Thursday 3 August 1899

On Sunday afternoon a little boy named Arthur LOWE was running across Long Street, Capetown, when he was knocked down by an electric car and instantly killed. The poor lad’s head was nearly completely severed, and some delay had to occur before his body could be released. The youngster was with other boys at the time. No blame is at present attached to those in charge of the car.

EASTERN DISTRICTS’ COURT
Wednesday August 2nd 1899
[Before Sir Jacob D. BARRY J.P. and Mr. Justice SOLOMON]
J.M. THACKWRAY v MARGARET THACKWRAY
This was an action for divorce on the ground of adultery.
Mr. KING for the plaintiff. The defendant in default.
Mr. KING stated that the facts were as follows: The parties were married in the Presbyterian Church, Grahamstown, in 1892, and for the next three years the plaintiff was engaged partly as a trader in Mashonaland and Matabeleland: and his wife, the defendant, was at Salisbury. In 1895 they came back to Grahamstown, and in that year they quarrelled, the husband having some grounds for doubt as to his wife’s conduct, and he insisted that their eldest child should be placed in the custody of his parents. They parted not on good terms, the wife returning to Grahamstown and the husband to Mashonaland. In 1896 he commenced proceedings for divorce in the High Court, Salisbury, but they were not continued. Shortly after this, plaintiff gave up trading from Salisbury and bought a farm in this Colony, where he now resides. Meantime his wife lived sometimes in Grahamstown and sometimes at Port Alfred, and during her stay at the latter place in August 1897 she gave birth to an illegitimate child, and in October 1898 she gave birth to another, the plaintiff having never been near her from about August 1895.
Evidence having been given of the above facts, the Court granted a decree of divorce, plaintiff to have custody of the minor children; defendant to pay costs.
[Transcriber’s note: James Mortimer THACKWRAY married Margaret MILNE on 24 March 1892. See correction notice of 8 August]

Saturday 5 August 1899

We regret to record the death of Miss Catherine DAFFY at East London, The sad event occurred at seven o’clock on Tuesday morning. The late Miss DAFFY only arrived in East London a few months ago to join her sisters, who have been staying there for some time, and are employed in well known business establishments in the town. Many friends of the Misses DAFFY will coddle with them in their sad loss. The late Miss DAFFY had been ill for a comparatively short period. The family formerly belonged to Grahamstown.

Monday 7 August 1899

A FATAL ACCIDENT
A sad fatality happened on Thursday evening to a mounted policeman, named Louis MOSS, belonging to the East London force. MOSS was riding up the street when his horse stopped suddenly, and the rider fell and struck his head on the kerbstone, fracturing the skull. He never recovered consciousness.

Miss Blanche GRAFF, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. GRAFF of Brandfort, was united in the bonds of matrimony to Mr. Charles MOSES of the same city on Wednesday, the only son of our respected townsman, Mr. E.R. MOSES. The ceremony took place at the Court House at half past twelve, the Rev. Dr. J.H. HERTZ, of Johannesburg, officiating. The building was crowded to its utmost capacity, a large number of friends having assembled to witness the function. As the bride, leaning on the arm of her father, entered the edifice, Miss Norah VAN SELNIG played Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, the congregation rising. Mr. MOSES is nephew to Messrs. Henry and Albert LAWRANCE of this city.

