intended to reproduce] recounting the terrible weather and other hardships at the seat of war; and, notwithstanding that at that period the privations of the fishermen and beach labourers were unusually great, they preferred to bear the ills they had than fly to those they knew not of.
The Fall of Sebastopol To the foregoing disinclination to volunteer for fighting purposes was the welcome news that Sebastopol had fallen. On Saturday night, October 30th, reports reached the borough that a great victory had been achieved by the allied armies, and on Sunday morning similar announcements came to hand. On Monday morning a telegram was received confirming the good news, and the church bells were immediately rung. The small cannons belonging to the town were taken to the parade and 61 rounds were fired therefrom. The exultation was general, yet the joy was mingled with regret for the thousands who had been slain, and for the distress of those who had been made widows and orphans. Unfortunately the news was too good to be true. Sebastopol withstood the siege for eleven months after.
A Daring Feat. On two or three days in the month of March, a man named Irvine, performed the dangerous feat of ascending and descending a rope stretched from the “Look Out” on the East cliff to the beach below, his only means of safeguard being a balancing pole. Irvine was thus in advance of Blondin - in time, at least.
Boat Building. At the same time and from the same district under the East Cliff, three gracefully built 4-oared rowing boats were sent off to Brighton by the veteran and skilful boat-builder, Mr. George Tutt.
Removal of Baths. So altered in appearance and so great was the improvement effected by the removal of the “Old Warm Baths” from the parade, and the widening of the pavement from George street to the east end of Castle street that it could only be realised by those who were acustommed(sic) to the previous appearance of that district. Equally great was the improvement of the Tackleway and path leading to the summit of the East hill.
Lacking Comfort. The Hastings and St. Leonards News, of March 10th, while complaining of the smothering clouds of dust in the district under the Local Board of Health between Hastings and the St. Leonards Archway, complimented the St. Leonards Commissioners on their better management in that particular.
The Infirmary. In the so-called dusty district was situated the Infirmary, a reminder that on the 19th of October, Dr. Greenhill was elected one of the physicians to that institution in the room of the late Dr Harwood, a greatly respected physician, of St. Leonards.
Protestantism. On this subject, Dr. Cummings addressed two meetings, at the Market Hall on the last day of February.
The Gas Bill of the Hastings and St. Leonards Gas Company, passed its third reading on the thirteenth of March.
The Chalibeate Water in Mr. F. North’s ground, offered by that gentleman to the public, was partaken of by visitors and others who professed to have been benefited(sic) thereby.
