NON-FOOTBALL
STORIES 1898
While looking through old documents, it is almost inevitable that the reader's
attention will be drawn from the intended target to other articles. The reports
below were found in old Ardrossan and Saltcoats Heralds. Although they have
no football content, they may be of interest.
ROSE IN BLOOM IN JANUARY
There is said to be a rose in bloom in Ardrossan Cemetery just now.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 7 January 1898
ARDROSSAN AMBULANCE CORPS
REWARDS
The members of the Ardrossan Ambulance Corps come up for their rewards tonight.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 7 January 1898
NEW YEAR SPIRIT IN ARDROSSAN
Ardrossan badly wants to be taught how to do something in the spirit - non-intoxicating
- of the new year time.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 7 January 1898
ARDROSSAN YEARLY FRIENDLY
SOCIETY
The members of this society brought their business to a close on Hogmany. The
income for the year amounted to £73 13s 0d, expenditure £34 8s 2d,
balance £39 5s 10d. 111 members' dividends at 7s paid out £38 17s
0d leaving a balance on hand of 7s 10d. As will be seen from an advertisement
on the front page, the enrolment of the new members takes place tomorrow, Saturday
evening (8 January 1898) in the Good Templar's Hall (shown below as the Gospel
Hall in 2002).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 7 January 1898
PIGEON SHOOTING MATCH IN ARDROSSAN
A pigeon shooting match took place on a field on Montfod Farm (shown below as
Montfode Farm in 2003) on Monday (3 January 1898). Under first class conditions,
shooting was good. Nineteen competitions took part. Mr James Colthart, Eglinton,
Kilwinning was referee. The winners were one - Richmond, Seamill, £2 and
a silver badge; two - Findlay, Sharphill, £1; three - Black Rock, West
Kilbride, 10s.
Captain John Kerr as President and Mr John Brown as secretary gave every satisfaction
to those engaged.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 7 January 1898
GETTING OVER THE NEW YEAR
Some of the Ardrossan Harbour men take a long time to get over the new year.
There was a bad fall on the rails yesterday morning (13 January 1898) in consequence.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 14 January 1898
NEW BROOMS SWEEP PARISH COUNCIL
BUSINESS
There's an old saw about new brooms. A new chairman and a new clerk swept the
business of Ardrossan Parish Council off the table in an hour on Tuesday night
(11 January 1898).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 14 January 1898
HOSPITAL APPOINTMENTS
Mr and Mrs John Scott, caretaker and nurse at Dalkeith Hospital, have been appointed
to the same position at Ardrossan and Saltcoats Joint Hospital.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 14 January 1898
DEATH OF FORMER ARDROSSAN
MINISTER
Friends in Ardrossan have this week learned, with regret, of the death of the
Reverend J M Cowan, for some time minister of Ardrossan Independent Church.
Mr Cowan's was a loving personality and the influence he exercised was off the
best.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 14 January 1898
GOLD WATCH FOR POOR INSPECTOR
The handsome gold watch presented to Mr Archibald Ritchie, the recently appointed
Inspector of Poor for Ardrossan Parish, was handed round on Tuesday night (11
January 1898) amid the wealth of complacency only possible to men beholding
strong evidence of the wisdom they showed in making a difficult choice.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 14 January 1898
IRISH WIT AND HUMOUR
A lecture on the subject is announced to be delivered on Friday evening next
(21 January 1898) by Father Charles O'Malley of Old Cumnock. This lecture is
one which Reverend Charles O'Malley has had to repeatedly to deliver in his
own neighbourhood. In many of the large English towns and cities, as well as
in many of the great centres in our own country, it has been listened to by
thousands of delighted hearers. From to the first to the last word, there is
not a dull sentence in it. Father O'Malley does not belong to the weeping school
of philosopher and the man or woman who does not enjoy his Irish Wit And Humour,
is in a bad way. In addition to lecturing, Father O'Malley will sing several
typical Irish songs, his programme, including some favourites as Father O'Flynn,
Terence's Farewell and Molly Bawn. We anticipate that the accommodation of the
Town Hall will be taxed to its utmost.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 14 January 1898
IRISH WIT AND HUMOUR
-.jpg)
We
have pleasure in reproducing a likeness of the much esteemed and popular clergyman
who ministers to an attached flock in Cumnock and district. Father O'Malley
(shown right) has troops of friends among all denominations due to the kindliness
of his disposition and his readiness to assist in every good work. Tonight,
Friday (21 January 1898), he delivers his well-known lecture on Irish Wit And
Humour before an Ardrossan audience.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 January 1898
ARDROSSAN SNOWFLAKE MINSTRELS
DANCE
Friday 4 March has been fixed as the date of the Ardrossan Snowflake Minstrels'
dance. Members will be allowed to attend in Minstrel costume with face and hands
en suite by paying extra.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 January 1898
BURNS
CLUB STARTING IN ARDROSSAN?
There are whisperings of a Burns Club - the genuine article - being made up
of members who recognise that Burns was a poet as well as anti-teetotaller,
being started in Ardrossan.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 January 1898
There were references to Ardrossan Burns Club and
Burns Suppers in the Heralds of 27 January 1877,
5
January 1878, 2 February 1878, 4
February 1882, 10 February 1893,
31 January 1896 and
15
February 1901.
AMBULANCE BRONGHAM ORDERED
It may gratify prospective hospital patients to know that an order has been
given by the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Joint Committee to Mr William Holmes, carriage
builder, Irvine to construct an ambulance brougham with all the latest improvements
at a cost of £90.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 January 1898
A brougham, pronounced "broom", was a light,
four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage.
ARDROSSAN BROTHERS TO BUILD
MANSE IN LAMLASH
Smith Brothers, Ardrossan, have secured the contract for building the Free Kirk
Manse at Lamlash.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 28 January 1898
ARDROSSAN CYCLE CLUB BALL
This function, which it is intended shall be annual, came off in the Drill Hall,
Ardrossan on Friday evening (21 February 1898). The hall was nicely decorated
for the occasion, the work having been tastefully carried out by Messrs Baird
and Stirratt. The company was an ideal one in some respects, social barriers
having been discreetly left outside and mirth and music flowing unconfined in
the Free Masonry of the wheel. Sergeant-Major Ferries of the local Volunteer
artillery acted as master of ceremonies.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 28 January 1898
POPULAR PLEASANT SATURDAY
EVENINGS
Pleasant Saturday Evenings in Ardrossan are proving highly popular.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 February 1898
ARDROSSAN RAILWAY DANCE
The Ardrossan section of the Glasgow and South-Western Railway Company hold
their annual reunion on Friday 25 February.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 February 1898
THE COTTER'S SATURDAY LECTURE
The Reverend W S Todd, Glasgow, delivered his lecture in The Cotter's Saturday
in Ardrossan Evangelical Union Church (shown in 1974 at the left of the photograph
below) last Friday (28 January 1898).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 February 1898
ARDROSSAN SNOWFLAKE MINSTRELS
IN IRVINE
Ardrossan Snowflake Minstrels went to Irvine on Friday evening last (28 January
1898) and came back only moderately impressed by the sense of humour enjoyed
in the ancient and royal burgh.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 February 1898
LET THE CASTLE HILL TREES
GROW
The planting of trees proceeds briskly on the Castle Hill, Ardrossan (shown
below around the 1930s). It is to be hoped that the small boy will restrain
his destructive instincts when in the locality and that the trees may have an
opportunity to grow. Between wind and boys, trees have a poor time in Ardrossan.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 February 1898
ARDROSSAN FLORISTS
Ardrossan Florists have this year an opportunity to compete for one of one hundred
and ten silver gilt medals offered by Messrs Dobbie and Company, Rothesay. These
medals are distributed to stimulate interest in the various flower shows throughout
the country.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 February 1898
NEW CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
AND HALL
The proposed new church and halls bulked largely in the speeches at Ardrossan
Congregational Church soiree on Monday evening (7 February 1898).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 February 1898
GAS MEETING
Provost Young (shown below) proved a skilful gas manager at the monthly meeting
of Ardrossan Commissioners on Monday evening (14 February 1898). Gas formed
the substance as well as the subject of the discussion but the chairman kept
his eye on the photometer which was not unusually brilliant. It did not once
approach twenty-nine candle power. The gas gave off no offensive odour and there
was no hint of threatened explosion.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 February 1898
IMPROVING ARDROSSAN SHORES
A correspondent write this week suggesting that Ardrossan commissioners might
now find time to consider the improvement of the shores. Referring to the Castle
Hill improvements, he says some of the new members have 'improved their prospect'
and he thinks some of the older members might go and do likewise.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 February 1898
INNOCENT CHILDREN?
Some Ardrossan innocents, at an age too tender to bear the weight of the law,
have amused themselves of late turning off the gas supply in connection with
one of the hotels. The gas meter is just inside the outer door and the little
chaps had excellent sport till it was found expedient to tighten the cock to
a degree that was beyond their strength.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 February 1898
CLUTHA VILLA SOLD
Clutha Villa, Montgomerie Street, Ardrossan, was exposed for sale on Saturday
25 February in the Town Hall (shown below in the early 1890s and early 1910s
and as the Masonic Hall in 2003). The upset price was £650 and, after
some spirited competition, the property was knocked down to a local gentleman
for £675. Mr James Campbell, Saltcoats was agent and Mr Bennett, auctioneer.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 1898
GRAND
BENEFIT CONCERT IN ARDROSSAN
We beg to call the attention of local readers to the concert to be given in
the Assembly Hall on Monday evening (7 March 1898) in aid of the widow and child
of David Greer, mate of the steamship Ailsa, who was accidentally killed on
board that steamer in December last. Captain Shields, harbour master, will occupy
the chair and the company is one of the best heard in the locality this season.
We heartily bespeak a bumper house.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 1898
The death of David Greer was reported in the Herald of
31 December 1897.
BENEFIT CONCERT FOR DECEASED ARDROSSAN SEAMAN
A concert for the benefit of the widow and family of the late Mr Greer, chief
office of the steamer Ailsa, who was accidentally killed on board that vessel
in Dundalk harbour last December was given in the Assembly Hall on Monday evening
(7 March 1899). The hall was crowded, a large number of ticket-holders being
unable to gain admission. Captain Shields presided and introduced the proceedings.