MYSTERIOUS DEATH – STRYCHNINE POISONING
A most unpleasant sensation was caused in Burghersdorp when it became known that Mr. Gert v.d. HEEVER, late of Stormfontein, had met with his death under shocking and mysterious circumstances. The unhappy occurrence took place about noon last Monday.
The deceased, who had lately fallen upon evil days, was formerly a farmer and resided at Stormfontein, near Rayner Siding. About two years ago he opened business in this town as a butcher, a venture which was far from successful. He closed his shop within a twelvemonth and has since made a somewhat precarious livelihood by speculation in livestock. Although a comparatively young man, he had a wife and a family of seven young children to support – a Herculean task under the circumstances.
On Saturday he was much depressed in spirits and gave out that he was suffering from a stomach complaint. This mood tinued [sic] all Saturday, and on Monday morning he still complained of ill health. Shortly after breakfast he kissed his wife and gave her a small sum of money, and going out he walked in the direction of his father-in-law’s house. Arriving there he was seized with convulsions, and his friends at once summoned a doctor. He recovered from the first attack, only to be seized with a succession of most terrible fits during the morning. The medical man was somewhat puzzled tom account for the seizure as the unfortunate man declared that he had taken nothing in the shape of medicine or poison during the morning. When his condition showed every sign of strychnine poisoning (says the Albert Times) antidotes were used and every possible means to save his life, but without avail. He died after some hours of most awful suffering, denying to the last that he had wilfully ended his life, or indeed eaten or drunk anything unusual.
The post-mortem revealed the usual signs of poisoning, but in order to do away with all uncertainty, portions of the stomach have been sent to Capetown for analysis.

Tuesday 8 August 1899

THE THACKWRAY DIVORCE – A CORRECTION
We are requested by Mr. THACKWRAY of Beaufort Vlei to state that whereas in our report of the above case in the E.D. Court we stated that the Judges gave plaintiff the custody of the minor children, it should be “the only child of the marriage”.

A SOMERSET MARRIAGE
In the Divorce Court, a week before the mail left, Mr. Justice BARNES had before him the petition of Ellen STAPLETON, otherwise ABRAMSON, for a decree of nullity of her marriage with Mr. Harold Thurston STAPLETON, otherwise STEVENSON, a civil engineer, now in South Africa, on the grounds that he had a wife living at the time of the marriage. It was stated that petitioner met her husband at Somerset East, Cape Colony, where he was employed by the Government there, and when on a visit to London in 1896 they were married at Marylebone. He had, it was stated, represented himself as a nephew of Sir Francis STAPLETON. It however transpired that his real name was STEVENSON, and that he was married in Leicester on January 8 1891 in the name of Truman Thomas STEVENSON, to a lady named SWINGLER, who was called as a witness. His Lordship granted a decree of nullity with costs.

The death of Mr. Rutger METELERKAMP took place last week at Humansdorp. Mr. METELERKAMP was a brother of the late Mr. METLERKAMP.

Major GODSON, who served in the King’s Dragoons in the Zulu War, and late of the 3rd Hussars, has passed over to the great majority. During that stirring period he was under Major MARTER, and assisted in the capture of Cetewayo.

News has been received from Humpata of the death of Mr. Frans ROBBERTSE, who about April last visited his relatives there. Deceased acted as commandant during the Boer War, and was the first man wounded. He had resided at Humpata about five years.

On Sunday a sad fatality occurred at Fort Napier. The five-year-old daughter of Sergt. GODSWARK, 5th Lancers, got a box of matches and retired to a secluded spot to strike them. Her clothes caught fire, causing serious injuries, to which she succumbed.

Wednesday 9 August 1899

DEATH OF MR. BOWKER
A WAR VETERAN THROUGH ALL THE WARS
HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES – HIS SHOE SHOT OFF
By the death of Mr. Octavius BOWKER at his farm Champagne, Orange Free State, an old and well known colonist has been removed from our midst. Mr. BOWKER, who died on July 23rd, was the eighth son of his father, and was about 5 years old when he landed in the Colony, so that he had reached the good old age of 84. He was uncle to Mr. D.C. BOWKER of Doornberg, near Tafelberg, and others of the same family, and was one of the foremost Colonial fighting men, going through all the wars from 1835 to [1853] and being always in the fore front. Then he went through the whole of the 6 years’ Free State war with the Basutos. The fighting blood must ever have been uppermost, for in 1846, though suffering from a bad attack of influenza, he went out with his brothers and the NELs and beat off the 600 Kafirs who attacked their farm, Thorn Kloof, Fish River Rand.
Mr. BOWKER had many scrapes, which seemed almost miraculous. For instance at the taking of Fort Armstrong, Kat River, in [1853] he had his shoe shot off, the bullet leaving a blue mark on his [ankle]. Mr. BOWKER calmly took aim and shot the man who had fired the shot, remarking “that was a bad shot for him”. Mr. BOWKER was a most deadly shot in battle or in sport, and yet one of the most [kindly] and genial of men, beloved by all who knew him, whether black or white. His very servants stuck to him through peace or war, deeming him more a father than a master. All his neighbours, whether Dutch or English, have only good to relate of him. He was one who, though oft in battle, never knew what it was to have an enemy, one whose hand had oft wiped away a tear, and yet there was no weakness in that hand or heart when danger loomed near.
Truly his life is one to be emulated by all young Colonists, and may Heaven grant that we may still have such men among us.
[Transcriber’s note: His Death Notice says that he was 85 years 2 months old when he died.]

