Isle of Wight Observer December 27, 1890
A Block in the High Street
On Tuesday morning a large waggon, laden with a quantity of straw, was passing through the High-street, and, when near the Catholic Church, the driver had to draw on one side to make room for a passing carriage. In so doing the straw came in contact with an iron rod at Mr Chick’s shop, used for suspending boots upon, and broke it away from the wall, carrying a portion of the wood work with it, and scattering the boots in all directions. Had not Mr Chick been very prompt in putting up his shutters his window would have been broken. It is a mistake to bring heavy loads of such an unwieldy substance as straw through a narrow and crowded street like High-street.
John J Chick appears in the 1891 census as a Boot and Shoe Merchant, 138 High Street, Ryde.
A RUMOUR – It is rumoured that the York Hotel and Weeks’ Boarding House have been purchased by a company who are about to convert them into a gigantic hydropathic establishment, with baths of all kinds. It is also rumoured that the promoter are in treaty with the owners of Messrs Wallis, Riddett and Down’s old auction room, which will be attached to the other premises, so that there will be two entrances – one in Melville-street and the other in George-street. There is a great need for an establishment of this kind. Last year there was some talk of taking several of the houses in Pier-street, and erecting large swimming, sea water and other baths there, but the scheme was quite a local one, and the capital did not flow in very well, but this later scheme is said to be floating in London, and we wish it every success.
Mr R E Macnaughten has obtained a patent (provisional protection) for “an adjustable support, or supports to the back, applicable to all canvas or hammock chairs”. Mr Macnaughten has also registered a chair adapted to this idea. It is called “The Varsity Chair”, and is made by Messrs Matthews, furniture factors, Gloucester. They may be ordered of Mr Jupe, Union-street, Ryde. They are comfortable to a degree.
