NON-FOOTBALL STORIES 1904
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 and Glasgow
Heralds. Although they have no football content, they may be of interest.
SATURDAY EVENING LECTURES
The Reverend George Sharpe (shown below in 1901) of Ardrossan Evangelical Union
Church is to be congratulated upon the success that attends the popular Saturday
evening lectures instituted by him some time ago. Not a Saturday night passes
on which these lectures are not well attended and attended, too, by appreciative
audiences. But without instilling novelty into them, no such series of meeting,
however well conducted they may be, is likely to long withstand the test of
time and being cognisant of this fact, possibly, Mr Sharpe had arranged to bring
to Ardrossan, from time to time, speakers whose presence will attract audiences
who might not otherwise be reached.
Some time ago, a boy preacher
delivered an address and last Saturday (26 December 1903), the platform was
held by a converted music-hall singer who spoke at some length and also sang
songs of his own composition. Tomorrow, the speaker will be a Glasgow carter.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 January 1904
POLICE COURT CHARGES
An Ardrossan man, described in the police charge sheet as a labourer, met a
lady acquaintance last Saturday (26 December 1903), to whom he proceeded to
introduce a companion. The fair one, however, resented the introduction and
so promptly told Stewart who thereupon very ungallantly and with the greatest
disregard to the laws of etiquette, threw his arms about her neck. This familiarity
being likewise resented, he struck her. For this offence, he was sentenced at
the Burgh Court on Monday (28 December 1903) to a fine of 14s with the option
of ten days imprisonment.
A youth was on Thursday (31
December 1903) fined 10s or seven days for assaulting a grocer's message boy.
On the previous Saturday, a labourer, against whom were recorded not fewer than
eighteen convictions, was fined 40s with the alternative of thirty days imprisonment
for committing a breach of the peace in his father's house on Christmas Day.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 January 1904
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
The observance of the Christmas Festival in Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church,
Ardrossan, commenced on Thursday evening, Christmas Eve, when a special service,
which was well attended, was conducted by the Reverend Alexander Copland. On
Christmas morning, there was celebration of Holy Communion and in the forenoon,
another service was held. This service was followed by a second celebration
of Holy Communion. The music, which was of a character in keeping with the occasion,
was sell rendered by the choir, the boys acquitting themselves particularly
well in the soprano anthems. In the afternoon of Christmas Day, a children's
service was given at which Christmas carols were sung. The church on all these
occasions was decorated with flowers and evergreens kindly supplied by Lord
and Lady Eglinton.
On Tuesday evening (29 December
1903), the children connected with this church were entertained to a Christmas
Tree. On Sunday forenoon last (27 December 1903), Christmas services were conducted
in Ardrossan New Parish Church. In the evening, a service of praise was held
when the church was crowded in every part. The Reverend J D McCall (shown below)
preached the sermon. The choir sang a number of appropriate anthems and Mr Hugh
Gillespie and Miss MacRae rendered solos. Miss Mary Stewart and Miss MacRae
also took part in a duet. A special service of praise was held in Trinity Church,
Saltcoats on the evening of Sunday last. In the Roman Catholic Church, a midnight
service was held on Christmas Eve and worship was also rendered on Christmas
Day.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 January 1904
THE ENCHANTED GLEN
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 January 1904
FULL-RIGGED VESSEL'S CENTENARY
The centenary of the full-rigged vessel suspended from the roof of Ardrossan
Parish Church falls to be commemorated this year.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 January 1904
MISS ROBINA WATT WINS GOLD
MEDAL
Miss Robina Watt of Ardrossan was successful in gaining first prize in the juvenile
dancing competition at Catrine on Friday last (2 January 1904). The prize was
a gold medal.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 January 1904
EARLY ENFORCEMENT OF LICENSING
ACT
The new Licensing Act was enforced early in Ardrossan. On Saturday morning (2
January 1904), a woman was fined 10s 6d or seven days at the Burgh Court under
powers conferred by the Act, for being drunk.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 January 1904
NEW YEAR'S DAY CURLING MATCH
Such are the antics of the clerk of the weather that last Friday's (1 January
1904) was only the third which the Club have been enabled to play on a New Year's
day during the past twenty years.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 January 1904
BOWLING GAME ON NEW YEAR'S
DAY
Who says the Ardrossan bowlers are not enthusiastic? In spite of the frost-bound
green and biting cold weather, they enjoyed the luxury (?) of a game at bowls
on New Year's Day. Let us hope this early training will be the means of bringing
a larger measure of success to the local club during the ensuing season than
they enjoyed last year.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 January 1904
SHOPS CLOSED IN ARDROSSAN
AND SALTCOATS
Visitors to Ardrossan and Saltcoats on Wednesday (6 January 1904) were not appreciative
of the merchants' closing arrangements. Considering the number of shopkeepers
who observed Friday (1 January 1904) wholly or in part as a holiday, they voted
it rather absurd that shutters and closed doors should be decreed a day or two
later.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 January 1904
HEDGEHOGS IN ARDROSSAN CEMETERY
The Ardrossan Cemetery keeper found two hedgehogs the other day, one of them
above ground, where it had no business to be at this time of the year and the
other snugly enough ensconced under the surface. Both, of course, were dormant
and the unprotected one was kindly 'buried' beside its fellow by Mr Gairdner.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 January 1904
MAN ATE DOG'S SUPPER
An Irish gentleman, generally resident in Ardrossan, went into a public house
last Thursday night (31 December 1903) and finding there a supper laid out for
the publican's dog, annexed the meal and ate it. Later in the evening, he became
possessed of a dress-coat belonging to the publican himself and, on the same
night, he crossed to Ireland for his New Year Holidays with the coat without
and the poor dog's supper within.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 January 1904
ARDROSSAN MAN NEARLY DROWNS
Mr James Clark, carpenter, Port Glasgow and Mr Tom Taylor, Ardrossan, we observe
from a South African contemporary, have narrowly escaped drowning while attempting
to rescue a lad who had been carried away by the Orange River at Ahwal North
Cape Colony. The river was in flood and they had gone in fully dressed to save
the lad who was drawn down by the undercurrents and drowned.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 January 1904
BILLIARDS MATCH
The return match at billiards between teams representing the Liberal and Liberal
Unionist clubs of Ardrossan will be fought out tonight in the room of the latter
club. The Unionist team has been considerably strengthened for this game while
that of the opposition will be the same as did duty a fortnight ago. Much interest
has been taken in these games of late and the issue of tonight's encounter will,
no doubt, be awaited with about as much expectancy as that of a political contest
in these days.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 January 1904
PRAISE FOR FORMER ARDROSSAN
MINISTER
The Monthly Messenger of the Presbyterian Church of England, referring to the
nomination of the Reverend W Rigby Murray of Manchester as Moderator of this
year's Synod, says it has been everywhere cordially welcomed. The distinction,
the highest in the gift of the church, is the fitting recognition of long and
gifted labour and it will be worn with kindly dignity. After referring to Mr
Murray's connections with Ardrossan from 1861 to 1872, the Messenger adds For
thirty-one years, with a devotion beyond praise and with much accompanying blessing,
Mr Murray has been at the head of this large and vigorous congregation and in
the progress of the years, he is now the senior Free Church Minister in the
city, taking a high place in every united enterprise, religious and social,
for the general good. It is suggested that it would be a happy circumstance
if Mr Murray's Alma Mater would mark his year of office by awarding him its
honorary theological degree.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 January 1904
ARDROSSAN YEARLY FRIENDLY
SOCIETY
This old-established Society brought its business to a close last week in the
Good Templars' Hall (shown below as the Gospel Hall in 2002). During the past
year, the income, which included a small balance from 1902, amounted to £71
0s 5d and of this sum, £33 14 3d was paid out for sick ailment and funeral
benefit. To this sum falls to be added £5 4s 6d for the rent of the hall,
officials' salaries et cetera, making a total expenditure for the year of £38
18s 9d. A balance of £32 1s 8d was thus left for division among the members
which gave an allowance of something like 6s to each.
The different office-bearers
were appointed for the year just started and, as will be noticed form our advertising
columns, a meeting of the Society will be held tomorrow night (9 January 1904)
in the Good Templars' Hall, Glasgow Street, at seven o'clock to enrol new members.
The benefits to be derived from a connection with this Society at a payment
of 1s a month should, we think, induce many new members to come forward on the
above night and we express the hope that the total membership this year will
show a decided increase over the one just closed. No better spirit can characterise
any body of working men than that which aims at carrying out the old injunction
- Bear ye one another's burdens.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 January 1904
TEMPLARS' SOCIAL
An air of cheery comfort pervaded the Assembly Hall (shown below as The Rovers
Club in 1974) on Friday night (1 January 1904) when members of the Ardrossan
Lifeboat Lodge, IOGT, foregathered in a social capacity to celebrate the advent
of the new year. When the local Good Templars arrange to have a social, a large
audience is always assured them but the audience of Friday was larger than any
they have had hitherto. Every seat round the sumptuously lad tables were occupied
and that notwithstanding the numerous other entertainments that were being held
on the same evening.
The proceedings were presided
over by Brother McFarlane who, after an enjoyable repast had been taken of,
addressed a few appropriate remarks both on behalf of the Lifeboat Lodge and
in the interests of temperance principles. Mrs McKelvie of the BWTA also gave
expression to her views on temperance and recommended everyone - young girls
in particular - who were not connected with the Lifeboat Lodge to lose no time
in joining. Her interesting address was attentively hearkened to. Brother McKnight
also spoke.
An exceedingly bright programme
of songs and readings was sustained by a company of local artistes of repute.
They were Miss Millar, Miss McKenzie, Miss Rose and Messrs H Magee, Bill Gunn
- a comic, Love and Buchanan, an elocutionist. The accompaniments were ably
played by Mr M Smith. A most delightful entertainment was concluded with a few
further remarks from the chairman and the singing by the company of Auld Lang
Syne.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 January 1904
WINTON ROVERS DANCE
The Winton Rovers Football club, or rather several of their ardent followers,
are inaugurating another dance. Partners, please!
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 January 1904
LONGCRAIGS OLD SCOTCH WHISKY
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 January 1904
ALCOHOLISM CURE
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 January 1904
CHURCH NOTICES
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 January 1904
SERMONS FROM SHAKESPEARE
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 January 1904
ARDROSSAN SCHOOL BOARD CONTINUATION CLASSES
ARDROSSAN TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
The ordinary monthly meeting of Ardrossan Town council was held in Kilmahew
(shown below as Ardrossan Burgh Chambers in 1978) on Monday evening (11 January
1904). Provost Young presided and all the other members were present save Councillor
Smith who is unfortunately ill. Minutes of meeting have been approved and signed,
the Council proceeded to consider the first item of business on the agenda which
was a report from the Works Committee as to remits. Judge Harvey, the convenor,
stated that the Committee had visited the slaughter-house to examine the gate
which required renewing and came to the conclusion that a new gate would be
necessary. They agreed to get specifications prepared and tenders taken for
the work.
The Committee also visited
the Castle Hill to look into the matter so surface drainage which had been complained
about. They found that the two new cesspools, as suggested, were going to cost
a lot of money and they had come to the conclusion that Lord Eglinton should
put them down and this Mr Stevenson had generously agreed to do. The cost of
putting the matter right would therefore amount to only about £5 so far
as the town was concerned.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 January 1904
These are the opening sentences of a longer report.
ARDROSSAN EVANGELICAL UNION
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
The annual meeting of this church was held on Monday evening (11 January 1904),
Mr Jacob Vickers presiding. There was a good attendance. Mr Hugh Campbell, treasurer,
in submitting his report gave proof that the church was making steady progress.
The report was unanimously approved of. Mr William Craig's report on the Church
Building Fund was very gratifying. He, Mr Craig, also gave a very interesting
report. The following office-bearers were re-elected - Mr Hugh Campbell, treasurer;
Mr Thomas Wilson, secretary; Mr Angus Cameron and Mr David Sharpe, delegates;
and Mr William Wyllie and Mr John Carr, auditors.
The report from the Sabbath
School and YPCE Society showed there was a large increase in the attendance.
The report by Mr John Travers of Deacon's Fund was very gratifying. It was agreed
to use Sankey hymn books at the evening services. The pastor's salary was increased
£20. The usual vote of thanks brought a very pleasant meeting to a close.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 January 1904
ELECTRIC LIGHT AT ARDROSSAN HARBOUR
Messrs William Chrystie and Company, sleeper merchants, have fitted electric
light throughout their works at Ardrossan Harbour.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 January 1904
ARDROSSAN CORPORATION BORROWS
MONEY
Ardrossan Corporation has borrowed £19500 from the Royal Liver Friendly
Society whose headquarters are in Liverpool.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 January 1904
SUCCESSFUL LEAP YEAR DANCE
Those who organised the Leap Year Dance held last Friday night (15 January 1904)
are said to be patting themselves on the back. The thing seems to have been
a success, anyway.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 January 1904
NEW PROPERTY COLLAPSES
In the storm which raged throughout Friday morning (15 January 1904) the wall
of a new property being erected in Ardrossan for Mr Reid, fish merchant, Saltcoats
collapsed. No one was injured, happily.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 January 1904
CAPTAIN MURCHIE APPOINTMENT
Captain Robert Murchie, brother of the deputy harbourmaster at Ardrossan has
been appointed harbourmaster at Harrington, Cumberland. Captain Murchie has
been till now a residenter in Ardrossan.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 January 1904
LETTER TO THE EDITOR - ARDROSSAN
PARISH CHURCH
Dear Sir
In the report of the feuars' and heritors' meeting as given in your issue of
8 January, reference was made to the bazaar held some years ago and Bailie Miller
stated that "he himself had subscribed largely to that bazaar and he could
say that half the money subscribed to it had been subscribed by Dissenters".
Such a statement from a local man in Bailie Miller's position should carry weight.
