NOTES FROM THE NEVIS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 5, 8 December 1869, Page 3

NOTES FROM THE NEVIS.

( H'j a Ourre*fM}uicnt) Nevis, Deo. I, ISfi'J. Tlioro is scarcely anything in the shape of news from this district. The only change is among the Chinese, many of whom appear to ho dissatisfied with their earnings, and a few have started for some rush on the Hoghnrn. It is often supposed that the Chinese work for less returns than other miners, but here they are getting the “ lion’s share ” of the gold where they are working. Those who are on wages gee .£2 ss. per week, and some refuse to work for less than £2 10s., although they can live up here for 12s. a-week. “ John ” likes poultry, and when ho can shoot a duck ho is not over-inquisitive about the Game Laws. 1 have seen lately several young ducks carried past by John; and when you explain the law to him, ho can make you understand —•“ Englishman too frightened ; me no savee ; me likee young fowl,” and chuckles to himself as ho trots away. Since the Chinese have located themselves here, the birds have either been destroyed or driven from their old hatching grounds, as they have all disappeared. Thera is quite a large Chinese settlement grown up here lately : three stores, a blacksmith, a shoemaker, two butchers, besides the usual smoking and gambling places. They appear to bo doing a good trade, their prices being somewhat lower than at the other stores. The season is very dry, and if it should continue so, many of the sluiccrs on the terraces will be short of water. The snow is disappearing from the mountains very fast, and it is on the snow-water that many depend for the summer’s supply. " T hear complaints about the Warden never visiting the Nevis. Why not appoint a deputy? Some one or other of the storekeepers here might as well be allowed to dispense miners’ rights, and thus obviate the necessity of miners having to travel to Clyde for them ; and if the Postmaster, or any other respectable resident, would undertake the situation of arbitrator (under the sanction of the Government), to settle local mining disputes, it would he more satisfactory in the majority of cases. If men were wise, they would dispense with lawyers altogether. Why should every petty dispute be carried to Clyde to increase expense and involve additional loss of time ? .