Tuesday, July 6 1897

The late Mrs. STRETTON.-  A Correspondent writes:  - We are sorry to hear of the death of Mrs Henry STRETTON, of Buffelsfontein, Stormberg, who was a most kind mother, as well as a friend to all that had occasion to call at her place.  Everyone who did so had reason to remember her cleanliness and good cooking.  The latter is not always met with in travelling, and one would often like to see more of her kind, for the comfort of hard working husbands. – We may add that Mr and Mrs STRETTON were among the original grantees in this division.  Mr STRETTON was noted as one of the most enterprising of farmers, and died a little time before his wife.  His sons hold extensive properties along the Stormberg Range.

Friday, July 9 1897

Sudden Death.-  We regret to have to record the sad death of a well known farmer, Mr M DE WET, Zwaartfontein Farm, near Whittlesea.  Mr DE WET, who was in Queenstown on Saturday in the best of health, rode into Whittlesea on Tuesday, returning home in the evening, and upon entering the house he fell down dead.  He leaves a widow and family, for whom the greatest sympathy is felt in their bereavement.

Friday, July 16 1897

Birth,- At Queenstown, on the 13th inst., the wife of W.B. SCOTT, of a Son.
Birth,- The wife of the Rev. W.J. STEAD, Bolotwa, of a Daughter.

Died,- On the 14th July, 1897, at Queenstown, Janie Telfer, the beloved wife of J.J. PRESTON, in the 26th year.  And also on 15th July, Janie Elliot, the infant daughter of J.J. PRESTON, aged 8 days.

Friday, July 23 1897

Birth,- On Farm Bradford, the 19th July, 1897, the wife of T.H. McCUNE, of a Daughter.
Birth,- At Grey Street, on the 20th, the wife of F.S. FAWKES, of a Daughter.

The late Hon JP BERTRAM
There passed away from our midst last week at Sterkstroom, one of the land marks of the division in the person of the Hon JP BERTRAM.  Mr BERTRAM was originally in Grahamstown, where he became a candidate for the ministry in the Wesleyan Church, and was ordained.  He spent most of his time in mission work.  When Sir George GREY propounded an industrial school system, Mr BERTRAM was appointed to Lesseyton.  Suitable premises were erected for school purposes, and he was very successful in this work, being thoroughly acquainted with the native character.  He left the ministry some years ago, and took up his residence in Queenstown.  He was a member of the Town Council, and for seven years represented the Border Circle in the Legislative Council.  Latterly he made his home at Sterkstroom, where he passed quietly away at the ripe old age of 84, and was buried. ..

Friday, July 30 1897

Birth,- WALLACE- July 25th, at Queenstown, the wife of the Rev. C.W. WALLACE, of a Daughter.

Tuesday, August 3, 1897

Notice to Creditors and Debtors.
In the insolvent Estate of William CORNWALL, of Baileyton, District of Queenstow, 66/93.

Tuesday, August 17 1897

Married,- At the Presbyterian Church, Tylden, on Wednesday, 11th August, by the Rev. J.J. DAVIES, Wesleyan Minister, Queen’s Town, Thomasina Florence Joan, third daughter of John McCORMICK, Glencairn, Imvani, to John Henry GERHARDI, manager of the firm of Malcolmess & Co., Tylden.

Tuesday, August 24 1897

The late Mr T BRADFIELD.
It will be in the recollection of many of our readers that Mr T BRADFIELD, attorney, of Messrs BRADFIELD Brothers, Dordrecht, about a year ago paid a visit to the old country, in connection with the estate of  the late Mr BATTESON, and was very successful in unravelling the intricacies connected with the winding up of the home estate, by which a large sum of money will come to the family here.  When in England Mr BRADFIELD was taken seriously unwell, and was compelled to undergo an operation, and although much improved in health he never seemed really to regain his accustomed strength.  Not hearing from him for some time his brother (the Hon JL BRADFIELD) cabled last week to make inquiries, and received a reply to say his brother was unconscious and that the case was hopeless.  To-day the sad news was received by cable that Mr T BRADFIELD had passed away.  The late Mr BRADFIELD was well known in these parts.  He was very kind and generous to all who needed help, and will be much missed by many who were recipients of his bounty...

