AUSTRALIAN ITEMS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2588, 24 August 1909, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN ITEMS.

BOY AND MAN DASHED' TO PIECES. A sensational accident, resulting in the death oil John Faver, an orchardist, and his nephew, Victor Maurer, aged 12 years, occurred at a level crossing near the I/ara (V.) railway station last week. A footballers’ special train from Geelong to Melbourne dashed into the buggy in which they were seated. Beth occupants were killed instantly, being thrown ih front of the engine. The buggy was smashed to pieces, but the horse ivas uninjured. Several persona on. the station witnessed the shocking accident. Although the driver blew his whistle, Faver and his. nephew did not seem to realise the danger until the train \vas almost on top of them. Faver then urged the horse on, but it avus too late. The accident caused great excitement among the passengers in the train, and several ladies fainted.

A DEMENTED MOTHER. A sad case of maternal dementia occurred near Woodaiiilling (W.A.) last Aveek. Mrs Susan Ellen Chrystal, residing Avith her husband and four children, "seemed to have been seized with sudden dementia during the temporary absence of her husband, and to have caused the death of her infant. The tragedy was reported by Mrs Chrystal herself, avlio appeared at the residence of Mr John Fidcock, carrying the dead infant. Both mother and infant Avere Avet, and Mrs. Chrystal said she had diOAvned. the child in a dam. Constable O’Connor proceeded to the place, and found the Avoman still carrying and caressing her dead infant. Medical aid Ayas provided for the mother. SCALDED TO DEATH. A serious accident occurred on the steamer Pyrmont as she ivas attempting to cross the Manning River bar (New South Wales) last Aveek. A fairly heavy sea Avas running at the time, the Pyrmont being in toAv of the tug John G-ollan. All Avent Avell until opposite the site of air old ivreck, when the Pyrmont humped heavily, Avit-h the result that the steam chest on the boiler hurst. One of the firemen. Henry Sherrin, Ava s scalded to death. An inquest was held in the afternoon by the district Coroner, the finding being that deceased met his death by scalding accidentally, through the bursting of the steam chest, caused by the steamer humping on the bar. Deceased Ayas anative of Balmain, near Sydney, single, age £B. TRAIN DERAILED BY A COW. When crossing a cattle-pit near Murtoa, Victoria, last week, a train ran over a coav that strayed on the line. The engine and five empty trucks Avent safely over the obstacle; then the tAvo next empty trucks were derailed and dragged for about 10 chains, when the train was stopped. Fortunately the passenger carriages and the van did not leave the rails., The passengers and luggage Avero transferred to empty trucks, and the train came on leaving the carriages and van behind.

SPORT. AND MONEY. In the.se times of big gate-money contributed by many' thousands of people who flock to see the contests on cricket or football ground, pounds, shillings, and pence play an ever-growing part. Last- week, in the Equity Court, Sydney, an old case, in which a claim Avas made on the earnings or shares of a number of the Maoris, who Avere in last ycai-’s team, Avas revived. It Avas declared that an order of the Court against eight of the Maoris uoav in Ncav South' Wales had not been satisfied, and it Avas asked that an injunction should be granted against any money, “other than Avages,” being paid over to them until the matter is fought out. The Rugby League and the trustees of the tour decided to take a hand in the case, in view of the fact that there are other matches' to be played, and a clear field is therefore necessary. They, accordingly, Avere representd in Court. Money Avas discussed all 'the"time. More is yet to be heard of it, as the standing of the trustees and- the league has to be determined. “It seems to me that nowadays sport is nothing'but money,” said His Honor, reflectively, as the parties .filed out of Court. A WOMAN’S BRAVERY. Mrs Myra Mundy, Avas. struck down by a tram in George-street, Sydney, last week, while rescuing a little girl from a similar fate. Airs Mundy AA'as uvalking Avith a child named Olive Edmunds, Avho ran across the street, and fell on the tram line. A tram was approaching, and an accident seemed inevitable, when. Mrs Mundy rushed to the child and threw her clear of the line. She herself was knocked down and bruised about tfye body.