LIVINGSTONE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 818, 26 November 1878, Page 2

LIVINGSTONE.

(FROM OUR OWN COHRESrONDKNT.) • November 22. The following was kindly supplied me by Mr. H. L. Gilbert, on his" return from the interior on the 13th inst., but was inadvertently delayed. It may be interesting to yoxrr readers: Leaving here on the 4th inst., he proceeded via Kurow and Omarama to Morveii Hills, holding services at the various stations on the route, most of which were well attended at this season—viz., shearing time. He visited the Waitaki bridge, now in course of construction. Air. Reid, the contractor, notwithstanding severe losses sustained in consequence of the floods, seemed to be buoyant in spirits. The Waitaki having changed its bed, has in one place completely removed a burying ground, carrying it to the ocean, with those who, resting in their final sleep, are awaiting the hour when the sea shall give up her dead. At Rugged Ridges, the neatest and most cosey places in all the Upper Waitaki, Mr. Gilbert met Mr. Oliver, the manager, on the taste of which gentleman the place reflects great credit, and lie goes on to say—lt is very refreshing, after the ride of fifteen miles from Kurow through bleak and uninviting country, to find one's self ensconced in so comfortable a place. On reaching Otematakau, he learned on the sth the sad news of the death of Mr. J. M'Lcan, of Morvon Hills, and, thinking he would bo in time to attend the interment, pushed on to Omarama on the Gth. Travelling between hero and Morven Hills being at this time rendered difficult on account of ravages by the floods, it was 6 p.m. before he reached the latter place, and on meeting Mr. Henderson gleaned the following facts relative to Mr. M'Lean's death :—The deceased gentleman returned on Sunday, 3rd, from Ardgowan, being apparently in good health. He was not again seen by Mr. Henderson until about 11 p.m., when he was attracted by a noise he heard to Mr. M'Lean's bedroom, where he found him in great agony and complaining of pain in the region of the heart. The whole of the inmates being now alarmed, desired to send to Cromwell for medical aid, but, expressing the hope t'*at he would be better soon, it was 3 o'clock on the following morning before he consented to this. A rider was immediately despatched to Cromwell, a distance of 40 miles. He was for some time unconscious, but when consciousness returned he prayed to be released from his sufferings, which prayer was answered about G o'clock a.m. Mr. George M'Rae (who had never left his bedside from the time of the alarm) now started for Cromwell to make arrangements respecting the interment. The doctor, on his arrival, advised the immediate removal of the body to Cromwell. On Tuesday, the oorpse beitiL' ■ wrapped in linen, was carefully couveyi-i upon a stretcher by hand where a could not bo used, in consequence of the ': damage done to the roads by the floods. ; Seven miles of rough mountainous country had to be traversed in this way, Cromwell being reached about 10 p.m. The inquest was held on Wednesday, a post mortem examination having been made, and a verdict returned as follows :—" Deceased died from spasms of the heart." The funeral took place in the afternoon of the same day, and was numerously attended, the service being performed by the Rev. Mr. Drake. Mr. M'Lean has resided about 15 years at Morven Hills, and was greatly respected. His vemoval is much felt and deeply regretted. Mr. Gilbert states he has never witnessed greater expressions of sorrow than among the shepherds and servants at Morven Hills. They feel that they have lost a good master and a dear friend. The roads from the above place to within three miles of the Ahuriri are in a deplorable condition. Vigorous efforts are, however, being made to repair the damage where practicable, and to form new roads where they are irremediable. During his stay at Morven Hills, Mr. Gilbert held four services, which were well attended by most attentive hearers. Tho Lindus and Ahuriri were both in flood when Mr. Gilbert left. During yesterday and tho whole of last night a gale of unparalleled violence was blowing. Some slight damage has occurred to the school buildings. The kitchen of the Commercial Hotel was bodily carried away, as also part of the roof of the Royal Hotel, some sheets of iron being conveyed to a distance of a quarter of a mile. The roof of Mr. Gilbert's house required to be lashed on with ropes. Most of the residents were engaged the greater portion of the night in securing the roofa and out-buildings. It lias now, however, partially abated.