January 1876
Isle of Wight Observer:
Jan 1st 1876: NEW CONSERVATIVE CLUB – On Wednesday evening a large number of the members of the newly-formed Conservative Club assembled at the Club-house in Lind-street, to celebrate the opening of this new and, as we trust time will prove, valuable institution.
Jan 1st 1876: CHRISTY’S MINSTRELS – A party of performers, under this title, gave an entertainment at the Theatre on Monday evening last, and we believe obtained very fair patronage.
Jan 1st 1876: NEW ACT ON CHIMNEY SWEEPERS – On Saturday the new Act to amend the law relating to chimney sweepers will come into force, by which persons carrying on the occupation and employing any assistant or apprentice must take out a certificate from the police in the district in which they reside.
Jan 8th 1876: CABMEN – On Thursday last week a number of the cabmen of the town were entertained at a meat tea by Miss BARRIS, and afterwards addressed by the Rev. W. H. REDKNAP and by Miss ROBINSON, a lady who is well known for her efforts to promote temperance in the Army and Navy. We understand that the lady who so kindly gave the tea is endeavouring to provide a cabmen’s shelter for this town.
Jan 8th 1876: RUNAWAY BOYS – We chronicled the somewhat mysterious disappearance of two boys, named Harry CARPENTER and Alfred PRESTON, of Arthur-street, who had left their homes, and whose parents could discover no clue to their whereabouts, The boys, it seems, have been spending their time in the Portsea Island Workhouse, where they were admitted on the 17th October, they have now been restored to their friends.
Jan 15th 1876: SPELLING BEE – The first meeting of the Ryde Literary Society, after the Christmas holidays, on Monday evening, was principally occupied in arranging a programme of events for the season. It was suggested that a “Spelling Bee,” a novelty which is sure to be appreciated, should be held. It was proposed to give an entertainment, the proceeds of which might be devoted to furnishing prizes for the successful competitors at the “Spelling Bee.”
Jan 15th 1876: NEW BUILDING – Alderman DASHWOOD brought up a report from the Public Works Committee, and moved the adoption of its recommendation—that the plans deposited by Mr. BARTON for the erection of a house in Partlands-avenue. Alderman FUTCHER seconded, and the motion was approved.
Jan 15th 1876: TRANSFER OF LICENSES – The only business before the Borough Magistrates on Monday was the endorsement of two licenses, The license of the Simeon Arms was transferred from the late Mr. COTTON to his widow; and that of the Lion Brewery Inn from Mr. James LAKE to Mr. George SAUNDERS,
Jan 22nd 1876: BUSINESS CHANGE – There are few of our tradesmen who can look back upon a long and respected career as our well-known townsman, Mr. John WAVELL, who for nearly 40 years has been connected with the chemist’s business at the top of Union-street. We are sorry to say, however, that ill-health has compelled him to retire, and he has handed over this old-established business to Mr. Tennison SMITH.
Jan 22nd 1876: IMPROVEMENT AT THE PIER GATES – The directors of the Pier Company, mindful of the comfort of their servants, have made an improvement at the Pier Gates, which we are sure will be appreciated. The position of toll collector during the recent severe weather is not an enviable one, and the cutting north winds are greatly felt. To remedy this a shelter has been provided for the collectors near the gate, in the shape of a little glass house, with seats, from which they can survey all coming to or up the pier.
Jan 29th 1876: ACCIDENT – An accident occurred on Thursday at Haylands. Messrs. STAMP, DUFFETT (butcher, of High-street), GROVES (builder), MARKS (of High-street), and RASHLEY, were returning to Ryde, and at Haylands the horse ran into an embankment, overturned the cart, and threw out the whole of the occupants. Mr. DUFFETT was severely shaken and Mr. MARKS has since been obliged to keep to his bed. The others escaped with just bruises