April 1876
Isle of Wight Observer:
Apr 1st 1876: SERIOUS AFFRAY – About ten minutes past eleven on Saturday night, a young man named John EVANS, a native of Birmingham, but who has been employed at Mr. HARRINGTON’s Factory in Union-road, was returning home to his lodgings in Surrey-street, when he passed two men named BRADING and KEMP, who were with a well-known prostitute named GALLIGER. BRADING struck and kicked EVANS, who sustained a broken leg, and was taken to the Infirmary where he remains.
Apr 1st 1876: ALTERATIONS IN BANKS AT SPITHEAD – It has been found necessary to re-buoy some portions of Spithead, owing to changes in the form and proportion of some of the shoals. The depth of water on Ryde Middle Bank, it is said has materially decreased, and for the additional safety of navigation, it is advisable to re-buoy the channels.
Apr 8th 1876: WINDOW – A very handsome stained-glass window has been erected in Holy Trinity Church. The window is a memorial of the late Mr. CRAMER, and his son who was lost in the “La Plata,” when she foundered in the Bay of Biscay. The subject of the window is “Christ walking upon the water.”
Apr 8th 1876: IMPROVEMENT LONG WANTED – There has been an interesting trial of a tram-car locomotive, which we think no one would object to see running over our streets, and which would be a great boon to the poor horses which are worked on our present tramway, which, if such locomotive came into use might be dismissed to more suitable employment.
Apr 8th 1876: TOLLERVEY’S BAND – We think the town is indebted to Mr. TOLLERVEY, who has for so many years provided us with good music, for his efforts to keep his band together at a dull time of the year. It is not much we have to cheer us out of the season, and we should like to see Mr. TOLLERVEY so well supported that he could afford to keep his band together.
Apr 15th 1876: IMPROVEMENT IN PIER STREET – The old store, formally used by Mr. WAVELL for his candle manufactory, is now in process of demolition, and we understand that Sivier’s Hotel is to be extended in that direction. (More about Mr. Wavell here)
Apr 15th 1876: MARITIME – That fine vessel the “Heather Bell” will make her first trip round the Isle of Wight for the season on Easter Monday.
Apr 22nd 1876: DISSOLVING VIEWS – On Wednesday evening Mr. Leonard TAYLOR gave an interesting entertainment at the Town Hall, consisting of dissolving views shown by the oxyhydrogen lime light. Most of the pictures were of a comic character, a number of beautiful effects, as near perfection, we should imagine as was possible, being produced.
Apr 22nd 1876: FASHIONABLE LIST – Mr. and Mrs. HUNTER, of Pellhurst, entertained a select circle at dinner on Thursday evening. (More about Mr. Hunter here)
Apr 29th 1876: ROYAL IW INFIRMARY – The committee has received the resignation of Dr. SPARROW, the present house surgeon. In tendering his resignation, Dr. SPARROW explained that his resignation was not caused by any prejudice to the Infirmary. He was simply going into another branch of his profession – the Navy, where his father was before him. He was however, willing to remain for another two months.
Apr 29th 1876: UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT – W. P. ATWELL, Hair Dresser to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the West End Clubs of London, begs to announce that he will conduct a Branch House at 14 Pier Street, Ryde, in the same style as in London, where he hopes good attendance and a large and well-selected stock of Brushes, Perfumery, and Fancy Goods, at moderate prices, will secure the patronage of the inhabitants and visitors of the Island. Ladies attended by Female Assistants, at their own residence, for Evening Parties, &c. A pretty selection of Novelties in Jewellery and Fancy Articles are offered for inspection. (More about Mr. and Mrs. Atwell here)