Tuesday October 4, 1892

OBITUARY.
The death is announced at Jagersfontein Road Railway Station O.F.S., of the Rev. Purdon SMAILES, Supernumerary Wesleyan Minister, at the ripe old age of 83. He came to the Cape in 1834, and among his charges may be mentioned the important centres of Bloemfontein, Cradock and Grahamstown. He was buried at Colesberg on the 18th instant in the presence of a large concourse of people, the Rev. WS FOGGITT conducting the funeral services....

Friday, October 14, 1892

BIRTH.- At Queenstown on the 3rd of October, the Wife of Mr. R.E. ADKINS' of a Daughter.

DIED,- At Queenstown, on the 10th inst., Dorothea GABBETT, relict of the late Jeremiah LEWIS, aged 58 years. Deeply regretted.
DIED,- October 11th, 1892, at Kamastone, the Rev.Robert Walton LEWIS, Wesleyan Minister, after a lingering illness, borne with Christian patience and fortitude, in the 33rd year of his age.

OBITUARY.
It is our painful duty to have to record the demise of Mrs. J. LEWIS, of Tylden, which sad event took place on Monday night last. Mrs. LEWIS was for many years a resident at Tylden where she enjoyed universal esteem and respect. To her sorrowing son we tender our sincerestsympathy in his sad bereavement.

TWO DROWNING FATALITIES.
The "Cape Times" and the "E.P. Herald" to hand have each a sad tale of death by drowning to tell. Says the former under the heading of DROWNED IN THE DOCKS:
A fatal accident occurred in the Docks on Saturday night. Soon after ten o'clock the watchmen on board the S.S. "Venice," which is moored alongside the East Quay, heard a heavy splash in the water between the ship and the quay. They ran immediately to the side of the ship and discerned a man struggling in the water with his hands up. A rope was lowered and one of the watchmen climbed down, but was too late to render any assistance to the unfortunate man, who had disappeared by the time the watchman had descended the rope. The officers of the ship and the police on shore were at once informed of the matter, drags were obtained, and after a little time the body was recovered and identified to be that of George ARCHER, an able seaman on board the "Venice."
THE PORT ELIZABETH CASE
Happened on Monday night, when two men employed on the "James Searle" named Daniel McDANE and Joseph DUFFY went ashore at about 6 o'clock and went about the town drinking. When they reached the Jetty between 10 and 10.30, neither of them was in a fit state to take charge of a boat. DUFFY cast off the painter and McDANE shipped the rowlocks and gave a pull to get away from the Jetty; he, however, caught a crab and fell over-board, as also did DUFFY. DUFFY spoke to him and asked him what he was going to do? To this McDANE replied that he was going to swim ashore. DUFFY then got into the boat and made for the North End beach, the current being too strong to land by the Jetty. After a hard struggle he became exhausted and let the boat go, and eventually went ashore by the Gas Works. He then went up town and made inquiries for McDANE, but heard nothing. He returned to the North End, thinking that McDANE might have gone to a friend, but finding no trace of him he went to his (McDANE's) house and then he was so worn out that he fell on McDANE's bed and slept. In the morning he heard that a body had been recovered, and on going to the Police Station mortuary he identified the body as that of McDANE.

