Queenstown Free Press 1889 4 October - December
Tuesday October 1, 1889
An old lady, aged 72, Mrs Samuel HAYES, of Bathurst, was burnt to death the other day. It is surmised that the deceased got up early in the morning to light the fire, and owning to some accident her clothes were ignited by the overturned lamp, and she perished in the flames. The Kafir boy Jan coming to the house at the usual hour noticed volumes of smoke proceeding from the room, and raised an alarm, or the whole house and property would have been destroyed.
Friday October 4, 1889
BIRTH,- At Queenstown on the 1st inst., the wife of W.K. MAGER of a Daughter.
DIED,- At Sterkstroom on Friday afternoon, the 27th Sept., 1889, John Guilford, the beloved son of Fredrick W.A. and Letitia DALY, aged 9 years, 1 month and 10 days. Deeply lamented.
Tuesday October 8, 1889
DIED at Blaaublank Transvaal, George B. SYDSERFF, on the 2nd Oct, aged, 47 years. Brain fever.
DIED,- At Sterkstroom on Thursday, 3rd October, 1889, Vida Margaret, beloved daughter of Fredrick W.A. and Letitia DALY, aged 2 years, 8 months and 12 days. Deeply lamented.
Friday October 11, 1889
OBITUARY,- It is our sad duty to chronilcle the demise of Mrs. TIFFIN, Sr., aged 77 years and 10 months, the mother of our old and respected townsman Henry TIFFIN, Esq., which took place on Monday last. The funeral cortege left the residence of Mr. TIFFIN on Tuesday afternoon, and proceeded to St. Michaels Church and from thence to the cemetery, the services being conducted by the Revds. BURTON and GORDON. The mourners, and followers were numerous – thus expressing the deep sympathy. – Also, the death of Mr George SYDSURF of Johannesburg, brother of Mr A SYDSURF of this district who leaves a widow and large family to mourn his loss. We beg to tender to the respective families our condolence and sympathy in their bereavement.
Tuesday October 15, 1889
BIRTH,- CROUCH – On the 8th October, at Woodbine, East London, the wife of Mr. E.H. CROUCH, of a Son.
BIRTH,- At Queenstown on the 13th inst., the wife of Mr. H.E. HALSE of Carnarvon, of a Son.
MARRIED,- On the 3rd October, 1889, at Keiskamma Hoek by the Revd. Dr. KORPF, Sub Inspector J. REIN, fourth son of the Rev. W. REIN, to Annie, second daughter of the late H. SPRING, Esq., of Keiskamma Hoek.
MARRIED,- On October 9th, 1889, by the Rev. GORDON, of St. Michael's Queenstown, Henry BERRY, of Stratford, Essex, England, to Emma, only daughter of W. HARTLEY, Esq, Rochdale, Lancashire, England.
DIED,- At the residence of her son, Mr Henry TIFFIN, on Monday, the 7th Oct., 1889, Mrs. Jane TIFFIN, of Maryport, Cumberland, England, relict of Capt. James TIFFIN, aged 77 years and 10 months.
At "Carnarvon Farm" last year from the 1st of April to the 30th September (the ploughing season), the rainfall was 7.33", this year for a like period it has been 1.39", the nearest approach to this pittance during the last ten years being during the drought of 1883, when it was 2.61". During the past week rain fell as follows: 8th .17", 9th .03", 11th .36" total 0.56 – sufficient to start the pasturage, but of no service to water storage supply, nor for agricultural purposes.
Tuesday October 22, 1889
BIRTH,- At Queenstown on 18th October, Mrs. J.B. SHEARAR of a Son.
BIRTH,- At Queenstown on the 21st October, the wife of Jas. Mure FORBES of a daughter.
DIED, at Queenstown, Sunday Oct. 20th, Freddie Thainstone JOLLY, aged 3 years, 1 months. Deeply lamented. Mr. and Mrs. JOLLY sincerely thank Drs. BATCHELOR, BERRY and WEAKLEY and other friends for their great kindness and sympathy.
Friday October 25, 1889
TENNYSON SETTLEMENT.- Mr Harry Gordon TURNER has been appointed Super-intendent of the Settlement, having come out from England for the purpose. Mr. TURNER has had much experience both in England and Australia. He assumed charge on the 23rd instant.
SAD:- On Tuesday afternoon a little girl 7 years and 11 months old the daughter of a Mrs WILSON of this town, was taken to her last resting place, and we are given to understand that this poor woman with a family of children, and separated from a worthless husband, is in very straightened circumstances. Will not some of the charitable take the matter in hand and come to her rescue. We are also informed that some more of her children are ill and that she is unable to provide for them medical treatment, and hardly with great difficulty the common necessaries of life. Kind words have their soothing effect but fall far short of feeding the hungry, or clothing the naked.
