Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1899.

It is needless to say that the terrible disaster at Rakaia has cast quite a gloom over the district. It is <qaally unnecessary to assert that there are hundreds of people who think- they can explain exactly how the catastrophe happened, and can point out who is to blatue. There have always been wise acres of that class—a poet calls them footed— who rush in where angels fear to tread. In the recent case there have been many theories advanced to account for the accident, all more or !esß hypothetical, some actually absurd. It is impossible for any of the outside public to get a clear idea of the affair owing to the reticence of the railway officials. But judging from the facts so f&e as they are known it would appear that the disaster was not due to any miscalculation or fluw in the arrange ments made by the railway authorities. The remarkable immunity from acci dents which has attended all previous ! excursion trains that have been sent out frooa Christchurch justifies the assumption that but for some fortui tous circumstance the arrangements for the excursion trains on Saturday would have worked without a hitch. This being so, we must look ekewhere for the reason why the second train ran into the first; and however anxious some may be to fix the blame upon a particular person or persons, we cannot ignore the fact that a defective brake or the slightest failure in the mechani cal working of any portion of that long train might easily bring destruc tion upon the whole. Viewed from this standpoint, Jtherefore, the wonder is, not that we have had this sad accident, but that so many of those heavily laden trains have gone through without the smallest mishap. Nothing more cowardly and contemptible could well be conceived than to attack and condemn a public officer who cannot defend himself, whenever anything goes wrong with the work entrusted to him. It is on a par with kicking a woman, and every right-thinking person in the community will, we are sure, admit this. It ia to be hoped, there fore, that however desirous we may be to have the cause of the Bakaia disas ter fully explained, we should suspend judgment in the matter, and not risk prejudicing the case of any person who may be concerned in the making or carrying oat of the arrangements con cected with the recent excursion. We see that the engine-driver on the second train admits that he misjudged the distance when he was pulling up his train. Tbat practically explains the accidents. But when it is remem bered how exceptionally dark and stormy the night was, and that engine drivers are only human beings after all, we are sure that nothing has trans pired to justify a charge of culpable negligence against the department or any of its employees.

The circumstances attending the de plorable accident at Rakaia served to emphasise the annoyance to which the public are subjected by the regulation enforcing absolute reticence re accidents upon the officers and employees of the railway department On Saturday evening there were a number of persons waiting on the station for relations and friends expected by the last train from Chmtchurch. They naturally became uneasy, as the minutes rolled by and no news was obtainable of the cause of the train's delay. As soon as it be came known that an accident had occurred, the uneasiness and anxiety i> creased, yet no information could Le extracted from the officials which might have allayed the fears of those who had friends coming up from Ohnstchurch. On the other hand, supposing the acci dent to have happened to the expected train, and a relative of one of the anxious one 3 lay in need of help, what shall be said of a system of concealment that would keep the facts from those concerned ? Are ministerial mistakes or possible official mis-management to be kept dark at the expense of the public interest or the welfare of €be rest of the community 1 The position assumed by th& railway authorities is antagonistic to the public weal and the sooner the hard and fast rules with re gard to not- divulging matters which concern the public at least as much as the railway officials are altered the better for the whole community. We do not, of course, find any fault with the officials themselves for refusing to impart informa tion with regard to delays a»d accidents to the trains. They have to obey instructions, and conform to the regulations of the service. But the regulations must be made more elastic. The circumstances and conditions that originated them in countries where all the lines are in the hands of private companies which had suffered severely in a pecuniary way from matters being divulged in cases of accidents, do not exist here where the railways are the property of the State, aod every tax payer is to some extent a shareholder.

There is one matter in connection with these excursion trains which, in view of the great responsibility resting upon guards of trains, calls for serious notice. We refer to the trouble and risk caused by intoxicated passengers. It is an open secret that when the two excursion trains left Ashburton on Saturday evening, several of the ex cursionists were noisily drunk, so much so, that at Eakaia after the accident, and while the dead and wounded were being removed from the carriages, a fight took place on the platform between two men much the worse for their libations. If this case were an exceptional ona we might have passed it without notice, but it is not. Several excursion trains to Ashburton lately have had persons on them the worse for liquor. A moments reflec tion will conyjnce anyone that with such characters under his care tho responsibilities of the guard of the train are greatly increased, and it is surprising that there have not been frequent cases of these tipsy people fall ing ojfthe train. The guaid may prevent such persons from going on his train, but how many guards—or other people for that matter—are there who would venture to decide when a man is aotually so drunk as to be incapable etc. ? We think that special provision shoald be made jto the cape of excursion

trains—when the guards hands are pretty full anyway—to Biraplify deal ing with the question of preveutiug drunken men beiua a nuisance to the guard and their fellow passengers. We wou d suggest that a horse box be at tached to each ex ursion train, into which every person found drunk m a train should be promptly thrush. That would relieve the yuard and also pro tect the tipsy indi-idual from accident.

Sea the Boys who Provide Sport Local and General.