Tuesday October 18, 1892

OBITUARY.
The Rev. R. Walton LEWIS was born at Bradford, Yorkshire, 7th November, 1859. He was the eldest son of Dr. LEWIS, a physician of some eminence, who died at the age of forty-five, when his son was only eight years old. After the father's death the family removed to Nottingham and the son received his education at the Grammar School in that town, with the exception of two years spent in Germany, where he acquired proficiency in the German language. He also obtained a fair acquaintance with the Classics and Hebrew and a knowledge of some branches of science. He was converted in Nottingham at the age of sixteen and at once entered upon Christian work, visiting the sick and destitute in the lowest parts of the town. When seventeen he commences preaching, and the year afterwards was received as a probationer for the Wesleyan Ministry, and entered Richmond College as a student. Here he remained three years and distinguished himself especially in classics, and by his bright, sunny disposition gained many friends. From the time of his offering for the ministry his heart was set upon Pioneer Mission work, and his thoughts turned towards India as his probable field of labour. But he was designated by the Missionary Committee for South Africa, his first appointment being to Grahamstown, where he resided for two years, with the exception of an interval of some months spent at Graaff-Reinet. Whilst in Grahamstown he acted as Secretary to the Building Committee of the High School and rendered very valuable assistance during the erection of the buildings. He also took classes in Theology and Bible History at the time the school was held in Shaw Hall. After a year spent in King Williamstown he was appointed by the Conference of 1884 to Pondoland. It was at this Grahamstown Conference that his ordination and marriage with the eldest daughter of the Rev. R. LAMPLOUGH took place. And a few weeks later he and his young wife took their long journey in a wagon to Emfundisweni, the Mission Station occupied by the Rev. P. HARGREAVES. Here they remained nine months, his time being chiefly occupied in learning Kafir, teaching the upper classes in the school, and itinerating amongst the heathen. Early in 1885 he was appointed to Emnceba to establish a Mission amongst the Amanci, a tribe in Pondoland under the Chief QIPU. Here he labored for two years, until tribal disturbances, which resulted in the scattering of the people, compelled him regretfully to leave. During the whole of his stay in Pondoland he and his wife resided in huts and endured many privations and dangers, the fighting often taking place in sight of the Mission, and, on more than one occasion, bullets from the enemy fell within a few yards of the mission huts. Several times, when he rode out to endeavour to prevent fighting, his life was in danger. Indeed it is thought that the excitement and anxiety of this period laid the foundation of the affection of the heart from which he ultimately died. Before leaving Pondoland he had obtained a complete mastery of Kafir, and was able to preach fluently in the language. In addition to frequent itinerating amongst the heathen he conducted a day school and gave medicine, and in some cases nursed the sick. His being compelled to leave Pondoland was a severe trial to him, and he always cherished the hope of being able some day to return and carry on pioneer work amongs the dark tribes of that part of the country. On leaving Pondoland Mr. LEWIS and his wife took up their residence for some months at Mount Coke. He however attended the District Meeting at Umtata, and spent three months at Buntingville supplying for the Rev. J.S. MORRIS, whose health had given way and whom he assisted in nursing. At the Conference of 1887 he was appointed to Kamastone where he labored with great diligence and success for three years until his health failed in April 1890. During this period the number of church members rose from 400 to 600, whilst other departments of the work showed marked advance and improvement. He was greatly beloved by the people who manifested their affection for him in various ways, even objecting to receive any other minister in his place after he was laid aside from all active work. Whilst at Kamastone he rendered great service in connection with the preparation of a Kafir tune book for our Church. His knowledge of music enabled him to train a Native Choir to sing from notes, by means of which he and the Rev. J.W. HOUSEHAM, who had the preparation of the new tune book in hand, and who with others had come to Kamastone for the purpose, were able to test the suitability and effectiveness of the tunes before completing the book for publication. There can be little doubt that had his life been spared Mr. LEWIS would have rendered great service in providing, by translations and otherwise, valuable additions to Kafir literature. His whole life and all his thoughts and plans had reference to the salvation and elevation of the Kafir tribes of this land, and it was his settled purpose ever to devote all his powers to this object. Some months aftor the commencement of his illness he visited England for the purpose of placing himself under the care of Dr. Russell REYNOLDS, and old friend of his father and a celebrated specialist in all affections of the heart, under whose skilful treatment his health greatly improved, so much so that he was able to visit friends in different parts of the country. And on receiving intelligence that he had been re-appointed by Conference to Kamastone he at once began to make preparations for returning to Africa, fully believing that he would be able to resume the work so dear to him. But his hopes were not to be realized, for the voyage proved so trying that he landed at East London, in July 1891, after ten months absence, worse than he left. He lingered, however, for another fifteen months. In October of last year he appeared to be dying, but through skilful medical care and unwearied nursing he gradually rallied, until there seemed a probability of his partial if not complete recovery. So marked was the improvement that he was able to take part in the Communion Service on the first Sunday in September, and remain at the close (as was his custom on such occasions) to greet each member of the Church. But this proved to be his last public service, for immediately afterwards he was attacked by influenza, which so reduced his strength that he gradually sank, and after six weeks of daily increasing weakness, quietly and peacefully passed away in his sleep on the 11th October, 1892. During the whole period of his long and trying affliction, extending over two years and a half, his patience and cheerfulness were remarkable. Never once did he utter a complaining word, and in the last moments of consciousuess, a few hours before his death, he said to his wife, "All our troubles will come right in the end and all will be for the best, even though it seems hard now." His funeral took place at Kamastone on Thursday forenoon, the 13th October, and was attended by upwards of four hundred Natives, besides some forty Europeans from Whittlesea, Swaart Kei and Kamastone. The large Church was quite full and the service most solemn, the subdued singing of the Natives being especially touching and beautiful...

