July 1868
Isle of Wight Observer:
July 4th 1868: REGISTRATION ASSOCIATION – We beg to remind our readers that, in consequence of the subdivision of Newchurch into three parishes, viz., Newchurch, Ryde, and Ventnor, it will be necessary for those electors who have been left out of the register to claim again, or they will find themselves not entitled to vote at the next election. Whether they are on the register or not, can be ascertained by applying to Mr. G. P. JOYCE, 67 George-street, Ryde, on Tuesdays and Fridays.
July 4th 1868: THE BOROUGH – We understand that the final order has been received for making the town of Ryde a municipal borough, so that on the 1st November next the Burgesses will have to elect the first list of Councillors, and the Town Councillors will have to elect the Mayor and Aldermen on the 9th November.
July 4th 1868: FORESTERS’ FETE – The principal attraction of Coronation Day in Ryde was unquestionably the above fete. The day was most gloriously fine, and although many had left the town the railway and steampackets poured in a large number to supply their places. The procession was certainly somewhat more attractive than usual, and in passing up Union-street Mr. HARRINGTON, who was announced to take the chair at the dinner, was greeted with continuous cheering. Read more about Mr Harrington here
July 4th 1868: FAVORITE TRIP – The Princess of Wales steamer made the first trip round the Island for the season on Monday last, when a large number availed themselves of the opportunity of viewing the magnificent scenery of the Island. The vessel stayed at Ventnor for a couple of hours.
July 4th 1868: OYSTER FISHERY – At the opening of the first pond of the oyster fisher at Brading last week, we noticed on the grounds the well-known photographic vehicle of Mr. Jabez HUGHES, and we understand that he was very successful in obtaining photographic representations of the grounds generally, as well as groups of the chairman, directors, and workmen on the grounds.
July 11th 1868: FALSE ALARM – On Monday last, some mischievous wag having very industriously circulated a report that the authorities had determined to deprive the inhabitants of water for three days, in consequence of the reservoir, at Knighton having to be cleared out. In all directions preparations were made for laying in a three days’ supply: pans were brought up in haste, and great must have been the strain on the water supply for half-a-day, however, the town crier, with his welcome bell, toured the town to dispel alarm.
July 18th 1868: PIER TRAMWAY – We understand that it is contemplated by the directors of the Pier Company to substitute a stationary engine for working the tramway carriages in the place of the horses, as being cheaper and less tiring. Two horses cannot run so often up and down as it is desirable they should. Its propulsion by stationary steam power is applicable anywhere, and that it will answer on the pier tramway.
July 18th 1868: SUGGESTIONS – Mr. HARRINGTON observed that the shore was most important for the public good, and made some practical suggestions with reference to its management. Certainly those who dug the worms should fill in the sand. With respect bathing, it was most important that accommodation should be provided for ladies, and in his opinion the western side of the pier would be the place for it.
July 25th 1868: WORBOYS’ ENTERTAINMENTS – On Wednesday evening there was a large and fashionable assemblage at the Town-hall, a grand fashionable amateur performance having been announced. The performances commenced with Buckstone’s favorite comic drama of “Good for Nothing.”
July 25th 1868: FORTUNATE RESCUE – On Tuesday afternoon the son of Mr. REDMAN, fruiterer, of Pier-street, went down the George-street slipway with a pony and cart for the purpose of bathing the animal’s legs. The horse, however got out of its depth and was drifting away, when some seamen belonging to a collier who were in a boat, soon succeeded in getting the pony, cart, and boy to the shore.