Tuesday October 29, 1889
With reference to the paragraph in our last issue respecting Mr WILSON, we have to state that Mr WILSON upon hearing of the death of his child proceeded to Queenstown immediately, and called upon his wife from whom he is separated and proferred assistance; but which has been refused. It is not for us to enter into the past history of either party, but this serves to show that Mr WILSON under the circumstances seems quite prepared to do all that he can for his family. Since the publication of the paragraph, increased, kindness has been shown to Mrs WILSON by many.
Tuesday November 5, 1889
BIRTH. –RIDGWAY.- on the 14th October, at Wepener, O.F.S., the Wife of Mr. J.S. RIDGWAY, Molomos Hoek, Basutoland, of a Daughter.
Another tragedy is reported to have taken place at Pretoria. The report has, however, to be taken with a grain of salt, as one Pretoria paper parades the news with confidence while the other asserts that neither police nor the field-cornet know anything about the alleged crime. From particulars given of it by the Press, it appears that on Tuesday a man named WILLIAMS shot his wife with a revolver and that the woman was buried on Wednesday, but the affair was kept so mysteriously quiet that the funeral created no attention at all. The man is still at large.
Friday November 8, 1889
DIED,- At Fordyce, in the District of Queenstown, Dorethea Elizabeth, born ZEILER, relict of the late Christopher McCOMB, of Belfast, Ireland, at the age of 82 years, 4 months and 6 days.
Tuesday November 19, 1889
BIRTH,- At Queenstown, on the 15th November, the wife of P.A. HARDY of a son.
MARRIED,- On Monday, Nov. 11th, at the residence of the bride, by the Rev. J. GORDON, M.A., Mary Louisa, second daughter of Geo, JUDD, Esq., of Clifton, to Colin Alfred, eldest son of the late Donald WHITE, Esq., of Donnybrook.
DIED,- On Sunday morning, November 17th, 1889, at the residence of Mr. R. IMPEY, Elizabeth Jane Barrable (Lillie), eldest daughter of G.W. and J.B. MORRIS, aged 24 years 5 months and 19 days.
The Guardian contains a full account of the marriage between Mr. O.B. SHEPPERSON, of the Standard Bank, Pretoria (a Queenstownite) to Miss F. HUTCHEONS, daughter of Mr. H HUTCHEOUS, J.P., of the "Willows." The newly married couple are in town, and we join with our contemporary in wishing them both a full realization of connubial bliss, happiness and prosperity.
OBITUARY.
The sad news reached town on Saturday morning that the wife of Mr C W LEACH of Whittlesea had died the previous evening. The sad event cast quite a gloom over the whole village of Whittlesea, where the deceased has resided for many years; and herself and husband deservedly respected. The deceased lady was a sister to our old and esteemed townsman Mr Atty. J W BELL. From what we can gather, the late Mrs LEACH gave birth to a son about two months ago, and since then she never properly recovered. All that loving hands and medical skill could do to save life was done, but alas! Without avail, the great reaper Death, gathered in what was dearest to the surviving husband and children...
We regret also to record the death of Miss Lilile MORRIS, daughter of Mr and Mrs G W MORRIS of
"Retreat" in this division. She had been a great sufferer during the past few months, and had not left her bed for nearly 8 weeks. She died quietly and peacefully in full trust and confidence of a happy bright home in the future. The funeral procession left the residence of Mr IMPEY and proceeded to the Wesley Church, where a portion of the service was conducted by the Rev R LAMPLOUGH, and an address delivered by the Rev H H DUGMORE who alluded to the happy end of the dear departed. The remainder of the service at the cemetery was by the Rev R LAMPLOUGH...
Friday, November 22, 1889
BIRTH,- At Queenstown, on the 15th November, the wife of P.A. HARDY of a son.
BIRTH,- On the 3rd October at Whittlesea, the wife of Charles William LEACH, of a Son.
DIED,- At Petermaritzburg, on the 19th November 1889, John Christopher BOSHOFF (Brother of the late James N BOSHOFF, for many years President of the Free State) and Father of Mrs VAN FIELD of Queenstown. Aged 86. Transvaal and Free State Papers will please copy.
Tuesday November 26, 1889
BIRTH,- At Farm No. 4, near Lady Frere, on the 26th October, 1889, Mrs. L.J. WEBB of a son.
