1892
In the Justice of Peace Court on Saturday, James Scott, fisherman, Monans, was charged with failing to provide efficient elementary education for daughter Andrina. An attendance order was granted. George Doig, fisherman, Cellardyke, pled guilty to failing to comply with an attendance order granted against him for his boy, who had not been at school since June last. He was fined 2s 6d with £1 1s 6d of expenses. An attendance order was granted against David Corstorphine, fisherman, Cellardyke, for his boy.
1893
SAD FATAL ACCIDENT IN FIFE. Anstruther Cross was the scene of a melancholy Accident yesterday afternoon, when James Gardiner, crofter, Cellardyke, was fatally injured by his cart his wheel passing over him. He had been at Cameron Bridge for draff, distance of fifteen miles, for which he had left at four in the morning. It is surmised that the long seat in the keen air had so far numbed him that on his descending from the cart with the intention of giving his horse drink at the fountain he fell. The cart wheel passed right across his chest. Those who observed the accident were naturally stunned, but their fears somewhat diminished when he rose and lifted the hay bag on which he was seated, and which had fallen at the instant. The next moment he again fell, and gradually lost consciousness. He was carried into the house of Mrs Clark opposite, where about half-an-hour after expired. The body was conveyed to his house in Tolbooth Wynd, Anstruther. The event created a painful sensation, and much sympathy is felt for the bereaved wife and young family of six, the eldest about 13. He was 56 years of age.
FIFE FISHERMEN AND THE IRISH FISHINGS. The Commissioners of the Irish Fisheries held an inquiry at Cellardyke Town Hall to-day into the early fishing on the south Irish coast. John Smith, fishcurer, Pittenweem, was the first witness. He said he had been in the habit of going to Kinsale for 22 years. His views were that the herrings caught in May were equally as good as those caught in June, if not better. If the fishing were put back to June fish-buyers would not go there, as it would not pay them. William Lindsay, fisherman; David Wood, Alexander Gardner, and David Watson all fishermen, Cellardyke, gave evidence, and all agreed that the best time to commence the fishing was 1st May. If put off till 1st June, there would no use of the Scottish fishermen going there. The dogs and sharks generally set the herring and mackerel away in June. None of the witnesses had ever seen large quantities of under-sized mackerels caught.
1895
The nets, fifteen in all, that were brought into Berwick by some fishing boats on Saturday afternoon have been identified the property’ of John Wood, Cellardyke, Fife. The coastguard has taken charge of the nets.
1897
St Andrews Police Court – On Friday before Bailie Murray, Robert Keith, fish Hawker, Cellardyke was fined 21s or 14 days for being drunk in charge of a cart on a public thoroughfare.
1898
MR ANSTUUTHEH’S ADVICE TO YOUNG FIFE FISHERMEN.
A social meeting of the Cellardyke Fishermen’s Union and Benefit Society was held in the Town Hall, Cellardyke, on Saturday evening. Provost Thomson presided over large attendance, including Mr H. T. Anstruther, M.P., who was the principal Speaker.
Mr Anstruther strongly urged the young fishermen to come forward and join, and participate in the benefits which the Society bestowed. A great deal had been said within recent years, notably on political platforms, about old ago pensions, and he believed there was a real desire on the part every political personage of any position whatsoever to bring about consummation of the desires the people in that direction. ……………. But there was another matter would like to mention. He held the opinion very strongly indeed that the Firth Forth did not do its duty to the Royal Navy. Down in the coast Devonshire, where the natural instincts and traditions the people were exactly the same as in Cellardyke fishermen from generation to generation, there was hardly village which did not send its complement boys every year the training brigs the of Royal Navy. (Applause.) And if, as he was often told, the fishing was not remunerative, and if it did not hold out to the younger members this community the same inducements in point of profit, and even of livelihood, it did to the older men, why not turn their thoughts towards that splendid service, that magnificent navy, whose review the Prince Wales on the last Saturday June was the wonder and admiration, and, thought, the envy of many a Continental nation (Applause.) Why should not the younger members the Community turn their attention to that for career! He spoke feelingly not only because he had a brother now, he was glad say a commander in the Royal Navy, but because he knew what a splendid career it was. It might that the Conservative instincts, which was always predominant among those who had been fishermen from generation to generation, were rather against parents putting their boys that career. But after all the fishing population was the back- bone of the navy, and he hoped they would consider this matter. (Applause.) A programme music was rendered during the evening, and the usual votes thanks were given at the close.
An unusually large number of properties in Cellardyke have recently come under the auctioneers’ hammer, not always, however, with the result of changing owners. The other day the property lately occupied by Mr David Pratt, Rodger Street, was put up for sale. Mr Millar, Falside, offered £261. At the same time the extensive fishcuring premises belonging to Mr David Keith were put up, when Mr Millar offered £300. In each case there were reserved bids, and consideration the offers was held over. The range of dwelling-houses off George Street, known as Sharp’s Close, was exposed for sale, but failed to secure offer.
A CELLARDYKE DIAMOND WEDDING. Ex-Bailie Robert and Mrs Brown, West Forth Street, Cellardyke, celebrated the 60th anniversary their wedding on Wednesday evening. They were made the recipients of illuminated addresses from the Kirk-Session and Deacons’ Court of Chalmers Memorial Church, from the Young Men’s Guild, and from the Band of Hope, along with a purse sovereigns. The Bailie is a native of Fisherrow, but came to Cellardyke when quite a young lad. He prosecuted the fishing until 17 years ago, and was one the most successful fishermen of Cellardyke. He was member of the Kilrenny Town Council for several terms and acted as one of the Magistrates for a number of years. He has been connected with the Free Church since the Disruption, and was ordained elder in 1845 an office he still continues hold. Mr and Mrs Brown are still hale and hearty, and able to move about. The sketch is from photo by Mr J. S. Ireland, Anstruther.