DEATH OF MR. J.O. NORTON – A BRIEF OBITUARY
It is our painful duty today to record the death of Mr. John Ogilvie NORTON of Carlisle Bridge, district of Albany, who has been suffering from a serious heart trouble for some time past. The medical advisers have been entertaining serious fears, but the death of one so universally well-known and respected comes as a sad and sudden shock.
Mr. NORTON was a son of the late Mr. Philip NORTON of Fort Beaufort, and is about 60 years of age. Mr. NORTON spent some considerable portion of his life in Natal, but finally returned to the Colony and settled down to farming pursuits. He married a daughter of the late Mr. W. BOWKER of Thorn Kloof. When the Gold Fever broke out Mr. NORTON went up country and was successful in his enterprises, returning to his farm again. He was returned as a member for the House of Assembly for Albany for many years, but lost his seat at last election. His parliamentary career was unimpeachable, and he had general respect, while a great deal of influence was attached to his opinions.
In early days Mr. NORTON had a lot to do with the troubles of the Kafir War of 1846, and passed through many hardships. He leaves a widow, four sons and three daughters, and universal sympathy will be felt with the family in their bereavement. We ourselves knew Mr. NORTON as a kind and considerate friend, an honest politician, and a man of his word.

DIVORCE
James HOLLOWAY, the pugilist champion, is suing his wife for divorce at Pretoria, and has brough an action for £5,000 damages against Mr. Stoffel TOREN, member of the First Volksraad for Pietretief, who is the co-respondent in the divorce case.

A SAD DEATH
Last Wednesday morning young RAYMOND, a clerk in the P.W.D., Umtata, died in a sad and tragic manner. He retired to bed in good spirits on Tuesday night, and at 6:30 next morning Sergeant BULLICK, who had slept in a room opposite to his, heard cries for help. Rushing out, the sergeant found RAYMOND in a bad way, with blood gushing from his mouth. Placing the poor boy on his bed, Sergeant BULLOCK hurried for medical assistance, and with great promptness Dr. WELSH was on the scene, but RAYMOND was dead! The post mortem showed that both deceased’s lungs were gone, and that he was a physical wreck generally. He had ruptured a blood vessel, and bled to death.

Thursday 10 August 1899

Mr. A. TIMM has been elected Mayor of Bathurst.

Mr. John DEVLIN, an old resident of Port Elizabeth, who for some time past had been suffering from a heart affection, died on Monday. Deceased landed in Port Elizabeth in 1850, and was much respected by the community. Deceased leaves a widow and nine children.

Friday 11 August 1899

FUNERAL OF MR. J.O. NORTON
The funeral of the late Mr. J.O. NORTON, ex M.L.A. for Albany, took place on the farm near Carlisle Bridge yesterday at 3 o’clock. There was a very large gathering of farmers from all parts, and a service was conducted in the pretty little chapel opposite the homestead, by the Rev. Canon MULLINS of this City. The coffin, which was of handsome polished oak and bore the inscription “John Ogilvie NORTON, died August 9th 1899, aged 59 years”, was carried from the house to the chapel by his four sons, Messrs. J.O. NORTON, A.W. NORTON, B. NORTON and N.O. NORTON, Messrs. D.L. CLARKE and Alfred WHITE. The pall-bearers were Messrs. Geo. WHITE, T.C. WHITE, G. PALMER, CLOETE, W. ATHERSTONE and W. CURRIE. The grave is situated in the little burial ground adjoining the church. The funeral arrangements were all conducted by Messrs. D. and J. WILL of this town, who left town early in the morning.

