1915
FORTY-ONE FIFE FISHING SKIPPERS FINED. FISHING IN PROHIBITED AREA,
Forty-one skippers motor and sail fishing boats, from Fife ports and from and Eyemouth, appeared before Sheriff Armour- at Cupar on Tuesday, charged with having, between sunset 2oth and sunrise on 2nd February, fished with nets in prohibited area in the Forth, contrary to the order of the Admiral commanding Rosyth. The accused were: John Allan, jun., skipper the motor fishing boat Johan, St Monans; Peter Dunn, skipper of the motor fishing yawl Ivanhoe, St Monans: John Ovenstone (Allan), skipper and owner the motor fishing yawl Janet Ovenstone, St Monans; Alex. Wood, skipper the motor fishing yawl Clunas, St Monans; Robt. Mair. Skipper of the sail fishing boat Protect Me, St Monans; Charles Smith, skipper the motor fishing yawl Diligent. St Monans; Jas.Hutt, skipper of the motor fishing yawl Charity, residing at Hope Place, St Monans; Jas. Hutt, fisherman, St Monans; Alex. Hutt, skipper and owner the motor fishing yawl Better Luck, St Monans; Geo. Davidson, skipper and owner of the motor boat Ebenezer, St Monans ; Chapman Tarvit, skipper the fishing yawl Frigate Bird, St Monans; Alex. Lothian, skipper of the sail boat Snow Flight, Cellardyke; Thos. Bett (Fowler). Skipper of the motor fishing boat Cornucopia, Thomas Bett, skipper of the steam drifter Scott, Cellardyke; John Muir (Keay), skipper of the steam drifter Camperdown; Leslie Jack, skipper of the steam drifter Suffolk County, Cellardyke; William Smith (Jimie), skipper of the steam drifter Olive Leaf, Cellardyke; Jas. Bowman (Duncan), fisherman, skipper the motor fishing boat Blossom, Pittenweem ; Andrew Bett Watson, skipper the motor fishing boat Maggies; Geo. Horsburgh, skipper of the motor fishing yawl Preston Horsburgh, ; James Hughes, skipper of the steam drifter Magdalen, Pittenweem; Thomas Lawson, skipper of the sail fishing boat Margaret Lawson, Pittenweem; Robert Keay (Watt), skipper of the fishing yawl Bauldie Sperio Mererio, Pittenweem ; Wm Wood (Paterson), skipper of the motor fishing yawl United, Pittenweem; Robert Black (Bowman), skipper of the motor fishing boat Golden Sunshine, Pittenweem ; James Hughes Wood. skipper of the sail fishing boat Never Can Tell, Pittenweem ; Wm. Moyes, skipper of the motor fishing yawl Sceptre, St Monans; Robert Wood, skipper owner of the sail fishing boat Barbara, St Monans; Robert Mackay skipper of the sail boat Clan Mackay, St Monans; Robert Aitken, skipper of the steam fishing drifter Camellia, St Monans ; James Allan, skipper of the motor fishing boat Golden Queen, St Monans; David Marr, skipper of the motor fishing boat True Vine, St Monans; David Grieve, skipper the motor fishing boat Vesper, ; Robt. Dunn, skipper the sail fishing boat Columbia, St Monans; John Wilson, skipper of the sail fishing boat Ruby, Cellardyke; Alex. Muir, skipper of the fishing yawl Nymph, Cellardyke; David Stewart, skipper of the fishing yawl Jane Stewart, Cockenzie; John Thomson, skipper of the fishing vessel Homeland, Eyemouth; George Dougal Skipper of the Fishing vessel Jeanie, Eyemouth; Wm Collin, Skipper of the fishing vessel, Marion Garwood, Eyemouth; Richard Collin, Skipper of the fishing vessel, Alan and Isabella Eyemouth.
Mr T. W. Davidnon, solicitor, Cupar, who appeared for the accused, said that the same explanation applied in practically all the cases. The weather was hazy when they had gone out. They shot their nets within the area in which they were entitled to fish, but the flood tide carried them along faster than they realised. They could not exactly tell their bearings, and the offence had been more the result of misadventure than of intention. The point which he wished to emphasise, Davidson said, was that the accused were really the same position as those who had been previously dealt with, inasmuch the offences had been committed before his Lordship issued his warning from the Bench.
Mr George Brander (county fiscal) said that this was the night when the patrol boat broke her propeller running among the nets.
The Sheriff asked if any further offences had been committed since he issued his warning.
Mr Brainier— I sorry to say five or six cases have been reported.
The Sheriff—We will know how to deal with these five six. I take it that these cases refer to a time previous to my warning, and though it may be erring on the side of leniency, I propose to impose the same modified penalty as before—£3, or 15 days.
All the accused pleaded guilty, with the exception of Thomas Bett, Cellardyke, and John Wilson, Cellardyke, and their trials were fixed for 6th April. The others were each fined £3, or 15 days’ imprisonment, a month being-granted in which to pay.
Mr Davidson explained that number of the men considered that they had not been within the prohibited area, but to avoid expense they had decided to plead guilty. Owing to the fishing season having closed and the crews having scattered, it would be almost impossible for them to obtain witnesses, and to avoid further trouble they would plead guilty.
