1900
There was launched from the building yard of Mr James Miller on Saturday a first-class fishing boat, built to the order of Mr Henry Beat, Cellardyke. The launch took place at high water, and was successfully accomplished. As the craft left the ways she was named the Breadwinner by Miss Henrietta Ogilvie, a daughter of Mr James Ogilvie. The boat is 67 feet extreme length. Monday afternoon another launch took place at high water from the building stance of Mr John Roberson at West Pier. The craft was built to the order of Mr Alexander Hutt (” Alla”) a St Monans skipper, and is 70 feet extreme length, and named the Violet. The launch was successfully accomplished by means of a steam engine.
Both boats are splendid models, built of the best material, and are to be fitted up with all modern appliances so as to be available for all branches of the fishing. Their first trip will be at the herring fishing on the English coast. Mr Miller has laid down a keel for another craft of the similar dimensions as the one launched. The order is from Messrs John Gardner & Sons.Mr Robertson is also to lay down another keel immediately for a first-class boat to the order of Mr John Wilson, Cellardyke. Mr Miller and Mr Robertson have orders on hand that will keep them busy well on in the ensuing summer.
1901
THE TAXING OF SHOPS FOR WATER ASSESSMENTS. – Kilrenny Town Council held a special meeting in Committee on Tuesday night to consider the question of assessments on the shops. It was decided to recommend in addition to the domestic rate that a number of special rates be imposed on large consumers such as fishcurers and fishermen for the water used for barking nets. Keepers of horses and cows are also to be charged a special rate, while shops are now to be assessed on fourth of their valuation.
A TRANSFER OF GROCER’S LICENSE REFUSED. —At a Licensing Court in Cellardyke on Wednesday, Provost Black and Bailie Butters presiding, an application was submitted from Alexander Cathro, vanman, Anstruther, for a transfer of the grocer’s license held by Mr Alexander Smith, grocer. James Street. The applicant submitted a number of testimonials in his favour, but none of them were read out. Mr Cathro in reply to the Clerk, said he had no special circumstances to put before the Magistrates in favour of granting the licence. Sergeant Taylor said he had nothing to say except that he might remark if the transfer was granted he should endeavour to conduct the business in conformity with the law. The Provost—Is it the case that there was a conviction lately against you in connection with hawking liquor in the country. Mr Cathro—Yes. They found me guilty, but I was quite innocent of it. Even Captain Bremner admitted that it was a very narrow case. The Provost —Still there is a conviction against you at a J. P. Court at St Andrews. After consultation the Provost intimated that the Magistrates refused the transfer. This means one licensed house less in Cellardyke.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. THE LIGHTING OF THE STREET LAMPS. Sir,—You are very unreasonable. Why will you persist in calling so much attention to the street lighting in the end of August? Have you no consideration for our very hard worked officials, the lamp-lighter and the Sanitary Inspector, that you should call upon the powers that be to compel these functionaries to light street lamps in the great holiday month of the year? What although the nights be dark, and the moon will not come out properly; what although a misguided individual may have to grope his way about, and perhaps stumble and break his leg, are these sufficient reasons for our town’s workmen to begin their ordinary work in August. No sir, you seem to forget that there is a law, as unalterable as that of the Medea and Persians, that no matter what sort of weather prevails, the street lamps must not be lighted until the month of August is over. Other towns may be benighted enough to do so, but you surely cannot expect the Anstruthers or Cellardyke, or even Pittenweem, to give up their cherished traditions, or begin to use the street lamps before the first or second weeks of September, no matter how urgent the need. Do let us alone. Write no more about the Court of Session decision and the responsibility of Town Councils to pay damages in the event of accidents for not having well-lighted streets. We cling to our old customs. Do not attempt any more to woo us from them, or what is worse, try to stir up the ponderous and easy going methods of our Magistrates and Town Councillors in the management of our town’s affairs. Hoping you will “tak a thocht and mend.”–Yours etc , A Lover of old habits.
Cellardyke – The Boys’ Brigade under Captain Black and Lieutenant, Watson and Chalmers-50 all told —journeyed to Cairnie on Wednesday on picnic bent. On arriving there, the company were inspected by Major Scott- Davidson, who expressed great satisfaction with the smart and soldier like appearance and drill of the boys. A large field was set apart for the company, where games were indulged in and thoroughly enjoyed. While each item gave pleasure the football match and the tugs of war excited the greatest interest and afforded the most amusement. Too much cannot be said about the Major and Mrs Davidson in providing so liberal refreshments for the company, and about the kind way they mixed in the sports and games Each boy was made to feel at home, and this feeling was encouraged by Master Walter Davidson who also on the field the whole of the day, and who took a keen interest in all that went on. Before leaving, Major Davidson addressed the boys, pointing out what an advantage it was for a boy to belong to the Boys’ Brigade, that the drill smartened his appearance, and helped him up in health, and that above all the moral and religious training he received would stand him in good stead all his days. The officers then called on the boys to give three cheers to their host and hostess and their son, which they did with great lustiness. Major Davidson returned collective thanks, and said it had been a great pleasure for them all to have the Brigade at Cairnie. The boys then marched by Colinsburgh to Kilconquhar Station, where they entrained for Anstruther. Thence they marched to Cellardyke Town Hall, where they were dismissed for the season—all as happy, as only boys can be. The officers take this opportunity of thanking the various employers for allowing the boys away for the day from their respective businesses.
