1895
FATAL ACCIDEDNT TO A FISHERMAN. Aberdeen – The next inquiry was directed to find out the cause of the death of David Moncrieff, a Cellardyke fisherman, who was killed on board the fishing boat Providence, KY. 263, of Cellardyke, on 13th August, while at sea, about 20 miles off Aberdeen. Deceased’s father was present; and Mr Kellas represented the Board of Trade. David Watson, master of the boat., explained how the accident was caused. The crew had been engaged putting out the jibboom, when it suddenly swung round. Deceased was knocked violently against the stern post and killed, while other two men were knocked overboard, but managed to hold on, one of them by his feet. The evidence of the rest of the crew was to the same effect. Dr Robertson stated that death was caused by fracture of the base of the skull by a violent fall. deceased’s father said he knew perfectly how the accident must have occurred. They were all liable to make mistakes, and he thought there must have been some neglect somewhere. The jury found that Moncrieff died of fracture of the skull, caused by being accidentally struck against the stern post by the jibboom swinging round while lie was engaged with the rest of the crew in setting the big jib.
While the herring fishing boat Mizpah (KY. 398) was about ten miles off Aberdeen yesterday afternoon, young fisherman named George Watson fell overboard and was drowned. Watson belonged to Cellardyke
Many of the inhabitants of the Anstruthers, from the two Provosts downwards, are pure ” Dykers ” by birth, or if denied that honour, have done their best to remedy their misfortune by taking unto themselves wives of the daughters of the fishers of Cellardyke. In fact a quorum of the Anstruther-Easter Parish Council could be made up of those members of it who first saw the light in the ” fishing town of Cellardyke.”
1896
Late last Thursday a telegram was received by the Rev G Anderson, Kilrenny, stating that Thomas Gerrard, living in James Street, one of the crew of the Lilian Maud had been drowned that morning. The facts so far as are known follows; – In the beginning of the week the crew had gone as usual to fish, but had lost their lines, and on searching for the signs of the “jack”, Thomas Gerrard, had in trying to get a better view of the water, put his foot on a rope which he had thought was securely fastened. Unfortunately the rope gave way and he was precipitated into the water. It is feared he struck the propellor, and was stunned as he never rose to the surface again. His father who is skipper of the liner, at once had a boat lowered, but no trace of the young man was seen, when they reluctantly gave up the search and returned to port. Deceased was a particularly quiet, sober, young man, and much sympathy is felt for his parents. He only left the Hibernia a fortnight ago to help his father in the management of the liner.
WARNING TO FISHERMEN. In Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday—before Acting Sheriff-Substitute Brown Alexander Gardener, residing Cellardyke, Fifeshire, master of the herring fishing boat Seven Brothers, KY. No. 105, present fishing from Aberdeen, was charged with contravention of the Sea Fisheries Acts, 1868 and 1883, having, on 10th inst., failed to have painted on the mainsail of his boat, immediately above the close reef, the initial letters of the port to which the boat belonged the registry number of the craft. A plea of guilty was tendered. Mr John S. Watt, advocate, on behalf of the accused, stated that the sail was numbered and lettered in September last year, before accused went to the English coast fishing, and shortly before coming to Aberdeen this year the sail was barked in order to preserve it, with the result that the letters and numbers were almost entirely obliterated. When the crew started for the fishing at Aberdeen the sail was still wet, and his lordship could easily understand it was difficult to get paint to adhere to a substance that was wet, and he could also easily understand that when the crew got to Aberdeen they were very busy with the fishing. Upon Monday, the 10th, they were fishing two miles north the Girdleness, when they were hailed by the Jackal and told that they must get the letters and number put on. This was done when the boat reached port Wednesday. This was the first case of the kind that had been brought before that court, and there had been a good deal of neglect to the numbering sails. The intention of the prosecution evidently was to secure that the matter should belter attended to future. Accused had pleaded guilty, and in those circumstances, seeing that the letters and numbers had now been put on, and that the object of the prosecution had been attained by attention being called to the matter, (Mr Watt) thought that nominal fine would meet the ends of justice. He would point out that the omission of the number of the port of registry on herring boat was not so great offence as it would be in the case of a steam trawling boat, which do injury to the properly of other fishermen, and therefore there could be no object on the part of the accused in this case to evade the law.
Mr Wilson, procurator-fiscal, said he admitted all that had been said by Watt, with the exception of one statement, and that was with regard to what happened when the boat was hailed by the Jackal. When the Government steamer went alongside this and another boat the crews were told to return to port at once; but, in spite of the orders given, they both proceeded to the fishing ground. The Sheriff said the Act which the charge was brought was an old one. and apparently had not been enforced in that sheriffdom since it was passed. The object of the prosecution was to remind people of its existence. A nominal fine might have been imposed except for this, that when the accused got definite orders from the Jackal to return to port he proceeded to sea. A fine of £2, with the option of 14 days’ imprisonment, would be imposed. James Gault, Lossiemouth, skipper of the herring fishing beat Tulip, INS. 1637, present fishing from Aberdeen, was charged with similar offence committed also on 10th August. He pleaded guilty, and was also fined £2, with the option of fourteen days’ imprisonment.
1897
Mr. Pattison, Crail, has resigned the organistship of Cellardyke Parish Church, but as there exists a strong feeling in his favour he has been asked to remain. Mr Pattison’s resignation has been given solely on the ground of inconvenience to attend the services during the winter months.
1899
REOPENING OF CELLARDYKE CHURCH—To admit of cleaning and painting this Church was closed six weeks ago, and the congregation have been worshipping in Forth Street Hall, which was kindly lent to them by the Trustees. The managers of the Church accepted the offer of Mr P. Elder, Anstruther, and have had no res- son to regret their decision. It is impossible to speak too highly of Mr Elder’s work. He was given pretty much a free hand, and all who have seen what he has done are unanimous in their praise of the taste and skill he has displayed. Indeed several visitors have expressed surprise that such hue workmanship could have been executed by anyone outside of Edinburgh.
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