WEDDING BELLS.
Many were the friends and relatives that gathered at St. Michaels and All Angels Church on Wednesday morning last to witness the interesting ceremony of marriage between Mr JJ LANG, Johannesburg and Miss RYAN (Lotty) eldest daughter of our esteemed and much respected fellow-townsman, Mr J RYAN...

Friday, October 21, 1892

TERRIBLE ACCIDENT.
JAMANA, a native member of the Cape Police, met his death in a dreadful way on Saturday or Sunday last. Two European Privates and JAMANA form a detachment or outpost of the Cape Police stationed on the Macibini mountains under canvas. It appears that the two European Privates left the camp on a patrol into Kafirland and JAMANA remained behind to guard the tents, what his instructions really were is not as yet known as the two Privates have not returned from patrol. Anyway he mounted a horse with kit and all and started descending the mountain by the steep and precipitous road, made doubly dangerous by the recent rain and the loose shingle. The horse
must have slipped and rolled down the hillside into a deep donga with him. He was found lying under the horse in the donga by some native herds, and must have, from appearances, been in that position for at least 48 hours. Life was extinct, the horse was also so seriously injured as not likely to recover. The matter was at once reported to the Field Cornet, Mr. HARDING, who held an inquest on the body.

A HORRIBLE TRAGEDY.
THE ZOUTPANSBERG MURDER.
REVOLTING DETAILS.
The sworn declaration taken by Mr DUURING, Public Prosecutor, during the enquiry into the Vlakfotnein tragedy (telegraphs the Pietersburg "Special" of the "Press" on Saturday last) reveals a story of devilish cruelty. It appears that the murdered girl, Katrina Wilhelmina JANSEN, about 15 years of age, was, when three months old, adopted by her sister Johanna Maris, who was married to a farmer named PYPER. Johanna suckled her baby sister at her own breast, but as she grew older she began to systematically ill-treat her. This ill-treatment much increased during the last two years since tne child still called Baby, became thirteen years old. The cause of this was jealousy, Mrs. PYPER accusing the deceased of INPROPER RELATIONS With her (PYPER's) husband and her eldest son. A fortnight ago the woman tied a reim to the child's waist, passed it over a beam of the roof, and suspended her in the air, then beat her with a knotted strap till she fainted. On the 13th September, PYPER and his eldest son went to Mapela, leaving only his wife and a boy of fourteen and a girl of twelve and deceased in the house. The boy and girl state that on Friday the mother became insensible. On Saturday the children went to bed, and woke at cockcrow. On the Sunday they found mother and Baby not in the house. Presently the mother came in greatly EXHAUSTED AND PANTING, And drank six cups full of water. She gasped out "Baby is gone." The boy asked her where she had been, and she said, "Running round the house looking for Baby." The children asked to go and look for Baby in the prickly pear enclosure 160 years away, but the mother said, "No, don't go, there might be some one there to kill you too." The same afternoon they inspanned the wagon and trekked to the farm of the CLOETE's, three miles away, and stayed there with the children. Next day the neighbours searched and found the body in the prickly pear enclosure entirely naked. When the sister was brought there she said, "Yes, there she lies, she's dead; now one of my children must be murdered, and then THEY CAN KILL ME"
The body was taken to the CLOETEs on Wednesday. The Public Prosecutor and District Surgeon went to the CLOETEs to examine the body, and found the throat cut in five distinct places. The jugular vein and carotid artery were severed, and there were four wounds on the head, and a deep gash on the hand, another on the right leg, and the whole body covered with scratches and abrasions. The medical examination proves that she was not violated, and points to the improbability of the truth of the vile accusations. After the burial the Public Prosecutor examined the house at Vlakfontein, and found a pool of blood on the floor, a Kerrie with blood spots, a box, and clots of gore scattered about the room and on the threshold and stoep. The floor of the room was very much scratched about. Proceeding to the enclosure, they found very little blood where the body lay. Distinct impressions of the woman's boots were there, and in other places partly obliterated by rain. Mr DUURING and ten men searched for the girl's clothing with no result, but the children state that they woke at night on Saturday and saw A BIG FIRE BURNING. They also say that the mother often said that she would kill BABY. Returning to Vlakfontein, the Public Prosecutor arrested Mrs PYPER, and conveyed her to Pietersburg, where she is now lodged in gaol. The prisoner exhibits a most indifferent demeanor...

