NEVIS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2811, 26 August 1908, Page 39

NEVIS.

August 19. — After a rather protracted absence from this isolated corner of the Dominion, I once more resume my pen to let the readers of the Witness know how the fates have been working, and our usually quiet and unostentatious little community have been waiting, Macaber like, for "something to turn up." The Weather. — I am glad to report that, notwithstanding the storrr>6 of Lower and Central Ofcago, this place has not been visited by either heavy snows or exceptional frosts, and when crossing the Oarrick Range, on my return on Friday last, I was truly surprised to see how bare of snow were all the lower stretches of the mountain on both sides of the valley. But there has been a much heavier covering of snow from about a mile below the Crown Rang© and the top of Mount Para, and north-westward, the St. Bathane, and Dunstan Creek Ranges, also the " Old Man " Range present an aspect of truly Siberian envelopment, which means, I fear, 3ad suffering to the stock and serious losses to their owners. During my absence I was the pained spectator of the desolation wrought by the flood on the Taieri Plain, and the unprecedented enoivfaJls in Central Otago, which wide-spreading plain and mountain, present an awful spectacle of waste, starvation, and destruction. The recent settlers on the sub-divided Home Hills are greatly to be pitied, as no doubt, their losses will be very great. I am afraid it will give a set back to the prospective outfr'ng-up and settling of the runs to fall in in 1910. There will, I fear, be the usual appeal for compensation, in the way of an extension of teTm of leases then expiring. One result no doubt will obtain, that stock are sure to be both scarce and dear, especially merino sheep. An Escape. — We had a narrow escape of losing our store, butchery, and hotel by fire, and only for the strenuous efforts of the hastily formed, but highly effective, "bucket brigade" *ne result would have been the complete destruction of the whole premises. The said brigade deserve the fullest gratitude of Mr and Mrs M'Lochlan. The forniea* was from home at the time. Weddings. — I am pleased to tell of two prospective weddings to take place shortly, when four of our young people will enter on the dutie?. pleasures, and responsibilities of wedded liffe. May the 6un shine ever so bright on them, and may health, happiness, and prosperity follow, and may others of our erstwhile hesitating a.nd too cautious youths and maidens "go and do likewise." Returning. — Out* birds of passage, both human and feathered are beginning to gravitate home to their nesting ground again, some of them poorer, and possibly wiser for their travels. Mining. — There is now a nace break in the weather, which will enable the work of dredging to be resumed shortly, hut ihe sluicers will not start for a few days yet. I believe Mrs Renshaw and Mr T. Shaw have parted with thpi'r respective water rights and claims. The Remarkables Drcdga Co., -who purchased the New Era dredge, arc busily engaged dismantling and removing it to the Lower. Nevis. The Carewe- Co.'s dredge Is about making a start to finish overhauling, and will very <=oon be lifting wash dirt again.

MANDEVIL.LE. August 24.— Southland has enjoyed another exceptionally fine winter. Little wonder that land settlers all over the Dominion are turning their attention to the southernmost province. Land here is yet pounds below 'ts value if its value is to be gauged by the selling price of similar land further north. In this district the value has gone up tremendously within the last two years. Some properties have changed ha-nds several times, and each time greatly to the advantage of the seller. About three weeks ago Mr Hansen sold his Want-wood homestead block to the M'Leod Brothers, and I bear that Mr Jensen has just about completed the sak of his farm. Ma- H. W. C. Horrell has also disposed of his interest in the Mandeville store, Mr J. L. Boult having purchased the freehold from Mr J. C. M'Kenzie to start his oldest 6011 in business. Changes are the orde^r of the day. I understand that Mr Hansen intends taking a trip around the world before he purchases another property. r Mr Horrell tells me that his present intention is to take an extended tour through the North Island with an eye to business. Druids' Ball.— On Argust 8 the Druids held their first ball in the township, and it was undoubtedly a great success. The attendance was large, and the committee were untiring in their efforts to make one and all enjoy themselves, A word of praise is due to the worthy secretary, Mr Hayes, on whose shoulders so much of the work fell. » Valedictory.— lt was not to be expected that Mr and Mrs Hansen and family would be allowed to leave this district without something being done to show how the people appreciated the part they had taken to benefit every good cauee. On hearing that they had but a few more days to spend at' Wantwood, about 70 district residents paid th« homestead a visit on Wednesday evening of last week to bid them farewell. Ifos young people very soon took possession of the billiard room, and turned it into a ballroom. The older people claimed the dining room, in which they spent com© hours at cards and other games. Supper was served out about 12 p.m., after which all took up their places in the large drawing room. Mt J. H. M'Leod was plaoed in the chair and explained the obiect of the gathering. In a neat speech he outlined the s;ood work done by Mr Hansen, nis wife, and family. Speeches were delivered by Messrs Kain, Carter, and Jensen as to Mrs Hansen s Qualities as a friend and neighbour Mr S. Horrell also added a few words. The Chairman then asked Mr Hansen s acceptnnce of a hanrteome travelling bag. He .then called on Mr H. W. Horrell, whose pleasant duty jt was to present Mrs Hanpen with a marble dock, and Miss Hansen with a silver-mounted comb and brush. Mr Hansen feelingly replied on behalf of his daughter, Mrs Hansen, and himself, exnresainjr regret at leaving so many friends behind. Durinsr the evening a number of very enjoyable vocal and instrumental items were contributed by.Mesdames Robson. G. and Herbert Harraway. Kain. and M'Leod, Messrs Archibald. Carter, Boult, Robson, Rogers, and Archibald.