WAITAHUNA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 2129, 1 December 1868, Page 3

WAITAHUNA.

(FROM CUK OWN COUKKSrONDENT. )

Wednesday, 25th November.

Since Saturday last, the weatherhns been almost uninterruptedly Had in this district Boisterous winds, Jiail, snow, and rainstorms have swept over the land with tho fierceneß3 and frigidity of midwinter. Certes, thin is a variable clime; and however much Mr Saxby's weather-wise reputation may suffer in other countries, hero he can never fail of being regarded as tho great prophet of atmospheric disturbance. The four seasons, in Oiago, not unfreqnontly come and go in tho short period of twenty-four hours. If tho rains continue much longer, a flood in the river will be the certahi result. Sorao time back, upwards of a hundred Chinamen "wero located amongst us. Their numbers have lately boon gradually decreasing till now, not more than twenty remain. The Wuipori Guldfield, particularly that portion included in the Lammerlaw Ranges, is the new theatre of operations to which the attention of thoso who have left has been directed ; and I am informed by intelligent and reliable Chinamen that should tho summer prove a favourable one, a large exodus of Mongolians from all parts of the Provinco to that quarter will booh take place. The Chinamen here have recently entered tho market as purchasers of gold, several bulky parcels having been sold to thorn" by various storekeepers, and at an advance, too, of sixpence per ounce upon tho Bank rates ! How is it that ".Tommy no savvey " cm afford to give L.'} ]5s Od per ounce, wheroas tho Bank and stores give only L 3 15s?

Under tho auspices of the Waitahuna Assembly Room Committee a species of entertainment in the form of readings, recitations, and voc;il harmony has for a brief period tack been in. active existence amongst us. The amusement aa well as the instruction which these social reunions have hflon the means of conferring upon the mining population, who generally suffer from a dearth of rational recreation, cannot be too favourably commended ; nor can tjo much credit te given to the gentlemen instrumental in initiating here so laiula'le and popular a method of spending an evening's leisure hours. The readings are held fortnightly, on Monday evenings. The selections are taken from eminent and approved authors ; anil if the graces of elocution are not always observable in the deliwry, no oflences against good taste can be laid to the accoun' of the readers, and tlie laws of pronunciation are rarely, if ever, glaringly infringed. As a proof of tho high estimation with which the people regard such gatherings, I may mention that husbands, wives, and families en masse, are invariably prominently grouped amongst the audience; ami that all classes, gentle and simple, matron and maid, delight to support tho objects the committee have in view—viz., tho promo ion of moral, mental, and mirthful enjoyment. In an article treating of tho Dun-. stan Hospital, you stated some time ago that iasanity was '.becoming prevalent among miners leading isolated lives ; thai the disease was not traceable to alcoholic causes ; that it was becoming a matter of serious apprehension ; and that means for its alleviation were nudor discussion. Htsre is one of the means by which so terrible an evil might be removed. Let some similar institutions be got up wherever practicable ;. let the amenities of society, such as these offer, be brought ■to bear upon the loneliness of the miner's usually hard life; and depend upon it, ere long, the good seed thus sown will bear fruit a hundred fold. Next Monday evening, an amateur dramatic performance, and other amusements, -will be given by the committee, in aid of the fund of the Tuapeka Hospital.-. On that, occasion the Assembly Boom trill no doubt be crowded.