The Sun.
London, England, 1846-08-29 00:00:00

THE LATE COLLISION ON THE

BRIGHTON AND HASTINGS RAILWAY.
INQUIRY BY THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL.
HASTINGS, WEDITESDAY AFTEIINOON.—This forenoon
Major General Pasley arrived at Pevensey station, ac-
companied by Mr. Clarke, the managing director from
Bri;hton, to inquire into the circumstances of the recent
collision on the Hastings or South-coast line, on Monday
last, for the information of the Board of Trade. The
gallant General's first proceeding was to inspect the spot
where the collision happened. The railway in this part
seems far from being complete, only one line is laid
down for the transit of trains, and hundreds of excava-
tors are working day and night constructing the ballast-
ing for the second line of rails. From the evidence
collected it appeared the ocArtspnny'y onntr.prnrs had
several locomotives employed on the line to assist in
carrying ballast trains to various parts of the works, and
to prevent delay occurring to the passenger trains,
sidings had been made by the contractors at various parts
in order that the ballast trains might, as it is termed,
" shunt" off, to allow the ordinary trains to pass, and it
was in one of these sidings at Pevensey where the col-
lision took place. A few minutes before the Brighton
train, which leaves Pevensey station at two o'clock,
was due, one of these ballast engines, which was
coming up in the opposite direction, stopped at
the siding in question, and backed into it for the
purpose explained. Shortly afterwards the train came
up at a speed of about twenty-eight miles an hour, when
on its arrival within six or seven yards of the points of
the siding, the engine-driver, Stephen Clarke, discovered
that the " switches" were not properly adjusted, and a
violent collision with the ballast trains was inevitable.
He instantly shut off his steam and reversed the engine,
and jumped off, leaving his stoker at the tender break.
Scarcely a moment elapsed before the engines met. As
regards the switches, which are on the self-acting
principle, it is difficult to say whether any party is to
blame. A youth, it seems, had been appointed by the
contractors to attend to them, and he has since ab-
sconded ; but, according to the statements of the differ-
ent parties examined to-day, there does not appear to
be any fault attributable to him. The switches are
worked by leverage, and the duty of the party under
whose charge they were placed was, when a ballast train
requir. d to pass out of the sliding, to connect the points
with the rails of the permanent line. This is effected by
pulling forward an iron handle, to which the leverage is
attached, and the moment it is let off the points fly back
to their original position, and disunite themselves from
the permanent rails. They were found in good working
order after the accident, in consequence of which
it is presumed that some shingle, of which the line of
Pevensey is made, or some other hard substance, must
have got between the points and prevented them acting,
unknown to the party employed. Considering the
serious character of the colision, it was astounding how
all parties, particularly the stoker and guard of the pas-
senger train, escaped with their lives. Both engines
were much damaged. The tender of the ballast engine
was thrown on the top of the earth waggons, and pre-
sented a dilapidated appearance. The engine-driver and
stoker of this train were, a moment before the collision,
standing on the tender ; both escaped by throwing them-
selves off. At the conclusion of the inquiry at Pevensey,
General Pasley, with Mr. Clarke, left for Brighton, to
examine the carriages that composed the train, which
had been taken to the Company's depot adjacent to the
terminus in that town.
The following are the name., as far as Mr. Clarke, the
manager, has been able to learn, of the sufferers, with
their injuries and actual state up to eight o'clock this
morning:—
The Ite.v. Mr. Brown, of Tonbridge, Kent, severe frac-
ture of the leg below the knee, face cut, and other
external injuries ; progressing favourably at Hastings.
Captain Nightingale, his lady, and his two daughters,
much cut about the face and head, besides bruises about
the body. No serious injury.
Mr. Dyke, of Brighton, injury to the head. He was a
passenger in a first-class carriage, and was looking out
of the window at the moment of the collision, and was
thrown completely out by the concussion.
Three ladies (names unknown) belonging to Hastings,
much cut about the face; also a gentleman (name un-
known), one of the fore-fingers taken off.
George Ragg, the stoker of the passenger engine,
lying at the sluice-house, Pevensey, scalded and burnt.
When discovered he was found insensible alongside of
the furnace of the engine, with the boiling water pour-
ing on him from the broken guage-pipe, and his clothes
on fire in various parts; recovering.
Stephen Clarice, the engine-driver—internal injury,
but expected to resume his work in a few days.
Several others are reported to be hurt, but their names
cannot be ascertained; the injuries, however, are be-
lieved to be confined to bruises. It is stated there were
about forty passengers in the train.
It will be observed that most of the persons injured
were first-class passengers. This arose by the first class
carriage being placed next to the tender, and no luggage
van interveaing.
'The medical gentlemen who were in the train, and
relieved the suffering of many of the sufferers, were Dr.
Hamilton and Mr. R. H. Walton, of Fitzroy-square. They
were, we understand, sitting in the same carriage with
the Rev. Mr. Brown, but fortunately escaped injury.

