The Sun.
London, England, 1865-01-24 00:00:00

The Weather and the Parks.

it would be almost impossible to describe with anything
like accuracy the scenes that took place yesterday in the
various Royal parks. One continuous round of excitement
lasted from an early hour in the morning until late at night,
and how it was that so many lives were saved may be as-
cribed principally to the improved apparatus just brought
out by the Royal Humane Society, and used for the first
time to any extent yesterday. The thermometer at the
Royal Humane Society's receiving house, by Negretti and
Zambra, registered on Sunday night 21, being 11 deg. of
frost ; at 9 yesterday morning the glass stood at 25, showing
7 deg. of frost, but at noon, when the sun was shining, the
quicksilver rose no higher than 35 deg. The barometer was
29.75 deg. The wind was W. by W.N.W. The weather
was fine and hazy, and, strange as it may appear, at one
time of the day, when vehicles could scarcely pass along
Fleet-street or Holborn on account of the.density of the fog,
the parks at the West-end were comparatively free from
that vapour. Last night the thermometer began rapidly to
descend again, but the barometer also falling, although one
indicated a continuance of the frost, 'the other led to the
inference that a change was likely to take place.

As usual, St. James's Park came in for an immense num-
ber of patrons, there being upon the ice on the ornamen-
tal sheet of water between the ends, Buckingham Palace
and the Horse Guards, about 2,000 sliders and skaters. The
banks of the river were also crowded by many thousand
persons, and so great was the pressure at the society's
marquee, that to avoid the crowd forcing it down the police
were obliged to be sent for, and upon their arrival the popu-
lace was kept back, so that those who became immersed
could be passed into the temporary hospital. During the
early part of the day not fewer than 50 persons, chiefly
lads, broke through the ice, and it was with difficulty
that they could be rescued by the icemen, under Deputy
Superintendent Perry. They were, however, taken to the
tent and placed in hot water baths, and afterwards in hot
beds. At one time there were four persons lying together
in one bed. Six persons were also taken to the tents in
this park who had received, concussions by falling upon
the ice. Their wounds were dressed, and they were able to
return home. The most serious accidents in this park
during the early part of the day happened to John Carroll,
aged 10 years, of Marsham-street, Westminster; Michael
Kennedy, aged 12, of Pye-street, Westminster (these were
two very dangerous cases) ; John Walter, butcher, of New-
port-market ; and Mr. Reid, living near the Marble-arch.
The most exciting part of the proceedings in this park
took place about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, which caused
many persons standing upon the banks to actually shudder.
at what they saw. About two or three dozen mere chil-
dren had strolled upon the ice, and some unprincipled
persons, at the risk of drowning the children, amused
themselves by throwing halfpence, oranges, and other
things upon the ice, which, as might be supposed, caused
the children to rush en masse towards the spot. Deputy-
Superintendent Perry cautioned the persons who were so
risking the lives of the children, and he ordered them off ;
but it was of no use, for as long as the money kept falling
upon the ice so long would the children continue to
scramble after the coin. All of a sudden the ice parted
asunder to a considerable extent, when not fewer than ten
of the unfortunate children fell into the water, some floating
under the perfect ice, and others struggling in the water
in order to save their lives. Perry, his nephew, Iceman
Maskell, and other officers, rushed to their assistance
with hand ropes, breaker ladders, and boats, but so
treacherous was the ice that it would not bear the weight
of the men, and breaking, they also became immersed. At
one time nothing less than a fearful loss of life could bey
anticipated, as it took nearly half an hour before they could
be all got out of the water, and it is hardly necessary to
state that they were all in a very exhausted state. They
were taken to the marquee, and Dr. M'Cann, of Parlia-
ment-street, promptly attended, and did all that humanity
or surgical skill could devise for the poor sufferers ; but the
ten remained in bed at the time the enclosure gates were
about to be closed. It is expected that, owing to the surgi-
cal treatment they received, they will recover.
The Round Pond in Kensington Gardens had about 3,000
skaters and sliders, and several very serious accidents oc-
curred, one to a clergyman living at Kensington, but who
refused his name. He broke through the ice, but was rescued
by Deputy-Superintendent Higginbottom and his brother.
The deputy, in getting him out, also broke through the
ice, and in his endeavours to get him out, was so badly cut
by the sharp edges of the ice that one of his legs was
actually skinned.
A lad named George Callaghan, aged 13, broke through
the ice at one o'clock. He became immersed in six feet of
water, and had it not been for the exertions of the icemen,
must in another minute have perished, as he had disap-
peared two or three times before he could be extricated. He
was taken to the Royal Humane Society's receiving house,
and under the directions of Mr. Lambert Young, the secre-
tary, and Mr. Williams, the superintendent, he was placed
in a warm bath, and afterwards put to bed, but a long time
elapsed before he could be brought round.
About half-past 11 o'clock Mr. Lowinse, of 15, Claren-
don-road, Kensington, fell through the frozen surface into
deep water. For a few minutes it was feared that he was
drowned, but the two Higginbottoms went with the ap-
paratus to his assistance, -when the ice gave way beneath
them, and they likewise became immersed. The excitement
amongst those near was intense, but the brave fellows
managed to get him out at the risk of losing their own
lives.