FINDING A SMALL BOAT AT SEA. — While the Cellardyke fishing boat Vanguard, Skipper Martin Gardiner, was coming home from sea, and when about 50 miles east-south-east of May Island on Thursday. morning last week, the crew found drifting about a small boat 16 feet 6 inches long by 5 feet 10 inches broad, with the letters ” S.C.H. 84,” on the stern. The boat is supposed to have belonged to some Dutch fishing vessel, and was handed over to the Coastguards at Anstruther, and particulars forwarded to the Receiver of Wrecks.
1903
On Wednesday there was launched from the yard of Mr James Miller a first class fishing boat, built to the order of Messrs John Boyter and William Tarvit, Cellardyke. The launch was successfully accomplished about high water. As the boat left the ways she was named the Guiding Star by Miss Richie, Cellardyke. The Craft is 69ft 8 inches extreme length a splendid model and strongly built of the best material. She is to be fitted up with all modern appliances, and will be available for all branches of the fishing. As soon as she is fitted up, she will be taken to Anstruther, and her first trip will be made to the herring fishing at some of the English ports.
Notice of Removal – Robert Cormack Bootmaker, Cellardyke – Begs to intimate that he has removed from his old premises to that shop lately occupied by Miss Davidson, 33 James Street Cellardyke. RC takes the opportunity of thanking his numerous customers for his support accorded to him i the past and hopes by keeping the best materials and by paying personal attention to all orders to merit a continuance of same.
MORE LIGHT. Dear Sir,—There is an old saying that “Burnt bairns dread the fire,” but surely that does not apply to the Councillors of Anstruther. Time after time in your columns you have urged not only the advisability but the necessity of having the street lamps lighted, and your well-timed remarks have apparently been treated with scorn. So also has the claim which was made against them some time ago for an accident caused by the absence of light. The claim was paid, but has it improved matters! Not in the slightest degree. On Tuesday evening, to be precise, at exactly 9.40 p m., I was returning to my home by way of West Forth Street, Cellardyke, and on turning the corner, walking very slowly, of Caddies Burn, I rather felt than saw an object in front of me. I stood still, and was much startled to find myself within an inch or two of a horse and cart. The horse flung up its head and almost struck me. Had I been walking quickly I would have undoubtedly walked right against the horse. On getting to the end of the cart, I supposed there were more than one person in charge as I heard voices, I said “Should you be standing there without a light on such a dark evening?” I received for answer that they were standing and their conveyance was not a spring cart. Now, Sir, what I want to know is, if an accident had happened would the authorities been liable or the drivers or both been responsible! This is certainly the very darkest and narrowest part of East Green, and should be treated accordingly, viz., most light.—l am, &c Lux en Tene
DEATH OF A CELLARDYKE MERCHANT. Thomas Scott, merchant, Cellardyke, died yesterday at half-past six o’clock. Deceased, who was born in the parish of Crail, has been in this district for over thirty years. At the early age of twelve apprenticed himself to the firm of Sharp & Murray, in whose service he was engaged for twenty-three years. On the death of Mr Sharp, twelve years ago, Mr Scott took over the business, which has conducted satisfactorily ever since. Deceased was highly respected in the district for his honesty and straightforward conduct in business. leaves a widow and large family, for whom much sympathy felt this district. Two of the sons are associated in the business. Deceased was years of age.
1904
Accident to a Fishing Boat.— An unfortunate accident happened Thursday to the Cellardyke fishing boat Reliance, while lying in Anstruther harbour. The boat was aground the time, standing against the pier, when she fell over, and the harbour being dry, struck with full force on her broadside. The stroke caused the fore-mast snap in two places. The damage to the hull will not be known until the boat floats, but it will doubtless heavy. Fortunately, none of the crew hurt.
ST MONANCE. While a gang of workmen were employed picking the rock at the bottom of the slip one of the carters, Thomas Carstairs, a native of Cellardyke, came too near one of the workmen while a pick was being raised. It struck him the head, rendering him unconscious. Medical aid being summoned, he recovered so far as to able to be conveyed home in the evening. This is the first accident which has occurred at this harbour, which is nearly finished.