named Carpenter, were completely wrecked. The boatmen and fishermen were totally unprepared for so high a neap tide, even under the influence of a gale, but if they had known what has been so often pointed out in Brett’s Gazette, that the moon at or near its perigee always raises the tidal wave, and if accompanied by a storm, adds to the dangerous flow of the sea, they would have seen the necessity for pre-cautionary measures. Also if a perigeal new or full moon happen – especially in the winter months – with the moon in her northern declination, the imminence of storm and wreckage or inundation is still further increased. On this occasion “storms” for that particular day were forecasted, the astronomical conditions for which were the moon approaching her perigee, whilst the planet Mercury was in his so-called stationary position and in parallel declination with the Sun.
Reward for Heroism. As an incident in connection with the sea, it is here stated that Mr. John Betts, who had rescued no fewer than ten persons from drowing(sic), during the previous seven years, was the recipient of the Royal Humane Society’s silver medal, together with a resolution inscribed on vellum.
Thomas Bannister, better known as “Blind Tom”, was found dead in bed on Saturday, Feb. 4th, he having, according to evidence, at the inquest, died while sleeping. He was 73 years of age, and for many years he was acustomed(sic) to find his way about town by beating a stout stick against the pathway kerbs, and if interrupted he was likely to use his stick for curbing as well as for kerbing. He fancied that under his skin there were insects of some kind, and he would be seen going twice or thrice a week to Mr Stubbs, a chemist, in George street, for a lotion in wine bottles to counteract evil consequences of the supposed insects. The lotion, probably, was only water. The old man was otherwise eccentric and as I knew both him and his relatives, I could tell some amusing anecdotes; but their want of refinement forbids.
Mr. Henry Went Tree, aged 35 years, died on the 11th of February. He was in partnership with his father as an extensive builder, and was himself the father of the present ex-Mayor B. H. Went Tree. He was also at the time of his death a representative of the West ward in the Town Council. The interment of his remains in the family vault at the St. Mary’s cemetery, took place on the 17th of February, and was attended by the Mayor, Aldermen Scrivens, Ticehurst, Clement and Rook, and Councillors Ginner, Alfred -
