Tuesday 2 April 1872

DIED at Fort England, Grahamstown, on Tuesday 2nd inst, Michael RORKE, aged 72 years and 7 months.

DIED at Port Elizabeth, 23rd March 1872, Hannah Mary, the beloved wife of J.P. COLLYER, aged 39 years. Friends will please accept this notice.

In the Insolvent Estate of Carel Fredrik POHL, deceased, of Carel’s Rust, Division of Albany
Notice!
All Persons having Claims against the above Estate are requested to lodge the same with the undersigned, at the farm “Carel’s Rust”, Division of Albany, within six weeks from this date; and all Persons indebted to the Estate are requested to pay their debts to the undersigned at the same place within the same period.
C.F. POHL
Executor Testy.
Grahamstown

Friday 5 April 1872

BIRTH at Myrtle Grove, District of Bathurst, on the 30th March 1872, the wife of Mr. W.H. PURDON Jr. of a son.

DIED at Fort Beaufort on the 31st March, after an illness of two months, of Consumption, Charlotte, the beloved daughter of W.C. and J. HENMAN – aged eighteen years and two months.
We desire to return our grateful thanks for the affectionate regard shown to our deceased daughter during her illness, and also to those dear young friends who followed her remains to the last resting place, many of whom she loved.
W.C. and J. HENMAN
April 2nd 1872

NOTICE
The undersigned takes this opportunity of thanking the Inhabitants of Grahamstown generally, and those kind friends especially who manifested such great sympathy with him and his wife, the only child of the deceased, Mrs Cathatine [sic] Ann SPARKS, on the occasion of their late melancholy bereavement.
Edward NORTON
Son-in-law of the late Mrs. C.A. SPARKS
Grahamstown
26th March 1872

IN MEMORIAM
The death of Capt. RORKE, which was announced in our last, is entitled to far more than the bare notice we then had time to give it. The deceased officer must, in fact, be regarded as one of the foremost men on this Frontier. For though a military man, yet being a member of the local corps, he stood identified with all our Frontier affairs, and was look upon in the light of a civilian almost as much as that of a soldier. He stood connected also by marriage with a daughter of a respectable British Settler. By this lady he had a family of fifteen children, twelve of whom are still living, nine being settled in life, and three – one son and two daughters – being still at home, the companions of their widowed mother. Capt. RORKE may be said to have been a self-made man, having attained to the position he held in the army purely by the force of upright and honourable character. He came hither in 1825, joining the cape Corps, in which he speedily acquired the respect and confidence of his superior officers. In 1836 a commission was offered him, but this he then declined, contemplating at the time a removal to a farm at Grobbelaar’s Kloof, in this district, which had become his property. A Kafir War, however, again broke out and called for his services. In 1841, at the instance of Colonel SOMERSET, he accepted the proffered promotion. As an officer of the Cape Corps he did good and gallant service. At one period we find him in command of the important Tarka Post, then discharging the duties of Quarter-Master, and then again doing active service in the three great Kafir Wars, each of which marks an era in the history of this Province. Finally we find him in charge of the regimental stores, marking the confidence reposed in his accuracy and integrity. On retiring from the army on full pay, after 35 years of active service, he took up his residence at Fort Beaufort, and after a brief visit to the Old Country, eventually returned to Grahamstown, where he terminated his career. It must be stated to his high credit that retirement from active service did not quench his desire to be of use to the country of his adoption. We find him accordingly occupying a seat at the Municipal Council Board of this City, which, from a sense of high honour, he resigned on the adoption of some measure which he regarded as inimical to the public welfare, and to which he declined by his continuance in office to be considered a party. During the past twelve months, deceased was a great sufferer from what appeared to be the entire break up of his constitution. But these sufferings he bore with exemplary patience. He had long professed himself to be a Christian warrior, and as such he met the last enemy with unshaken fortitude. His remains were conveyed to the grave on Wednesday, followed by a numerous cortege, and by a detachment of the Frontier Mounted Police under Inspector HOOK, all trying to do honour to the memory of one who deserved so well of his country.