Hisbys Dermatic Company.—The Odd fellows' Hall has been booked for the A. and P. Show nitjht, in October next), by Henry's Dramatic Company. An Omkion.—"Some men decline to become members of a Borough Council, because, they say, the dcvii ia there. That) it is so, is your fault and mine* The Christian community of this oolony has the power to cleanse the corruptness of all public bodies if they would only set about it." This is an opinion expressed by the Rev T. G. Brooke ia his sermon on Sunday morning. Jwvenilb Biotcmst.—TheTemuka Leader claims that Master Gilbert Ilayhurst is per haps the youngest bicyclist in the world. He is nob yet four ye ire, yot ho mounts his little bicycle from the step like a man, even going uphill. He often rides from Green Hayes to Temaka, and gets up a good speed, too. He is a fiae, sturdy little fellow, and is the admired of all admirers as he whisks along on his dainty little bicycle. Faddists —'he Rev. T. G. Brooke, who during his three years' Wesleyan pastorate in Aehburton, vvaa an ardent advocate of prohibition, and gave a good deal of hia tima to the crusade, has evidently lost none of hie enthusiasm in the cause. Said he, on Sunday morning —" When Oliver Cromwell told the Parliamentarians that he must have men with a conscience, he was looked upon by some as being a faddist, in the same sense in whi h to-day a section of the people looked upon the brothers Leonard and Frank leitt. The Wreck of the TASMANlA.—Aocord ing to the accounts of the d.ver Pascoe s now engaged in salvage operations at the scene ,of the wreck of the ill-fated Tasmania, the iron divisions and woodwork of the interior of the vessel appear nob to have suffered injury ; of course they are beginning to be covered with shell-fiah and to suffer more or less from marine insects. The woodwork no doubt would require renovating if the vessel were raised, but the machinery, ironwork, and other fittings have not deteriorated. They are, in fact, Pascoe positively declares, as good as the day they went down. Re-Marriage of Divorcees «-Ab the recent Conference of Anglican Bishopa held in Ohristchurch the attitude of the Anglican Church in relation to the re-marriage of divorced persons was discussed. A declara tion authorised by the conference, published in the Church News, sets forth that when the church received its constitution in 1857 the re-rnairiage of divorced persona was strictly forbidden in the Church of England, and that rule became the rule of the church of this province, and must continue to be so until altered by act of the General Assembly. The declaration, which is signed by the Primate, and the Bishops of Dunedin, Chrlstchurch, Nelson, Waiapa, Wellington, and Melanesia, goes on to say :—•• We wish it to be known that) the re-marriage of a divorced person during the lifetime of the other party, is, therefore, contrary bo the law of the church of this province, and that no bishop or priest) of the church is at liberty to celebrate such a marriage. We recognise the diversity of opinion and practice which has prevailed ia the Catholic Church in regard to the re marriage of the innocent party in the case of s divorce for adultery, and, unless in any particular instance we find good reason to the contrary, we shall instruct the clergy not to refuse th« Sacraments and other privileges of the church to those who, under civil sanction, are thua married. But we require that every such cisc shail be submitted to the bishop of the diocese for his consideration." The blood is the medium by which all nutriment is supplied to the body. No organ, for its magnitude, possesses a greater abundance of blood vessels than the h ,rse's foot. Nor is greater care manifested any whore to ensure an uninterrupted supply of blood. Marvellous wisdom is displayed in this beautiful structure ; but J how barbar ous is the treatment it receives. A catalogue of evils could quickly be written, the result of such treatment, but which no skill can effectually remove. The free, natural, elastic step can only be preserved by the observance of natural lawp. Our advice i« constantly being sought in so-called obscure | causes of lameness. Instead of ifc being as is generally supposed " the shoulder," the trouble is in the foot. Pressure, irritating and inflaming, prevents free circulation, and pus or matter' ia discovered in the olift. W. T. Kingston may be consulted »b all hours, either at his Forge, Wills street, or at hid private residence, Grey street.

All Get Ready for March 17th

lIA9IPSTEAI) TOWN HOARD.

The monthly meeting of the Hampstead Town Board was held on Friday evening. Present—Messrs Maynard, Cawsey, An drews, McKlrea, and Keeley. An apology was received from Mr Elliott). Mr Maynard was voted to the chair. BiyA.UaiJ3!KBING LICENSES, Slaughtering licenses were granted to Mr E. J. Cox for Lots 91—93, R.*» 25014 j and to Mr W. H. Robinson for R.S. 24503. BOLLS. Thß following roll alterations were autho rised, subject to payment of rates due :—J W. Baker to H. Williams, Lob 40. E.S. 6572 ; M. Digby to R. Cooper, Lot 2, R.S. 4904. WORKS COMMITTEE. Mr Maynard reported that the Works Committee had inspected the South Road near the Gas Works, and had decided to have a channel nude from the Gas Works bo the creek. A discussion took place on a recommenda tion to form the footpath on the East Belt, in the course of which Mr McElrea Baid he was opposed to the proposal throughout, as, although the work was more required than any other, he did not consider the Board could a£T>rd to do ib, and other works authorised should be completed. He tendered his resignation as a member of the Works Committee. Messrs Cawsey and Maynard asked Mr McElrea, to withdraw his resignation, and he finally consented to hold it over till next meeting. On the motion of Mr Androws, seconded by Mr Cawsey, it was resolved that the Borough Council bo requested to furnish an estimate for forming the East Belt from Wakanui Road to Moore street. MrMitElrea voted against the proposition, The Clerk was instructed to writs to a contractor, requiring him to proceed with contract at once, that works suspended during harvest be proceeded with. CKAIRMAN. The election of a permanent chairman was deferred till next meeting, and Mr Maynard was appointed to act in the meantime. WAKANCI CREEK. Mr McSlrea gave notice of motion for next meeting—'* Thab the Ashburton County Council having taken over the mill race, the Hampatead Town Board does nob recognise any responsibility in connection with bridges or fords over or through the said mill race." The Board then sat as a BOARD OF HEALTH. In reply to Mr McElrea, the Clerk stated thab no reports of infectious disease had been received from the doctors. A complaint was received of a nuisanoe caused by pigs—Mr Andrews proposed and Mr Cawsey seoon'ded that the matter be referred to the inspector of nuisances to report. Mr McKlrea moved an amendment thab members of the Board inspect the premises. This was nob seconded and the original motion was carried.

TERBIBLE

RAILWAY COLLISION

Several Lives Lost.

