THE PROVINCES.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 153, 30 November 1874, Page 3

THE PROVINCES.

WESTLAND. One of the effects of an easy market at recent cattle sales has been, says the West Coast Times , the prompt reduction of the price of meat at Grcymouth, by from a penny to twopence per pound. Notice is given in the Grey Hirer Argos, that that portion of the old wharf from the termination of the Gone wall to the coal sheds on Richmond Quay is closed to public traffic, owing to the unsafe condition of the structure and the damage that might probably bo done by the liver should the wharf give way. The only mooring place now available for shipping is the new wharf at the lower end of the town, and although some inconvenience will no doubt be experienced in consequence, the action of the Government Engineer is thoroughly justified by the infirm condition of the old wharf. It is probable that the contractors for the new structure that is to take its place will soon be able to commence operations, as the vessel containing the special timber required for the work was shipped from Newcastle, New South Wales, on the 15th instant. The vessel comes laden with JOG tons dead weight of iron bark timber, amounting to 130,000 superficial feet; and with this loading draws about lift of water. As soon as this timber arrives, operations will bo commenced. Mr Eyton, of Hokitika, narrowly escaped severe injury, on Sunday afternoon, under somewhat peculiar circumstances. He was walking along an abandoned tramway above Sale street, Hokitika, carrying an infant about six months old, when he suddenly fell down an old shaft some thirty feet deep. The mouth of the shaft was covered with rotten wood, and overgrown with ferns, so that it was almost impossible for any person walking along the path to avoid falling in. Singular to say neither Mr Eyton nor the child were injured, beyond a few bruises sustained by the former. By much exertion Mr Eyton succeeded in getting up about fifteen feet, to a timbered cross-drive where he left the baby, and fina’Ty he got out of the shaft much exhausted. He immediately got assistance, and by means of a rope, Mr Cozens was lowered down to the spot where the child was lying, and brought it up safely. A correspondent of the West Coast Times at Revell’s Terrace, Greenstone, says that there is now no doubt whatever that the rush will be a permanent one, and will for many years to come afford employment to a population at least equal to the number at present located there. Several comfortable huts have been built and many more are being erected. Business people generally find that their prospects are much brighter than when Revell’s Terrace was first rushed. The miners generally do not care to give any definite information as to their earnings, the ordinary reply to any query on that subject being “Oh lam making wages.” There are four parties now at work at the end of the terrace next the Greenstone, where good prospects have been obtained. The parties tunnelling at the Three-Mile are working away quietly. One party had a trial washing up, but the result did not equal anticipation. However, good hopes are held that the claims here will turn out payable. One sign of the times is lhat there are two new applicants for publicans’ licenses in the district, one hailing from Bevell’s terrace, and the other from the Teremakau,

A gentleman in Greymouth hap, says the Grey Hirer Argus, succeeded in flowering that beautiful Alpine plant, the Ranunculus Lyalli—the habitat of which is—on this Coast —on the dividing range between Hokitika and Christchurch. The same plant is identified with the name of Ur Haast, who was one of the first to discover and popularise it. A successful attempt to acclimatise it was made in Christchurch some three or four years ago, but this is the first successful attempt to convert it into a garden plant on the West Coast. We are informed that it flowers freely.