1875
THE SUMMER HERRING FISHING.—The nature of the anticipations entertained regarding the ensuing summer herring fishing on this coast may be gathered from a suggestive fact stated at the meeting of the Anstruther Harbour Commissioners the other night. In former years, when a large fleet of boats were engaged in the at that time great fishing enterprise of the year in the district, great eagerness was manifested by fishcurers to secure curing stations at the harbour, and the revenue from that source alone usually amounted to between £100 and £200, and in one instance at least to £400. With the failure of the summer fishing, however, the rents of late years have dwindled down to a few pounds, and this year the Clerk to the Commissioners had to report that not a single offer had been lodged for any of the stations. So far as known, there is no intention on the part of the fishermen of making a general trial at the old fishing grounds on the coast, and as a suggestion thrown out last year by one of the members of an enterprising Cellardyke curing firm —viz , to have a steamer chartered to tow the boats to and from the deep-sea banks and Anstruther harbour in unfavourable winds—would appear, from the fact of its not being adopted, either to entail too much expense or to be unworkable, there is no hope that the stagnation of trade which the summer months now usually bring us will this year give place to a more cheering state of matters.
1876
Irish Times – The frightful tornado that was to have swept over this country bearing destruction on its wings, between the 20th and 24th of this month, has not yet made its appearance. There have been one or two thunderstorms and the east wind has been blowing with disagreeable sharpness but there has been that can be considered into a great convulsion of nature. The weather prophets may however, console themselves by the fact that of the predictions have in some districts taken the place of the storm, and effected an amount of damage and inconvenience by no means to be despised. This has especially been the case on the coasts of Fife and Forfarshire, where the fishermen have incurred considerable losses owing to many of them having refrained from venturing to sea in anticipation of the violent atmospherical disturbance so confidently predicted. The fishermen of Cellardyke have, it is stated, lost at least £300, and the Pittenweem fishermen nearly as much, in consequence of their implicit belief in the prediction of the weather prophets. The storm may possibly have been compelled by other engagements to postpone its arrival for a few days, and, may still make its appearance If, on the other hand it persistently refuses to come and the whole thing ends in simply a “scare,” at least the weather prophets can do is to compensate the men who paid so dearly for this unfortunate blunder. ( The Taunton Courier quotes Cellardyke fishermen losing £1000, that’s the equivalent of about £150k today)
1877
At a Burgh Court held on Friday, James Myles, carter, Cellardyke, pleaded guilty to committing a breach of the peace in a public house, in Shore Street, on the 8th instant, and this being his fourth conviction he was fined 30s. Thomas Murray, Jun., fisherman, and Andrew Miller, labourer, both from Cellardyke, were convicted of similar offences, and were fined 7s 6d each. At another Court held on Tuesday, a cooper, named David Harper, pleaded guilty to committing breach of the peace in the East Pier, and endeavouring to fight with James White, captain of the schooner Anna, on the previous day, and was sentenced to pay a fine of 10s or go to prison for ten days. The money not being forthcoming, David had to go to jail
TO CONTRACTORS. ESTIMATES WANTED, by the SCHOOL BOARD of KILRENNY, for the various WORKS connected with the ERECTION of a SCHOOL and TEACHERS’ HOUSE, &c., at Cellardyke, according to Plans and Specifications in the hands of Provost Martin, Cellardyke. Mr Currie., Architect, Elie, will furnish schedules of measurement and give any information required. Offers to be lodged with W. T. JAMIESON, Solicitor, Anstruther, Clerk to the School Board, against 7th July next. – Anstruther, 19th June 1877.
CELLARDYKE. BURGH COURT —A Police Court was held in the Town Hall yesterday, when all the Magistrates were present. The first case was against Betsy Smith or Wilson, wife of Robert Wilson, fisherman, who was charged with having, in West Forth Street on the 14th instant, assaulted Lilias Reid or Dick, wife of James Dick, fisherman, by seizing hold of the hair of her head and dragging her along a passage. She pleaded not guilty, but after hearing the evidence the Magistrates inflicted a penalty of 6s. John Jack, Thomas Watson, and Georgina Jack or Watson, his wife, were next charged with assault and breach of the peace. The libel stated that on the 16th inst., in the house occupied by Thomas Bett, Jack struck Agnes Ogilvie or Bett a severe blow on the back, dragged her from the house into the street, and did bite her arm to the effusion of blood ; that Mr and Mrs Watson struck Mrs Bett several severe blows on the face and head ; and that they all conducted themselves in a riotous and disorderly manner. All denied the charge, and four witnesses were examined for the prosecution and two for the defence. Both the witnesses and the audience were somewhat demonstrative, and after patiently hearing the evidence, the Court dismissed the case against Mr and Mrs Watson, but fined Jack 15s. Agnes Beat or Jack, sister-in-law of the Mrs Watson who appeared in the last case, was also charged with assault at the same time and place, and was sentenced to pay a fine of 6s. John Jack was again placed at the bar, and, along with Alex. Gourley, jun., charged with attacking James Beat in John Street on the same evening, by striking him on the face and head, and tripping him to the ground, and with also committing a breach of the peace. Jack pleaded guilty under provocation, and was fined 10s, and after evidence had been led the charge against Gourley was also found proven, and he was mulcted in 7s 6d, the Provost in passing sentence administering a severe reprimand, and intimating that any conduct of the kind in future would result in them being sent to jail— a warning which elicted from one of the panels the remark that he was accustomed to a hard bed. The whole of the parties mentioned in the last three cases are relatives, and their appearance in court was the result of a family quarrel. Elizabeth Watson, residing in Kilrenny, had been summoned to answer to a charge of having committed a breach of the peace one day last week in the village, but as she failed to appear a warrant was granted for her apprehension.