Many People Injured- i (by our special eeporteb.) The excursion of the Islington employees to Ashburton on Saturday had a moat lamentable ending, and the picnic will be a Bad recolection for the rest of their lives to all who had anything to do with ib. Ash burton people know what kind of weather the excursionists experienced during the day and how miserable a holiday it) must have been to all concerned, but no one looked for such an ending to the picnic as was witnessed at Rakaia. The first of the two excursion trains left Ashburton on the return journey at a few minutes past six o'clock, and reached Rakaia without accident, where it pulled up to awaits the crossing of the north train and the express. The second train left about twenty minutes later. The express followed ab about its usual time. The first excursion was standing on the main line at the Bakaia station, and the second train came on, the loop line for the Mebhven train being left. open for the express. The second train had no guard in the rear van, that officer having fallen off his van at Ashburton at the * laßt moment as the train was starting, and was left behind, the station officials here nob being able to catch the eye of the engine-drivers, and the train proceeded without him. When the second train reached Rakaia, the wet arid slippery condition of the rails interfered with the working of the brakes.and the train could not be stopped in time. The stationmaater and the guarda of the first train saw that a collision was inevitable and were able to signal to the drivers of the first train to go on, which they did, bnb the sudden jerk attendant upon such an unpremeditated start was too much for the coupling con necting the fourth carriage from the end with the main train, and these four carriages did not move with the rest of tha train. The leading engine of the second train smashed into the guard's van of i the first train, and a terrible scene followed. The carriage next the van was driven right into the carriage in front of it, the front wheels actually rising up and cutting their way into the middle of the carriage, slicing it in two, and carrying the top part of it right away and piling it on the roof of the carriage in front of it. Fortunately, the carriage thus ruined had no passengers, but the one in front was full, and ib was here and in the one ahead of it that the passen gers suffered. So terribly jammed together and Btnashed up were those carriages that the side of one of them had to be cut away by the people on the platform before the passengers could be gob out. Somebody called out "Jump for your lives," and one woman with a baby in her arms jumped at once. She was caughb by Mr William McConuell, blaoksmitb, and landed without injury to either herself or the baby, though the latter was separated from her as she sprang, bub Mr McConneli secured both. A terrible scene was then witnessed. Three young women were taken out dead, as well as the dead body of an infant, whose mother had both legs broken. The young women killed wera Miss At Franks (28), a daughter of Mr J. Franks, of Yaldhurst; Miss Fanny J >nes, aged 21, the adopted daughter of Mr Franks, and Miss Katherine Jones, aged eighteen, sister of the last named. (A telegram to-day corrects this,) An infant was also killed, but the name of the mother was not ascertained. The bodies were ab once taken to Mr Craighead's Railway Hotel, and Dr Oorduer being immediately on the scene essayed the terrible bask of attending to the many wounded. "Terrible" is the correct word to me, seeing thateverything had to be done under circumstances few medical men are called on to face. A railway accident in the dark, and under a fierce rainstorm with everything wringing wet, anda panic-stricken mob for environment. But the brave sur geon kept his head and behaved with a c:\lm and minified coolness that not one man in a thousand would have displayed. There was the usual rush of ignorant people to hinder him and gape at him while he worked, but there -were also sensible people about to help him and Mr 0. A. C. Hardy took command of the crowd and kept them away from the doctor while he attended to the more seri ously wounded. There was nobody to help Or. Uordner, and nothing for him to work with, but Mr George Hardy ran home and brought lint and bandages, and cut eplinfca from the debris of the carriages, while a great hearted Irish girl, named Miss Esther Wilson, one of the excursionists rose to the occasion and stood at the doctor's right hand all through, behaving the doctor says, in a manner deserving of all praise. This lady had had no " first aid " training, but she could nob have done better work had she been a trained hospital nursa. Rev Father Bogae also rendered valuable assistance. Another name to ha men tioned is that of Mrs S. Saunders, the wife of the editor of the Lyttelton Times, who was on the express, and while the train stood at the station she worked like a Trojan. The doctor pub in thirty splints on wounded limbs in half an hour. Fourteen bad cases were attended to— fractures, &c.~and when the line was cleared and a train gob ready, the dead and seriously wounded were taken on to Christ church. The figure fourteen represents only those who were seriously injured, bub amongsb the many passengers who were squirming in the broken carriages, there must have been many who received hurts. [The above was published as an extra last evening ]

THE SCENE OF THE DISASTER.

The Lyttelton Times' special reporter was a passenger by the north train, to be present at the opening of the freezing works, and came on the scene of the disaster when his train arrived at Rakaia. He telegraphed a» follows to his paper:— Rakaia, March 12. The excursionists had spent the day pleasantly at) Ashburtou, and left there in two heavy trains, the first drawn by two of the large English engines, leaving the plat form at 6 p.m., and the other, drawn by a large American engine, following twenty minutes later. When the second train was i leaving the station the crush on the plat, form was so great that pne of the guards was unable to reach his yan after giving the signal to Bt»rb, and was left behind the train going on with only one guard in the brake van. The first train reached Rakaia, safely, and drew upon the south aide of the plat form, where it had to wait for the evening train from Christchuroh to Ashburton to cross. This train was about twenty minutes late, and therefore the first excursion train could nob get; away tor Ohristohurch until the second was in sight. There being no signal station at Rakaia, an official was sent down to the points with a lamp, and as the train approached he gave the signal to stop. The driver of the engine, finding that he could not pull his train up, immediately gave three short sharp whistles, the signal for "down brakes." Although the guard in the van at the end of the train at once complied with the order, the heavy train, impelled by a strong south-west wind and aided by the slipperinoes of the rails from the heavy rain which had been failing all day, continued on its course, and with a terrible craeh ran into the tail of the firsb excursion train, com pletely telescoping the guard's ran and three carriages next to it. The accident would have been attended with much more serious results, and it is impossible to say what the loss of life would have been but for the prompt action of Mr J. Kurson, guard on the first train, who, when he saw the .second train approaching, signalled to his engine drivers to move on. They lost no time in applying ateam, bub owing to the great weight of the train it could only be moved a few yards before the second engine crashed into it. That so few of fcha oarriagei were smashed is, without doubt), attributable to the fact that this train was on the move, for if it had been stationary when struck, the danger of the whole of the thirty-two carriages, nearly all of which were filled with excursionists, being telescoped would have been very great, and there must have been appalling loss of life. Another circum stance to which several persona ewe thijr

