Fifty Years Ago To-day

Southland Times, Issue 23000, 21 September 1936, Page 6

Fifty Years Ago To-day

(From The Southland Times.)

SEPTEMBER 21, 1886.

En Route.—The departure of the Big Bay prospectors from Invercargill on Saturday gave rise to considerable bustle about the railway station and platform. A very large number of relatives, friends and citizens were on hand to give the adventurers a good send off. Railway passes had been issued for 105 men, and those with their stores, tools, etc., occupied a considerable number of vehicles. As the train moved off, hearty cheers and fond wishes were exchanged between the travellers and those left behind. Arrived at the port, the prospect was not at all inviting, for a cold, raw westerly wind was blowing, accompanied by showers of rain. Tracks were speedily made for the Hinemoa and a motley crowd was soon swarming her deck and fore-cabin. The collection of dogs was astonishing, some 26 being tied up round the windlass. The ship will not go to sea until the weather moderates.

Lost Articles.—Wellington, September 19— The postal authorities intend to hold a sale of property accumulated in the Dead Letter office, some of which has been in their keeping since 1862. The valuables are chiefly gold dust and nuggets, rings, cash, cheques and other monetary documents. From the San Francisco Mail.— The Rev. Henry Ward Beecher has fallen ill and cancelled his English lecturing tour. He has gone to a water cure at Moffat, Dumfriesshire. His youngest brother, the Rev. W. Beecher, committed suicide on August 25, at Eluina, New York. He was also at a water cure establishment on account of illhealth.