The Fifeshire herring fleet which within a month will contribute the finest element of the great gathering on the Scottish Coast, has just had a notable addition in the sea beauty turned out the other day from the far famed building yard of William Jarvis. The owner Mr. William Smith Black, of Cellardyke, has called her after one of the heathen graces- that is the ‘Euphrosyna’. Another of these floating pictures is all but ready in the same yard. Like her consort she ranks in the first class and would register over twenty tons. She is to have the appropriate christening of ‘Mon Ami’ and really in the blackening East one could not wish for a trustier friend than this gallant little craft which is owned by skipper Thomas Reid, also of Cellardyke. Mr. William Fulton has likewise completed in his premises on Pittenweem shore a smart looking deep sea boat for Mr. John Robertson, who this way steps to the front amongst the other young skippers of Cellardyke. In addition to these our local fleet will also be strengthened by the addition of the Montrose boat ‘Georgina Anderson’ purchased by Mr. Thomas Pratt. Three new boast are under contract for the same fair seat- namely the ‘Gem of the Sea’ for Skipper Charles Marr, the ‘Hope’ for Skipper William Watson; and the third for Mr. James Jack which are all to take part in the herring chase of the forth coming Lammas.
NEW BOATS FOR THE HERRING. At the end of last week Mr J. A. Millar launched a fine new fishing boat, which has been named Cedric the Saxon, for Skipper John Pratt.
1878
As the deep sea going boat “Six Brothers”, of Cellardyke, Skipper John Dickson, was out on fishing cruise last week the crew espied a water-logged yawl, which, on being bailed dry, proved to be the Aberdeen pilot boat No. 3, upset while racing in the bay about five weeks ago. The yawl was picked up about ten miles to the offing of the Bell Rock, having drifted thus far to the southward. Notwithstanding her lengthened exposure to the accidents of the sea, she appears to be little if at all worse as she now lies on Anstruther beach in charge of Mr Pearson, of the Customs, as receiver of wreck for the district.
1879
MISHAP.—On Tuesday last, as Cellardyke beach was ringing over the launch of the big herring boats- facilitated, as usual, by the agency of steam-an exciting incident occurred, showing that care and caution cannot be too much attended to on these occasions. The boat carriage was being dragged along by the traction engine, when a little boy about eleven years of age, the son of the late Skipper Watson, who perished in autumn on the Norfolk coast, fell in front of the ponderous wheel. More than one by-stander shut his eyes to conceal what seemed to be the inevitable fats of the little martyr; but at the last moment, and with singular presence of mind, his little companion, Peter Murray, pulled him so far aside that the wheel rolled on his clothes but providentially not over his body. His hand, however, was caught and dreadfully crushed, but, under the circumstances, his escape with life was little else than a miracle.
FREE MASON’S EXCURSION- .-The brethren of St Ayles west on an excursion to the Isle of May on Wednesday. The embarkation took place in the Cellardyke deep sea going boat ” Catherine Edie,” and after a pleasant voyage the brethren, who would number about 30, landed, where they were received with the courtesy and kindness which have won for Mr and Mrs Agnew the grateful esteem of every visitor to the “holy isle.” The many interesting points which is every summer making the May so attractive to the Scottish tourist, such as the shrine of St Adrian, the smugglers’ cave, the lighthouse tower &c., were not overlooked by the excursionists, who also filled in the programme of the day with one of those charming picnics only to be enjoyed amongst the primroses and the laughing sea winds of one or other of those “emeralds chased in gold,” as Scott so graphically paints the islands of the Forth. The good fortune of the party was not broken on the voyage home, and altogether a happier or more enjoyable summer day has not been passed whether inside or outside the sanctuary of old ‘St Ayles.
