January 1910

Isle of Wight Observer

Jan 1st 1910: HONOUR FOR LOCAL MAN – Ernie WILLIAMS, the Ryde footballer, has been chosen to play for Chelsea at Newcastle.

Jan 1st 1910: FEWER MARRIAGES – There appears to be a decline in the number of marriages, at any rate amongst Nonconformists. We understand that there were only three during November and December, and not one for any Chapel during Christian Week. This falling-off does not seem to be confined to Ryde.

Jan 1st 1910: LOCAL RETROSPECT – So far as Ryde is concerned the year 1909 was not a particularly good one. In the matter of trade, it was not good, in the matter of weather, it was decidedly a bad year. The reason for this depression is not far to seek, Ryde lives on the superfluity of others, and if trade is bad in the country, as a whole Ryde is one of the first towns to feel it.

Jan 1st 1910: SICK POOR – The Ryde District Nursing Institute for the Sick Poor in their own Homes continued during the year its beneficial work amongst the poor of the district. It was reported that in one year nearly 9,000 visits had been paid by the nurses. Owing to the kindly efforts of a number of friends the Institute received special contributions which were very welcome.

Jan 8th 1910: A CHEERY SEND OFF – Many people in the town were somewhat startled to hear a succession of loud reports followed by an unearthly shriek at about half past nine on Friday evening of last week. There was really no occasion for alarm, for it was merely the innocent humour of the men at the Pier Head, who signalled in this manner the departure of the mail boat on her last trip of 1909.

Jan 8th 1910: THE NEW OATH – With the advent of the new form of attestation the picturesque custom of “kissing the book” has disappeared from our Courts. The “Oaths Acts” providing for the substitution of the Scottish Fashion of swearing, came into operation on New Years Day, the uplifting of the hand will in future be the only necessary accompaniment.

Jan 8th 1910: RYDE FAILURE – Mr. G. H. MULLINS of Union-street, Ryde, attended at the Bankruptcy Court on Monday for his public examination. The statement of affairs showed gross liabilities amounting to £2,235 of which £800 was secured. The estimated deficit was £754.

Jan 8th 1910: AN IMPROVEMENT – The Corporation gardener has been engaged in removing a very large Tamarisk bush at the Eastern end of the Esplanade Gardens and covering the plot where it stood with turf, the result being a very great improvement.

Jan 15th 1910: A NUISANCE ABATED – For some weeks residents in the area around East-street have been annoyed by the questionable music committed by a couple of powerful organs powered by steam, connected with the fair erected in the vicinity, and accompanied by the banging of drums and shrieking pipes. George BAKER, proprietor of the fair was brought before the Mayor and the Borough Magistrates. The Bench fined the Defendent 10s. and 10s.6d. costs.

Jan 15th 1910: LICENSES – The General Purposes Committee reported that they had granted to Mr. Albert R. H. TREVETT of 56 Union-street, Cycle & Motor Agent, a license to store 12 gallons of motor spirit in 2 gallon cans, and that they had granted a license to Mr. Harry E. TURTLE, Dyer, of East-street, to store 40 gallons of petrol spirit, not for sale, but for use in his business only.

Jan 29th 1910: – THE COMET – The “daylight comet” has been responsible for a good deal of anxious sky gazing in the town during the week, but a succession of hazy or stormy evenings has rendered the search almost futile. Many persons were however, lucky to locate the visitor on Saturday night when the luminous “tail” was clearly visible.

Jan 29th 1910: FIRE IN A STABLE – The Ryde Fire Brigade accomplished a smart piece of work on Thursday, which was the first time their steamer had been used. The stable roof which was on fire, was adjoining Messrs. BRIGHTON & ROGERS sweet factory. It was supposedly caused by a stable man named William MUNDAY, leaving a candle burning.