MONSTER TRAINS.—On Thursday morning one of the
longest and most heavily loaded trains, propelled by a single
engine, left the Paddington terminus of the Great Western
Railway, for Bristol. The train consisted of forty-nine
trucks loaded with bricks, timber, and merchandise, and ex-
tended above a quarter of a mile. The engine " Tytios" (a
small luggage engine, having six wheels connected) drew
this enormous load at an average speed of twenty-eight
miles an hour. On the same morning the " Premier" engine
brought up a train of forty trucks loaded with timber, coals,
coke, and merchandise. On Wednesday evening the mixed
train from Exeter arrived at Paddington at the usual t:me,
eight o'clock, having three third-class carriages, four second
class, three first class, and fourteen horse boxes, with four
horses in each. The carriages were likewise full of pas,en-
gers. This train was propelled by two engines, the Sunbeam
and Star.

PLY:4.OI3TH, Arc. 27.—As usual, our regatta cora•
menced yesterday (Wednesday), being Prince Albert's
birthday, under the immediate patronage of her Most
Gracious Majesty and her Royal Consort, the Commo.
dare being the Right Hon. the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe,
and Captain Charles Bulkely Vice-Commodore.
Amongst the yachts were—The Petrel, Earl of
Ilchester ; Anaconda, Sir Charles Ibbetson ; Noran,
Sir H. B. Naughton ; Gulnare, Peroth, Esq. ;
Transit, Knight, Esq., Stormfinch, Colonel Brewers;
Fawn, Hon. Captain Hare ; Psyche, Tickell, Esq. ;
Viola, J. Tolekin, Esq. ; Grand Turk, T. Fox, Esq. ;
Petrel, W. Beamisb-,-Ksq. ; Dryad, W. Delafield, Esq. ;
Secret, J. W. Smith, Esq. ; Kate, R. Bell, Esq. ;
Dolphin, F. Perkins, Esq. ; Avenger, J. Saunderson,
Esq. ; Ganyniede, J. H. W. P. S. Pigott, Esq. ; Frisk,
.kien. William H. Hare ).,prilliant, George Holland
Ackers. Esq. ; Osprey, G. Curtis, Esq. ; Therese,
Richard Wake, Esq.; Hydra, Hockin, E,q. ; Rover,
Herbert Phiilis, Eq. ; Ca-ohne, Congreve, Esq. ;
Gipsy, R. Sherlock, Esq. ; Lily of bevon, W. Moore,
Esq. ; Adelaide, Sir Gore Booth, Bart. ; Menai, &c.
The course for the yachts was starting from buoys
moored off the committee's marquee, the vessels pro-
ceeding through the western channel of the Breakwater
round to a mark vessel, moored off Penlee Point,
thence to another mark vessel off the Mew Stone, leav-
ing both on the port hand, returning through the
eastern channel of the Breakwater, rounding the buoy
of the Cobbler, then round a boat (having a pilot jack
flying) moored opposite the Hoe, about 15 miles, the
vessels going twice or thrice round, according to regu-
lations.
At a quarter-past eleven the preparatory gun was
fired, and the vessels took their stations for the follow-
ing prizes :—The Fancy Ball Plate, 50/. p.p. Time
race. For yachts from 45 to 80 tons, b 054 fide the
property of members of a Royal Yacht Club. Time, 15
seconds per ten.
Yachts. Tons. Rigged. Owners.
Gondola 77 Cutter I'. Woodhouse, Esq.
Frisk 47 Cutter Frankland, Esq.
Victoria 57 Cutter Conner, Esq.
The start took place precisely at half-past eleven, the
wind at the time blowing easterly. The Victoria was
first off, followed by the Frisk, the Gondola last, the
vessels running for the western end of the Breakwater.
The Victoria set her square sail, and tried by pressing
canvass, to keep the lead, but she was soon passed by
the Gondola, the Victoria and Frisk being abreast of
each other opposite:the Lighthouse, at the Breakwater,
and the vessels rounded the first flag-boat at Penlee
Point ; the Gondola at eleven minutes past twelve ; Vice
toria, thirteen minutes past twelve. The vessels then
commenced beating to windward for the cast of the
Breakwater, the Frisk passing the Victoria, and the
three vessels sailing well to the Cobbler, and then round-
ing the mark boat under the Hoe as follows :
Yacht. - H. M. a. Yacht. 8. at. s.
Gondolo
Victoria, 2h. 16m. ss.
The three commenced running for Penlee Point, and
the Gondola increased her lead, but in beating to wind-
ward outside the Breakwater, the Frisk gained on her,
and the Victoria lost considerably by steering to the
east. The yachts rounded the Cobbler buoy, and pro-
ceeded the second time to the winning boat, not being
able to sail round the third time, in consequence of the
lightness of the wind, they rounded in this order:—
Yachts. is. as. s. Yacht. A. as. a.
Gondola
Victoria
A Piece of Plate, presented by the inhabitants of Ply-
mouth, for all pleasure vessels under 15 tons. Twice
round, about 30 miles.
Yachts. Tons. Owners.
Contest
Gipsy
Ida
Red Rover
The start took place at twelve o'clock, Red Rover
showing the way, Ida second, Contest third, and Gipsy
last, but the Contest quickly lulled her sails, went to
windward and rounded the other boats, by which she ob-
tained the lead, round the Penlee flag-post, closely
pressed by the Ida, the Rover and Gipsy being near to-
gether, but the River at the time shifting her topsails,
by which she lost much in bearing to the east of the
Breakwater, and the Gipsy changed places with the
Contest, leading! the way, all proceeding well for the
rounding the first time, which they did in this manner :
Yachts. n. at. s. I Yachts. 11. s.
Gipsy 3 23 30 I Ida
Contest 3 25 30 Red Rover 3 32 20
The first three vessels again proceeded, sailing over
the course, but the Red Rover gave up. From the
rounding to Penlee Point it was running, which suited
the Contest, and she overhauled the Gipsy at the Break-
water, being two minutes in advance at the mark vessel
at Penlee Point, and the wind becoming lighter she still
improved her lead, but the Gipsy gained a little in beat-
ing, again losing on their coming under the shore to-
wards Mount Batten, running being resumed by the
yachts. They passed the Cobbler buoy and arrived at
the winning station in this order:—