The fact that Mr Jarvis, boatbuilder here, has launched no less than eight fishing boats since September last indicates that, notwithstanding the unremunerative nature of the trade for nearly a year, our fishermen are determined to show their enterprise by securing boats constructed on the latest principles, and able to cope with the heavy seas frequently met with in the German Ocean. Boat launches, however, as a rule do not attract a great deal of attention, but the exception was shown on Saturday last, when a flag shown from the fish curing premises of Mr John Hepburn became the subject of notice. The suggestion was made that it had been hoisted in order to celebrate a golden wedding, but the erection of a string of banners on a boat lying in front of Mr Jarvis’ yard, and the hoisting of others on the masts of several boats in the harbour, and the lifeboat staff, led to inquiries which resulted in the information that the display was in honour of Miss Harvie, who, in addition to presenting the lifeboat stationed at Anstruther, very recently evinced in the most munificent manner her interest in the fishermen of Cellardyke and the people of Anstruther. The fishermen, as well as the whole of the inhabitants of the district, have been highly gratified with Miss Harvie’s expressions, as shown in the letters lately published an those columns, and that feeling was, if possible, intensified when it was learned that she had signified her intention of presenting the handsome sum of £100 in order that the fishermen might have further protection while using the breakwater in dark nights. When, therefore, Messrs W. & D. Watson resolved, in recognition of her generous conduct, to name their new boat “Hanna Harvie,” it was felt that it was only due to that lady to attend, and show their appreciation of her munificence. Due preparations were made, and with the assistance of a large number of fishermen, the boat—on the stem of which a bottle of wine was broken, the christening ceremony being performed by Miss Jarvis, daughter of the builder glided into the water amidst the cheers of the crowd and the boom of the cannon on the old east pier. Among the spectators were Mr Mackintosh, the hon. secretary of the local branch of the Lifeboat Institution; Mr Gillis, of the Fishery Board; Mr Hepburn, and others. After the launch, a few friends met in the “Forth Tavern” under the presidency of Mr Bonthron, whose suggestion to erect a lighthouse on the point of the breakwater was so cordially approved, and the toasts ” Success to the Hanna Harvie,” “The Health of Miss Harvie,” and “The Health of Mr Jarvis, the builder,” were moat cordially received. The boat, it may be added, is constructed with all the latest improvements, and is 48 feet in length, 17 feet in breadth, and feet in depth. Mr Jarvis, we believe, has another boat on the stocks which he expects to have ready for the summer fishing.
THE SHIP “CAPE FINISTERRE” This fine ship, which belongs to Greenock, owned by Messrs Abraham, Lyle, A; Sons, and is under the command of Captain Robertson, a native of Cellardyke, arrived at New Zealand on 30th March, having left London on the 2nd December last. We learn from a New Zealand paper the particulars of the voyage out, which was characterised by very light winds and calms from the time the vessel emerged from the tropics, but still made as good a passage as could be expected of her, occupying 119 days. She had 25 passengers on board, all of whom made the voyage without any casualty. This was Capt. Robertson’s first voyage to New Zealand, and he was accompanied by Mrs Robertson. When off the Crozettes the ship passed several icebergs, one particularly large and grand in appearance. The passengers presented Captain Robertson, on arrival with a very complimentary testimonial.
PROPOSED NEW FISHERY – The three Cellardyke boats under contract for Wick being left free by their merchant to choose betwixt his station there and at Scrabster, every exertion is being made to follow as early as possible the encouraging rumours which are to hand about herrings in the Northern Sea. Apart from the terrors of the Pentland Firth—which, however, are more a thing of fiction than of fact—Scrabster has unrivalled advantages to offer as a fishing rendezvous, if only in this that it is beyond all comparison the safest and deepest landing-place on the Caithness coast, while it also gives access not only to the new and inviting fields just referred to, but at the same time to some of the oldest herring haunts in the north east of Scotland. Amongst these are the wild but romantic ground known as the Flannan Islands, where the fathers of Cellardyke fished many a day before Wick could boast of a harbour beyond what was to be found above the bar of its little river. Considerable interest thus attaches to the experiment, which, it is gratifying to say, will have every justice done to it, inasmuch as the pioneers are second to none for energy and enterprise on the Scottish shore.
THE CARRIER PIGEON AS AT A SEA POST
So far the attempt to utilise the carrier pigeon as a sea messenger has failed this summer at Anstruther. Mr John Bonthron, whose auction sales hold such a vital part in the sea economy of the coast, was particularly interested in an experiment of such obvious value to the trade. With this view he some time ago obtained several pairs of the famous Belgian breed. Other local merchants followed his example, but so far no practical result has been secured. Perhaps the early departure of the boats, usually in the first hours of Monday morning, has interfered with the exercise, not speak of the performance, of the pigeons; but in any case, it is a matter of deep regret, seeing that no branch of sea labour has so much to gain from the service of these beautiful and favourite birds as the white fishing of the Forth. By this agency the merchant at Stonehaven and Aberdeen has news from the fishing ground hours before the arrival of the boats. Nor is it any feat when we remember the magnificent achievements of the Homing pigeon, whether in England or on the continent; and we therefore trust at no distant date to be able to record a more spirited and systematic class of experiments. eventuating in no doubtful issue to the interests of the commerce of the sea.
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