April 1916
Isle of Wight Observer:-
Apr 1st 1916: HANDKERCHIEF’S – When prices are going up in every department of feminine attire, it is possible to buy pretty handkerchief’s quite cheaply. During the sales coloured and white, were to be bought for a mere song. Many girls who wisely made purchases then, are now converting their bargains into blouses, to be worn with summer coats and skirts. Coloured collars, cuffs, and ties give a distinctive finish.
Apr 1st 1916: CASTLE HOSPITAL – The Allies Musical and Dramatic Society very kindly gave a thoroughly delightful concert in the dining hall, at this institution, on Monday evening, at which the patients from Quarr Abbey were present, by invitation of the Commandant.
Apr 1st 1916: PRISONERS OF WAR – A communication has been received from Corpl. J. A. MABB, of the 8th Hants, a prisoner of war at Afion-Kara-Hissar, it said: “We beg to acknowledge receipt of 21½ piastes per man which you so kindly sent. All Rifles here are deeply grateful for this handsome gift, which, I hardly need say, will be most useful. We are all in good health, having left hospital a month ago.”
Apr 1st 1916: STORM DAMAGE – The recent storm was fortunately free of injuries of a personal nature. A good deal of shipping was off Ryde Pier, and during the height of the hurricane two large steamers dragged their anchors and came into collision, Mr Dan GAWN had a small sailing boat carried away. The outer roofing of the round-house on the pier was stripped clean off. At the Lion Brewery, the upper part of the brewery roof, was lifted bodily from its position and deposited on an adjoining roof.
Apr 8th 1916: “A LITTLE BIT OF FLUFF” – A crowded house witnessed the performance of this cleverly written and equally cleverly enacted farce at the Theatre Royal on Thursday afternoon. Nothing was lacking in making the most of the smart dialogues and mirth-provoking situations caused by the indiscretions of a young married man who induced a serious-minded friend into helping him to hoodwink a jealous wife.
Apr 8th 1916: LICENSE – The licensing Justices confirmed their previous decision to grant an off-license for the Green Dragon, Union Street, in place of a full license, the premises being used solely as an office and stores.
Apr 15 1916: BOY SCOUTS – The Boy Scouts had a route march through the principal streets of the town. They mustered about 120 strong, the Troups represented being All Saints’, Holy Trinity, Swanmore, and Y.M.C.A., and St. John’s and Wootton Sea Scouts. The All Saints’ Drum and Fife Band was in attendance.
Apr 15th 1916: NEEDLEWORK – The needlework made by the girls of the upper classes of St. John’s Road Council school, and by the member of the old scholars’ association, was placed on view at the school on Thursday, and attracted a good deal of attention from parents and friends.
Apr 15th 1916: PUBLIC SAFETY – The Watch Committee report that the following arrangements had been made for safety of the public in case of an air raid: gas pressure to be reduced to the minimum; electric light to be cut off; Fire Brigade to be called in readiness; Special Constables t be placed at cross roads, etc., to stop vehicular traffic and warn pedestrians to seek cover; the Volunteer Training Corps to stand ready in or near St. Thomas’ Square to assist in any emergency.
Apr 22nd 1916: THE REDAN – At the Borough Bench, on Monday, the license of the Redan, Union Street, was temporarily transferred from Charles GILL to the Official Receiver (Mr E. WATSON).
Apr 22nd 1916: MILITARY HONOURS – We are pleased to record that Lieut. R. H. FLUX, of 1/5th Howitzer Battery, R.F.A., has been awarded the Military Cross, and Capt. George HEWITT, 48th Pioneers, Indian Army, the D.S.O. Lieut. FLUX is a son of Capt. F. G. FLUX, and practised as a solicitor in this town before the war. Capt. HEWITT is a well-known local cricketer.