THE GUNPOWDER NUISANCE.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 183, 2 March 1868, Page 2

THE GUNPOWDER NUISANCE.

{To the Editor of the Westport Times and Charleston Argus.)

Sib, —I addressed you some ten days ago relative to the above nuisanse under the heading of •' Not generally known," but I am sorry to say without any effect on " the powers that be," for there stands the building containing the most combustible and dangerous of our manufactures in its old place amongst us, just like a sleeping lion—how would any of the authorities like to tickle the old brute's nose witharedhotpoker? Itremindsmeof—not brazen-faced—but corrugated faced old termagant, ready at the slightest provocation to vent her venomous vituperation on the unfortunate victims near her. If our governmental heads think it such a graceful ornament I should strongly recommend them to have it translated to the vicinity of their private suburban residences near the Orawaiti, or should our worthy Commissioner, who knows what gunpowder is, be in want of a porter's lodge to his new house, in which case I think it would answer the purpose admirably, as it would be also under his immediate supervision. But, by-the-bye, we have a worthy townsman, in the landlord of the St. Kilda Hotel, located up in that neighbourhood, and I dare say he, like myself, would decidedly object to get a "blowing up " in such a " questionable shape." I am an " old salt," and it's not the first time I have smelt powder, but have no desire to do so in unlimited quantities through the walls of an iron building. The Act of the General Assembly having reference to gunpowder, prohibits more than a specified quantity being stored or housed within the precincts of a town. I have not the Act handy at present, otherwise I would give you the clause in extenso. The building, which I loudly call for removal, ia on a town allotment, and as I have already said in the centre of a populous and increasing neighbourhood, for I see that our leading barrister, Mr. Tyler, is erecting a substantial town residence within a short distance of this sleeping "infernal gunpowder receptacle." Yours, &c, A.EGTTS. Westport, 28th Feb., 1868.