Tuesday, September 7 1897

Died,- At Queenstown on the 30th August, “Nellie” youngest daughter of James and Jane RUSSELL, aged 7 years.  

Birth.- On the 26th ultimo the wife of F. BOWKER JOPLIN, of a daughter.

Friday, September 10 1897

Another Pioneer Gone
The sad intelligence has reached Queenstown, by wire, of the death of Mr Frank SHEPPERSON, a Queenstown Bo, and one of the pioneers who went to Rhodesia from Queenstown in 1890.  The only information to had is that Mr SHEPPERSON died at Salisbury on the 7th September...

Tuesday, September 14 1897

Birth,- At Kimberley on the 7th inst., the wife of Mr. Euston BROWN, of a Son.

Tuesday, September 21 1897

Passed away.- At Queen’s Town on the 20th September, 1897, Edward Mortimer TURVEY, in his 87th year.

In Memoriam.- the Late E.M. TURVEY, Esq.
We have to record with much regret that there passed away yesterday (Monday) morning, at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr FB BROWN, with whom he lived for the past few years, Mr EM TURVEY.  The deceased, who was in his eighty-seventh year, was a resident in the district long before the existence of Queenstown, and had a large trading station on the banks of the Klass Smits River, known as Turvey’s Post.  Mr TURVEY came to the Colony, when a boy, with the British settlers in 1820, his father being the head of a party that settled in the Eastern Province.  He went through many adventures and vicissitudes during the many Kafir uprisings, losing at times all he had made, but, with his well-known energy and intelligence, he soon came to the front again.  In the early days of Queenstown, Mr TURVEY took up his abode here, and was for a long period in business in connection with the late Mr T BRADFIELD senior.  Of late years he had retired, living on what he had accumulated during the years of his activity.  In his early days he was a great personal friend of the late Rev. HH DUGMORE, and the intimacy continued until the death of the rev. Gentleman, who was nine months older than his friend, and the difference in age was not made up before the latter was taken away to his last home.  Mr TURVEY was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and up to within a few weeks ago was to be seen in his pew at the Wesley Church.  He had a large family of sons and daughters, and in addition leaves numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren...

Friday, October 1 1897

Birth.- Queenstown, on the 25th September, 1897, the wife of Charles E. LISTER, of a daughter.

Friday, October 8 1897

A Divorce case – ENGELBRECHT vs. ENGELBRECHT
Mr HAYTON, who was for the plaintiff, said it was an action for divorce on the ground of adultery with some person unknown.  The marriage took place on 31st October, 1892, and since January, 1893 she had not returned.  For the last two years she had been living on a farm, and about twelve months ago she was delivered of child, of which plaintiff was not the father.
Hermanus Johannes Stephanus ENGELBRECHT said he lived at a farm in this district.  He was married to the defendant on 31st October, 1892, by the Rev SP NAUDE at the Dutch Reformed Church, Queenstown.  The witnesses were OA STARK and JW PRETORIUS, who signed the register.  They lived after the marriage for three weeks on fairly good terms, and then his wife left him.  She did not say anything, and left without his consent.  He went to look for her, and found her at Whittlesea.  He asked her to come back, and she refused.  Later on she was persuaded to do so, Mr VAN HEERDEN speaking to her.  She stayed a couple of months, until Jan 1893.  During that time, she went about, and he remonstrated her.  She said she would have nothing to do with him, and in Jan 1893 she left him.  She went to her parents, and he saw her there.  He wanted her to go back, but she refused, and she went to a man who had married her sister.  He went there, and she would not return.  He had heard a report of her later on, and decided to bring this action.  If she had had a child in the last two years he was not the father of it.
Rev SP NAUDE produced the original marriage register, showing the plaintiff and defendant were married on 31st October, 1892.
Henry Johannes DE WET said he lived at Whittlesea.  He knew the plaintiff and defendant, and remembered their marriage.  He knew Mrs ENGELBRECHT left her husband shortly after, and that she was now living at DE LANGE’s house.  He knew she had a child, a boy, and first saw it about eight months ago.  He had often seen her suckling the child.  He had to go past the house over a footbridge, constantly saw her.  He never saw the plaintiff there, except once in 1893.
Andries Jacobus VENTER said he lived at the farm Harrison, Whittlesea.  He was the brother of the defendant, and remembered her being married.  She left her husband, and for the last four years she had not lived with him.  He had seen her with a child at Harrison.  She came with a baby, which was now about fourteen months old, when she returned from Cathcart, a little over a year ago.  He never spoke to her about the child.  They had tried to reconcile defendant to her husband, but all she said was that she did not like him.  
The defendant mad no appearance, and she was not represented.
His lordship granted a divorce.