A TERRIBLE NIGHT – ALARMING OCCURRENCE AT KING
At the residence of Mrs. E. CAPPER, of Cambridge Road, Kingwilliamstown, an event occurred which considerably alarmed the family, and we have been favoured with the following particulars for publication:- “It was about two years ago that I experienced a breakdown of the system”, said Mrs. CAPPER to our special reporter. “What caused it I do not know: I suppose it was due to the trouble consequent of bringing up a large family. U to this time I had always enjoyed very good health, but one evening I collapsed all of a sudden, and my husband being out a neighbour had to be sent for, and all that night someone sat up with me, for I felt so ill I was afraid to be left alone. After this, indigestion came on, and I could only take about a teaspoonful of food at a meal, and even half a saucer of tea gave me pain. Many a time I have turned away from the food altogether, and would not look at it, and at the last I got so weak that I could not carry the tea tray or work the sewing machine. I hardly dared even go out in the street, as I felt that I would fall. My nerves too were all unstrung, and I found the noise of the children unbearable. In the hope of getting better I went away for a change, but it did me no good, and doctor’s medicine, although beneficial whilst I continued taking it, had no permanent effect.
I then read in the newspapers about DR. WILLIAMS’ PINK PILLS FOR PALE PEOPLE and thought that I would give them a trial, so I purchased a few bottles and their effect was so beneficial that I got some more, and after using five bottlesful, in all I was quite cured. My daughter also, continued Mrs. CAPPER, used always to be out of sorts from the time she was fifteen or sixteen years of age, and became so thin and miserable as to cause me a great deal of anxiety. We gave her about half a dozen bottles of Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills and these quite restored her to health. I am confident that the Pills are what cured her, for she had no other medicine, and she says herself that she owes her present excellent health to them. Both my daughter and myself are now firm believers in the efficacy of these wonderful Pills: we always keep a supply in the house and fly to them whenever we have ache or pain.
In the case of Mrs. CAPPER and her daughter, as in all others, Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills acted directly on the blood and nerves, and thus it is that they have cured so many persons, not only of nervous prostration, headache, indigestion, anaemia and debility, but also of rheumatism, sciatica, lumbago, neuralgia, consumption or “decline”, liver and kidney trouble, the disorders of females etc. Sold by dealers generally and by Dr. Williams’ Medicine Co., Long Street, Capetown.. [last three lines of advertisement blurred and smudged].

TERRIBLE DEATH
A man who has been identified as Willoughby TAYLOR was found on the railway line this morning horribly mutilated. From appearances the train must have passed over the body, and death must have been instantaneous.

Saturday 12 August 1899

SUDDEN DEATH
A butcher named Edwin John WARNE died very suddenly in Heidelberg on Monday afternoon of heart disease. He was apparently well during the day, but in the afternoon complained of feeling ill, and scarcely had he gone to his bed when he died. He leaves a widow and four children, who are poorly provided for.

At King a European woman named Dorothea GIBSON, aged twenty-four, died suddenly on Sunday. She was a slave to drink, and it is surmised that this was the cause of her death.

In a worthy Dutch family, named KOTZE, at Vrededorp, a short time ago the eldest son died suddenly, and recently the demise of a mother and a twelve-year-old son of the household was chronicled. The father – the sole survivor – is now said to be lying dangerously ill. The deaths were due to pneumonia and measles.

Monday 14 August 1899

BIRTH on the 14th inst. at Grahamstown, the wife of Stephen SMITH of a daughter.

