July 1876
Isle of Wight Observer:
July 1st 1876: EXCURSION ROUND THE ISLAND – The fine vessel the Heather Bell will make an excursion round the Island on every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the summer months. On Tuesdays there will be an excursion to Alum Bay and the Needles, where excursionists can land on the commodious pier which has been erected.
July 1st 1876: COTTAGES AT WEBBERIA – Mr. Vivian WEBBER contemplates erecting, at no distant period, no less than twenty cottages upon the above-mentioned freehold property. They will be let to working men at a moderate rental, and will supply a long-desired accommodation. They will be commodious, airy, healthy dwellings, with a plentiful supply of wholesome water; also, particular attention will be directed to the drainage and sewerage.
July 1st 1876: MR. EDGAR WETTON – the inventor of “The Magneticon” will shortly deliver another course of interesting lectures in Ryde on “Magneticon and health or how to lengthen and enjoy life.” These lectures are illustrated by brilliant electric and magnetic experiments, and oxyhydrogen lime light views.
July 8th 1876: HAZELWOOD – The third anniversary of the opening of this Home for the rest and recreation of commercial young men, was held in a large tent (provided by Mr. CANTLOW, of Ryde) on the lawn at the Home, on Monday evening. A large number of the friends and supporters of this excellent institution partook of a social tea, and a meeting was subsequently held, Mr. HARRINGTON presiding.
July 8th 1876: SCHOOL BOARD PROSECUTIONS – John BEVIS, of Union-road, was summoned for neglecting to send his son to school.—He had only attended 50 times out of a possible 128. The Bench made the usual order for the child to attend school; Henry SOUTHWELL, of Newport-street, who did not appear, was charged with a similar offence. As he had been brought before the magistrates once before, he was now fined 5s. including costs; Samuel BARTLETT, of Warwick-street and Catherine HAYLES, of Castle-street, were summoned on the same charge, and the usual orders were made.
July 15th 1876: TORPEDO EXPERIMENTS AT SPITHEAD – The Heavy Ordnance Committee, of which Colonel YOUNGHUSBAND is president, have not as yet determined whether the guns with which the Spithead forts are to be one day armed shall be worked by steam, hydraulic, or pneumatic gear, but it is satisfactory to learn that, whatever may be the value of the circular structures as forts, the Admiralty are fully alive to their importance as torpedo stations.
July 15th 1876: EXHIBITION BILLIARD MATCH – This match took place on Thursday evening at “The Clarendon,” Union-street between the champion, W. COOK, and S. W. STANLEY. The attendance was good. The game was 800 up, .COOK conceding 200 points. He broke the balls at 8 o’clock and STANLEY followed, but neither player appeared up to his usual form.
July 22nd 1876: NEW INVENTION – Our townsman, Mr. J. HARRINGTON, of Fairlawn, Swanmore, has just patented a most ingenious apparatus, which eclipses all his former efforts of inventive genius, inasmuch as it will undoubtedly be an immense boon to many artisans who have to ascend to great heights. It will be invaluable, we are informed, as a fire escape, and for many things for which ladders are required. Scarcely any exertion is required for ascending or descending by means of the apparatus.
July 29th 1876: ACCIDENT – On Wednesday night Jacob HARBOUR one of the night watchmen in the employ of the town and lamplighter, while lighting a lamp in Argyll-street, slipped and broke his leg. He remained for nearly an hour before any one person passed him, but eventually one of the Pier Company vans picked him up and conveyed him to the Infirmary. HARBOUR lost an arm some years ago when assisting in firing a Royal salute from the Club battery in honour of the Emperor of the French.
July 29th 1876: ADVERT – Indoor Servant, single-handed or otherwise, in private family. Steady, active and clean; middle aged; Church of England; good character. Apply Mrs. BUTLER Servants Register Office