Tuesday, October 12 1897

Died,- On the 6th instant, at Sterkstroom, at the residence of his brother-in-law, T. DIGGEDEN, Private Walter Ruben Shurkly Eva ARNOLD, of the Cape Police, late of Whittlesea, aged 21 years and 10 months.  Engaged in the Langberg Expedition.  Succumbed to malarial fever.

Friday, October 15 1897

Birth,- At Queenstown, on 30th September, 1897, the wife of Mr JG FROST, of Upper Zwaart Kei, of a daughter.
Birth,- At Queenstown, on the 11th October, 1897, Mrs. T. DARKE, of a Son.
Birth,- At Sunnyside, Queen’s Town, on the 9th inst., the wife of Geo. DASHWOOD, of a Daughter.

Friday, October 22, 1897

Lost Transfer
Notice is hereby given that I intend applying for a certified Copy of the Deed of Transfer mad on the 9th day of December, 1884, by William Frederick DE WET, in his capacity as Executor Dative in the Estate of the late Petrus Johannes DE WET, and also Executor Testamentary in the Estate of the late Cornelia Aletta DE WET (born PRINSLOO) in favour of Johannes Gerhardus DE WET, whereby certain One Twelfth share of and in the perpetual Quitrent place called “Haasfontein Mond” situate in the division of Queenstown formerly Cradock in the Field Cornetcy of Klaas Smits River.
Measuring Three Thousand Nine Hundred and Two (3902) Morgen and Three Hundred (300) Square Roods was conveyed.  And all persons claiming to have any objections to the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge the same, in writing, with the Registrar of Deeds in Cape Town, within fourteen days from the publication of this Notice.
Dated at Cape Town, this 16th day of October, 1897
C.C. SILBERBAUER.
Applicant’s Attorney.

Tuesday, October 26, 1897

Matrimonial
NEWEY-RORKE
Holy Trinity Church was well-filled yesterday morning, when Miss Marion Clare, third daughter of the late Capt. RORKE, of the o?? Emperial C.M.R., was united in the bonds of holy matrimony to George Orlando NEWEY (of the Public Works Department) eldest son of Mr George NEWEY, Chief Inspector of Public Works.  The bride was given away by Mr WM EUSTACE, A.R.M. Mr AJ CAMPBELL acted as best man, and the nuptial knot was tied by the Rev BE HOLMES, M.A., R.D....

Friday, October 29, 1897

Marriage
SPENCER.-PATTERSON.- On Oct 22nd, at the residence of Mr FULTON, Queenstown, by the Rev. J.P. RITCHIE, Mr. Thomas SPENCER, youngest son of the late Mr. Joseph SPENCER, Birmingham, England, to Miss Isabella PATTERSON, of Glasgow.

Tuesday, November 2, 1897

Birth,- At Queenstown, on the 27th of October, the wife of H.H. BRISTOW, of a son.
Brith,- At Robinson Road, Queenstown, on Saturday, October 30th, 1897, the wife of J.W. ROGERS, of a Son.

