We had intended making some comments on the two notable fixtures which have taken place in Queenstown during this week, but unusual pressure upon our columns of reports of these and other matters of local interest make that impossible, except very briefly. Leaving the Horticultural Show on one side we think it is desirable to make a few re marks concerning the annual conference of the United Fire Brigades Association. The holding of that conference here meant the entertainment for four days of some 74 dele gates. was certaiuly "a big order," and and it redounds greatly to the pluck and generosity of our comparatively few inhabi tants that they rose grandly to the occasion, and—as testified by the visitors themselves —gave entire satisfaction in every particular, whilst the hotelkeepers aided their efforts very mnterially by studying and providing, to the best of their ability, for the comfort and accommodation of the delegates staying at their respective hostelries. We kuow al so from personal interview with several of our visitors, that they were uniformly de lighted with the fine climate of the Waka tipu, and charmed with its lovely and grand scenery. Such encomiums as these must have a lasting effect in bringing the attrac tiveness of our beautiful district permanent ly before the outer world. It is not likely that Queenstown will be honoured with a similar visit for some time, but we can ouly express a hope that iu the course of a few more years the faces of the delegates will be turned once more towards the old Wakatipu, when we feel sure they will meet with the same hearty and loyal welcome as was ac corded them this week. In the meantime we say—more power to them.
