January 1875
Isle of Wight Observer:
Jan 2nd 1875: ACCIDENT – On Saturday night a gentleman from over the water by some means got over the Pier head into the water. He lay very quiet, floating on the water, till a porter heard his calls for help and rescued him, with assistance by means of a rope. Parties who know all about the matter refuse to supply name or particulars. He had intended to cross by the last boat, and perhaps went down the steps thinking to find a boat there, and fell.
Jan 9th 1875: THE THAW – It was with a feeling of gratitude that we observed late on Friday evening the keenness of the weather mitigate, and a thaw commence which soon cleared the roads of all the snow. Since then, we have had beautifully mild weather, which has done a great deal to cure the coughs and colds which have been so prevalent, and saved many a visit to the doctor. The recent trying weather increased the death-rate in the United Kingdom to 31 per 1,000 of the population.
Jan 9th 1875: VISIT OF HER MAJESTY – On Tuesday Her Majesty the Queen paid a visit to Ryde, accompanied by the Princess Beatrice. She rode through the town in an open carriage, and was accompanied by the usual out-riders. Her Majesty drove down High-street, Union-street, and along the Esplanade, up George-street, through Cross-street, and up the High-street, returning by the Queen’s-road. Her Majesty politely returned the many bows which she received from those inhabitants of the town who recognised her.
Jan 16th 1875: STAINED GLASS WINDOW – In the beginning of next week a beautiful stained-glass window will be placed in the north transept of Holy Trinity Church, by Lady LEES. The picture is divided into three portions. At the bottom are the words, “In memory of her Mother, Son, and Brother, by Lady LEES.” The window, came from Brussels, and will be placed in position by Mr. Herbert LANGDON, of Monkton-street.
Jan 16th 1875: INSECURE POSTAL COVERS – Envelopes frequently used for letters and packets sent through the post are unfit for the purpose causing damage to the correspondence. In the case of bulky or very heavy letters, the covers should be made of linen. This caution has become necessary since, owing to the late large reduction in the rate of postage, many more bulky letters and packets are now sent through the post than formerly.
Jan 23rd 1875: LOCAL LIQUIDATION – William HALL, of Ryde, cook and confectioner, filed his petition on Friday for liquidation of his affairs by arrangement or composition with creditors. The petitioner estimates the amount of debts owing by him to his creditors at £560. Mr. G. P. JOYCE, 65 George-street is the Solicitor in the case.
Jan 30th 1875: SUBSCRIPTION BALL – On Thursday evening a ball was given at the Victoria-rooms, by a number of young tradesmen and their friends, when about 130 were present. Dancing commenced shortly after 9 o’clock, to the strains of the Volunteer quadrille band, and was continued till nearly 5 o’clock the next morning. The whole arrangements were excellent, the room tastefully decorated with flags and all enjoyed themselves to the fullest extent.
Jan 30th 1875: THE GALE – A very severe gale passed over the town on Sunday last. The storm was accompanied by rain, hail and very vivid lightening. The shipping disasters in our immediate neighbourhood were very numerous if not very serious in their character.
Jan 30th 1875: ANOTHER PRESENTATION – We have to announce that Vivian A. WEBBER, Esq., whose love for, and patronage of, art seems never to flag, will present another picture (painted by our well-known townsman, Mr A. FOWLES, and representing the visit of the French fleet to Spithead in 1865). The painting is a very fine one, being no less than 9ft. by 6ft.