Friday 2 July 1869
DIED at Port Elizabeth on Thursday July 1, Anna, beloved wife of Mr. Bernhard KROMM; aged 33 years.
The Funeral will take place this afternoon (Friday) at a quarter to four o’clock, from her late residence, Strand-street. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.
F.E. HODSON, Undertaker
MURDER AT KLIPSPRUIT
A correspondent of the Frontier Mail writes as follows, under date 25th ult:- “Just a few lines, acquainting you of a most fearful murder of a young Dutchman, named Jan BOTHA. I went yesterday and held an inquest. The poor fellow was murdered by a native on the 23rd inst, but lived some ten hours after receiving the injuries.” The only particulars that we can at present furnish of this murder are: That the boy BOTHA, who is about nineteen years of age, was disputing with a Kafir about a sixpence which he (the lad) owed him, but which he promised to pay when he got money. The Kafir then accused him of having said something about a kraal wall which he (the Kafir) had built, which the lad denied, and thereupon was struck a fatal blow upon the head with a stick by the villain. The District Surgeon, we believe, will proceed today to hold a post-mortem examination.
Friday 9 July 1869
ANOTHER TIGER KILLED
Mr. Edward PULLEN, while out in the bush on Sunday last, fell in with a fine tiger, and though armed only with a large stick, succeeded, by the help of his dogs, in first disabling and subsequently killing the animal. The tiger at one time showed fight, but Mr. PULLEN, nothing daunted, courageously attacked it with his stout stick, and so intimidated it that it took refuge in a tree, from which it was afterwards dislodged and killed.
Tuesday 13 July 1869
ACCIDENT TO MR. KEYTER M.L.A.
A communication from Oudtshoorn mentions a severe accident which befell the senior member for that division. On Friday the 11th [sic] he was returning from Camnatie, where he had been on business in company with Mr. A. BYRNE, when, coming to a steep ascent, where the road was very bad, Mr, B got out to lighten the cart, leaving his double-barrelled gun loose in the cart. After proceeding for six or seven hundred yards, the shaking of the cart caused one of the barrels, which was loaded with shot, to explode, inflicting a frightful wound in Mr. KEYTER’s arm. There was no house near, nor could even a drop of water be had, and he had to ride an hour and a half before he could get assistance. When the communication was written he was out of danger, but it is feared that he will not be able to attend to his Parliamentary duties this session. – Standard.
INFANTICIDE
On Sunday evening Catherine DU PLESSIS was apprehended by the Chief Constable, on a charge of infanticide. After search of the prisoner’s premises, at Blanco, the remains of a white male child were discovered in a hole in the lower part of the garden – the body was not even wrapped up in any clothes. As the Magistrate is absent from town, no preliminary examination has as yet taken place, and we are therefore unable to give further particulars. – George Phoenix.
DEATH OF EWAN CHRISTIAN ESQ
The Standard of Tuesday last says: The announcement of the decease, yesterday morning, of Ewan CHRISTIAN Esq. of St.George’s-street, will cause very severe regret to many residents in Cape Town and the country districts generally. The deceased gentleman was, perhaps, the oldest English representative of mercantile interests in the colony, having taken a leading place among the commercial men of Cape Town from the cession of the colony to Great Britain. Indeed, a record of Mr. CHRISTIAN’s connections with the Cape would date from more than fifty years ago; and up to the day of his death he continued to take an active part in business. He first came here in 1796 as a midshipman on board the flag-ship of his uncle, Sir Hugh CHRISTIAN K.C.B. , then the Naval Commander-in-Chief on this station; and he subsequently settled in Cape Town. Mr. CHRISTIAN was well known as one of the members of the elective Legislative Council before the promulgation of the Constitution Ordinance, and Commissioner in the administration of the Patriotic Fund raised after the Crimean War. For many years he was a director of the Colonial Bank, South African Assurance Company, and Cape of Good Hope Marine; was Vice-Chairman of the Savings Bank, and Cape Town agent to the Eagle and Imperial Assurance Companies of London. Mr. CHRISTIAN’s death occurred quite suddenly. Last summer he suffered at times from attacks which were supposed to be caused by a tendency to apoplexy; but as the cool weather came on he completely recovered, and was to be seen almost daily taking his accustomed walk. On Sunday last he attended at the Cathedral with Mrs. CHRISTIAN, and partook of the sacrament. Yesterday morning, at half past nine, he went to the office to finish some letters for the steamer leaving in the afternoon; and shortly before ten retired to his private house adjoining for breakfast, and enjoyed apparently a good meal. At about eleven he was returning to the office, and was seen by a servant to take hold of a pillar for support and faint away. The servant, who had seen him fall back, went to his assistance, led him into the house, and seated him in a chair. In a few moments Mr. CHRISTIAN was no more. The intelligence of his death was telegraphed at once to his family connections in the colony, and they, with Mrs. CHRISTIAN, are to be condoled with on the loss of so good and kind a husband, father and friend. Mr. CHRISTIAN was in his eighty-sixth year. The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon, and the remains of the deceased gentleman were followed to the grave by the chief residents of the city and its vicinity.
Friday 16 July 1869
THE LATE MR. BERGH
The friends of this late respected Magistrate of Burghersdorp are very much grieved at a paragraph which appeared in the Colesberg Herald on the 9th June, in which it was mentioned that Mr. BERGH had been seen some weeks ago in the Transvaal in robust health. Letters from the Rev. Mr. CORMACK, who attended Mr. BERGH during his fatal illness, and from other trustworthy gentlemen living in the place, leave not the slightest doubt as to his actual decease. – Advertiser and Mail.