He might presume, he said, that all present were aware why the concert had been
organised. There was a feeling of sadness associated with it and while he very
much appreciated the honour of presiding, it was with a feeling of sadness that
he occupied the position of chairman on that occasion. He thought, if they would
kindly permit him to say so, that Mr Smith, the gentleman who had organised
the concert and had shown good taste in selecting a chairman of the same profession
as their deceased sailor friend. The sad ending of his career would still be
fresh in their minds and he was sure all there would unite in their warmest
sympathy to his dear wife and family, the proceeds of the concert being for
their benefit.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1898
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report.
The death of David Greer
was reported in the Herald of 31 December 1897.
ARDROSSAN SNOWFLAKE AMATEUR
MINSTRELS
Ardrossan Snowflake Minstrels
and their friends danced on Friday evening (4 March 1898).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1898
FAMOUS ARDROSSAN DANDIE DINMONTS
Ardrossan Dandie Dinmonts are becoming famous. Reminiscent of Scots inimitable
border farmer, as is the name, the Dandie Dinmont is not a collie but a gaucie
looking terrier which somewhat favours the Scotch in appearance. There are two
varieties of Dandies to which are applied the names of such familiar but biting
condiments as Mustard and Pepper. Mr Wilson, joiner, fancies the Mustard variety
and at Crofts great show in London the other day - Crofts is the only rival
which the Crystal Palace acknowledges - a dog of his breeding and rearing carried
off first, second and third prizes. Mr Wilson has a dog which goes to the Manchester
show shortly where we can only hope similar success awaits it.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1898
ARDROSSAN AND SALTCOATS JOINT
HOSPITAL SUGGESTION
The Ardrossan and Saltcoats Joint Hospital question, promising to be always
with us, a suggestion comes this week that the two local authorities should
add to the members on the Joint Committee so as to give a majority over the
members outwith the committee, fix the sum to be spent on the hospital and give
the committee full powers to carry the question to the desired consummation.
There is excellent reason in the proposal. The hospital question has too long
been tossed about on the uncertain waters of petty local prejudices and it is
high time land was in sight. Presently, the committee is scouring the land for
a site. Large committees are always unmanageable but it is thankless work for
a committee to bring up recommendations only to have them thrown out and we
are glad to hear of a disposition to give the Committee full powers once a site
has been secured.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1898
ARDROSSAN RECHABITES
SOCIAL MEETING
The annual social meeting of the Castlehill Tent number 2001 Independent Order
of Rechabites was held in the Templars' Hall on the evening of Friday last (4
March 1898). Reverend J Masterton, Pastor of the Evangelical Union Congregational
Church presided and he was supported by representatives of other Tents in the
district. The appearance of the hall was very much enhanced by a nice display
of house plants kindly lent by Miss Russell, Castlecraigs. There was a nice
gathering of members and a few friends.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1898
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report.
NEW TUG FOR ARDROSSAN HARBOUR
On Tuesday (8 March 1898), there was launched from the shipbuilding yard of
Messrs a Rodger and Company, Port Glasgow a twin steel screw tug steamer for
the Ardrossan Harbour Company. The dimensions are length 105 feet, breadth 21
feet 3 inches, depth 10 feet six inches. The ceremony of naming the steamer
Greville Vernon was gracefully performed by Lady Edith Montgomerie, second daughter
of Lord Eglinton. After a successful launch, the vessel was towed to Glasgow
to be engined by Messrs Ross and Duncan.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1898
ARDROSSAN FREE CHURCH CONVERSAZIONE
We note that on Wednesday (16 March 1898), the Ardrossan Free Church (shown
below as Saint John's Church in 1913) holds its annual conversazione. The Reverend
Charles Lamont is to be among the speakers.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 March 1898
ARDROSSAN COMMISSIONERS WON'T
BUY KILMAHEW HOUSE
It is said that Ardrossan Commissioners won't buy Kilmahew (shown below bottom
left as the disused Burgh Chambers in 1976) after all. Couldn't a new hall be
built on the site of the present one with an extension such as the limits of
the Square admit of?
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 March 1898
ARDROSSAN BOYS FIND AMUSEMENT
How young Ardrossan finds amusement for itself in the absence of much in the
shape of legitimate opportunity was illustrated afresh on Tuesday (15 March
1898) at the entrance to the Eglinton Dock. There is a yacht lying there at
present waiting for the summer. Some half-dozen boys boarded it and having somehow
come by a rope, they proceeded to fasten it under the armpits of one of their
number and sling him over the side. Each boy had his turn of being dropped over
the side and swung on board again and everyone seemed to enjoy it.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 March 1898
ARDROSSAN SEAMEN'S READING
ROOM
At the annual meeting of the committee held recently it was reported by Mr E
J Hill that the Reading Room continues to be appreciated by the men at the harbour.
Parcels of magazines and books are placed, as far as possible, on all ships
prior to their leaving. These are greatly valued. The balance on hand is £9
14s 2d. The Harbour Company were thanked for their use rent-free of the premises
occupied.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 March 1898
MAGAZINES AND TOYS FOR ARDROSSAN AND SALTCOATS HOSPITAL
We have been asked to state that Mr Scott, caretaker of Ardrossan and Saltcoats
Hospital, will be glad to receive or call for parcels of old weekly or monthly
magazines, also parcels of toys for use of patients.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 March 1898
IRVINE'S NEW LIFEBOAT LAUNCHED
AT ARDROSSAN
Irvine's new lifeboat was launched at Ardrossan yesterday morning (24 March
1898).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 March 1898
NEW OFFICIALS IN THE FREE
CHURCH
Ardrossan Free Church sets sail on a new year with practically an entirely a
new staff of officials.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 March 1898
BOYS' BRIGADE TO ATTEND CHURCH
On Sunday afternoon (28 March 1898) , the members of the Ardrossan Company of
the Boys' Brigade attend a service in the Free Church.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 March 1898
ARDROSSAN BOWLERS' ANNUAL
MEETING
Ardrossan bowlers hold their annual meeting tonight (25 March 1898). Secretary
Comrie has this year been at the trouble to append a copy of his report to the
notice of meeting sent to each member. For this, Mr Comrie deserves cordial
thanks.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 March 1898
ARDROSSAN MAN'S ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Mr David Harvey, son of Commissioner Harvey, Ardrossan, has just won such academic
distinction as should prove very gratifying to his friends and stimulating to
other young men who aim at walking through life as lawyers. In the Faculty of
Law examination for special prizes, Mr Harvey carried off second prize. In the
Conveyancing Class at Glasgow University, in a competitions, in which about
sixty students took part, Mr Harvey got third place. He has all along been a
promising student. Mr Harvey served his apprenticeship in the law office of
John Emslie and Guthrie, Ardrossan.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 March 1898
MAGAZINES AND TOYS FOR ARDROSSAN
AND SALTCOATS HOSPITAL
The appeal in our columns for literature for the use of patients in the Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Hospital was responded to from several quarters and Mr Scott returns
thanks.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 April 1898
ARDROSSAN BOWLING CLUB SUBSCRIPTION
REDUCED
The half crown added to the subscription having effected the purpose for which
it was imposed, the membership fee of Ardrossan Bowling Club has again been
reduced to fifteen shillings annually.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 April 1898
TALKS IN ARDROSSAN LIBERAL
ROOMS
Mr Charles J Shearer inaugurates a series of talks on topical questions in Ardrossan
Liberal Rooms tonight, Friday (1 April 1898) taking as his subject the Present
Aspect Of The Home Rule Question.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 April 1898
ARDROSSAN LIBERAL CLUB BILLIARD
TOURNAMENT
The second billiard tournament under the auspices of Ardrossan Liberal Club
was set agoing this week. Messrs Norval and Son have presented a handsome cue
in case and competition for possession of this and others prizes promises to
be keen.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 April 1898
CALEDONIAN RAILWAY STATION
PAINTED
Painters have wrought a much-desired improvement on the face of things about
the Caledonian Railway Station, Ardrossan (shown below in the mid 1910s). Among
the painters there is a distinguished piper. Report hath it that he has one
Ardrossan pupil but as the practices take place in Glasgow, there is not likely
to be any outbuts of public indignation here.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1898
ARDROSSAN TUG GROUNDED
Ardrossan's new tug was taken to Irvine the other day. Coming back over Irvine
bar, it grounded and the new tug wants a new paddle blade. It was an enjoyable
'voyage' barring accidents.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1898
ARDROSSAN BLOOMERS
A man in Ardrossan has been heard to declare that he saw a vision of beauty
in bloomers out South Beach (shown below in the early 1900s) way this week.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 April 1898
HOLIDAYMAKERS IN ARDROSSAN
AND SALTCOATS
Easter holidaymakers were much in evidence at Ardrossan and Saltcoats on Monday
(11 April 1898) but they quite swamped West Kilbride and Largs.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 April 1898
PASTRY BAKING IN ARDROSSAN
Pastry baking, like every other branch of the fine arts, seems to have its devotees
in large numbers. Ardrossan Cooperative start a man who was appointed out of
something like forty-three applicants this week.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 April 1898
ARDROSSAN WOMAN'S ACADEMIC
SUCCESS
Miss J B Imrie, LLA, Springfield, Castle Douglas, was capped MA at Edinburgh
University graduation on Wednesday (13 April 1898). Miss Imrie is granddaughter
of the late Robert Milne, Seton Street, Ardrossan.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 April 1898
ARDROSSAN VILLA SOLD
The self-contained villa at 5 South Crescent, Ardrossan (shown below in the
1950s), has been purchased privately from Mr Robertson by Messrs John Emslie
and Guthrie for a client.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 April 1898
POST OFFICE EMPLOYEE MOVES
FROM ARDROSSAN TO HELENSBURGH
Miss McPhun of the Post Office, Ardrossan has received an appointment to the
Post Office at Helensburgh. Ardrossan Post Office officials are on such happy
terms with the public that the departure of Miss McPhun will be generally and
sincerely regretted.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 April 1898
PRINCES STREET RAILWAY CROSSING
PROBLEMS
Princes Street railway crossing (shown below in 1974) has been of late more
provocative of strong language than a golf course. There is a very general impression
that if the town is to keep pace with modern ideas, the Railway Company will
require to remodel its shunting necessities and not be responsible for the unconscionable
delays at the crossing which their increasing traffic is every day occasioning.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 April 1898
ODOUROUS ARDROSSAN QUARRY
The filling of the old quarry in Eglinton Street, Ardrossan (shown below as
Eglinton Road in the early 1900s) is now nearly completed and the odour arising
from the shore at the point where the quarry drain debouches on the beach is
of a strength, pungency and intensity worthy of anything the quarry ever gave
off in its most objectionable days. The only element of sweetness is the speedy
prospect of removal.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 April 1898
IN MEMORIAM - HUGH FERRIE
WEIR OF KIRKHALL
The death of Mr Hugh Ferrie Weir on Tuesday afternoon (26 April 1898) will take
not a few of the community by surprise and will be learned with regret, not
only by natives at home and abroad, but by a number of correspondents indebted
to him for special information on folklore, local antiquities and old family
history in all of which subjects, he was a specialist. Although confined to
the house for some weeks, it is only within these last two or three weeks, his
case became serious and towards the end of his days he suffered not a little
pain, borne with manly resignation. Laird Weir, the designation by which he
was familiarly known, was perhaps the most striking individuality in the district.