Died,-  At Barville Park, Lower Albany, on Oct. 24th, Samuel William, eldest son of the late Stephen DELL, leaving four children to mourn their irreparable loss.
Died,- At Qamata, on the 26th Oct., Ferdinand Emiel DEEKERT, aged 61 years, 7 months, 22 days.
Death,- CHADWICK, WM., at Queenstown, Oct., 28th, aged 4 months 13 days.
Died,- At Queenstown, on the 29th October, 1897, the beloved wife of Joseph CLOUGHLEY age 29 years and 6 months...
Died,- On Sunday morning, 31st October, 1897, at Queenstown, Rosa Isabel, the beloved wife of Frederic Calder BATE.

Friday, November 5, 1897

Birth,- At Queenstown, on the 27th of October, the wife of H.H. BRISTOWN, of a son.
Birth,- At Robinson Road, Queenstown, on Saturday, October 30th, 1897, the wife of J.W. ROGERS, of a Son.

Tuesday November 9, 1897

Mr. Schalk BURGER’s Supporters
An Appeal to Voters.
The following is a translation of a circular which is present being sent round to the burghers of the Republic with reference to the coming Presidential election:-
A Circular to the People of the South African Republic.
Fello Burghers,- The time has again drawn nigh when a President is to be chosen, and it is well-known that our President has expressed his willingness to stand for the Head of the Republic for another period of five years.
We value his willingness, at the same time place upon his past services the highest appreciation, and shall never forget them, but our President is already old, and his vigour is failing.  It is now time that the people grant him well-deserved rest after his manifold labours and solicitude.  His eye is already dim, his hearing is so defective that he cannot now hear well.  His strength fails him.  Shall he be able to serve and lead us for another period of five years.  No!  Give him his well-earned rest.  It is also highly desirable that a change in the present state of affairs should take place.
It is a fact known to all of us that God’s hand presses heavily on the land.  Pestilence, famine, drought, and dissatisfaction and discontent are prevalent amongst the people of the land.  We have for fifteen consecutive years had President KRUGER as Head of our State, and, however much we appreciate the past services of President KRUGER, and acknowledge them with thankfulness, we cannot forget to point out the fact that a change in the personality of the President must come.
We observe in the person of Mr Schalk Willem BURGER the man shown to us, in the same manner as Moses of old – who released Israel from the yoke of oppression – to free us from many a heavy burden.
Now, fellow burghers, let us work together for the man Schalk BURGER; he is a son of the land, and known to all of us.  The politics of Schalk BURGER were always submissive to the voice of the people and to promote unity amongst the people in conformity with our motto “Unity makes Strength.”
Our people are all cognisant of the heavy yoke that rests upon us.  We reside in the richest land under the sun – land full of diamonds and precious stones, a land of gold and precious metals, a land which has other resources as yet not fully known, a land whose soil is fruitful and abounds with water, and which, if not oppressed with heavy taxes, would bring forth a flourishing people;  and yet we to-day are one of the poorest people under the sun.
Fellow-burghers, sons of the land, it is now in our province to free ourselves; the power is given to us, and we have only to make use of it, and we can do this by unanimously voting for Schalk BURGER as State President.  Let us, then, with one heart and one voice record our vote, as a call to him to become our Moses.
Do not let us lose sight of the fact that we only have such an opportunity once in five years, and that opportunity we have now.  Shell we let the chance go by?  If it goes past, then we are bound down again for another five years, for only one President is chosen once in five years.  Let us then avail ourselves of our privilege, and use it to our benefit.   Let us arise as one single man to assure or secure our welfare and the future of our children.

Friday, November 12, 1897

Died,- Oct, 16th, at Harpendom, Herts, England, Frederic A. SALISBURY, age 26.

Tuesday, November 16, 1897

Tembuland, Elliot
Notice is hereby given to the undermentioned persons, and all others whom it may concern that unless the Arrear Quitrent due on the places set opposite their names be paid within three months from the date hereof it is the intention of the Government to resume possession of the said Lots and to cause the Title Deed, &c., of the said Lots to be cancelled in cerms of Section 2, Act 27 of 1887.

