MR T. M. GRANT. (From Our Own Correspondent.)

Otago Witness, Issue 2804, 11 December 1907, Page 40

MR T. M. GRANT. (From Our Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, December 8. Mr T. M. Grant, of the Survey Department, whose death occurred unexpectedly at Murchison early on Friday morning, had been a capable and valued officer of the Survey Department for many years. He was held in the highest esteem b^ all who knew him, and his death will come as a great shock to a wide circle of friends, more particularly in Wellington, the West Coast of the South Island, and in Otago. A few weeks ago, while engaged in his official work in the Nelson 6urvey district (which had only recently been placed under his charge), he had the misfortune to break his leg in a trap accident in one of the rough river beds near Murchison. He, however, bore his mishap svith cheerfulness, and as late as Friday his relatives in Wellington had letters from him to say that he was getting on well am' hoped to be shifted to Nelson in about three weeks' lime. On Saturday morning, however, a telegram from his wife, who wa-> with him at Murchison, announced that he had passed away. Mr Grant, who was a popular officer, had published some booklets in regard to matters connected with his profession, and of recent years had made, a codification of the land laws of New Zealand. This he intended publishing on his own account, but the recent changes in policy made it necessary 'or him to revise the whole. As he was ever ready to do a gQod work, and as he was & charming raconteur and an interesting correspondent, his friendship was greatly valued by many who had the good fortune to know him. As an instance of this, his long friendship and correspondence with Hirose, a. Japanese naval officer, who was one of the heroes of the Russo-Japanese war, may be mentioned. The letters received from the latter and his little girl during the exciting attacks on Port Arthur, and the subsequent operations, were most interesting. Hirose' never forgot seme little kindness shown him many years ago by Mr Grant, and the friendship thus established long before the Anglo-Japanese Alliance lasted during the deceased's lifetime. Mr Grant leaves a widow and four children, his wife being a daughter of Cr Murdoch, of Wellington. Two of his sisters — Mrs Malcolm Ross and Mrs T G. Palgrave — reside in Wellington, and another sister — Mrs Usmar — in London. Mr George Grant (of Gisborne) and Mr Norman Grant (of Levin) are brothers, and Mr T. Whitson (secretary of the Union Company) is a brother-in-law.

MR H. WILLIAMS.

An Ohaeawai telegram states that the death, occurred on the Bth, at his residence, Pakaraka, of Mr Henry Williams, exM.L.C The deceased was the third son of Archdeacon Henry Williams, one of the oa.rly . misaionacjos, and was born at Pahia in 1823. He' was chairman of the Bay of Islands County Council from 1876 to 1899. He* is survived by [two 'brothers — Mr E. M. Williams, of Hawk'e's Bay,, who is 90 years of age, and Mr T, C» Wijliajcne, of"Auck : land.