I make no comment as to the amount given by the Bailie. Much depends on one's
ideas of generosity and the depth of the purse and we all know that in these
matters the various denominations help each other. The latter part of this statement,
however, must be challenged as reflecting most unjustly on the efforts made
by the minister and congregation. If incorrectly reported, Bailie Miller ought
surely to have said no. I ask him through your columns to say how he proposes
to substantiate such an astounding assertion.
Yours truly
Fiat Justitia
19 January 1904
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 January 1904
ARDROSSAN BURGH COURT
An engine driver who has previously been convicted, was fined £1 at Ardrossan
Burgh Court on Monday (18 January 1904) for the theft of a wooden plank from
the sawmill yard at the harbour. Early on the previous Tuesday morning (12 January
1904), while carrying home the plank with the evident intention of utilising
it as firewood, he was accosted by a policeman to whom he could give no satisfactory
explanation as to how he came by it. This is the accused's second conviction
for the same offence.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 January 1904
LEAP YEAR DANCE
With an enterprise that was truly commendable, conjoined with a characteristically
feminine desire to lead the van in matters that are novel, the young ladies
of Ardrossan some time ago made endeavours to organise a dance. Hitherto, the
difficulties to be met with in getting up a dance have been borne by mere men
but with the times have changed the manners. This event, which was appropriately
termed the Leap Year Dance, came off with great éclat on Friday evening
last (15 January 1904). For the purpose, the Drill Hall (shown below in 1974)
was requisitioned and to the delightful music of the Kay Family, about fifty
couples 'treaded the measure'.
Thanks to the admirable arrangements carried through by the committee of young
ladies and Miss McMillan, the secretary, the evening passed off very pleasantly.
The Masters of Ceremonies were Messrs James Wylie and R Shaw.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 January 1904
MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR IN ARDROSSAN
HARBOUR
An occurrence of a somewhat mysterious nature took place in Ardrossan Harbour
(shown below in the early 1900s) last Saturday (16 January 1904). While a dock
boatman named William Robertson, who resides in Saltcoats, was engaged attending
to the moorings of a departing steamer in Eglinton Dock, he was struck on the
back of one of his hands by a bullet which caused a painful wound, necessitating
medical aid. The boatman himself heard no report but although a loud rifle shot
would certainly have been audible above the din of steam winches et cetera,
it is possible that the bullet may have been shot from an air-gun. Indeed, the
police, who have been making investigations, feel convinced of that theory.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 January 1904
THE ROSE OF ETTRICK VALE
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 January 1904
JAMES ALLISON, SLATER
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 January 1904
STEVENSTON WOMAN JAILED
A Stevenston woman was sentenced to thirty days imprisonment, without the option,
at Ardrossan Justice of the Peace Court last Saturday (23 January 1904) under
powers conferred by the new Licensing Act.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 January 1904
REVEREND INCH TO SPEAK AT
SAINT JOHN'S
The Reverend A S Inch, Dumbarton, one of the most effective speakers amongst
the younger ministry, is to give an address at the social meeting of Saint John's,
Ardrossan on Wednesday evening (3 February 1904).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 January 1904
NO CROSSING FOR SECRETARY
OF STATE
The Secretary for Scotland, who is also member for Buteshire, was in Ardrossan
yesterday afternoon. His intention was to cross with the afternoon boat to Arran
where he is to deliver political addresses but the weather being unfavourable,
he proceeded by train to Largs.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 January 1904
BREACH OF THE PEACE
On Wednesday evening (27 January 1904), a man went into an outfitter's shop
in Princess Street, Ardrossan (shown below in the mid 1910s) to purchase a cap.
After leaving the premises, he discovered that the headgear did not meet with
his approval and he retraced his steps with in intention of having it changed.
Unfortunately, however, he mistook another shop close at hand for the one in
which he had made the purchase and finding that the proprietor would not exchange
the cap for him, he created a disturbance. At the Burgh Court yesterday, where
the police found it necessary to take him, he was apprised of the error he had
made. A fine of 10s or seven days was imposed upon him for breaking the peace.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 January 1904
ACCIDENT AT THE HARBOUR
While a Caledonian Railway lorryman, named McColl, was driving over a railway
level crossing at the harbour, the vehicle was run into by a pug engine and
seriously damaged. The lorryman, though rendered unconscious by the shock, fortunately
received no great injury as the driver of the locomotive was able to draw up
in time.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 January 1904
A COOL THEFT
The excuse given by a labourer at Ardrossan Burgh Court on Monday (25 January
1904) when charged with the theft of a half sovereign from the shop of Mr Hogarth,
grocer, Glasgow Street, was that he lifted the money to look at. According to
the evidence led before Provost Young and Bailie Hogarth, the accused entered
the shop slightly under the influence of liquor and, seeing a half sovereign
lying on the counter, he picked it up and was about to make off with it when
the shopkeeper's son, who had just entered at the moment, sprang upon him and
held him until assistance came. The charge against MacGregor was found proved
and he was sentenced to ten days imprisonment without the option of a fine.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 January 1904
ARDROSSAN, SALTCOATS AND
STEVENSTON MERCHANTS' ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
The annual meeting of this association was held in the Town Hall on Monday evening
(25 January 1904). Mr T C Banks, Stevenston, occupied the chair and there was
a good attendance of merchants and assistants. Mr Adam Wilson, junior, read
a satisfactory report on the year's work and Mr Peter Kerr's report on the finances
showed a substantial balance in favour of the association. The following gentlemen
were elected office-bearers for the ensuing year: President - Mr T C Banks,
Vice-President - Mr James Rogerson, Secretary - Mr Adam Wilson junior, Treasurer
- Mr Peter Kerr. The Committee members are Ardrossan - Messrs Bryce, G O Baird,
Anderson and Murchie; Saltcoats - Messrs R Aitken, R C Wilkie, A W Roy and Hugh
Wallace; Stevenston - Messrs T M Arnott, R Frew, T Oswald and R Taylor.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 January 1904
ARDROSSAN UNITED FREE PRESBYTERY
The annual monthly meeting of Ardrossan United Free Presbytery has held on Tuesday
(2 February 1904) in the Hall of Saint John's United Free Church (shown below
in 1913), the Reverend W D M Sutherland, moderator in the chair. Application
for leave of absence for a period of six months was made on behalf of the Reverend
Mr McIntyre, Largs, whose health has broken down. At the same time, a letter
was read from Mr McIntyre expressing thanks to the Presbytery for the sympathy
extended to him in his illness. Reverend W McGilchrist moved that the application
be granted. They regretted very much that Mr McIntyre was unable to be present
with them but hoped that, after a few months rest, he might be enabled to resume
work in his congregation. The request was unanimously agreed to. Ministers were
appointed to take charge of the Sunday service for the Clark Memorial Church
during Reverend Mr McIntyre's absence.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 5 February 1904
These are the opening sentences of a longer report.
GERMAN BARQUE AT ARDROSSAN
A German barque arrived at Ardrossan from Iquique on Friday last (29 January
1904) and is presently discharging her cargo of nitrate of soda at the Eglinton
Dock. The dry weather accelerated the discharge.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 5 February 1904
A MODERN SAINT CHRISTOPHER
A complete story by Mr C J Shearer, Ardrossan (shown below in 1902) which, by
courtesy of the publishers of the Month, we are permitted to present to our
readers, will be found on page 6 of this issue.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 5 February 1904
ARDROSSAN MAN QUALIFIES AS
LAW AGENT
John Stewart, 4 Arran Place, Ardrossan (shonw below in the early 1900s and 2006)
who served his apprenticeship under Mr Thomas Kirkhope, solicitor, Ardrossan,
and is now in the office of Mr William J Andrew, solicitor, Coatbridge, has
qualified as a law agent having been successful in passing the examination in
law under the Law Agents' (Scotland) Acts 1873 and 1891 at the diet held in
Edinburgh last week.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 5 February 1904
LITTLE GIRLS ROBBED
Within the last few months, two little girls have been robbed on the street
in Ardrossan. The culprit in one case appeared at the Police Court but the other
remains unpunished. It is astonishing that juvenile crime should be so much
in evidence in our midst. Parents, if they must send little children on errands,
should see that the messengers carry money so that it cannot be snatched away.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 5 February 1904
PRESENTATION TO JOHN GREEN
Last Friday afternoon (29 January 1904), on the conclusion of the day's work,
the staff of the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald met in the jobbing room for
the purpose of formally bidding goodbye to Mr John Green and presenting him
with tokens of their esteem and appreciation. Mr James Barbour, in the name
of the workers and in fitting terms, handed over to Mr Green a neat little dressing
case and a pocket book. Mr Green suitably acknowledged the gifts.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 5 February 1904
SAINT JOHN'S UNITED FREE
CHURCH
A sense of exceeding comfort - a circumstance which is ever associated with
a social gathering of Saint John's United Free Church - pervaded the church
hall on Wednesday evening (3 February 1904) when that annual function was held.
The excellent repast that was provided conjoined with the attractive programme
to produce that feeling and the result was that a most entertaining evening
was spent by the large audience that gathered. The Reverend R M Adamson (shown
below), the pastor of the congregation, presided and in a few remarks he delivered,
he expressed the gratification at the large gathering that had assembled. In
continuing, he said that while reports of the church's progress might be of
an encouraging nature, the matter which lay nearest the heart of a pastor earnestly
interested in his work was to see the fruits of Christ's spirit in their midst,
to see them adorning their profession in life and to find that young people,
as they grew up, coming forward to acknowledge their faith in Christ. As the
years passed, the ties between pastor and congregation grew deeper and stronger
and he wished them to feel that whatever deficiency might mark their minister's
efforts, his chief and growing interest was as to their welfare in the Lord.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 5 February 1904
These are the opening sentences of a longer report.
DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT
If any doubts were entertained by the members of the Ardrossan Amateur Dramatic
Company as to the success - financially - of their latest production of the
Scotch drama The Rose Of Ettrick Vale, these must have been entirely dispelled
when the curtain rose on Tuesday evening (2 February 1904) before an audience
that filled the Assembly Hall to almost capacity. The piece was not by any means
new to local playgoers, having been staged here several years ago but the personnel
of the company has been somewhat changed since then and curiosity, expectancy
and a desire to encourage the amateurs no doubt actuated the feelings of the
majority of those who patronised the entertainment. And it cannot be said they
had any reason to be disappointed for the drama proceeded smoothly from start
to finish and reflected great credit on the able management of Mr John Deacon
and the company as a whole.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 5 February 1904
These are the opening sentences of a longer report.
ARDROSSAN SCHOOL BOARD
The monthly meeting of Ardrossan School Board was held on Wednesday afternoon
(3 February 1904) in Saltcoats Public School. The members present were Reverend
W McGilchrist (shown below in 1902), chairman, Reverend W Rossie Brown, Messrs
Bogle, Ritchie, Shearer and Provost Guthrie. The officer submitted his monthly
report on attendance which showed the following figures.
on
roll on 31 January average attendance percentage
Winton School 454 395.6 87.0
Eglinton School 452 408.3 90.1
Saltcoats School 888 776.0 87.0
Ardrossan Academy 352 299.5 87.0
Mr Ritchie said this was a
big improvement on last year's attendance. Mr Bogle asked if this was due to
the vigilance of the officer. The chairman said that was undoubtedly the reason.
He was doing his work very conscientiously.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 5 February 1904
These are the opening sentences of a longer report.
ARDROSSAN HOMING SOCIETY
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 12 February 1904
BAZAAR FOR ARDROSSAN MODEL
YACHT CLUB
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 12 February 1904
REFUSE DESTRUCTOR EMPLOYEE
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 12 February 1904
ARDROSSAN TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
The usual monthly meeting of Ardrossan Town Council was held at Kilmahew on
Monday evening (8 February 1904) when Provost Young (shown below) presided and
the others present were Bailies Hogarth and Crawford and Councillors Harvey,
Barrie, Chrystie, Fullerton and Goodwin. The first business under consideration
was occasioned by a letter from a proprietor regarding the state of Montgomerie
Lane drain. It was stated that the main drain was only twelve inches below the
surface and that, when flushed, the water overflowed and left the courts flooded.
It was a wonder, the complainer wrote, that there was not a plague on Montgomerie
Lane. It was the duty of the Council to put it right. If they did not do so,
he would take the matter into court.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 12 February 1904
These are the opening sentences of a longer report.
CHANGES IN PRINCES STREET
The term is to see several changes in the personnel of Princes Street, Ardrossan.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 12 February 1904
MR JAMES CAMPBELL APPOINTED
LAW AGENT
Mr James Campbell junior, Saltcoats, has been appointed law agent for the poor
for Ardrossan district.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 12 February 1904
INFREQUENT IRON ORE
Iron ore comes very infrequently to Ardrossan Harbour in the meantime. There
has been but one vessel this week.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 12 February 1904
COST OF MANUFACTURING GAS
In Ardrossan, the cost of manufacturing gas is represented by the price of coal.