Tuesday, December 3, 1889
BIRTH.- On 1st inst., at Riverside, Queenstown, the Wife of E.W. WELCH, of a Son.
MARRIED,- At Peddie on the 28th November, 1889, by the Revd J.C. COYTE, Andrew Young SIM, of Balmoral, Wodehouse, to Mary Evelene, second daughter of the late Sidney SMITH.
SAD LIGHTNING
FATALITY:- The Zoutpansberg Review says; Two young farmers of the district – VAN STAADEN and his brother-in-law went out last week on a shooting expedition, being caught in the thunderstorm of the 9th inst, they sought refuge under a tree on the Quinge Mountains, between Smitsdorp and Strydpoort. One of the young fellows hung his gun to a branch, the other kept his alongside while sitting at the foot of the tree. The electric fluid evidently attracted by the hanging gun struck both killing them instantaneously. When found one of the bodies was much distorted and disfigured the other one holding the gun was without a mark. Owing to the decomposition of the bodies had
to be interred on the spot.
A BARMAN FOUND
DEAD.- A tragedy, which, to all apprearances, was a foul murder, occurred at Newton during Sunday night. On Sunday morning, a white barman, names Chris HANSOM, for some time employed at the British Hotel, left his home, and nothing more was seen or heard of him by his friends, until at six o'clock yesterday morning his dead body was found on the veld. For some time he had been mentally in low circumstances, but the appearance of his clothing when found gave every sign of a desperate struggle having taken place. His head and face had been battered in a shocking manner, as though by a Kerrie, and there were evidence of a knife having been used on his hip and body. It
having been raining on Sunday afternoon, the soft ground enabled footprints to be traced to a Kafirhut, and, we (Kimberley Independent) are informed, that late yesterday an arrest was made.
Friday December 6, 1889
DIED,- At Queenstown on the 3rd December, 1889, Ethel May, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. HADNOTT, aged 6 months. The parents take this opportunity to thank those friends who were so kind to them in their sad trouble.
DINNER to Mr. Arnold WHITE.
Mr Arnold WHITE having been amongst us for some seven or eight months left for the Old Country
on Tuesday evening last. Mr WHITE's object in taking up his residence in Queenstown for this length of time was to make himself personally acquainted with the working of the Tennyson Settlement, and to place it on a permanent and satisfactory basis. This he has done, if we credit the statement made by the new superintendent at the dinner. All now at the settlement have reason to be thankful that they came out to this country and settled at Tennyson...
TENNYSON SETTLEMENT.
A correspondent writes: The potato harvest on the Settlement is expected to reach 6,000 bags. The greatest care is being taken to send to market no potatoes below a certain high standard of excellence. With careful attention it is hoped that the Tennyson potatoes will command a read sale all over the frontier by reason of their inherent good qualities. Messrs BERRY and BURNS will act as agents for the Settlement. A small flock of well bred sheep and rams is being sent from England to the Settlement; mutton will be made a speciality by Mr TURNER. All stock, cattle and sheep, will be housed and fed throughout the coming ensuing cold season. Root crops, consisting of mangold, beet, and Swedes, are being sold in considerable quantities. Some acres are also being put down in Lucerne. Winter butter is the subject of special attention.
Mr Arnold WHITE leaves for Europe this week. The settlers are contented, self-supporting and prosperous, with prospects of bettering their present condition beyond the most sanguine expectations. When the severe drought is taken into consideration, the actual condition of the Settlers who have received no help since May, is a crushing answer to those prophets of evil who have placed so many needless impediments in the immigrants way. The water supply to the Settlement has been more than doubled in the course of the last twelve months. The enterprise and energy of the Messrs HALSE are deserving of the highest credit. During Mr. Arnold WHITE's absence from the Cape Colony his Power of Attorney will be held by Mr J W BELL of this town, but all communications on Settlement matters should be made to Mr H G TURNER at the Settlement. It is under stood that Mr WHITE contemplates a considerable extension of the scheme of immigration associated with the names of the late Lady OSSINGTON and himself.
We regret to learn that Sister Enid is suffering from an attack of typhoid fever. Owing to the skill of Dr. D'UMINY of Willow Park, she is considered out of danger, but it will be some weeks before she is able to resume her labours on the Settlement.
Tuesday December 17, 1889
Notes on a trip to the Carnarvon Estate and Tennyson Settlement.
