A launch now runs four times a day from island to mainland and back again. The charge for foreigners is 30 cents each way, and natives are charged a third of that fare. It is run by a private individual, and is entirely independent of a Government subsidy, understand. The proprietor has our sincerest: wishes for the financial success of his venture. His action certainly confers great boon on the whole community.
Whatever changes the future may have for us, at present the centre of official and social activity is the Island. The postal, telegraph (Eastern Extension Ca.), and shipping offices are located there; and t" the mainlander the convenience of having a regular and frequent means of communication across the harbour is obvio The islander, too, however much he may be the victim of liu-kung-itis," when he realises how easy it is now to escape the
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.