WAIRARAPA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4821, 4 September 1876, Page 3

WAIRARAPA.

(fEOM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) September 2. A complimentary dinner was given ,to Mr. C. K. Carter, in the Town Hall, Carterton, yesterday evening, which passed off with great eclat. Notwithstanding Mr. Carter was in the coach at the time it fell down the hill, and like many others was severely bruised about the head and other parts of the body, he appeared in excellent spirits ; and in reply to the toast of the evening, he made an eloquent and feeling speech, which was frequently applauded. He announced his intention of shortly pro ceeding to England for the purpose of settling some private business affairs in London, after which he should return to the colony and take up his residence on his Taratahi estate for the remainder of his life. He said had he been returned at the last election, nothing would have induced him to abandon his post on private affairs however urgent; but as he had not been elected, there were no public reasons why heshouldfnotreturn to England fora brief period. He thanked those friends who had supported him in his absence. He said he was astonished at the progress the district had made during his absence, more especially the township of Carterton. Other speeches followed in the course of the evening, when the munuficent gift made by Mr. Carter to the Carterton church was gratefully and gracefully referred to. The proceedings were wound up with a ball, which passed off in the most agreeable manner.

On the preceding evening two railway meetings were held, one at the Marquis of Normanby Hotel, and the other at the Carterton schoolhouse, both being well attended considering the circumstances. Resolutions in favor of the railway being at once commenced between Featherston and Masterton were unanimously adopted at both meetings. Committees were appointed, and the co-operation of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce was urgently invited. A boy in the Masterton Post-office was brought before the Resident Magistrate on a charge of purloining letters, but was remanded till next sitting.

The legal practitioners of this district are endeavoring to obtain the establishment of a District Court. It is to be hoped that they will attain their object, as it is most urgently required. It is not generally known to what extent the fall in wool will affect the sheepowners. It is estimated that something over a million of money will be lost to the country in the shape of revenue; hut the loss to the woolgrowers is rather worse. The present price very Uttle more than covers the expense of growing and sending the wool to market ; tho consequence is that uheepfarmers will in a great many instances gain no profit whatever. The people of Creytown were all excitement yesterday evening on account of hearing that the coach was thrown over the hill. Full particulars could not be obtained till the. coach that had been sent came with those passengers who were able to come. It appears that just as the coach was turning the point near tho roadman’s whare, a terrific gust of wind caught the coach with such force as to throw it over the side of the. hill. It was so sudden that not one had any chance of clearing themselves, horses, coach, and passengers went rolling down the hill together, a distance of about fifty yards. The driver and Mrs. Revans’ baby appeared to be the least hurt. Mr. Toxward and Mr. Duncan were the most injured. It is feared that the former gentleman will have to have his leg amputated, as it was literally smashed. The latter had his arm severely bruised, and a nasty cut on the head, which will probably keep him in bed for some time.