Monday 8 April 1872

MARRIED at St.George’s Cathedral, Grahamstown, on the 2nd April by the Lord Bishop of Grahamstown, assisted by the Very Rev the Dean, Thomas Joseph Lamb DILLON Esq, District Surgeon of Alexandria, to Gertrude, youngest daughter of Dr. W. Guybon ATHERSTONE.

MARRIED in St.John’s Church, Bathurst, on the 3rd April 1872 by the Rev W.C. Wallis, William KING Junr, eldest son of Mr. Wm. KING Senr of Salem, to Sarah Matilda, third daughter of Mr. S. HAYES F.C, of Bathurst. No cards.
8th April 1872

DIED at Vall Fontein, District of Uitenhage, April 1st 1872, after a lingering illness of 5 months, Mr. Anthony GRADWELL, aged 68 years. Deeply regretted by a large circle of relations and friends. Friends at a distance will please accept this notice.

Friday 12 April 1872

BIRTH at Grahamstown, April 10, Mrs. A.W. HYDE of a son.

DIED at Du Toit’s Pan, Diamond-fields, Mr. George BELFIELD, late of Sidbury. One of the Settlers of 1820.

Monday 15 April 1872

DIED at Queenstown, 6th April 1872, after a lingering illness, borne with Christian fortitude, Martha, the beloved wife of Mr. William STILLWELL; aged 74 years, one month and nineteen days. Deeply regretted by a large circle of relations and friends. Friends at a distance will please accept this notice.

Wednesday 17 April 1872

MARRIED on April the 16th 1872, at Trinity Church, Grahamstown, by the Rev R Johnston, John GRAINGER of this city, from Staffordshire, England, to Janet Jessie, daughter of the late Thomas EDWARDS, of Grahamstown
April 17 1872

Friday 19 April 1872

MARRIED on the 16th inst, at Fort Beaufort in St.John’s Church, by the Rev T. Henchman, Adam WRAGG Esq of Fort Beaufort to Elizabeth MERTON of Cradock. No cards.

Latest Country News – King Williamstown
A Banana
Yesterday morning we were shewn a banana fruit grown by Mr. E. GOWAR of the East London district which measured 7½ inches in length and 4¼ in circumference.

Wednesday 24 April 1872

BIRTH at Dordrecht on the 16th inst, Mrs. Horatio HUTCHONS of a daughter.
Dordrecht, 17th April 1872

Friday 26 April 1872

BIRTH this morning, the wife of Mr. B. HOOLE of a son
26th April 1872

DIED at Grahamstown on the 24th inst, Lavinia, beloved wife of Mr. W. PARSONS, Chief Constable, aged 51 years.

DIED at Alexandria on the 23rd April, Samuel Thomas ENGLISH, in the 33rd year of his age.

DIED at King Williamstown on the 18th April 1872, Mr. Michael HARTY, aged 72; deeply regretted by a large family and a numerous circle of friends. Deceased came to this Colony in the year 1822.

DIED at Sevenfountains, District of Albany, on the 13th April 1872, after a lingering illness of two months, Mr. Barenet [sic, should be Barend] Daniel DICKASON, aged 22 years 8 months and 18 days, deeply regretted by a large circle of relations and friends. Friends at a distance will please accept this notice.

Monday 29 April 1872

MARRIED at Cradock on the 10th April 1872, by the Rev E. Lones, Wesleyan Minister, David Taylor, third and youngest son of the late James McLEOD, to Mary Ellen, second daughter of James GARDNER of Cradock.

Friday 3 May 1872

BIRTH at West-hill on the 30th April 1872, the wife of William Bruce EDYE, Superintendent of Natives and Interpreter in the Magistrate’s Court, Grahamstown, of a son.

