1861.
Jan. 2nd.—The poor rate assessment had been raised some £14,000, and a 1s. 2d. rate thereon made.
Mr. F. Ferrier (Deputy Coroner) had held an inquest on the body of Thomas Algar, the clown who had expired at the Theatre immediately after the performance on the previous Friday. The deceased was 34 years of age, and left a widow and one child. The verdict was that deceased died from “natural causes”; Mr. C. C. Aldred (the Surgeon) and the Jury gave their fees to the family.
Jan. 5th.—The Revenue cutter, in attempting to run for the harbour, had fouled the pier and was sunk.
Jan. 12th.—“The strong frost had literally stopped the river traffic.”
It had been decided to give £124 worth of coal to the poor.
Jan. 19th.—A public meeting had been held to raise funds for that purpose. The Mayor presided, and the following gentlemen took part in the proceedings:—Mr. W. Worship, the Rev. B. Vaux, Mr. R. Steward, Mr. C. C. Aldred, Mr. R. Hammond, Mr. T. Brightwen, Mr. C. Cory, Mr. L. Blake, and Mr. E. H. L. Preston. Sir E. Lacon sent a cheque for £50, and £350 was subscribed in the room.
Jan. 26th.—Dr. Stephenson had been appointed Surgeon for the South District.
The “Racehorse” (belonging to George Danby-Palmer, Esq.), had been abandoned near Cape Horn. There had been a mutiny on board her, and a naval Court was inquiring into the affair at Calloa.
Jan. 30th.—The Guardians were calling attention to the “Compulsory Vaccination Act.”