ARROW RIVER.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 259, 16 January 1873, Page 9

ARROW RIVER.

(From a Correspondent.) In my last letter I promised to furnish the remainder of my report of the Christmas sports held here, and shall do so in a few brief notes, as I am afraid that I have already over-taxed the patience of your readers. On the evening of Boxing Day a grand ball was held in the Library Hall, which has been considerably extended. The addition consists of ten feet being added to the length of the hall, at the north end of which a commodious and handsome stage has been erected. Two large rooms have also been added, one of which is being fitted up for a library and museum, and the other will serve as a reading room, as well as a green room for professional caterers for public amusement, so that the building may now be pronounced to be complete. The ball, which was got up by the Library Committee to clear off the debt incurred by these additions, was very well attended, the rooms being well filled without being crowded, and dancing was kept up till rosy morn. On the following evening a concert and dramatic performance were given for the same object, also with a very satisfactory result; and on Saturday night again a dance was improvised, so that the public cannot complain of want of amusement. Some dire disasters, which occurred about the same time, are more painful subjects to chronicle. I see that you have already noticed the two accidents that happened to two women, who have been old residents in this district ; but there yet remains another one to mention. A destructive fire, by which Mr. Treeby's hotel at the Shotover bridge was totally destroyed, raged on Sunday night, and though the house was large it was reduced in a few minutes to a heap of ashes. Mr. Treeby was insured for £200. The festivities seem to have interfered with the local mining association. I learn that they have postponed their monthly meeting till next Saturday. I have heard from a reliable source that the Executive of the Otago Mining Association intend waiting upon his Honor the Superintendent and Mr. Bastings, and present to the former an address touching upon several important subjects. The farmers are entering with the New Year upon a busy period, as a large amount of the crops are ready for the reaper. Labor is excessively scarce, and is hardly procurable at a wage of 108. per diem. Under these circumstances, it is comforting to notice the introduction of new and improved machinery, which will save labor to a vast extent. The crops themselves do not look so promising as of late years, and a price slightly in advance on the standard may be looked for.