THE PROVINCES.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 41, 17 July 1874, Page 3

THE PROVINCES.

WESTLAND. We hear (says the “ West Coast Times”) that the Government are taking considerable interest in the proposal for the construction of a line between here and Christchurch, and it is rumored that one of their engineering staff has been detailed to check the surveys recently made by Mr Browning between here and the Pas <. Should it be found, as we have every expectation will be the case, that a route to avoid tunnelling at all can be pointed out, the cost will be vastly relieved, and the probabilities of early construction be greatly hastened. We trust the committee will lose no time in resuming their functions. The following are the only mining items of interest from the latest Beefton papers “ The carlf completion of numcioas preliminary works for the mining companies in operation at Larry’s, and the erection of machinery, will have the effect of reducing considerably the number of bauds employed in that locality.—The machinery for the No 2 South Larry’s will have been prepared for crushing early during the ensuing week, and it is slated that the Caledonian Company will first avail themselves of the batteries. This company have now about 90 tons of stone to surface of first-class quality, and it is confidently expected that the first crushing will show an average of soz to the ton. The late crushing at the Ajax of 25 tons of stone taken from the lower incline shaft

now being sunk in that company’s claim, is said to have surpassed in richness any ever before raised from the The exact yield has not yet, boon ascertained, but we have authority for stating that it will exceed ] ,’oz to the ton ” With regard to the late Mr James Linton, of Hokitika, who died, suddenly on Friday last, the “ West Coast Times ” says "It is with heartfelt regret that we have to chronicle the death of .Mr James Linton, one of the earliest settlers, and also one of the most respected business men in Hokitika. lie was known throughout Westland, and in every part of it he was highly esteemed by those who were acquainted witli him. He was of enterprising and active business habits, was a kind-hearted and liberal man, and the public generally will sadly deplore his early death. In any good cause he was ever in the front, and his sudden decease has caused sincere sorrow amongst a large circle of friends. He had been in indifferent health for some little time, but a recent trip to Nelson seemed to have completely restored him, and his illness on this occasion was only of a fevy days duraation. He has only been married about a year, and leaves a young widow, with whom the people of Hokitika, wo may say, deeply sympathise in her sad bereavement. Mr Linton was sincerely esteemed and highly valued by his fellow citizens, and his memory will long be green in the heaits of those who knew his sterling qualities. When his death was made known the vessels in port hoisted their flags half-mast, and the funeral will certainly be very largely attended, in order to pay the last tribute of respect to the dead. Deceased was a member of both the Masonic body and the Oddfellows’ Society, and both these Orders will follow his remains to the grave this day (Saturday).” As many of the public appear to be under the impression, says the “ Register,” that Mr Lazar was summarily dismissed from his position in the Treasury, is as well that it should he known that both Mr Tennant and Mr Lazar were offered appointments at the reduced salary of £250 a year each. This offer was made in accordance with the intention expressed by Hie Government at the end of the recent sittings of the Provincial Council, to reduce the amount paid for clerical assistance in the Provincial Secretary’s and Treasurer's departments to £SOO per annum. We understand that Mr Tennant accepted the reduced salary, but that Mr Lazar declined it.