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'Newport
First Stop' - 100 Years of News Stories Newport
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1838
Merlin 6th January, 1838 On Saturday last the 30th of December the body of the late Watkin Homfray Esq., who died at Clifton and whose decease was announced in our paper of that day, arrived in Newport by the Wye Steam Packet hired expressly for the occasion. A hearse and five mourning coaches, which had come from Bristol the night before, were drawn up on the river bank awaiting the arrival of the body which was immediately carried up, and placed in the hearse, which was richly ornamented with the finest sable plumes. The mourners consisted of the relatives and intimate friends of the deceased, having taken their places in the mourning coaches prepared for them, the melancholy procession, preceeded by upwards of fifty gentlemen on horseback moved forward, followed by a train of about twenty private carriages belonging to the connections of the family. Amongst them we recognised the equipages of Samuel Homfray Esq, brother of the deceased, Sir Charles Morgan, Bart. and the extensive family of Tredegar etc. etc. In this order the procession moved on to Bassaleg Church where the corpse of the lamented gentleman was consigned to the family vaults. Samuel Homfray and his son attended as chief mourners.
On Saturday morning the 30th of December a schooner of 150 tons burthen was launched from the yard of Mr. John Young in this town. The morning was remarkably fine and hundreds of persons lined the banks of the river and the wharves to witness the interesting sight. At the appointed time the blocks were struck, when she moved slowly and gracefully along the ways, and as she plunged into her future element she received the name of 'The Queen Victoria'. She belongs to Waterford and is intended for the trade between that port and London. We understand that this vessel was completed in the remarkably short period of nine weeks, and is the fifth which has been launched from the same yard in the course of the last eleven months.
At a meeting of the Watch Committee Constable James Collins was, on the complaint of the Superintendent of Police, dismissed from his office for gross misconduct. We understand he was discovered by the Superintendent secreted in a house of "ill fame", kept by Mrs.Guest, at midnight when he should have been on duty in the streets.
We hear it whispered that Mr. Thomas Phillips is to be our new Mayor, a better selection could not be made. It is quite necessary that the gentleman presiding in the Borough Court should be possessed of considerable legal requirements and be particularly acquainted with the Rules of Evidence. In these matters Mr. Phillips is quite at home.
On Friday morning last Mr. Crowther was crossing Newport Bridge when he observed something of very unusual appearance floating down the river. - Struck by the singularity of the sight, he approached to ascertain its character, when, to his surprise he found it was a baker's boy, bestriding a basket of muffins so hot that the water smoked for several yards around; Mr Crowther yielding to the impulse of humanity instantly plunged into the water and succeeded in landing the baker's boy on terra firma - then took him to the nearest hotel and gave him a good breakfast without muffins. We have no doubt that Mr. Crowther will be amply rewarded for this praiseworthy act of humanity.
With much pride and exhaltation we have to announce that Newport, the commercial capital of South Wales, has taken a memorable part in the joyous occasion which a loyal and devoted people have, with such enthusiasm, made to a Patriot Queen. The fine morning of Thursday was ushered in by a joyous peal of bells from old St. Woolos Tower; ships in the harbour, and we are happy to say there were many, unfurled their gayest streamers; frequent discharges of artillery announced the advent of a day of rejoicing; and the crowds thronged the roads leading to the town showed that Newport was about to become a focus of festivity. As the morning advanced the streets presented a scene of increased animation. The entire population in their holiday attire, wearing white rosettes on the breast, appeared with joyous countenances resolved to make the most of the happy day. All places of business and public offices were closed and the houses generally through the town displayed banners with various loyal and appropriate devices. Triumphant arches composed of evergreens and various flowers surmounted with the Regal Crown were tastefully displayed across the streets. The Rodney Wharf and the adjacent banks of the river were the rendez-vous of the Trades and all who wished to join the procession; and we have the concurring testimony of the oldest inhabitants of the town to the fact that a more interesting and inspiring spectacle was never previously beheld in Newport.
Sir, It is a general observation when visitors who ascend to old St. Woolos for the fine expansive views commanded by that elevation, that the state of the churchyard is not only discreditable to Newport but indeed almost revolting to humanity. There, the little circumscribed spot set apart for burials, is so densely populated with the dead that there is scarcely enough of earth unoccupied to cover the foul and melancholy spectacle of the graves; coffins are crushed together; some displaced almost before the green grass has grown over them, whilst sculls (sic) and other sad reliques (sic) of the departed are not unfrequently strewn upon the surface. I might proceed with the picture - I might mention scenes of nocturnal depravity and desecration of the consecrated ground, but to go on with the grouping would be a loathsome work, and might possibly excite feelings which had better lie dormant. In making these observations, I have not even the shadow of an intention to attach blame (for I believe none is attributable) to any person in any station connected with discharging the last duties to the departed in the churchyard of St. Woolos. My object is merely to call public attention, with a view to remedy a great and increasing evil in Newport, resulting from the narrow confines of our public burying place - an evil not chargeable to individual neglect, but to public apathy, or at least a want of public exertion. Yours etc. with sincere esteem.
A salmon was caught this week in the Usk with the following large dimensions. Length 3ft. 9in; girth 28in; and weighing 35 lbs. This noble fish was brought to Tredegar House where it proved a high treat to the numerous and distinguished guests at present visiting that hospitable mansion.
We are pleased to hear that Thomas Philips Esq. is our
new Mayor. He is a man of the Law and is well respected by all who have
had occasion to meet him. We trust his 'Year of Offices will bring stability
and peace in our local affairs and we are sure that at the end of his
term as our Chief Magistrate we are able to say thank you for a job well
done. [ Back ] |
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'Newport
First Stop' - 100 Years of News Stories Newport
Past |
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