Tuesday, October 25, 1892

BIRTH.- On the 21st Inst. At Queenstown the Wife of J.A.A. COOPER, African Banking Corporation of a Son.

SAD CASUALITY.
On Saturday morning before breakfast (states the "Midland News") Jas. COLLETT, a lad of about fourteen, reached Cradock in company of a native herd of Mr. HEATHCOTE's and told the sad news that his uncle, Mr. John TROLLIP, of Dagga Boer, had been washed down Holtz Sluit during the severe thunderstorm on Friday afternoon. He says they left Dagga Boer about noon on Friday in the buggy, intending sleeping in Cradock, and returning on Saturday afternoon. They were soon caught in light rains, and later on in heavy storms. At the sluit below the cutting they outspanned about half-an-hour to allow the water to lower. When they got to Holtz Sluit, about four miles below Cradock, they found it running strong. Mr. TROLLIP got out and walked down to see if it was passable. It is said that on his last journey to town he remarked that this sluit was bad enough to go through dry, let alone when it was full. Possibly it was made worse by this rush of water, but Mr. TROLLIP thought he could get through, and probably wanted to push on in case Kafir's Leegte might be getting impassable. Mr. TROLLIP was driving, and both had their overcoats on. The events of the next few seconds cannot be clearly described, but from the accounts furnished by the survivor and an eye-witness – Mr. HEATHCOTE's herd, Jan OCTOBER – and from an inspection of the scene, it seems that the buggy turned dowy the stream directly it got in the drift, capsized directly after, and both occupants found themselves in the water. COLLETT managed to get out, he knows not how, on the Cradock side of the sluit, and saw the buggy lodge against some obstruction. Then he saw his uncle, still holding the reins, climb up on the wheel, but one of the horses was plunging, and he thinks must have kicked him off, as he saw him apparently swimming down the stream. COLLETT ran along the bank, but soon lost sight of him. Jan OCTOBER, knowing a narrow point in the sluit that he frequently jumped across, ran thither, hoping to catch anybody that might pass through. Nothing, however, passed on the surface, and it seems pretty certain that the body must have been carried under water, and speedily found its way to the Great Fish River, a distance of about 200 yards. As Kafir's Leegte was also impassable the survivor had te spend the night with Mr. HEATHCOTE's herd. On Monday morning about ten o'clock the body was discovered near Klipfontein Siding on a farm adjoining deceased's property. The coffin that had been prepared in readiness was sent down the line and the body removed.

Friday, October 28, 1892

BIRTH.- On the 22nd October, at Rosedale, Queenstown, the Wife of Albert MORUM, of a Son.

PASSED AWAY.- On the 17th October 1892, at Kei Bend, the residence of his grand-father; Milford Henry CASFORD, the dearly beloved, and second son of Mr. and Mrs. J.H.R. MORGAN, aged 2 months.