Mr. Richard Simpson, of 2, Perkins'-cottages, Westmin-
ster, Mr. W. Simpson, of 5, Shaftesbury-villas, Kensington,
and Mr. H. Knott, of 2, Bloomfield-cottages, Kensal New
Town, were likewise immersed, and were in the water
until they were nearly exhausted, but they were extricated
by the icemen.
A man named William See, who was in a state of intoxi-
cation, also broke through into deep water, and was unable
to get out for over ten minutes, when he was rescued by
Joseph Knight and John Green, the resident boatmen, and
taken to the receiving-house. _ _ _

THE SERPENTINE.—From one end to the other this great
piece of water presented an immense sheet of ice, as smooth
as glass, but only 11- inches thick, and in consequence Mr.
Young had printed placards posted round the banks an-
nouncing that the ice was in a very dangerous state ; but in
spite of the precautions taken, about 500 persons insisted
upon venturing their lives upon the frozen surface, and
shortly after going upon the river, Thomas Shields, of 27,
Barrett's-court, Marylebone, and Henry Toombs, of 2, Gray-
street, Marylebone, broke through at the east end of the
river, and were rescued by means of the ice boat just as they
were sinking for the last time. They were taken to the
society's house, and promptly attended to by Mr. Young
and Mr. Williams, and they recovered. Several minor cases
of immersion took place during the day, but not of a serious
character. It is, however, expected by the officials of the
society that if the frost should continue for a day or two
longer, the grand pyrotechnic displays, prevously an-
nounced, will be able to be carried out with safety.
THE LONGWATER, KENSINGTON-GARDENS.—This place
was the centre of attraction for the nobility and gentry, who
flocked in large numbers, both male and female, to witness
the graceful evolutions of the members of the Skating Club
and about 2,000 others who disported themselves upon the
ice. The members of the club had erected on the bank on
the north side one of Benjamin Edgington's beautifully-
appointed pavilions. Towards the close of the evening no
less than ten persons broke through the ice, but they were
rescued after being in the water for periods averaging from
five to eight minutes. They were removed to the society's
receiving house, and were attended by Mr. Secretary Young
and Mr. Superintendent Williams. Two cases brought in
were of a very dangerous character, and it required great
care to restore them.

THE REGEN'T'S PARK.—Only about 300 persons, owing to
the instructions given by the Royal Humane Society's men,
ventured upon the ice in this park during the day. The
ice here is even of a more dangerous character than in
the other parks. The casualties were of a trifling character.
BATTERSEA PARK.—Some fine skating took place in this
park during the day, the public knowing that if the ico
should give way, the sliders and skaters would only get
knee deep in water. They therefore disported themselves
without fear, but several persons were badly injured on the
head by being tripped up by the skaters.
Hampstead and Highgate Ponds, the Victoria Park, and
the Grand Surrey Canal wero all frozen, and, with the ex-
ception of the latter, some thousands amused themselves
during the day ; but the ice in the latter place was being
rapidly broken up and carted away to supply the ice-cellars
in the City and at the West-end.

MASTER COACHBUILDERS' BENEVOLENT INSTITU-
TION.—The ninth annual meeting of the subscribers
and friends of this institution was held yesterday at the
Carriage Bazaar, Baker-street, Portman-square, to receive
the general and financial reports, to elect three new pen-
sioners, and to appoint officers for the year ensuing. In
the unavoidable absence of the president (the Marquis of
Lansdowne), Mr. Holmes, of Derby, was unanimously called
to the chair. The general report, read by Mr. G. N.
Hooper, the vice-chairman, and unanimously agreed to,
expressed congratulation on the continued prosperity of
the institution, to which there had been obtained a consi-
derable accession of new subscribers (several from the pro-
vinces). The Worshipful Company of Coach and Coach
Harness Makers had contributed to their funds a donation
of £5O. It was intended to hold a festival during the year,
which it was hoped would be attended with similar bene-
ficial results as previously. The amount expended in
annual pensions during the year had been £351 55.,
and in temporary relief £92. The additional
stock invested had been £3OO, making the total funded
stock £4,850. The report concluded by expressing regret
at losing one of their most efficient officers (who was also
one of the founders of the institution), Mr. G. A. Thrupp,
the treasurer (who had resigned), and thanking him for the
valuable services he had rendered during the past nine
years. The treasurer's report, also adopted, showed that,
with the previous balance of £lOO 2s. ld., the total receipts
had been £796 11s. 6d., ®f which a balance remained of
£l2l ss. 3d. A legacy of £lOO had been received from the
executors of the late Mr. T. Peters of Kilburn. The result
of the poll having been announced, the various officers
were elected, including Mr. Black, jun., in the room oft mr•
Thrupp as treasurer. Thanks were awarded to the pa offi-
cers, &c., and the proceedings concluded with thanks sto the
chairman.

