February 1911

Isle of Wight Observer

Feb 4th 1911: RAILWAY SERVANTS DINE – The third annual dinner of the indoor staff of the Joint Railway Companies and Ryde Carriers was held at the Salisbury Hotel on Thursday evening. Mr. W. SATCHELL of the Joint Railway Companies presided and was supported by Messrs. G. TRUCKEL, C. LOTT, S. RACKETT, A. E. BOURN, E. MORGAN, F. STRIVERS, F. ELDRIDGE and others. An excellent dinner having been served by Host GODFREY, the usual toasts were given and heartily honoured. Songs were sung during the evening with Mr. REED at the piano.

Feb 11th 1911: EDUCATION COMMITTEE – The Sub-Committee recommended the abolition of the present desks, seats, and gallery of the small class room, Girls’ Department, St. John’s-road School, and the provision of 20 new dual desks.

Feb 11th 1911: EDUCATION COMMITTEE – A letter was received from Mr. G. R. BRIGSTOCKE with reference to the drain at Bettesworth-road, informing the committee that if they could obtain the consent of his tenant he would allow the committee to carry a 4 inch drain across the field at a rent of 1s. a year. This was in regard to the storm water that accumulated in the basement of Bettesworth-road School.

Feb 11th 1911: GOLF – The Monthly Medal Competition at the Royal Isle of Wight Golf Club was played on Saturday, and resulted in a win for the Rev. A. C. ROBERTS, score of 89-10-79.

Feb 11th 1911: EMIGRATION – Emigration to Australia is still booming, and although the Canadian season is upon us, the bookings by the various lines show no falling off. Australia has come to stay, and people are not now afraid of the journey. A few years ago, and anyone going to Australia was looked upon as lost to all their friends and relatives. With the advent of fast steamers, this impression is dying a natural death.

Feb 18th 1911: RYDE TOWN COUNCIL – The Mayor and Councillor HAMILTON had written complaining of cattle being brought through the street in day time

Feb 18th 1911: LICENSING SESSIONS – There are 89 premises licensed in the borough, viz., 62 alehouses, 5 “on” beerhouses, 10 grocers “off”, 3 beer “off” other than grocers, 4 restaurants beer “on”, 3 chemists (medicated wines), and 2 wine merchants. There are also 9 registered clubs.

Feb 18th 1911: DRILL HALL – The newly erected Drill Hall in Butler’s-road, Ryde, was formerly opened on Thursday evening by Major-General J. K. TROTTER, officer commanding Southern Coast Defences, in the presence of a large gathering. The appearance of the hall was quite transformed, a large platform had been erected covered with red felt and ornamented with palms.

Feb 18th 1911: RYDE TOWN COUNCIL – The Mayor has received a letter from the Board of Trade with reference to the exhibition at Turin, asking if the Borough of Ryde wished to send a flag to he hung at the exhibition there. The flag would be hand-painted on silk, and would cost about £15.15s. to produce. Portsmouth was sending a flag, and it was a question whether Ryde would do so.

Feb 25th 1911: LETTER TO THE EDITOR – A number of the residents of Ryde would be thankful if you would bring the power of the Press towards suppressing the doleful tolling of the Parish Church bell. Some barbarians make dreadful noises to drive evil spirits from their departed, this can hardly be the idea of our Modern Churchman…… A Resident.