THE RIMUTAKA ACCIDENT.

Evening Post, Volume XXI, Issue 56, 9 March 1881, Page 2

THE RIMUTAKA ACCIDENT.

? It is still broadly asserted in a Wairarapa contemporary that compensation has been paid to some of tha sufferers by the Rimutaka accident, and that " one of the richest men in the district " is among those to whom such compensation has been paid. It is further alleged that Mr. Charlea Pharazyn has demanded and obtained pecuniary compensation for his personal loss on that occasion. We mentioned a few days ago in general terms that this report was incorrect, nothing having been paid beyond a mere compassionate [misprinted " compensation"] allowance in one or two particular cases of extreme distress. We have since made more minute enquiries, and find our previous statement thoronghly borne out in every respect. Not one farthing of "compensation" has been paid to anybody. The only payments which have been made at all on account of the accident have been some of the doctors' bUls (others deemed excessive being still held over), the expenses of medicine, nursing, &c , for the wounded ; the cost of the funeral of the two Nicholas children ¦who were killed ; and lastly, a "compassionate" allowance of .£lO to a man named Crouch, who was severely wounded, and who pleaded that he had been consequently reduced" to destitution. We are positively assured that no payment whatever has been made to Mr. C. Pharazyn, and the reports which have been circulated are purely imaginary. Mr. Walter Johnston, of this city, member of the House of Representatives for the Manawatu district, has joined the Ministry. The vacant seat in the Cabinet was offered to him, and was finally accepted by him last night, when the appointment was duly made and approved by his Excellency the Governor. Mr. Walter Johnston was accordingly sworn in to-day as a member of the Executive Council and as Postmaster-General. The E.M.S. City of Sydney, with the San Francisco mail, was signalled at Auckland jast as we »vere going to press. It is understood that the Premier will probably attend his Excellency on his Southern tour, now that the Ministerial vacancy has been filled up. His Excellency leaves by the Hinemoa to-morrow for Lyttelton, and returns toward the end of the month. Up to the closing ef the Government oflices last evening, Property Tax to the amount of about .£BOOO had been received at the Wellington office, from 550 different persons. To-day the payments continue to be made in large numbers and amounts. There was a clean sheet at the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning. Mr. Shaw, R M., accompanied by Mr. W. P. James, the Clerk of the Court, proceeded to the Lower Hntt, to dispose of some civil cases and preside over a meeting of the Licensing Commissioners for the Hutt District. The adjourned sitting of the Assessment Court for the Borough of Wellington for the purpose of entertaining appeals in connection with the valuation list was held yesterday afternoon, before his Honor Judge Shaw. Mr. W. T. L. Travers, the City Solicitor, and Mr. J. Ames, the City Valuer, were present as before. Additional reductions were made as follows : — Cook Ward — John McKenzie, .£23 to .£2O, and .£lB to .£l2 ; Alfred Lindsay, .£2B to .£2l ; T. K. Macdonald, .£3O to .£2O ; Donald McLean, £25 to £16, and £25 to £21; Thomas Reeves, £28 to £20; P. Buck, £25 to £19 (two), and £45 to £40; and E. Toomath, £25 to £18. Lambton Ward— Another reduction was effected in this ward, viz., J. Joseph, £1500 to £1000. Te Aro WardSamuel Palmer, £110 to £90 ; R. M. Cleland, £110 to £80. This concluded the list with the exception of the appeal by Mr. W. W. Taylor, judgment in regard to which was reserved, and the Court then adjourned. Regarding the overwork imposed on pupilteachers who have both to teach and to study for examination, the Auckland Observer says: — "Poor Miss Williamson died from typhoid fever, brought on by over study, and over excitement of the brain concerning the approaching examination. Miss Hungerford has now succumbed, and lies dangerously ill at home of the same disease and from the same cause. When will examiners begin to discover that they are working a serious and fatal injury to the health of the young women teaching in our public schools, by the severity and length of the examinations to which they are now subjected? Will they teach any better for the ordeal through which they have to pass ? I doubt it. And certainly a distinction should be made between men and women, and an easier set of papers allotted to the latter, or we shall soon have our best and most refined young women removed from the schools by lunacy or death. Hard worked throughout the year between teaching and studying, they are slaving