Friday 23 July 1869
MARRIAGE: BEERE and KIFT
On Wednesday the 21st instant, in St.Mary’s Church, by the Rev. E. Pickering, Colonial Chaplain, Mr. Charles Richard BEERE J.P., Clerk to the Civil Commissioner, to Lucinda Levick KIFT, youngest daughter of Mr. Edmund Lombard KIFT, of Port Elizbeth. No cards.
Port Elizabeth, 22nd July 1869.
DIED at Port Elizabeth on the 21st July, Henry Joseph SHERMAN, aged thirty-nine years.
NOTICE
The Funeral of the late Mr. SHERMAN will take place this (Friday) afternoon at half past three pm, from his late Residence on the Hill. Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend.
F.E, HODSON, Undertaker
Port Elizabeth July 22 1869
FATAL ACCIDENT
Las evening, between six and seven o’clock, the body of a young German lad, named KEAN, was picked up in Main Road, near Holbern’s. On examination it was found that the unfortunate lad had been run over, either by a wagon or cab, probably during the dust storm which occurred about sundown. Two wheels had passed in a slanting direction across the body, crushing the collar-bone and ribs. The lad was about ten years of age, and the child of poor parents living on the Flats. The police have as yet been unable to obtain information which may throw a light on the unhappy occurrence.
Tuesday 27 July 1869
DIED on Sunday 25th instant, after a short illness, aged two years and six months, William George, the beloved son of William and Jessie PHILIPS, Seward of the Port Elizabeth Club.
The Funeral will take place this afternoon at a quarter past 3 o’clock. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.
Timothy LEE, Undertaker
Port Elizabeth, July 27 1869
DIED at the Port Elizabeth Provincia Hospital, on Sunday 25th instant, Mrs. Ellen FOLKS, aged thirty-seven years. Deeply regretted.
The Funeral will take place this afternoon at half past 3 o’clock. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.
Timothy LEE, Undertaker
Port Elizabeth, July 27 1869
ANOTHER SOLDIER DROWNED
The body of another soldier of the 99th Regiment, Private Henry DAY, wardman at the Military Hospital, was picked up, drowned ion the surf, at Papendorf by Chief Constable ELLIOTT. The officer’s attention was drawn to the body at half past nine on Tuesday night by some fishermen residing in the neighbourhood. It is thought that he could not have been long in the water, as a watch which deceased wore was still going when the body was taken to the Hospital. It is presumed that the unfortunate man must have been seized with a fit while walking along the beach, and washed into the sea by the tide, which was still coming in when the body was discovered. There are no grounds to account for suicide in the case; the deceased bore a good character and was much respected in his position. – Standard.
Friday 30 July 1869
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS
MARRIAGES
BEERE – KIFT: On the 21st inst, at Port Elizabeth, Mr. C.E.[sic] BEERE to Miss Lucinda Levick KIFT.
SKEA – QUIN: On the 30th June, at Port Elizabeth, Mr. James Henry SKEA to Miss Mary QUIN
DEATHS
FOLKS, Mrs. Ellen, on the 25th inst, at Port Elizabeth, aged thirty-seven years.
KROMM, Mrs. Anna, on the 1st inst, at Port Elizabeth, aged thirty-three years.
PHILLIPS, William George, son of Mr. W. PHILLIPS, on the 25th inst, aged two years and six months.
SHERMAN, Mr. Henry Joseph, on the 21st inst, at Port Elizabeth, aged thirty-nine years.
Friday 6 August 1869
NOTICE
The Partnership heretofore subsisting between the Undersigned at Port Elizabeth, Burghersdorp and Richmond under the Firm of JACOBSOHN BROTHERS has this day been Dissolved by mutual consent. All Debts due to the Firm at Port Elizabeth and Richmond must be paid to the first Undersigned, and all Debts due to the Burghersdorp Branch will be received by the second Undersigned
MONITZ JACOBSOHN
JACOB JACOBSOHN
Port Elizabeth, 3rd August, 1869
BIRTH at Dordrecht, the 30th instant, Mrs. Horatio HUTCHONS of a daughter.
31st July 1869
BIRTH August 3rd Mrs. J.D. VAN DER HOFF of a son.
A CENTENARIAN
An old lady by the name of Mrs. S.C. LOUW died in Cape Town on Thursday, and by her death we may safely say we have lost one who was the "oldest inhabitant", if the statement as to age given by the sexton of the Dutch Reformed Church is correct. She is reported in the application for a grave in the free burying ground to have died at the age of 112 years. - Standard.
COMPETITION OF SCHOOL EXAMINATION.
We publish below the list of candidates who have passed with “honour” the competition of schools Examination. An analysis of the list shows that a greater number of boys have passed the examination this year than on any previous year since the examinations have been established. This is owing not so much, we fear, to any decided progress in the attainment of our colonial youth, as to the circumstances that the questions set by the examiners were somewhat easier than heretofore. Considering, however, how important it is that as many schools as possible, and as many pupils in each school as possible, should feel the healthy stimulus to exertion which this examination provides, neither schoolmasters nor the pupils have any cause for complaint that the examiners should have slightly relaxed the severity of their examination test on this occasion, and thereby speed a path to distinction to a few more boys than usual.
