NEVIS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2649, 21 December 1904, Page 39

NEVIS.

December 14. — All of the higher latitudes are coming in for some extremes of weather that are trying to the strongest constitution and the serenest temper. No sooner do a few warm and calrr days visit us than a. sudden lowering of the temperature, and as sudden a shifting' of the .vind to the cold and stormy south, brings with it cold showers on the fiats and snow on the heights, seriously checking the growth in garde, and] field except in very sheltered spots.

Holidays. — Christmas is fast approaching, with all its hallowed memories, its reunions, its feasting and frolics, not to speak of its follies and its excesses. "What happy memories dusker round it for the aged, aaid what g-lowing anticipations heralded it for the young. May all who read these notes have a good and glad time. An Englishman's hearty " Merry Christmas aiwl happy New Year " to all the readers of the "Witness, including the editor and his staff. Dredging. — I have not heard whether the dredge hands are to get a few clay's holidays, but I hope for the credit of the enterprising owners and directors thej will. A little kindly consideration at this- glad season is, I think, a good investment, and keeps up the goodwill between the master and the men.

Bridge. — Our bridge is just about completed, I "what there is of it," as the boy said about the butte. his mc-ther told him to praise at the neighbour's table, and it is a good bridge too, as far as it goes, but, alas, for its shortcomings, when a man on foot cannot cross the stream on the western bank with a pair of gum boots, when the river is in flood, before reaching it, shows pretty conclusively that it is quite inadequate to our requirements. Bioads, &c. — Our roads 1 , both north and south, are in a fair state of repair, and our local storekeeper is getting in a good supply of stores to meet our wants. It is quite evident he intends to keep his promise to keep us supplied with all requisites, and he evidently mean's to do his level best to keep the money from. going into the pockets oi the Cromwell merchants. There is "a decided improvement m the butchering part of the business, and we get a change from the everlasting mutton, as there is now a choice o£ beef, mutton, and sausages: the lamb, fowls, and turkeys will come too, all in good time, perhaps. Mining.— l hear that the Jndaunted claim, m the Nevis gorge, has bottomed their ground, bur I do net hear whether they have 3truck the lead or not. Pastoral. — Mastering is going on at the Kawarau Station tc-day, and the sheep are carrying heavy fleeces this year. They should cut clean wool this year, and the station should consequently have a successful season. Ecclesistioal.— The Rev. Mr Haslam, Methodist minister, comes out to preach once a month, and the Rev. Mr Gunn (Presbyterian; monthly aiso. Both ministers are well liked.