Original Grantee; Date of Title; Deed or Folio;  Description of Land;  Area (morg, sq, yds); Amount due (£, s, d);  Amount due from;  Name of present proprietor
Hendrik Petrus BOTHA;  Feb 13, 1890; 1 259;  Erf 33, Gubenxa; 11,200; 1, 16,0; 1st Jan, 1896;  Hedrik P BOTHA
Frans Jacob  Christoffel NEL;  May 5, 1886; 841; Erf 81, Gubenxa;  13,373; 3, 4, 3; 1st Jan, 1895; IJ RICHARDSON
William Frederick P MULLER; Oct 9, 1885; 665, Erf 15, Maxongas Hoek; 15, 209; 4, 16, 0; 1st Jan, 1894; WFP MULLER
William BUITENDACH;  Jan 31, 1887; 1107; Erf 4, Noah’s Ark; 11, 225; 3, 12, 4; 1st Jan 1894;  William BUITENDACH
Matys J GREYVENSTEIN; Sep 14, 1886; 1014; Erf 63a, Embokotwa; 8, 889; 3, 10, 0; 1st Jan 1893; MJ GREYVENSTEIN
August LUNDIN; Oct 11, 1886; 1058; Erf 90, Embokotwa; 11, 347; 1, 16, 8; 1st Jan 1896; August LUNDIN

C.W. CHABAUD
Resident Magistrate, Elliot
Resident Magistrate’s Office,
Elliot, October 8th, 1897.

Married,- At Queenstown, on November 15th, 1897, by Rev. J.P. RITCHIE, Charles THOMPSON, youngest son of the late J. THOMPSON, of Scotland, to Mary Ann FOURACRE, of London.

Tuesday, November 23, 1897

Death of Mr. Geo. HAY.
We record with much regret the painfully sudden death of Mr. Geo. HAY, which took place early yesterday (Monday) morning at the Hexagon Hotel, Queenstown, where he had been staying for the past three weeks.  Mr. HAY was a native of Scotland, and learned his trade as a stonemason at Glasgow.  At the early age of nineteen he came to the Colony, which he had never left to revisit his native land, and he became very indignant at hearing people speak of “home,” saying he had no patience with those who had one foot in South Africa and the other in the old country.  For some ears he followed his trade, but became widely known as post contractor between Kind Williamstown and Grahamstown, Fort Beaufort and Kimberley.  He was a very keen sportsman, and was a Freemason, being a valued member of the Star in the East Lodge.  Mr HAY, who would next month have attained his sixtieth birthday, was a widower.  He resided with his son, Mr CG HAY, at Oxygen Farm, near Whittlesea.  He leaves three sons and a daughter behind him, two sons of his being buried in Rhodesia.  
For some time Mr HAY had been troubled with his throat, and during the past few months he had been subjected to a most distressing cough.  He was receiving medical attendance, and on Sunday morning he saw Dr TANNABILL.  During the day he complained of not feeling well, but otherwise appeared to be in good spirits, and as ready as of yore to engage in argument with all-comers.  He retired early to his room, and was heard coughing at midnight.  About 5:30 yesterday (Monday) morning the boy was going his rounds with the coffee.  On entering Mr HAY’s room he was startled to find him stretched across his bed.  He gave alarm, and Mr BURCHILL, who occupied an adjoining room, went to see what was the matter.  He found a candle burning, the indications being that Mr HAY had a little before got up, sat on the edge of the bed, and had fallen over on his back, dying in that position.  Mr BIRCHILL locked the door, and immediately proceeded to the deceased’s medical adviser, who, at the time, was out of town.
A telegram was early despatched to Whittlesea announcing the sad news.
The District Surgeon, Dr BATCHELOR, saw the body about eleven o’clock, and we understand that the cause of death is due to the rupture of a blood vessel.  
The funeral will take place at the cemetery to-day (Tuesday)...

