LOOKING BACK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 45, 3 December 1940, Page 4

LOOKING BACK.

FIFTY YEARS SYNE.

(From the “Guardian,” Dec. 3, 1890)

Damage to Rakaia Bridge—lt was discovered this morning that spine damage had been sustained to the Rakaia bridge, and the first train from Ashburton could not proceed. It remained at Rakaia till nearly 10 o’clock and then proceeded as far on the bridge as could be managed with safety, where passengers and luggage were transferred on trollies to the other side, meeting the first train from Christchurch; This caused a delay of some 40 minutes. Pasengers by the express required similar treatment, as it is unsafe for a train to cross. Tiie damage is near the centre of the river where the heavy stream is running, and for. two spans there is a depression or some six or seven inches. Several piles are just hanging and two arc gone. It is surmised that the damage was done when the stock train passed over early this morning. Every effort will be made to effect repairs as soon as possible, and it is reported that ordinary traffic will be resumed within a few days. There will delay in the meantime," but travellers must be thankful that it is no v T orse, and put up with a little inconvenience. There is a jot of wmter coming down, and where the damage is, two heavy streams join. Were it not for the strong stays put in some time ago nothing could save the bridge. . .

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO.

(From the “Guardian,” Dec. 3, 1915)

Good Catch. —A splendid lot of t/out were caught at the Rakaia River recently by Messrs Denby find Young. During two days’ fishing they succeeded in landing 56 fine fish, in excellent condition, and averaging over 51b each. German Socialists Want- Peace—lt appears, says the special correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph,” that trouble awaits the Reichstag, and is rapidly crystallising. The Social. Democratic Party has given notice of an interpretation—Wall the Imperial Chancellor make a statement as to the conditions under which he will be inclined to enter peace negotiations? The correspondent adds that this is not a mere formality as the Social Democrats are very determined, and this mode is impelled by the suffering of the industrial classes owing to shortage of food.