The income from residuals clears the rest.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 12 February 1904
INDIGNANT ABOUT DUCKS
Councillor Goodwin is indignant about ducks. He recommends the Water Manager
to shoot those that are at the Parkhouse Reservoir.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 12 February 1904
NEW HEATING SYSTEM FOR ARDROSSAN
LIBERAL CLUB
The Ardrossan Liberal Club are introducing a new heating system which will have
the effect of not only maintaining an atmosphere of even and comfortable temperature
but will also keep the billiards tables in prime condition.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 12 February 1904
DANCING CLASSES
Mr W Fotheringham, than whom there is no more popular teacher of dancing and
calisthenics in the shire, re-opens classes in Ardrossan on the twenty-third
of this month. Parents may safely commit their children to the care of Mr Fotheringham.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 12 February 1904
ARDROSSAN CAMERA CLUB
On Wednesday evening (10 February 1904), Mr Taylor, Saltcoats, lectured on the
making of lantern slides and the printing of clouds, his subject being illustrated
by many beautiful examples of cloud effects. The next open night is Thursday
(18 February 1904) when there will be a lecture on What Can Be Done With A Hand
Camera. As the lecture is sent out Goerz, the lens manufacturers, the 150 slides
to be shown are well worth seeing.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 12 February 1904
ARDROSSAN PARISH COUNCIL
The monthly meeting of the Parish Council of Ardrossan was held on Tuesday evening
(9 February 1904), Mr William Tannock presiding. The Inspector, in reporting
on the patients who had been given medical relief during the past month, referred
to the case of a servant girl who had come from Arran a few weeks ago suffering
from acute rheumatism. It appeared that after she turned ill, she was taken
in a machine from the farmhouse in which she was employed to Whiting Bay and
left there till the arrival of the steamer. She was taken aboard and carried
to Ardrossan when the captain for the first time discovered that she was alone
and that on one was taking care of her. The girl, on being questioned, the Inspector
said, stated that she was sent away from the farmhouse on taking ill but her
employer had said it was the girl's own expressed wish to go away. Mr Gilroy
characterised the action of the girl's employer as perfectly disgraceful. Captain
Torrance held that they should be claimed upon for the expenses incurred by
the Parish Council.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 12 February 1904
ARDROSSAN UNIONIST CLUB SMOKING CONCERT
On Tuesday evening (16 February 1904), a smoking concert was held in the Unionist
Club (shown below in 1902) by way of advertising a proposal to inaugurate a
Literary Society in connection with the Club. The chair was occupied by Captain
Shields who spoke briefly in commendation of the movement. Mr Finlay of Kilmarnock,
Conservative agent for North Ayrshire, was also present and made a characteristically
vigorous speech on the advantages to be derived from such a Society as it was
proposed to initiate. To the concert programme, a very considerable number of
gentlemen contributed, there being singers, reciters, readers and instrumentalists
amongst the company which was quite as large as the billiards room of the Club
could comfortable contain. The concert was undoubtedly a success.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 February 1904
ARDROSSAN UNIONIST CLUB
The purpose of the smoking concert which was held in the Ardrossan Unionist
Club (shown above in 1902) on Tuesday evening (16 February 1904) suggests a
vitality in that institution which is in striking contrast to the inertia of
similar political establishments. The starting of a literary society is perhaps
not a very great thing - it has been done many times before and had but a brief
existence - but the very idea of starting one clearly indicates a spirit of
living and doing, a spirit which ought to permeate every political club. We
have commented frequently on the too slavish use of the clubs as playrooms.
This ideal of management is not a high one. So far, our criticism has stirred
people to nothing better than a petulant query as to what anybody can really
do. They say "Tell us what you want to do and we'll think about it".
Was ever such hopelessness as this!
Anybody with the most primitive
knowledge of human nature must know that a score of practicable suggestions
are not worth the breath that carries their utterance so long as there are general
apathy and hide-bound conservatives and sloth and laissez faire and Heaven alone
knows what other baneful attributes settling like mould upon the community.
What we want is not individual suggestion. What we want is not "somebody
to come along with an idea". What we want is not a sensation or a fad or
a boom or a bag of tricks. Experience has taught us that these things are always
abortive. But we do want general enthusiasm. We do want life, energy, pluck.
We do want - the whole caboodle of us - to have some genuine sort of interest
in the things that go to make life worth living.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 February 1904
SMOKING CONCERT ORATORY
Captain Shields presided at the smoking concert in the Unionist Club (shown
above in 1902) on Tuesday evening (16 February 1904) but the bulk of the oratory
was left to the every-ready lips of Mr Organiser Finlay of Kilmarnock.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 February 1904
SMOKING CONCERTS
At the Liberal Club smoking concert in Saltcoats, pipes and tobacco were supplied.
At the Unionist ditto in Ardrossan, one supplied one's own - which was perhaps
as well.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 February 1904
NEW LITERARY SOCIETY
They are proposing to commence a Literary Society in connection with Ardrossan
Unionist Club (shown above in 1902) - next winter.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 February 1904
ARDROSSAN MODEL YACHT CLUB
It would be interesting to know what exactly the patronage of the Town Council
means in regard to Ardrossan Model Yacht Club. In another part of the paper
is reproduced a letter from the Town Clerk to the Secretary of the Club. There
we learn that the Council "are willing to extend their patronage to the
Club" but desire "it be understood that in their corporate capacity,
they cannot give more material aid". Let us not, of course, cast a slight
upon the magnanimity of the Council - their condescension is remarkable but
what does their patronage mean? What are they going to do to help the Club in
the project the latter have in hand? Are they going to do anything? While the
question of even "extending patronage" to the Model Yacht Club's valiant
effort was under consideration at the Council, the most remarkable misconception
of the circumstances existed in the mind of several members.
It was continually being objected that if the Yacht Club were favoured in any
way by the Council, some other club would come forward for help and there would
be no end to that kind of thing. - all this despite the patent fact that the
Model Club were asking no favour for themselves but solely for a movement the
end of which would be to improve the amenity of the town. It was not so much
that the Council could not see the real facts of the case - that would be to
discredit them with impossible stupidity - but they would not see the facts
of the case and because they would not see the facts, the community have a quarrel
with the powers that be. It is to be hoped that the Council will redeem itself
in the popular estimation by doing something on behalf of the North Shore pond
and not waste time by talking airily about extending empty patronage.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 February 1904
MODEL YACHT CLUB BAZAAR
We are now threatened with a bazaar by the Model Yacht Club. 'Biz'-arre, is
it not?
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 February 1904
PUBLIC DINNER IN ARDROSSAN
A public dinner is coming off in Ardrossan in the near future.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 February 1904
ORE FOR ARDROSSAN
A French steamer will fetch ore to Ardrossan Harbour at the beginning of the
week.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 February 1904
WILD WEST SHOW FOR ARDROSSAN
Ardrossan is named as one of the most important places in Scotland to be visited
this summer by Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 February 1904
MARRIAGE OF CAPTAIN BAILIE
Bunting was much in evidence
at the Harbour on Monday (15 February 1904) by reason of the marriage of Captain
Bailie of the 'Ranza'. The ceremony was performed at the Channel Islands.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 February 1904
NOT KEEN ON WORK?
It was stated in these columns last week that work was to be had for the asking
at Nobel's Ardeer Factory but the hint has not been taken by many of the unemployed
gentlemen about Ardrossan who continue to throng the corners most objectionably.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 February 1904
FIXING A MEETING PLACE
The first meeting of the new Joint Water Board in Kilwinning was held on Friday
evening last (12 February 1950). Kilwinning, it will be remembered, is to be
given a six months trial as a meeting place after which the members are to fix
a permanent meeting place for the Board. This fixing the place of meeting would
seem to have been a 'kittle' bit of work with some other bodies constituted
of delegates from scattered districts as well as the Joint Water Board and,
as a case in point, one might call attention to the Poorhouse Directors who
used to meet in Irvine Council Chambers. Some of the delegates from the Kilmarnock
district did not relish the quarterly jaunt to Irvine and, by a narrow majority,
got the meeting place transferred to Kilmarnock.
The Ardrossan and District
delegates determined to alter this and, turning out in full force, managed to
carry their point in turn, also by a narrow majority which shifted the meeting
place of the Directors to the Poorhouse itself. The Water Board, however, is
not likely to run all over the shop with its meetings in this fashion and there
is little doubt that if Kilwinning is once definitely fixed on as a meeting
place, it will remain the Board's meeting place for all time to come.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 February 1904
NEW STAINED GLASS WINDOW
AND PULPIT FOR EVANGELICAL UNION CHURCH
To the generosity of Captain John Smith, Ardrossan Evangelical Union congregation
(whose church is shown below in 2007) are greatly indebted. His interest in
the new church has from time to time been marked by generous donations and his
most recent gift serves to show that that interest is not declining. The gift
takes the form of a stained glass memorial window which is intended to replace
the present circular window on the north side of the building above the platform.
The design which the glass will take has already been fixed upon.
It will consist of the figure
of an angel with a cross around the waist of the angel being a band with the
words 'Behold I bring you good tidings'. Elsewhere on the glass will be an inscription
commemorative of the laying of the memorial stone of the church. It is expected
that the window will be unveiled early in May and, on the same occasion, the
church will become possessed of a pulpit. The pulpit is being erected by the
congregation and is intended to be a handsome structure, rising sixteen feet
high from the platform.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 February 1904
ACCIDENT TO THE TOWN HALL
KEEPER
Mrs Thomson, caretaker of Ardrossan Town Hall (shown below in the early 1910s),
sustained severe injuries on Monday forenoon (15 February 1904) while attending
to the cleaning of the Hall. It appears that she was removing a large picture
frame from the wall for the purpose of cleaning it when its weight bore her
down and, striking her on the arm and shoulder, inflicted the injury. Medical
attention was at once given her and she has since been progressing favourably.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 19 February 1904
BURGH OF ARDROSSAN
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 26 February 1904
EDWARD AIRD'S
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 26 February 1904
THE EARLS OF EGLINTON
George Arnulph Montgomerie (shown below), fifteenth Earl of Eglinton (1508)
in the Peerage of Scotland and third Earl of Winton (1839) in that of the United
Kingdom was fifty-six years of age on Monday (22 February 1904), having been
born, says the Glasgow Herald, on 23 February 1848. In Scotland, he is also
Lord Montgomerie (1449) and in the United Kingdom, Baron Ardrossan of Ardrossan,
county Ayr (1812). He is Hereditary Sheriff of Renfrewshire and Lord Lieutenant
of Ayrshire and was formerly an officer of the Grenadier Guards. As regards
the Sheriffship, the tenth Earl of Eglinton in 1748, under the Act for abolishing
heritable jurisdictions, got £7800 in full of his claim for £12000
for it and the royalties of Kilwinning and Cunninghame. This was the unfortunate
Earl who was slain in a dispute by Mungo Campbell, on officer of Excise, who
escaped execution by hanging himself on 28 February 1770.
The Montgomeries are of lofty
lineage. Robert de Montgomerie, Seigneur de Montgomerie and Visconte d'Hiemois,
was a councillor to William, Duke of Normandy, from September 1066 to March
1067, during that Duke's invasion of England and by the Duke as King of England
created first Earl of Arundel and then Earl of Shropshire or Shrewsbury. The
whole Norman-descended Peerage of these realms can point to no finer record
than that, seeing that Arundel is the Premier Earldom of England, and that the
Seigneur de Montgomerie was its first holder. From Shropshire came Walter FitzAlan,
by David I made High Steward of Scotland and with him came a later Robert de
Montgomerie to whom, in the latter half of the twelfth century, he gave the
estate of Eaglesham in Renfrewshire.
His lineal descendant, John
Montgomerie of Eaglesham, who was at Otterburn in 1388 where he captured Sir
Harry Percy - Hotspur - advanced the family fortune by marrying the heiress
of the Eglintons of Eglinton and Ardrossan. Their representative in 1449 became
a Lord of Parliament and in 1508, King James IV raised the third Lord Montgomery
to be Earl of Eglinton.
With the fifth Earl, the male line of the Montgomerie name came to an end but
that nobleman, anxious for the continuation of his family honours, by an irregular
entail in 1611, made his father's sister's third son, Sir Alexander Seton, heir
to them. King James VI, however, would have none of this. He was deeply offended
at the old Earl's presumption and peremptorily commanded his cousin to 'lay
down' the titles observing 'that howsoever he could not stay noblemen to dispose
of their lands he, being the fountain of honour within the Kingdom, would not
permit the same to be sold or alienated' so the Earldom was suspended or defunct
but in 1815, the King, by royal charter, conferred the dignity on the said Sir
Alexander Seton, son of the Earl of Winton whose representatives in direct male
line the present Earl is, for Sir Alexander assumed the name and arms of his
mother's family.
The father of the late and
present Earls in 1859 was created a Peer of the United Kingdom by the title
Earl of Winton, the old title of his paternal line which as a Scottish dignity
ended in 1716 by the forfeiture and attainder of the fifth Earl. If the latter's
male line is extinct, on the reversal of the attainder, the Earl of Eglinton
would be entitled to it and also, probably, to the Earldom of Dunfermline. By
the last returns, the family estates consisted of 23631 acres in Ayrshire, 5866
in Lanarkshire and 671 in Bute - 30168 acres worth £41300 a year, exclusive
of minerals which were put down for £9590. They are not quite so extensive
now as a certain portion was taken by the late Earl's daughters.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 26 February 1904
BEGGAR SENT TO PRISON
A vagrant was at Ardrossan Burgh Court on Tuesday (23 February 1904) sent to
prison for seven days in default of paying a fine of 10s for begging. The accused
was seen going from shop to shop in Glasgow Street and when arrested, was found
to have 1s 3½d and some provisions in his possession. Bailie Hogarth,
in passing sentence, said the accused looked and able-bodied man and quite capable
of working.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 26 February 1904
TWO BEGGARS JAILED
Two beggars were arrested in Ardrossan this week while pursuing their vocation
and the magistrates, thinking fit to give them a change of profession, the needy
ones will, for the next few days, work for a living - in Ayr Jail.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 26 February 1904
THREE DAYS IN JAIL
Two gentlemen of nomadic habits took up their abode the other evening in the
new Gasworks and, preparatory to retiring for the night, they decided upon making
a cup of tea for themselves. Whilst carrying out their resolution, however,
the police ruthlessly disturbed them and the meal was left unpartaken of. Three
days gratuitous lodgings in Ayr were apportioned them the following day by the
magistrates.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 26 February 1904
ALLISON'S EXTENDED
Allison's of Princes Street, Ardrossan, is to be extended to take in the premises
presently occupied by Mr Ramage. By and by, we shall no doubt have an Emporium
or a Granite House or something of the sort in Princes Street.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 26 February 1904
A SCHOOLBOY'S THEFT
An Ardrossan schoolboy is a youth who is gifted with a commendable propensity
for looking after the wants of the household but at the same time, he appears
to be unable to differentiate between the right way and the wrong way of pursuing
so worthy a policy with the result that it has now brought him into trouble.