We have long promised ourselves a visit to the Carnarvan Estate, and consequently to the Tennyson Settlement. By the kind invitation of Messrs HALSE Brothers we were enabled to do so during the past week, to be present at the opening of their new roller mills. Mr J M PEACOCK of Queens Town, and Mr J W WEIR of King W. Town, were also of the party. The day was excessively hot, but not felt so much with the train moving along. At Sterkstroom station Mr HALSE's carriage was at our disposal. After a short stay at Mr DALY's hotel, we started for Carnarvon. The road after you leave Sterkstroom is not at all a desirable one to travel over: loose stones and water courses running across the road-way make it very uncomfortable. Several farms have been fenced in the orthodox style. But there was an improvement on approaching the entrance to Carnarvon. On either side of the gateway a strong stone wall has been built, thoroughly defining the opening, and preventing the supports of the gate being knocked down. The drive to the residence was a long and pleasant one through an avenue of aloes and blue gums, and under the shade of weeping willows overhanging the drift, making the locality delightfully cool, the rippling water running clear and bright down the valley. From the entrance to the farm and along the top of the mountain there is a substantial stone wall – all of these are well built – dividing the estate from the adjoining farms. We received a hearty welcome from Mr and Mrs H E HALSE who did everything to make our visit enjoyable which it was.
The Carnarvon Estate includes five farms, measuring over 20,000 acres. There are 60 miles of fencing, all substantially put up. The entire estate is fenced with stone walls and wire, and the settlement in addition divided off from the remainder of the estate, each paddock defined, and grazing ground marked off, and entirely disconnected from Carnarvon. The nucleus of the estate was commenced by Mr HALSE, senr. As the owner of Groot Vlei, he found a swamp extending over the immense flat now occupied by the Tennyson Settlement, kept in a state swamp by the large supply of water falling on the mountains along the Andresneck range. Mr HALSE took steps to have the swamp drained, making a furrow through the centre, thus utilizing the whole of the valley for irrigation. The firm then secured the four adjoining farms. Instead of allowing the water to rush down and spread over the flat they have built a series of reservoirs along the run of water in the valley above Carnarvon, five in all, thus conserving the whole of the rain water, and ensuring a permanent supply all the year round. When the dams are all complete the Messrs HALSE estimate that they will have 200,000,000 gallons of water stored after every rainfall. Besides the 1,300 acres of arable land assigned to the Settlement these enterprising farmers have nearly double this quantity of land under water equally suitable for soft or hard wheat. There are two residences, the other being occupied by Mr and Mrs W. HALSE and sister. We paid a visit to the fruit garden stocked with every imaginable kind of tree, and abundance of vegetables. The strawberry beds were a picture. The entire garden and orchard was beautifully laid out, well cleaned of weeds, with an abundance of water running all over. We must not omit to mention the forest of trees in the valley – some 2,000 oaks – poplars unnumerable, venerable willows, and ever green trees dotted here and there to hold the eye captive by their beauty, when grim winter renders the surrounding trees leafless.
THE SETTLEMENT.
In the afternoon we drove round the settlement. We regret our time was so short that we were unable personally to interview the settlers themselves. They look very happy and contented, and the children were all at play romping about as we passed along. It is patent to all who visit the locality that the land is there in abundance, rich and good, the water plentiful, and the climate excellent. All that is wanted is labour and the will to use it. We hope the settlers will do this. If they do they will never have to regret the old country. The Settlement is 4,500 acres in extent, 3,000 pasture land and 1,300 acres under irrigation. There are 25 cottages, each with small piece of garden ground fences in. In addition each settler has 50 acres of arable land, 38 ordinary soil, and 13 of black or vlei soil, very rich. There are 13 families now on the Settlement, and a sufficient number on the water to fill up the other cottages, maing nearly 200 souls all told. The new Super-intendent seems well up to his work and is determined to make the scheme a success. Sister Enid has charge of the education of the children and attends to the medical wants of the Settlement. In addition to the 25 cottages there is a comfortable residence for the Superintendent and another for Sister Enid, as well as a large school house which is used every Sunday for religious services at which the Revd. GORDON officiates. The lands are planted with potatoes expected to yield 6,000 bags; large fields of mealies and wheat; eight or ten acres of Lucerne, and a quantity of forage. The agricultural implements are of the best, ring rollers for pulverizing after harrowing, and a variety of ploughs and iron harrows of the best makes. We must say that the success is in a great measure due to the way in which Messrs HALSE Bros. have carried out their part of the agreement. The water supply is unlimited, and they have ever been ready to advise and assist the settlers to conform to colonial ideas and ways of getting on. There are five large dames, the total supply of water to be consumed being over 200,000,000, Two million gallons will be required daily for the use of the roller mill, which will run on to the lands in the Settlement for irrigation purposes. When not thus required, will find its way into another drain built for the purpose of irrigating Settlement lands lower down. The price each Settler has at present to pay for the privilege of residing there is £20 a year or 7/6 an acre for his arable land, exclusive of the pasture lands. Immediately however, there is a junction of the Border and Midland Systems of railway the rent is to be doubled, to 15/ per acre a year for each acre of arable land. There seems to be no provision for the ultimate purchase of the land by the Settlers. They will remain until they better themselves, and then make room for others to arrive. This was not the original intention but we believe Mr WHITE has deemed it better to make this settlement a sort of rendevouz for first arrivals, supplying fresh families to replace all those who scatter through the Colony. The cottages are small only two rooms and a loft, and as many of the families are large, they are terribly cramped up. The inability to purchase prevents most Settlers from adding on to the building, as no compensation would accrue when leaving. Another thing is the want of store room and shelter for stock in winter. There is some talk of a store house, and shedding for general use being put up by the Superintendant. This would however be exceedingly inconvenient. The cottages are all apart extending round the valley, and the distance from one end to the other must be at least two miles. To make the scheme a success – there must be some provision to add to the house accommodation and storage for grain and cereals of all kinds.