It is doubtful if the community generally knew to the full extent his special
claims to be regarded as such. He was the last male representative of the Weir
family who have occupied Kirkhall, a small estate about a mile north-east from
Ardrossan on the right bank of the Stanley Burn, from 1719.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1898
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report.
ARDROSSAN TUG-OF-WAR TEAM
Ardrossan tug-of-war team start work at West Kilbride tomorrow. The man in the
street ventured to remark the other night that the team should have a few more
practices than are furnished by easy contests like this at West Kilbride. West
Kilbride may be in surprising form.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1898
DANGEROUS WALK BETWEEN ARDROSSAN
AND SALTCOATS
A man who hazarded a walk on the High Road between Ardrossan and Saltcoats on
Monday night (25 April 1898) has since declared his intention of taking to cycling
in self-defence. Walking, he alleges, is now the most dangerous of all forms
of locomotion.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1898
ARDROSSAN SNOWFLAKE MINSTRELS
This excellent troupe of Minstrels will give a concert in the Assembly Hall,
Ardrossan tonight, Friday (29 April 1898). As in all their previous appearances,
the surplus proceeds will go to local charities so that purchasers of tickets
have the conscientious to doing a good action while giving themselves an evening's
enjoyment. The programme contains a number of first-route songs and offers ample
scope for showing off the capabilities of the artistes.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1898
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report.
ARDROSSAN SNOWFLAKE AMATEUR MINSTRELS CONCERT
These witty men gave their last concert for the season in the Assembly Hall,
Ardrossan on Friday evening last (29 April 1898). The programme was a good one,
catchy airs, lively choruses and witty patter abounding. The orchestral accompaniments
were of a very superior class. There was a good attendance and the reception
accorded the several artistes evinced hearty appreciation of their efforts.
The season's public appearances have had an excellent effect.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 May 1898
ARDROSSAN HEADMASTER'S SEMI-JUBILEE
Today (6 May 1898), Mr Comrie, Headmaster, Ardrossan will be felicitated on
attaining his semi-jubilee.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 May 1898
A semi-jubilee is twenty-five years.
ARDROSSAN LODGE NEPTUNE MEETING
The brethren of the late Ardrossan Lodge Neptune Masonic meet together in Mrs
Wylie's tonight (6 May 1898). The Glasgow Male Voice Quadrille will make music
for the company.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 May 1898
ARDROSSAN TUG-OF-WAR TEAM
Ardrossan tug-of-war team acquitted themselves like Trojans at West Kilbride
on Saturday (30 April 1898). There was a very good team opposed to them - there
were four teams altogether - but the way Ardrossan's first man, with the strength
of his four comrades, hauled in the rope made one think of the fabled monster
of Victor Hugo's novel. Only Ardrossan's first man smiled benignly all the time.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 May 1898
ARDROSSAN BOWLING GREEN PROPOSAL
The public meeting in Ardrossan Town Hall (shown below in the early 1890s and
early 1910s and as the Masonic Hall in 2003) on Monday night (2 May 1898) to
consider the new bowling green proposal was representative if not large, a fact,
no doubt, very gratifying to the originators in view of the stormy weather and
of the scope of the proposal. We understand the idea is not exploited by ardent
bowlers wishing to run a club to rival the one already existing in the town.
Indeed, if we mistake not, so far as bowling is concerned, the committee elected
on Monday night would welcome a stage at which the conduct of the new venture
might be given into the hands of the old club. It purports to be purely and
simply, an attempt by householders to improve the locality in which they reside,
a locality, the only one in the town that is growing and if their profession
be genuine - and there is every reason to believe that it is - the movement
should meet with hearty support.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 May 1898
BENEFIT
CONCERT FOR DAVID GREER
We have been furnished with a cash statement of the receipts and expenditure
in connection with the concert held in Ardrossan on 7 March last on behalf of
the widow and child of David Greer. The net balance after meeting all expenses
is £24 and this sum has been handed over to Mrs Greer. For the success
which attended the concert and for the very satisfactory financial results,
much of the credit is due to Mr J Smith of Messrs Russell and Company. It was
to him a labour of love and one which made a very considerable inroad upon his
time. In connection with the above, we are requested by Mrs Greer to convey
her grateful thanks for the kind consideration shown to her in her bereavement.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 13 May 1898
The death of David Greer was reported
in the Herald of 31 December 1897.
NEW ARDROSSAN PUBLIC SCHOOL
The formal sanction of the Education Department having now been obtained to
proceed with the erection of the new school in Ardrossan from plans prepared
by Mr J Armour, junior, Irvine, the following is a list of successful offerers.
John Young, Kilwinning, digger, mason and brickwork; Hugh Thomson, Stevenston,
carpenter and joiner work; J Hogarth and Company, Ardrossan, plumber and gasfitter
work; John Johnstone, Irvine, slater work; Thomas Hall and Sons, Irvine, heating
and David Stobbo, Irvine, plaster and cement work. The accepted estimates amount
to £5230.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 13 May 1898
HOSPITAL APPOINTMENTS
At the annual meeting of the Joint Ardrossan and Saltcoats Hospital Committee,
Mr Hugh Thomson was appointed chairman and Dr Wilson, Ardrossan, medical officer.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 20 May 1898
ARDROSSAN VOLUNTEERS PARADE
TO CHURCH
Ardrossan Volunteers paraded to church last Sunday (21 May 1898) and listened
to a stirring and impressive sermon from the veteran chaplain of the Corps,
the Reverend J D McCall (shown below in the early 1890s).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 27 May 1898
PORTRAIT FOR ARDROSSAN LIBERAL
ASSOCIATION
Mr Thomas Guthrie, writer, has intimated his intention to present a framed portrait
of Mr Gladstone to the Ardrossan Liberal Association Rooms. The gift will be
highly appreciated.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 27 May 1898
NEW ARDROSSAN BOWLING GREEN
The committee presently in charge of the new bowling green idea in Ardrossan
have arranged for a deputation to wait upon the Commissioners of the burgh asking
them to take over all the ground available in the immediate neighbourhood of
the old quarry (shown below as disused ground in the early 1900s) in Eglinton
Street on the understanding that the committee will lease as much as would be
necessary for the purpose of forming a bowling green. The ground referred to
extends to about three acres.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 27 May 1898
IN MEMORIAM - EX-PROVOST HOGARTH,
ARDROSSAN
Ardrossan
and neighbouring parishes have, within a few weeks, suffered severally by reason
of removals by death. Firstly, ex-Provost McIsaac came home from the continent
to die at his residence, Parkend House, then Mr Hugh F Weir of Kirkhall and
now ex-Provost Hogarth, all men for long identified within the locality and
who, in their way, did good service in both public and private capacities. Ex-Provost
Hogarth (shown above), the last to leave has been seriously ill for a few months
and the anxiety of the community daily to hear of his condition showed the esteem
and interest entertained for him. It was with unfeigned regret that the news
of his death on Sabbath evening last (29 May 1898) was received. Ex-Provost
Hogarth's long life might be said to have been lived out here. A native of Stevenston,
he received his early education at the parish school of which he made such good
use that when employed for a for a short time in a weaver's shop, he taught
his master writing and arithmetic. Even then, he was ambitious of rising - the
man was a development of the boy who cared more for study than for games. Leaving
the weaving, then the staple industry of Stevenston, he was apprenticed to Messrs
Fullerton, Ironmongers, Saltcoats, whose business at the time was in the Panbrae,
convenient to the harbour. With the rise of Ardrossan, the shipping trade generally
left Saltcoats and in 1842, he was sent out to Ardrossan to represent the firm
which had opened a shop in the newer town. To gain experience, he afterwards
went to Glasgow but in 1844 returned to Ardrossan as partner with the late William
Ford and on his retiral in 1851, the business come into his own hands. Possessed
with great ability and devotion, the business developed and for many years,
every large contract for plumber and slaterwork was executed by him and since
by the firm of Messrs J Hogarth and Company. Mr Hogarth shares with the late
Provost Barr, the premier place in the municipal records of Ardrossan. Provost
Barr entered the Town Council in 1846 and on the passing of the Burgh Act and
continued in office till 1883 - thirty seven years. Mr Hogarth entered the Council
in 1851 and was in office till 1893 when he retired thus giving forty-two years
service, eleven of which he was Chief Magistrate and for a number of years,
Treasurer of the burgh. His election to the office of Chief Magistrate was at
a time when his fine business capacity and intimate knowledge of every department
of the towns' affairs were invaluable. In 1884, the Lanarkshire and Ayrshire
Railway Act was passed and four years later, the line was opened for traffic.
At the same time, an Act was passed for the extension of the Harbour under a
company which was completed and opened in 1892. The gas and water supply, which
had been in the hands of an amalgamated company from 1874 and of which the ex-Provost
was a director and latterly chairman, was in 1886 purchased by the town. In
1882, he was added to the Commission of the Peace and his experience as a magistrate
in the Ardrossan Police Court was of great service on the Bench of Justices.