now during the holidays, to wind up with a severe examination in the last week in January, and then back to school, and teaching again without any respite. Are the authorities asleep? " At twenty minutes past seven o'clock this morning, a collision took place in Mannersstreet between a tram-engine and a cart belonging to the Fire Brigade. The tram wa3 approaching Willis-street and the Fire Brigade's vehicle was proceeding in an opposite direction, while an express belonging to Mr. Dixon, soda-water manufacturer, was standing close to the footpath in front of a shop next to the New Zealander Hotel. It was at this spot that the collision occurred. The brigade's cart attempted to steal past the stationary vehicle, jusfc as the tram was a few feet distant, and as the engine-driver was in the act of stopping the tram, the two bodies came in contact with each other, the brigade's cart, of coarse, sustaining- the greater damage. One of its wheels was carried away, and the axle-tree broken at the arm. Professor Westen gave another of his varied entertainments at the Academy of Music last evening, the programme being different from that given during the two first nights A change of programme is again announced for this evening. Mr. C. C. Graham, Town Clerk, left yesterday per Tararua en route for Oamaru, having been called thither to visit a relative who is dangerously ill. A single man named Robert Jackson, aged 39, died at the Hospital last night from heart disease. He had no relatives in New Zealand, and very little is known of him by the Hospital authorities. Teams from the Native and Defence Departments and the Publio Works Department played a cricket match yesterday, the Native and Defence being victors by 66 runs — making a total of 125, as against 59 by the Public Works eleven. Messrs. Page and Webb bowled for the Native and Defence team, and Messrs. Knapp, Godden, and Hickson for the other side, Hickson taking no fewer than eight wickets in the second innings. A free lecture on technical drawing was delivered by Mr. E. Fraser Jones, C.E., of Auckland, at the Mount Cook School last evening, under the auspices of the School Committee and other prominent gentlemen. Dr. Newman presided, and there was a very large attendance, including numerous school children. The lecture proved both interesting and instructive, and at its close Mr. Jones received a cordial vote of thanks. The service of song, "Christie's Old Organ," giv^n at the Woodward-street Congregational Church last night, was a very pleasant and successful affair. The connective readings were given by the Rev. W. H. West. Mr. Charlton acted aa organist. A cricket match between the youths of Carterton and Greytown respectively, played at Carterton on Saturday, resulted in a viotory for Carterton by 33 runs. One of the home team — £. Rutherfurd — did the " hat trick," taking three wickets with three successive balls.

The Iweekly meeting of the committee of the Wellington Benevolent Institution was held yesterday afternoon. Present— Mr. J. G. Holdsworth (Chairman), Councillors Allen and Danks, Messrs. J. E. Smith, B. Smith, and J. Lewis; Yen. Archdeacon Stock, Rev. Messrs. P. Kerrigan, H. B. Redstone, W. J. Williams, H. Van Staveren, J. T. Hinton, and W. Kirk. After the usual list of relief applications had been dealt with, a memorandum from the Town Clerk was read, stating that the City Council had given notice to the Government that after the 31st instant they will be unable to continue the Hospital and Charitable aid of the city, in consequence of the cessation of the municipal subsidy. It was decided to leave the discussion of this memo, over till a future meeting, and in the meantime to send a copy of it to the Government. , A donation of £1 was acknowledged a3 having been received from A.G. The monthly rations account was stated to amount to £91. Mr. George Jones, of Kaitoke, has just succeeded in getting a petition signed by upwards of 200 residents in the district, and travellers on the railway, protesting against tha removal of the refreshment rooms from the Kaitoke Station. The memorial comprises some very influential signatures, including the Speaker of the Honse of Representatives, members of Parliament, and most of the leading runholdera in the Wairarapa. It is to be preaented to the Minister of Publio Works by Mr. Levin, M.H.R., Mr. Bunny, M.H.R., and Mr. Jones. It is pointed out that not only is the present site the most convenient for passengers by rail, but also for those journeying by road, being the only place between Featherston and the Upper Hutt where it is possible to obtain refreshments. A meeting of the directors of the Albion Gold Mining Company was held yesterday, when it was decided to sink a shaft