escape from serioua injury, possibly death, may be mentioned. A number of the pas sengers had left the last three of the four carriages of the firat train, and were on the station pjatform, and their cries of •• jump for your lives " induced a number of those tUI on board to leap otr. on to the lines, and to this, uo doubt, many of them owe their lives. At this stage the scene almost beggars description. The hugnen,ine had crushed into the back of the guard's van, driving the end in as far as the bogie under-carnage. The van, in turn, was driven into the second-class compartment of an A«erioau carriage. One of the old-fashioned carriages, which was next, mounted the platform of the first-ofass compartment of the oarriage in front of it, and its hind wheels were driven along the floor of the compartment mnre than half-way to the partition, while another composite carriage, which was ahead of it, was driven clean over the floor of it, leaving nothing but the floor and the wheels, the whole of the body of the carriage having been crushed to matchwood. The two carriages in front of this, again, were only 1 slightly damaged, but the force of the con ouasion broke the couplings connecting with the major portion of th« train, whioh moved on out of harm's way. As the wreck lay piled up opposite the station bnildinga the sight was a terrible one, for, by a gaslight which was still burn ing in one of the carriages, men, women and children could be seen ..mingled with the debris, many of them being pinned down by the wreckage, and tha cries of the injured were heartrending. A panio ensued, and as the doors were jammed, strong men were to be Been fighting with women and children in their endeavours to gain an exit by the win* dowe, and the scene fer a short time was simply awful. The confusion was increased by the rush of persons who had friends in the train, and whose anxiety to learn whether they had been killed or injured was most distressing. I Axes were at onoe procured, and the work of cutting through the sides of the carriages to get the injured onb was commenced. Mr Wallis the railway ganger on this portion of | the line, was the firao to cuter the end oarriage, and he was soon followed by volunteers, who worked with a will. The people in the second-class compartment were found lying in a heap in the middle of the floor, most of them being seriously injured. In the first-class compartment three young women were lying dead amongst the debris. A baby was also dead, and the mother, who was seriously injured herself, still olasped it in her arms* A young man was found to be wedged by the foot in the broken framework of one of the iron chairs, and a number of others weie pinned down by the wreckage. The work of extricating the injured was carried out as speedily as possible, bub as the operations were not under organised control it was some time before everyone had been removed. On seeing the accident, Mr George Hardy at onoe ran off for Dr Cordner, who was quickly on the spot. The large room of the post office was improvised into a hospital, and for a time it presented a terrible scene. A toll of calico was procured from Mr Hardy's store, and ripped into bandages by willing bands, and pieces of the wreckage from the carriages were converted into splints, with which to Bet broken limbs. A number of those who were leas serioisly injured were removed to the hotel, where they received every attention from Mr and Mrs Craighead.

About this time the train from Christ church, which had been delayed on the Rakaia Bridge, arrived, and word waa sent on to Chertsey to let the express from the south through. Upon the arrival of the express, Mr A. L. Beattie, locomotive en gineer for the district, who was a passenger from Dunedin to Chriatchurch, left the train and took general charge of the operations. Fortunately, the express always carries a fully-equipped ambulance basket, and this was brought into requisition.. Mrs Thomp son, a professional nurse, was also on board thia train, and she, with Misa Lang, of Wellington, who haa had considerable ex perience in nuraing, and who had taken part in the excursion, and Mrs Fisher, of Isling ton, rendered valuable assistance to the doctor, who, it will be understood, had his hands more than full. Mr Samuel Horsnel!, guard of the express, at once set to work to turn a couple of carriages and the guard's ran into ambulance vans, and the injured were made as comfortable as possible with cushions taken from the first-class carriages, and ao 9.20 pm the train left for Christ ehuroh with some fourteen or fifteen of the worst r'cases. The Ohristchurch police and the Hospital authorities were acquainted of the accidenb by telegraph, so aa to have everything ready for the transportation of the .patients upon their arrival in town. Mrs Thompson and Mrs S, Saunders, whose knowledge of ambulance work had enabled them to render valuable Assistance, took charge of the patients in one carriage, and \ Miss Lang looked after those in another, and the injured persons in the van were attended to by their iriends. Amongst the gentlemen who, in addition I to the station officials, guards, and those already mentioned, rendered valuable assist ance were—Messrs C A 0 Hardy, D Brace, W MoConnell, J Moodie, W Street, D Street, J Sharp, senr., J Daniels, and J R Sharp. Mr Hardy's services were beyond all praise. If he had been personally inter ested in every -victim of the accident he could nob have displayed more concern or more readiness to supply every requirement of the doctor and his helpers. On Sunday the same correspondent's story ran >—

Mr J. Burnett, district engineer of rail ways, arrived from Christchurch by special train this morning with a Rang of workmen, and removed the wreck. The appearance of the shattered carriages this morning makes it difficult to understand how it was the loss of life was not very much greater, for the three carriages are telescoped to snch an extent that they barely occupy the length of more than one, and the tremendous force has crushed them together as though they were made of cardboard. The permanent way, strange "to say, was uninjured, and there will be no delay to traffic The bodies of the three women, which had been lying at Craighead's Hotel ail night, were taken to town by the return special, and the inquest will be opened at Christchurch at 10 a.m. to-morrow (Mon day); After viewing the bodies the jury will proceed to Bakaia to view the scene of the accident. [A telegram elsewhere states that the inquest" has been adjourned till Friday]. The difficulty of rescuing the injured was accentuated by the heavy rain which waa coming down. Muny of those who got out of the trains were drenched to the skin, but) water was lying everywhere to the depth of several inches, and those who had to be about were in a wretched plight. The first excursion train got away about 10 p.m., and the second, which had to be shunted back on to the noith line to get past the wreckage, left a little later. Mrs Spratt, the wife of a traveller for Messrs Mason, Struthers and Co, who had a leg broken and other injuries, was taken to town by Sunday morning's train, as were several others who were more or less injured, Mr J B Sharp, who was standing at the door of the station when the aooident occurred, was interviewed by me. He says that the first excursion train arrived a few minutes before 7 p.m., and stood with the tail van just opposite the station building, waiting for the arrival of the train which lefd Christchuroh at 4.40 p-m Numbers of people in the last four or five carriages had got out and were walking on the platform, as the train had to wait sufficiently long for the second train, which was timed to arrive twenty minutes later to be nearly due. Mr O'Neill, one of the station officials, under instructions, went to the points, about 317 yards to the south of the station, with a lamp, and when he saw the train approach ing he gave the signal that the line was blocked. The train, however, appeared to come on, and the next the people on the plat form knew was hearing three sharp whistles from the approaching engine, which was the signal for " down brakes." The train, how ever continued to come on, and the station master, Mr May, and the guard of the first) train, seeing that ft collision was inevitable, I gave the signal to the first train to more on, and Driver Hyland, who was on the leading engine, immediately put on steam, and gob his train moved about a carriage length when the second train ran into it with an awful crash, which could be heard for some dis tance. When Mr Sharp saw the second train coming, he with others, called to those in the first) to jump for their lives, and as many as possibly could, did bo.

