PELORUS GUARDIAN. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1892 A Carnival Week.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 3, Issue 91, 6 December 1892, Page 2

PELORUS GUARDIAN. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1892 A Carnival Week.

" Sleepy Hollow "may have been i an appropriate name- for Nelson in; days gone by, but that it is now we have reason to doubt. The great success of the jubilee celebrations and the activity now displayed in inaugurating a carnival week would lead one to suppose that Nelson will lead the van in social reform and general advancement, and that it will be not only the prettiest townrin the world, but will become noted for the activity "of its inhabitants in keeping pace with a progressive age* At a. meeting the other night it was agreed to hold a carnival week, commencing on the 30th January, and in this respect Nelson has shown a good example.to I the rest of the colony.

The Unemployed. What is to be done for them ? The unemployed in England are steadily on the increase, and as their native country cannot give them relief they are turning their eyes to the colonies, and the Agents-General have been interviewed; but one and all of the colonial representative? have dissuaded these unfortunate people from seeking a home in the colonies. The AgentsGeneral have no doubt acted wisely, for there is a full compliment of unemployed in the colonies already, and it would not be fair for these comparatively poor communities to take over the responsibility of providing for the surplus labour of a wealthy country like England, when it is clearly the duty of the latter to do so. Of course, cut-throat competition is to a great extent at the bottom of the evil, for while millions are idle and becoming brutalised there are millions working longer hours than is good for moral or physical growth. There is to be an inter-State conference on the question of a universal system of eight hours, and if such a system can be adopted no doubt much good will result.

The Direct Steam Service. The direct steam service between Havelock and Wellington inaugurated twelve months ago has been renewed, Mr J, S. Cross again being the con? tractor. Although the steamer has not run so regularly as settlers could have wished and her running via Patea has caused disappointment on many occasions, still the service has done a lot of good in developing trade, and during the next twelve months we are inclined to think that trade will so far improve a 3 to make the service self-supporting. To gain this great boon for the district our member has gone to a great deal of trouble, far more than many might imagine, and it therefore behoves everyone in the district to support the service by all means in their power, for we are aware that in the past this has not been the case. The service may not be perfect, but if it is encouraged to the fullest extent possible perfection will come in time, and settlers will then reap the faU advantage of regular communication with Wellington which the Postmaster-General has been good enough to assist in establishing by granting a subsidy for the carriage of mails, to whom the thanks of the community are due, as well to our member tor his exertions in the matter.

Prospecting Associations. i . . | About two years ago art attempt was made to form a prospecting association ;in this district, but the number who ! contributed was not sufficient to effect any good purpose; we are therefore not over sanguine that any further attempt would meet with any greater success. But tbere is this difference between then and now, that the Government will contribute £> for, * up to a certain amount to assist _in nrospecting new ground. Our mining friend* at Cullensville have taken the initial steps to form an association, and we notice by our exchanges that similar steps have been taken at Westport, Reefton, and elsewhere. That there is room for prospecting in this district there can be no doubt, but whether sufficient interest would be taken to make the affair a success is another matter. At Reeffcon it is proposed that all miners in work and bisiness people should contribute one grilling per week, and £ls per week is expected to be raised in this way, and with the Government subsidy £3O, thus enabling, the association to send out a strong party of prospectors. The Road Board has certain powers in the matter, and possibly the chairman might convene a public meeting to test the feeling of the district on the subject.

Mayoral Contests. Some time since we mentioned that more than ordinary interest was ceutered in the mayoral contests at Wellington and Dunedin in conse-

quence of two out of three who constitute the great middle party in Parliament -were seeking election — namely,- Messrs Fisher and Fish. At Wellington the reault was most conclusive, Mr H. D. Bell securing 1,406.v0te5, while,Mr,G. Fisher had to be content with 572, and had Mr BalJ been more popular with the working classes we are quite certain Mr Fisher would not have gained nearly so many as he did. The result of the Dunedin election was—Mr 0. Haynes 938, Mr Fish 733, and Mr Chapman 166. The moiil to be drawn from this is that it does not do for politicians to twist and turn and plav fast and loose with their constituents,, for if they do they most assuredly commit political felo de se.