On Monday week (15 February 1904), his mother sent him out to gather cinders
from off the Caledonian Railway embankment but James, evidently educated up
to the knowledge that unconsumed coal was a more profitable article than cinders,
carried away with him fifty-one pounds of the genuine article from the railway
lye. On the road home, however, he met an inquisitive policeman who took him
and the bag of coals into custody.
At the following Monday's (22
February 1904) Burgh Court, James, accompanied by his mother, appeared to answer
to a charge of theft and was sentenced to pay a fine of 5s or suffer three days
imprisonment, whilst his mother was severely censured by the Court.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 26 February 1904
DR ORMONDE IN SALTCOATS AND
ARDROSSAN
Dr Ormonde, known as 'the king hypnotist of the world', will pay a visit to
Saltcoats on Thursday next (3 March 1904) and to the Assembly Rooms, Ardrossan,
on Tuesday 8 March. He will be assisted by the Ormonde Family, La Belle Sunflower
Company. The programme will include an interlude of a unique and sensational
character entitled Rosicrucian Psychonomancy. In addition, there will be songs,
dances, ventriloquism and a display of up-to-date animated pictures.
Dr Ormonde amazes and delights
while he mystifies his audience like a Mahatma. Miss Minnie Baldwin gives an
admirable exposition of ventriloquism and sketches with amazing rapidity portraits
of leading social and political personalities, landscapes and sea pieces while
Musical Miller, the great eccentric musical clown from the Hippodrome, London,
keeps the audience in one fit of laughter all the time but excellent as all
the parts of the entertainment are, the real interest is centred on the Doctor
and Mademoiselle Stella Ormonde in their marvellous clairvoyancy. Mademoiselle
Stella enters into a mesmeric or clairvoyant condition and ten begin the marvellous
revelations.
The Ormondes undoubtedly present
a great entertainment and we feel sure that they will be welcomed with crowded
houses in Saltcoats and Ardrossan.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 26 February 1904
SPANISH STEAMER RETURNS FROM
ARDROSSAN
A Spanish steamer is taking a cargo of coals homewards from Ardrossan this week.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 26 February 1904
LESS IRON ORE
Iron ore is still imported at Ardrossan but there are more frequent spells between
the arrivals of vessels with that cargo.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 26 February 1904
EXTRAODINARY TIME FOR IDLERS
The Idlers were having an extraordinary time of it in the Ardrossan Town Hall
last Friday night.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 26 February 1904
OUTSIDER APPOINTED AT DESTRUCTOR
The Ardrossan Town Council have recently taken a step which would seem to be
none the worse of explanation. At their last ordinary meeting, they agreed to
advertise for a local man to look after the new refuse destructor. The advertisement
duly appeared in our columns. The Council had occasion, however, to meet at
the destructor works one day last week and there, before they had even seen
any of the replies to the advertisement - there were over thirty waiting at
Kilmahew - they appointed a Ruchill man who was recommended by the engineer
and with whose qualifications they were familiar before they agreed to advertise
for a local man.
In acting in this manner the
Council are guilty both of inconsistency and of injustice. The prime duty of
the Council was to give the appointment to an Ardrossan man if a suitable Ardrossan
man could be got. Despite that clear duty, the Council went through the farce
of advertising for a local man and then appointed an outsider without so much
as glancing to the applications from upwards of thirty probably-quite-suitable
men in the immediate neighbourhood. This is a matter which demands an explanation.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 26 February 1904
DESTRUCTOR MORE IMPORTANT THAN SOUTH BEACH GREEN
Presumably, it were idle to grumble any longer about that South Beach Green
(shown below in the early 1900s) and yet, somehow, one cannot see the thing
dwindling and rotting and losing every natural attraction without wondering
if there is going to be no salving of it. Spilt milk is, of course, a trivial
cause of tears but your thoughtful ratepayer is surely entitled to ask, even
fretfully, whether the big gas undertaking and the big destructor undertaking
and the big water undertaking - this last perhaps yet to prove an expensive
futility - were all really more urgent that the case of South Beach Green.
Towns very much larger that
Ardrossan have not even yet been considering the erection of refuse destructors
- and that is something to remember. There was no crying necessity for a new
gasworks to be built on perhaps the worst site it was possible to conceive -
and that is something to remember. There was no imperative need for a new water
scheme from which no waster may result - and that is yet more to remember. Recognising
all this, the popular indignation about the Green is natural enough. It will
be strange, indeed, if the popular indignation do not have loud utterance by
and by.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 26 February 1904
LETTER TO THE EDITOR - DESTRUCTOR CARETAKER
Sir
In your issue of last week you call attention to the manner in which a stranger
has been appointed by the Town Council of Ardrossan to look after the new destructor
and close your paragraph by saying 'that this is a matter which demands explanation'.
Were the facts at all as you stated them, an explanation certainly would be
called for but it is not a fact that the appointment was made before the Council
had seen the replies to the advertisement inviting applications from local men
for the situation. The FACTS are that the Council met at Kilmahew and made the
appointment there after carefully considering all the local applications
and finding that none of the applicants had any experience in destructor
work. The engineer strongly insisted that it would be unwise and unsafe
to appoint a man without this experience and the Council considered that, in
the interests of the ratepayers, they were bound to act in accordance with this
advice. Personally, I am sorry that a local man has not got the job but I daresay
you will admit that in the circumstances, the Council could not well have acted
otherwise than they have done.
James Fullerton
We gladly give publicity
to this statement of the Council's manner of making the appointment and frankly
express regret that, on insufficient information, we adversely criticised their
action. We have been courteously informed by several members of the Council
that, with every desire to give the appointment to one of the numerous local
applicants, it was considered advisable to appoint a man who had some knowledge
of the expensive plant. - Editor
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 1904
LETTER TO THE EDITOR - DESTRUCTOR
CARETAKER
Ravenscraig, Ardrossan, 1 March 1904
Sir
My attention has been called to an article in your paper of 26 February having
reference to the appointment of a man to look after the new destructor. Your
assertions on that matter are misleading to the public, disrespectful to the
Council and not according to fact. I trust you will, in your next issue, in
the interest of truth, give a full and satisfactory explanation. In your remarks
on our new works, which were promoted in the best interests of the community,
I have to say that these remarks were in bad taste and quite uncalled for.
Yours truly
William Young
Elsewhere we offer the amende
honorable for stating that the Council made the appointment without considering
the written applications. Out of respect for Provost Young, we do no give a
'full' explanation, being satisfied that a majority of the Council were desirous
of carrying through the appointment in a strictly business-like way. Provost
Young, however, passes beyond the bounds of courtesy when he presumes to call
into question the 'taste' of our reference to the gas and water undertakings.
It does not follow that because the new and costly gas and water works were
'promoted in the best interests of the community' that they are to be accepted
as perfect conceptions, meritoriously carried out. The general opinion in Ardrossan
is that they are not projects to be proud of, barring their costliness and even
at the risk of offending the Provost's canons of taste, we will, when occasions
offer, voice the opinion of the community. - Editor
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 1904
DANCING WITH MR McGREISH
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 1904
ARDROSSAN UNITED FREE PRESBYTERY
DEBATE
The Ardrossan United Free Presbytery has a debate about the Chair of Natural
Science in the Church Colleges and about a definition of Natural Science. The
meeting is fully reported on page 3.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 1904
ARDROSSAN YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN
ASSOCIATION
Ardrossan Young Men's Christian Association has a membership of eighty-one and
these four-score young men are actively engaged on weekdays and Sundays in carrying
out the aims of their fellowship. An enjoyable conversazione was held on Monday
(31 March 1904).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 1904
ARDROSSAN MODEL YACHT CLUB
CONCERT
What promises to be one of the most successful local concerts held this season
is that organised by Ardrossan Model Yacht Club which is to be held in Saltcoats
Town Hall on the evening of Saturday 12 March. Among the artistes engaged are
the Glasgow Queen's Park Amateur Minstrels, a troupe of thirty performers; Mr
Ellis Newton, sleight-of-hand exponent and Mr Wal Williams, trick cyclist. Local
artistes, including Mr Jack Clyde and Mr Harry Magee will also take part in
the entertainment. Considering the excellence of the programme which is to be
submitted, a good house is anticipated.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 1904
SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army Band and Songster Brigade from Saltcoats visited Ardrossan
on Monday evening (31 March 1904) and a meeting was held in the Evangelical
Union Church. The week of prayer and self-denial is from 27 February till 5
March and the local corps look for much spontaneous help.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 1904
BICYCLE STOLEN
A bicycle was stolen the other day from the outside of a house in Montgomerie
Street, Ardrossan, and next morning, it was found lying on the Caledonian Railway
embankment minus the front wheel.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 1904
DIPLOMA FOR ALEXANDER BECK
Mr Alexander Beck of Eglinton Road, Ardrossan (shown below in the early 1910s)
has been awarded a diploma for his exhibit in the Glasgow East End Industrial
Exhibition. The exhibit consists of a bed mat made of silk, satin and brocade,
a sofa cushion and a wall pocket.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 1904
ARDROSSAN SCHOOL BOARD
The monthly meeting of the School Board of Ardrossan was held on Wednesday afternoon
in Saltcoats Public School, the Reverend William McGilchrist presiding. The
other members present were Messrs Ritchie, Bogle, Leckie, Shearer and the Reverend
Rossie Brown. The officer submitted the monthly report on the attendances in
the various schools which showed the following figures.
on
roll 29 February average attendance percentage
Eglinton School 450 408.1 90.6
Winton School 451 385.5 86
Saltcoats School 890 791
89
Ardrossan Academy 350 293 86
The Spring holidays were fixed
for the first week in April from Friday 1 till Monday 11.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 1904
These are the opening sentences of a longer report.
ARDROSSAN YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN
ASSOCIATION
Ardrossan Young Men's Christian Association has a membership of eighty-one and
these four-score young men are actively engaged on weekdays and Sundays in carrying
out the aims of their fellowship. An enjoyable conversazione was held on Monday
(31 March 1904).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 1904
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
CONVERZIONE
The impression to be gathered by anyone who attended the conversazione held
in the Assembly Hall on Monday evening (31 March 1904) was that the Ardrossan
Young Men's Christian Association organise and carry through such functions
in a commendable way and this was possibly the circumstances which led to such
a large audience as was present having gathered. Presiding over the meeting
was Mr W S Erskine, President of the local branch of the Association and to
assist him in delivering the oratorical items on the programme were Dr E W Watts,
Glasgow Gate of Canada and Mr George McPherson, Director of the Glasgow Young
Men's Christian Association. Both of these gentlemen delivered eloquent and
inspiring addresses. The secretary, Mr James Gilroy, submitted the report of
the work done during the past year. The Pleasant Sunday afternoon meetings which
began in a small way some years ago are now in a flourishing condition and are
being well attended by those in whose interests they were instituted - working
men. For the present session, some eighty-one members were enrolled on the books
of the Association but while this was looked upon as satisfactory, it was considered
that the number might well be increased.
On
Sundays, visits are made to the vessels in the harbour and many tracts, papers
et cetera are distributed, some of them being printed in the French, Spanish,
Norwegian, German and Danish languages in order that they may be thoroughly
intelligible to the recipients. The Bethel service provided by an open-air meeting
at the harbour has been carried on with zeal and the labours of the devoted
band of workers have been crowned with no little success. The financial year
was begun with a sum of £8 16s 10 3/4d and finished with a credit balance
of £4 16s 8 3/4d. The total income and expenditure, including these balances,
was £93 3s 6 ¼, besides which the Association had on hand £13
raised by means of lectures. The musical part of the programme was ably contributed
to by the Saltcoats Evangelistic Choir under Mr Arnott and by Mr and Mrs McDowall
of Ardrossan.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 1904
GOLDEN WEDDING IN ARDROSSAN
In the presence of a large gathering of friends and relatives and under the
genial chairmanship of the Reverend Mr Spottiswood, Mr and Mrs Brown, Arran
Place Lane, Ardrossan, last night (3 March 1904) celebrated their golden wedding.
The interesting ceremony was made the occasion of a presentation from the members
of their family - children and grandchildren - and took the form of a gift of
a purse of sovereigns which was presented by Mr John Brown to the accompaniment
of filial and felicitous remarks. In returning thanks for the gift, Mr Robert
Brown expressed the hope that the company would meet again to celebrate with
Mrs Brown and him their diamond wedding, a sentiment which the company subsequently
gave hearty reiteration to. Mr and Mrs Brown were married at Raise Street, Saltcoats,
on 3 March 1854 by the Reverend David Landsborough, Free Church minister. In
1854, the couple came to reside in Ardrossan at which time Mr Brown was appointed
gardener to Mr and Mrs Gardner, 8 South Crescent, Ardrossan, a post which he
continued in for twenty-seven years. For the past eleven years, Mr Brown has
been keeper of the Saltcoats Bowling Green and as such he has given every satisfaction.
His knowledge of horticulture has naturally made him to be much in demand at
local flower shows and ever since the year 1851, he has taken an active interest
in all the horticultural exhibitions in the district.
Despite the calls made upon
his time by his ordinary duties, he threw himself with great zeal many years
ago into the work then done by the Parochial Board and since that body became
defunct, he has ever been a prominent member of the Parish Council of Ardrossan.
