THE LATE JOHN MARTIN.

Kumara Times, Issue 3016, 3 July 1886, Page 2

THE LATE JOHN MARTIN.

[Contributed.] Died, at the Hokitika Hospital, on the 18th June, 1886, John Martin, aged 47. Such is the brief announcement of the death of a departed friend. Those reading it who were not acquainted with him may lightly treat the matter; hut to those who knew John Martin a tear will form on many a sunburnt check, and the fulness of the heart make itself felt. He was well and widely known, and by all who knew him, greatly respected. He was a native of the North of Ireland, and inherited all the fire and energy of that sturdy race; loyal to his Queen and to his church; and, to his fellow man, true as steel. John Martin was careful in forming an opinion, but when it was formed he was nut afraid to express it, and never feared the consequences. His first gold mining experience was at Ballarat, in Victoria. From there he came to the Big Dam at the Waimea, and his 6rst work on the West Coast was done with the Band of Hope party, t>vo of whom were the late Mr N. Secldon and Mr R. J. Seddon, M.H.R. Between them a fast friendship sprung into existence, which death alone severed. Martin then went to No Town, and there did fairly well. Subsequently he went to Queensland, and, though successful as regards gold-getting, yet he was stricken down with fever and ague. He came back to the Coast, regained his health, and had been contracting since. The two last works ho completed were, first, the road to the Beach, and then he lived just long enough to complete the No. 2 sludge-channel—a work the Go-1

vernnment officer said would cost £BOOO. John Martin and his friendß finished it, paid everybody, and though making little or nothing for themselves, the total cost was under £2300. Was it predestined ? Who shall say ? Making his way home by the short cut that cost poor Rynning hia life, one falsf step he stumbled, and, head foremost, into the dark abyss he fell. Shortly afterwards he was discovered, and next day taken to the Hokitika Hospital, where from then until Friday (18th ult) he alternately lingered betwixt life anddeath. Death at last conquered and he has gone to his long home. There was no mother, no sister, nor relative near to bid a last farewell, or to close the glazed eye; yet around and near him were true friends, who sadly watched by his side, and when he breathed his last, reverently, though silently, expressed a hope that his soul had passed to a fairer and a happier land. The deceased had no relatives in the colonies; his only sister lives in San Francisco; lonely now will she be: the long-promised earthly visit is for ever postponed. Let us hope they will meet above, and if the writing of these few lines will comfort her iu her sorrow, who will say the comfort has been denied ? He who has passed away was an upright, honest, man, and one of whom any sister or friend might be truly proud, and his merits will long be green in the memory of the many many friends he has left sorrowing behind.