the bracing air is bound to pull together the most shattered in health. Reluctantly leaving this snug little paradise behind, we are soon dashing along past the Frankton racecourse, with its neat little grand-stand, and once more we emerge on to the main road. On our left are several thriving farms, stations, <fec., which present a scene of bustling activity. The crops appear to be good, and the hillsides in many instances are lined in abundance with the output of a bountiful harvest, while the orchards look in first-class condition. Truly a land of peace and plenty! Our admiration of the various scenes of interest passed is suddenly ended as we unexpectedly (to the new chum) turn a sharp curve and plunge down a somewhat steep declivity. This brings us to the Lower Shotover. After crossing the river we strike the “ town,” which has the inevitable “ pub ” and school. Mr IV”. Rogers, who comes from this town, is. the teacher here. Being all Prohibitionists (more or less), we were

impelled to ignore the smiling face of mine host as we passed the “pub. . Further on, Lake-Hayes, a beautiful sheet of water, is. passed. I believe fishing and shooting are to be had here in abundance. A few miles on, as we dash through ravines, up hills, and down dales, we notice to the left a beautiful waterfall, which drives two flourmills and a tannery, and employs a good number of hands. The first thing noticeable before getting into Arrow are two churches, which are built on a hill, and which can be seen some time before getting into the town proper-. Situated in the valley is Arrow-town. We arrived an hour before dinner, but it might have been Sunday, so quiet did everthing seem. Our advent created quite a stir, and windows and doors were soon blocked, which might indicate that a besieging party had arrived, and were about to take the town by storm ! However, when it was seen that we were the ordinary “ Globe-trotters,” things resumed their normal state, and we were soon made comfortable in the New Orleans hotel, kept by Mrs Dyson, who certainly appears to be up to her business, and who keeps a good table. Our stay was limited to about three hours, so that we had but little time to see the lions of the place. It is a one-street town. The thoroughfare is very narrow-, and the inside walks are partly laid down with stones, which are not very good to walk on, and I should say are somewhat slippery when the frosts are on. The town has a few nice buildings, but there appeared to be no particular rush in business when we arrived, and I noticed that several of the business people locked up and strode off for their lunch. Yistors are treated with the utmost civility, and information, when asked, is readily imparted. Nobody seems in a hurry, but appear to take life with the utmost nonchalance. Surely these people are to be envied by those who live amid busy scenes of activity, where life is one great rush from morn till eve. Before leaving, I spent a pleasant halfhour in the newspaper office, which is built of stone, and is situated on the sunny side of the street, and from the door of which a view of the soaringmountains is to be had. The paper—the Lake County Press —was issued the day previous, so that I did not have the chance of seeing a country newspaper “ going to press.” The office is a creditable little structure, and, judging from the appearance of the paper, I should say those connected with it “ know their business.” (To be continued).