SAD ACCIDENT.
On Friday morning a sad accident says the "E.P. Herald" occurred at the piece of water at the North-End known as the Company's Dan, near the Agricultural Show Yard. Two boys, named respectively Henry OCHSE and Arthur MARSHALL, in the school interval, went to the dam, and there OCHSE, who was about 11 years of age, stripped and went into the water. After the boy had been in the water a short time his companion saw that he had stuck fast, and directly after he threw up his hands full of weeds and sank. MARCHANT himself then undressed and swam to deceased, who caught hold of him and pulled him down. He extricated himself and managed to float to land. He appealed to the bystanders but no one would go in, so taking up OCHSE's clothes he went to the school and returned, accompanied by Miss SPINDLER, school teacher, but they could get nothing done. At about five minutes past twelve, P.C. AUSBERG arrived, and being a good swimmer went in and remained there for about an hour searching for the body, diving several times. He then was nearly drowned by getting mixed up with weeds, and had to be pulled out with a roe. He was so exhausted that he had to return. Mr. S.J. FROST then appeared, being attracted by the crowd gathered round the dam. He undressed, took the rope, made a bowline in it, and went into the water as far as he could walk, after which he trod water, and while doing so his leg touched the side of the boy, and fixing the bowline round his had the body was dragged ashore. This would make the time fully two o'clock. When Inspector BUCKLEY saw the body at about 2.5 it was on the bank surrounded by some ladies and gentleman. One of the ladies asked if anything could be done, to which Mr. DIX-PEEK said that nothing could be done as the body had been in the water three hours. One of the ladies then put her finger in the boy's mouth and put the tongue straight, on which Mr. DIX-PEEK again said that it was no use, the boy was dead. It was not the Inspector that discouraged the attempts at resuscitation, but Mr. DIX-PEEK. On one of the ladies asking Mr. DIX-PEEK why he did not take the body into his house, he said: "Oh! The Magistrate and the doctor must see the body and there is too much red tape about it." This was after the Inspector said he would take it to the gaol. Mr.BUCKLEY had no doubt the boy was dead. Doctor ENSOR in his evidence at the inquest said that ten minutes was quite sufficient time to be in the water to get drowned, and it would be inconceivable for life not to be extinct after three hours.
The Magistrate found that there was no blame attaching to anyone and that death was caused by accidental drowning. He thought MARCHANT and ANSBERG were deserving of high praise. He also thought the Municipality should fence in the dam.

Tuesday, November 1, 1892

DIED.- At Southey Ville at the residence of W.H. WILSON on October 23rd our faithful old Dog "Punch," aged nine years. Friends in Pretoria please take notice.

FRIGHTFUL SUICIDE.
JEALOUSY THE CAUSE.
Ted PARKER, son of Mr Stafford PARKER, an old Barberton man, (says the "Star") who made a  fortune at Klerksdorp and lost it Barberton, where he also partially lost his eyesight in a dynamite accident which killed two kafirs, has for some time past been hanging about in Pretoria, being a frequenter of the Criterion Bar and dancing hall. There was a female there with whom he had rather intimate relations of late. He seems to have had cause for jealousy, for last week a complaint was lodged at the police station that he had threatened to shoot the woman and himself. The police did nothing. This morning (Tuesday) shortly before noon, he walked into the bar with a Barberton man and called for a drink. This having been served he again upbraided the woman, drew his revolver, placed the muzzle in his mouth, and BLEW HIS BRAINS OUT.
The barman and the woman closed and barred the doors. Commandant WOLMARANS happened to be in the neighbourhood, burst open the door and found the man lying dead between the counter and the dancing hall. He was removed to the mortuary by police on a stretcher. PARKER was for some time in the Artillery. His brothers are well known sportsman in Johannesburg. It appears that, in addition to jealousy PARKER's suicide is to be attributed to financial difficulties. He has been endeavouring to start a bar, but could not raise the funds. The woman refused to give him money, whereupon he drew his revolver and shot himself.

FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE SWITCHBACK.
TERRIBLE DEATH OF A KIMBERLEY MAN.
("D.F. Advertiser.")
It is our painful duty to announce the death, under shocking circumstances, of a well-known Kimberley resident – a favourite with all who knew him – Mr Harry BOYES (son of Major BOYES, of the Colonial Service), known and admired throughout South Africa for his prowess as a football player, and not less esteemed in social circles for his many sterling qualities, which endeared him to all. Mr. BOYES met his death through falling from the Switchback Railway, in the Exhibition Grounds, at half-past 9 last night. He, like many others who have tried this exciting form of amusement, became very fond of it, and had made the trip several times. Last evening (Wednesday) he was, with some friends, riding on the car, and "larking" as he did so, waving his arms and even standing up while the car was going at full speed. It appears that poor Harry is not the only one who has dared this feat, and being a strong young fellow, the thought of the danger he thus incurred did not affect him in the least. The car had started on the return journey, and was in the act of rushing down the second incline, when Mr. BOYES lost his balance, and, it is presumed, fell backwards and dropped violently on to the ground, breaking his neck by the fall, and also sustaining a severe blow on the skull. Several of the spectators saw him fall, and were at his side in an instant, but he was totally unconscious and breathed his last a few moments after; indeed, some affirm that death was instantaneous. The body was removed to the Police Station, P.C. SHEEHAN, who was on duty in the vicinity, being promptly on the scene. The Switchback immediately stopped running, and shortly afterwards Sergt. SMITH brought an instruction from the Commissioner of Police that the car was not to run until further notice from the authorities. 
The deceased, who was formerly in the Inspector of Mines' Office, was latterly connected with the Detective Department. He has brothers, one of whom is the Resident Magistrate of Mafeking. An inquest will be held, when every particular of this most regrettable affair will transpire. Our deepest sympathy, and we doubt not that of the public in general, is tendered to the bereaved relatives and intimate associates of the worthy, brave, and generous-hearted young man so suddenly removed from our midst.

