June 1875
Isle of Wight Observer
June 5th 1875: A BAD CHARACTER – Henry SALTER, formerly belonging to the 106th Regiment, was charged with making a false declaration on 2nd of March last, when he enlisted into the Isle of Wight Artillery Militia. He made a declaration that he had never been in the army or navy, or been rejected by either of those forces. James FRIZZEL, a sergeant in the 106th Regiment, said that the prisoner had served in that regiment, under the name of Michael CRONIN and had been ignominiously discharged for his bad conduct. He appeared 26 times on the regimental report book, and 69 times in the company book, and had been five times brought before court martial. The Chairman said there could not be a much worse character than that, and sentenced the prisoner to two months hard labour.
June 12th 1875: A NIGHT ALARM – Last Friday morning between 12 and 1, many in this town were startled by a heavy dull sound, which was attributed to thunder. Those who lived near the shore were more startled by the loud reverberations. It was found that there was no cause for alarm, as the dreadful noise was caused by some experiments with torpedoes at Fort Monkton, the whole arrangements being so secret that even Government officials in a high position had no notion of what was going on, and shared the astonishment of the general public.
June 12th 1875: EXCURSION TO CHERBOURG – The Portsmouth and Ryde Steampacket Company have soon seen the advisability of utilising their fine new boat the Heather Belle, and on Saturday, the 19th inst., she goes upon an excursion to Cherbourg, returning on the following Tuesday. This is the first time, we believe, that such an excursion has been attempted from these parts, and as it is a very cheap one, we trust that a large number will avail themselves of this tempting opportunity of visiting “La Belle France”.
June 19th 1875: POSTPONEMENT OF THE EXCURSION – In consequence of the high winds which prevailed at the beginning of the week, a number of those who intended making the excursion tomorrow, became alarmed, and wished it postponed till the weather seemed more settled. This postponement is somewhat regretted as the weather has since moderated somewhat with every prospect of its continuing fine.
June 19th 1875: A DANGEROUS ROAD – We have been requested to call the attention of “the powers that be” to that part of Weeks’ road leading into Preston-Place, where there at present exists a gutter several yards in length and of considerable depth, and which is calculated to prove injurious, not only to pedestrians, but also to cattle; and persons unacquainted with the road may unexpectedly meet with a broken leg or neck.
June 19th 1875: ACCIDENT – On Friday last a serious accident happened to Mr. Alfred PRESSLEY, many years a gardener at Saxonbury Lodge, It appeared he was standing on a ladder, about 14 ft. from the ground, lopping a tree, when the ladder turned and precipitated its occupant to the ground. He received a broken arm, with severe bruises and contusions, and was conveyed to the Royal Isle of Wight Infirmary, where we learn he is progressing favourably.
June 26th 1875: LEGAL EXPENSES – We cannot help looking at the high rates, and reflecting that had there not been such great law expenses incurred by the last Corporation, this town might have received many improvements for which we fear it will have to wait. £7,406 have gone out of the ratepayers’ pockets within a very short period, for law and other useless expenses, brought about solely by the quarrelsome conduct of some of our townsmen. This sum is a very large one for a town like our own to throw away with nothing to show for it. It is quite evident that it is best to bear the few ills we might have than spend in litigation money which might have been the means of adding to the prosperity of the town. The late Corporation have much to answer for in this respect.
June 26th 1875: A NOVEL BOAT – One day this week a young gentleman was seen paddling about opposite the Club House in a novel kind of canoe, and one which we should like to see extensively adopted. This boat appeared to be made of india-rubber, and inflated in such a way that it was quite impossible to sink it. Wooden canoes are scarcely suited for the rough water of the coast, but the one we have mentioned we should think would take a very rough sea to upset it, and, even if upset, it would not sink.
June 26th 1875: DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME – A writer in the Field gives the following very good method of keeping birds from fruit: From two pegs fixed in the ground stretch a piece of wire, then procure a cat or kitten three parts grown, put a leather collar on it, and attach it to the wire, so that the animal can well range the length of the pegs. The presence of the cat, and its every movement has proved a capital protection against the feathered marauders.