DEATH OF MRS. STEVENSON – A SAD FATE
The S & D News says the sad and sensational incident which occurred near the Empire on the 7th June last has ended fatally. Mrs. Alexander STEVENSON succumbed to her injuries at the Hospital early on Thursday morning, and her remains were interred at Braamfontein the same afternoon. It will be remembered that the unconscious body of the unhappy lady was found in the yard of her residence in Fox Street and, when able to speak, she narrated the circumstances under which a Kafir boy in her employ, [….. ] boy, had attempted to assault her. This statement, afterwards supported in a dying deposition sworn before Mr. VAN DE BERG at the Hospital, and fully endorsed by other evidence, showed that the unhappy lady had been surprised in her bedroom by the black (now in gaol), that the loaded revolver she drew on him had misfired, that, in her mad terror and despair, she had beaten him with the butt end of the weapon, and finally, to baffle his purpose, she had recourse to a desperate leap from the bedroom window to the ground eighteen feet below. It was further shown in the preliminary examination against the native that the bedroom door was locked and that the intruder had gained an entrance by climbing the verandah.
The medical evidence recorded in the Court showed that poor Mrs. STEVENSON ha suffered dreadful and [un….able] injuries and mutilation through her fall. She fell on her side, breaking her spine and fracturing one [….], and from the outset the doctors despaired of her ever recovering her normal health. Had she survived she would have been a cripple for life. Eventually she died of a premature confinement.
The lesser charge of attempted [….] (the deceased bore marks of violence on her throat) which was [primarily] brought against the Kafir, will now be altered into something more serious.

Wednesday 16 August 1899

A PRETTY WEDDING
HOOLE – PURDON
Commemoration Church was the scene this morning of a very pretty wedding, when Miss Marion Emmeline PURDON, third daughter of Mr. Chas. PURDON of Thorndon, Albany, was joined in the bonds of Holy Matrimony to Mr Robert Godlonton HOOLE, second son of E.B.C. HOOLE Esq., of Bathurst, and grandson of the late Hon. Robert GODLONTON M.L.C.
The Rev. A.T. RHODES officiated. The service commenced at 11:30, the bridal party being punctual to the minute. Mr. T.E. SPEED, the talented organist and choirmaster of the Church, presided at the organ in his usual brilliant style, playing a very pretty march as the party came up the aisle, and the well-known “Wedding March” at the conclusion of the ceremony. There were a good number of the Choir present so that the service was fully choral, Miss PURDON having been a valued member of the Choir for many years past.
The bride looked extremely well in a charming gown of ivory white satin merveilleux, the skirt being cut with demi-train. The bodice was composed of the silk horizontally drawn and had a pointed yoke entirely covered with small ruchings of [monaclines] de soie, which again appeared in the form of insertions between the tucks on the sleeves. Both bodice and skirt were also profusely trimmed with the new Luxeuil lace, and finished with sprays of orange blossom. She also wore the orthodox wreath and veil. The bride’s sister, Miss Gertie PURDON, was the only bridesmaid, and looked charming in a very pretty dress of white China silk trimmed with canary-colour, white chiffon and gold appliqué. Her exceedingly becoming hat was one of white satin straw, trimmed with ostrich plumes and La France roses.
The bride’s travelling dress was a smartly cut skirt and coat of fawn box-cloth, lined with Sevres blue silk. This had a cream waistcoat embroidered in various [,,,,] to correspond with the gown. The very stylish hat was of fawn straw trimmed with Sevres blue silk, wings and shaded roses to match the costume. The whole of the dresses were from the well-known and tasteful establishment of Messrs. Muirhead & Gowie.
Mr. Willie HOOLE, brother of the bridegroom, ably acted as best man. The bride was given away by her father, and Mr. W.C. PURDON acted as M.C. After the ceremony the party adjourned to the residence, Prince Alfred’s Road, where the reception took place.
The presents were numerous, costly and useful. The bridegroom’s presents to the bride and bridesmaid were a gold chain bracelet and a gold bangle respectively.
The happy couple will leave by the 2:30 train for Port Alfred, where they will spend their honeymoon. May every joy, happiness and success follow them, not only on this holiday trip but all through life’s journey.
The wedding equipages were from the well-known Livery Stables of Messrs. Larkin and Ray, who made a grand display with their splendid new landaus from Port Elizabeth, and who managed everything in perfectly up-to-date style.

