March 1858
Isle of Wight Observer
Mar 6th 1858: LADIES OF LUCKNOW – Perhaps you have not heard that three ladies are known to be in Lucknow, where they are confined in one small room, but protected by a Vakeel. Two of them are the widows of officers who have fallen; but it is supposed that they have not heard of the death of their husbands. A letter from one of those has reached its destination; it was affecting to find that the writer had lost all note of the passage of time asking when it would be Christmas? As soon as Sir James OUTRAM became aware of the facts he offered the rebels £15,000 for their ransom, which Lord CUMMING immediately doubled: —Calcutta correspondent of the Examiner.
Mar 13th 1858: RYDE COMMISSIONERS – In consequence of the tradesmen’s dinner taking place in the Pier Hotel on Tuesday evening, the site of the usual monthly meeting of the above board, the business was postponed for a week.
Mar 13th 1858: MR. AUSTIN’S CONCERT – This musical treat which culminated in a furore of excitement, took place at the Victoria rooms, Ryde, on Thursday evening last. Mr. Sims REEVES, the great English tenor, attracted a feeling of great interest.
Mar 20th 1858: GREAT ECLIPSE OF THE SUN – The great eclipse was visible in Ryde on Monday last for the greater part of the time of its occurrence, although the day was very cloudy. At no time was the darkness such, as we have heard from the renowned individual “the oldest inhabitant” describe, when total eclipse occurred indeed, it was equal to a dark November day, and birds neither went to roost here, or dashed themselves against buildings, or such like, for the simple reason there was plenty of light.
Mar 20th 1858: READING ROOM FOR WORKING MEN – B. BARROW Esq., will deliver a lecture at the above room, Player-street this Friday evening on “Ryde as it was and is,” with reference more especially to the physiological advantages of pure water and good drainage.
Mar 20th 1858: THE SEASON – The genial weather of the past week has had a beneficial influence, and give indications of the approaching season. We trust the new passport system will divert the Continental stream of visitors to the Isle of Wight.