Riet Vley Hotel
The undersigned begs to inform the Inhabitants of the Eastern province and Travellers in general that he has reopened the above hotel, formerly conducted by Mr. John THOMAS, and hopes by civility and attention to the comfort of Travellers and Visitors to merit a share of public patronage.
Attached to the above is a General Store, where Farmers and Carriers can be supplied with every description of Goods, at a moderate charge.
The best of Wines and Spirits always on hand. Good Forage and a Groom in attendance.
W.A. WERNER
April 25 1872

Monday 6 May 1872

DIED, deeply regretted by her family and friends, at her residence Roede Hek, Hope-street, Capetown, Mary Eliza Campbell BALL, relict of the late Thomas BALL Esq, Solicitor, Suffolk-street, Dublin, Ireland
Capetown April 25 1872

Notice to Creditors
In the Insolvent Estate of Alexander McTAVISH, of the Izeli, Division of King Williamstown
All persons claiming to be Creditors under this Estate are required to take notice that the undersigned has been duly elected and confirmed in the appointment of Sole Trustee of the said Estate, and that the Master has appointed the Third Meeting to be held before the Resident Magistrate of Grahamstown, at his office in Grahamstown, on Wednesday the 15th May 1872, at 10 o’ clock in the forenoon, for the proof of Debts, for receiving the Trustee’s report and also for the purpose of giving directions to the Trustee as to the management of the said Estate; and all persons indebted to the said Estate are required to pay the same to the Undersigned on or before the above date or proceedings will be instituted against them
R.S. SMITH, Sole Trustee

Port Elizabeth
Miss WORMALD had a very narrow escape from drowning, whilst bathing at the Fishery, on Friday afternoon. Was taken out over her depth by a drawback. A roller brought her back, when she was seized by a companion, and dragged to the shore. Was insensible for some hours, but ultimately recovered consciousness and is doing well.

Friday 10 May 1872

DIED, May 6th 1872, at his residence West-hill, near Grahamstown, Henry AMOS, aged 70 years. Friends at a distance will please accept this notice.

Queenstown (Free Press)
Serious Accident – We regret to hear that Mr. McDONALD met with an accident while driving to his farm on Monday last. In crossing a portion of veldt, one of the cart wheels came in contact with an ant heap, and overturned the cart. Mrs. McDONALD and the children were in the cart, but fortunately escaped without any serious injury, though the horses dragged it about fifty yards. Mr. McDONALD had three of his ribs broken. Fortunately Messrs A.C. and H.H. McDONALD were in company in another cart, and assistance was promptly rendered. Mr. D. McDONALD is progressing favourably under the care of Dr. DE MORGAN.

Monday 13 May 1872

MARRIED on the 7th May 1872, at St.George’s Cathedral by the Rev Dean Williams, Jarvis Reckless, second son of Mr. G. PALMER, of Grahamstown, to Louisa Ann, eldest daughter of the late John ROBEY, of Manley’s Flat.

DIED on Thursday May 9th 1872, after a long illness, borne with great patience and Christian fortitude, Emma Catharine, the dearly beloved wife of Walter SMITH, of the Hermitage, Oatlands; age 42 years and 2 months.

Friday 17 May 1872

BIRTH at Grahamstown on the 14th inst, the wife of Mr. Jno. Ogilvie NORTON of a son.

MARRIED at Schraal Fontein, Free State, on the 1st May by the Rev F.H. Doxat, William Joseph, only son of the late Mr. Joseph YELLING, of Grahamstown, to Ellen Susannah, third daughter of Mr. Joshua PRIOR.

Thursday 23 May 1872

DIED at Grahamstown May 20th 1872, Sarah SLATER, relict of the late Charles SLATER, aged 58 years.

