WEKA PASS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2093, 8 November 1880, Page 3

WEKA PASS.

A correspondent signing himself " Ecosse " sends us the following : " Water, water everywhere, but not a drop fit to drink," was what met my view this morning when rising from my couch. The once pure creek whioh runs in front of my tent is now seen as thick as pay-day beer, and a walk of some distance for water is required before the billy can be got under weigh. The rain came down in torrents all night, but is abating considerably now, and I expect we will be able to start work again in the morning. If the laughing jackass is a harbinger of rain, we have had due notice, as the harsh and weird strains of that bird have been heard very often of late. Let us hope he will take a real, as one day of Jupiter Eluvius is quite enough at a time, especially when living in tents. However, we must not complain, as we have had a long run of good weather. I have been here about four months, and by living carefully, and keeping aloof from the chemical works about the district, I have been able to save a little, but not much. However, although I may not be in the country, yet I trust better wages are in store for the men working here before long; if not at this job, at some other in the colony. The work is making marked progress, especially noticeable in the cutting in which I am working, not from my individual labor, but from the united efforts of all the men, who, I must say do an honest day's work ; and I believe I speak the truth when I say they work as conscientiously behind their worthy inspector's (Mr Dunn) back as before it. And if silence means approbation, then I think he is satisfied we are doing what is expected from us, as he rarely finds fault with ub ; and any orders are always givon in a manner firm but kind, and receive due respect, as he is a universal favorite, at least in our cutting. I consider the work from one end of the line to the other is going on well, and what is done is well done, although I have never put myself forward as knowing more than my fellow-men here; still I flatter myself it is not the first line I have been connected with, in the old country, so I have some right to express my views, not being altogether ignorant of railway work. We have had some changes among those in authority. We are now without a legal protector, the aoting constable, Mr Smith, having left us. Our timekeeper, who has been with us so long, has left us for the other end of the line, and another Pharoah reigns in his stead. It will be some time before we get over our loss, as he (Mr Andrews) always had a kind word for all, and was a friend to the men, being jtrjofc but at tb,o same time

just. Our new timekeeper (Mr Dunn also by name) bids fair to follow in his predecessor's footsteps, and although he lias had occasion to threaten an hour off already all round, owing to some taking advantage of his goed nature, let us hope it will end at the threat, as we require all wo can got. But at the same time I would let the men remember that "new brooms sweep clean," and that faults oannot with dignity to one's position always be overlooked. The Pass is mcch quieter now than it was a month ago, and I am glad to say drunkenness is considerably on the decline. We had a visit from a Church of England clergyman on Sunday, but the attendance was very meagre. The unemployed as a whole don't seem to bo a church-going class. Apologising for trespassing on so muoh of your valuable space. Wednesday, November 3rd, 1880.