Yacht U. s. Yacht ai, 8.
Contest . 6 35 55 Ida
Gipsy . 6 43 40
The timing of the yachts in the matches we have taken
from the Committee's books. Shortly after the above
match, Mr. Sherlock (of the Gipsy) entered a written
protest against the contest, stating he believed she was
not properly "fitted," which will be immediately decided
by the Committee.
On Tuesday evening the Royal Yacht Club dinner
took place at the Club House, Millbay, Captain Bulkeley,
Vice C,,mmodore, acting as president, and J. W. Peard,
Esq., vice-president. The usual loyal toasts were drank,
and " Succese•to all the yacht clubs of England," with
nine times nine. The dinner was well attended, there
being present z,tr 11. \Nor Courtney
Phillips, Major Fraser, Gerald De Courey Hamilton,
Captain Croaky, R.N., J. B. Glegg, Esq., Captain
Basden, R. Bell, Esq., &c. _

The first night of the regatta (Wednesday) a very
excellent ball took place, at Elliott's Royal Hotel, under
the immediate patronage of the Commodore, Vice-Com-
modore, Committee, and members of the Club. It was
exceedingly well attended, and dancing was kept up with
much spirit until morning.

THE BERWICK BANK IionnERY.L-After Mrs. Thomp-
son had been placed under the surveillance of the matron of
the gaol, the directors of the bank determined to suspend
Mr. Thompson, the bank-agent, who on Monday night de-
livered up the keys of the office, and has since taken no part
in the bank business. The circumstances of the case, as far

as he is concerned, are considered open to suspicion. He has
been employed as the bank-agent at Berwick about four
years, and in connexion with the bank-agency he did busi-
ness as a general commission-agent. He is a native of Scot-
land, but has lived some time in Yorkshire, where his wife

belongs. His family consists of two children, his wife being
at present enciente. Mr. Thompson's connexion with the
bank up to the time of this transaction had been highly satis-
factory to his employers, _ _

POLITENESS OF A WIDOW.—Mrs, --- presents her
kind compliments to Mr. —, and much regrets that she
cannot show the pictures to-day, as Major died yester-
day evening of apoplexy; which Mrs. the more re-
grets, as it will prevent her having the honour of seeing
sir Walter Scott and Miss Edgeworth.—Loekharee Life or
Sett.