OBITUARY
We regret to announce the death of Sarah, widow of the late Mr. Charles SLATER, long resident in Grahamstown. The deceased lady became thoroughly prostrate a week or two since, from the effects of a cold and an accidental fall, which at the time was not considered serious, after which time she gradually got worse, death terminating her sufferings on Tuesday last. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon.
We also hear of the death of a daughter of the Rev R. BERTRAM, late of Lesseyton, and who is on a visit to England. Mrs. BERTRAM, in company with a son and two daughters, returned from a visit to the Diamond-fields at the end of January last. The son at the time was suffering from a severe attack of fever; since their return the two sisters have caught the fever, and in one case it has terminated fatally. The son when we last heard was still in a critical state.

Monday 27 May 1872

DIED this morning at his residence, West-hill, Robert HOLLAND Esq, aged 80 years.
Grahamstown 27th May 1772

DIED at his residence, Clairmount, near Lockerbie, Dumfrieshire, on Thursday 11th April last, Robert Johnstone THOMPSON, youngest son of the late W.R. THOMPSON of this city.
Grahamstown, 27th May.

SUDDEN DEATH
Mr. L. DE JONGH was found dead in his tent at Du Toit’s Pan on Thursday morning. He was found lying on his face, with a large wound on his temple. At first it was supposed that he had been murdered, but there appears to be no doubt in the minds of the medical gentlemen who examined the body that he dropped down in an epileptic fit, and struck his head against the corner of a case which stood in his tent: and this opinion is somewhat confirmed by the fact that deceased was subject to fits. The worst feature of the tragedy is that his wife and family are on the road from Capetown in the hope of joining him at the Fields. Mr. Lawrence DE JONGH is the son of Mr J. DE JONGH, a wine merchant of Capetown. He was an exceedingly estimable young man, and his death will bring forth many a sob from manly hearts, both on the Fields and in Capetown, for the deceased was a generous friend and a good citizen. We tender our sympathy to the bereaved family.

Monday 3 June 1872

DIED at Somerset East on Friday the 24th May 1872, James BOTTON Senior of “The Masonic Hotel”, formerly a resident of Grahamstown.

Friday 7 June 1872

Obituary Notice
DIED at Oatlands this morning, at 7 o’clock, after a protracted illness, Sir Walter CURRIE Kt.
No special invitations can be sent out. The Funeral will proceed to the Cathedral from the residence at Oatlands tomorrow at 3pm precisely.
Grahamstown
Friday 7th June 1872

DIED on Sunday morning, June 2nd, at the residence of his step-son, Mr. James BANKS, Jones’ Farm, near Bathurst, Mr. George Godfrey BROWN, in the 76th year of his age. He was one of the enterprising British Settlers of 1820.

DIED at the New Rush, Diamond Fields, of fever, on the 24th April 1872, Jessie Elizabeth HUTTON, aged 18 years and 10 months.
All friends who so kindly attended her with untiring care, during her lingering illness, will please accept our heartfelt gratitude.
J.E. and A.E. HUTTON
Zeerust, S.A.R.
15th May 1872

A MARRIAGE CEREMONY was performed in the Commemoration Chapel yesterday morning when the Rev B.S.H. IMPEY, Wesleyan Minister, was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss HELLIER, of this city. The Rev Wm IMPEY, chairman of the Grahamstown district of Wesleyan missions and father of the bridegroom, officiated. A large number of friends and spectators witnessed the ceremony. The bride and bridegroom left the town in the afternoon for their future home at Eland’s Post.

OBITUARY
Another of the British Settlers of 1820 has passed from amongst us, Mr. George Godfrey BROWN having expired at the residence of his step-son, Mr. James BANKS, Jones’ Farm, Bathurst. On his arrival in this Colony with the Nottingham party, although himself a native of Derbyshire, his practical experience in farming pursuits, in addition to his ingenuity and natural abilities – especially as regarded implements and other requirements of agricultural industry – were soon appreciated, as in these respects he was equalled by few and excelled by none of his fellow-colonists, to whom he cheerfully and generously lent his willing aid. Like many others, he suffered severely during the Kafir wars from the repeated losses of valuable oxen; but his indomitable perseverance, energy and industry never failed him, and were often exerted more for the benefit of others than for himself, until about twelve months ago, when he was afflicted with some bodily disease, from which he lingered in pain and suffering, but with the resignation of a true Christian, to the day of his death, when peacefully and quietly he breathed his last, much to the regret of his immediate relatives and numerous friends, who testified their respect to his memory by attending his remains to the grave in Bathurst church-yard on Tuesday last. – Communicated.

