THE LAKE COUNTRY.

Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 106, 26 October 1863, Page 3

THE LAKE COUNTRY.

THE ARROW. (From the Corrcsponlent of the Wakatip Mail.) 'October 19th, 1863. The past week of cold weather and almost incessant rain has alternated very disagreeably with the few bright sunshiny days we had previously enjoyed. On Thursday, the Arrow River rose considerably, and as the day advanced serious apprehensions were felt that the strength of the n-ew dam "would not be sufficient to withstand the force of the water, — at one time there were not less than thr^e hundred men gathered on the flat anxiously watching fie effect of the flood on the work which had just been completed with so much labor. Fortunately, it stood the test well, having only given way at one point where the whole force of the current was concentrated. This damage has since been repaired, and the river has nearly subsided to its usual level. Whilst en this subject, I would note that in ray last report on the works at the dam the word " rasrjestical'y ' was inadvertently printed for "energolica ly.' The hard-working individuals whose labors were alluded to have certainly no very " majestic appearance, looking more like athletic mud-larks than " scions of a noble race, " and the structure itself embodies an idea of being decidedly more useful than ornamental. Higher up tho river, and at tho TwolveMile diggings, several small dams have been washed away, and the mineis were considerably alarmed for the safety of their tents tools, sluice-boxes, and other etceteras ; luckily the flood attained its highest point during the day time, and parties thus had a chance to take all necessary precautions ; the actual loss of property has, therefore, been slight, but a serious check has been given to all mining operations. On the Upper Shotover, the flood has been much more severely felt, the rain having brought down an immense quantity of snow, increasing the volume of water almost to the extent experienced during the late winter floods. At Stapleton's and Welshman's Beaches, the result of several weeks' labor was utterly destroyed, and much damage has been done at Maori Point, which is the more to be regretted, as claims in that locality were fast increasing in value — an eighth share in one claim there having been sold for £120, just previous to th<s flood. Further news of Dr. Hector's expedition is anxiously looked for. The pioneer miner Fox is reported to have already made tracks for the West, and many other parties have formed their plans for action as soon as the Dr's report is made public. Like the Israelites of. old,, our wandering miners wait with tbeir loins girded ready for a start into the wilderness. October 20 A report has just reached me from the Dunstan that very neavy floods have occurred in that direction. The Molyneux has risen considerably, and all work on its banks has been suspended. Quirk & Co, who have lately put a new coach on the read between Dunstan and Kawarau Junction, have been compelled to cease it for the present, in conse-

quence -of the track having been washed away in placesrby the rising of i the t iver. , At the Roaring Meg; the Wakatip Gold Escort was delayed all night on its way down, in consequence of the crossing being impassable. It did not arrive in Dunstan until Saturday afternoon.