Ik waa not until late at night that it was ' certain that no bodies remained in the { wreckage, as owing ta the manner in whioh ; the carriages were interlocked it was a matter of great diflhulty to examine the wreckage thoroughly. '• The railway officials, of course, are very reticent as to the cause of the accident, bat the general opinion of those who saw the occurrence is that the brakes at the rear of the approaehicg train did not act properly. Many of the iujured behaved tn a most plucky manner, one young fellow in pirticu lar, while lying with both legs broken and wedged in the wreck, never uttering a mur mur. The shrieks of aome of the injured, however, were terrible to hear.- All the residents of the district were most Attentive in ministering to the wants of the injured so far as lay in their power. The sad affair haa naturally oast a, gloom over the town ship. As soon aa the news Arrived at Aauburton Drs Bolger, Hunter, Trevor and Maude drove dowu to Rakaia, but by the time they arrived the injured had all been attended to by Dr Oordner, who mutt be complimented upon the manner in whioh he acted under the very greatest difficulties. Mr W. MoConnell, blacksmith, was the first to go through the carriages after the accident, and at great personal riak he made a thorough search of the rains. There is no doubt that the primary cause of the accident was the lateness of the even ing train from Christchurch to Ashbnrtoo. Although it left town sharp to time it was fully twenty minutes late in reaching Dun sanoel, and lost further time between there and Rakaia. Had it reached this station at its due time the first excursion train would have been out of the way before the second oame into the. station. Though this is so, there is little doubt that the actual cause of the mishap was want of sufficient brake power on the second train. There is a down grade leading into the station from the south, and the slipperiness of the metals and the strong southerly wind behind the train were also contributory causes. When the engine was put on to-day to pall the injured carriages and van down the line, the wreck age moved as one solid mats, so much had it become entangled by the concussion. The floor of the second carriage and the hind wheels were on the floor of the next carriage, while the roof of it was thrown clean on top of the other carriage, the sides and ends being completely demolished. The line wan strewn with children's toys, which the little ones had received at the picnic at Ashbur ton. More rain has fallen here in the last twenty-four hours than in any similar period for years, ahd the township is fairly flooded. The weather now shows signs of clearing. The railway officers here all have instruc tions to go to Christchurch to-morrow for the inquest. Mrs Seabourne, of Sydenham bakery, is remaining here with friends, and is practi cally uninjured. All the rest have gone to town. ■ - * There are no semaphores at Rakaia, and hand signalling has to be resorted to. About half a mile south of the station there is a dip, and when the trains coming north are in this the drivers cannot see the signals given in the station yard. Directly the train comes out of the dip and the station cornea into view, it enters on an incline whioh is con tinued into the station. It will be seen by this that the driver of the second tiain would not be able to see that the signals were against him until he was on the down ward grades for the station. For about a couple of hours the scene was one of the wildest excitement, and it was not until after the last) excursion train had left at about 10.30 that matters quietened down. A good many persons have visited the scene of the accident to-day, several coming from Ashburton. The telegraph office has been kept open all day, the telegraphing arrangements being in charge of Mr 0 Treweelc, who came up from the Christchurch office this morning.

THE TRAFFIC MANAGER'S ACCOUNT.

The first information of the accident re ceived by the railway authorities at Ohriat church was at 7 30 pm, when a telegram arrived from Rakaia stating that the second part of the excursion train had run into the first part standing at the station, and that several persons had been slightly injured. Mr Stringelman, the officer in charge, at once telegraphed to Rnkaia to obtain the services of the looal medical man, At 7.40 pm he received a reply that this had been done, bub immediately afterwards came the message, " Require doctors at once." Mr Stringelman at once ordered a special train to be prepared, communicated by telephone with three medical gentlemen, who at once agreed to go to Rakaia, and one of whom said he would probably bring a fourth with him; Mr Stringelman also sent a telegram to Asfaburton, requesting that two more doctors might be sent from there. Thus, he calculated, seven medical men would be in attendance, a number quite equal to any possible emergency. Dra 0 Morton Ander son, Jennings, and R W Anderson arrived at the Christchuroh station, the fourth gentleman who had been expected was unable to come. (The special train, with the doctors and all necessaries, was just about to start when, at 9 11 pm, • telegram was received from Rakaia saying—" Local doctor has attended to all injured. They are being despatched to hospital by express. Doctors will not now be required." The special train was stopped, bat the medical gentlemen agreed to remain at the station until the arrival of the oxpress, in order to reader any services which might then be required. Id the meantime two doctors and a special train had been procured at Ash burton, but were stopped in time by a telegram from Rakaia. The express reached Ohrietchuroh at 10.40 pm, and it was found that the injured, fourteen of whom were brought to town by the train, did not require any immediate medical attention. Ten of them were sent to the Ohristchurch Hospital, tiro to Strathmore Private Hospital, and others to their homes. Ample provision in the way of conveyances was ready when the train arrived. As the main line at Rakaia was blocked by the debris, the trains had to get to Christ* church by running through the sidings. It was late before a start could be made; the first excursion train reached Ohristchurch about a quarter to one o'clock is the morn ing, and the second came in about an hour and a half later. A special train left town at 7 a.m. for the scene of the collision, conveying Mr R. Burnett, resident engineer, and a gang of men to clear away the wreckage, So far as could be ascertained, there was no breach of the rules or of orders. The system for the regulation of the crossing or passing of trains is, briefly, that certain places are appointed where they can do to, and certain officers, the stationmasters, to regulate the work. Trains are timed to reach the crossing places at certain times) and the various officials in charge are responsible for the performance of the necessary operations. Drivers and other officials have, of course, to use their own judgment in some matters, the general rule being that they must keep a zood look-out, and obey signals instantly, rhe driver of the engine which did the damage in the present instance saw the lignal, the light of the standing train, and >beyed it, but through as he said, misjudg ng its distance, he did not stop in time to j ivoid a collision.