In 1883, he represented the burgh on the Irvine District Roads Board. In 1885,
he was enrolled Commissioner of Supply and in 1888 was elected a member of the
County Roads Board. Again, the experience acquired as a member of the Roads
Board was of great service when, as representative of Ardrossan on the County
Council, he succeeded in getting the roads which had been taken over by that
authority in 1891, placed under the management of the Town Council. He continued
as the first member for Ardrossan on the County Council till 1895, serving upon
the Law and other committees and taking a very deep interest in the proceedings
of this new representative body for the management of county affairs. Considering
the extent and exacting demands of a large business, it was no small matter
to give forty-two years service to the public and ex-Provost Hogarth's term
of office is not only memorable for embracing some of the most progressive events
in the history of the burgh but for the practical sagacity, the wide experience
and ability which he brought to bear on the business. He was in office when
the breath of the new life referred to was beginning to be felt and it will
always be remembered that he worthily represented the burgh before parliamentary
Committees and at the inauguration of the extension of the Harbour and at the
opening of the new Lanarkshire and Ayrshire railway. A few years ago, he retired
from the business of ironmonger, plumber, et cetera and accepted along with
his son, Lieutenant Colonel Hogarth, the agency of the Clydesdale Bank. He continued
to give attendance at the Justice of the Peace courts and at meetings of the
Directors of the Academy of which he was one of the first. It is also to the
deceased that the town be indebted for the clock on the Town House (shown below
in 2003) presented on the occasion of the Queen's celebration of her jubilee
and in this connection it should be noted that he was specially interested in
the erection of the Town's House and was Treasurer of the fund from the beginning
till the debt was wiped off nor should we omit to place to his credit, the help
unostentatiously given by himself or through Mrs Hogarth to a few old residents
in his native parish and here. His residence, The Linn, is beautifully situated
in the north end of the burgh and it was one of the pleasures of the closing
day of a busy, practical and useful life to beautify the grounds on which it
was built. He is survived by Mrs Hogarth, two sons and two daughters, to all
of whom warm sympathy has been extended during the serious illness and now still
more when husband and father has gone to his rest. His remains were interred
on Wednesday (1 June 1898) in Ardrossan Cemetery (where his gravestone is shown
below). It was the intention of the relatives that the funeral should be private
but, yielding to the request of the Provost, Magistrates and Commissioners,
the opportunity was given to the public to pay a last mark of respect to one
who had done so much in the interests of the burgh. The shops were closed for
an hour and flags were displayed half-mast. The portrait given above is taken
from a family group photograph by Mr W J Scott, Ardrossan on the occasion last
year of the late Mr Hogarth's golden wedding.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 3 June 1898
ARDROSSAN SCHOOLS CLOSE
The schools in Ardrossan parish have been closed for the holidays.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 3 June 1898
EGLINTON STREET QUARRY
Who says this is a sceptical age? People firmly believe that the quarry in Eglinton
Street, Ardrossan, is being filled.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 3 June 1898
EARLY TOMATOES IN ARDROSSAN
Bailie Anderson, Ardrossan, grew the earliest tomatoes in the district this
year. We are a month or six weeks late in chronicling this fact but we spent
the time waiting for rival claims.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 3 June 1898
FAULTY FOUNTAIN?
The ornamental fountain on the Castle Hill, Ardrossan (shown below in 2006),
exhibits the quality of versatility. It has four sides and a handle and spout
at each side. The handles may be turned one way without result. This was the
cause of a pathetic incident the other day. A stout, elderly lady climbed the
steps and turned one of the handles the wrong way. No water came and she went
on to the next and the next and the next and then slowly and painfully climbed
down again, athirst for an explanation why coast folks should call anything
a fountain which does not give water.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 3 June 1898
HARD WORK AT ARDROSSAN HARBOUR
An Ardrossan Harbour employee ventilates a grievance this week. He complains
that work on the Harbour (shown below in the early 1900s) is not confined to
the orthodox six working days. Although the coal-stores may work night and day
all week, if at twelve o'clock on Saturday night, there is a vessel with thirty
or forty tons of coal to finish, they have to remain to finish it. The consequence
is that instead of getting to church or chapel, as the case may be, they lie
a-bed utterly prostrated. He concludes by quoting the case of a labourer who
never sees his children awake from one Sunday to the other.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 10 June 1898
FORMER ARDROSSAN MINISTER
ASSISTS AT MARRIAGE
The Reverend W Rigby Murray, Manchester, formerly of Ardrossan, assisted at
a marriage in Hillhead Parish Church yesterday (9 June 1898).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 10 June 1898
TRIPS TO ARDROSSAN
The holiday in Ardrossan on Wednesday (8 June 1898) was remarkable for the number
of choirs, bible classes, et cetera in the neighbourhood that elected to make
the annual trip. The Ardrossan Parish Church and the Ardrossan Free Church enjoyed
the weather in this way.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 10 June 1898
PRESENTATION ON MARRIAGE
On Friday evening (3 June 1898), Mr William Ford, manager of the Saltcoats branch
of the Ardrossan Cooperative Society, was presented with a handsome timepiece
and ornaments on the occasion of his marriage from the members of the Cooperative
Society resident in Saltcoats. Mr Andrew Shaw made the presentation and Mr Ford
suitably replied.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 10 June 1898
BOAT-HIRING STATION IN ARDROSSAN
The boat-hiring station of the Messrs Boyd on The Inches, Ardrossan (shown below
in 2003) is this year as popular as ever. The Messrs Boyd have a very fine fleet
of small boats and, being practical men, they never suffer their craft to get
out of repair. Last Saturday (11 June 1898), there was an event in the shape
of a race and there's another heaving into view of the horizon in the near future.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 17 June 1898
ARDROSSAN STAIRHEAD BATTLE
Ardrossan figured in a stairhead or washing-house battle case that was heard
in Kilmarnock Sheriff Court yesterday (16 June 1898). The principals were two
women residing in Glasgow Street. The pursuer said she had put out clothes on
the bleaching-green on Wednesday 9 March. Monday and Tuesday were her days of
the green but it was not being used when she sent her daughter down to put out
the clothes. The daughter came back and said the defender said she was going
to use the green. The pursuer went down to remove the clothes and found the
defender tearing them off the ropes. When the pursuer said she would take them
down herself, the defender threw a basket of pins at her and tore her hair.
She also lifted two handfuls of earth and threw it in her face and kicked her
on the leg. The pursuer closed her evidence by stating that she held a receipt
for £2 which she paid for doctor's attendance. A neighbour declared that
the one was as bad's the other. Another neighbour said the defender seemed a
better shot than the pursuer. The defender said anything she did was in self-defence.
The Sheriff characterised it as a frivolous case and not very creditable to
either of the parties. It seemed to him upon the evidence that he person originally
in fault was the pursuer. On the other hand, in the fight which ensued, she
seemed to have got the worst of it. He thought it was a fair case of applying
the doctrine of compensatio infuriarum therefore he would not award damages
to either party.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 17 June 1898
PUPILS ENTERTAIN PARENTS
Ardrossan Academy (shown below as the ruins of Saint Peter's School in 2002)
and Bath House pupils entertain their parents and friends today Friday (24 June
1898) and receive tokens of their teachers' appreciation of their efforts.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 24 June 1898
NEW BOWLING GREEN SUBSCRIPTIONS
The committee provisionally in charge of the new bowling green proposed in Ardrossan
have begun business by subscribing between £60 and £70 towards the
scheme.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 24 June 1898
OPEN AIR MEETING IN MARKET
PLACE, ARDROSSAN
It is proposed to hold an open air meeting next Friday evening (1 July 1898)
in the Market Place, Ardrossan when addresses will be delivered by ex-Bailie
Burt, Justice of the Peace, Glasgow on Taxation of Land Values by Mr Robert
McFarlane, Ayr, on General Politics.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 24 June 1898
ARDROSSAN HARBOUR RECORD
Last week was a record one on Ardrossan Harbour. The total trade done exceeded
40000 tons.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 July 1898
MAJOR GENERAL ARCHIBALD HUNTER
PASSES THROUGH ARDROSSAN
Major
General Archibald Hunter (shown below about 1898) of Sudan fame, passed
through Ardrossan for Highthorne, West Kilbride, the residence of his mother
on Friday last (24 June 1898).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 July 1898
DESERTER CAPTURED IN ARDROSSAN
A deserter who left his regiment in Belfast about three weeks ago was captured
in Ardrossan on Friday evening (24 June 1898). At Ayr next morning, he was sentenced
to fourteen days imprisonment
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 July 1898
ARDROSSAN DEFEAT GALSTON AT
BOWLS
Galston and Ardrossan met on Ardrossan Bowling Green (shown below in 2010) the
other day in a rink from each town. The home team beat the visitors by one shot.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 July 1898
ARDROSSAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
SUBSCRIPTION
A subscription of one guinea to Ardrossan Horticultural Society was made by
the Commissioners on Tuesday evening (12 July 1898). It is an official recognition
of a society that is doing a good work in the district.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 July 1898
SORBIE FARM DRAIN FIXED
The drain at Sorbie Farm, Ardrossan (shown below in 2004) is now fixed. The
sewage filter, which has been erected to render innocuous farm sewage within
the catchment area, is nearly completed. Money judiciously spent by the Commissioners
with a view to preserving the purity of the water supply will not be grudged
by the ratepayers.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 July 1898
IN MEMORIAM - WILLIAM CRAWFORD,
ARDROSSAN
On Wednesday (20 July 1898), there died one of the oldest and best known residents
in Ardrossan, William Crawford, aged eighty-two years. In his latter years,
he was associated with his son as a shipper of coal but he was best known when,
between forty or fifty years ago, he was guard on the old Ardrossan railway
previous to the railway being taken over by the Glasgow and South-Western Company
and for some years afterwards. No more obliging guard was ever on the Ardrossan
branch. He was William Crawford, to gentle and semple respected by everyone.
He has lived to an advanced age and if for several years he has lived it in
comparative retirement, he has always enjoyed the esteem of those who knew him
when more in the public.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 July 1898
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report.
WELCOMING THE RETURN OF REVEREND
J D McCALL
Ardrossan people generally will unite with the congregation of the New Parish
church in welcoming back the Reverend J D McCall to the scene of his much appreciated
labours.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 July 1898
FINED FOR DAMAGING TREES
There have been a number of cases disposed of by Ardrossan Burgh Court this
week, most of them local. Two Glasgow youths were obliged to pay 2s 6d each
for indulging a propensity for tearing up young trees on the Castle Hill (shown
below in the early 1910s)..
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 July 1898
TRANSFERENCE OF MR JOHN MCKECHAN
FROM ARDROSSAN TO BEITH
The traders of Ardrossan who have been brought into contact with Mr McKechan,
goods clerk at Ardrossan Glasgow and South-Western Railway Station, will learn
will pleasure, not unmixed with regret, of his promotion to a stationmastership
at Beith. It is a well-deserved advance in the service. Mr McKechan has not
only proved himself to be an energetic, conscientious and intelligent official
but he has rendered good service to the whole Ambulance Corps. We offer our
congratulations.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 July 1898
RAILWAY COMPANY VISITORS TO
ARDROSSAN
Sir James Thompson, general manager and Mr Cook, mineral traffic manager, of
the Caledonian Railway Company were in Ardrossan on Monday (18 July 1892).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 July 1898
LETTER TO THE EDITOR - A HOSPITAL
FOR ARDROSSAN, SALTCOATS AND DISTRICT?
