Newspaper Transcripts
Some Selected Reports from The Windsor and Eton Express
8th April 1837
Eton Cucumber Show
On Tuesday week the Eton cucumber show was held at the Three Tuns. The fruit was generally better than could have been expected from the present backwardness of the season, but the winning prize was very fine. The following is a list of prizes :- 1st Mr.Arnold, Salt-hill, 2nd Mr.Humber, Southall; 3rd Mr.Weedon, Hillingdon; 4th Mr Aldridge, Kew. So excellent was Mr.Arnold's fruit that Mr.Botham, whose gardener Mr.Arnold is, presented it to the King, who expressed much admiration at it, and it was served up at his Majesty's table on the same day. After the show a rather numerous party sat down to an excellent dinner, provided by Mrs.Wansell, of the Three Tuns.
Staines, April 7.
Literary and Scientific Institution
On Tuesday last, the Rev.Mr.Craig delivered his concluding lecture upon "Light." His thesis was "the phenomena of colour." The lecture was got up with much skill, and enlivened by very beautiful experiments. We had intended to give a syllabus of the whole course, but we forbear - in the hope that Mr.Craig may be induced to publish his four lectures, and thus himself afford, to those versed in the subject, an opportunity of investigating the theory he advocates. We rejoice to see the clergy of the Church of England coming forward with so much zeal and ability to spread literature and science, nor can we see why their pursuit or promulgation should be deemed inconsistant with the ministerial character. The education and location of the clergy eminently fit them for the enlightened task. We have yet to learn that Crabbe was less the parish priest because he devoted to poetry his leisure hours - or that Kirby became indifferent to the great truths of Revelations, or remiss in his pastoral charge, inasmuch as he traced the proofs of Divine wisdom in the wonders of the insect world. The same energy and philanthropy which qualify a man for general usefulness, seldom desert him in the narrower range of local duty.
After Mr.Craig's lecture, the secretary announced various donations of books to the Institution.
Chertsey, April 7.
It is now confidently expected that this town will shortly emerge from its state of darkness, and following the example of its neighbours, Staines, Egham, &c., be lighted with gas, which will doubtless prove a real benefit to the inhabitants, as well as an ornament to the town.
We understand that a dividend of 10s in the pound will be paid before the expiration of this month, to the creditors of the late Henry Willatt, Esq., of this town, banker.
Coroner's Inquest
An Inquest was held at the Black Horse, Newham, on Wednesday last, before H.Woods, Esq., and a respectable Jury, on the body of Charles Woods, who died suddenly whilst at plough in a field; some doubt had arisen as to whether one of the horses had not kicked the deceased, and thereby caused the accident, but from the evidence, it appeared he had been unwell all the morning previous to his death; the Jury therefore returned a verdict of "Died by the visitation of God."
Petty Sessions
The appointment of Overseers for the parish of Chertsey, for the ensuing year, took place on Wednesday last, when the following were selected - Messrs. Jekyll, Collins, Chappell, and Deller.
At Walton-upon-Thames, Mrs. Sarah Collard, who, living without a servant, was found dead in her room of Saturday the 25th March; she was supposed to have died on the previous Tuesday. A Coroner's inquest was held the same day. Verdict, "Apoplexy."
A meeting was held yesterday at the Bear Inn, Esher, Sir Henry Fletcher, Bart., in the chair, to appoint a surveyor for the upper district of the Portsmouth road, in the place of Mr.Baker, who receives a gratuity of 100 guineas and retires. There were a great number of candidates from all parts, in consequence of advertisements in the public papers, Mr.Kingsford, bailiff to John Spicer, Esq., a large corn and coal merchant, was elected by a small majority.
High Wycombe, April 7.
We regret to announce the death of Joseph Heath, Esq., who, since the formation of this Union, was one of the Guardians of West Wycombe, and Vice-Chairman of the Board; he died on Saturday last, on his 60th year, deeply regretted and respected by all who knew him.
James George Tatem, Esq., was this day unanimously re-elected Chairman, and James Grace, Esq., Vice-Chairman, of this Union, for the ensuing year.
At a Council, on Wednesday, Mr.Thomas Skull was appointed to the office of Town Crier, vacant by the death of his late father.