Indeed, he had the honour of being appointed its first chairman. Mr Brown held
the post of Librarian to the Established Church and at the present time, he
is the Grand Master of the Solomon Lodge of Free Gardeners. Mr Brown is seventy-two
years of age and his wife is two years younger. They have lived, it is interesting
to observe, in the same house for the past forty years. On Wednesday evening
(2 March 1904), a deputation from the Horticultural Society consisting of Bailie
Barrie, Mr Bryce, Mr Tyre, Mr Tannock, Mr Bell and Mr Watson waited upon Mr
and Mrs Brown and presented them with a handsome timepiece with an inscription
suitable to the occasion. Bailie Barrie mad the presentation and also handed
to the old couple, a photograph of the minister, the late Reverend Dr Landsborough
who joined them in wedlock.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 19044
THE ARDROSSAN
A friend handed me an old copy of The Ardrossan of 28 March 1868 the other day.
The first thing that struck me as remarkable was its small size as compared
with our issue of the present day and of some years past. Next was the large
number of births, deaths and marriages being eleven, nine and twenty-nine respectively.
In the matter of news paragraphs, the only one from Kilbirnie was that on the
annual meeting of the then flourishing Thistle Curling Club and such names as
that of James Tait, Robert Montgomery, Thomas Montgomery, R Jamieson, John Brodie,
James Houston and Hugh Davies revive old memories of the prowess of the Blasties
of that time in that game.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 1904
UNLOVEABLE MAIDENS
Saturday evening (27 February 1904) Ardrossan way was as pleasant as a clear,
sweet atmosphere could make it for walking and quite convene. An evening when
Saltcoats and Ardrossan young men and maidens might show how sensible they are
- instead of which the young men howled and bellowed silly pantomime songs and
young ladies laughed with raucous voices doing the very thing which make them
unloveable.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 1904
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Amongst coincidences, that of an Ardrossanite should pass. On a recent Saturday
evening he walked along from the foot of Glasgow Street to Saltcoats and out
of the many pedestrians he passed, he heard the word 'name' uttered in the audible
conversations of seventeen persons. What was her name, did you say? I dinna
mind her name! It's a strange name! D'ye ken the names et cetera. His opinion
of the general conversation is, to put it tenderly, nameless.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 March 1904
ARDROSSAN, SALTCOATS AND STEVENSTON SOCIETY
The Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston Choral Society gave a rendering of Handel's
Samson last night (10 March 1904) to a large audience.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1904
ARDROSSAN PARISH COUNCIL
The monthly meeting of Ardrossan Parish Council was held on Tuesday evening
(9 March 1904) in the Glasgow Street Chambers, Mr W Tannock presiding. The Clerk
read a letter from Mr Morris, a member of the Council, who stated that as he
was leaving the district, he would in all probability be unable to attend the
Council meetings again. He nevertheless thought it would be unnecessary to appoint
a new member in his stead until the election. Captain Torrance thought they
might obviate the need for an election taking place if they accepted the letter
as a resignation and appointed a new member. The Clerk was instructed to see
Mr Morris and ask him if he intended resigning.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1904
These are the opening sentences of a longer report.
ARDROSSAN PARISH COUNCIL
The Ardrossan Parish Council is still hankering after a change of premises though
this time, only so far as Saltcoats is concerned. They are going to hide where
they are for another year, however.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1904
CHESS AT ARDROSSAN LIBERAL
CLUB
Chess has caught on in the Ardrossan Liberal Club and there is keen demand for
boards and men every evening.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1904
EGLINTON HOUNDS IN ARDROSSAN
The Eglinton hounds passed through Ardrossan yesterday (10 March 1904) en route
for the meet at Seamill. We understand that foxes were scarce on the uplands.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1904
ARDROSSAN MODEL YACHT CLUB
The Ardrossan Model Yacht Club look for ungrudged patronage of their concert
to be given in Saltcoats Town Hall tomorrow evening (12 March 1904). It must
be borne in mind that the efforts of the Club are presently being used in a
direction where lies good to the general community. The accomplishment of the
object of the Club will mean that a piece of waste ground, which but for the
action of the Club would probably have remained waste ground, will be transformed
into an area at once ornamental and useful for various forms of sport. At the
concert tomorrow evening, an excellent programme is to be presented. Balie Crawford,
who did some fighting at the Board of Commissioners on behalf of the Club, is
to preside.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1904
FAREWELL TO F H COLLINS
His friends in the neighbourhood are entertaining Mr F H Collins, secretary
of the Glasgow and South-Western Railway Company, to dinner this evening. The
function is, of course, by way of being a hearty send-off, Mr Gillies now carrying
into effect a long made resolve to shift his Ares and Penates to another shire.
Without a doubt, Mr Gillies will be missed. Though never a participant in the
public affairs of the district, he has been useful to the community in diverse
ways. Only the other night, the Glasgow and South-Western Ambulance Class gave
evidence of their appreciation of his kindness to them and it is not long since
the people of the Trinity Church in Saltcoats evinced their regret at his imminent
departure.
To
the Ardrossan Bowling Club (shown below in 2010) too, Mr Gillies has been a
staunch friend and the sports at Ardrossan were always much the better of his
help but the loss of him will be felt most in sundry little social circles where
he was always welcome for the geniality and consistent courtesy without which
he never came to them. Mr Gillies is going to settle with his family in Bridge
of Weir.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1904
DANCING CLASS ASSEMBLIES
In Ardrossan, Mr D McGriesh has come to be looked upon as a past master in the
art of training both juveniles and seniors in dancing and on the evenings of
Thursday and Friday last (3 and 4 March 1904), is was made manifest that the
reputation he has gained in that direction is more likely to be enhanced than
diminished in the future. On Thursday evening, the juvenile portion of his pupils
gave an exhibition which reflected great credit on the capabilities of their
teacher and on Friday evening, the adult class gave a no less excellent performance.
At both assemblies, a number of exhibition dances were given and proved very
entertaining.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1904
GLASGOW AND SOUTH-WESTERN
RAILWAY AMBULANCE CLASS - SOCIAL GATHERING AND PRESENTATIONS
Whatever the Ardrossan Glasgow and South-Western Railway Ambulance Class undertake
to do, the generally do it well and consequently, their social gathering has
come to be looked upon in Ardrossan as one of the events of the year. If, in
the competitive examination, they should be fortunate to win the cup, then the
occasion is made one of enthusiastic rejoicings but if, on the other hand, they
fail to secure that coveted treasure, as occasionally happens, they never give
reasons for it being suggested that they are disheartened at their defeat. The
annual soiree takes place as usual and whatever the circumstances are, it is
generally a success. This year, the Ambulance Class did not win the cup but
its absence from the platform table last Friday evening (4 March 1904) did not
greatly detract from the success of the gathering which, by the way, was a remarkable
event on account of the number of presentations that took place in it. These
and the speeches which accompanied them we refer to further on.
The
social took place in the Town Hall and it was attended by a very large audience
- one which indeed occupied almost every available seat. Accompanying
the chairman, Mr F H Gillies, on the platform were Dr Allan (shown below in
1902), medical instructor to the Ambulance Class, Captain Murchie, Mr Provan
station master, Mr William Frew harbour manager Troon, Mr McMurray, Mr Gibson
and Miss Minnie Provan. After tea had been served, a lengthy programme, prefaced
by some remarks from the chairman, was entered upon. On rising to speak, the
chairman was warmly received. After expressing his thanks to the committee for
appointing him to preside over the meeting, Mr Gillies referred to the fact
that this would, in all probability, be the last occasion on which he would
have an opportunity of presiding over their gatherings.
Going on the talk of the Ambulance Class and its work, he said he had the pleasure
of being present at the examination held recently and it was his opinion that
the Ardrossan Class of this year surpassed all the previous ones. Dr Milroy
had stated to him that the questions put to the pupils and answered by them
were such as would have done credit to any medical student going in for his
degree. That, thought Mr Gillies, reflected great credit, not only on the members
of the Class, but also on Dr Allan.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1904
PRESENTATION TO GLASGOW AND
SOUTH-WESTERN RAILWAY EMPLOYEE
One of the happiest of send-offs was accorded to Mr John Withers of Ardrossan,
who is on the point of leaving for Canada, when on Tuesday evening (8 March
1904), his fellow employees met to give tangible expression of the regard in
which they hold him. Mr Withers is employed as a spare signalman on the Glasgow
and South-Western Railway at Ardrossan and it is but appropriate that the gathering
should have taken place, as it did, in the station waiting rooms. Here, Mr H
B Provan, station master, undertook to preside and in presenting Mr Withers
with a purse of sovereigns, the gift of his fellow workers, he referred on felicitous
terms to the cordial feeling that existed between Mr Withers and the other employees
of the Glasgow and South-Western Railway Company at Ardrossan. He also wished
Mr Withers every success in Canada. Mr Withers replied in suitable terms of
acknowledgement.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 March 1904
ARDROSSAN TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
The usual monthly meeting of Ardrossan Town Council was held at Kilmahew on
Monday evening (14 March 1904). All the members were present save Councillor
J R Smith. Provost Young presided. Bailie Crawford said he thought there was
one thing ought to be mentioned before the proper business of the Council was
taken up and that was with regard to the appointment of a man to look after
the destructor. A report of the proceedings connected with that appointment
which was partly true, had appeared in the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald and
in the following issue appeared two letters from members of the Council denying
the allegations contained in the report.
He
did not recognise that correspondence for it was not official and he was of
the opinion that the way in which the misleading report came to be made should
be explained which would best be done by re-examining the actual facts. He thought
most of them would recollect that at their meeting at the destructor, it was
proposed and seconded that a man suggested by Mr Gillespie should be appointed
right away while as an amendment, it was moved that no appointment be made until
the other applications had be opened. The amendment was carried by one vote.
An adjournment was them made to Kilmahew where, after opening and examining
the applications and after hearing the opinions of the engineer and contractor,
it was decided to appoint Fraser. He thought that was a true statement of what
took place. Provost Young said "I certainly seconded the motion at the
works but I did not know at the time that there were applications lying here".
Judge Harvey said "As the seconder of the amendment, I agree with what
Bailie Crawford has said. I think the report in the paper could not have been
nearer right and yet remained wrong. The Council ought not to put themselves
in such a position and when they do, they ought not to go to the press with
their complaints. The floor of the Council Chamber is the place where such matters
should be put right". The matter then dropped.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 March 1904
These are the opening sentences of a longer report.
ARDROSSAN AND SALTCOATS JOINT
HOSPITAL
Nine cases in the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Joint Hospital have cost the Burgh
of Saltcoats a total sum of £38 8s 7d.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 March 1904
TWELVE YEAR OLD ARDROSSAN
SCHOOLBOY FINED
An Ardrossan schoolboy of twelve years of age was convicted of stealing sixpence
from a little girl aged five and sentenced to pay a fine of 7s or fine days.
If again convicted, that boy will spend some years in a Reformatory.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 March 1904
ARDROSSAN LIFEBOAT
Yesterday (17 March 1904) at noon, the Ardrossan lifeboat crew engaged in their
quarterly practice. The day was a favourable one from their point of view as
a strong sou'wester was blowing and to the few spectators who gathered, the
scene was both interesting and realistic. The way in which the boat was handled
on the rough sea effectively demonstrated the efficiency of the crew.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 March 1904
MODEL YACHT CLUB'S CONCERT
On Saturday evening (12 March 1904), the Ardrossan Model Yacht Club held a concert
in Saltcoats Town Hall for the purposes of raising funds to meet the expense
of constructing a new model yacht pond. Excellent though the entertainment was,
it was disappointing to some of the audience to learn that two of the local
amateurs billed to appear were unable to be present which consequently resulted
in the concert coming to a premature close. As it was, however, a very lengthy
variety programme was provided by the Queen's Park Amateur Minstrels and, thanks
to their ability as entertainers, the concert was a complete success. Bailie
Crawford was chairman.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 March 1904
ARDROSSAN CALEDONIAN RAILWAY
AMBULANCE SOCIAL - PRESENTATION TO DR MACDONALD
On Friday evening last (11 March 1904), the above Ambulance Corps held its annual
social in the Assembly Hall where there was large turnout of members and friends.
Councillor S Goodwin presided and he was supported on the platform by Mrs Goodwin,
Miss Macdonald, Miss McKelvie, Mr William Stevenston Caledonian Railway representative,
Mrs Stevenson, Mr D F Smith secretary of the Caledonian Railway Ambulance Brigade,
Dr Macdonald, Bailie Harvey, Bailie Harvey, Bailie Crawford, Mr Carson and Mr
G Clark. Tea was served most expeditiously and this having been indulged in,
the Chairman, after intimating apologies for absence from several gentlemen,
expressed his pleasure at being present and presiding over such a large gathering.
With regard to the Ambulance Corps, it had been formed some ten years ago and
close upon two-hundred had now qualified for medallions and certificates.
A team had also been formed which, though not successful in carrying off the
cup, had been second on one occasion and third and fourth on many occasions
- applause. When they were second, they were second to Edinburgh. Dr
MacDonald had informed him that it almost invariably happened that the Corps
in the town where the competition was held carried off the prize. Why that should
be, he the chairman, could not tell. The Corps was also under the Caledonian
Railway Ambulance Brigade rules. Since the formation of the Corps, there had
been very few accidents but any that had happened got prompt attention - applause.
In proof of this, he cited the case of a railway guard who had been severely
injured at Ardrossan and who had been attended to by two of the Ardrossan Brigade.
From the time of the accident till the patient reached the infirmary in Glasgow,
only one hour and a half elapsed which reflected credit on the Ambulance Corps
and the Railway Company - applause. He claimed that it was the duty of every
young man present to identify himself with an Ambulance Corps - he would say
the Caledonian Railway Ambulance Corps if possible - laughter and applause applause.