It appears from the list that nine boys “passed” in Literature (i.e., Greek, Latin and English), and twenty-nine “passed” in Mathematics (i.e. Euclid, Algebra and Arithmetic). Of the nine who passed in literature, eight also passed in mathematics: so that exactly thirty boys in all have gained the commendation of the examiners. They are distributed amongst the different schools of the colony thus:-
Diocesan College, Cape Town 6, of whom 5 also passed in literature.
South African College 4, of whom 1 also passed in literature.
Uitenhage 4, of whom 1 also passed in literature.
Grey Institute 4
Stellenbosch 4, of whom 3 in mathematics and 1 in literature.
Graaff-Reinet 2
Bedford 2, of whom 1 also passed in literature.
Mr. BREMNER’s, Cape Town 2
Graham’s Town 1
The boy who has gained the highest distinction is SOLOMON, who is first on both lists. He is the son of the Rev. Edward SOLOMON, of Bedford. Of the schools, the Diocesan College, Cape Town, has sent the largest number of successful competitors. Judging from the position the pupils occupy in the lists, the Diocesan College cultivates literature in preference to mathematics. Of the nine names on the “literature” list, five are pupils of the Diocesan College: in the “mathematical” list, the pupils of this establishment are most of them in the lower half. The South African College this year has not maintained its accustomed position, a circumstance which may be owing to mere luck, or by some accident the clever boys may have been attracted to her rival at Rondebosch. The pupils of Mr. BRICE, of Uitenhage, have acquitted themselves well. Considering the comparatively small number of pupils at the Uitenhage Proprietary School, either they must be clever boys, or they must be well taught, to have distanced the South African College in the educational race, as the list shows they have done. With our own public school, the Grey Institute, we have reason to be satisfied. Three out of the four who passed in mathematics are high on the list. In fact, if the list for 1869 were reduced to fourteen names – the same number as last year, the Grey Institute would return a larger number of successful candidates than any school in the colony.
As regards the relative merits of East and West, it may be interesting to note that out of thirty successful candidates, fourteen are from Eastern Province schools, while sixteen belong to the region of the setting sun.
There are many topics of much interest and importance to the colony suggested by the list thus currently analysed, to some of which public attention might be directed with advantage. That pressure on our space compels us to defer our remarks to a future issue:
COMPETITION OF SCHOOLS EXAMINATION – 1869.
The names of those candidates who are entitled to honourable mention arranged in order of merit, are:-
In Mathematics:
SOLOMON Bedford
AURET Diocesan Coll. Cape Town
T.[G.] CHARDIN Uitenhage
DANKWORTH Bedford
Harry JOHNSON Grey Institute
KENNELLY Graham's Town
Herbert JOHNSON Grey Institute
[ASHENBERG] Stellenbosch
STRACHAN South African College
DE JONGH Mr. BREMNER's Cape Town
MORRIS Diocesan College
BIRT Grey Institute
LANGE Uitenhage
ZAHIL Stellenbosch
BROWN Graaff-Reinet
BOSMAN South African College
ALBERT Stellenbosch
LANGE, M Uitenhage
WRIGHT Diocesan College
BREMNER Mr. BREMNER's
ROTHMAN Graff-Reinet
WESSELS South African College
HUTCHINSON Grey Institute
VAN DER RIET Diocesan College
BROWN, M Graaff-Reinet
HAW Diocesan College
PIERS South African College
CHAPLIN Uitenhage
HOPLEY Diocesan College
[Transcriber's note: Many of these names are bracketed with the word Equal, which as been omitted for ease of reading]
Literature:
SOLOMON Bedford
HAW Diocesan College
AURET Diocesan College
HOPLEY Diocesan College
CHAPLIN Uitenhage
L. WRIGHT Diocesan College
HOFFMAN Stellenbosch
VAN DER RIET Diocesan College
BOSMAN South African College
The gold medal and prize of £20 are awarded to SOLOMON, the first in both departments. A prize of books to the value of £10 is awarded to AURET, of the Diocesan College, as being second in the aggregate of marks and a prize of books to the value of £5 to HAW, as being the second in Literature.
THE TROOPS IN SOUTH AFRICA – There is a rumour in town today, requiring confirmation, that the NORTHERN has brought out good news for Simon’s Town, but not equally good for other parts of the colony. It is said that the Imperial Government has resolved to make Simon’s Town and important military and naval station at cost of £200,000, and that it is to be the head-quarters of the troops stationed in South Africa. It is further reported that the Frontier is to be left with a “wing” only, within six months from this date – Journal
Tuesday 10 August 1869
BIRTH – on Friday, the 6th instant, the Wife of Mr. G.W. AUSTIN, of a daughter.
