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'Newport
First Stop' - 100 Years of News Stories Newport
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1872
Merlin. 11th January 1872 We are requested to State that persons having old clothing at their disposal might beneficially place the same at the command of the managers of the Girls Ragged School in Queen Street, instead of indiscriminately giving articles to recipients, who in many cases are not really deserving or in want.
On Monday last Mr. Stratton otherwise "General Tom Thumb", his amiable wife, "Doughnut" and Miss Minnie Warren visited Newport. Two largely attended Levees were held, the numbers attending in the evening being immense, the spacious Victoria Hall being crowded to excess, from two thousand to three thousand persons probably being present. The diminutive carriage of the General and his party, was an object of great interest, as it passed through the streets, to convey the distinguished party from the Railway Station to the Queens Hotel, which they selected as their headquarters. The entertainment was of the most attractive description. We have character representations by General Tom Thumb, including his unparalleled delineation of the first Napoleon's parade, preparatory to one of his great battles, and the excellent singing of Mrs. Stratton and Miss Warren added to which the Commodore's genuine acting in his comic and burlesque songs, which, there can be no hesitation in saying, is unsurpassed by any living artiste. The rounds of applause were frequent, prolonged, and repeated. The structure of the Victoria Hall is such that the two all attractive couples could, on a slanting stage, perambulate the entire length of the body of the Hall, so gratifying everyone present by a close view of the wonderful "four". This was announced as a farewell visit. We can only say if it prove to be so, the Newport public will not view such an arrangement with satisfaction; but that they will long remember (with regret that it was the last visit) the presence at the Victoria Hall, of General and Mrs. Tom Thumb, Miss Minnie Warren and Commodore Nutt.
Of the six schemes proposed for connecting the railway systems east and vest of the Severn only three now remain - two for bridging the river at Sharpness, and the Tunnel Project. The Severn Bridge Railway, in face of opposition, passed the Examiner at the end of last week, and the prospects of the Company are most encouraging.
The opposition to the Severn Tunnel Railway Bill, which was to have come before a Select Committee of the House of Commons on Thursday, has been withdrawn, and the Bill has therefore been referred back and will come before the Chairman of Ways and Means as an unopposed Bill.
The fine barque "Nary Emily" recently purchased by Messrs Benyon and Co. of Newport was launched on Monday, the 9th inst. from the yard of Messrs Harvey, in the most successful and beautiful style and was witnessed by a large assemblage. The "Mary Emily" has a carrying capacity of over eight hundred tons and is metalled to the "bends". She was launched with her masts and top-masts in, and for the beauty of her lines and general model has an imposing appearance. The scene on so fine a morning enhanced by a display of new flags, was much enjoyed by all who witnessed it.
Nothing but a personal inspection of this stupendous undertaking can give a correct idea of the works in progress at the Alexandra Docks, and which now afford employment for a large body of men of various classes. The construction of the entrance lock, is rapidly approaching completion, and its massive and everlasting wharves, indeed, are a sight to behold. Not a doubt strikes the mind as to their solidity and stability, whilst the workmanship is of the highest order, and a credit to engineering skills. It will be a grand day for Newport when the Alexandra Docks are opened, in as much that it will inaugurate an era of prosperity and development of trade and commerce in this port, the extent of which the present generation can scarcely value.
The arrivals during the past week have not only been numerous but various, among which we noticed the "Corsair" steamer, direct from Charente, with about 3000 gallons of brandy, consigned to Mr. William Webb of Aberbeeg. We learn that direct importations would be more frequent were there more extensive vaults and warehouses for bonding wines and spirits at the port. The "Chesapeke" steamer is now loading 1000 tons of railway iron for foreign ports at the Spit, her length being too great to admit of her entering our docks, without making a Level and this the Dock Company will not do at neap tides.
At the meeting of the Newport Board of Guardians on Saturday, Mr. Joseph Latch, in the Chair, the only business of interest was the reading of a letter from Mr. E. Evans, for eighteen years the Relieving Officer, and who now retires from the post; in which letter he asks for £10 a quarter extra salary for the last twelve months, increased duties having been imposed through the prevalence of smallpox. Mr. James Brand and other Guardians spoke highly of the services rendered by Mr. Evans, but as there were only about a dozen members present it was thought expedient to defer the subject.
Polo or hockey on horseback, is an Indian game, and was first introduced into this country by the 10th Hussars and 9th Lancers, who played several matches together. It has since become very popular and we believe a club is about to be started in London. A game was played last Monday at Clytha, the first attempted by civilians in this country, and it was so well received we understand that Captain Herbert (Late of the 9th Lancers) hopes to be able to form a club in Monmouthshire.
The Newport Borough Police Force, with their wives and children, on Tuesday and Wednesday, enjoyed their Annual Outing. The Corporation contributed a small sum, to which ratepayers can take no exception, in view of the general efficiency and good conduct of the Force. In addition, a number of the principal tradesmen contributed handsomely in token of their appreciation of the Borough constables. The arrangements were under the control of Mr. Huxtable, the Chief Superintendent, who exerted himself with assiduity to promote the comfort and pleasures of the party. The Lighthouse was selected as the scene of the festivities, and merrily the hours sped amid the various sources of enjoyment which presented themselves on the shores of the Bristol Channel. An ample supply of creature comforts was provided and spread in a commodious tent - musicians, whose skill was brought into frequent requisition by the lovers of Terpsichore, played throughout the day, whilst there were games in variety on the green sward. The most enjoyable aspect of all, to some, were the briney waters which sparkled in the sun, and as if instinct with jocund merriment, throwing spray against the sea-washed walls and at each other. The party was safely and pleasantly conveyed from the Lighthouse in commodious brakes at once stout and fleet tutored by Jehus of admitted experience.
The first meeting of the season will take place at the Cattle Market on Thursday 17th inst. when all members and those who wish to join the Club are requested to attend. Play will commence at three o'clock.
Some of the bells of St. Woolos which heralded the advent of Christmas
morn rang again on Thursday, a day set apart by common consent as a general
holiday. Let us hope that Christmas passed off genially and right merrily
in town and country. The bells, as they have been wont, will in a few
days toll a knell - the dying note of the departing year. Then will they
peal the birth of the new. In breathless silence will the knell be listened
to, and with joyous gladness the peal shall be welcomed - for does it
not tell of a new existence? Let the knell then, be the signal for retrospect,
the peal an augury of happy times to come. 1872 is fast dying. May our
moral and material ledgers be duly balanced. 1873 is close at hand. May
all our readers in common with ourselves be prepared to welcome it with
light yet earnest hearts, radiant with the prospect of a HAPPY NEW YEAR. [ Back ] |
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'Newport
First Stop' - 100 Years of News Stories Newport
Past |
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