Dear Sir
Is it not quite time a movement was made towards the establishment of a local
hospital which the frequent occurrence of accidents certainly indicates? Glasgow
and Kilmarnock Hospitals being the two nearest, in serious cases, such as we
have recently experienced, the considerable delay and the railway journey are
surely detrimental to the patients' chances of recovery. Perhaps some of your
other readers will contribute their opinions on this important matter.
I am,
Yours faithfully,
Progress
Ardrossan
8 July 1898
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 July 1898
LETTER TO THE EDITOR - ARDROSSAN
WATER SUPPLY
Sir
It seems that the drought, combined with the large number of summer visitors,
is threatening our supply of water and that already the reservoirs are pretty
low. A few years ago, about his time, enteric fever began to be epidemic in
many places and the cause was attributed to decaying vegetable matter on the
sides of the well-nigh empty reservoirs. It would be well for us to avoid anything
of this kind by using economy in our consupt of water this season. A slight
economy, if exercised by a considerable number, is sufficient to effect a great
saving. I make an appeal to householders to avoid all waste of water. Such an
appeal will fall on deaf ears in the case of careless, improvident and selfish
people but persons of a better disposition only require to have the latter mentioned
in order to cooperate in averting undesirable circumstances.
I am, et cetera
Householder
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 July 1898
BUS DRIVING - A NEW INDUSTRY
A new industry - bus driving between Saltcoats and Ardrossan - has had quite
a development during the Glasgow Fair holidays. Several conveyances of the kind
have had constant employment from early forenoon to late in the evening and
they have invariably been crowded with passengers who seemed to enjoy the drive
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 July 1898
LADIES ONLY TRAIN COMPARTMENT
A woman declined to enter a ladies only compartment at Ardrossan Station the
other day on the plea that she did not care to travel in an 'auld maid's hand
box'.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 July 1898
ARDROSSAN CASTLEHILL CURLING
CLUB
Ardrossan Castlehill Curling Club was represented at the annual meeting of the
Royal Caledonian Curling Club held in Edinburgh on Wednesday (27 July 1898)
by Mr Alexander Watt, the esteemed president.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 July 1898
HORSE AND CART SMASH WINDOW
On Wednesday morning (27 July 1898), the shop window of Mr Edward Aird, draper,
Glasgow Street, Ardrossan was smashed by a milk cart. The horse of Mr Ramsay,
bower, Mill Farm, Ardrossan (shown below in 2002) was in charge of a boy while
the owner was in Mr Fullerton's shop on the opposite side of the street. The
animal became restive and began to move back. The boy held on to the reins and
the animal continued the retrograde motion until the cart crashed through the
window. The window was being dressed at the time and was happily nearly empty.
It was insured with the Scottish Plate Glass Insurance Company Limited. Messrs
Wilson and McLean, joiners, had it in place again within twenty-one hours.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 July 1898
ARDROSSAN NEW PARISH CHURCH
SALE OF WORK
Ardrossan Castlehill Curling Club was represented at the annual meeting of the
Royal Caledonian Curling Club held in Edinburgh on Wednesday (27 July 1898)
by Mr Alexander Watt, the esteemed president.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 July 1898
IN MEMORIAM - REVEREND ARCHIBALD FULLERTON
The Reverend Archibald Fullerton, until recently minister of Cartsburn Church,
Greenock died with startling suddenness on Sunday night (31 July 1898). He was
conducting services in the chapel of the Greenock Infirmary and had just given
out the opening psalm which was being sung when he fell to the ground. Death
occurred within a few minutes. The deceased gentleman, who was about seventy
years of age, spent his student days in Ardrossan and when a youth was employed
in the offices of Messrs Barr and Shearer, shipbuilders her. It was his intention,
we believe, to come and live in the town where he had spent his early days but
it was otherwise decreed. His remains were interred in Ardrossan Cemetery (in
the grave with the headstone shown below) on Wednesday (3 August 1898).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 5 August 1898
NEW TENEMENTS IN ARDROSSAN
Ardrossan Harbour Company are building three two-storey tenements on the site
for some time occupied by the Ardrossan Oilskin company at the approach to the
Harbour.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 5 August 1898
MILL RESERVOIR
Ardrossan residenters are suffering for bad judgement in fixing the situation
of the Mill Reservoir. Its present contaminated condition is due to its low-lying
position and to the openness of the feeding source to the reception of objectionable
matter. The ratepayers have to thank the large revenue from the Harbour Company
for providing their representatives defects which should never have been permitted.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 12 August 1898
SEAMAN RESCUED FROM EGLINTON
DOCK
On Wednesday evening (10 August 1898), a seaman on the Norton fell into the
Eglinton Dock. One of the pilots named Melvin had a heaving line handy and fished
him out.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 12 August 1898
HONOUR FOR RESCUER?
A correspondent, himself a sailor, calls our attention to the fact that Robert
Melvin, dock gate man, Ardrossan whom we referred to last week in connection
with rescue from drowning of a seaman belonging to the steamer Norton has been
instrumental in saving no fewer than nine lives. Our correspondent points out
that had those gallant and worthy deeds been done by anyone moving more conspicuously
in the eye of the world, they would not have been suffered to pass unrewarded.
We commend the case of Melvin to the notice of societies existing for the rewards
of deeds so praiseworthy.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 August 1898
MUSIC AT NEW PARISH CHURCH
BAZAAR
Very fine music may be enjoyed at Ardrossan New Parish Church bazaar.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 August 1898
FORMER ARDROSSAN RESIDENT
VISITS FRIENDS
The Reverend W R Murray, Manchester, formerly of Ardrossan is at present visiting
friends in Arran.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 August 1898
LADY CROSSES FROM BELFAST
Miss
Gellatly, the young lady to whom it is alleged Piper
Findlater (shown right in 1898) is engaged, crossed from Belfast to Ardrossan
by the Adder on Tuesday (16 August 1898).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 August 1898
DRUNK AND INCAPABLE
At Ardrossan Burgh Court yesterday morning (18 August 1898), a man who had contrived
to get drunk and incapable four times within the past month got off for 7s 6d.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 August 1898
MARRIED v SINGLE BOWLING MATCH
Tomorrow (20 August 1898), Ardrossan Bowlers divide into Married versus Single
and fight for prestige. The greenkeeper get the benefit and who will say he
doesn't deserve it.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 August 1898
CONSERVATORY PHOTOGRAPHS
Photographs of the conservatories and their contents gifted to Glasgow by Mr
A G Macdonald, Redholm, Ardrossan were displayed on the walls of the Council
Hall yesterday (18 August 1898).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 August 1898
PRESENTATION OF ORGAN TO ARDROSSAN
EVANGELICAL UNION CHURCH
Very gratifying evidence of the appreciation which the Reverend John Masterton,
minister of the above church is meeting within his labours is furnished by the
presentation of a handsome American organ, which has just been made to the congregation,
by Miss Janet Buchanan, Lilieslea. The organ is of the variety known as the
Mozart. It is very powerful in its registers and fine qualities of tone are
produced from the different sets of reeds. The organ is made of oak without
pipe-top. In addition to the supply of air by the action of the pedals, the
usual pumping arrangement exists at the side. It is in every respect a handsome
instrument and should add to the attractiveness of the church services. Miss
Buchanan's generosity will be commended outside the congregation as well as
inside. The instrument will be formally handed over at the first congregational
meeting which is likely to be held on the return of the minister form his holidays.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 26 August 1898
ARDROSSAN FLOWER SHOW
The annual show of flowers, fruits and vegetables, held under the auspices of
the local society, came off in the Drill Hall, Ardrossan yesterday (25 August
1898). Fine weather favoured the event and during the afternoon and evening,
visitors were numerous. The exhibition showed a distinct advance on previous
years although there was a marked decrease in the number of tables of exhibits
from conservatories in the neighbourhood.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 26 August 1898
This it the opening paragraph of a longer report.
ENTERIC FEVER
Ardrossan is debited with six and Saltcoats and Stevenston with one each of
eight cases of enteric fever in Clydebank and Renfrew Hospital.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 2 September 1898
ARDROSSAN POLICE ACT ON INFORMATION
A woman was smartly apprehended in Ardrossan the other day. The local police
had information of a woman being wanted by the police of Ayr, Kilmarnock and
Stirling in connection with several cases of alleged theft. She came to Ardrossan
at the beginning of the week and went to lodge in a private house. On Wednesday
morning (, she called at the Eglinton Arms Stables and ordered a cab for Kilwinning.
The cab was forthcoming but in accordance with a nice little arrangement by
the police, the woman was driven round to the police station (shown below in
2003). It transpired that £4 11s was missing from the house in which she
had lodged. The woman was searched and £4 found on her person. She was
conveyed to Ayr in the evening.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 2 September 1898
ILLUMINATED ROTHESAY SEEN
FROM ARDROSSAN
The illumination of Rothesay occasioned unusual stir in Ardrossan late last
night.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 9 September 1898
SHORTER SERMONS?
In the course of a discussion on Wednesday (14 September 1898) at the annual
conference of the Young Men's Christian Association's and Fellowship Unions
on the drifting away of young men from the church and how to remedy it, Mr William
Boyd, Ardrossan, spoke of the bicycle, football, Saturday afternoon excursions
by rail, in fact, the god of the world as blinding the eyes and the minds of
young men. A nobler and better body of men than their Scottish pastors was not
to be found in the whole of Christendom but he thought they would be of the
better of taking a hint from the Young Men's Christian Association. The church
should be more attractive. They listened to a long dry homily in many cases.
That was not what they should have. Sermons should be limited to twenty minutes
or half an hour.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 16 September 1898
EGLINTON STEAM LAUNDRY, ARDROSSAN
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 16 September 1898
ARDROSSAN SNOWFLAKE AMATEUR MINSTRELS PRACTICES
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 23 September 1898
NO RATEPAYERS' COMMITTEE CANDIDATES?