DIED – At Port Elizabeth, on Sunday last, the 8th instant, Richard Nathaniel RUBIDGE, Esq., M.D., M.R.C.S. and F.R.C.S. &c, &c
SUDDEN DEATH – The inhabitants of Port Elizabeth were much shocked to hear of the sudden death of Dr. RUBIDGE on Sunday last, about noon. The deceased had attended at the hospital in the forenoon as usual, and subsequently visited a friend, with whom he conversed freely. He appeared to be in good health and spirits, and referred with much pleasure to the prospect of his marriage which was to take place in a few months. On returning to his lodgings, he complained of being weary, and asked for some soup, which was given to him. He then laid down on the sofa, and must have expired almost immediately, for on going to call him, about an hour afterwards, he was found quite dead, lying on the sofa, with his hands folded placidly on his breast and his soup on the table untouched. The cause of death was supposed to be heart disease, and it appears that he himself suspected he was suffering from this complaint and had mentioned it to one of his medical brethren. Dr. RUBIDGE was a gentleman of considerable scientific credentials, one of our best physicians and will be greatly missed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He always identified himself with our literary and scientific institutions, and took much interest in the public library, the Museum, and Provincial Hospital. The sudden death of one so well and so much respected cast a shade of gloom on the countenances of all. It is felt the town had suffered a loss not easily replaced, while numbers mourn over the departure of a kind and warm-hearted friend. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon and was attended by a large number of his fellow-townsmen, who thus showed their respect for the deceased. The remains were interned in the burial ground of St. Mary’s Church, the Rev. H.I. JOHNSON officiating on the occasion.]
Friday 13 August 1869
DEATH OF MR. E.R. BELL
Mr. E.R. BELL, the eldest brother of the Chief Justice, died at Queen's Town last week, at the advanced age of seventy-one years. The deceased gentleman has resided many years in this colony, and interested himself greatly in the advancement of the interests of Queen's Town particularly and the Eastern Province generally.
The Rev. Father DE SANY, the esteemed clergyman of the Roman Catholic community at King William’s Town, died on Monday night, after a lingering illness.
Tuesday 17 August 1869
DIED, at Fauresmith, Orange Free State, on the 26th July 1869, Mr. Laurance REID, a native of the Parish of Kingstown, County Dublin, Ireland, after a long and painful illness born with Christian patience, at the age of 38 years, leaving a sorrowing wife and three small children to deplore their irreparable loss.
Relatives and Friends at a distance will please accept this notice. R.I.P.
Friday 20 August 1869
MARRIED at Port Elizabeth, by the Rev. Thomas Guard, George ARMSTRONG to Isabella Ann, second daughter of the late Mr. Peter FORREST, Uitenhage.
August 11.
The RMS Briton has on board the following passengers for this port: Miss GLEN, Messrs. GARDINER, BAKER, SAWYER, McKENZIE, POWER, HARVEY, MALAN, BLACKBEARD, CRUHL, WHITEHEAD and PONSO.
Capt. J. RAINIER, the esteemed Civil Commissioner of Worcester, died on the 11th inst. His death has cast a gloom over the whole community.
The barque Harbottle, Capt. G.J. WOOD, sailed for Sandy Hook (for orders) yesterday morning, taking a cargo of wool valued at £10,020. Mr. J.B. EBDEN was a passenger by her.
Tuesday 24 August 1869
BIRTH, at Port Elizabeth, on the 22 inst., Mrs. P.W. COURT of a son.
BIRTH, Humansdorp, August 19, the Wife of Mr. John BAKER, of a daughter.
AWFULLY SUDDEN DEATH
On Saturday morning last Mr. Cobus LOUW, of Koeberg, came to town for the purpose of transacting some law business, and with that view proceeded to the Deeds Registry Office, and whilst there he suddenly fell down in a fit and immediately expired. The only words that he uttered were "Oh! That pie". This exclamation, together with the spasmodic symptoms, led to the conclusion that he had been poisoned with strychnine. A good deal of excitement was consequently felt in town, and a post mortem examination was accordingly held by Drs. BLOCARD and HERMAN, and the result was that they have reported that the cause of death has been the bursting of an artery of the brain, where a large quantity of blood was discovered. - Mail.
SUDDEN DEATH
A woman named PLACKETT, residing in New-street, Graham's Town, died suddenly in her bed on Tuesday night. Disease of the heart was the cause of death.
Friday 27 August 1869
DIED, at Port Elizabeth, on Tuesday 24th August 1869, William BAWDEN, Esq. aged 49 years and 6 months.
A man named Samuel SHEMBROOK, late barman at Francis’s Hotel, Graham’s Town, died suddenly on Monday last, from disease of the heart.
IN MEMORIAM
During the past few weeks Death has been busy among the residents of this town. It is not long since we chronicled the decease of Mr. H.J. SHERMAN and Dr. R.N. RUBIDGE - the melancholy duty now devolves upon us of recording the demise of another well-known and much respected fellow-townsman. Captain William BAWDEN breathed his last on Tuesday afternoon, after a painful illness of about three weeks, at the age of fifty years. The deceased gentleman has been engaged in trade in this place for many years, and has earned for himself the character of a man of strict integrity and honour, a generous friend, and an affectionate father. As an evidence of the public estimation in which he was held, all the flags in the town and among the vessels in the Bay were hoisted at half-mast. The deceased belonging to the Masonic order, of which he was a Past Master, upwards of a hundred brethren turned out on Wednesday afternoon to accompany the remains of their departed brother to the grave. A large number of the general public also attended, and the funeral cortege, as it crossed the Market square, presented an imposing, but mournful aspect. On leaving the residence of the deceased, the remains were first taken to the Masonic Lodge, where the usual Masonic ceremony was performed. The arrangements throughout were very complete, and were carried out in a most orderly and effective manner. The funeral procession then proceeded to Trinity Church, where the service was conducted by the Rev. H.I. JOHNSON, in course of which the "Dead March" was played by the organist with much feeling. On arrival at the ceremony on the south side of Baaken's River, the beautiful burial service of the English Church was read by the Rev. S. BROOK. He was followed by S. BAIN Esq, who, as W.M. of the Lodge of Good Will, delivered a most impressive funeral oration to the assembled Brethren, dwelling upon the uncertainty of human life and exhorting them to so prepare themselves during life that they may meet death fearlessly, in the certain hope of a glorious resurrection. The address delivered in a clear, distinct voice produced profound impression among the people assembled. The usual Masonic ceremonies having been performed, the mourners left the cemetery.
