1900
DEATH OF A FIFE EX-PROVOST
On Monday night Mr Robert Watson, manufacturer, Cellardyke, died at his residence in George Street, in his 73d year. He was bred a fisherman, but owing to health reasons gave up the fishing and started to manufacture fishing gear and tackle. He entered Kilrenny Town Council more than twenty years ago, and was made Provost in 1877. He held the office until 1883. Under his regime a new Town Hall was erected in Cellardyke, two natives giving the money for the building. Mr Watson also rendered good service on the Parochial Board and School Board. He was a Liberal in politics, and for many years held the office of elder in Anstruther Free Church. He is survived by a son and two daughters by his second wife, who predeceased him more than six months ago. He was a man held in great respect all classes of the community.
1901
Arbroath – Launch of Fishing Boat.—A large fishing boat was launched yesterday afternoon from Messrs Millar & Sons Boat-building Yard here. The boat was built to the order of Mr Adam Reid, fisherman, Cellardyke, and measures 68 feet long, 20 feet broad, and 10 feet deep. It is fitted with steam capstan and all the modern improvements, and has been named the ” Penzance.” N.B. this is a mistake the boat was the Prestige KY196
1902
Shortly after seven o’clock Friday night, fire was discovered to have broken out in a house in Toft Terrace, Shore Wind, occupied by William Sutherland. Mrs Sutherland shortly before had left the house on an errand, and it is supposed that a spark from the fire had fallen on a net hanging in front, with the result that the flames had reached the roof before being discovered by a neighbour. The alarm was given at once and very soon many willing workers were employed in carrying water to extinguish the fire. Word was sent to the Townhouse, to Provost Black, who immediately gave order for the fire hose to be taken along, and who himself rendered efficient help. Mr Thomson Scott, junr., and others did their best, and got the flames ender control after about an hour’s effort. The damage done is estimated at £20, the roof being very much charred, while some articles of furniture were completely destroyed. The hose was not required.
1903
WRECK IN AUSTRALIAN WATERS.
The Daily Telegraph of Launceston, of 27th November last, has the following report of the ketch, belonging Skipper Alexander Cunningham, late of Cellardyke: – Further particulars are to hand regarding the wreck of the deep sea fishing ketch, Marquis of Linlithgow. While at anchor under lee of the west side of Sea Elephant Rock, in shelter from a N.E. gale, the wind changed suddenly round to W. and S.W. with hurricane force, which caused the vessel to drag her three anchors. Captain Cunningham paid as much chain as he could safely do without striking the rocks, but the little vessel was doomed to destruction. The captain ordered his crew dress in their cork jackets, when the boat struck heavily on the rocks, the rudder being swept away, and the dinghy gutted. He dragged the dinghy by the painter from off the ricks, and told his mate, Alex. Belpereud, get into her with a pail and bale some of the water out; when another large wave came and filled her again. The mate was then told to stand back, and the captain dropped the dinghy astern on the rocks, and gave Belpereud a chance for his life, the other man, Anderson, being treated in the same way, leaving only Cunningham on board, at the risk of his life, who, thoughtful of his men, tried to send provisions and fresh water from the vessel the shore by means small lines, but they carried away, and these necessities: were lost. The men at this time were anxious that he should get ashore, and after making all preparations he floated safely ashore on his back. They were on the rock without any provisions or fresh water, two miles and a half from the mainland of King Island for three days, where they spent their time in suspense until the weather moderated. Then the captain repaired the dinghy, and they left the rock for the mainland. There they encountered hard travel for three days, and when they arrived at Cape Wickham were footsore and ragged. They were taken in by Mr Geo. Johnson, the superintendent. After a stay of five days at Cape Wickham they were sent to Superintendent Huxley, at Currie Harbour, where a Marine Court of Inquiry was held by the Chief Magistrates, Mr Huxley, and Captain Davis, of the Yambacoona, who gave the captain a clean sheet, and complimented him on his humane conduct in risking his life for the safety of his men. Captain Cunningham was master and builder of the Marquis of Linlithgow, which cost £560, and was not insured.