O'Reilly, PeterVancouver Island Local History Society2025-03-092025-03-091893https://hdl.handle.net/1828/22258Transcription of the diary of Peter O'Reilly for the year 1893. The original document is housed at the Royal British Columbia Museum & Archives, O’Reilly Family Fonds (MS-2894), Microfilm Reel A01910, Box 3, File 3.DIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Frank O’Reilly is offered survey work at Crows Nest Pass, but declines the offer – Peter O’Reilly’s leg continues to be “troublesome” and treatment shifts to Dr Oswald Jones – Jack O’Reilly prepares for April pre-law exam - Lieutenant Governor Edgar Dewdney opens the new legislative session. FEBRUARY Two and one-half feet of snow at Point Ellice, water taps in the house frozen – Lady Macdonald visits, invites Kathleen “Kit” O’Reilly to stay with her at her hotel - Peter returns to the office after three weeks resting his leg – Albion Iron Works’ affairs “very unsatisfactory”. MARCH Thomas R Smith appointed auditor of Albion Iron Works – Frank O’Reilly elected member of Union Club – Rev Jenns returns from England – William Perrin consecrated as Bishop of British Columbia at Westminster Abbey. APRIL Willy Ward marries Maud Davie – Robert Jackson & wife arrive from England – departure of Lady Macdonald - Jack O’Reilly takes his exam – repair of boathouse begins – visits to HMS Garnet, Champion, and Nymphe in Esquimalt Harbour. MAY Boiler in house repaired - repairs to the boathouse and steps completed – Bishop Perrin arrives in Victoria – Peter O’Reilly attends meetings of the B C Corporation and Synod. JUNE Jack O’Reilly starts his five-year apprenticeship with the law firm of Drake, Jackson, and Helmcken - Jacksons leave for England – Matthew Begbie holds his first tennis party of the season – HMS Royal Arthur arrives from England – news of the collision between the HMS Victoria and HMS Camperdown in the Mediterranean and the loss of life - naval officers from the Royal Arthur and Champion call at Point Ellice – foundation stone of the Protestant Orphans Home laid – Peter sells the Fairfield hay crop. JULY Hay at Fairfield harvested – tennis parties, cricket match, dances, visits by the naval officers characterize the summer activities – Peter meets with Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs Thomas Daly at Government House – Daly and O’Reilly “inspect” the William Head Quarantine Station – Peter reviews reserve land exchange involving Thomas Ellis. AUGUST The Indian Reserve Commission works in the Similkameen and Keremeos areas - Sir Matthew Begbie seriously ill, two doctors consulted and perform an operation on his liver – Peter attends a tennis tournament and frequently visits his friend Begbie – grave of Frederick Seymour at the Naval Cemetery in Esquimalt repaired and improved. SEPTEMBER The IRC returns to the Skeena River area, defines reserves for Kitselas and Kitwanga Indians – return to Victoria and stopping at canneries on the way to take in cases of salmon – digging the field potatoes begins. OCTOBER Peter and Carry suffer from bad colds - “A crowd of Naval Officers called” – Jack goes hunting with Lieutenant Lywood – Peter visits the HMS Melpomene – one ton of oats delivered. NOVEMBER Carry, Kit, Frank, & Jack attend Jubilee Hospital Ball – death of Joseph Despard Pemberton, Peter is a pall bearer at the funeral – Peter and daughter Kit attend two paper hunts – Peter attends two B C Corporation meetings – Ashdown Green and wife “dangerously” ill. DECEMBER The Greens still recovering from their illness – Sir Matthew Begbie “a very sick man” - Georgie Ellis and children visit – naval officers call at Point Ellice – Kit decorates St John’s and St Saviour’s Churches – holly sent to friends.enPeter O'ReillyBritish ColumbiaVictoria (B.C.)Point Ellice House (Victoria, B.C.)civil servicehistory19th centuryOther