April 1859
Isle of Wight Observer
Apr 2nd 1859: PROTECTION TO FOOTPATHS – For many years we have witnessed with great regret, a continual encroachment made upon the footpaths around Ryde. One after another have the beautiful verdant walks about Appley and St. John’s been closed up; then followed the shutting up of the path through Pelham-Shrubs to the shore, forming a junction with that by the side of Binstead Brooke.
Apr 2nd 1859: ROYAL EAGLE HOTEL – Many of the tradesmen of Ryde gave a complimentary dinner to Mr Matthew NEWMAN on Tuesday evening last, the chair was taken by Mr. BUTLER. The toast of the evening was that of “Prosperity to Mr. NEWMAN.”
Apr 2nd 1859: THE FERRY WORKS – A large number of workmen are employed upon the works, in building an inner wall to form a tidal basin for embarking and disembarking of merchandise, which will be approached at the north-west angle by flood-gates. Between the inner and outer wall will be a quay of 50 feet.
Apr 2nd 1859: ROYAL VICTORIA YACHT CLUB – The “Snake”, cutter, Capt. George BRIGSTOCKE, has been trying her rate of speed since being lengthened, during the week, and from what we observe the result is satisfactory.
Apr 2nd 1859: THE TRAFFIC – There are now fourteen packages a day between Ryde and Portsmouth to meet the various trains. Rather fast for April!
Apr 2nd 1859: SMOKING FOR BOYS – There aught to be a sumptuary edict against smoking by brats under age. I come into town frequently on the top of an omnibus about the time the clerks come in, and to behold on the roof of the vehicles the long rows of whiskerless, sallow, sulky boys, sucking at clay pipes, is nauseous to behold….. Literary Gazette.
Apr 9th 1859: THE SEASON – With the thermometer at 70 degrees, a cloudless sky, most delightful breezes, and last but not least, railway fares at almost nil, it cannot be at all surprising to find an unusual influx of visitors for the time of year.
Apr 9th 1859: WHIST CLUB – The members of the club held at the Prince of Wales, have wound up their winter season by dining together on Tuesday evening. After, there were some capital songs and other conviviality.
Apr 23rd 1859: ANGLESEY TAVERN – The series of sourées held at the large room of this respectable tavern, were brought to a close for the winter season on Tuesday evening last. These sourées offer rational recreation to “young men and maidens” in the room of drinking.