A BRAVE LITTLE GIRL.

Amongst the passengers of the ill-starred excursion train on Saturday evening, was a little clearheaded intelligent girl of four years, who was seen standing inside one of the wrecked carriages, and whom one of the reacus party tried to re&oh through the window. On his touching her she coolly said, " Please sir, my feet are caught,"— and they were, being jammed between the broken seat, which had to be removed with a crowbar, before she could be released, apparently not much injured,

INTERVIEW WITH DR CORDNER.

Dr Oordner, interviewed, says that there were abont eighteen cases of really bad fractures, and to these he applied practically first aid, so as to allow them to be taken to the Ohrlstchucch Hospital, while altogether he attended to between thirty and forty cases of one sort or another. It is a peculiar fact that nearly all the fractures are of the lower limbs, and this the doctor attributes to the fact

thtt raosb of those in the telescoped carriages must hays jumped to their feet when a c>y was raised that » cdllisioa was inevitable. There were two cases of badly crushed cheats, and any number of ca«aa of bruises and c ntu&ions. The doctor Biy3 that h6 had never before worked under such difficulties, as the room in which he was treating his patients it was crowded, and each person who had a friend injured was cUmaroua chat that friend should be trie first to receive attention. He declares, however, that he n.ver saw a number of injured people behave in the heroic manner that the bulk of these did. Naturally, the appliances at his command for dealing with such a large number of injured were quite inadequate, and ail sorts of devices had to be improvised. He especially oammends the aotlon of young Hardy, m I only in giving intimation of the accident with a few mmubea of its occurrence, but also for the assistance he rendered ia getting the materials for ba»da«e« and splints, lie was also greatly assisted by Miss Esther Wilson, who was thoroughly cool throughout, and also the ether ladies mentioned elsewhere, and ha acknow ledges the valuable help he received from Mr S. B, Seymour, dentist, who happened to be In the train;

THE KILLED AND INJURED.

The following ii ft list of those killed ;— Miss Fanny Jonaa, of Yaldfaiirst } Mist Catherine Jones, of Yaldhurst; Mist Mary Ann franks, daughter of Mr John Franks,' of Yaldhurst; the infanti child (iix month*; old) of Un Bowden, jun,, of Lincoln Road. In addition to the four people killed, a girt ' named Rose Harweod is mining. She wm sitting next to a yonng man named Wotten, who it now in the hospital* Wotten waa knocked senseless, and can, of count, tall nothing of the girl after the accident. At tempts hare been made to trace MiM . Harwood in the city, but so far nothing it ! known of her whereabouts. The following is the list of the seriously (injured:— > AT THE HOSPITAL— MrsH. Franks, daughter of Mr J. B. Hanson, of Upper Biocartoa — Injured internally. Mr J. E. Haason, storekeeper, Upper Riccarton—Cuts on head and hands, legs braised. Mr Robert Haskett, son of Mr R, Haskett, of Yaldharst—lnjured about the head and chest. Mr E. R. B. Harding, son of Mr W. R. Harding, Auctioneer, Opawa— Both legs broken. Mrs Sutherland, of Islington} twenty-two years of age—'Righ* hip and ankle dislocated, and left leg broken. Mr William Wootten, aged twenty, son of Mr Henry Wootten, Poundkeeper, Yald* hurst — Fractured thigh, Mr Leonard Hunter, fourteen years of ago. of Windmill Road, Sydenham — Dislocated thigh. Mr Joseph R. Jones, of Weedons—Has lost part of his ear and has several ribs broken, Mr George Buschell, twenty-one years of age, employed at Mr Philpotts, St. Albans—Both arms broken. Mr R» Hartley—Concussion of the brain. Mrs G. E. Smith and five* year-old daughter—Bruised. Latest inquiries last night showed that all the above patients were progressing favour* ably. AT STRATHMORE HOSPITAL- Mr M'Do well, farmer, of Weedons— Shaken and bruised. Mrs M'Bowell, wife of the above—Broken collarbone and bruised. Mrs Spratt—Broken leg. Was brought up by special train yesterday. All these were doing well at a late hour last night. ; AT RAKAIA-- Miss Austin. Mrs Seabourn, wife of Mr J. A. Seabourn, of 68, Brougham Street, Sydenham. .*. AT THEIR HOMES MIS W. Bowden, of Lincoln Road—Badly bruised and shaken. Wai progressing favour* ably at time of latest advices last night, Mr Evans, 7, George Street—Bruise over right hip and concussion of spine. Is being attended to by Dr Orchard. Mrs Harding, Miss Harding, and Miss Nellie Harding, of ©pa wa—Bruised.

THE INQUEST.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph. Christohubch, Maroh 13 The inquest on the bodies of the victims of the railway accident was opened this mom* ing. After the jury had viewed the bodies the inquest was adjourned till Friday. The jury proceed this afternoon to view the seen* of the accident. The body supposed to be that of Miss E. Jones has been identified by her mother as that of Bose Harwood, aged 16 years. It was discovered this morning thab Miss Jones had been in the hospital since March 7. The wounded are all doing as well as oan be expected. The doctors do I not anticipate any further fatalities. ' Latmc. The names of the killed are Mary Ana Franks, aged 27 yean; Francis Evelyn Jones, 24; Rose Harwood, 16; and a baby named Bowden. No more wounded are) reported. -...-

Latest Items

; Faisfibld Fkbbzin» Work.—'A ipeda train of seven carriages carried » large and representative gathering of station owntn and others interested to Fairfield, from Timarn and intermediate stations to the works, to attend the opening ceremony to-day. A special also came from Ohriat* church. Fatal Mill Aooidbnt.-—A telegram from Palmerston North states that a man named Predk. Walker was caught in the belting at the lax mill at Carnarvon on Saturday, and had his thigh fractured, and received inter* nal injuries. He was removed to Palmerston North hospital in the evening, where he. died. An inquest will be held. Journalistic Entkbbbisk. — We must compliment both of our Cnristchnroh poo temporaries upon their admirable account! of the Rakaia fatality. Both had remarkably full descriptions of the accident, and the the most striking incidents, and both h*d plans of the Rakaia station.