Ardrossan Ratepayers' Committee have not begun to advertise for candidates this
week yet.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 23 September 1898
GLASGOW STEAMER FOUNDERED
OFF KINTYRE - ARDROSSAN MAN AND FOUR OTHERS DROWNED
A
lamentable shipping accident occured off the Mull of Kintyre on Sunday morning
(18 September 1898) whereby five men lost their lives. The small fishing steamer,
Tina, belonging to Mr Logan, Glasgow, went ashore some time ago in West Loch
Tarbert and for some salvage operations have been going on under Mr William
Logan, Garscadden. These were completed a week ago and the Tina removed to Port-Askaig
where temporary repairs were effected. On Sunday morning, at six o'clock, a
start was made for Glasgow in tow of the Clyde Shipping Company's tug Flying
Coot with the lighter Barracoutra astern. In all, nine men were aboard the Tina
- Mr Garscadden and eight of his employees. At the start, the weather was fine
but nearing the Mull of Kintyre, the wind freshened and at ten o'clock, the
Tina suddenly began to sink. The lighter immediately steamed alongside and Mr
Garscadden and two others jumped aboard while a fourth, an Ardrossan man named
John Stewart, a diver, was picked up by the tug. The other five men, among whom
was William Stewart (shown right in the 1890s), son of John Stewart above referred
to, sank with the Tina and were not seen again. The Flying Coot and the Barracoutra
arrived at Greenock on Sunday night and the lighter, with the rescued men on
board, proceeded up the river to Glasgow. The names of the drowned are William
Stewart, diver's attendant, Ardrossan whose photograph we produce right; Alexander
Cooper, engineer, Kinning Park, Glasgow; Alexander Penny, North Queensferry;
Scott Robertson, Leith and William Bradley, Drummore, Wigtonshire.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 23 September 1898
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report.
ARDROSSAN WATER GETS BETTER
Ardrossan water is becoming better. The Commissioners ventured up for their
annual drop of it yesterday (22 September 1898).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 23 September 1898
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report.
ARDROSSAN CYCLING CLUB RUNS
AT AYR
Ardrossan Cycling Club have very wisely decided to run off all of their races
on the track at Ayr.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 23 September 1898
ARDROSSAN DUX WANTS SMALL
MEDAL
The dux boy in Ardrossan School requested to be supplied with a medal small
enough to be attached to his watch chain when he shall have grown to be a man.
The boy is father to the man.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 23 September 1898
CONSTABLE DOBBIE LEAVES ARDROSSAN
Constable Dobbie, Ardrossan, after about fifteen months service here has been
transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department, Ayr. Constable Dobbie
has already won a reputation for practical police work.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 23 September 1898
PRESENTATION TO CHIEF STEWARD
In the Eglinton Arms Hotel, Ardrossan (shown below in the early 1960s), on a
recent evening, the friends of Mr John King, chief steward on board the Isle
of Man steamer, best known on the Ardrossan route, presented him with a handsome
gold albert. Commissioner Nicol, who presided and made the presentation, spoke
of the cordial esteem Mr King had won among tourists to Mona's Isle and of the
hearty unanimity with which his friends had decided that when the season closed,
he should not leave Ardrossan without some token of their regard. Mr King made
appropriate acknowledgement. A pleasant social hour followed. The gold albert
was supplied by Mr John Jamieson, watchmaker and jeweller, Princes Street, Ardrossan.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 30 September 1898
John Jamieson was the father of Isabella Jamieson (1880-1949) shown above in
1928. Isabella won fame as the leading actor when the Ardrossan and Saltcoats
Players won the David Belusco Cup in 1928 in New York in an international drama
competition against nineteen other teams.
ARDROSSAN SHAKESPEARE READING
CLUB
The Ardrossan Shakespeare Reading Club will inaugurate their second season on
Monday first (3 October 1898) with A Midsummer's Night's Dream.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 30 September 1898
GROCERS' EARLY CLOSING
The grocers of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston resume their early closing
on Monday first (3 October 1898). The close season extends to the end of April
1899.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 30 September 1898
ARDROSSAN CYCLING CLUB SPORTS
The annual cycling sports, under the auspices of the Ardrossan Club, were run
off on the fine track on Somerset Park, Ayr on Tuesday (27 September 1898).
The competitors travelled from Ardrossan by special saloon carriage and formed
a cheery company.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 30 September 1898
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report.
EIGHT YEAR OLD BOY REPORTED
BY POLICE
An Ardrossan innocent, who has begun to attract public notice to himself at
the tender age of eight years has been reported by the police in connection
with the case of stealing from the office at Ardrossan Foundry.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 30 September 1898
PLEASANT SATURDAY EVENINGS
IN ARDROSSAN
The Pleasant Saturday Evenings in the Town Hall, Ardrossan, began on Saturday
last (1 October 1898). The hall was crowded. Miss Greenhill and party were the
entertainers.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 7 October 1898
WELL-KNOW SCOTTISH SHOT BURIED
Private Urquhart, the well-known Scottish shot, was buried at Dumfries on Friday
(30 September 1898). Popular sympathy was manifested to a unique degree. Private
Unquhart was brother-in-law to Constable Macpherson, Ardrossan.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 7 October 1898
ARDROSSAN COLLIE WINS AT SCOTTISH
KENNEL CLUB
At the show of the Scottish Kennel Club, held in Edinburgh on Wednesday (5 October
1898), Glenkens Hero, a collie owned by Mr Daniel Roberts, Ardrossan, came out
an easy first in the special limit class and the same animal led off in the
novice class
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 7 October 1898
ARDROSSAN MAN BECOMES QUALIFIED
CHEMIST
Mr David Gemmell, son of Mr Hugh Gemmell, chemist and druggist, Ardrossan, has
passed the final examination set by the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
and is now a qualified chemist. The examination was held in Edinburgh recently.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 7 October 1898
JUSTICE?
The man who figured in the Ardrossan beer-stealing case in Kilmarnock Sheriff
Court last weekend and got off, is now doing five days in Ayr gaol for trespassing
and a belief that there is such a thing in life as compensation finds a place
in the broad breasts of the local police once more.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 7 October 1898
COMMISSIONERS STAND DOWN
Messrs George Barrie, William Craig and William Smith go out from the Ardrossan
Board by rotation. The Ratepayers' Committee may elect to infuse some new blood
into the Commission.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 14 October 1898
COUNCILLOR WILL NOT STAND
FOR RE-ELECTION
Bailie McLennan, who resided in Ardrossan for some years does not intend to
seek re-election to Glasgow Town Council.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 14 October 1898
EIGHT YEAR OLD BOY APPEARS
IN COURT
At Ardrossan Burgh Court on Monday morning (10 October 1898), a boy aged eight
years was convicted on a charge of stealing two shillings a pair of specacles
and several other articles from a weighhouse in Ardrossan Foundry. He was admonished.
He is likely to reappear at court soon on another charge.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 14 October 1898
SPIRIT MERCHANT GIVES UP LICENCE
Mr F A P Bennett, whom health considerations have caused to retire from business
as a spirit merchant, will still continue to carry on business as auctioneer
and valuator. On Monday last (10 October 1898), when granting transfer of the
liquor certificate to his successor, the Justices united in expressing sympathy
with Mr Bennett on the cause of his giving up business. The first class training
as auctioneer which Mr Bennett received in early life and the wide experience
he has gained since fit him to follow with great success, the line of life in
which his whole energies will now be devoted.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 14 October 1898
ARDROSSAN PARENTS FINED FOR
NOT SENDING CHILDREN TO SCHOOL
At a special meeting of Justices in the Town Hall, Ardrossan on Monday afternoon
(10 October 1898), Messrs Craig and Harvey on the bench, a labourer of Montgomerie
Lane, a labourer of Harbour Place, a carpenter of Harbour House and a yardsman
of the Glasgow and South-Western Railway were prosecuted at the instance of
the School Board of the parish for failing to send children to school. They
were fined ten shillings each. A washerwoman of Glasgow Street, for a similar
offence, was fined five shillings or three days.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 14 October 1898
PRESENTATION TO MISS BESSIE
SMITH, ARDROSSAN
In Ardrossan Free Church hall last night (13 October 1898), Miss Bessie Smith,
who leaves shortly for Australia to be married, was the guest of the Sabbath
School teachers and the Christian Endeavour Society along with a few friends.
The Reverend R M Adamson presided. After tea, the chairman alluded to the object
of the gathering and after praising the ladies for the dainty way in which they
had set out the tables, called on the Misses Currie to sing a duet. He then
said that they had now come to the most pleasant part of the evening's proceedings,
namely the presentation of a tangible token of esteem to Miss Bessie Smith.
When he came to Ardrossan six years ago as a candidate for the church, Miss
Smith was harmoniumist in the Sabbath School and she had identified herself
in this and other ways for the work of the congregation almost form childhood.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 14 October 1898
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR - ARDROSSAN
CYCLING CLUB SPORTS
High Street, Irvine
5 October 1898
Dear Sir
In looking over your issue of last week's Herald, I noticed a paragraph giving
the results of the Ardrossan Cycling Club sports held on Somerset Park, Ayr
on 27 September and at which I happened to be present. I was astonished to see
that McDowall was disqualified in the one mile handicap race on the plea of
boring. Now, I don't think that McDowall really bored. There is no doubt, in
taking the last corner, he swerved a little but this is a common occurrence
among our amateur cycle riders and I yet fail to see on what grounds McDowall
was disqualified.
I am,
Yours et cetera
A Cycle Rider
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 14 October 1898
EIGHT YEAR OLD BOY SENT TO
REFORMATORY
The eight-year-old boy who appeared in Ardrossan Burgh Court recently in connection
with a petty theft from the weighbridge in Ardrossan Foundry, reappeared on
Monday morning (17 October 1898) to answer a charge of stealing a charge of
five shillings or thereby from three missionary boxes in the Young Men's Christian
Association hall, Ardrossan also to the charge of stealing jewellery to the
value of £4 11s from a bedroom in the house of Mr Currie, boot and shoemaker.