Tuesday 31 August 1869
BIRTH, at Graham’s Town, on the 23rd inst., Mrs. J. Bowers JANION, of a son.
DIED, at Graham’s Town, on the 25th instant, Osborne Neville, infant Son of J. Bowers and Hannah Maria JANION.
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS
BIRTHS
AUSTIN, Mrs. G.W., on the 6th inst, at Port Elizabeth, of a daughter.
BAKER, Mrs. John, on the 19th inst, at Humansdorp, of a daughter.
COURT, Mrs. P.W., on the 22nd inst, at Port Elizabeth, of a son.
HUTCHONS, Mrs. H., on the 30th ult, at Dordrecht, of a daughter.
VAN DER HOFF, Mrs. J.D., on the 3rd inst, at Port Elizabeth, of a son.
MARRIAGE
ARMSTRONG, Mr. G., on the 11th inst, at Port Elizabeth, to Miss Isabella Ann FORREST
DEATHS
BAWDEN, Capt. W., on the 24th inst, at Port Elizabeth, aged 49 years and 6 months.
REID, Mr. Laurence, on the 26th inst, at Fauresmith, Orange Free State, aged 38 years.
RUBIDGE, Dr. Richard Nathaniel M.B. M.R.C.S.L. F.R.C.S. &c, on the 8th inst, at Port Elizabeth.
Friday 3 September 1869
FATAL ACCIDENT
A labouring man, named MURRAY, residing in a cottage near the junction of Bathurst-street and Beaufort-street, fell down a flight of steps early yesterday morning and fractured his skull. He never spoke after the fall, and life was soon extinct. The unfortunate man was in a state of intoxication. - Journal.
Tuesday 7 September 1869
BIRTH at Port Elizabeth on Thursday the 2nd September 1869, Mrs. William SUTHERLAND of a daughter.
Tuesday 14 September 1869
DIED, at his residence, Good Man’s Fountain [Goedmoetsfontein], on the 12 inst., Rodger FLANAGAN Esq., in the 81st year of his age, deeply regretted by a large Family and sympathising Friends. R.I.P.
Port Elizabeth, September 13, 1869.
[ See here.]
DIED, at Port Elizabeth, on the 12th September 1869, William, infant son of J.E. BRUTON.
MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT
A melancholy accident, which resulted in the loss of two lives, took place at Middelburg on the 5th inst. A party of persons were strolling along the banks of the Braak River, when one of them, a German shoemaker, fell into the water. Mr. BUTLAND, deaf to the entreaties of his wife not to risk his life, gallantly jumped in to the rescue of the drowning man, who immediately seized him with a tight grasp, and they both sank at once, never to rise again alive. Both bodies were shortly after recovered, but all efforts to produce animation were unavailing.
PUBLIC MEETING
A public meeting was held in the large room of the Town Hall on Saturday afternoon at half-past four o'clock for the purpose of discussing the attitude taken up by the House of Assembly in the matter of Retrenchment subsidy to the troops, and other important questions. About two hundred persons attended, including nearly all merchants and leading men of the town.
On the motion of Mr. A. EBDEN, Mr. BLAINE was unanimously voted to the chair.
The Chairman having read the advertisement convening the meeting, read three telegrams which had been received from Cape Town in connection with the recent proceedings in the House of Assembly. The first two telegrams have already been published by us: the third, which was received about noon on Saturday, stated that the House had adjourned until two o'clock, and that the majority seemed bent on forcing the resolution through. Obstruction was contemplated against the overbearing conduct on the part of Mr. MOLTENO’s Party. On the strength of these telegrams this matter had been convened, and he (the Chairman) fully coincided in the resolutions which would be submitted to the assemblage. He would no longer occupy time, but trusted that the discussion would be conducted with moderation and discretion, as Port Elizabeth, being one of the most important towns in the colony, exercised a great influence on the politics of the day (Cheers).
Mr. SIMPSON said that the meeting had been called to consider the question of the colonial allowances to the troops, Retrenchment, and the best means to be adopted for the equalisation of revenue and expenditure. At the request of Parliament, the Governor had framed a scheme of Retrenchments:- one of the first items being the retrenching of Parliament itself. This was looked upon by the members as an insult, though evidently not as intended. The scheme was ignored, and a system of Retrenchment was introduced by Parliament, which consisted of cutting down salaries of the civil servants, and doing away with the grant in aid of the military. This grant to the military was not to supplement the cost of the troops, but was intended rather as a douceur to the men in view of probable extra expenditure in a country far from home. Great Britain had never taken regard of offering assistance when it was required. (Cheers) There had been several Kafir wars, within the memory of the present generation, which had cost millions of money, the expense of which had always fallen on the mother country. The colony had never been asked to share in the expense and it would an act of ingratitude on the part of the colony if it withdrew the allowances it had consented to give. He would therefore suggest that the following resolution be adopted:-
That this meeting desires to express its regret and disappointment at the course proposed by the House of Assembly in as summarily rejecting the Governor’s Retrenchment scheme, which had been proposed by His Excellency in deference to the expressed wishes and intentions of the House itself.
