NEVIS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2358, 4 May 1899, Page 34

NEVIS.

May I.— We are having to-day the first intimation of winter, in the shape of snow and heavy frost; but we hope to get five weeks run yet with the dredges and elevating plants. We have had a grand supply of water all the year, an.i even if we should have "old winter" a little sooner we cannot with reason complain. There is a lot of material for building .and fencing purpdses yet lying on the wrong -side of the mountain, and fee drays are going and coming pretty regularly, "and that under some considerable difficulty, owing to the spongy state of the Upper Gorge. However, given a month of fairly good weather we should have most of our things over.

Mining. — Dredging matters are progressing very fairly, but we do not know much about the results, as none of the dredge masters are expected to disclose the weekly returns. This is to be regretted, as most of the companies have their ground secured, and no opposition, has ever been offered by the settlers to the taking up of the ample holdings. There seems but little sense in disguising their gettings. The Nevis dredge, I notice, has made a beginning to publish, and I hope it will not be the last good 30oz patch she will notify. There is still plenty of room for more enterprises in this direction, and both Mihe upper and lower Nevis flats have unmistakable gold bearing wash, that only awaits possession and development.

Most of the elevating claims -are running down preparatory to the winter wash-up. There is a very nice plant going up at the mouth of the Nevis Gorge, half a mile below Witten's Creek, at the place lately abandoned by the Carrick dredge. This claim, known as the Corkmen's claim, has been occupied now for 34 years, and most of the shallow ground has been wrought. The gold has been traced to the bed of the stream, where it dips suddenly to 16ft or 20ft. Messrs Graham and J. O'Connell are the present holders, and they deserve to do well for their pluck and enterprise in erecting an up^to-date jet elevating plant. Departures. — One of our old residents has made up his mind to clear out this week, to wit, Mr W. Doolan, otherwise known as ".The House of Doolan." I hear his destination is the United States, where he has relations. Another old resident made a "moonlight flit" of it a week or two since, and left his creditors to hope that the next place he visits with his unprofitable presence will treat him more in accordance with his deserts.

"r" r Notice to Stockowners. — Our cattle owners are just receiving notice from the local squatter that no longer will thoy be allowed to depasture unlimited numbers of cattle " free, gratis, and for nothing," but must curtail their herds.