They should all become connected with an Ambulance Corps because through its
instrumentality, they could do a lot of good and they never knew when they might
be called to step into the breach - applause.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 March 1904
A FAREWELL FEAST - A VALEDICTORY
MEETING WITH MR.F H GILLIES
After a residence of fully years, during which time he made many friends and
true, Mr F H Gillies (shown below), secretary of the Glasgow and South-Western
Railway Company, has packed up his household goods and gone hence. Naturally,
the many friends and true regretted his departure. They know that they would
feel the loss of him and they asked him to come to dinner last Friday night
(11 March 1904) that they might tell him so. It was a representative company
who sat down to table in the Ardrossan Station Hotel, a company representative
of almost every circle in which Mr Gillies had been wont to move. In the chair
was Mr Reid, secretary of the Ardrossan Harbour Company and facing him was Captain
Shields as croupier. Between these two worthy gentlemen, on either side of the
well garnished table, were the following - Dr Allan, Mr W K E Alexander, Mr
William Anderson, Captain Arthur, Mr F A P Bennett, Mr John Barr, Mr W G Christie,
Mr C Crinean, Mr William Davidson, Mr W Fleming, Mr W Gilroy, Mr W Guthrie,
Mr Allan Gilfillan, Mr T S Guthrie, Mr H Gillespie. Mr Manson Gibson, Mr Harholis,
Mr J Lambert, Captain Mackie, Captain Murchie, Mr W J Martin, Mr J McMurray,
Mr John Nicol, Mr Smith, Mr W J Scott, Captain Torrance, Mr Hugh Thomson, Mr
J Murray Wilson, Mr Williams, Mr A C Wood, Mr Thomas Wallace and Mr Duncan Young.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 March 1904
These are the opening sentences of a longer report.
ARDROSSAN ACADEMY CONTINUATION CLASSES
It will be observed from the advertisement that in connection with the distribution
of prizes and certificates in Ardrossan Academy (shown below as the ruins of
Saint Peter's School in 2002) on Thursday evening first (24 March 1904), an
opportunity is offered for viewing the specimens of work done in the various
classes. All interested are invited.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 25 March 1904
POLICE BURGH CHARGES
Two youths of about sixteen years of age were charged at Ardrossan Burgh Court
on Monday (14 March 1904) with maliciously destroying a number of iron spikes
that toppled the dyke in Hill Street (shown below in 2005) adjoining the railway
goods yard. They pleaded guilty and were each fined ten shillings.
At the same court, a Saltcoats dealer was convicted of leaving his pony and
cart unattended in Montgomery Street (shown below in 2003) for which offence
he was fined 7s 6d.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 March 1904
POPULAR SATURDAY EVENINGS
The series of popular Saturday evening meetings carried on so successfully throughout
the winter in connection with the Evangelical Union Church concludes tomorrow
(19 March 1904) when a lengthy and interesting programme is to be submitted.
A large audience is anticipated.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 March 1904
WOMEN'S LIBERAL ASSOCIATON
The executive of the Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston Women's Liberal Association
invited Lady Glen-Coats, Ferguslie Park, Paisley to be their honorary president
and her ladyship has intimated her acceptance. Mrs Joseph Russell, Seafield
Towers, Ardrossan, (shown below as Seafield School in 2008) and Miss Cathcart,
Auchendrane, Ayr, have consented to become honorary vice-presidents.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 March 1904
HEARSE SOCIETY AND ARDROSSAN BOWLING CLUB
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 April 1904
GOLD MEDAL FOR ARDROSSAN
DANCER
Miss Robina Watt, Ardrossan, was successful in gaining the gold medal at a juvenile
dancing competition at Maybole on Saturday last (26 March 1904).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 April 1904
LABOURER FINED
A labourer was fined £2 with the alternative of thirty days imprisonment
at Ardrossan Burgh Court on Tuesday (29 March 1904) for having on the previous
day assaulted the harbour foreman.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 April 1904
OVERHEARD
Overheard on the arrival of the Belfast mail steamer. Passengers preparing to
disembark. Steward to assistant - Jimmie, see this old lady ashore. She is that
deaf she cannot speak a word.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 April 1904
NEW SAILINGS TIMETABLE
The bellman is to be heard today announcing the commencement of the new order
of sailings to Arran by the Caledonian steamer. From today onwards, the Caley
boat will leave Ardrossan at 11.00 am, returning in the afternoon about 4.30
pm.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 April 1904
MAYFIELD SOLD
The semi-detached villa in North Crescent (shown below in the early 1900s),
known as Mayfield, was exposed for sale in the Faculty Hall, Glasgow, on Wednesday
(30 March 1904) at the upset price of £700 and was purchased at that price
by Mr Thomas Guthrie, solicitor, for a client.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 April 1904
ARDROSSAN LIBERAL CLUB
Ardrossan Liberal Club has been busy of late. The spring billiards handicap
has commanded some attention and the closing games, played this week, were closely
watched. The favourites were all out of it and take a back seat on this occasion.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 April 1904
ARDROSSAN AMATEUR MINSTRELS
- SUPPER AND MUSICAL EVENING
This event was held in the Templars' Hall on Friday evening last (25 March 1904).
After an excellent supper, purveyed in Mr Ewing's usual first-class style, the
chairman, Mr W Harvie in a few well-chosen remarks, spoke of the progress the
minstrels had made and hoped by next season they would make themselves known
to the public. During the evening, songs were sung by the following - Messrs
J Black, William Kean, R Craig, T Craig, G Craig, R Murray, W Harvie, D Logan
and J McDowall while step dances were given by Messrs J McDowall and J Todd.
Mr J B Lawson and Mr Dan Harvie acted as pianists. A vote of thanks to the chairman
and the singing of Auld Lang Syne brought an enjoyable evening to a close.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 April 1904
ARDROSSAN CRIME AND OFFENCES
RATE NOT GOOD
From a perusal of Captain Hardy's report on crime on the county, we observe
that Ardrossan is far from being as good as it should be and it is not growing
better. Last year, 312 crimes and offences known to the police were committed
in Ardrossan as compared with 233 in 1902 and 199 in 1901. In Saltcoats, which
has fully 2000 more of a population, there were 448 crimes and offences last
year as compared with 343 in 1902 and 353 in 1901 so that here too, there is
no sign of betterment.
Cumnock is perhaps the worst of the lot. With a population only about half that
of Ardrossan, there were 282 crimes and offences last year. Prestwick, on the
other hand, with a greater population than Cumnock, had only seven cases marked
against it for the whole year. Generally, theft and malicious mischief are the
favourite forms of original indulgences and an unfortunately large number of
the delinquents are juveniles.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 April 1904
DEATH OF A YOUNG TOWNSMAN
ABROAD
On Sunday morning (27 March 1904), news was received in Ardrossan of the death
in a hospital in Singapore of William Dunlop, son of the late James Dunlop and
Mrs Dunlop, Princes Street. It was one the hospital nurses who sent the intelligence
and all that is known as yet is that the cause was enteric fever. When seventeen
years of age, William Dunlop stated on a seafaring career, firstly as an apprentice
in Mr Hugh Hogarth's ship the Corryvrechen and passed from stage to stage until
at the close of his comparatively short life, he was sailing master of the Albion.
The sympathy of the community is with Mrs Dunlop and family in their bereavement.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 April 1904
ASSAULT IN A BAR ROOM
A man had his thirty-third conviction recorded in Ardrossan Burgh Court in Monday
(28 March 1904). The charge proffered was one of assault and from the statements
given in evidence, it appeared to be a very aggravated assault that he had committed.
On Saturday evening (26 March 1904), he was drinking along with others in the
bar room of the Eglinton Hotel (shown below in the early 1960s) and on it being
suggested, when ten o'clock struck, the 'gentlemen should retire', he showed
indications of having been offended. The hotel employee who made the remark
he seized by the throat and severely maltreated and subsequently he threw a
tumbler at him. A fine of £2 with the option of thirty days imprisonment
was imposed.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 April 1904
SATURDAY EVENING MEETINGS
The series of Saturday evening meetings so successfully carried through the
winter by the Reverend George Sharpe, Ardrossan Evangelical Union Church, concluded
last Saturday (25 March 1904) when an audience that about comfortably filled
the church gathered. After tea had been purveyed in the hall, addresses were
delivered by Mr Andrew Ferrie, Glasgow; Mr Scrutin, Dalry; Captain John Smith
and Mrs Raphael, Saltcoats. A musical programme was conducted by Miss Spence
and the Fraser Brothers quartet. The success of this and the previous meeting,
coupled with the good that they have undoubtedly accomplished, justify their
continuance next winter.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 April 1904
ARDROSSAN SCHOOL BOARD
The usual monthly meeting of the School Board of Ardrossan was held on Monday
(28 March 1904). The Reverend W McGilchrist presided and the other members present
were Messrs Shearer, Locke, Bogle, Ritchie and the Reverend W Rossie Brown.
The report of the Attendance Officer showed the average attendances in the various
schools for the past month to be as follows - Eglinton School 402, Winton School
383, Saltcoats 795 and Ardrossan Academy 298.
A question put by the Reverend Rossie Brown elicited from the Clerk the statement
that the average attendances showed a slight decrease when compared with those
of the same period last year. A tabulated statement showing the number of school
children in the parish employed in various ways before and after school hours
was submitted by the Officer. Altogether, ninety-six children are in employment
and of that number, thirty-seven are pupils of Eglinton School, ten are scholars
in Winton School and forty-nine come from Saltcoats Public School. Twenty of
those children are frequently last incoming to school and ten of them are always
behind time.
The Reverend W Rossie Brown understood that those who were always late missed
the Scripture instruction. This statement only referred to their own schools.
In Saint Mary's School, matters might be worse but if they passed a regulation
dealing with this question, it became effective in all the schools. Mr Shearer
held that by the conscience clause, parents could withhold their children taking
part in the Scripture lessons. The Chairman asked if the Board had not, even
in such a case, control of the children during that time. The Reverend Rossie
Brown said that the Board had power to prevent children from being employed
during school hours. After some further expression of views on the matter had
been given, a committee was appointed to report on the question.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 April 1904
EVENING CONTINUATION CLASSES
IN ARDROSSAN ACADEMY
Last night, a period was put to the above classes for the session when the prizes
and certificates were presented to the scholars. The ceremony took place in
the Academy where also there was an exhibition of work done by the pupils, most
of the material on show being specimens of dressmaking, millinery and the general
manufacture of garments. The millinery section was especially remarkable.
At the presentation, the Reverend
Mr McGilchrist, Chairman of the School Board, presided in the regrettable absence
of Provost Guthrie who is Convenor of the Academy Committee. The prizes were
graciously presented by Mrs McGilchrist when after Mr Cuthbertson, Organising
Secretary of the Evening Class Work in the county, Mr Shearer and Mr Bogle addressed
the gathering. A fuller report will appear next week.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 1 April 1904
SAINT JOHN'S ANNUAL CONCERT
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1904
HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1904
MR JOHN McKINNON, FARMER, STANLEY
A well-known and highly respected Ayrshire farmer died on Friday last (1 April
1904). On that day, Mr John McKinnon, a lifelong tenant of the Eglinton family,
passed away at Stanley Farm (which occupied the site of the first Stanley Primary
School shown below in 2002) in his seventieth-fourth year. Mr McKinnon was one
of twelve of a family born at Laigh Dykes and with his death, the last link
in that family chain is gone. For a number of years after reaching manhood,
he assisted his father, Peter McKinnon, to farm the lands at Laigh Dykes and
later took a lease of Lauriston, Dundonald. Returning to the district, Mr McKinnon
subsequently entered upon Stanley Farm and there, as at Lauriston and Laigh
Dykes, gave ample proof of his superior qualifications as a farmer.
It is known to everyone that he was held in high esteem by the late as well
as the present Earl of Eglinton and that, at his death, he was one of the oldest
tenants on the estate. In local circles, Mr McKinnon had many friends. His greeting
was aye genial and kindly and it did one good to be in his company. He was typical
of the race from which he sprung and there is general regret that he is no longer
one of ourselves.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1904
ARDROSSAN BOWLING CLUB
Ardrossan Bowling Club are on the lookout for likely new members.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1904
ARRAN STEAMER MISSES RUN
Bad weather caused the Caledonian steamer to skip one of its runs to Arran the
other day.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1904
OLD DOCK GATES PLATFORM TORN
AWAY
The storm of Tuesday night (5 April 1904) caused part of the platform at the
old dock gates to be torn away.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1904
REPLACEMENT ARRAN STEAMER
The Marchioness Of Lorne has been replaced by the Duchess Of Rothesay on the
Arran run.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1904
SHORTHAND SERMON
An Ardrossan boy wrote in shorthand the Reverend J D McCall's sermon last Sunday
(3 April 1904) and afterwards, at home, read it to his parents.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1904
ARDROSSAN AND DISTRICT CAMERA
CLUB
At the annual general meeting of the above club held recently, the following
office bearers were appointed for the year. President - Mr W Young, junior;
vice-presidents - Mr T H Taylor, LDS, Saltcoats and Mr John Rogers, Ardrossan;
secretary - Mr John Comrie, Ardrossan; treasurer - Mr R L Young, Ardrossan and
committee - Messrs Thomas Guthrie, G Kinnear, W Milne, W R E Alexander, Archibald
Ritchie and W J Nicholson. At present, the Club membership stands at twenty-four
which is somewhat less than last year owing mainly to removals from the district.
Several new members are, however, coming forward and others will be welcomed.
