1900
Divorce
Before Lord Kyllachy on Saturday, proof was led in a divorce action by Catherine Montador or Watson, 30 Beatrice street Bootle near Liverpool, presently residing at 59 Bridge street, Glasgow, against James Watson, Engineer, 111 Eaglesham Street, Paisley Rd, Glasgow. The pursuer said she was a native of France but had resided in Fife the greater part of her life. She married the defender in March 1871, and six children were born of the marriage. The defender was an engineer in Glasgow, About five years ago they went to Singapore. The defender left her there and came to Scotland. She followed him in November last and obtained information which led to the present action. Evidence of infidelity on the part of the defender having been led, his lordship granted the decree. Both Pursuer and defender are well known in Cellardyke – the former having resided here prior to her marriage, and the latter being a native of the place.
Marriage
At the town hall, Cellardyke on 16th inst, by the Rev a G MacAlpine, Chalmers memorial Free Church, Thomas son of Thomas Wilson, Clephanton, Anstruther to Helen youngest Daughter of David Watson, 19John Street Cellardyke.
Provost Welch, St Andrews, held an enquiry at Cellardyke on Saturday afternoon, on behalf of the Scottish Fishery Board, into the state of Cellardyke harbour. Provost Thomson said the harbour was washed down by the disastrous storm of October 1898, and although a good part has been repaired by subscription, about £1200 was still required. Provost Welch said the Fishery board had given grants to Cellardyke harbour since 1829 to the amount of £1657. He is to report to the board.
1901
The Kilrenny Steam Fishing Company Ltd, Crail Rd, Anstruther, was registered as a joint stock company with a capital of £2000 in shares of £4 each. Signatories Wm Oliphant, Bank Agent, 26 Rodger Street; Wm s Bonthron, fish curer, 7 Melville terrace; William Jarvis, retired boatbuilder, Union Place; James Milne, farmer, Anstruther Farm; Thomas Dunsire, fish merchant – all in Anstruther; John Guillan, baker, 1 Shore Street; and James Fortune draper, George Street , both Cellardyke.
1902
List of applications for the sale of Exciseable Liquor
Kilrenny Burgh
Joseph Downey, spirit merchant 73 George Street, for premises 16 John Street, Public house
Alexander Cathro, grocers’ van man, Cunzie Street Anstruther, for 25 James Street Cellardyke, Grocery Business. Proprietor Alexander Smith
Anstruther Easter
William Thomson, Grocer 17 Shore Street Anstruther Easter. Grocer at the same premises –factor, Jamieson & Guthrie, Solicitors
Anstruther Wester
William Donaldson Snr, Anstruther Wester, and William Donaldson Jnr, barman, Govan For premises Hight Street Anstruther . Inn and Hotel. Proprietor Miss Margaret M Donaldson, Anstruther Wester.
1903
Lifeboat Inefficiency at Anstruther
Inquiry by the Institution
Strong Speaking by Local Fishermen
Consequent on the allegations by local fishermen that the present boat, the Royal Stuart, is unsuited to the coast, an enquiry was held by Lieutenant basil Hall, of the RNLI on Saturday at Cellardyke town hall. Provost Morton presided and was supported by Provost Black; Messrs G Darsie; J Keir; captain Webster; Rev J Ray, Lieutenant Rodger, Elie, Messrs A C Mackintosh and H Watson Secretaries…
Lieutenant Hall explained he had been ordered to hold this inquiry in consequence of the representations made at a recent public meeting, where the lifeboat, slip and house were allm condemned by the fishermen.
Skipper James Pratt, one of the best type of Scottish Fishermen, was first to speak. He said that the boat had been thoroughly tested on the 27th February, both under canvas and under oars, and he was thoroughly satisfied she was useless for this part of the coast. She might do for other stations. Ferryden and Buckhaven fishermen told them their lifeboats would have cut right across the light, but he could not get this boat away from the lea wall. They had no confidence in her.
Another representative voice was that of Skipper James Jack, also an old coxswain, who endorsed the previous speaker’s remarks from his own observations. He had complained to the secretary about the boat, slip and house two years ago. He had tried over and over again to put the boat to windward, but could never manage it. She always came up to the place from where she started. That was the reason he resigned as coxswain two years ago. His name was given in the register when the boat came, as one who declared her unmanageable, or heavy on oars. Answering the Chairman, he said no crew could get the boat out in a hurry.
Mr Watson said he could not recall Mr Jack ever speaking other than in a general way about the house or boat. The committee never heard a complaint about the boat until at the public meeting. When the committee two years ago heard the complaints about the slip they fitted up the rail.
Veteran Coxswain, Skipper Martin Gardner, referred to the qualities of the previous boat. He had always got the present boat to stay, but never had any object in trying to see if she could beat. He never thought her so good a boat as the old one. He had never seen a man hang back, and there were as brave men yet as of old Cellardyke. The fishermen were never pleased with the slip or house. The best thing was to launch the boat over the pier. When lives were in danger quickness was the thing. A service boat would be better than the present boat. He added that the district was self-supporting. Some people refused to subscribe because of the boat, and money would come in better if people had confidence in it.
Skipper Robert Meldrum, said from the first time he put his foot in her he never liked this boat. They needed a lighter one with a Centre board.
Answering Lieutenant Hall, Skipper Meldrum said the boat was sent from headquarters as first class, he never liked to speak out.
Skipper Gardiner criticised the superior arrangements in Ireland, and naively added “the Irish were the boys for getting a’ thing..”
Lieutenant Hall said he would lay the statement before the institution. He could not promise a new boat, but if one was given, the fishermen would have the selecting of the style of boats themselves. The boats cost about £800.
Messrs P Muir, John Jack, W Smith and Rev Ray took part in further discussion, in the course of which Mr Jack said no boat could have gone out of the harbour during the September gale. Another grievance was the fixed crews. The community wanted to see if it settled that the first men forward should man the boat. It was stated the committee was considering this. Votes of thanks to Lieutenant Hall and the provost concluded the inquiry.