Thursday 17 August 1899

BIRTH at Grahamstown on August 17th, the wife of W. Martin SCHOFIELD, of Port Elizabeth of a daughter.

MARRIED at Commemoration Church on Wednesday August 16th 1899, by the Rev A.T. Rhodes, Robert Godlonton HOOLE, second son of Mr. E.B.C. HOOLE J.P., of Bathurst, to Emmeline M. PURDON, third daughter of Mr. Charles PURDON, of Martindale, Albany.

Saturday 19 August 1899

DROWNING FATALITY
Reginald BODMA, nine years and six months old, son of Chief Railway Detective BODMA, stationed at Park Station, Johannesburg, was drowned on Sunday forenoon in a large pool of water. The lad went along with others about his own age and entered the water. He quickly showed signs of drowning, and the youngsters on the bank becoming panic-stricken, ran for assistance, but when the body was recovered life was extinct. Only some two or three years ago BODMA lost three children by drowning at the Wolhuter Dam.

Monday 21 August 1899

MOST DISASTROUS FIRE – MASONIC HOTEL GUTTED
A Mysterious Blaze – The Wall Falls – Brave Firemen Crushed – Military Stores in Danger – Saturday Sensation
On Saturday evening a most disastrous fire occurred in High Street, the Masonic Hotel buildings being completely gutted. How the fire originated is entirely unknown, but it is stated that it started in an upstairs bedroom. However that may be, the conflagration spread with almost incredible speed. The wind was blowing half a gale, and the flames were driven all over the buildings. The alarm was given at a few minutes after 5 o’clock. Mr. L. MYERS, the proprietor of the ill-fated hotel, told a Journal reporter that he was standing downstairs when a report was brought to him that a fire had broken out upstairs. He rushed up, but could not gain admittance owing to the fire having already gained huge dimensions. Attempts were made to salvage some of the furniture etc., but although all the inmates escaped in safety, very little of value was saved. Capts. MACDONNELL and WALSHE, Sir Thos. PASLEY and others were the heaviest losers, they occupying the branch buildings, connected with the main hotel by a covered gangway from the second storey. Along this gangway the flames rushed and leaped, and soon the branch building was also a veritable sea of flames. So quickly did this happen that the first comers seemed to be of opinion that both buildings were simultaneously on the blaze.
Sergt. CURTIS of the City Police rang the Fire-bell at the Drostdy Gate, and the town was soon in an uproar, people running from all sides. The Military turned out smartly at the double and went to work on the Commissariat Stores in Anglo-African Street. With the utmost coolness, wet sacks and other deterrents were applied to the doors, walls and windows. The town is indeed much indebted to the military for their prompt and ready assistance.
As soon as the Fire-Bell rang at 5:15, Superintendent T. CLARK of the Municipal Fire Brigade got the engine out of its shed in Cawood-street, and with the aid of willing volunteers the scene of action was reached, and the engine placed in the yard at the back of the huge buildings of Messrs. W & C GOWIE, and next to the Commissariat Stores. The masonic was then hopelessly ablaze. The hose was connected with Messrs. GOWIE’s big underground tank, and the water was soon being played on the buildings, which it was hoped would be saved. In addition to the hose, there was a line of the military up the yard of the Hotel, passing buckets of water from Mr. D. PATTERSON’s well, near his workshop, till the water gave out. The burning pile was situated right against the GOWIEs’ and the stores, and the high wind drove the flames right against them. Another reel of hose was then attached to the fire hydrant in front of the Guardian Buildings, but owing to some mistake by someone unknown the hydrant was snapped clean off at the root. The hose was then attached to the fire hydrant in front of the Deanery, and then the water came strong, right from the Grey Reservoir. Mr. [WEHLETECK], the Superintendent of Water, had fortunately, as is his custom, provided for emergencies, and had everything prepared for any Saturday night mishap. The fire was cut off from the adjoining buildings, though a flagstaff and its [….] on GOWIEs‘ buildings were actually burnt, and a packing case in the Guardian yard was found to be on fire, but these incipient outbreaks were soon suppressed. It was soon evident that the fire was going under, but all sensation was not yet over. A brave little band of workers pushed their way against the front wall to get a better play for the hose, when suddenly without a word of warning a mass of the front wall, consisting of stones, bricks and mortar, fell right on the workers, and Firemen A. MOORE and W.H. SMITH were buried in the debris, while a soldier received a nasty knock from a falling slate. Willing hands got the poor chaps out, and medical assistance was procured. It was found that MOORE was severely bruised about the back and right arm, and SMITH had sustained a bruised left leg and sprained ankle. From now onward the fire was not dangerous and after about five hours watering, during which time about 2 inches of water was used out of the Grey, all was safe.
His Worship the Mayor, Lieut-Col. NELSON, Cr. H.R. WOOD, Chairman of Finance, and Cr. Dr. F.A. SAUNDERS were early on the spot, and rendered valuable assistance. The Mayor, as churchwarden of the Cathedral, placed the Deanery at the disposal of owners of salvaged property, and this proved a most convenient shelter. Dr. SAUNDERS, we hear, had the presence of mind to turn off the gas, and thus prevent a greater catastrophe.
The fire engine “Willcox” was well worked, and the brave Brigade deserve all praise and no blame. A Journal reporter who had just come in reports that the buildings were insured in the Sun Offices and in the Archer and Munich for about £6,250. The safe at the hotel was saved early in the evening and lodged with the military. The Insurance Companies concerned may thank the efforts of those who saved all the valuable adjoining property from being destroyed.
We should like to say one word about the behaviour of certain ladies, among whom was Mrs. MACDONNELL, who helped the wounded, and rendered every aid in their power.
Mr. R.J. COGAN, from his house in the suburbs, reports that about a quarter to 5 he saw a sudden column of black smoke, immediately followed by a huge column of flame, which seemed almost like an explosion. Then the whole of the two buildings seemed to be in flames. Whether the gas exploded or what, it is impossible to say, but we are informed on good authority the gas was completely turned off from the Hotel.