Friday, November 4, 1892

BIRTH.-Oct. 30th, at Queenstown, the wife of Robert A. ELISWORTH, of Baileyton, of a Daughter.
BIRTH.- On the 30th October, at Frontier Hospital Queenstown, the Wife of Arthur ELSWORTH, of a Son.
BIRTH.- At Hopefield, Whittlesea, on the 23rd October, the Wife of Jas. C. ANDERSON of Son.

Tuesday Movember 8, 1892

BIRTH.- At Queenstown, on Nov. 6th, the wife of J.M. MELROSE, of a Daughter.

Friday November 11, 1892

BIRTH.- At Queenstown, at Warnford Cottage, on the 8th inst. The wife of W.K. MAGER of a Daughter.

DIED.- At her residence Lily Vale Cottage, Porter Street, Queenstown, on Sunday November 8th, Rosanna HOGAN, aged 59 years 6 months. Beloved wife of Thomas HOGAN of this town. Deeply regretted.

TWO TERRIBLE DEATHS.
The Grahamstown 'Journal' to hand yesterday has two very sad and distressing events to chronicle. The first is the death while under chloroform of a young lady and the second is a frightful murder at the Asylum.
DEATH UNDER CHLOROFORM.
On Thursday afternoon it was noticed that Drs. SAUNDERS, GREATHEAD, CHEW, FITZGERALD, and E. ATHERSTONE were called into Mr. J.R. BELL's, and the fact created no little comment. It did not transpire until a little later in the afternoon that a young lady (Miss Mary Jane DICKSON) had succumbed in the surgery while under the influence of chloroform. It appears that the unfortunate young lady went to have her teeth attended to, and it was found necessary to place her under the inffuence of the drug. Dr.SAUNDERS was present to superintend the administration of the  chloroform, which the patient took in the usual manner, and Mr. CORMACK, L.D.S. (in Mr. J.R.
BELL's absence from town) proceeded to extract four teeth. Mr. CORMACK then suggested that another tooth, about which he had not been consulted, ought also to come out, and was turning to fetch the necessary instrument, when the Doctor exclaimed "Stop – she has ceased breathing!" It was only too true. Every effort was at once made to induce respiration, but unhappily without avail. All the medical gentlemen mentioned above were called in; but Miss DICKSON was beyond the reach of medical aid and after about an hour and a half all were forced to admit that life was extinct. It is supposed that the patient had an epileptic fit while under chloroform, and that this was the cause of death. The deceased, who was only 24 years and 9 months old, was the youngest daughter of Major-General DICKSON, of Castletown, Isle of Man, and sister of Mr. J. Quayle DICKSON, a prominent farmer in the Fort Beaufort district. The sad event has created a very melancholy impression throughout the city, and many are the expressions of regret for the young life so sadly and unexpectedly terminated, and of sympathy for the bereaved family. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon from the residence of Mr. Harold B. GUEST, whither the body had been removed. Since writing the above, we learn that as a result of a post mortem examination by the District Surgeon, death is found to have resulted from failure of the hearts action, and not from epilepsy. It is said that the deceased had been examined on three previous occasions in the Old Country, and the doctors told her that her heart was in good order. Mr. HEMMING opened an inquest this morning, shortly before we went to press, and Messrs. CORMACK and H.B. GUEST, gave evidence, bearing out in main the statements published above. Mr. A.S. HUTTON watched the proceedings on behalf of Dr. SAUNDERS.
TRAGIC AFFAIR AT THE ASYLUM.
It is difficult to get at the exact facts of the case, but there is no doubt a very tragic episode occurred at the Lunatic Asylum, during the early hours of Thursday morning, by which Mary Jane PRYOR (aged about 34 years), an inmate of some 15 years standing, lost her life. The night nurse visited the little dormitory, which contained only four rather unruly patients, at about 5.30 a.m. when going off duty, and found the patients all right and quiet. It was half an hour later that
the day-nurse on inspecting the dormitory made a ghastly discovery. The patient PRYOR was huddled on the floor, in the centre of the room, with her skull fearfully battered, and other injuries about her body. She soon died. The other patients of course were wide-awake, but could give no coherent information about the tragedy. The authoress of the affair is however suspected to be a burly lunatic Dutchwoman from the Free State, whose hands had blood upon them; but of course there can at present be nothing more than suspicion. One of the most peculiar circumstances of the case is that there was absolutely no trace of any implement or weapon by which the injuries could have been inflicted on the dead woman; nor can she have been dashed against the wall, as the blood is all in the middle of the floor and the walls bears no traces, except a few bloody finger marks near the window, where the woman may have clutched as she staggered. The only tenable proposition then at present is that the unfortunate woman was lifted bodily and dashed head first with tremendous violence on the floor. The deceased was a frail-built woman of no great weight, and this fact favours the theory. An inquest has been opened by Mr. HEMMING, but nothing has transpired beyond the fact above referred to. The history of the woman who has fallen under suspicion is not known (she was at the Asylum before Dr. GREENLEES arrived there), but of course enquiries will be made in the neighbourhood of her previous home, in order to ascertain whether she suffered from homicidal mania, previous to being shut up.