Mr. A.J. MACDONALD having briefly seconded, the resolution was adopted.
Mr. W. HUME said that, in the absence of Mr. W. JONES, he would move the second resolution, which was as follows:-
That, in the opinion of the meeting, the present form of Parliamentary Government is quite unequal to the circumstances of the colony, and that reform of Parliament is locally called for; therefore this meeting heartily approves of the proposals of His Excellency the Governor to substitute one Legislative Council for the two Houses of Parliament at present existing; such Chamber, however, to consist of a larger number than proposed by His Excellency.
He was confident that the above was the opinion of nine-tenths of the inhabitants of the colony, and also most of the newspapers. Under the present system of Government, if one House passed a measure the other would throw it out – as was instanced in the matter of the Paper Currency Bill, which was rejected in the Legislative Council by a majority of one. What was the use of an obstructive House like that. The expenditure on Parliament yearly was about £20,000, and as the country was so anxious to retrench, he thought that there should be a saving of £10,000 by reducing the Parliament. If we had one Chamber, composed say of from 30 to 40 members, we should be able to get together better representatives – men who would feel that a great responsibility rested on their shoulders. At present, if a member of the Lower House voted for a measure which he inwardly disapproved of, he could console himself with the idea that the Upper House would probably reject it. Let them look at the ruin which was threatened in the country by thoughtless voting – voting for party purposes. In regard to the matter of Responsible Government – which many looked upon unfavourably – if the franchise were raised, and we had one chamber of thirty good men, he should not himself so strongly oppose such a measure. The expenditure on Parliament was very great, and men ought to be procured who would go down to Cape Town without pay. (Cheers) It showed very bad taste on the part of the members that they were ready to cut down the salaries of light-house keepers and messengers, and yet were unwilling to curtail their own emoluments. He was sorry he was not prepared to go more fully into the subject, as he had not advanced one half of what could be said in favour of the measure. He begged to move the resolution.
Mr. Henri SCHABBEL seconded, and the resolution was carried nem con.
Capt. SALMOND, who was received with applause, said a resolution had been put in his hands, which before proceeding further, he would read. The resolution ran as follows:-
That, this meeting is opposed to the withdrawal by Parliament of the contribution towards the maintenance of Her Majesty’s troops in this colony, and is surprised that such a proposal should have found favour in the House of Assembly, it being manifest that the sum in question, is a very inadequate return to the mother country for the immense benefits conferred.
He had no doubt it would fall to the lot of someone else to refer to the conduct of our local members in this matter; for he certainly felt surprised, and he thought all present were surprised, that the men elected by Port Elizabeth should have gone down and voted as they had done. It only went to show how the public can be deceived in men who say one thing and do another. He would however go into the question; but before doing so, would read an extract from the leader of an E.P. Herald dated September 10, which had a bearing on the subject. The matter should be looked at from a pecuniary point of view. We, at present pay £10,000 for £800,000 per annum, which is a very small percentage indeed. It has been argued that under any circumstances the troops would be withdrawn at an early date, but “sufficient for the day was the evil thereof,” and when the troops are withdrawn, then we can cease paying the annual contribution. He considered that a more suicidal act could not have been committed than that just perpetrated by the Assembly. It might be said that the people of Port Elizabeth had brought this upon themselves. Politics had for many years been neglected by electors and any person was allowed to push himself forward for a seat in Parliament. He thought however the public were now thoroughly awakened, as they had seen what reckless or incompetent men could do. Suppose the troops were taken away, what would be our position? The recent Koranna outbreak had taken nearly all Sir Walter CURRIE’s police to put it down, and if another disturbance took place, and the police were sent to Quell it, what would be the state of Kafirland when the troops were withdrawn. How far would £10,000 go as compensation to the colonists for leaving home and business to go and fight the Kafirs? The Kafirs know their strength and as soon as they can find an opportunity of using it they will. Before closing the subject, he would appeal to the feelings of those assembled, as men. Was the colony acting with gratitude to the mother country, who had done so much for it? It was asked for a paltry £10,000, not to assist in defraying the cost of the troops, but simply to make the men a little more comfortable. This withdrawal of the allowances arose out of the desire for Retrenchment. The members had gone through the Estimates, and had found a difficulty in finding objects on which to experimentalize. He saw they had knocked off two boatmen at £36 a year, and the provision [interior] to the signalman at Lion’s Rump (Laughter.) Presently they came to a sum of £10,000, and cried “Here’s a bonne bouche” and out it was struck, without any one considering the consequences. Englishmen are fond of boasting of their liberal institutions – and he did not think they were to blame for that – but was it liberal on our part – was it setting a good example, to refuse to pay a sum of £10,000 to the troops of the mother country, who had fought all our Kafir Wars? Even if the troops were withdrawn, he felt confident England would help us in the hour of need (Cheers.) He would not occupy the time of the meeting longer, except to re-read the resolution.
Mr. F. DEARE, who seconded the resolution said a leader in the Times of July [9th] had come under his notice – bearing on the question of the removal of the troops from New Zealand. He thought it probable that a reaction would set in in the British House of Commons, and that it would be found impossible to withdraw the troops from the colonies and leave them unprotected.