Monday 10 June 1872

TESTIMONIAL
Mr. Henry T. ROWLAND
Professional Tuner
Having arrived in Grahamstown with a view, should sufficient inducement offer, of making it his permanent residence, submits the subjoined Testimonial, from a gentleman whose competency to form a correct judgement in such matters is so well known to the Gentry of this City, as a guarantee of his proficiency:-
“I have much pleasure in bearing testimony to the ability of Mr. H. ROWLAND as a Pianoforte Tuner, he having for many years tuned my instrument, and always given great satisfaction. He does not only put the instrument in perfect tune but, being thoroughly acquainted with its entire mechanism, effects any repairs it may require.
John ATHERSTONE
Kruisfontein, 6th June 1872.”
Temporary Residence: Mrs. MOYS’ Private Boarding House, High-street.

THE LATE SIR WALTER CURRIE KT.
THE FUNERAL
In our Friday’s issue it was our sorrowful duty to report the death of Sir Walter CURRIE Kt, which occurred that morning. On Saturday afternoon, at 3 o’clock, the funeral procession moved from his late residence at Oatlands, followed by a numerous body of relatives and friends, including the detachments of Frontier Armed and Mounted Police, under the command of Inspector HOOK and Sub-Inspector WYLDE, a number of whom preceded the hearse, and performed the duties of a firing party. The first part of the Burial Service was conducted by the Very Rev the Dean of Grahamstown, in the Cathedral, which was filled by spectators and sympathizers. On leaving the church, the numbers of those who joined the procession were greatly augmented, and we were pleased to notice a number of farmers from the surrounding neighbourhood, who had come to show a last token of respect and esteem to one who had always proved himself their friend, as well as protector. We estimated the number of followers at about two hundred. On reaching the burial ground, the remainder of the Service was read by the Rev L.S. Browne, after which the firing party performed their duty over the grave of the late brave and gallant officer, and the company dispersed.
Below we give an outline of his life, partly taken from an account published some years since in the Cape Monthly Magazine, and partly compiled from notes placed in our hands by friends of the deceased.
Walter CURRIE was born in France; but while yet a child accompanied his father to this colony, where he attained to a well-deserved celebrity as the brave and efficient Commandant of the Frontier Mounted Police. His father, a retired naval officer, emigrated from England to the Eastern Province in 1820, and settled on a farm in the district of Bathurst, where he was appointed Local Magistrate and Justice of the Peace. Walter was then only eighteen months old, and his youth was spent at Bathurst and its neighbourhood.
The Kafir tribes clustered along the border kept the early settlers in a considerable state of alarm, owing to incessant aggression; and young CURRIE, while yet a boy of sixteen, was taught to handle his gun, and become a witness of, and actor in, those engagements which for so long a time harassed the frontier districts. In the war of 1834-35 he took the field as a volunteer in the Corps of Guides, under the command of Captains BOWKER and R. SOUTHEY (the present acting Colonial Secretary). At this time Sir Benjamin D’URBAN was Governor, and several notable events occurred, among which was the death of Hintza, the paramount Kafir chief. At the close of the war, CURRIE – for dropping alike the “Mister” and the “Sir” we shall style him by the simple familiar name, now a household word along the frontier – returned to his home at Bathurst, choosing rather to pursue the peaceful avocation of an agriculturist than accept a commission in the army which was offered by Sir Benjamin D’URBAN. Here he continued for several years in the course of which his father died – and afterwards removed to a sheep farm which he had got on the Fish River.
In 1846 the frontier districts were devastated by another invasion of the Kafir tribes, and the inhabitants joined together to arrange the best means of defence. Places of rendezvous were appointed, leaders were chosen, houses and cattle kraals were made defensible, while many heads of sheep and stock were driven westward to places of supposed security. CURRIE at once formed an encampment in the Fish River, and held the position there until relieved by a party sent from Grahamstown to his assistance. During these proceedings, the burgher forces on the upper part of the frontier line were mustered under Sir Andreas STOCKENSTROM, who had been appointed their Colonel-Commandant, and CURRIE joined them in the Somerset district. Their first operation was to clear the Zuurberg country; they rapidly scoured the Kowie, Kaga and Kromme forests the enemy retiring whenever they made their appearance. They then penetrated the Amatolas, but without meeting any resistance; and afterwards, in company with Colonel JOHNSTONE and a company of the 27th, made a diversion into Kreli’s country, where it was understood a great quantity of the booty carried off from the colony had been secreted. On reaching the boundary of Kreli’s territory it was found that the chief had determined upon not coming to an engagement, and Sir Andreas STOCKENSTROM had a parley and interview with him. The force, however, did not return empty-handed; they captured about eight thousand head of Tambookie cattle, with which they succeeded in reaching the colonial boundary at the Zwarte Kei. Then the burgher camp was broken up. Their services had been very valuable – not in extensively destroying the enemy, but in rapidity of movement, and wonderful endurance of fatigue which intimidated and scattered enemy, and prevented much devastation in the open country. But they had frequent skirmishes, in which men were lost on both sides.
