September 1917
Isle of Wight Observer:
Sept 1st 1917: WOODLAND HARVEST – The Board of Education has suggested great mobilisation of village school children for the collection of acorns and horse chestnuts in the coming autumn. Both acorns and chestnuts have an economic value which will well repay the cost of organising a scheme for the gathering. If 200,000 tons of chestnuts can be harvested, 100,000 tons of grain, now used for manufacturing could be released for human consumption. Acorns in moderation are excellent food for pigs.
Sept 1st 1917: INSPECTION – On Thursday afternoon the Worcestershire Regt. was inspected in the grounds of Westmont, Queen’s Road, by Lord FRENCH, who had been to other parts of the Island earlier in the day. The appearance of the distinguished general in the town naturally aroused much interest.
Sept 1st 1917: COMPULSORY WEEDING – The Smallholders Union has drafted a “Bill to prevent the spread of noxious weeds in England and Wales.” This would make the occupier of land liable to a fine if he did not keep it clean of weeds. Local authorities and railway companies would be similarly liable.
Sept 8th 1917: BOXING – The promoters of the boxing tournament at the Town Hall would have received more liberal patronage from the civilian sporting community if they had chosen some other day than Saturday for the venture. Sergeant Johnnie BASHAM, the welter weight champion who was expected to give a sparring exhibition got lost in transit and failed to put in an appearance.
Sept 8th 1917: RHYMES – A few “quaint rymes” by Mr. W. J. NASH, of Park Farm, near Ryde, passing in review Ryde past and present, has “caught on” and the proceeds from the sale of the same will be handed over to the Royal Isle of Wight County Hospital.
Sept 8th 1917: CHARMING RESORT – The Surbiton Times of this week contains the following paragraph : “To the Isle of Wight Observer Mr J. RAYNER, who is well remembered in this district as the Tolworth Poet, has contributed a poetical panegyric on the beauties of Ryde, at which charming resort he now resides.”
Sept 8th 1917: HIGH WATER – Excellent sea bathing may be indulged in three hours before and after high water at the new baths, off the Esplanade Gardens ; and the bathing machines and public stage opposite the Canoe Lake.
Sept 15th 1917: HARVEST MOON – This is the full moon happening nearest to the autumnal equinox, and occurs this year on September 30th. It will be the second full moon occurring this month. The popular belief in the moon as a weather indicator is as old as the superstition that it is “unlucky” to see the moon through glass. That notion was brought from the East by the Crusaders.
Sept 15th 1917: STANDARD BOOTS – A Dress Controller has not as yet been found necessary, but the Government has taken the first step in this direction by causing boots and shoes of standard quality to be made and sold at fixed prices. There is a shortage of leather for civilian requirements. Standard boots will be £1 per pair for town boots, 12s. to 13s. for workmen, and 9s. for school boots.
Sept 15th 1917: LOCAL CASUALTY – Mr and Mrs C. H. WHITTINGTON, of Ashey brickyard, have received the sad news that their youngest son, Harold James, was killed in action on August 16th. He joined the I.W. Rifles in March 1914, when he was only 16. On the outbreak of war, he was sent with his brother to the Dardanelles. Previous to entering upon active service he was employed by Mr CASS, farmer, Ashey.
Sept 22nd 1917: TO LET – Flats in the house known as “Sivier’s,” 26 Pier Street, Ryde to be arranged (after the termination of present tenancy) to suit tenant’s requirements. Six to eight rooms with baths, etc., self-contained ; and the ground floor to be let as a Restaurant.—Applications, in writing, should be made to Manor Office, 10 The Terrace, Ryde.