THE MILL.
Our visit was really made to witness the opening of the splendid roller mill just erected by Messrs HALSE Brothers. Mr E MALLETT who came out from Messrs CARTER of London to erect the flour mills at King Williamstown drew the plans for the mill, and undertook the entire fitting up, assisted in carpenter's work by Messrs CRUMPLIN and BIRD, Tennyson Settlers. We congratulate Mr MALLETT on the successful termination to his labours. When you look at the vast complications of machinery it is wonderful how it could all be fitted so compactly together and all working so harmoniously – there was not a single hitch. The plans were made so as to utilize the previous mill buildings. The building which is a good solid structure or cut stone work, is 40 feet long 38 feet wide and 35 feet high. The one half or front of the building is used exclusively for the machinery, two-thirds of which is taken up by the new roller plant, and one-third by the stone mill, the other or back part being used for the wheat cleaning machines, and wheat storage...
Friday, December 20, 1889
MARRIED,- On December 19th, 1889, at Queenstown, William Bridgman BROWN to Gwendolin Phelps BERRY.
OBITUARY.- The sad news of the death of Mr William BELL at Johannesburg was wired to town on Monday. Mrs BELL reached Johannesburg two or three days previously, and went only to see his last moments. Mr BELL was formerly an old resident of Queenstown, and for years was connected with the Carriage Works, now being carried on by Mr H. TIFFIN. It is only a few months ago that he went to the Gold Fields, and it seems sad to think that having gone there to try and better himself that he should be so suddenly called into Eternity. He leaves a wife and four children to mourn his loss, to whom we tender our heartfelt sympathy and condolence, in their sad and painful affliction.
FASHIONABLE WEDDING.
We have to chronicle the marriage of Mr W.B. BROWN, son of the Hon. Charles BROWN (of the firm of Chas. BROWN & Co.) to Miss BERRY the eldest daughter of our much respected and esteemed townsman Dr. W.B. BERRY, which took place in St. Michael's Church at 6.30 a.m. yesterday morning. The wedding was of a particulary quiet nature, the only witnesses to the ceremony, which was performed by the Rev. A. GRANT, Rural Dean, were the sisters of the bride, and Miss FROST and Mr F G MOORE...
OBITUARY.- It is with regret we have to chronicle the demise of Mr William J. WHITELOCK, which sad event took place here on Sunday evening last at six o'clock. The deceased was suffering from a chest complaint, and left England for the Colony on account of failing health. He came to Queenstown some years ago, being considered the driest and most healthy part of the Colony, and where he hoped to battle with the disease that was steadily but surely eating away the vitality of life. Poor WHITELOCK has been under medical treatment for the last six or seven years, but despite climate, and medical skill he has at last fallen a victim to the disease. The only relative he has in the Colony is a younger brother, who is now at Johannesburg. He has had very kind friends in Queenstown who have thought it no trouble to minister to his wants, and try by some means or other to alleviate his sufferings, and bring brightness and cheerfulness to a saddened heart, in the knowledge that there was no home, time the great monitor would accomplish the final end, allotted to all humanity. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, the Rev. A. GRANT, Rural Dean officiating. We tendered to his friends in their bereavement our sincere condolence and sympathy. We may mention the deceased was a good Book-keeper and accountant, and happily he was able,
although in feeble health, to some extent follow his calling, thus relieving considerably, the miserable and melancholy feelings he would otherwise have experienced.
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