Tuesday, November 23, 1897

Sad bathing fatality at Queenstown
A very sad fatality occurred at the bathing hole on Sunday morning.  A young man named MARTIN, a clerk in the railway parcels office, went with a number of others to bathe about ten o’clock.  He swam across the river, and as returning sank.  J LESTER went to his assistance, but as he was being dragged under he had to release his hold, and the unfortunate man disappeared.  Several others jumped in, including two natives, but failed to find him.  W BELL, a railway guard, next appeared, and in company with G ?ILSON and George LOGAN entered the water.  The former found the body and it was dragged out.  Dr TANNAHILL ? came up, and did all he could for the poor fellow, being assisted by Mrrs JM LOGAN, TEMPLETON, ??, after an hour’s unremitting labour, the effort had to be abandoned.  Mr ?T WYLDE, C.C. and R.M., arrived, took down the statements of those who had witnessed the drowning,  and by his directions the body was conveyed to the railway institute.
? JACOBS, in reply to our reporter, I saw Martin swim across the ? and he stayed there for five or ten minutes.  I was in the hole, but on the other side, and the next thing I ? was that Marshall, Lester and Martin were struggling.  I went over to them as fast as I could and caught Martin by the hand, but he seemed to let go, and he sank – he had been under ? before – and did not come up again.  Two natives came, and with ? tried to find the body.  A number of men and boys, who had not been ?hing, were standing on the bank ?king on.  Half a dozen young men came up and went in the water.  BELL found the body, and it was pulled out.  We three boys tried our best, and had the men come to us, ?? shouted them to do, it might have been different.
A correspondent writes:  A sad accident by drowning took place on Sunday morning when Mr J MARTIN in charge of the parcels office at the Queenstown Station, was drowned in the bathing pool close to the municipal quarry.  It appears the deceased, along with several other young men, made up their minds to go for a bathe at about 9.30.  Deceased hesitated at first about going in the water, not being much of a swimmer, but stripped afterwards, and swam across the river.  As coming back he must have been seized with cramp or lost confidence and sank in about ten feet of water.  J LESTER, one of his companions, who was in the water at the time, caught the poor chap as he was sinking, but the deceased being a heavy man, weighing about 170 lbs, he could not support him, and was obliged to let go to save himself from drowning.  The whole affair happened in a very few seconds.  His other mated tried to bring the body up but failed, and it was not until Willie BELL, a guard on the railway, came on the scene that the body was recovered.  BELL pluckily dived and got hold of the body, and with the assistance of the others managed to get it ashore, after being in the water for about 20 minutes.  Dr TANNAHILL was on the spot by this time, and he used every effort to restore life by artificial restoration, working with the body for nearly an hour.  The late Mr MARTIN was a Scotchman hailing from Glasgow, and came out to the Colony under engagement to the C.G.R. for 3 years.  He was about 23 years of age, a strapping young fellow, a splendid athlete, and he had only been in the Colony about 6 months.  ...
(From another article later on:  John Douglas MARTIN)

Friday, November 26, 1897

Died,- At Queenstown, on the 22nd inst., George HAY, aged 59 years and 10 months.
Died,- At Queenstown, on 23rd Nov., Elizabeth I. GOVE, beloved wife of J.J. GOVE , Cathcart, and only daughter of James DUNCAN, Queenstown, aged 22 years, 6 months and 17 days...

Married,- On 22nd Nov. At St. Michaels and All Angel’s Church, by Rev. J. GORDON, Rector, Walter CLARK, of East London, to Emily Elizabeth BELL, eldest daughter of the late W. BELL, Esq., carriage builder, Queenstown.

Tuesday, November 30, 1897

Death of Mr. Geo. MITCHLEY.
We regret to hear of the death, which took place at the Queenstown Frontier Hospital yesterday (Monday) of Mr Geo. MITCHLEY.  The deceased belonged to a very old family, who came to Queenstown in its infancy, and he had lived here from his youth up.  Recently he resided in the Bongolo, and displayed great interest in endeavouring to establish a government school there, but owing to the tardy co-operation of the Government, the scheme has been left in abeyance.  Mr MITCHLEY had been a sad sufferer for a considerable time from diabetes, and he was lately taken to hospital, where, we need scarcely say, he received every attention from the medical and nursing staff.  He leaves a widow and several children, ...

