|
'Newport
First Stop' - 100 Years of News Stories Newport
Past |
||
|
|
||
|
1875
Merlin. 16th April, 1875 The magnificent docks which have been constructed on the river Usk were opened on Tuesday last and the occasion was made one of general rejoicing. By half past eight the crowds were streaming over Newport Bridge to Clarence Place where the procession was to be formed, and the marshalling of the various bodies and bands of music, presented a very animated spectacle. The procession led by the Newport Mounted Police included seven bands; Representatives of the Trades with their emblems; The Good Templars; The Ancient Shepherds; The Foresters; The Oddfellows; The Body of Shipbrokers and Merchants' Employees; all being in full regalia. The Army was represented by the 7th Monmouthshire Rifle Volunteers and bringing up the rear, the Mayor, supported by Members and Officers of the Town Council followed by the inhabitants of the town. As the procession wended it way over the Newport Bridge to the Alexander Dock via High Street, Commercial Street, Commercial Road and Mill Parade, the cheering of the many thousands lining the route almost drowned the music of the bands. It was the scene of rejoicing and animation such as the population of the Borough has never before witnessed. On arrival at the docks and after due ceremonial and a speech by his Worship the Mayor, in the course of which he referred to the illness of Lord Tredegar and that Lady Tredegar, who had been due to open the new dock on his behalf was detained by this Lordship's relapse and was unable to attend. Mrs. Evans the wife of the Mayor, was then asked to officiate in her Ladyship's absence. At twenty minutes past eleven Mrs. Evans with a slight pressure of the hydraulic lever opened the gates of the inner lock, amid loud cheers from many thousands of throats, salutes of cannon, and "Rule Britannia" from the bands, the gates opened with great ease and the George Elliot passed into the magnificent dock, evoking the greatest display of enthusiasm as she glided across the broad sheet of water. After all due ceremonies had been carried out the procession reformed and walked back to the town, dispersing at the Victoria Hall. A dejeuner took place at the Victoria Hall which had been prettily decorated for the occasion. Messrs Ewing & Son catered elegantly and as far as the edibles, wines, and table decorations were concerned, everything was conducted in the most creditable and satisfactory manner. While the meal was in progress the Mayor sent a telegram to this Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, informing him that the Alexandra Dock named after Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Wales, had been successfully opened in the presence of forty thousand people. Within the hour a reply was received from His Royal Highness thanking the Mayor for his message and congratulating the citizens of Newport on their new dock, and wishing them prosperity in the future.
This annual fair was held in the Cattle Market on Thursday last. There was a very fair collection of animals, although nothing compared to former years, when this fair enjoyed a very wide reputation. Business in some departments was dull, a large number of cows and calves failing to find purchasers. There was also little demand for sheep. Horses were fairly well represented, and some useful animals fetched good prices. Mr. Pennor, Auctioneer had a sale of horses etc. which attracted spirited competition.
Charles Morgan Robinson Morgan the first Baron Tredegar of Tredegar Park Newport, Monmouthshire died on Friday April 16th having attained his 83rd year.
On Sunday morning the dead body of an elderly man named William Morgan was found on a lime kiln at Liswerry. It appears that the old man was at one time well known in the neighbourhood but had not recently lived there. He came back, "on tramp" and went to sleep on the kiln, in order to be warm, and must have been suffocated by the exhalation of the limestone. It would seem from a letter found upon him, that his object was to reach Scotland. The inquest was held at the King of Prussia, when a verdict of "found dead" was returned.
An inquest was opened by Mr. Brewer, Coroner, at the Queen's Hotel, on Wednesday night on the body of Thomas Turner, aged 43, police constable in the Newport Borough Police Force. He leaves a wife and seven children. P.C. George Richard Jones, a police constable, was the first witness. He said that on Friday night last he and P.C. Turner were on patrol together in Portland Street until about a quarter past eight. They then proceeded on the right hand side of the ballast road, going towards the Royal George. Everything was quiet at the time in the street. As they came opposite Mr. Kerslake's mill they saw a mob coming around the corner into Portland Street from Castle Street to meet them. P.C. Turner said to let them go by, but the mob turned opposite Portland Street Chapel, and charged them with stones they had in their hands. They did so without provocation; nothing had been said to them. The stones were so numerous it was impossible to escape them. The crowd had a tar barrel dragging it along, witness received a blow on the side of the neck from a stone and one on the shoulder. The blows came one after the other and knocked him down, just opposite Mr. Daniel Homer's shop. Witness got up and found his brother officer (Turner) lying about a yard off. Witness went to him together with William Morgan, who lived opposite, and they raised Turner up. They found he could not stand and he complained of pains in his back and his one eye seemed to be damaged. Someone came with an armchair and they took him in this to the station at Temple Street. On the way Turner said, "Jones, take hold of my leg," and witness did so as he believed the leg to be broken for blood was running on to his fingers under Turner's leggings. At the station the deceased was left in charge of Sergeant Wilcox who called a doctor and Turner was taken to the Infirmary. Dr. Turner, house-surgeon at the Newport Infirmary, gave evidence that at 10 o'clock on November the 5th deceased was admitted with a had fracture of the leg and other abrasions. The bleeding in the leg was immediately stopped and the leg was set and every means taken to subdue the inflammation. Notwithstanding, on Sunday morning mortification set in. After due consultation of all the medical officers, they were agreed that nothing further could be done. The deceased died on Monday afternoon, at a quarter to two, the cause of death being shock from the injury and mortification. The Coroner then addressed the jury, who retired and after about fifty minutes of deliberation, returned the following verdict. "That the death of Thomas Turner was caused by a compound fracture of his right leg, on the night of November the 5th, but there is no satisfactory evidence to show how the fracture was caused; and the jury beg to recommend the Watch Committee to take steps to prevent any more Licenses being granted for the sale of fireworks, as they are of the opinion that such a course would be the first step to putting down the disgraceful scenes witnessed on the 5th of November."
The funeral of P.C. Turner, who received injuries on the 5th of November,
was on Friday afternoon, and the event naturally elicited considerable
sympathetic interest in the town. As many of the police as could be spared
from duty attended. We are glad to see that a subscription list has been
opened for the benefit of the widow of the deceased, and the seven children,
and no doubt people will readily and generously respond to the charitable
appeal made to them. [ Back ] |
||
|
|
||
|
'Newport
First Stop' - 100 Years of News Stories Newport
Past |
||