NEVIS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 498, 3 November 1871, Page 2

NEVIS.

(exom a coxpesponoent.) Spring with all her delights has visited us at last, winter is past and gone, and we are now enjoying weather that is calculated to make us forget that she ever existed. The earth is looking green, the bills ire resonant with the bleatings of sheep calling to their sportive offspring ; on the flats, herds of cattle bask contentedly in tile sunshine up to the knees in ” grub, ” while the, creeks are full to overflowing, promising a rich ha» vest of gold and rheumatics to the hardy sluicer. Mining matters are wearing a more cheerfull aspect than they have done for many mouths past, and if we hear of no great finds, we hear no complaints All are working away apparently contentedly. The *■ Celestial Blight ” is assuming a more serious aspect here than ever. It was hoped, that the Upper Nevis might escape its ravages, but this was not 10 be, as the “ heathens ” are swarming up there by the score, and it is now “ pity the poor white man ” that comes after them. The idea of persuading them by means of pick ha nils to “ cease from troubling ” that portion of the Nevis is gaining ground here, and lamentable as it would le to see muscular expression given to it, still, it could be justified on the good old principle of do ng a little evil that great good might come. I want to know how the proprietor of a house in which Christians get drunk should be force 1 to pay a 20/. license, while the proprietor of a house in which heathen’s get drunk is exempted from paying a license. I make an impecunious government a present of the idea, and I trust it will be made use of, as I have a profound objection to seeing a Chinaman get drunk on easier terms than I can. A new era is dawning upon us. It has been actually discovered that we will go to the dogs, wherever that mry be, or somewhat worse, and we have at last aroused, from the apathy that bound us as the withes did Samson. In short, we havc “ made an effort ” and this effort eventuates in a public meeting. The primary object of this meeting was to receive the re port of the Nevis Library Committee. The report showed, that considering the length of time the Committee had been in existence, it had accomplished very little, but it was thought that by the infusion of fresh blood into its conslitution, the affai’s of the Library might be resuscitated. In the course of the meeting it was pointed out that there were other affairs which were quite as important as the Library which required looking after, so it was wisely resolved to accept the resignation of the committee, and re.elect another under the designation of a Progress Commit! ee. This committee, if it does justice to the roa y subjects which will demand its attention, will have its hands full for some time to come. Of these, I may mention that the Library will take precedence, as the wants of a public library is sa'fly felt. The registration of all eligible electors, the Chinese difficulty, the best means of taking advan tage of the grant in aid of gold-fields’ water supplywill all come under consideration. It will also enter into communication with the kindred committees and miners’ associations throughout the colony. I may side that the committee is composed of nine members with Mr. (leoi-ge M. St 'rk y or a chairman, ami Mr. Peter M'Arthnr as Secretary. There can be little doubt if the members work energetically and pull together that the committee may be the means of doin? good service to the di't’ict and to the mining community gene'apy. Meanwhile, let us wish it success.