THE HURRICANE IN QUEENS LAND.

United Press Association—By Eieo^rio Telograph—Copyright. (Received Wakapuaka March 13, 9,10 ft.m. Guardian Office 9-SQ a.m) Brisbane, March 13 The captain of the Orest of the Wave estimates the loss of life in the hurricane at 300. Further reports confirm the total destruction of forty luggers belonging to Clark's schooner* There were 240 colored men employed and all these are supposed to have perished.

QUEENSLAND ELECTIONS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received Wafcapuaka March 13, 9.10 a.m! Guabdian Office 9-53 a-m) Brisbane, March 13 Mr McMasters, who represented Fortitude Valley for many years, wa§ badly defeated by the labor candidate. On the other hand South Brisbane rejected the labor candidate! by con siderable majorities. The interest centred ia Bundaberg, where Mr Glassey easily defeated his opponent, So far, Government lose four seats and gain one. All the ministers were elected.

IHE A£iU3tJliTON GDAIiDIAJS: MONDAY, MAKCH 13, i 899



Of Course They pay in Gold " Aa electricity ia to * tallow candle " so diamond jubilee tea to its competitor!,— Agents—Shearman Bros., Ashburtoa W- Doak, Mount Someri and Mayfielelf Jamw



The pain of a burn or scald is almoeb instantly relieved by applying Chamberlain's P<*in Balm. It also heals the injured parts more quickly than any other treatment, and withpub the burn is very severe does not leave a scar. For sale by the Ashburton PRIG OpMPASTi * "



Wanted. i 171OR~~ilLE -A (Second-Hand Bicyoh ; : price, £6. Apply Office of this* pap; r fipO LET—A BiveD roomed Hume, with JL 44 Acres of Land. Apply to J. ('. Cawsby, Ashburton. 3 112 Wanted known—mis 3 Fawcett, Khsfc Bit, is opening tepar&te Evening Classes for Boys and Girts, at a mall charge. 3 107 FLOUR~RBdu( !t .<l-^RoTikt'B, Brow.."v Tor Evans': - 200 bs, 14s ; lOOlbs, 7* 65 j I 50:ba, 3a 101; 25 bs, 2*.—John Orh & JCo________ _2_ J. I- l!1g£8-—(ilazier. SAVE MONEY by buying your Flour from v* <*nd baking your own bread — Fletcher Baos., Kast B't.ieet, Ashburton, aud High Street, ChristchurcK MRS ROISINSON, Cash Purchaser of Lad<es', Gentlemen*, and Children'a lefo-off Clothing, and all kin Is «f goods. Ladies waited on at their hoases. Note addreSß s Mrs Robinson, Wakanui Road, Baring Square. 11 123 FLOUR —Flour afc less than wholesale prices: Finest Roller, 2001bs, 14s; lOOlbs, 7s 6d; 501bf>, 3s lOd; 25iba, 2s. Bran and Sharps equally reduced at Fletcher Bros.' Cash Supply Sfcores, Abli barton and Christchurch. Sea the Boys who pay for their Sport REVIEW of Reviews for February.— New Books —The Long White Cloud, by W P Reeves; Love to the Utter most, The Two Atonements, Murray Robertson's Sermonß, Sermons by Dean Church ; R&makrishma, hie life and sayings ; Anecdotes and Illustrations, Moody, pub lished prieds; Bibles, Pruyer, and Hymn Books, great variety.—H. M, Jonhs. J. L. UJggs — Decorator. ANTED Known—An indispensable article in most Businesses ia a good Rubber Stamp. Any kind or size made to order. Rubber Stamp for Linen, etc. (any style or type) with Bottle of genuine " Nota Bene" Marking Ink, Pad, etc; complete Is6d.—A. H. Williams, Tailored street. WANTED KNOWN-Mr s Hamilton is still paying the highest price for all kinds of Ladies', Gentlemen's, and Children's left off Clothiug. Furniture bought in any quantity. Ladies waited on at shortest notice.' Note the address- Burnett Street, opposite Mail Office.



CONDITIONS— 1. Thfl Committee reserve the right to postpone tlv> Races in the event of inclemenb weather. 2. The Committee reserve the right to withdraw, add to, or otherwise alter the Events oa the programme ; also to penalise the winner of any event. 3. The Committee do not bind themselves to run the events off in the order as above. 4. All entries to be made on the forms pro vided by the League of N.Z. Wheelmen (which are obtainable from secretaries of any affiliated chbs), and must be accompanied by the necessary fee, olh-rwise they will not be recognised. 5. Entry forms must be rilled in with necessary details. No such term as "Known to handicappers " will be recognised, THOMAS W. DENT, 3 112 Secretary, Leeston. J L Higgs — Decorator. I could teach sugar to slip down your throat a million ways, but sweetest of ail is added to diamond jubilee tea.—Shearman Bros, Agents. Warning.—Notice is hereby given that I intend making it warm for all persons taking Woods' Great Peppermint Cure this winter —so warm that it will not allow any cold to come in, and if a cold is there it will soon drive it out. Coughs and colds will soon be a thing of the past, if people keep a botfcle of Woods' Greats Peppermint Cure always in the house, Wall 7 Tier&ey, Domain 17th



