NOTES FROM THE NEVIS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 10, 12 January 1870, Page 5

NOTES FROM THE NEVIS.

(By a Oitrrvipowlent.) Since my last notes wo have had to prepare for and get over the Christmas holidays, which require a pretty good constitution in these parts. Many of our miners have been to Cromwell to enjoy themselves, and have returned quite delighted with the trip. For the first time on the Nevis, we have had a Protestant clergyman—the Rev. Mr Drake ; —to preach to us, and considering the season, which is usually spent in festivity, ho had a very good attendance at both services, one of which was held at the crossing-place, and the other at the township afterwards. T understand that at one of them a very good collection was made. The weather has been very changeable —from excessive heat with thunder to cold winds and rain, which has caused a heavy flood in the river, swamping all the workings on the lower ground. The mail was not delivered till to-day, on account of the river not being fordable. The inconvenience to the public, however, is trifling, as most of our correspondence is sent to the Dunstan by private hands. I notice in a report in the Argus that the Council at Cromwell are about to apply to the Government for some portions of land to be set aside for settlement. If they had included the Nevis in their application, I think all the residents here would avail themselves of the opportunity to purchase small allotments, or if not, would at any rate rather rent from Government than from the squatters. As a peacable " town," ours will compare very creditably with any on tlie goldfields, as Ave do not require any police supervision ; and if the Government would not insist on payment for miners' rights and licenses, we could do very well without its protection altogether. Mining news is very scant, as there has been but little work done for the last fortnight ; but the miners are now setting to work again with a determination to make up for lost time.