Tuesday, November 15, 1892

BIRTH.- At Queenstown, on 12th Nov. the wife of J.A. BREMNER, of a Daughter.

Friday, November 18, 1892

OBITUARY.
The sad news of Mr FICHAT's death which spread in town on Wednesday morning was received everywhere with the deepest regret. Mr FICHAT, who had been ailing for some years, came to Queenstown some months back in the hope that the healthy climate would somewhat restore him, but he had worn himself out in the service of his country, and about a week or so ago his sufferings took a turn for the worse, and though everything that medical aid could do was done, he passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening at the age of 72. His services are thus recorded in the Cape of Good Hope Civil Service List: - James FICHAT entered the service as junior clerk to Civil Commissioner and Resident Magistrate, Grahamstown, in 1838, and resigned after one year; served during the Kafir war 1846-7, in various capacities, and was in Colonel SOMERSET's staff as acting field adjutant till june 1857; in 1848 was offered a commission in Her Majesty's service for services rendered; in 1849 was appointed Inspector of roads and Road Magistrate under the Government Road Board, and resident Justice of the Peace at Somerset West! And early in 1955 was appointed Resident Magistrate at Bathurst, in Lower Albany, in 1858 appointed Civil Commissioner and Resieent Magistrate, and Conservator of Forests at Knysna; in 1862 appointed again to Bathurst, at the death of Colonel ARMSTRONG; in 1863 appointed Civil Commissioner of the Kafir War Losses Commission and Civil Commissioner and Resident Magistrate of Queenstown; in January, 1882, was transferred to Worcester." To the bereaved widow and family we tender our sincerest sympathy.

Tuesday, November 22, 1892

PASSED AWAY.- On the 17th November, 1892, at Allendale, Cala, Jemima WAKEFORD, dearly beloved wife of Thomas WAKEFORD. Aged 79 years and 10 months.

MARRIED.- On Saturday, Nov. 19th, at East London, at St. John's Church, by the Rev. W.O. JENKINS, M.A., Sydney CHESHIRE, to Alexandria ESSON.

