ARDROSSAN HARBOUR COMPANY
The ordinary general meeting of the Ardrossan Harbour Company was held yesterday afternoon (6 January 1889) in the chambers of Messrs Keydess, Strang and Girvan, West George Street, Glasgow, the honourable G R Vernon in the chair. The directors reported that for the half-year ending 30 November last, the new revenue account showed a balance of £2413 9s 10d available for dividend. It was proposed to pay a dividend on the preference shares of 4.5 per cent and 1 per cent on the ordinary shares, carrying forward £152 4s 1d to the next account. A temporary connection with the Lanarkshire and Ayrshire Railway to the old dock had now been competed and traffic might be carried on it till the new dock was opened. The directors were making every effort to push on the work of the new dock and Montgomerie Pier with the hope of having the pier completed early next summer. The report was adopted.
            Glasgow Herald, 7 January 1889

CONTRACT FOR ARDROSSAN NEW CONSTABULARY STATION
We have very great pleasure in reporting today that our indefatigable contractor, Bailie Thomas Glen, builder, Saltcoats has been successful in obtaining the important contract of the whole works in connection with the erection of the new constabulary station (shown below in 2003) on that vacant site so conveniently and centrally situated to the south of the Bank of Scotland. The bailie has, like a worthy citizen, divided the work among local tradesmen as follows: joiner work - Mr A Dunlop, Ardrossan; slater, plumber and gasfitter work - Messrs J Hogarth, Ardrossan; plasterwork Mr Robert Boyd, Saltcoats. We have further pleasure in stating that Bailie Glen has secured the whole contract to erect stables and dwelling houses for the Caledonian Railway Company at the head of Glasgow Street, Ardrossan and also the services of the above tradesman for the several works. This should keep these local employers busy for several months to come.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 18 January 1889

EARLY NESTING
As indicative of the mildness of this winter, it is worth noting that there has been discovered a blackbird's nest with eggs in it.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 25 January 1889

MERCHANTS' ASSEMBLY
Last night, the merchants of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston held their annual ball in the Assembly Hall, Ardrossan (shown below as the Winton Rovers' Club in 1974). There were about fifty couples present, the music being supplied by Mr Leckie's Quadrille Band which gave every satisfaction. The assembly was a great success.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 25 January 1889

THE MONTGOMERIE STREET OF THE FUTURE
In anticipation of the opening of the new docks and the expected increase of tourists en route for Arran and Ireland, it is said that negotions have been closed for the conversion of a dwelling house in Montgomerie Street (shown below in 2003) into a Temperance Hotel.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 February 1889

G TROOP AYRSHIRE YEOMANRY CAVALRY BALL
This assembly was held in Ardrossan last night (17 February 1889). The room was tastefully decorated, a crown and various devices composed of side-arms, sword, bayonets et cetera adorning the wall behind the platform and the side wall, a mirror and other devices formed of side-arms and vari-coloured cloths giving the lower end of the hall a rich appearance. About seventy couples were present.
            Glasgow Herald, 18 February 1889

MASONIC SUPPER AND BALL
Last Friday night (23 February 1889), a most successful supper and ball was held under the auspices of Saltcoats and Ardrossan Saint John's Royal Arch Lodge number 320 in Mr Clark's Railway Hotel Hall, Ardrossan. Upwards of sixty ladies and gentlemen sat down to an excellent supper, purveyed in Mr Clark's usual good style. Mr Charles Murchie, Right Worshipful Master of the Lodge, occupied the chair. Visiting brethren were present from Glasgow, Rothesay, West Kilbride and Stevenston. A number of toasts were given, namely The Queen and The Craft by the Chairman; Town and Trade of Ardrossan - Mr McNeish, Glasgow replied to by Commissioner Barrie; Visiting Brethren and Strangers - Mr H Wallace replied to by Mr Stirling, Seamill; The Ladies - Mr Campbell, Rothesay replied to by Commissioner Barrie; Saint John's Lodge number 320 and Office Bearers - Mr McLeish, Glasgow replied to by the Chairman; The Croupiers - Reverend F Halden, replied to by Mr Begg and The Chairman - Mr Mackie replied to by the Chairman. During the evening, a number of songs were sung and a most sumptuous supper was brought to a close by the singing of Auld Lang Syne. An assembly followed, the music being supplied by Mr Leckie's Band. About thirty couples took part in the dance.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 1 March 1889

FAREWELL PRESENTATION
Last night (25 April 1889), Mr Peter Hare, for many years shipman to Mr Robert Hogarth, on the occasion of his leaving Ardrossan for Kilmarnock was met in Mr Leckie's Restaurant when he was presented with a handsome pipe, tobacco pouch and knife and a couple of hours were well spent with song and entertainment.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 26 April 1889

BAND MUSIC FOR ARDROSSAN TOWNSFOLK AND VISITORS
Last night (27 June 1889), the band of the steamer Scotia, under Signor Masino and assisted by Messrs Boyd and Leckie junior, discoursed a good selection of music on the Castle Hill (shown below in 2006). The change was a decided improvement and attracted a large number of visitors. Through the kindness of a member of the Town Council, they were, on this occasion, provided with a suitable platform. The band will be on the Hill on Tuesday when we anticipate an increased attendance through the arrival of July visitors.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 28 June 1889

WHO STOLE THE GRAPES?
This week we have another interrogative to ask our readers. There is evidently a party in the district who has an eye to other people's luxuries - first, beer then valuables, now grapes - so that those who are the happy possessors of such should beware. On Monday night or Tuesday morning (23 or 24 September 1889), two persons at least climbed the wall which surrounds the beautiful and well-kept gardens of Kilmeny (shown below as the Hotel Kilmeny in the 1970s) and stole a quantity of fruit. After failing to find anything in the adjoining garden, they had, from footprints discovered on either side of the wall, hied to Kilmeny. Of course, they were too late for wall fruit but, by some means, entered the 'third stage' vinery which was locked and neatly cleared away some three or four dozen bundles of black Hamburgs that were fast ripening for winter use. It is a pity but the perpetrators of such a series of thefts should be brought to justice.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 27 September 1889