During last year, fortnightly lectures or demonstrations were held, the speakers
being the Reverend J Crouch, Bridge of Weir; R McK Easton, Paisley; J Peat Miller,
Beith and W F Slater, London et cetera et cetera. An exhibition of work by members
will be opened on 29 April and will remain open for two or three weeks. The
club is in the possession of an excellent enlarging lantern which should of
itself be enough to attract to the fold such cameramen in the neighbourhood
who are not yet members of the Club.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1904
ARDROSSAN BOWLING CLUB
The members of the Ardrossan Bowling Club held their annual general meeting
on Tuesday evening (5 April 1904) in the Station Hotel (shown at the right of
the photo below taken in the early 1910s). A good attendance of members was
present, over which Mr Tom Wallace presided. The secretary read the annual report
and also the general balance sheet, the latter of which showed the club to be
in a healthy financial condition. Starting with a balance of £19 0s 4d,
the club ended the financial year with the sum of £23 10s 2d to its credit.
On the motion of Dr Macdonald, the report and balance sheet were adopted. The
retiring president, Mr Tom Wallace, nominated Mr John Barr, vice president,
as his successor to the chair. The nomination being approved of, Mr Barr was
thereupon appointed president of the club for the ensuing year.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1904
These are the opening sentences of a longer report.
A BROKEN WINDOW
In the Sheriff Small Debt Court on Thursday (7 April 1904), Sheriff Mackenzie
gave judgement in an action at the instance of John Reid, fish merchant, Ardrossan
against the Ardrossan Co-operative Society Limited for £4 13s, being the
value of a plate glass window in a shop situated in the pursuers property which
is occupied by the defenders, which window the pursuer alleged was broken on
22 September last through the fault or carelessness of the defenders' vanman
while in charge of a horse and van belonging to them. It was explained that
the window had been replaced by an insurance company who were the real pursuers.
The Sheriff said that the position in this case was a little peculiar because
the defenders were tenants of the pursuer and the van, which was undoubtedly
their van, appeared to have broken the window.
The
landlord, the pursuer, now sought to recover the price of replacing the window
and there was no question as to the amount of the price because a receipt for
the pane was in process and was admitted. The only question was whether the
defenders were wholly to blame for the accident that happened. It was a little
difficult to understand from the proof exactly what did happen but he thought
the main facts were pretty clear. It appeared that the horse and van were standing
outside the shop in question and nearby there were some goods, amongst other
things a bag of potatoes and this horse, being he supposed, of no more than
average moral character - laughter - went forward to the bag of potatoes,
evidently with the intention of helping itself. There lay the initial fault
on the part of the defenders. The horse was unattended and it was placed in
a position of temptation to which it unfortunately yielded - laughter.
Then, apparently, someone rushed out and backed the horse away from the bag
of potatoes and in doing so, the wheel of the van apparently got on to the pavement.
Now, it was said that that was owing to a fault on the part of the pursuer because
he had a plank of wood laid down in a place where no plank should have been
and it was that plank of wood which caused the van to go on to the pavement
and, while it was on the pavement, the door sprang open and broke the window.
He was not satisfied from the proof that fault had been proved on the part of
the pursuer or even contributory negligence and he therefore gave decree or
the sum sued for.
The agent for the pursuer was Mr Joseph Kirkland, solicitor, Saltcoats and for
the defenders, Messrs Kerr and Wyllie, solicitors, Kilmarnock.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1904
SAINT ANDREW'S CHURCH, ARDROSSAN
Special services were held in this church (shown below in 2002) on Good Friday
(1 April 1904), both morning and evening, to mark the solemn events of the sacred
day. Following this, the great festival of Easter - the annual commemoration
of the Lord's resurrection - was also carefully observed. There were celebrations
of Holy Communion at 7 am, 8 am and also at the forenoon service. The stormy
weather made church-going something of a difficulty but notwithstanding, the
services were well attended and at 11.15 the church was filled with a large
congregation. The music was of a festal character and the church was adorned
with beautiful cut flowers and pot plants from Eglinton Castle. Appropriate
sermons were preached by the Reverend Alexander Copland and altogether, Easter
was a day of much thanksgiving. The collections were presented to the rector
as an Easter offering.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1904
SAD HOLIDAY VISITORS?
The holiday visitor wore not the usual holiday visage when he hied forth form
Saint Enoch's and Central for Ardrossan et cetera on Saturday last (2 April
1904).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1904
CALEDONIAN RAILWAY STATION
The Caledonian Railway Station (shown below around 1900) at Ardrossan came in
for compliments anent cleanliness from several visitors but the adjective intermingled
being of the opposite colour forbids publication.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1904
DAMAGED KERBING
I notice the kerbing at various houses, old and new, very badly cut up, seemingly
by carts backing against them by rubbing. Why is such damage not met with punishment?
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1904
BENEFIT CONCERT FOR OLD ARDROSSAN
MAN?
Ardrossan had an aged man with a horse whose pedals are not quite sure that
the earth is beneath them. A benefit concert on his behalf would seem a desirable
thing in the interest of man and beast.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 8 April 1904
CONTRACTOR WANTED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 April 1904
PUPIL TEACHERS
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 April 1904
ARDROSSAN TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
The ordinary meeting of Ardrossan Town Council was held in Kilmahew on Monday
evening (11 April 1904). Provost Young presided and the others present were
Bailie Crawford and Councillors Harvey, Chrystie, Barrie and Fullerton. The
Clerk said that he had received a note from Bailie Hogarth intimating that he
was unable, on account of illness, to attend the meeting. Judge Harvey, as Convenor
of the Works Committee, said that the Committee had met and gone carefully over
the tenders for drainage work at Montgomerie and Princes Lanes. They had decided
to accept the offer of Mr Osborne, Ayr, as being the most favourable. It was
hoped that the work would be started early. Mr Fullerton said "Might I
ask the Convenor why I got no intimation of that Committee meeting?" Judge
Harvey replied that he thought he had. Mr Fullerton indicated that he was sure
he did not. Judge Harvey said "I was under the impression that everybody
got a notice. Only Bailie Crawford and myself turned up". The Clerk said
he would look into the matter.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 April 1904
These are the opening sentences of a longer report.
PAVEMENT CYCLIST FINED
For cycling on the footpath in Eglinton Road (shown belwo in the early 1910s),
a Stevenston man was find 2s 6d at Ardrossan Burgh Court on Monday (11 April
1904).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 April 1904
UPHOLDING THE LAW?
Even as Homer nodded, so the Ardrossan magistrates are capable of breaking the
laws which they endeavour so much to uphold. Two householders were fined half
a crown each at the Burgh Court on Monday (9 April 1904) for allowing their
kitchen chimneys to catch fire and on the same day, one of the magistrates who
imposed the penalties allowed one of his own chimneys to conflagrate. So far,
he has neither passed the bar nor paid his half-crown.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 April 1904
SAINT JOHN'S CHOIR CONCERT
Tonight, in the hall of Saint John's Church, Ardrossan (shown below in 1913),
the choir, assisted by a few friends, give a concert, the programme of which
seems to be of a very attractive character. Choral pieces alternate with solos
by male and female voices, elocutionary items occurring at intervals.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 April 1904
JUMBLE SALE
The Ardrossan Lifeboats Lodge of Good Templars held a jumble sale on Saturday
last (9 April 1904) in aid of their forthcoming bazaar. The liberality of the
public in sending in goods of every description enabled them to realise considerably
over £20 which result should greatly encourage the promoters of the above-mentioned
bazaar.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 April 1904
JUMBLE SALE
A lady's bicycle and a portable harmonium were among the odds and ends to be
picked up at the jumble sale in Ardrossan Assembly Hall (shown below as The
Rovers Club in 1974) last Saturday (9 April 1904). The bike found a purchaser
at half a sovereign.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 15 April 1904
It is unclear if there were one or two jumble sales
in Ardrossan on 9 April 1904.
BIZARRE BAZAAR PRIZE
A doll which was raffled at the bazaar last week greeted an unexpectant bachelor
at his breakfast table the morning after its disposal.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 April 1904
DANCING AND DEPORTMENT
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 April 1904
ROB ROY
As will be seen from our advertising columns, lovers of the drama in Ardrossan
are promised what is certain to be an excellent production of the evergreen
Rob Roy. To ensure a good audience, it may only be necessary to say that the
entertainment is to be given by the Ardrossan Amateur Dramatic Company and that
its object is to raise funds on behalf of the Model Yacht Club.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 April 1904
FOOTPATHS NEED BLAES
The footpaths on the Castle Hill (shown below in the early 1910s) require a
layer of blaes - fine quality - just now.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 April 1904
CARGO FOR THE BALTIC
The Ranza, Messrs Christie's steamer, has loaded a cargo at Ardrossan for the
Baltic.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 April 1904
SPRING CLEAN FOR WAITING ROOMS
The waiting rooms at the Ardrossan Glasgow and South-Western Station are this
week undergoing spring cleaning.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 April 1904
CAMERA CLUB EXHIBITION
The Camera Club exhibition is to open on 29 April. This will be a show worth
visiting.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 April 1904
CLEAN DANISH VESSEL
The Danish tramp-steamer Skanderborg which was in Ardrossan Harbour is week,
was rebuke to the ordinary British vessel. She was clean and tastefully painted.
Her cabin accommodation was commodious and comfortable and he appointments general
were the best conceivable. The engine room was as conspicuously clean as the
rest. "It pays" said the captain "when ship-owners learn to look
after their ships. The ships will last a good deal longer". The Skanderborg
was built at Elsinore.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 April 1904
ARDROSSAN WRESTLER FIGHTS
IN GLASGOW
We are informed that the local wrestler in the person of A McGregor, Ardrossan,
will try conclusions with Willie Bain of Wishaw tonight, Friday, at the Queen's
Theatre, Glasgow.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 22 April 1904
ARDROSSAN WRESTLER DID
WELL
The Ardrossan man who went to do battle with the wrestler at the Queen's Theatre
last Friday (22 April 1904) did passing well, it seems, and he will toughen
a bit yet - say they who seem to know - as he grows older.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1904
BAZAARS
Despite the fact that we have had bazaars enough of late, we must set our faces
steadfastly to meet those that already loom ahead. Two shall be upon us ere
we are much older - the Saltcoats Band Bazaar and the Ardrossan Pond Bazaar.
Neither one of these is negligible and neither should require much 'cracking
up'. Saltcoats is going to be a wonderfully attractive place this summer when
our own band shall tootle to the evening air and to the delight of all who have
an ear to hear. We have got the band already but we haven't yet paid for it,
so to speak. It is only ours 'on tick'. It behoves every loyal Saltcoatsian,
therefore, bravely to brace himself against the coming of the bazaar and the
Ardrossan case is not a whit less worthy. "Unto them that have shall be
given" says the Book and nobody seems to grudge Saltcoats which already
has some considerable embellishments, aught new in the same line that may be
suggested.
Ardrossan, on the other hand, is a kind of Cinderella whom nobody ever dreams
of attempting to beautify - at least, any proposal to adorn her meets with but
little popular response. We have seen that even the Town Council, though by
a bare majority it agreed to countenance the undertaking of the Model Yacht
Club to construct a public ornamental pond, gave that support with a grudge.
If the public had been given the least thought to the matter, it would generally
be seen that the sort of pond it is proposed to make will undoubtedly be an
acquisition to the town. It will admirably utilise what is at present a 'howling
wilderness' and it will provide commendable diversion for a section of the populace.
Ergo, the Pond Bazaar must really be patronised generally and generously so
that the good name of Ardrossan is not soiled. Talking about the Pond, we are
reminded of the dramatic entertainment in aid thereof which is to be given in
the Assembly Hall tonight and tomorrow night. The advertisement informs us that
the mimes are to local ladies and gentlemen and we are sure that they are ladies
and gentlemen of considerable talent. It does seem a pity, however, that Rob
Roy should be the chosen play. It is a good piece enough, of course, but we
all know how easy it is to have too much of a good thing and here is a case
in point. Nobody will deny, to be sure, that it is probably desirable, from
the actor's point of view, to assume a familiar role in preference to an unaccustomed
but the prime consideration, after all, is the pleasure of the public and we
do think that, in this neighbourhood, Rob Roy has begun to pall. Albeit, we
hope the entertainment will be well patronised. The most finical of patrons
will, no doubt, be able to endure and even to enjoy, the old play once more
when he considers to what purpose his admission money will be put.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1904
IN MEMORIAM - MR HUGH HOGARTH,
ARDROSSAN
We regret to record the death of Mr Hugh Hogarth at his residence, 8 South Crescent,
Ardrossan. There was no interval in his case between active life and the perfect
stillness of death. With arresting suddenness, the message came to Mr Hogarth
when in the House of God on Sunday evening (24 April 1904) and within a brief
hour, he had passed beyond the shadows. The circumstances have enveloped the
sad event with unfeigned regret that a valued life should so abruptly be brought
to a close and sincere sympathy is expressed with the bereaved in their great
loss. Though for a number of years Mr Hogarth's associations were more identified
with Glasgow than with Ardrossan, the sense of him being one of ourselves -
a fellow-townsman interested in the welfare of the community and especially
accessible to all who sought help and advice in seafaring matters - was never
absent and it is as such we mourn this day the loss of him.
Mr Hogarth was never ambitious of public office. His inclination did not lie
in that direction but in bygone years, when the entertainment and edification
of the people was the work of local Committees, Mr Hogarth's musical gifts were
greatly in demand and freely given. Later, he was a member of the Academy Committee
before that institution passed to the hands of the School Board, bringing to
the consideration of questions affecting its usefulness to the community, the
matured experience of a successful business career. A few years ago, Mr Hogarth
was appointed a Justice of the Peace for the County of Ayr. It was as the founder
of a fleet of steamers trading in all parts of the world that Mr Hogarth was
most widely known. The Baron Line which originated over twenty years ago with
the Baron Ardrossan has grown in units and in repute till now it numbers ten
steamers of large carrying capacity, each with a record that testifies to the
care and ability manifested by the managing owners, Messrs Hugh Hogarth and
Sons. In addition to the steamers referred to, Mr Hogarth controlled five sailing
vessels.
