The Temuka Leader SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 1880.

Temuka Leader, Issue 258, 17 April 1880, Page 2

The Temuka Leader SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 1880.

It will be seen from our local columns that another accident has taken place, on the railway line, resulting in the destruction of three valuable horses, belonging to one owner. Fortunately, no further harm was done. We heard at first that the horses had been killed by the up noon train, but on making further enquiries we learned that it was the mail train from Christchurch, with the ’Frisco mail, that caused the damage. It was very dark at the time, so no blame can be attached to any of the officials. On visiting the scene of the accident, evidence was abundant to show that the horses had been fearfully mangled ; and we noticed that the lino is in close proximity to a narrow private road; the line is not fenced there, and the horses, to all appearances, had strayed on to the line by this road. These numerous accidents are becoming a hardship. Stock can easily get on the line of the place refen ed to and driven before the engine, they soon find themselves confronted with cue of the numerous culverts that intersect this part, and so are destroyed. In the case referred to the express was go-ng at a speed no horse could escape from. It is certainly the duty of the railway authorities to do all they can to stop this waste of private properiy. Not long ago a tradesman here lost a valuable horse not far from the same place. The horse had got out of the paddock, we are informed, for the first and only time that he had been out, but not only did he lose his horse, but was fined 20s for his horse straying. Now, this is rather hard lines ; however careful one may be, a beast may break out and get on the line if gaps are left unfenced. It is right and proper to protect the lives of the public in every way in their power, but more care should be taken to secure the fences and to fence where it is rot already done. It is no trifling matter for a single individual to have three valuable horses destroyed at one sweep, through the carelessness of the railway authorities.