Friday, November 25, 1892

THE LAMENTED DEATH OF MR.COLLINGS.
A wire reached Queenstown on the morning of Tuesday last announcing the death of Mr. COLLINGS at East London. Mr. COLLINGS came to reside in Queenstown on the 1st of November and took a situation in one of the firms. Shortly after it was noticed that he was not in good health, he was relieved from attendance at the store and the Doctor called in, who advised a week or ten days rest. He appeared to be suffering from a mental delusion but gave no cause for particular anxiety. He expressed a wish to go to East London where his brother resides. Every care was taken here and sufficient money advanced for his expenses. His wife accompanied him to East London. With reference to what occurred there a friend of the family writes:-
[Confirming my wire of this morning informing you of the sad accident that happened to Mr. J. COLLINGS; the facts are very painful to describe, and therefore will only give you a brief outline of the same. Upon arrival down here he went to his brother's house, and seemed to be in fair spirits, and kept on the same till the afternoon when signs of great activity made their appeaeance, he would not rest, but wanted to see his father and mother, and do all sort of things; and came up to my house to see me about 9 p.m. Sunday evening, we had a long talk humouring him all the while, and I persuaded him to stay with me and lie down, which he did, but made me promise to take him out for a walk at 3 a.m. which I promised, if he would take rest he appeared to be quite satisfied with this arrangement, but he could not rest or sleep. At 3 a.m. he wanted to go home, and I could not persuade him otherwise. He was apparently rational, but I would not trust him, and sent two others along with him for safety, he arrived safe at his brother's house, and went to bed, and began reading the Bible. He then went accompanied by his wife down to the beach (Orange Terrace) and expressed the opinion that he could walk on the water and requested his wife to accompany him, which she declined to do, and persuaded him to return home again, which he did. After walking
about some considerable time, he went down again accompanied by his brother for a bathe, when upon getting down, he told the people that he would show them how he could walk on the water, and immediately proceeded to execute the same by running right into the sea, his brother tried to save him, but not being strong enough to hold him, he shook off, and kept on his way towards the steamer lying in the roadstead. Not having gone many yards he sank, and was seen no more. His
brother was taken out by a native, and it took some time before we were able to tell if he was dead or alive, he is getting over it now. The body we have not been able to recover yet.]
We tender our sympathy to his widow and relatives in their painfully sad bereavement.

Friday December 2, 1892

MARRIED.- On November 30th at the Dutch Reformed Church, Queenstown, by the Rev. S.P. NAUDE, John P. GREYVENSTEIN, to Hannah TAMPLIN, second daughter of the late Chas. Lennox IMPEY.

Tuesday December 13, 1892

A strange and sad fatality has occurred in the Fraserburg district. Two sons of Mr G. SMITH, of Zak River's Poort, one a lad of eight years of age, and the other two years older, went out into the veld with their father's sheep. The sun being hot, the boys commenced to dig out a sort of cave in the bank of the river, in which to shelter themselves. They had almost completed it, when a large quantity of earth fell, and both boys were entombed. The elder boy managed to struggle out, and at
once set to work to help his brother. While thus busy he heard his brother calling for help in a gradually weakening voice, and then the cries ceased. When at last he had removed the earth the child was dead.

Friday, December 16, 1892

DIED.- At Queenstown on the 13th of December. 1892, after a long and painful illness, Caroline Margaret (born JUBBER), the beloved wife of William TEMLETT. Her end was peace.

MURDERS.
We have to report another thoroughly authenticated case of brutal murder in Eastern Pondoland. About ten days ago one of SIGCAU's councilors, a man named BULAWAKO, became ill and died. The "doctors," as usual, were consulted as to the cause of the man's illness, and these astute worthies came to the conclusion that he had been bewitched by a man named UMPIYAKE, of the Amanci tribe. No mercy was shown. UMPIYAKE was doomed, and the savages beat him to death in the most cruel manner with sticks. This occurred about 14 miles from Mount Ayliff. BULAWAKO, who died at the Caba, was a man whose word had some weight at the councils of his chief. At the time of his death he was carrying out instructions in connection with the restitution of stolen cattle. Last month a petty chief of the Umzizi tribe died, and as is the custom in Pondoland, the "doctors" were consulted as to the cause of his death, with the result that his wife, MAQIBANA, was smelt out as a witch and charges with working spells on her husband, which caused his death. No mercy was shown to her. Poor thing! She was beaten to death with sticks. On Monday night, last week, a foul murder was perpetrated at the Goxo, in Eastern Pondoland. It appears that some Pondos took offence at a man, named MBCWANA, building a hut at a spot they were in the habit of passing as a short cut to their home. The considered MBCWANA should remove to another place and they decided to take the most effectual means of removing him; in short they came to the place with the intention of murdering him, on the night in question. All the people of the neighbouring kraal ran away when they saw the men approaching. MBCWANA, while coming out of his kraal, was stabbed in the back very severely with an assegai, but he managed, however, to escape. His son was less fortunate, for he was shot down and his body was then ripped open with assegais.

Tuesday December 20, 1892

BIRTH.- At Vaal Krantz, on the 17th Dec. 1892, the wife of J.A. COETZEE, of a Daughter.