As an evidence of the esteem in which Mr Hogarth was held in shipping circles,
he was last year appointed chairman of the North of England Protection and Indemnity
Association in succession to Sir Robert Ropner, Member of Parliament and at
the time of his death, he was vice-president of the Glasgow Shipowners' and
Shipbrokers' Benevolent Association. He was also a Director of the Ardrossan
Harbour Company and in this connection, it may be mentioned that it was his
intention to attend a meeting in Ardrossan on Monday (23 April 1904) of the
Harbour Board. When his co-directors assembled, the intimation of his death
was received with tokens of sincere sorrow and before separating, a minute expressive
of their regard for his worth and regret for the loss sustained by the Board
through his death was entered in the sederunt.
Mr Hogarth was a native of Stevenston where he was born some sixty-three years
ago. In the earlier years of his business life, he was associated with the late
Captain Goodwin as a ship chandler the, as up till the day of his death, interested
in all that pertains to the sea. Yesterday, under a weeping sky, all that was
mortal of our townsman was laid to rest in the presence of relatives and friends
from far and near. Loving hands had med ready the sepulchre and on the covering
green sward were heaped beautiful floral tributes to the memory of the departed.
"After life the sleep is long".
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1904
THE REVEREND J D McCALL'S
JUBILEE by J S
The
near approach of the Reverend J D McCall's jubilee reminds those of us who listened
as boys and girls to his ministrations that time, as of yore, is relentless
and persistent. The writer, over forty years ago, received at the hands of the
then young divine, his baptismal sacrament. When years of childhood developed
into youth, he was enabled to listen to the teachings of his spiritual tutor
with interest and acceptance. We can hardly forget the days spent in the Sabbath
School under the tuition of our respected townsman, Mr James Mutter. It is not
given to many preachers to proclaim from the same pulpit for half a century.
Let us hope that those who may have the arrangements in hand will make the occasion
of this unique jubilee one of specific import.
Ardrossan minus Mr McCall (shown
below in the mid 1890s) would be akin to the Firth of Clyde without Arran. There
are many people scattered throughout the entire globe who have come under the
influence of Mr McCall's pastorate and these would doubtless be pleased to learn
that Ardrossan had risen to the occasion. One thing even those at a distance
may do without much effort of self-sacrifice - send a congratulatory message
to their ex-pastor wishing him all good fortune and length of days. No man has
laboured more consistently and assiduously in the vineyard. His harvest must
have been rich in its fruits.
To think of the time when the
psalmody of the church was conducted from a miniature pulpit underneath the
preacher's one is to take rather a retrospective glimpse at ecclesiastical history.
Mr John Boyd was for many years the occupant of this puppet pulpit and was what
was known as precentor in those days. At each side of this sanctum, sufficiently
prominent for all the congregation to visualise, there was placed a little brass
receptacle for cards bearing the printed name of the tune about to be sung.
At this time, each line was read out by the precentor before singing it this
breaking in upon the continuity of phraseology and harmony. John has now gone
the way of everything human. The writer had a special friendship with him and
can speak with some authority. A nobler soul never sang the praises of the sanctuary.
Organs costing large sums are now the order of the day and in many cases, voices
are paid to lead the congregational harmony.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1904
ORDER FOR ARDROSSAN SHIPBUILDING COMPANY
The Ardrossan Shipbuilding Company have received an order to build a first-class
coasting steamer for Irish owners.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1904
KEEP BIRDS OUT OF RAILWAY
STATION
Ardrossan Caledonian Railway Station would be a much pleasanter place than it
is at this time of year if fewer birds were allowed to nest in it.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1904
ARDROSSAN BOWLING CLUB FORMALLY
REGISTERED
The Sheriff has approved the constitution of the Ardrossan Bowling Club and
the Club is now formally registered under the new Licencing Act.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1904
DIRTIEST BOAT TO ARRIVE IN
ARDROSSAN?
Probably the dirtiest boat that ever arrived at Ardrossan came into the Eglinton
Dock this weekend. It is unnecessary to add that she was Spanish.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1904
ARDROSSAN CAMERA CLUB
As can be seen from our advertising columns, an exhibition of club work, consisting
of enlargements, prints and lantern slides, is now on view at the Camera Club.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1904
MAN OVERBOARD
During the voyage from America to Ardrossan, the Spanish steamer Bostak Bat,
which is presently in the Eglinton Dock, lost a man overboard.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1904
FAT PIG STOCK
Mr John Harvey, Ardrossan, was the purchaser of the second and third prize-winners
at Mr James Craig's sale of Fat Prize Stock in the Ayr Show Yard on Wednesday
(27 April 1904).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1904
STEAMER JESSMORE
The steamer Jessmore which has come somewhat tardily this week to Ardrossan
with iron ore from Seville is chartered to follow the Channel Fleet during the
manoeuvres.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1904
FINED FOR ASSAULT
An Ardrossan coal merchant's assistant was fined 15s at the Burgh Court on Monday
(25 April 1904) for having assaulted another man who objected to pay twice for
a bag of coals.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1904
NEW ACT
The reference made last week in the Licencing Court anent breaches of certificates
in Ardrossan gave the impression that Mr T Kirkhope, Justice of the Peace Fiscal,
has power to prosecute in such cases. Under a new Act, we learn, licensing defaulters
are dealt with at the Burgh Court of which Mr Thomas Guthrie is Fiscal in Ardrossan.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1904
BOOKMAKER VANISHES
Finding himself unable to square-up accounts after he had taken a number of
bets at long odds on a horse which won an important race last week, a local
bookmaker hurriedly packed up his goods and vanished from the town. His clients
with longing eyes now await his return, buoyed up with the knowledge that he
Eglinton Dock is so near.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 29 April 1904
LOST UMBRELLA
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 May 1904
LICENSING PROSECUTION - ARDROSSAN
PUBLICAN CONVICTED
The first police prosecution that has taken place in this part of the country
against a licence-holder for breach of his certificate, under the powers conferred
by the new Licensing Act, was secured at Ardrossan Burgh Court last Friday (29
April 1904). The accused was James Black, publican, Glasgow Street and the charge
preferred against him was that of having on Monday 4 April sold or supplied
a glass of beer to an Ardrossan engineer who was in a state of intoxication
at the time. A plea of not guilty having been tendered, evidence was led. The
first witness called was the man whom Black was alleged to have supplied. In
answer to Mr Guthrie, fiscal, he admitted having been in two public houses in
Princes Street on 4 April where he and a friend were each supplied with four
drinks. Afterwards they went to Mackirdy's bar but the barman there refused
to serve them before they had time to ask for anything. He them as the police
were coming. The previous sentence does not make sense but is transcribed
accurately. The witness accompanied his companion to Black's public house
where they ordered two glasses of beer. The drink was placed on the counter
but at that moment, two policemen entered the shop and warned Black not to supply
the witness or his friend as they had been refused drink in another public house.
These are the opening sentences of a longer report.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 May 1904
A DARING HOUSEBREAKER
A daring attempt at housebreaking occurred in broad daylight last Saturday (23
April 1904) at Parkhouse Cottages situated on the high road leading from Ardrossan
to Stevenston. The culprit, who was apprehended only after much difficulty,
received the light sentence of fourteen days imprisonment with the option of
a fine of £1 at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Monday (25 April 1904). It
appears that the accused, who described himself as a chimney sweep, gained access
to the back of Parkhouse Cottages and, thinking the tenant of one of the houses
was absent, he broke open a window and proceeded to make his way inside. The
householder, however, came upon the scene and arrested the man while he was
effecting his way into the house. The latter subsequently managed to escape
from his captor and took to the fields. The Ardrossan police were then apprised
of the occurrence and though the culprit received a considerable start, he was
arrested in a field a mile or two away.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 May 1904
DOES THE DESTRUCTOR DESTRUCT?
A great and serious problem will ere long present itself to the harassed Town
Council of Ardrossan. The refuse destructor, which has a remarkable digestive
capacity, has turned out, however, to have been misclassed amongst the omnivores.
It positively refuses to do anything with tin cans and other metal ware and
these, unfortunately, constitute no insignificant part of the destructor's daily
fodder. This is a most regrettable state of affairs. Already, there is at the
works a great heap of tin ware which it has been inadvisable to put into the
destructor and amongst the accumulating clinker are many cans, a little burned
but tin cans no less than when they were in their pristine state.
Now
it was suggested a considerable time ago that the clinker could be utilised
along with cement for the manufacture of paving blocks but you cannot make pavements
out of ancient corned beef receptacles or kerb stones out of sardine tins. What
then to do? If no means of disposing of the leavings of the destructor speedily
turn up, we in Ardrossan shall have to flee the neighbourhood, literally driven
from our homes by an army of tin cans. Perchance it may one day come to the
ears of the Town Councillors that a nice little tin-destroyer can be erected
for a handful of thousands and then, no doubt, we shall be quite happy with
another penny on the rates.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 May 1904
DISAGREEMENT AMONG MAGISTRATES
The magistrates who presided at Ardrossan Burgh Court on Monday (2 May 1904)
disagreed in their findings in a case where a number of boys were charged with
malicious mischief. The youngsters, consequently, were allowed to go.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 May 1904
UNSOUND MIND
At a pleading diet of Ayr Criminal Court on Friday (29 April 1904), Mr William
Hastings, writer, Ardrossan put in a special plea on behalf of an ice-cream
vendor, Kilbirnie, that as the time of committing the offence of murder, he
was of unsound mind.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 May 1904
OFFENCE TO REFUSE A DRINK?
It is stated that a local club secretary who has been studying the new Licencing
Act has discovered a clause in it under which it is an offence to offer a friend
a drink out of a bottle on the public street but if you ask him into a public
house or hotel for a dram and he refuses to go, he renders himself liable to
a fine of five pounds of sixty days imprisonment.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 May 1904
ARDROSSAN, SALTCOATS AND STEVENSTON
CHORAL AND ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY
The Annual General Meeting of the above Society was held in the Old Town Hall,
Saltcoats, on Tuesday evening (3 May 1904) when the reports of secretary and
treasurer were submitted and approved and the following office-bearers elected
for the ensuing season: president - Mr Alexander Gillon, vice-president - Mr
John F Arnott, secretary - Mr Alexander M Arnott, treasurer - Mr Archibald Ritchie,
librarian - Mr J A Cockburn, committee - Messrs J C Stewart, H McGillivray,
James Lawrie, Peter Reid, James B Law, A W Roy, John Gillies, organist James
B Lawson and conductor Mr W G Burgoyne.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 May 1904
CAMERA CLUB EXHIBITION
The annual exhibition of photographs, under the auspices of the Ardrossan and
District Camera Club, is now being held in the Club Studio, Princes Street.
Many of the examples are of surpassing excellence, not a few being worthy to
be hung at the foremost exhibitions in the country while some have actually
been so shown. Of special interest are the enlargements, practically all of
which are genuine works of art both in choice of subject and in mechanical treatment.
Besides the prints, a number of lantern slides are also on view. Amongst the
exhibitors, we notice that names Messrs John Comrie, Ardrossan; T H Taylor,
Saltcoats; George C Guthrie, Ardrossan; Archibald Ritchie, Saltcoats; R Clouston
Young, RSW, Saltcoats; M C Porter, Ardrossan; W J Nicolson, Ardeer; John Rogers,
Ardrossan, W R E Alexander, Ardrossan; Thomas Guthrie, Ardrossan and William
Milne, Ardrossan. On Monday evening first (9 May 1904), an excellent selection
of A P slides - 150 in number - will be shown on the screen as well as a number
of slides by members.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 May 1904
LETTER TO THE EDITOR - ARDROSSAN
SCHOOL BOARD AND UNDER-STAFFING
Sir
The other day, my boy came home from the Academy (shown
below as the ruins of Saint Peter's School in 2002) without having had
any French lesson. The reason alleged was that his teacher had been called away
to take some other class. This is too common a sort of occurrence and, on inquiry,
I learn that the Academy is under-staffed with the result that continuity of
instruction is impaired, teachers are put upon an unnatural strain, discipline
is weakened and the progress of pupils arrested. Sir, I am a comparatively poor
man and it is at some sacrifice that I pay for the education of my children
both in fees and rates and I think I have a grievance against those who are
responsible for the mismanagement in question.
From your report, I gather that there is a party in the Board bent upon a policy
of economy. A wise economy is a thing I should be grateful for but in is this
the kind of economy that should commend itself to any sensible ratepayer? It
is wasteful and ridiculous parsimony. If the Government grant be withheld as
a punishment, these short-sighted members of the Board will look foolish indeed
and if their action results in Ardrossan being set aside as a centre under the
new bill, their names will be held up to execration for many a day. They have
a year I which to make or mar their reputation as true servants of the community.
I hope they will redeem the time.
Mr Bogle is interest in publishing the residential advantages of this district.
Is he blind to the fact that education is a chief attraction? Last week, a villa
in a neighbouring street was taken by a paterfamilias from a more inland part
who has come here on account of the Academy. What would the Railway Companies
say to Mr Bogle's discouragement of education?
Yours truly
Parent
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 May 1904
ARDROSSAN ACADEMY CRICKET
CLUB
Ardrossan Academy pupils are organising a cricket club.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 May 1904
DEPARTURE OF MR F A P BENNETT
We voice the feelings of the community when we say the departure of Mr F A P
Bennett (shown below in 1902) from the district is a matter of considerable
regret. Mr Bennett has been one of ourselves for some thirteen years and was
well-known throughout the neighbourhood as a valuator and auctioneer of ripe
judgement, good address and ever solicitous for the interests of his clients.
Concerned also for the welfare of the town, Mr Bennett sat for two terms at
the Council Board and was recognised by the ratepayers as an eminently practical
and useful representative. By virtue of his personality, Mr Bennett built up
a good connection and when he leaves for the South of England in search of a
more congenial climate, he wil take with him the best wishes of the troop of
friends he has made while resident in Ardrossan.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 May 1904