As the war did not immediately close, CURRIE continued in the field, attached to a train of commissariat wagons in connection with the 73rd. When peace was restored, he returned again to the old farm at Bathurst to cultivate the ground, and one of his brothers took charge of the sheep farm at Fish River. Their stocks of cattle and sheep were sadly diminished and impoverished: out of 1,300 of the cattle, scarcely 1,200 remained; but their lot in this respect was not more unfortunate than that of their neighbours, and so they set to work to restore their fortunes.
But only a few years elapsed ere war again broke out (in 1850), and CURRIE rode into Grahamstown, when he was chosen commandant of the Albany Burghers. His first work was to organize a force in the Bathurst division; and finding the Hottentots disaffected at Theopolis, he co-operated with the Magistrate (Mr. DYASON), disarmed the whole of the population, and made prisoners of the ringleaders, who had been threatening farmers with violence. He also took command of several wagon trains between Grahamstown and Cradock during this war; and had several actions with the enemy at Fish River, but was successful on all occasions in carrying the wagons through.
In 1852, when Governor Sir George CATHCART arrived in the colony to succeed Sir Harry SMITH, the Eastern Districts were still in the same insecure state in which they had been since the commencement of the war, and dependent upon the costly and harassing exertion of the military force for protection. With a view to remedy the state of affairs, he determined to combine the old burgher levies with a an organised powerful mounted police force, who were to be placed at the disposal of the Civil Commissioners of the disturbed districts, to patrol roads and intercept marauders as well as to protect property. Governor CATHCART had also another most important consideration in view in the establishment of this local police force for purely local purposes – that was that, when once duly organised, and its benefits felt, as he had good reason to hope they would, it might be easily transferred to the entire management of the colonial civil government, and thus be a permanent means of obliging those living in more favoured districts to contribute to the protection of their less fortunate fellow-colonists.
There were many persons, even in the eastern metropolis, who, when Sir George CATHCART’s scheme was made public, doubted the possibility of its success. But His Excellency had relied upon finding the right men who could both understand the required duty and undertake it; and among them was Walter CURRIE, who was appointed commandant for the district of Albany, and whose ability and activity soon gave a favourable prestige to the corps. In connection with Colonel CAREY, Cape Mounted Rifles, his party attacked the Kafirs in the Kowie bush and routed them; they followed them to Bushman’s River, where they were dispersed. Various indeed were the skirmishes they had with the enemy in that direction. Shortly after the preceding operations, it was reported that a lot of rebels had assembled at the Zuurberg, and were stopping the wagons from Algoa Bay. Commandant BOWERS, of the Somerset division, and CURRIE’s brother (an officer under him) had already attacked these fellows: but, finding they did not leave the place, Walter CURRIE was sent for, and routed them out. He followed them for eight days, and finally came up with them at the Fish River Bush, where an engagement took place, resulting in their total dispersion. There were several of the enemy killed, but the police lost only one officer (Lieutenant FERREIRA) and three men. CURRIE was assisted in the affair by Captain ESPINASSE and a detachment of the 12th Regiment, who lost two men. This happened during Sir George CATHCART’s absence in the Sovereignty, and was the last resistance of any consequence which was made by the rebels. It was here, also, that the noted Hans BRANDER (a deserter from the Cape Mounted Rifles) was mortally wounded; he died afterwards at Kreli’s great place. Sir George CATHCART, on his return, paid the following compliment to the gallant commandant’s party:-
Headquarters, Grahamstown
January 12 1853
The Commander-in-Chief had had before him the report of Commandant CURRIE of the spirited exertions of the Albany police, under his commanding, in tracing a band of rebel Hottentots through their haunts of the Zuurberg into the Fish River Bush, near Jantje’s Kraal, where sixteen of these banditti were killed an many wounded, the remainder dispersing in the bush.
His Excellency cannot express in too strong terms his high admiration of the gallant and patriotic conduct of the Albany police under their Commandant, Captain Walter CURRIE, who, ever since he assumed his honourable and arduous command, has evinced a gallantry and perseverance beyond all praise.