This resolution was also carried unanimously.
Mr. A. EBDEN, who was warmly received said he was about to propose a resolution which he was sure would recommend itself to the acceptance of the meeting. He had no doubt that every one present had come to the conclusion that the present state of the finances of the colony was extremely unsatisfactory. Things have been going from bad to worse since the Constitution has been granted. Experience had shown that the present system of government was too expensive for this colony, and that the equalisation of revenue and expenditure was absolutely necessary. There were several ways of Retrenchment, but if the meeting thought as he did they would be disposed to say that the mode proposed by the House of Assembly was not the right one. We do not want our public servants to work for nothing – to reduce them to starvation point. He would say, give them enough to do, and let them give a honest day’s labour for an honest day’s pay. The Civil Service of this colony was overgrown, and there was an immense number of drones in the hive – men who eat the salary of the Government, and give no service in return (Cheers.) Let all sinecures be abolished, the Civil Service be reduced one-third, and the remainder paid decent salaries. Acting upon this idea he would propose the following resolution :-
That this meeting, while fully recognising the absolute necessity of Retrenchment in every department of the public service, for the purpose of equalising revenue and expenditure, is nevertheless decidedly opposed to the indiscriminate reduction of salaries after the plan submitted by the House of Assembly, being strongly of opinion that the object in view may be better achieved by the abolition of offices and consequent reduction in the staff of officials.
He considered it would be far more just and equitable to look through the list of offices, and see which could best be dispensed with. There were men in the Government services who came into Cape town from their country residences at ten o’clock in the day, and mooned about the streets, doing nothing. If such men were entitled to pensions, let them be pensioned off, as they were pernicious examples to the rest of the service. It would be a great misfortune if salaries were reduced – the proper mode would be to abolish many offices at present existing. (Cheers.)
Mr. R. D. BUCHANAN seconded, and said that, after the able address of the previous speaker, he could only express a wish that the resolution would meet the cordial approval and sanction of the meeting.
The resolution was carried unanimously.
Dr. HOUSLEY said he had just had a resolution unexpectedly put into his hand, which he felt sure would be adopted. As the meeting was aware, there was a deficit in the revenue and, it was proposed that our coloured brethren should be required to contribute their quota towards making up such deficiency. (Cheers.) The colonists, their protectors, had now to pay for everything, either in the shape of Customs dues, or divisional or other rates. The coloured people pay nothing, and consume nothing taxable, except perhaps a few blankets. He therefore proposed :-
That, should it be necessary to provide for a present deficit, while devising sounder system of Houses in the future, this meeting holds the opinion that future taxation should be so arranged as to reach the native population, who at present pay little to the general revenue, while enjoying all the advantages of British administration.
Mr. K. B. HUGHES seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously.
Mr. N. ADLER, in a short address, proposed the sixth resolution, as follows :-
That this object can be best attained by an excise duty on colonial spirits, that are largely consumed by the natives, or by a stamp duty imposed on passes and certificates of citizenship.
Mr. T. LEE had much pleasure in seconding this resolution, and in doing so would also express his concurrence in all the other resolutions so unanimously carried by the meeting. He was at a loss to imagine why our members took such an unusual course. In voting for the disallowance of the military grant. On a previous occasion something similar occurred, but the Chamber of Commerce took action in the matter, and sent home memorials asking that the troops might be retained in the colony. Ten Thousand Pounds was a small sum compared with the that expended here by the Imperial Government. When the 80th Regiment was stationed temporarily in this town, there was a large sum of money spent. The tax on spirits he cordially agreed to, and trusted that all would work unitedly for the good of the colony, and that the cry of East or West might never be heard. He considered that the members were not carrying out the wishes of their constituents in the matter of the military allowance.
The resolution was carried.
Mr. W. JONES, in rising to present the seventh resolution, said that he had lived in this colony for twenty years, during which there had been Kafir wars and severe droughts, but he considered nothing had been such a fearful incubus on the country as the present Parliament. Mr. JONES concluded a humorous speech by proposing the following resolution :-
That, a memorial be sent round the town for signature praying His Excellency to refuse his assent to the present mode of Retrenchment, and the withdrawal of the subsidy to the troops, should these measures be passed in our Parliament, and if such a [course] should be necessary, to dissolve the Parliament.
Mr. G. REED seconded the resolution, which was also unanimously carried.
The Chairman stated that this was the last resolution of the programme drawn out by the committee. If any gentleman had any further resolution to move, or remark to make, he would be glad to hear it.
Mr. H.H. SOLOMON said that he had been requested to move a resolution, which he was sorry to say was an unpleasant one, and therefore thought it better to read it at once. It was as follows :-
That, as the members for Port Elizabeth have voted in direct opposition to the opinion of the inhabitants, this meeting wishes to express its want of confidence and calls upon them to resign their seats.
(Great uproar followed this announcement.) Messrs. MILLER and REID were the determined opponents of the Government, and though he entertained a great respect for them, in their private capacities, he considered that they had grossly and treacherously deceived the men who sent them into office. It was distinctly understood, when they went down to Parliament, that they would strengthen the hands of the Government, and assist in equalising revenue and expenditure. This however was not done; they went down for their own ends, and have sacrificed the country to do it.