We regret to learn that Miss WEDDERBURN, niece of Mr. John WEDDERBURN of this City, died yesterday morning early. The family only arrived here on Friday from Johannesburg. The poor young lady was only 18 years of age, and heart disease is said to be the cause of death. Mr. Simon AMM is an uncle. The funeral will take place tomorrow morning. We tender our sincere sympathies to the bereaved relatives.

Tuesday 22 August 1899

FUNERAL OF MISS WEDDERBURN
The funeral of the late Miss Winnie WEDDERBURN, who died early on Sunday morning, left the residence of her parents in Oatlands Road this morning at 9 o’clock. Messrs. John WEDDERBURN and George WEDDERBURN were chief mourners. There were also a large number of friends and relatives present. The service was conducted at the graveside by Rev, M.J. LETCHER, and many beautiful wreaths and other floral tributes were laid on the grave. The funeral was conducted by Mr. A. WILL.

SAD DROWNING FATALITY - LITTLE GIRL DROWNED
A peculiarly sad drowning fatality occurred at the North End on Friday (says the P.E. Telegraph). From particulars gathered from the police, it appears that a little European child, aged about seven years, named Pauline STUDER, was staying with her mother at Mrs. MASH’s, baker etc. On Friday afternoon little Pauline was playing in the yard, in which was an old well, covered by a wooden lid. It is presumed that the child lifted the lid and lost her balance. At all events she was found at the bottom quite dead. The well was nine feet deep and contained two feet of water. What makes the fatality particularly distressing is the fact that Mrs. STUDER lost her husband only about a month ago, and a daughter more recently, whilst another daughter is lying seriously ill in the hospital. The greatest sympathy is expressed for the bereaved lady.