The belief on the part of a number of the accused was that they were innocent gave rise to a number of amusing incidents. Jas. Allan said he “would just have to plead guilty to please the Admiralty.” Another of the accused refused to plead guilty, but said he would pay the fine. “It would a lie for me to plead guilty,” he said, “and my conscience would not allow to it. How many days will I have to go jail?” (laughter.) Accused ultimately said he would pay the fine.
1916
DEATH OF A FIFE POLITICAL ORGANISER. Alexander Smith, Unionist organiser for the St Andrews Burghs, has died in nursing home. Deceased who was 51 of age, had been in bad health for some tune.
A native of Cellardyke, Mr Smith carried on a grocery business for some years, but ten vears ago he was appointed Unionist organiser, his intimate knowledge of the fishing industry and the fishermen being of considerable value in his political work. Mr Smith was an ardent Freemason, being a P.W.M. of Lodge St Ayle.
1917
HARDSHIP IN KILRENNY CAUSED BY THE WANT OF A POST OFFICE. Since the retiral of Mrs Dewar Postmistress at Kilrenny the Post Office there has practically been closed. The nearest available is either Cellardyke or Anstruther, one mile distant from the village, and as may be supposed, this is causing great inconvenience.
This was taken notice of at a meeting of Kilrenny Town Council, Bailie Butters stating that great hardship was being caused especially to old age pensioners, some of whom were unable to go as far as Cellardyke or Anstruther for their pensions. He also emphasised that if a Post Offiice was considered to be necessary in a small village like Kilrenny sixty years ago it was surely more necessary now, and he proposed that the Council petition very strongly to have this grievance remedied.
The other members concurred and the depute Town Clerk was instructed to communicate with the General Post Office, Edinburgh with regard to the matter.
1918
SCOTTISH SOLDIERS WIN MILITARY MEDAL FOR CONSPICUOUS BRAVERY IN THE FIELD. In a long list of Military Medal awards to non-commissioned officers and men published last night occur the names the following Scotsmen:
345749 L.-Cpl. (A. Cpl.) J. Black, Royal Highlanders (Dundee);
37928 Pte. A. W. Brown, M.G. Corps (Cellardyke):
9333 Sgt. R. Brown, Worcester Reg. (Tayport);……..
1921
ANSTRUTHER COMMITTEE THREATEN TO STRIKE. A PEAR TREE PUZZLE.
Unless Fife Education Authority’s Master of Works (Mr (George Sandilands) explains satisfactorily the reason why he ordered the pear tree to be removed from the Kilrenny Schoolhouse walls the members of No. 7 Anstruther District School Management Committee are to go on strike.
This course was resolved upon at a meeting last night, when the action of the Mister of Works brought forth severe criticism from the Committee.
Mr H. H. Edie, Cornceres Farm, explained what had taken place. The .Master of Works had ordered man who was engaged by the schoolmistress to prune the trees to cut them down. His excuse was that they were dead, and the stumps would make excellent stands for flower pots. The trees had been cut straight across, leaving about two feet from the surface. Mr Edie considered they should more than protest against the way the Master of Works was using this part of the country, and that an apology should demanded.
Provost Black, Cellardyke, characterised the action a savage attack. For long he remembered the trees had been there. They in the Kilrenny district had already had experience of Mr Sandilands’ actions, when chairs were removed from Cellardyke School, apparently without authority. He supported Mr Edie. A long discussion followed, during which Mr Charles Gardner asked if the Committee could not go on strike if they did not receive a satisfactory explanation. Finally it was agreed to appoint a committee to draw up a strong protest to demand an apology, and failing satisfaction to strike.
1922
13 March
LOOKING OUT OVER THE FORTH.
Kilrenny Parish War Memorial, which has been erected on a commanding site at the Town’s Green, Cellardyke, overlooking the Firth of Forth, was unveiled on Sunday by Lieutenant-Colonel T. D. Murray, D.S.O.
Previous to the unveiling a memorial service was held in Cellardyke Parish Church, when an address was given by Professor Arch. Main. Rev. J. MacNaughton, M.C., and Rev. James R. Lee also took part the service.
At the ceremony at the memorial Provost Black, J.P., presided. A hymn was sung by Cellardyke School children, and, following the unveiling of the memorial, Rev. J. R. Lee gave the dedicatory prayer.
Ex-service men, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Brownies, and representatives of the various public bodies and of Lodge St Ayle (No. 95), Anstruther, formed a conspicuous part of the large gathering at the ceremony.
The Memorial.
The memorial has a triangular base 11 feet wide, surmounted on each side by two panels, the one above the other. On the lower panels are a laurel wreath and crossed swords, a figure of Black Watch soldier with fixed bayonet, and a navyman throwing a rope. On the panel above the crossed swords is the inscription: In proud and reverent memory of those connected with the parish who laid down their lives in the Great War, 1914-1918.” The panel above the soldier gives the names of those who fell the army, and the panel above the sailor gives the names of those lost in the navy. The double panels rise to height of about 10 feet, and above them rises a circular pillar, on top of which is a large polished granite ball. The whole monument stands 23 feet high, and is made of beautiful Doddington stone.