The Burning of the Bombay.

PLYMOUTH, Jan. 23.

A private letter, received at Plymouth from an
officer at Rio Janeiro, gives a few further particulars
of the loss of the Bombay. At 3.30 one watch was
piped to quarters to exercise in firing. On the man
whose duty it was to hand up shell going below

he discovered the fire. The fire-bell was imme-
diately rang, and the pumps rigged and played
on the fire, but the flames burst up the hatch-
ways, and in a few minutes all communication
between quarter deck and forecastle was effectually
stopped. The order was then given to cut all boats,
and in eight minutes they were in the water, with
the exception of the launch, and when that boat was
being lifted the flames coming up the after hatch
burnt the stay and she came down by the run. The
greatest order, coolness, and intrepidity were dis-
played by. all, Mr. Watts, the master, taking time of
every occurrence with watch and notebook in hand.
The mainmast soon went over the side. The order
was then given to every one to look out for them-
selves. They immediately jumped overboard and
swam to the boats lying off. Those who could not
swim holding on by ropes ; some fell and were
drowned. Orders had been given for no boats to
go near the burning ship, but the jollyboat, manned
by volunteers, pulled in three or four times and
brought away every one they could see. At seven
p.m. the ship blew up, not a particle of her re-
maining. The boat arrived at Montevideo at
11 p.m. Dr. Smallborn, Mr. Franklin, boatswain,
and about 90 men are lost ; and the Admiral's sec-
retary, flag secretary, and clerks are all at Monte-
video.

The- Scotsman publishes the following extracts
from a private letter written immediately after a
conversation with Lieut. Stirling, who brought home
Admiral Elliot's despatch :

" The Bombay left Montevideo on the morning
of the 14th Dec. for target practice. She was about
14 miles away when a man handing shells in the
shell-room perceived a little jet of steam coming up
from the after-hold, and immediately gave the
alarm. This was between two and three o'clock.
The pumps were instantly set to work, and all
worked well. But the men were suffocated,
and could hardly remain to work them, and
the fire could not be kept under. On one side of
the fire was the spirit-room, on the other
the magazine. The spirit-room took fire, the
casks burst, and the spirits ran all over the ship,
which became one mass of flame. The order
was given to lower the boats and escape. Some
boats could not be lowered from the tackle being on
fire. However, most of them were got out, but had
to be kept at a good distance from the ship on account
of the fire. Therefore, all had to jump in and swim
off from the ship to reach the boats. All the officers
could swim more or less ; many of the men could not,
which accounts for the great loss of life among them.
Mr. Stirling says he swims himself very badly, and
was an hour and a half in the water before he could
be picked up. Many of themen clinging to bits of the
ship were killed too, he believed, by the cables falling
away red hot among them, and by the melted lead,
of which there seems to be have been a great deal in
various parts of the ship for pipes, I think,. and on
the bowsprit. The melting lead pouring down on them
made them loosen their hold of whatever they were
holdingbyiand go down. The great anchors too,when
their ropes were burned, fell and crushed them. The
mainmast went over at a quarter to four, only
three quarters of an hour after the first alarm of fire.
By five o'clock, I think the crew were all either lost
or saved. The magazine blew up about seven
o'clock, and the ship went down, leaving not a ves-
tige behind. Not an article of any sort was saved
but the clothes in which the officers and crew

jumped into the sea, and most of them had thrown
off jackets, &c., to jump in and swim. The be-
haviour of the men was perfect all through. The
origin of the fire is quite unaccounted for. The
regulations about fire, matches, &c., were very
strict; no petroleum or inflammable oils were used
on board. The after-hold contained biscuits, salt
pork, &c., but nothing of a more dangerous charac-
ter. The Bombay was only under sail at the time the
fire was discovered. Had she been steaming there
would have been a much better chance, by turning
on the engines and getting the fire under. The
weather was happily very fine, and the boats could
therefore be reached and filled in a way that would
have been impossible in less good weather, such as
they almost invariably had up to that time. The
Bombay was too far away from Montevideo for the
fire to be early discovered there. But I think about
five o'clock it was telegraphed by the Stromboli to
Admiral Elliot, who went off in her towards the
scene. lie arrived in time to see her blow up. They
got back to Montevideo about ten o'clock at night.
Admiral Elliot had time only to write a hurried
despatch. I imagine we shall have no letters. The
French mail went off early next morning—Mr.
Stirling in her. He says Admiral Elliot was well,
but much cut up by the loss of the ship. Poor
Captain Campbell, too, was well, and it seems as if
no blame attached to him."

RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE.