The Wairarapa Daily. FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 1888. Railway Accidents.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2802, 20 January 1888, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 1888. Railway Accidents.

There are railway accidents which are attended by serious results, and leave upon the mind a most painful impression, and there are also railway, accidents unattended with grave injury to life or property which! are hailed with almost a sense of relief. Yesterday's accident at Pigeon Bush is one of the latter class, and suggests a feeling of congratulation rather than of condolence. It recalls to our mind the fact that during the ten years that trams on our local railway have daily crossed iii the region of the Rimutaka an exceptionally dangerous country, we have only had to record one serious accident, and that one occurred very many years ago. The travelling public have enjoyed an almost surprising immunity from danger, and in view of yesterday's accident it is perhaps not too much to say that their safety has been mainly due to the extreme care and vigilence exercised by the officers of the department. Usually when an accident takea place the public look round .for someone to blame and, there is a good deal of worldly wisdom in regarding a mischance from this point of view, but oh the present occasion we feel that there is someone to commend rather than someone to censure. A terrific gale was blowing as the train came to Pigeon Bush yesterday, and a passenger who was on board of it has told us with what care the officers in cliargo of the train averted a catastrophe. The speed of the train was reduced to a minimum, Guard Turner had the brake well in hand, and the engine driver with hand on lever and head turned round, to watch his passenger carriages was prepared for the worst. The moment the driver saw the carriages lifted off the rails by the irressistible force of tho gale, he brought thoengino to a dead stop, and they were simply lilted over without being dragged along to the injury of their living freight. The absolute control which the driver, and guard exercised over the train by bringing it instantaneously to a standstill, prevented a catastrophe which might have cost valuable lives. Nothing but a miracle, according to one report, saved tho passengers, but as far as we are able to judge there was no miracle, but simply a careful guard and a careful driver. .The precautions taken by them secured the safety of the passengers at a critical moment. As far as we can judge, every reasonable care was taken to prevent the accident, and when it did occur there was a promptitude oil tho part of the department in sending on the passengers and restoring communication which was almost unofficial. No doubt, if possible, steps will be taken to prevent a recurrence of the incident of Pigeon Bush. Perhaps the knowledge that the heaviest gale on the Rimutaka will not capsize an engine but will overturn carriages may suggest a remedy.

The Masterton School Committee rejected in a very decided manner last evening a motion to nominate Messrs Brown and Young two of the retiring members of the Board for a fresh term of office, and we certainly consider that the Committee were quite justified in placing this' mark of censure on record. Messrs Brown and Young came to Masterton last year to inspect sites for a second school and agreed that a certain one' kuown as Simcox's acre was the best available. They embodied their opinion in a report ' to the Board, but prior to the presentation of the report they were " got at" by a certain individual who was working points for another site. They swallowed their own report and' Masterton lost the new side school which was promised it through'their deriliction of duty.

Mails for Mauritius close at Aden at noon on tho 21st inst. A second greasy pitr event has been added to Monday's Sports programme, Messrs Lowes and lorns having promised to find a porker who for energy and speed is said to be a perfect demon,

;i The wind had gone down considerably] !> when last night's train passed , over' : s the Rimutaka, and through Featherston. In future the Land Board meetings at Wellington will be once a month instead oi fortnightly, A line of city and suburban busses with threepenny fares is being atartod in Wellington. The brothers, Richard and James White, charged with stealing the yacht Dido from Wellington harbour, have been committed for trial at the next Supreme Court Bitting, v , 4 gentleman lias shown us some toma" toes which are well filled out, and are beginning to ripen. These seem to be an early specimen! According to a correspondent in the local paper half of the Volunteers present at a recent Church Parade in Napier played cards on the grass outside, while the remainder of the corps, were wor- ' shippers within. , In the double Tennis Handicap, first round, the Rev. Father MoKenna and j Mr R. R. C, Coleman have beaten Messrs J. Stokes and R. H/Rathbone. The Shaw,. Savill and Albion Company's fi Tainui arrived on the 18th inst. at Plyij mouth* from New Zealand; all well, ir Tho cargo of meat was in splendid con(1 dition,' I, In an. exhaustive article in the New it York Mail and Express on "Kangaroo it skins," Masterton is credited with bein? il the place of shipment of Kangaroo hides, i- with whioh the article goes on to say i, New Zealand l aud Australia supply theworld. The South Island.West Coast Sounds !, are becoming very popular with excursionists. Two large excursion steamers have been full for both trips, and it is now announced that the s.s. Tarawera is going to make a third trip.

