1901
Football
Anstruther refused to be damped by mere rain on Saturday in presence the match Crail Union v. Cellardyke Bluejackets, in the semi-final the Burgh Cup. It revived the rivalry of fifteen years ago, but of course it was in name only, none of the players ever met before. A stubborn fight was waged, and right up to the finish was the issue open. Only a little more skill goal, and Cellardyke would have done the ‘trick’. It was there the Union youths beat them.
Census returns
Anstruther-Wester.—The returns show the population to be 558, against 593 in 1891, decrease of 35. In the burgh the figures are 476, and in the landward part 82. The males have decreased 25, and the females by 10.
Pittenweem.—The population is now 1907, against 1991, a decrease of 84. the burgh the population is 1859, and in the landward part 48.
Crail.—The total population is 1531, made of 1087 in the town, 428 in the landward part, and 16 on the island of May. Compared with 1891, there is a decrease of 82. the figures then being 1613.
Kilrenny.—ln Cellardyke the population is 2353, against 2429—decrease of 76; in village of Kilrenny, 189, against 181—increase 8; in landward portion, 242. against 279—decrease of 37; and in Anstruther, easter portion of parish, 150. against 109—increase of 41. The net decrease is 64.
On Sunday morning, the steam liner, Anster Fair, caught fire in the coal bunker. Fortunately the smoke issuing was noticed in time, and the fire extinguished before damage to any extent was done.
The only craft engaged at the harbour meantime are the steam liners, whose shots last week ranged from £30 to £66. The value of fish landed at Anstruther for the last month £5473, showing decrease of £5381. For the quarter, the total was £33,051, decrease, £3284.
Boys’ Brigade Church Parade. The recently-formed Boys’ Brigade paraded at Cellardyke Church on Sunday forenoon, when an excellent sermon was delivered to them by the Rev. Mr Ray, chaplain, on ‘the necessary qualifications of a soldier’. The day, unfortunately, was very wet but, notwithstanding, there was a fair muster of the lads. The officers in command were—Captain Black and Lieuts. Rorie and Watson. On retiring, collection was made in aid of the funds of the Brigade.
Last night. Private Mair, 1st Gordon Highlanders, was the recipient-of a watch, chain, and purse sovereigns from his fellow townsmen and friends in the surrounding district Cellardyke Town Hall Councillor Black presided. Provost Thomson made the presentation. Private Mair said the hardest work was when fighting continuously for twenty-one days.
Honouring a South African Hero. —The Town Hall, Cellardyke, was on Saturday evening the scene of one of the most hearty and enthusiastic meetings held in the district for some time. The occasion was a desire the part of his many friends to pay honour to a returned soldier, and express gratitude that, notwithstanding numerous engagements, he had escaped without scratch. Private Moir, who served in the Chitral campaign and received the medal, re-joined the famous Gordons in 1898, and in November 1899 left with the 1st Battalion for South Africa. The meeting, which was a crowded one, was attended by both sexes, and was presided over by Provost Thomson, who was accompanied on the platform most of the members of the Council and the presentation committee. A letter of apology from the Rev. Mr Ray, who has taken an active interest in the presentation, read as follows
Dear Provost,—l regret exceedingly it will be impossible for me to be present this evening in the Town Hall to rejoice with my parishioners over the return from the field war of Private Moir. One of our and world-famed Gordons. Everywhere the officers who have come home have been received with enthusiasm and honour, and if the officers, why not the rank and file? Why not the common soldiers. Have not their bravery and endurance fighting qualities been the admiration of the world, and has not their conduct compelled even those who hate us to sing their praises? It is true that in certain quarters attempts have been made blacken their character, but in every instance those attempts have failed and covered with disgrace, not our soldiers, but the men who ventured make them. I hope Private Moir will tell his fellow-townsmen the story of his experiences in South Africa with the same fullness he related it to me a few days ago at the manse, and that he will not forget to say in public what be said to about the moral behaviour of his fellow soldiers. With best wishes for a pleasant and enthusiastic meeting,—Believe me, yours faithfully, James Ray.
The Chairman said they all regretted the absence of Rev. Mr Ray from the meeting. At the same time they were very thankful to him for the letter. He (the Chairman) expressed his gratitude that they had turned out in such large numbers to show their respect for their follow-townsman. He called upon Councillor Black to make the presentation. Mr Black, in an interesting speech, said had great pleasure in asking Private Moir to accept this handsome silver lever with gold chain and appendant, along with a purse of sovereigns. The amount collected altogether was £23 ls 8d. (Cheers.) The sums ranged from 3d to 10s. He asked Private Moir to accept the gifts as a token of the respect and esteem in which he was held by his fellow townsmen. (Cheers.) Private Moir, on rising to reply, was met with perfect storm of cheering, the audience striking up “For he’s jolly good fellow.” He had, said, been in many a tight battle, and was proud to hear they had taken such interest in him He thanked them sincerely for their magnificent presents. He would always remember their kindnesses and their gifts, but he valued them more when thought how proud his old mother would be when she knew. (Cheers.) With regard the war, they had come through a great many hardships; but he was always ready to go back again and do his duty, as every good soldier ought to. (Cheers.) Messrs Rosie and Moncrieff, with the pipes, and Miss Melville, piano, gave several selections, after which the Chairman said the music of the pipes had inspired their guest with more of the famous Gordon courage, and was now prepared to give them some reminiscences of the campaign. (Cheers.) In the course of an interesting speech Private Moir said they landed in South Africa in November. They were taken right up country, being entrained three days and three nights. On Monday, 10th December, they reached Magersfontein, and at three o’clock went out with the naval guns to commence the battle. He proceeded to give an account of their march to Pretoria, including the Cronje. The speech,. Private Moir’s first attempt at public sneaking, was interspersed with anecdote, and was highly appreciated. While refraining from anything like a criticism of the officers, he could not help paying a high compliment to Lord Roberts, who was worshipped by his men. Something of the hardships endured by Private Moir and his companions maybe imagined when it is stated that for four months he wore the same shirt; and when he reached Pretoria he had half a shirt, part of a tunic, and a pair of boots. The usual fare was biscuit or two biscuits a day. After Mr James Wood hail sung “The old soldier,” Mr Watson, solicitor, jocularly advised Private Moir to go round the district and give some of his experiences, taking collections for the War Fund. (Applause.) After the usual vote of thanks, an enthusiastic meeting brought to clone with the singing of the National Anthem. The watch was supplied by Andrew Donaldson, Anstruther, and bore the following inscription ; Presented, with a purse of sovereigns, to Private James Moir, of the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders, by the inhabitants his native town in token their respect for him as man and a soldier, as well as their joy at his safe return from South Africa. Cellardyke, 20th April 1901.”
Hockey Dance.—A highly successful dance under the auspices the recently formed Anstruther Hockey Club was held in the Cellardyke Town Hall on Friday evening. The arrangements, which were under committee of ladies, were every way complete
Mr Jordan, the world’s champion draughts player, paid a return visit to Anstruther last week, when notwithstanding the fine weather and numerous outdoor attractions, he was met by a fair number of local exponents of the “silent game.’’ During the evening, Jordan played about 90 games, winch he won, the other 10 being drawn.’ The successful players who managed to draw were— – Constable Wilson. Anstruther, 2; David Wilson, Cellardyke, 2; William Mathers, James Ferguson, and D. Gravity, St Monans, 2 each. At the close, Mr Jordan was heartily thanked fur his exhibition.