What had they done in Parliament? (A voice “Nothing.”) They have joined Mr. MOLTENO’s party, and yet when the town is asked to request them to resign, the proposers are hooted down. There was no public spirit in this town, - it was no credit to the merchants of Port Elizabeth, that they could not, at the last selection, secure a man of their own liking. If the members were called upon to resign, and the Governor requested to dissolve the present Parliament, we might get an assemblage worthy of the name. As soon as their fifty days were up the members came home, and left the Western Province to do as it liked. If the electors decided to support the Government they should elect trusty men, and therefore he proposed the resolution.
Mr. E. B. HUGHES considered the resolution too harsh, as enough had been said about Messrs. MILLER and REID. He would ask if several of the leading men had not been asked to go to Parliament themselves, but had refused on the score of business engagements.
Mr. A EBDEN said that if the resolution were pressed, he would move an amendment. He thought that enough had been said on the subject, and the members did not deserve that such a stringent course should be adopted. If they were present they would no doubt be able to advance some good reasons for voting as they did. He considered the resolution utterly uncalled for.
Mr. W. HUME said the proceedings of the afternoon had been one continual note of censure on the members, and he thought enough had been done in the matter. There were many present at the meeting who, from feelings of personal friendship for the members, would not like to vote for so strong a measure. He believed that if the resolution were put it would be carried by a large majority, but it was undesirable to introduce anything which would destroy the remarkable unanimity which had prevailed at the meeting. He hoped Mr. SOLOMON would withdraw his resolution.
Mr. SOLOMON having consented,
Mr. HUME moved, seconded by Mr. EBDEN,
That the resolutions passed at this meeting be forwarded to His Excellency the Governor.
This was carried, as was also a vote of thanks to the Chairman for his services.
The assemblage then dispersed, the proceedings having occupied and hour and a half.
Another public meeting of the inhabitants of Graham’s Town was held in the commodious stores of Messrs. BLAINE & Co. on Friday morning in connection the subject of disallowance to the troops. Resolutions were proposed and unanimously carried regretting the adverse role of the Assembly in the matter, and requesting that body to rescind it. Petitions to the Governor, the Legislative Council and the Assembly were also read and approved of. The chair was occupied by Charles H. MAYNARD, Esq., and the speakers were Messrs. LANGFORD, BARR, W. GILBERT, J. WEBB, C. POTE, James WOOD, W. SMITH and John TEMLETT.
A public meeting was held at King William’s Town on Wednesday evening, when the following resolution was unanimously adopted.
“That, this meeting most emphatically expresses its opinion that it would be a most unwise measure should Parliament decide upon withdrawing the annual grant of £10,000, military allowance, this session; and that a committee be appointed to convey this resolution to our members.”
Friday 17 September 1869
MARRIED, on the 8th of September, at Cradock, by the Rev. M. Norton, Mr. Christian Ludwig FLEMMER, eldest son of Dr. FLEMMER, of the district of Burghersdorp, to Miss Anna DISTIN, eldest daughter of Mr. John S. DISTIN of the district of Middleburg. No Cards.
Tuesday 21 September 1869
We have to announce the death by drowning of Capt. H.A. BELL of the ship Minden, on the voyage from Manilla to New York. Cat. BELL was well known in shipping circles at the Cape.
SUICIDE
The camp at Oatlands was thrown into a state of excitement yesterday afternoon by the reported death of Private George MARSHALL, under serious circumstances. The young man had exhibited signs of despondency for some time past, and this morning his absence from parade was noticed. Search being made, his body was found within two hundred yards of the camp, with a bullet wound through the forehead into the brain. The revolver, after having been fired, was thrown upon his chest. - Anglo African.
Friday 24 September 1869
SUDDEN DEATH
A coloured man named Richard SMITHERS, well known in this town, died suddenly on Thursday morning. He was working on the beach at the time, and while in the act of raising a sledge-hammer fell back and suddenly expired.
Tuesday 28 September 1869
TERRIBLE DEATH
A correspondent sends us the following from Keiskamma, under date the 13th inst: A Hottentot, recently discharged from the Convict Station, Keiskamma, named MATROOS, while sleeping in a hut near Breakfast Vlei, somehow caught fire, and before he could be awakened was horribly burnt on feet, legs, stomach and back. By the kindness of the Superintendent, Mr. George BURNETT, he was removed to the Convict Hospital, and everything was done that the skill of the resident medical officer, Dr. McCARTHY, could devise. He had, however, previously pronounced him beyond human aid, and the poor fellow died shortly after his admittance. The field-cornet viewed the body, and as there were circumstances unexplainable, and unexplained, it is another of those cases which present a strong argument for the office of coroner and the institution of his jury in South Africa. – F.B. Advocate.
ACCIDENTALLY DROWNED
Capt. DAVIE of the R.M.S. Natal reports that about twenty minutes past nine on the evening of Friday last, Mr. J. BIRTWHISTLE, a first-class passenger from East London, fell overboard and was drowned. A boat was immediately lowered, in command of the third officer, and a search was made for the drowning man. After pulling about for nearly an hour the search was abandoned, and the steamer continued her voyage to this port.
Mr. Robert BOVEY, for many years deputy sheriff of the Fort Beaufort division, died on Friday last at the ripe old age of seventy-seven years.
SOLDIER DROWNED
The body of a private of the 86th Regt, named Michael MALAN, was found floating in Table Bay a few days since. It is not known how he came to be in the water.
