COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 21, 23 January 1913, Page 8

COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

TRAIN ACCIDENT AVERTED

Sydney, January 22,

The driver of one of the afternoon trains from Bankstown to the Central Railway Station noticed a sleeper across the track in a deep cutting on the down grade near Marrickville suburb. The train was travelling at the rate of thirty miles an hour, but was stopped in about forty yards, just as it reached the sleeper. The train was crowded with passengers. The driver considers that a terrible accident was averted.

THE WILY CHINEE

Melbourne, January 22

The supposed opium find in a Chinese laundry is believed to be a hoax, the tins probably containing an imitation of opium.

“SPORTS” AMUSE THEMSELVES

Melbourne, January 22

The licensee of the Aararat Hotel was charged with betting on licensed premises. He issued coupons to purchasers of drinks, guaranteeing to pay a pound to those placing correctly the first three horses in the Melbourne Cup. Six coupons were correctly marked, one customer filling in two. About fifteen hundred coupons were issued. The defence was that it wasnot a betting transaction, inasmuch as the defendant had nothing to gain and the couponites nothing to lose. The case was dismissed.

CHAUFFEURS’ WAGES

Melbourne, January 22

The Chauffeurs’ Union is demanding £3 10s for a week of 54 hours, with one day clear.

THE COMMONWEALTH BANK

Melbourne, January 22

The Commonwealth Bank has opened branches at Townsville, Perth and Hobart.

THE SUMNER LIFE-SAVING V CASE.

Sydney, January 22

A cablegram reports that there is adverse comment in New Zealand on the action of the Royal Humane Society in awarding medals to Solomons and Hay for attempted rescue at Sumner. All Solomons did was to act as first man in a life-saving team which went to the rescue and which was unsuccessful. Solomons explains that the cable was the first he knew of the awards. The rescue was attempted under trying circumstances. The team was about to give an exhibition of life-saving near the pier on the beach when an alarm was given. The whole team raced along the sand for six or seven hundred yards. Then Solomons went out. The spa was exceedingly rough and the swimmers were a long way from the shore. Tne man in difficulties disappeared before he was reached. Solomons is surprised at the reported attitude of New Zealanders, because the papers at the time were full of the attempted rescue and complimented the life-savers on their plucky efforts. The Mayor of Christchurcn visited the baths and thanked the Sydney men for their efforts.