27 April 1872

Next day, to our amazement a number of gentlemen came down for a Deputation from Queenstown accompanying the Steamer which had been sent specially down the Lake by the goodness of Mr the owner, and free of charge. I gave the gentleman some Lunch in a hurried and very plain way; and then proceeded up the Lake (L Wakatibu) to Queenstown. The scenery is fine and bold. The lake is somewhat of the shape of an inverted L, (thus ┐) Queenstown being situate in the angle. There is no timber of consequence on the mountains at the lower or south end, - but we hear there is some at the north, and that the mountains there are covered with snow. We found Queenstown to be a neat and prosperous place, quite in the proximity of the diggings – with Arrowtown and Shotover being in a measure supplied from the Stores at Queenstown. The ^German Proprietor of a well–built Hotel (Mr Erchardt) did everything we could wish to make us comfortable. The Deputation invited me to supper, and we had a grand spread, - after which I was requested to explain Railway matters, never expecting my statements to be reported, but the reporters forgot not to do so, and put down the exact opposite of what I stated in some particulars.