We understand that tho cask of beer seized by the police at Mauricoville station on the assumption, that stamp duty had been evaded, has been returned to Mr Thos. Parsons, aud that the circumstances warrant no further action being taken in the matter. We draw attention to Messrs James Brown & Co.'a advertisement of goods for Bale by auction to-morrow, The list comprises a lot of carpenters tools, furniture, clothing, crockery, and sundries. Mrs Montmorency: " Doctor, what do you think is the matter with mo?" Doctor: "I'm inclined to think that your blood is not puro. I'll have to give you something to purify the blood." Mrs Montmorency (haughtily):." You are probably not aware that I belong to a pood old Canterbury family." The Railway Department in this issue, advertises the train arrangements and Special fares for Monday next, Anniversary Day. Extra local trains "are provided and the afternoon tram to Wellington loaves Masterton at 8.25 o'clock. The trainß from Wellington arrive at Masterton at 12. 48 p.m., and 11. p.m., the latter train not starting from Wellington until 6.30 p.m. on thiß occasion. _ The Napier Daily Telegraph is responsible for the following Two young ladies sold kisses at a church bazaar ct Nparuawahia the other day- at sixpence each, with a reduction for taking a quantity. Business was extremely brisk. When the Ashburton Council were discussing the question of fire appliances recently, a Councillor Tucker remarked that lie had learned that mm little plow called Masterton, up north, had procured a steam fire engine a size lareer than the one their Council proposed procuring, and that for nine years they were to pay £56 a year—lt would appear from this that the hub of New Zealand is Ashburton and that the hub of Ashburton is Cr. Tucker.

The Land Board at the meeting yesterday went through the new Land Act Amendment Act, 1887 and resolved on the motion of Mr Beetham, seconded by Mr Macarthur, "That having in view the experience and information possessed by the Board, it is desirable that all matter relating to the purchase of lands, dealing with the expenditure of thirds, or other cognate matters, he brought before the Board so that Ministers might have the benefit of their advice." /

We mentioned the other day that we had seen some vegetable marrows ready for the table, but wo were then hardly prepared to meet with such fine specimens as Mr C, Thompson, of the Victoria Nursery, liaa this morning forwarded to us. One of these giants weighs lOlbs, another 151bs, aud tho third 131bs, and they were all grown from ordinary plants in the open air. Mr Thompson also informs us that he has pumpkius larger still, but they are not quite ripe yet. The Blenheim meat preserving factories are busily at work. The Boga Company is paying £4O a week in wages. It tinned 60,000 rabbits last season, and expects to put througli 20,000 sheep this season. A complete steam-tinning plant is ordered from America, and the company expects to be able to dispose of double the quantity next year. Most of the sheop put through were of prime quality merino, and quite unsaleable were it not for tho factory. Eight tons of green peas were preserved this season, and various fruits and vegetables. Altogether the list includes 61 articles preserved. At the Marlborough Meat Export Company Works they are equally as busy, and hope to export largely this year.

Speaking of totalisator dividends, says the Lyttleton Times, we may observe that there is some dissatisfaction at the retention of odd pence by the machine at country gatherings. At the Hororata meeting the dividend, after the deduction of 10 per cent commission, should have been £1 14s lHd, but the maoliine paid out only £1 14s, which made the deduction equal to 12| per cent. Exceptionally small dividends have been the rule throughout the holiday meeting?. The largest (£47 17s 6d and £34 8s) were paid in connection with the Midsummer Handicap at tIioC.J.C, meeting.: £1.015s was tho largest payment at the. Auckland meeting, and .double figures were only reachedjonoe in Westland, onco in Marl* borough, once in Southland and four times at small meetings in the North Island. Considering that something like 370 races have been run during this period, tho number of surprises has been veiy small.

A little' incident which occurred the morning before the squadron left Wellington may be worth relating, as showing the affection Aailors have for one another. A marine, who had evidently indulged in a few glasses of somethiu? stronger than water, made his appearance at the landing place with a delapidated umbrella, ramus handle, a substitute having been found in the shape of a' pieoe of batten. In duo courso a constable made his way up to the marine and was about to arrest him an a deserter (practically for extend'' ing his leavo without asking.). The marine, however, referred' the constable to a middy, who was in a boat alongside, and while the constable and middy wore discussing the question the; tailors "in the same boat seized the marine by the legs, neok, and elsewhere and dra?god him into tho boat, As he was now on' board the constable could do nothing with him and so retired and left- the sailors to enjoy a good hearty, laugh in which the youthful offiqev alto indulged,

The Thermometor at Mr W, Dougall's read in the shade atnooa to-day 71 degrees. The Barometer allowed a rise of about two-tenthß sinoe last night. The Waicarapa North County Council advertises a notification in this: issue regarding the alter-, ation of riding and road district boundaries which are to be confirmed at a meeting on 14th February next. We aro glad to see that the Railway Department have adopted our suggestion, and are burning the long grass along the line in the vicinity of Masterton. Their prompt action in this reßpect deserves credit.