The names the fallen are: • Nary— 1st Engineer Mitchell Anderson; Deck Hands John Bett, George Brown, Alexander Brown, Alexander Corstorphine, and James M. Gourlay; Skipper Andrew Henderson, jun.; Mate Alexander C. Keay; Deck Hand David Reid; Trimmer Wm. Tarvit; Mate Robert Wallace; Skipper Alexander Watson; and Deck Hand David Wilson, R.N.R.T. Second Engineer John Christie, Seaman James Dick; Seaman Robert Gardner, Stoker James A. Moncrieff; Seaman Wm. Reekie; Leading Seaman Robert Thomson; Stoker Wm. Watson; and Seaman John M. Wood. R.N.R. Master Mariner John Thomson, R.T.S. Army—Privates David Bell, Alex. Bisset, Alex. Boyter (Brown), Alex. Boyter (Smith), Alex. Boyter (Bowman), George Corstorphine, George M. Cunningham, Andrew H. Dick. John Doig, Angus Mac- Kay, C. M. Parker, Robert Sherriff. and James Black Watch; Lance-Corpl. Wm. B. Watson, Ptes. Alex. Watson and Robert Watson, Black Watch; Corpl. Charles Elder, Pte. Wm. Moncrieff, Second-Lieut. Thomas Smith, and Pte. John Smith, Royal Scots; Ptes. Andrew Halcrow, Wallace Low, and George Moncrieff, Gordons; Ptes. John Herd and Alex. Moncrieff, and Sergt. George Wilson, Canadians; Sapper Andrew Black and Sergt. D. Allan Clement, R.E.; Captain George M. Black, R.D.F.; Lieut. James Cairns, R.A.S.C.; Gnr. W. L. Cairns. Canadian Artillery; Pte. P. H. Keay, Canadian Engineers; Lance-Corpl. John Moncrieff, Seaforths; CorpL James Murray, Canadian Highlanders; Second-Lieut. P. O. Ray, R.F.C.: Pte. David Robertson, Scots Guards; Pte. Andrew Robertson, Labour Corps; Lieut. Robert Smith, M.G.C.; Lance-Corpl. John Thomson, A. and S.H.
1923
Tenders wanted
Fife Education Authority
Offers are invited for alterations at the Following Schools
….
Cellardyke New Latrines
Excavator and brick, Carpenter and Joiner, Plumber Slater and Painter works
…..
Schedules of Quantities may be obtained on application to Mr George Sandilands, master of Works, Education Wemyssfied, Kirkcaldy, on or before 30th march 1923, on receipt of a deposit of £1 1s which will be returned in all cases where bona fide offers are submitted.
1924
ANSTRUTHER CHOIRS TRIUMPH.
Philharmonic Society Excels Itself.
What generally regarded as the musical event of the season in the district —the annual concert of Anstruther Philharmonic Society—took place in the Town Hall last night, when a crowded audience assembled lo hear Dvorak’s “At the Foot of the Cross” and Mendelssohn’s Hymn of Praise.” The choir, trained and conducted by Mr J. Harrison Cooper, Kirkcaldy, numbered over 120 voices, and was augmented J. Watt Jupp’s orchestra from Edinburgh. …….. Altogether the Anstruther” “Phil.” has reason to be proud of its achievement. The organisation of the concert was in the capable hands of a committee, with Rev. Jas. A. Paterson, Anstruther Wester, hon. secretary, and Bailie W. W. Carstairs, Cellardyke, hon. treasurer.
ANSTRUTHER SHEDS IN FLAMES GAS WORKS AND HOUSE THREATENED
Horse Rescued in Nick of Time
Damage amounting to several thousand pounds was caused by fire which broke out yesterday morning in the fishcuring premises situated in East Green, Anstruther, and tenanted Mr Charles Ingram. The premises occupy a long stretch of ground on the main street in close proximity the Gas Works.
About one o’clock the alarm was raised, and the Anstruther, Cellardyke, and St Andrews Fire Brigades were summoned, but by the time they reached the scene the flames had got a firm hold. Within an hour the whole of the sheds, which were constructed principally of wood, were a mass of flames.
With assistance Mr Ingram succeeded after strenuous efforts in liberating his horse which was stabled in the premises, and which when released was in a state of exhaustion.
Meanwhile the firemen directed their efforts to prevent the fire from spreading in the direction of the Gas Works. The flames had reached the ice house, which is between the Gas Works and the curing sheds, but eventually the ample supply of water played over the walls brought success to the firemen’s efforts.
Furniture Removed.
At the rear of the sheds a house tenanted by Mr Wood was in great danger, and as a precaution all the furniture and belongings were removed to safety, although luckily the house was saved. The premises, which belong to Mrs Thaw, Anstruther, are understood to be insured, but the stock belonging Mr Ingram was only partly insured. This included large supplies of kippers, numerous barrels, and the usual fishcuring requisites. The fire is supposed to have started in one of the kippering kilns.