September 1918
Isle of Wight Observer:
Sept 7th 1918: HEDGE ON FIRE – On Tuesday, at High Park Road, a tall hedge was observed to be on fire, probably the result of a stray match carelessly dropped. By the exertions of inhabitants in the immediately vicinity and visitors the fire was soon beaten out and the fowls and chicken in the adjoining field escaped injury.
Sept 7th 1918: JOURNALIST – Mr. J. C. E. DURRANT the well-known Island journalist, who resigned the editorship of this paper on being offered the position of Labour Party Agent for the East Grinstead district of Sussex, left Ryde on Monday morning to take up the duties of his new appointment. Mr. DURRANT has had a long experience of newspaper work, having been Editor of the old “Express” before its demise.
Sept 7th 1918: PANSY DAY – Today (Friday) everyone is being invited to purchase a pansy in aid of the fund to provide Huts, Clubs and Canteens for the use of the Women Wartime Workers.
Sept 7th 1918: BLACKBERRIES – The Board of Education circular with regard to children being allowed to leave school to gather blackberries, was that this applied more in the case of rural than of town schools. The circular suggested three half days each week, but it be left to the discretion of head masters and mistresses.
Sept 14th 1918: MEETING – In connection with the National Union of Post Office Pensioners a most encouraging meeting was held at the Victoria Dining Rooms, High Street, on Monday last, when a local branch was formed, which it is hoped will receive support from other towns.
Sept 14th 1918: VOLUNTEER – Service as a Volunteer appears to be necessary in the eyes of the N.S.R., but how this is to be undertaken by men who work (as in some instances) fourteen and sixteen hours a day at present, remains to be proved.
Sept 14th 1918: MEMORIAL – There was a well attended meeting at St. John’s Parish Hall on Thursday evening to consider the advisability of St. John’s Church having its own War Memorial and the form it should take. The Vicar (Rev. Cyril BLAKE), who presided, was glad to see such a large number present.
Sept 21st 1918: SWAMPED – During the squall on Monday night the boat belonging to St. John’s Sea Scouts was sunk at her moorings off Ryde Pier.
Sept 21st 1918: REDUCTIONS – To save coal the railway companies are considering a scheme for still further cutting down the train service and reducing the lighting and heating of the three thousand odd stations in the United Kingdom. The supplies in hand of the 12 leading railway companies on 31st August amounted to 897,833 tons, which is only sufficient to carry on traffic for 4½ weeks.
Sept 28th 1918: END OF SUMMER TIME – The Home Secretary gives notice that Summer Time will cease and normal time will be restored at 3 a.m. (Summer Time) in the morning of Monday next, September 30th, when the clock will be put back to 2 a.m. The public should make the change before retiring on Sunday night.
Sept 28th 1918: CINEMA – This cosy little picture house had a good programme for the first half of the week. The special attraction was “The Man Trap,” a sensational crook story, and a splendid comic entitled “Jerry and the Outlaws.” The exciting serial “The Mystery Ship” is coming shortly, and “The Warning.”
Sept 28th 1918: COAL RATIONING – The eleventh hour has arrived for coal rationing. Forms of application presented after Monday next may be rejected and supplies of 1cwt per week only allowed. It may also be noted on and after October 1st, coal prices are to be increased throughout the Island 2/6 per ton.