At the close of the war the forces was reduced from nearly 1,000 to 500 men, and their pay was lowered also. Sir George GREY shortly afterwards arrived, and fully realising the advantage of a constant patrolling police on the frontier, he at once made arrangements for organising it permanently, under the title of the Frontier Mounted Police. Under these circumstances, Walter CURRIE was constrained to continue at its head and superintend its management as general commandant. The force now consists of 600 men, including inspectors, sub-inspectors &c. They are divided into detachments of about seventy men who, in troubled times, are stationed in the most disturbed districts, or, during peace, patrol the country to see that there are no squatters, and to drive them off; inspect traders’ wagons, and see that there are no arms carried out of the country; and also prevent cattle and horses from passing beyond the boundary unauthorizedly.
Their duties at the present moment are of the latter kind; but in the crises of 1857, when the Kafirs, deluded by one of their prophets, were killing their cattle preparatory to an attack upon the colony, the police performed the other and more important duty of protecting the frontier. All of their number who could be spared were placed along the boundary line from the Kaffrarian coast to the Stormberg, forming a cordon along the district of Victoria South and North, Queenstown and Albert, and there they remained until the crisis was over.
Since the last war the duties of the Police have been of a less dangerous, but certainly not less responsible, character, and have consisted chiefly of protecting the farmers from the depredations of the natives, and watching the colonial boundary; and we have no doubt that for the series of peaceful years we have enjoyed we are to a large extent indebted to the watchfulness and tact of the Police, under the able command of the now lamented Sir Walter CURRIE. In all important movements in connection with the natives, Sir Walter’s assistance and advice was sought, and we find him taking a prominent part in superintending the settlement of the Fingoes who were removed from the Colony to the Transkeian territory a few years since.
The last service that Sir Walter was enabled to perform, in his public capacity, was to punish the Korannas who had become so troublesome on the northern borders of the Colony, and to perform which it was found necessary to send up the main body of the Mounted Police Force. It will be in the recollection of most of our readers how effectually this difficult duty was performed by the force employed under the able command of their brave and gallant commandant. While superintending the transport of supplies across the Orang River at a time when the current was strong, he almost met his death by drowning, in the manner described as follows by one of the Cape papers:-
It was nearly dawn, the wagons were started across, and Sir Walter was first on horseback, guiding the cavalcade through the safest river beds, and keeping the wheels of the wagon free of stones, which abound in all directions. Sir Walter had been at work about an hour, when his horse slipped off the rock on which the animal had been standing for some minutes, and off flew Sir Walter into the middle of the torrent. Being a first rate swimmer, he struck out well, and after battling with the roaring, rushing current, he grasped the rock and landed himself, drenched through and through, and quite exhausted. The poor horse had sunk never to rise again. Sir Walter then took his stand on the rock and gave orders. For about three hours everything went on favourably, and then the tow-line broke; the men being half frozen with cold, could not jump smartly to refasten it, and Sir Walter, seeing the mischief of delay, rushed into the river with half a dozen men after him, and they put all right again. Sir Walter sung out “Let go”. No sooner said than done, and Sir Walter thinking he could swim, struck out for the rock again, but not one limb could he move. The use of his arms and legs were completely gone, and the swift-rushing current carried him away, he calling for help. All help was by this time pretty far off; but at last four of his men, seeing the predicament he was in, swam after him and carried him out, as they thought, a corpse. The doctor discovered that Sir Walter had life in him yet; but this discovery was not made until bottles of warm water had been placed to his feet, and all the other restoratives used for rescuing men from death by drowning.
In about two hours Sir Walter felt himself sufficiently strong to attempt to cross the river in his cart; but he was not permitted to run any risk in his then enfeebled state. The men put a tow-line on to the cart and pulled so vigorously to get him quickly out of danger that they pulled out the poll of the cart, and let him in to the river for the third time. He was then compelled to save himself, for there was no-one near to assist him, and he laid hold of the line and reached the shore again, more dead than alive.
On both occasions of His Royal Highness Prince Alfred’s visiting the Cape, Sir Walter was chosen as one of his retinue, and doubtless added much to the pleasure of our Royal visitor, as he always enjoyed the character of being a most entertaining companion.
In conclusion we would say that as an officer his justice and considerate kindness secured the respect and attachment of both the officers and men he so long and gallantly commanded; and his services were acknowledged by the Government in their recommending him to his Sovereign as worthy of Knighthood. We feel sure that now his services are over, colonists will not be slow to acknowledge his worth, and the Colonial Government will act justly towards his widowed lady.