The boy was defended by Mr A D Young, solicitor, Irvine. He was found guilty
on both charges. For the first, he was admonished and for the second he was
sentenced to four years in the Roman Catholic Reformatory School, Parkhead,
Glasgow.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 October 1898
ASSOCIATES OF EIGHT YEAR OLD
BOY APPEAR IN COURT
A number of boys, said to belong to the gang to which the eight-year-old boy,
Parkhead Reformatory, was associated had got into trouble over the breaking
of tops of railings near the Academy and others in South Beach Road, Ardrossan
(shown below in 2002).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 October 1898
BIBLE SOCIETY
The thirtieth annual report of the Ardrossan. Saltcoats and Stevenston Auxiliary
of the Bible Society of Scotland has been issued in neat form and will be found
worthy of perusal. Copies have been placed in the hands of the collectors who
may be expected to make their calls in the course of the next week or two. Efforts
will be made to make all interested an opportunity of subscribing.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 October 1898
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT SPEAKS
IN ARDROSSAN
Captain Pirrie, Member of Parliament, is to deliver a political address in Ardrossan
on Friday evening, 4 November.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 October 1898
REDHOLM SOLD
Redholm, South Crescent, Ardrossan, so long the residence of ex-Baillie A G
Macdonald, has been bought privately by Mr Thomas Leask.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 October 1898
JOINT HOSPITAL HOSPITAL EXHIBITION
As Ardrossan Town Hall is required tomorrow, Saturday night (22 October 1898),
for the exhibition of Ardrossan Joint Hospital competitive plans the usual Pleasant
Saturday Evening meeting has been cancelled.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 October 1898
ARDROSSAN BURGH COURT
Sergeant Allan, Ardrossan, as a witness and Mr A D Young, solicitor, Irvine,
as cross-examiner had a passage-at-arms at Ardrossan Burgh Court on Monday (17
October 1898). Hospitality to strangers makes us call it a drawn battle.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 October 1898
COOKERY CLASS IN ARDROSSAN
We would call attention to the opening of a cookery class in the Young Men's
Christian Association Hall in Ardrossan. The value of the class, as a branch
of education, must be admitted and when an opportunity of this kind is offered,
it should be taken advantage of by young persons. Knowledge of cookery is an
immediate good and to the intelligent, industrious, thrifty female a good which
will last a lifetime.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 October 1898
ARDROSSAN TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION
NOMINATIONS
For three vacancies in Ardrossan Town Council, there are four nominations which
will necessitate a poll on Tuesday first (2 November 1898). The candidates are
George Barrie, coal merchant; William Smith, builder; James Goodwin, ship chandler
and John Kerr, retired shipmaster. The two first-named are old members.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 28 October 1898
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report.
PLAN TO BUILD COTTAGE NEAR
SOUTH BEACH STATION
At a sitting of the Dean of Guild Court on Monday (24 October 1898), Dean of
Guild Young presiding, Mr James Morton, stationmaster, South Beach, Ardrossan,
submitted plans for a double cottage proposed to be erected on the vacant ground
lying between the railway station immediately to the west of South Beach Station
(shown below left during renovation in 1986) and the rear of South Crescent.
Objections were lodged on behalf of the trustees of the New Parish Church (shonw
below right in 2009) and a resident in South Crescent. For the church, it was
objected that the proposed view would close the entrance to the Glebe ground
and for the resident that the privacy of his residence would be invaded. The
court continued the case for a fortnight.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 28 October 1898
ARDROSSAN FREE CHURCH ORGANIST
APPOINTED
The post of organist in Ardrossan Free Church has been unanimously offered to
Mr J W Blythe (shown below around the early 1930s). Mr Blythe, who has been
for at short time organist in Ayr, has had long experience as pipe organist
and choirmaster in Leeds, the musical centre of Yorkshire. He comes, we understand,
with good all-round testimonials, some of which lay special stress on his abilities
in choir training and his sympathy for the devotional aspects of the work. Mr
Blythe has intimated his acceptance and well as his intention of immediately
receiving pupils for piano and organ in Ardrossan.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 28 October 1898
PRESENTATIONS TO TEACHER
On Wednesday (26 October 1898), Mr John McAllister, who has been for upwards
of seven years connected with Eglinton Public School, Ardrossan as a teacher
and pupil teacher, was presented by the older pupils and their teachers with
a set of gold studs and links and a gold scarf pin on the occasion of his leaving
the school to join his relations in South Africa. Last night (27 October 1898),
the members of Ardrossan New Parish Church choir made Mr McAllister the recipient
of a massive cigarette case together with a valuable fountain pen. The presentation
was made by the choirmaster, Mr J C Stewart.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 28 October 1898
ARDROSSAN FARMERS' SOCIETY
It may be noticed in our advertising columns that this old society, though in
its eighty-sixth year, seems still fresh and vigorous and judging by the premium
list, augers well for a successful show on Thursday first (5 November 1898).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 28 October 1898
LONG SERVICE PRESENTATION
AT ARDROSSAN VOLUNTEER ARTILLERY
At a parade of the Ardrossan Company of the Volunteer Artillery on Saturday
night (29 October 1898), Sergeant John McLean was presented with the long service
medal. The presentation was made by the adjutant.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 November 1898
CHURCHES ADOPT NEW HYMNARY
Ardrossan Free Church is presently to adopt the Church Hymnary. The hymnary
is being widely welcomed in Ayrshire. As soon as Ardrossan New Parish Church
follows suit, the three Presbyterian Churches of that town will be united in
church praise.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 November 1898
DOGS FOR SALE
Local doggie men have a more than usually favourable opportunity of securing
first-class terrier pups. Mr John Murray, Glasgow Street, Ardrossan, has a brace
of dark brindled Scottish terriers for sale, two months old and Mr Hamilton,
grocers, has two puppies of the interesting poltalloch breed for sale. These
interesting little pets were on view in the showyard recently.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 November 1898
LEAVE A LIGHT ON
We would ask the attention of Ardrossan householders to the necessity for keeping
a light burning on every landing during the dark nights that are approaching.
This might be urged on many considerations but there is one in particular on
which we have a view. In windy weather, it is very difficult for a pedestrian
to carry a lamp and keep it burning on the street and when the postman's is
extinguished, the feat of delivering letters in stygian darkness makes a sad
drain on the fund of phenomenal cheeriness with which everybody credits them,
this most popular of public officials.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 November 1898
LETTER TO THE EDITOR - A SUGGESTION
FOR ARDROSSAN TOWN HALL
7 November 1898
Sir
I think the time has surely now arrived when something should be done in the
way of making the seats in the Ardrossan Town Hall more comfortable. All that
is required is backs on all the seats which could be effected for a trifling
expenditure. Perhaps our Commissioners think it better to do nothing till the
new Town Hall is erected. A new building is not necessary - only an extension
of the present hall. There is plenty of room at the Market side.
I am, et cetera
Progress
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 November 1898
BABY SHOW IN ARDROSSAN
There was a baby show in Ardrossan on Saturday night (5 November 1898).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 November 1898
STEAM ROLLER IN ARDROSSAN
The steam road roller is the object of popular regard in Ardrossan at present.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 November 1898
SALTCOATS AND ARDROSSAN LODGE
GOING STRONG
Saltcoats and Ardrossan Saint John's Royal Arch Lodge number 320 assumed a new
lot of office-bearers last night (10 November 1898). The Lodge is said to be
going strong at present.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 November 1898
MEETING IN BIBLE TRAINING
INSTITUTE HALL
Mr John Galloway, Kilmeny, Ardrossan (shown below as the Hotel Kilmeny in the
1970s) presided at the noon day meeting on Wednesday (9 November 1898) in the
Bible Training Institute Hall when the Reverend Dr White, Edinburgh addressed
a crowded meeting.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 November 1898
COTTAGE BUILDING PLANS SUBMITTED
At Ardrossan Dean of Guild Court on Monday morning (7 November 1898), Mr James
Morton, stationmaster, South Beach, Ardrossan submitted plans for a cottage
to be built on the ground to the rear of South Crescent and on the opposite
side of the railway from Holm Farm. The plans were passed.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 November 1898
WHAT AREA WOULD GAS METER
PENNIES COVER?
It is not easy nowadays to get change from a shilling in the Burgh of Ardrossan.
The brownies all find their way into the 144 automatic gas meters, only to show
face at the end of three months in formidable bulk. Given the number of pennies
collected as 7411 and the diameter of each coin as two and two-eights inches,
how many square feet would be covered by the last quarter's penny-in-the-slot
consumption? We invite answers from 'well-behaved' schoolchildren and offer
in return the grateful thanks of a curious public.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 November 1898
CONSTABLE MOVES FROM ARDROSSAN
TO SKELMORLIE
Ardrossan has lost a respectable citizen and a most obliging police officer
by the transference of Constable Peter Macpherson to Skelmorlie.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 November 1898
ARDROSSAN DRAIN OUTFLOWS
Ardrossan Commissioners have moved in with the matter of drain outflows. A correspondent,
writing this week, suggests that the retiral of Provost Young from the convenorship
of two committees may have been the result of a conviction on the part of the
Provost, that by doing so, he might be freer to give his colleagues that lead
in a policy of improvements for which no-one else among them seems equal. This
is nice to the Provost but, well, we don't know how the other Commissioners
will take it.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 November 1898
GOOD DANCING CLASS IN ARDROSSAN
The dancing class carried on at present by Mr Barbour in the Assembly Hall,
Ardrossan is one of the best that gentleman has ever had. It is both large and
capable.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 November 1898
A PLEASANT SATURDAY EVENING
At the last Pleasant Saturday Evening, Mr James Newbigging, the Sanatorium,
lectured on A Trip Up The Rhine. The lecture was illustrated by limelight views.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 November 1898
FUNDRAISING FOR PIPER FINDLATER
Piper
Findlater, Victoria Cross, has been presented with the sum of £303
14s by the Caledonia Society of Capetown. The above sum was the result of a
shilling subscription on the piper's behalf. LINK INTERNET
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 November 1898
ARDROSSAN LITERARY SOCIETY
Members of the Ardrossan Literary Society had a 'hat' night on Tuesday last
(22 November 1898). Better To Have Loved And Lost et cetera is to form the subject
of a paper next Tuesday (29 November 1898) which looks remarkably like a 'heart'
night.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 November 1898
APPROVAL FOR BUILDING IN CALEDONIA
ROAD, ARDROSSAN
At a Dean of Guild Court, held at Ardrossan on Monday morning (21 November 1898),
plans were passed for the construction of two self-contained two-storey buildings
in Caledonia Road (shown below in the early 1900s). The plans were submitted
on behalf of Mr Beck, spirit merchant.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 November 1898
ARDROSSAN VOLUNTEERS' READING
ROOM
For the convenience of members of the local corps during the season when drill
forms no part of the Volunteers' curriculum, Lieutenant Murchie has opened a
reading room within the Drill Hall, Ardrossan. Papers and magazines are provided
and the boon is one to be appreciated. Residenters having magazines to part
with will find this a good opportunity for passing on to others, the literature
which has already given them pleasure.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 November 1898
IN
MEMORIAM - EX BAILIE JOHN BOYD
The death of ex-Bailie Boyd removes a familiar figure from Ardrossan. A native
of Kilmaurs, like most of the residents fifty years ago, he was 'an incomer'
but all these years he had been more or less in public life. First, for over
twenty years he led the psalmody in the New Parish Church. Next he entered the
Commission and in time was raised to the bench and then both as prosecutor and
town councillor, he was an earnest advocate of temperance principles. Perhaps
the ex-Bailie's greatest achievement, in which he was assisted by the late Mr
John Blane, was the creation of public opinion in favour of obtaining the Hill
as a public park. In season and out of season, undismayed by opposition, he
brought the matter up before the Town Council until at last on the occasion
of the opening of the Caledonian railway, the Lord of the Manor, the Earl of
Eglinton, generously gifted it to the town. Mr Boyd retired from business some
time ago through failing health. He was laid to rest yesterday. The immediate
cause of death was a stroke of paralysis.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 2 December 1898
NEW ARDROSSAN TO STEVENSTON
RAILWAY?