Sutherland v Charlie Willis ellelmere ' GYGLIMG & ATHLEIIi SPORTS, •N THE LEKSTON TRACK, ON EASTER MONDAY. £95 - INfeBBSS -«895 PKOGB A. ML ML JHj.— Maiden Roadster Handicap, One Mile Open only to residents of the Eliesmer? Uoad Board District, who must also be mem bers of the Ellesmere Cyc'ing Club. Value of event £3, entrance fee 2s, Ist prize £2, 2ad 15s 3rd ss» Open Handicap, Half-mile. Value of avent £5, entrance feo 33, lat pn'zs £3, 2nd 50-1, 3<-d 10a. Amateur Handicap, One Mile, (trophips) Value of event £4 10s, entrance fee 3s, l<a £3, 2nd 20s, 3rd 10 , • Novice Race Handicap, One Mile. Open only to riders who have never been placed in an ndvurtised race. Vilue of event £3, entrance fee 2*, Ist priz< £2, 2nd 15% 3rd ss. BISTER VVHEKL RACE, two miles (handicap) Value of event., £30; entrance fee, 12a 6d; Ist 2nd 3rd £20 £7 £3 Spectators' Race (Roadster), Half-m le. Post entry. Competitors handicapped at starting post. Racing Costume barred. • Value of event £1, entrance fee 1?, Ist prize £1. Grind. Handicap (open), 100 yds Footrace Value of event £5, entrance fee 3s, Ist prizs £4. 2od £i. Qiarter-Mile Dash Handicap. Open. Value of event £5, entrance fee 3s, Ist prize £3 10-s 2ud 30s. Half-Mile Amateur Championship of Can terbury. Gold and Silver Medals. Value of event £5, entrance fee 3s, Ist prize £4, 2nd £1. Two-Mile Handicap. Open only to riders * ho have never won a cash prize exceeding £10. Value of event £5, entrance fee 3i, Ist prize £2 10 ', 2nd 30s, 3rd 20s, Club Foot Race, 150 yds. Open only to members of any recognised Club located in the Ellesmere Road Hoard District. Value of event £3, entrance fee 2a fid, Ist prize £2, 2nd 20--. Half-Mils Cash Championship of Canter bury. Gold and Silver Medals, Value of event £5, entrance fee 3s, Ist prize £4, 2nd £1. Amateur Handicap. Two miles. Trophies to value £5, entrance fee 3s, Ist priza £3, 2 jd 25a, 3rd 15s. E. 0.0. Officials' Kbco, handicap. Half mile. Roadster. Open lo ail officials, elective and ex efficio, of the E.C.C* Post entry« Value of event £1, entrance ice Is, l?t priza £1. Three Mile Handicap (open). Value of event £8, entrance fee 4*, Ist prize £5, 2nd £2, 3rd £1. Race Officials' Handicap, Roadster. Half mile. Open to a 1 officials acting at meeting. Post entry. Handicapped a% post. Value of event £1, entrance fee Is, Ist prize £1, Juvenile Spectators' Race, Roadster. Half mi c. Open to youths under 16 years of age Post entry. Handicapped at post. Value of event £1 10-i, entrance fee Is, lat prize £1, 2ndpri»3 10a. Final Handicap, one mile. Open to all cash riders. Value of event £4, entrance fee 2s 6 1, Ist priai £2 10s, 2nd 20?, 3r.110a. General Entries close on SATURDAY, March 18, 1899. Post Eotries may be lodged with the Secretary, Leeston, at any time until 1 p.m. on April 3.



QUALITY TELLS A TALE PROVED BY THE FACT THAT NEARLY - I out of every 4 of the who!* population of Men, Women, and Children DRINK or ffiiendetl The above statement, after 18 years' trial, should convince both the trade and public that N. M. & Go's Pure Teas cannot be equalled. COMPARE Any of our Teas with others costing 4d per Ib. more money, and you will be convinced ours have no equal for Quality. SHAG POINT ~OOALi THE PRFMIBR UT GO COAL. UNFQUALLBD FOR HOUSEHOLD AND STEAM PURPOSES. mHE SHAG POINT COAL COMPANY JL hereby notify that MESSRS W. H. COL TINB & CO. are thsir OIMJLiy Agents in Ashburton for THE GENUINE SHAG POINT COAL, All orders entrusted to them will receive prompt attention. Colliery: Shag Point. Head Office: Vogel Street, Duaedia. ®EO. B. OHEESEMAN, ! 3 28 General Manager. iiTwrHANMEB ""■ NOTICE OF REMOVAL TO NEW PREMISES, HAVING exchanged premises with the Farmers' C/O-operacivo Association, I liav« nmoh pleasure in stating that in future I fchdll c^rry on my business at the offices »nd store lately occupied by the above Ae rocttttion at the corner of West. Street and Havelock street (the Loaa and Mercantile <oid premises.) STORAGE AT LOWEST RATES. CORNS ACKS AT CURRENT PRICES, I 132 E. W. HANMER. Escord Entries. Eocords Brok@&



Frisdlander Bros., Limited, FOTi PJKIVATE SALE. "rTTE Have for Private Sale, a complete ' OHAFF-CUTTINO PL INT, ( Consisting of 6 H.P. Avelins and Fortar TR&CTION ENGINE, CHAFFCUTTER by Andrews *nd Beavao, OuRNOHUSBF R, HUT, BAW BENCH, BELTING, and Sundries; »i lld Ir*t.o!»B3 order x j Fall particulars on application to ' } FRIEDLANDFR BROS., Lu>. Or Jos Andbrson, Methven. GRAIN SHIPMENTS TO LO NJ)O N . WE beg to intimate to our numerous Clients that we have made special arrange ments for the SHIPMENT OF WHfciAT & OATS on owners' account during the present season. We are in a position to offer freight by Sailers and Steamers at lowest rates current, and consignments submitted to our care will receive our London representative's personal atten tention. We are prepared to make Liberal Cash Advances against shipments placed in our hands for sale, Free of Commission and Interest, and our experience in the Grain and Produce Trade is sufficient guarantee thit any business entrusted to us will be well looked after It is anticipated that . all the available shipping space will be required this season, and early application, will there fore be necessary. Frist/lander'Bros., Ld, ■■ '. • 11 Honolulu Jones v Our nughie J. V. DE BEER, : THE LEADING WATCHMAKER & JEWELLED, TS NOW SHOWING NEW GOODS, The Bast Selection ever offered to the Aih burton Public. DOUBLE THE STOCK ohorse from (I any other shop ia Ihe ditstrinb W\T( I.IK»», (LOCKS, J»we> erj*, K. £*. Ware, NEW NOV. LTIE3, NEW NOVELTIES. FURTHI-R.REDUCTIONS IN Watches, Watches, &tfgl\t'i'e&tt**fs » Specialty J. V. DE BEER, ASHBURTON.