Wednesday 12 June 1872

BIRTH at Oatlands on the 11th inst, Mrs. B.B. ATTWELL of a daughter.

THE LATE DR. EDMUNDS
The Standard and Mail in noticing the death of this gentleman says:- Dr. EDMUNDS came to this colony about twenty years ago, and commenced to practise his profession at Grahamstown, where he was much liked and respected. In the year 1857 he accepted office as surgeon to the Convict Stations in the vicinity of that city, and on the removal of the convicts from there to Katberg he accompanied them, and continued in the same capacity until the middle of 1862, when Dr. MINTO having resigned the appointment of Surgeon-Superintendent at Robben Island, Dr. EDMUNDS was appointed to it. Every one that has visited the Island knows how thoroughly and well Dr. EDMUNDS performed the arduous duties which there devolved upon him, and what very great improvements have been accomplished there under his advice and supervision. His house was open to all visitors, and his hospitality unbounded.

Friday 21 June 1872

MARRIED in Commemoration Chapel, Grahamstown, June 20th 1872, by the Rev Robert Lamplough, William OATES, eldest son of the late Mr. Samuel OATES, to Cecilia Amanda, fourth daughter of the late Mr. Henry HILL, formerly of Salem, Lower Albany.

Monday 24 June 1872

MARRIED at the residence of the bride’s father, on June 19th 1872, by the Rev R. Johnston, William GRAINGER to Helen, second daughter of Mr. Alexander GOWIE, High-street, Grahamstown.

Friday 28 June 1872

DIED 25th June at her late residence, McDonald-street, Sarah Jane, wife of W. WOODLAND, aged 22 years and 9 months.
W.WOODLAND desires to thank the many kind friends who ministered to her in her last affliction.
Grahamstown
28th June