to intersect the lode at intervals. The work wa3 to be commenced to-day by the five men now employed by the company, and it will be carried on by two shifts. When the shaft is down a certain distance, a drive will be put in to cut the reef, and then another shaft will be sunk, and bo on, till the nature of the reef ia thoroughly tested. The survey of the claim has been completed, and a plan handed to Mr. Mowbray, the trustee of the estate. The adjourned extraordinary general meeting of the Wellington Trust, Loan, and Investment Company again lapsed last night owing to the non-attendance of a quorum of members. The meeting has now been adjourned sine die. The following tenders were received by the Public Works Department for the Bellgrove contract (permanent way), Nelson-Grey-month Railway : — Accepted — H. Shepherd, Springfield, £1116. Declined —P. Day, Mosgiel, £1139 : Stuart and Lamb, Dunedin, £1222; Mace and Bassett, Patea, £1283 ; Freeman Bros , Nelson, £1311 ; Wilkie and Crawford, Wanganui, £1336 ; T. Denby, Wanganui, £1350 ; J. Whittaker, Dnnedin, £1353; M'Cnlloch and Co., Nelson, £1386 ; W. Tendall, Wanganui. £1485 ; Gorrie and Carter, Nelson, £1860 ; John b'cott, Nelson, £1877; Scalley and Co., Wellington, £1947. By a telegram received from Wanganui today, we learn that in the senior inrigged race the Manawatu (built by Mr T. R. H. Taylor, of Wellington) came in first, and the Rata second. The Manawatu, it may be remembered, was very successful at the Foxton regatta. We also learn that Mr. E. C. Batkin, of the Star Boating Club, won the sculling race easily. The Rescue Lodge held its weekly session last evening in the Adelaide Road Schoolroom, Bro. Saxby being in the chair. After the usual routine business was transacted, three out of the fonr candidates for the office of District Deputy addressed the meeting respecting their views of the Order and the position to which they were aspiring. The election will take place in about two weeeks' hence. A unanimous vote of tha-'ka to the candidates, and the closing ceremonies, ended the meeting. A cricket match will be played on the Basin Reserve next Saturday, between the Mount Cook School C.C. and 2nd Eleven of the Rising Stars. The following players will represent the Mount Cook Eleven: — S. Nicholls, A. Rigg, G. Robinson, L. Barnett, J. Hickey, W. Dempsey, D. St. Clair, R. Blacklock, H. Tripe and D. Tripe ; emergencies —T. Randell, F. Clarke and P. Knowles. Dr. Michael Hanratty, who has been resident in Featherston for a brief period, was brought to town last evening in the custody of Constable Brunskill. He was committed to the Mount View Lunatic Asylum by the Featherston magistrates. It was shown that he had been drinking heavily of late, and had threatened to commit suicide by cutting himself with a razor. British seamen (says the Home News) have formed a " Protection Society," and aro taking steps to obtain from the Board of Trade some regulations by which no seaman shall be rated an "A . B. " before he has passed a compulsory examination in practical seamanship—a measure which, if rigidly carried out, would, as they say, go further towards the safety of life and property at sea than any legislation yet attempted. A recent sitting of the Resident Magistrate's Court, Dnnedin, was interrupted by an extraordinary incident, which is thus described by the Morning Herald : — A solicitor in one of the cases elected to give evidence, but whilst on his journey from the bar to the box, either from bodily infirmity or more questionable causes, he exhibited a desire to quarrel with the chairs. His Worship evidently desiring to maintain etiquette in Court, indignantly exclaimed, " Mr. , you are nat in a fit state to plead, and you are even in a less fit state to go into that box and give evidence. I will not take yon or your oath— you are intoxicated. I warn you against ever ag_ain making your appearance in this Court in the state you are now in. I shall bring the matter before the Judge of the Supreme Court in some way." The case was then adjourned for a week. An action was recently brought against the School Board of Hull and a pupil teacher named Cherry to recover £200 damages, for injuries sustained under very peculiar circumstances. It was stated that Cherry was about to examine some writing done by a boy named Burrows, and while in the act of inflicting a blow upon a boy sitting close by, Cherry's pen fell from behind his ear into the left eye of Burrows, and completely destroyed the sight of that eye. Ihe Recorder held that the case came within the ordinary law affecting master and servant, and assess* d the damages at £100. A verdict was given for the plaintiff for that amount and costs. The Sydney Echo tells the following story : — " A man went into a Sydney oyster saloon the other evening-, called for a plate of oysters, and, having eaten them, asked how much there was to pay. ' A shilling,' was the reply; whereupon the customer asked for another dozen, and went on ordering and eating until he had finished five plates of bivalves. Then he calmly informed the landlord that he had no money, and in response to a little abuse, which was natural enough, he added : ' Oysters should not be more than sixpence a plate. I came in here prepared to pay that; for what I ordered, but when you at once put it out of my power to be honest, and I knew that the law would have something to say in the matter, I was determined the law should have a case worth taking. Had I been as hungry as usual, I shonld have eaten 10 plates.' This peculiar logic so staggered the landlord that when his customer frowned sternly at him, and walked out, he could make no attempt to stop him." Probably (says the Home News) it may be interesting to know how the Bank of England is protected at night during these times of alarm on account of the private burglar and the political rascal. A guard of thirty-six men from the household troops— that is from one of the battalions of Guards stationed at the Wellington Barracksmarches into the bank at 6 o'clock every evening from October to April, and remains on duty until 7 o'clock in the morning; from April to October it goes on duty at 7 p.m. and remains until 6 a.m. the following day. A sentry is posted at eaoh gate, who is relieved every hour. Each man receives one shilling per night ; the sergeants receive half-a-crown each, and the officer in charge, who is always a subaltern, has a bottle of wine and dinner provided, to which he i 3 allowed to invite a friend. He also receives one guinea. All the employe's, excepting those whose duty it is to remain in the bank all night, as well as the officer's guest, must quit the premises at 11 p m. Between that hour and 6 in the morning no one is allowed, under any pretence whatever, to enter or leave without his name and other particulars being transcribed in a book kept for that purpose. Under the heading of " A New Star in the Firmament," the Lyttelton Times of Saturday says : — " Last night anyone passing in front of the Police Station might have seen the unwonted spectacle of a knot of stalwart guardians of the peace ' gazing in silent awe at what appeared to be a star of a deep blood-red colour, which was just visible above the roof of the Public Library. ' I've watched it for three-quarters of an hour,' said one of the gazers, ' and it appears to be moving.' 'This will be a fine subject for the reporters,' remarked another. 'The Fire Brigade have been holding their picnic to-day,' suggested a person of a sceptical turn, 'perhaps it's some firework they've been sending up.' Thifl opinion seemed to find favor, though one or two of the on-lookers urged that the brigade picnic was not held in the direction in which the mysterious light had appeared. To settle the question, a genial sergeant applied himself to the telephone, aad 'rang up' the fire brigade station. ' What's that light in the

nor-east?' was the Question carried alongthe wire. ' A kite,' was the answer. ' A what r' queried the sergeant. ' A kite with a lantern tied to its tail,' shouted a reporter who had ' looked in ' after an item. 'O-- -h, I thought the end of the world was coming, and was turning quite religious,' was the answer, and ' the dark gentlemen in blue,' quite reassured, returned to the error of their ways."

Most of our readers will remember that amongst the many buildings destroyed by the Manners-street fire of June, 187*9, was the Wealeyan Sunday School. Since that time the teachers and children have had to put up with many inconveniences, the operations being conducted first in tho Arcade, and latterly in Wesley Chnrch, the galleries of this building being used for the purpose. The teachers, not satisfied with their present circumstances, which are not at all adapted to the work, have, with the hearty co-opera-tion of the ladies of the church and other friends, decided to make a determined effort to build a new schoo'room, free of debt, with the least possible delay. With this praiseworthy object in view, a largely attended meeting of ladies was held in the chnrch yesterday, when it was resolved to hold a grand bazaar, to take place in November next, and all those who feel an interest in Sunday schools are invited to kindly aid in this most urgent work. Contributions of any kind will be thankfully received by any of the ladies at the head of stalls, whose names will be found in our advertising columns. We are informed that accommodation is required for over 400 children.