Emissaries for a light railway undertaken between Ardrossan and Stevenston have
been interviewing local officials.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 2 December 1898
ARDROSSAN SNOWFLAKE AMATEUR
MINSTRELS IN THE SANATORIUM
The Ardrossan Snowflake Amateur Minstrels are booked to spend hogmany at the
Sanatorium, Seamill. They are to be entertainers, not patients.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 2 December 1898
ADDITIONAL TELEPHONE TRUNK
LINE TO ARDROSSAN
As a result of a memorial forwarded by Mr Craig, secretary to the Ardrossan
Harbour Company to the Postmaster General, on 20 September last an additional
telephone trunk circuit between Glasgow and Ardrossan has been erected and brought
into line.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 2 December 1898
ARDROSSAN MEN CONVICTED OF
HEN STEALING
At Kilmarnock Sheriff Court yesterday (1 December 1898), a general dealer of
Princes Lane, a labourer of Winton Street (shown below in 2002) and a labourer
of Auld Shipyard, all in Ardrossan, were charged between 29 and 30 November
broken into a hen loft on the farm of Whitlees, Ardrossan, occupied by William
Hogarth and taken therefrom ten hens and a cock. It appeared that the accused
had, on the night mentioned, gained access to the hen loft by climbing on to
the roof of a potato shed, along the roof of a stable where they forced open
a skylight window and passed through into the loft. The fowls were valued at
27s 6d. The general dealer and the first labourer, having been previously convicted
of theft, were each sentenced to sixty days imprisonment. The other labourer
was sentenced to twenty one days.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 2 December 1898
PIPER
FINDLATER CONCERT
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 9 December 1898
SWORD
OF HONOUR FOR MAJOR-GENERAL HUNTER
A sword of honour is to be presented to Major
General Archibald Hunter on his homecoming.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 9 December 1898
ARDROSSAN FREE GARDENERS'
FESTIVAL
Queen and country got the go-bye at the Ardrossan Free Gardeners' Festival on
Friday night (3 December 1898).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 9 December 1898
CONTRACTORS SOUGHT TO DRAIN
WINTON PARK
Winton Park Proprietors, Saltcoats are advertising for a contractor to drain
the field for which a lease has been occurred. Other improvements will follow.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 9 December 1898
Winton Park mentioned here may be the home ground of
Ardrossan Winton Rovers Football Club but there is no evidence.
LOCAL HOSPITAL COMPLAINT
A writer in the Builder has a growl against the local hospital committee. He
is a competitor and complains that the plans were lodged about six weeks ago
and nothing has been heard of the decision yet.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 9 December 1898
ARDROSSAN DRILL HALL CASE
- DECISION BY SHERIFF HALL
This case was raised at Kilmarnock at the instance of Major Hogarth and others
as acting Trustees for Ardrossan Artillery Volunteer Corps against the Commanding
Officer of the First Ayr and Galloway Volunteer Artillery for payment of rent
for the Drill Hall at Ardrossan for the half year due on Whitsunday 1898 amounting
to £30. The pursuers claimed that the Drill Hall belonged to them as Trustees,
whereas the defender claimed that on account of consolidation of the various
companies forming the First Ayr and Galloway Artillery Volunteers, the property
of the Hall became vested in him as Commanding Officer of the Regiment for the
time being for behoof of the Ardrossan Company in virtue of the Volunteers Act
1863 and the Regulation of the Forces Act 1881 and that therefore he was not
liable for rent. The facts of the case are fully brought out in the interlocutor
issued on Wednesday (7 December 1898) by Sheriff Hall in which he sustains the
defender's pleas holding that the Drill Hall is vested in him as Commanding
Officer of the Regiment for behoof of the Ardrossan Company and has assoilzied
him from conclusions of the action. He finds the pursuer liable in expenses.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 9 December 1898
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report.
NEW SHIPBUILDING COMPANY IN
ARDROSSAN - COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO THE MANAGING DIRECTOR AT NEWPORT
The other week we stated that the Shipyard in Ardrossan has passed into the
hands of a new company of which Mr A W Robertson is managing director. Previous
to leaving Newport, that gentleman was entertained to dinner at the Westgate
Hotel when about twenty-five gentlemen in shipping et cetera gathered together.
Mr Beddy presided.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 9 December 1898
MAGIC LANTERN EXHIBITION IN
ARDROSSAN
A magic lantern exhibition will tonight (16 December 1898) hold the field at
the Ardrossan United Presbyterian Church at the Friday evening gathering for
children. Local views of risen and rising members of the community will appear
on the screen.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 16 December 1898
ARDROSSAN AND SALTCOATS FEVER
HOSPITAL COMPETITION
The following letter appeared in The Builder of 10 December.
Sir
Your correspondent does well to complain in your issue of 3 December about the
treatment received by the competitors for the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Fever
Hospital. It may not be known that a local architect is the chairman of the
Hospital Committee and in all fairness to his professional brethren, he should
have seen this matter decided. Have the plans been sent in simply to give any
interested party information or is the Committee repeating the tactics adopted
in the competition for Saltcoats Town Hall when the competitive plans were set
aside?
Another Competitor
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 16 December 1898
ARDROSSAN MAN PASSES NAUTICAL
EXAMINATION
Mr Adam Hepburn, Ardrossan, a student ot Captain Tait's Nautical Academy has
passed with credit for second mate before the local Marine Board, Glasgow.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 23 December 1898
CINDERELLA IN ARDROSSAN
By special arrangement, William Macartney's Fairy Extravaganza, Cinderella,
will visit the Assembly Hall, Ardrossan on Monday and Tuesday, 2 and 3 January.
It should prove a great attraction for the new year holiday. No expense has
been spared in the production, the costumes being both picturesque and costly
and the scenery effective. The performers are all juveniles under eighteen years
of age and we trust Cinderella will receive a hearty welcome.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 23 December 1898
FIRST APPEARANCE OF NEW CHURCH
HYMNARY
The Church Hymnary makes its first appearance in two Ardrossan churches on Sunday
first. On Sunday evening, in the United Presbyterian Church and in the evening
at the Christmas Service of Praise in the Free Church.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 23 December 1898
NO CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR
REFUSE COLLECTORS?
There will be no Christmas boxes for the refuse collectors in Ardrossan if they
do not mend their ways and perform more systematically the duties expected of
them. Their calls are at too wide intervals to satisfy housewives and we give
this hint to the Commissioners, as the governing body, being interview by a
deputation of indignant ladies.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 23 December 1898
ARDROSSAN SNOWFLAKE AMATEUR
MINSTRELS
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 30 December 1898
ARDROSSAN ADULT GOOD TEMPLARS
TREAT JUVENILES
Ardrossan Adult Good Templars stood treat to Ardrossan Juvenile Good Templars
last Friday evening (24 December 1898). Tea, cookies, speeches et cetera, there
were in galore.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 30 December 1898
ARDROSSAN EVANGELICAL UNION
CHURCH ORGAN
It is said the pipe organ to be introduced to Ardrossan Evangelical Union Congregational
Church is to be supplied by the same firm as supplied the one in Saint Andrew's
Episcopal Church
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 30 December 1898
NOVELTY CYCLES IN ARDROSSAN
Mr George O Baird, cycle merchant, Ardrossan, has some very interesting novelties
on view at present. There is a very handsome 'quod', a cycle built for four,
to wit of the Osmond make. The list price of this splendid machine is £85.
No less interesting is the Ariel electric tricycle, a sight which no-one should
fail to see.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 30 December 1898
FIRE AT CALEDONIAN RAILWAY STATION, ARDROSSAN
On Tuesday evening (27 December 1898), when the gale was at its height, great
excitement was created by an outbreak of fire at Caledonian Railway Station
(shown below in a drawing that accompanied this report). The station was opened
in September 1888. It appears the fire originated in an oil store considerably
to the east of the offices and as the piping south-east gale was recognised
as the most powerful factor in determining the course of the fire, it was at
first considered that the offices might be saved. Wind is, however, of all things
the most uncertain and the fire followed the course in which it could be best
be fed. The extensive structure was of fancy woodwork with iron frame and the
flames unchecked made their way to the booking office. In about two hours time,
the offices, waiting rooms, the refreshment bar and the handsome clock and tower
surmounting the structure had been consumed. The blaze was a brilliant one and
the populace poured into Barr Street and Montgomerie Street from all parts of
the town. People came from as far as Kilwinning to see the fire. The progress
of the flames was rapid and very soon the outbreak assumed proportions never
before witnessed in the district. Mr Simpson and his staff did all that could
be done to save such property as was portable, two men, an inspector named Gilbert
and a porter named Clark, being overcome by the fumes while carrying on salvage
operations. The safe was emptied and some of the more valuable of the furnishings
in the office removed. Of course, there was other salvage work of a kind less
legitimate performed in connection with the bar. Part of the bridge spanning
the double line of rails running to and from the pier was also consumed. The
total damage has been put at about £2000. The falling of the tower and
clock was probably the most sensational sight of the fire. It was highly interesting
to watch sides of the buildings totter and fall before the 'devouring element'
and the thick heavy glass dissolve in the heat but the tongues of flame twisting
and writhing and licking round the doomed tower was quite an appropriate prelude
to the final fall. What is understood to be the fire brigade was on the spot.
There was some shouting but this did not produce any effect worth speaking about
on the flames. The hose was fastened to a plug by the wrong end. This was eventually
remedied but there was very little water to be found. In any case, of course,
nothing could have been done. The brigade helped to hold the bridge and prevent
the flames from finding fresh fuel on the other side on the line. The young
lady in charge of the refreshment bar evinced a spartanlike disposition to stick
to her post. She wanted to wait until her employer to give her permission to
go. She was led to see differently but it required the trained intellect of
an ex-Commissioner to induce her to move. Trains arriving on Tuesday night were
brought to a stand at the end of the platform and passengers detrained at a
safe distance from the burning buildings. The service suffered no interruption.
By Wednesday morning (28 December 1898), a temporary booking office had been
requisitioned on the north side of the line and traffic went on as usual.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 30 December 1898