Death of Mrs. EALES, Tarkastad
We learn with much regret of the death, which occurred at Tarkastad on Sunday morning, of Mrs. EALES, who was born at Queenstown, and resided here up to the time of her marriage to Mr EALSES, who is in business as a confectioner at Tarkastad.  The deceased leaves a family of nine children, ...

Friday, December 3, 1897

Birth,- At Queenstown, on the 1st December, the wife of W.J.R. GAMMIE, of a Son.

Tuesday, December 7, 1897

Died,- At Queenstown, on 28 November, 1897, George N. MITCHLEY, aged 39 years 11 months...

Tuesday, December 14, 1897

Sad drowning fatality at Zwartkops.
“E.P. Herald.”
An accident of the most painful character occurred yesterday (Thursday) afternoon on Zwartkops River.  Albert GREEN, aged 18, son of Mr GREEN, photographer, of this town, and Arthur RENTON, aged about 24, went out in a sailing boat shortly after two o’clock.  There was a strong south-easter blowing at the time, in fact a gale raged during the whole day, and it was eminently dangerous for anyone to attempt to sail a boat under such circumstances.  This, however, did not deter the young men from making the attempt, and launching, the frail lugsail they careered merrily before the wind.  Their pleasure, however, was unhappily to be of short duration.  On nearing the wagon bridge they attempted to turn back, but owing to the force of the gale blowing, the boat, apparently, had become unmanageable, the mast ran foul of the bridge, and a capsize resulted.  The small boat almost immediately sank, and the two poor fellows were struggling in the water.  They both struck out and swam towards the north bank.  Young GREEN, however, who was a poor swimmer, succumbed about 50 yards from the shore.  RENTON managed to come within a couple of yards of the bank near the railway bridge, and Mrs CHELLOW (wife of the railway employee who is in charge there) who was an eye witness of the disaster, ran down the bank to render any assistance she could, and threw the end of an apron towards the unfortunate fellow.  He made an attempt to catch it but failed, and being very much exhausted threw up his hands and disappeared.  There were no people about at the time, with the exception of Mrs CHELLOW and Miss VREIDE, daughter of the tollkeeper at the wagon bridge;  but the alarm was soon spread, and every endeavour made to recover the bodies.  Owing to the tide running full, it was quite impossible to work with any hope of success;  but nothing was left undone to effect the purpose.  About half-past 6 the tide turned, and efforts were increased, three boats were engaged dragging all the likely spots on the river, where the bodies might have drifted;  but up to half-past 7, when our representative left, no success had been attained.

Friday, December 17, 1897

Died,- At Queenstown, December 15th, 1897, Percy Oscar Nolan, beloved son of J. And L. AUSTEN, aged 3 years and 2 months.

Friday, December 17, 1897

A Gallant Native.- The death, from consumption, took place at the Frontier Hospital on Tuesday night of Private JULY, Cape Police.  The deceased greatly distinguished himself by his gallant conduct at the Langberg, where he saved the life of Private WELAN, Cape Police.

Tuesday, December 21, 1897

Birth,- At Hardwycke House, Queenstown, on the 18th December, 1897, the wife of J.B. KIRTON, of a Daughter.

Died.- At Stanley Grove, Manchester, on 23rd November, Marian, the beloved wife of William A STILLWELL of Johannesburg.
Died.- At Burghersdorp, on Wednesday, the 15th December, 1897, Arthur Ayliff, fourth son of Hardwicke and Alix ANDREWS, aged 9 months and 27 days.

Friday, December 24, 1897

Died,- At Queenstown, on Dec. 21st, Mary Ann Elizabeth, dearly beloved wife of F. HOWARD, aged 27 years, 7 months and 12 days.