By Isle of Wight Observer
This letter to the Isle of Wight Observer published on 14th May, 1853 records James Observer, Jun’s outrage at even the “most respectable” Ryde residents “having a little go” with the dice box. He was clearly hoping for a “dealth-blow” to the practice – he was clearly not a man for half‑measures!
To the Editor of the Isle of Wight Observer.
Sir, – I am glad to see that at last some check is likely to be given to the gambling system of raffles, which has too long disgraced our town, and, in more than one instance, caused the greatest nocturnal uproar in our streets.
One is only surprised that the Trade Protection Society has been so long napping, perhaps it had no objection to “a little go,” and in accordance with the liberal fashion of the age was willing to give all classes a long tether, and now, having seen the most respectable as well as the humblest fall into the snare and rattle the dice-box to their hearts’ content, at the eleventh hour come to the rescue. Well, we can but rejoice that this evil is likely to receive its death-blow, and that the Trade Protection Society is disposed to stop this gambling, which should never have been encouraged.
I remain, sir, your obedient servant,
JAMES OBSERVER, JUN.
Ryde, May 10, 1853.