Two bursaries have been awarded to pupils of the Wesleyan High School, one of £20 for one year to Miss Emily WEBBER for success in the Matriculation, and one to Miss Benetta SHAW of £10 for one year, for her success in the School Higher Examination.

Wednesday 23 August 1899

RICHARDSON, who was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment at Johannesburg last December for bigamy, has been released by order of the Executive Council. Defendant had been led to believe by his wife that she had obtained a divorce from him, and that he was therefore at liberty to marry again.

Mr. A.A. KIDWELL, who is preparing for Missionary work in the Zambesi, is shortly leaving Aliwal for England, where he will undergo a short course of medical study at the Livingstone College. Mr. KIDWELL is the best all round cricketer and undoubtedly the best exponent of Rugby football in Aliwal, having been captain in both clubs, and will be greatly missed.

Friday 25 August 1899

The Telegraph records the death of Mr. George PELL, builder and contractor, who was well-known in Port Elizabeth and in other parts of the Colony as an active business man, and for some time held an engagement under the Cape Government Railways.

BIRTH – KING
On August 24th 1899 at Mayfield, Grahamstown, the wife of Robert M. KING of a daughter.

Tuesday 29 August 1899

BIRTH at Steytlerville on August 23rd 1899, the wife of Sergt. NICHOLAS of a daughter.

MARRIED: WOOD – CARTWRIGHT
At Commemoration Church on August 29th 1899, John WOOD, of Lindal in Furness, Lancashire, England, to Mabel Amy, eldest daughter of Mr. W. CARTWRIGHT of this City.

A CHARMING WEDDING
WOOD – CARTWRIGHT
A very pretty wedding took place this morning at 11 o’clock in Commemoration Church, the occasion being the joining in holy matrimony of Miss Mabel Amy CARTWRIGHT, of this city, to Mr. John WOOD of Lindal in Furness, Lancashire, England. The sacred ceremony was performed by the Rev. A.T. RHODES, Secretary to the Wesleyan Conference.
The bride, who was given away by her father, was certainly one of the prettiest seen this season, and was dressed in a sweet costume of blue canvas material trimmed with white satin ecru insertion and chiffon. The hat was a white chip trimmed with ostrich tips and chiffon.
The bridesmaid was Miss Minnie CARTWRIGHT, sister of the bride, and was dressed in a grey coat and skirt with white trimmings, and a white hat trimmed with ostrich tips and yellow roses.
Mr. W. ROWLAND, cousin of the bride, ably acted as best man. The bridegroom’s present to the bride was a gold watch and chain, with gold heart, pearl and emerald pendant, while the bridesmaid was the recipient of a gold and opal brooch. Both carried exquisite bouquets. The bride’s and bridesmaid’s dresses were made by Miss FISH, Donkin Street, while the hats were the tasteful work of the well-known firm of Messrs. T. BIRCH & Co.
After the ceremony the party adjourned to the residence of the bride’s father, High Street, where a sumptuous breakfast was provided. A notable feature was the monster Wedding Cake, which was built in three tiers and liberally iced. This excellent confection was the work of Messrs. H. FITCHAT & Co. The healths of the happy couple were honoured to the full, and a most enjoyable time was spent by all.
The presents were in great number and were both costly and useful. We would heartily join with all the other friends in wishing Mr. and Mrs. WOOD a happy and prosperous life.
The wedding equipages were supplied by the well-known firm of LARKIN & RAY, from their excellent livery stables on Dundas Street.

Wednesday 30 August 1899

SHOT HIS SISTER – A TERRIBLE AFFAIR
A shocking affair took place at Bellair, near Durban, on Friday afternoon. Two [little] children of Mr. John FLETCHER, a Dutch proprietor, were playing in a room in which there was a loaded gun. Allan, a lad six years of age, took up the gun and pointed it at his sister Helen, three years old, and shot her through the stomach. The child died in two hours. The body was dreadfully shattered.
[Transcriber’s note: According to the Durban Death Register the child’s father was James, not John.]