IZEMOVAL OF THE COLONNADE FROM THE QUADRANT.
—Twenty-eight of the shop-keepers of the Quadrant have
presented a petition to Parliament praying permission to
cause the colonnade in front of the shops to be pulled down,
which they offer to do at their own expense, provided they
be allowed to sell the old materials. They give several rea-
sons in support of the petition. The numerous pillars And
the dark roof of the colonnade impede the light and give a
gloomy appearance to their shops, besides hiding them front
those who ride or drive along the carriage way. The shelter
afforded by the covering has had the effect of making the
Quadrant a rendezvous for idle and dissolute persons of both
sexes, who cause so much annoyance that extra constables
have for some years been employed to preserve order, and
who have earned for that part of Regent-street, a reputation
which deters many ladies from visiting the shops, and other
persons from taking lodgings over them. This inability to
let the upper parts of the houses has driven some of the pro-
prietors to admit persons who employ them as billiard and
gaming-houses, and such other purposes as tend very much
to depreciate the value of the prem-ses. Although the colon..
nade is considered an ornament to this splendid thorough..
fare, the reasons urged by the petitioners appear to be 81115..
ciently strong to prove the expediency of removing it.
THE PAVILION AT BRIGHTON.—A deputation from
the committee appointed by the commissioners haA an inter-
view last Monday with Lord Morpeth, in whose hands, as
First Commissioner of the Woods and Foresth the manage-
ment of this question is placed. The deputation were re-
ceived !by his Lordship with the greatest courtesy, and
every disposition was manifested to meet, as far as possible,
the wishes of the inhabitants ; but the deputation left the
Noble Lord with the impression that it is the full determina-
tion of the Government to carry out the design of selling the
palace.—Brighton Paper.
NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.—PORTSMOUTH, THURSDAY.
—low that the court-martial on Captain Gordon has ter-
minated, it iS expected that orders for the America to refit
will be sent down. The Inconstant, in the Mediterranean,
has been in commission upwards of three years, and will pro-
bably be relieved by the America. The Forth Star is to go
to Chatham, unless telegraphic ceunter-orders arrive. The
Hound brig destined for the coast of Africa, is on her pas-
sage from Sleerness to be paid, and receive her sailing orders,
The Admiralty have ordered the Lively lighter to be sent to
Guernsey, to lay down moorings for a sloop of war.
FIRE oN SAFFRON-HlLL.—Thursday evening, between
eight and nine o'clock, a fire that caused considerable alarm
broke out upon the premises in the occupation of M. Shaylor.
skin-dresser and furrier, No. 21, Little Saffron-hill, Clerken-
well. It commenced from some cause at present unknown,
in the drying-room. Before the fire was discovered it ob-
tained such a firm hold of the premises, that for some time
fears were entertained for the safety of the entire building.
Information of the outbreak was without delay sent to the
engine stations, and forthwith the parish and two brigade en-
gines attended. The inmates, neighbours, and police having
exerted themselves to the utmost, succeeded in getting the
flames extinguished, but not before a considerable quantity
of the stock was destroyed, and the building severely inure
by the fire and water. Mr. Shaylor was insured in the rhce-
nix Fire-office for the contents, and the building, it was un-
derstood, is insured in the Sun-office.
SEWER ACCIDENT AND NARROW ESCAPE.—Thurs-
day, just prior to the labourers returning from dinner, at one
o'clock, a large portion of the earth of a new sewer exca-
vating in Whitefriars-street, at the back of the Temple, fell
in. Happily there was no persons below at the time ; but
a bricklayer on a ladder had a very narrow escape. Work.
ad the road vsrj
rotten and unsubstantial.‘46 Temple, the
men were immediately employed in shoring up the earth to
prevent further danger, which was the more apprehended,
from the fact that a large portion of that whith fell in be-
longedthevefro3u.ncd,atlifohnlesdofantdh ena
rhousesroNv,
of
arid, street
being
THE LATE ROBERT LoWTHlN,—Gecirge Thoburn,
William Douglas, and John Bell, the three persons in custody
at Newcastle-upon-Tyne on suspicion of being concerned in
the death of Robert Lewthin, whose body was found in the
river Tyne some time ago under very suspicious circum-
stances, were on Tuesday last committed for trial on the
charge of robbing the deceased. There was not sufficient
evidence obtained to warrant their committal for the wits!'
charge. The coroner's inquest terminated with a verant of
"i9und drowned."