A good deal of wheat is now being cut, although it is not so far advanced in condition as it might bo. Doubtless the anticipation of more high winds has led to this step being taken.

Saturday, 21st instant, is the last day of Messrs Caselberg and Co.'s clearing sale at Owen and Co.'s premises, so that intending purchasers should take the opportunity of going in without delay, The shop closes at 10 D.m. to-morrow. The following notice of motion has been tabled for the next Borough Council meeting on the 24th January That the Works Committee be empowered to erect a Oalifornian pump at the Makora creek opposite Messrs Chamberlains Bakery, Queen Street.. (Signed) Win, Cullen."

Captain Edwin wires at half past twelve this afternoon" North East to North and West, gale, will continue and the glass will fall again after twelve hours from now. ■ ,

We understand that Mr S. H. Wicker" son,- who waß until lately on the staff of the Wairarapa Daily, has arranged to take the tobacconist and hairdresser's shop opposite the Club Hotel, which has hitherto been known as Mr G. Parmer's. Mr Wickerson will continue the same business, and as ho is as popular as he is well known, should have no difficulty in making a success of his new venture, The second series of wool sales waß commenced at Dunedin yesterday, when there was a good attendance of local and foreign buyers, Bidding for clean, well-got-up merinos was brisk, and prices realized were about the same as the last' sale, in some instances for special lots a shade higher, Greasy merinos brought up to lOjd; ereasy crossbred, 6|d to 9sd; greasy half-bred 71 to 10d; pieces 4id to 7f j locks, 2d to 4d.

A meeting of.directors of' the Grey town Butter and Cheese Factory was held at Mr P. H. Wood's office, Greytown, last night, and the first quarters accounts for milk amounting to £7ll were passed for payment, also other accounts amounting to £64. At a special meeting, called to elect a Director in place of Mr W. 0,. Buchanan (resigned). Mr R, G, Welch, of Matarawa, was unanimously elected to fill the vacancy. Mr Frank Hood, who was in Featherston yesterday afternooon, speaks of the wind and rain a 8 having been without parallel in his experience, He unhitched the horse and left his buggy standing outside a friend's house that he was visiting. A short time after on coming out, the buggy was nowhere to be seen, and a search being made, it was found that it had been blown right down to the railway line, some considerable distance off.

. The privilege of what is known. as the Publican's Booth at the Anniversary Day Sports has been bought by Mr George Dixpu, and he is going to run it on principles which are hardly described by its name, viz,, purely temperance oneß. The price paid was £9. . Mr Dixon has arranged to have on the occasion a good supply of suitable refreshments, and will do his'best to console those who miss their usual " wee drapple" of something stron?. We are informed by a. gentleman who passed along the road that a strange feature of yesterday's storm, was that at a time when at both Greytown and Featherston, it was raining and blowing with fearful violence the elements .at Tauherenikau, half way, were much in their usual calm state and the weather was almost undisturbed. The wind last night seems to havo shaken the standing crops very much. In some places considerable damage was done, but in other localities where they were not so forward it has been 'comparatively slight. The damage from wind is more that it shrivels and dries up the grain than that it shakes it out. Mr F, H. Wood held his usual sale at Taratahi-yards yesterday. There was a large attendance of buyers and a good demand, for sheep of all classes except old ewes. The following prices were realized Hoggets 6s sd, ewes, mixed, 4s 3d, lambs 33 3d, all shorn, calveß 10s to 12s Cd, yearlings 15s to 255, 2-year- old heifers 29s to 40s, steers 40s to 555, bullocks, 2 and-3-year-old, well forward, 80s to 85s, fat cows 60s to 70s.

The road men on the Upper Plain road seem to be having a rest to-day. Our informant states that they broke up a few stones at the Bide of the road and then after if anything makiup the road'B condition mora dangerous than before, they are apparently thinking matters over, before" setting to work to rake off the loose boulders from the part of the road that really is used. The rula too want filling'up. A few days ago, says a Wellington paper, Messrs Beetlum and Ponnefather waited upon the Minister of Lands in reference to the case of the holder of a perpetual lease in the Wairarapa, who askqd that he should be compensated for the extra amount of fencing imposed upon him, in consequence of the Government havine taken a road through the property, Mr Richardson has now despatched a Crown Lands Banger to inspect the fence, and report upon the cost which the settler lias been put to in consequence of the construction of the ro&d, and upon receipt of this information the bon. gentlema,n will decide whether any com pensation will be granted. While on a trip in the vicinity of Torea Bay the other day in the steamer Phoenix, says the Marlborough Press, Mr H. Worgrovo observed what is undoubtedly a curiosity in tho waters of the Sounds-namely, a large swordfish from ten to twelve feet long. It had • a sword about three feet long. Mr Norprove tried -to capture the sea monster, but failed. It is lucky that it did not ooruo into collision with the steamer, otherwise considerable damage might.have been the result. The Mayor's statement that tho Oalifornian pump was unauthorised pxpondi ture,. and his threat that Councillors would have to pay for it out of their own pockets, as he expressed it, has had some effect, for this morning Councillor Gapper who is also chairman of the Works Committee, and who ordered the construction of the pump, removed its working • gear, apparenty resolved thot if he had to pay for that very serviceable article, the Council should not in the meantime have the use of it, The water.cart, • therefore, is now being filled under the old tedious system by means of a Douglas pump, . We understand that Councillor Gapjier's action-in the matter has caused, a bit of a row in the camp, other 'Councillors hardly agreeing with what .is evidently a retreat after the Mayor's attack, It is said that.at the worst the other members of the Council would have stood' by Mr Gapper in the transaction, and have seen that he didn't " drop", mere than his share, •.

The Mining ;D ( eparfcment, ! in a com-; municatiori to 'the; Mastertpn Borough: Council,'under date the 18th Inst, atatea that the Public "Works Department Have about fifty feet of boring rodß in Wellington, which they think .would ;be insufficient for coal prospecting at Fernridge, Now fifty teet is tho exaot distance that Mr MoKay, the geologist recommends sinking,'and it will be well for the city fathers to get hold of .these rods and give their working Btaff a picnic with them on the Upper Plain.

We are informed as we go to press that the Town Clerk, on behalf of the Borough Council, has-this afternoon laid informaations against Messrs A. W. Renal), David Jackson, and Walter tangley, for breaking up and damaging the publio streets of Masterto'n. We understand that the case will be heard at the Resident Magistrates' Court oii Monday week, 30th January. Mr C. A. Pownall, solicitor, is acting fot the Council.

Mrs Partington sm Dotft keep any of the quack rostrums, as they are regimental to the human cistern; but put your trust inDrSoule's American Hop Bitters, which will cure general dilapidation, costive habits, and all comic diseases They saved Isaac from a severe extract of typhoid fever. They are the «e fin 'mm,of medicines. "Boston Globe." :

Two organs. Regulate first the. stomach, second the liver, especially the first, so as to perform their functions perfectly, and you will remove at least nine* teen-twentieths, of all the ills that mankind is heir to, in this or any other climate. Dr Soule's American Hopßitters is tho only thing that will give perfectly healthy natural action to these two organs " Maine Jarmer."

Wanted all ladies to see our last shipment for the season of white embroidered muslin robes, very choice, from 25s 6d" "to 425, at Te Aro House, Wellington.; . Wanted, aye wanted, all the.young ladies of the city to visit onr showroom and'Belect fom the most beautiful assortment, in; the city, their hats for the season at. Te Aro House, Wellington. • :: ; Wanted, all mothers to see. our picnio hats far the girls from 2d to'6d each, and our boys' straw hats from 3d to Is eaoh. at Tc Aro House, Wellington. ;i. :. Wanted, aye wanted, Soo' customers for ladies'stammer costumes from ,3s 6d to 60s, and summer mantles and jackets of every description from 2s lid to 4 guineas, at le iro Houbb, Wellington, ; ' Wanted, everyone to see and buy 4button kid gloves, superior quality, usual price 2s lid, for Is lid; -As 500 pairs of these hue already been sold, no time should be lost in securing them at TeAro House, Wellington. Wanted, aye wanted, purchasers for a special lot of Orientul and other laces-at about half their usual price, viz, 2Jd, 3jd, s|d and GJd per yard. There is bound to be rush for these at Te Aro House .--Advt.