1922
LIFEBOAT DEMONSTRATION. The piers at Anstruther Harbour were crowded yesterday when an impromptu demonstration was given the local Lifeboat Institution. Coxswain W. Sutherland. Cellardyke, was in charge of the lifeboat, which launched in expert manner. Splendid weather allowed the demonstration to be carried out-with the greatest of ease. The members the Dumbarton Boy Scouts, who are in camp at Kilrenny Common, acted as collectors, and a ready response was made by residents and visitors.
1923
CELLARDYKE LOSES NOTED CITIZEN. Ex-Provost Black Dead.
By the death of ex-Provost Alexander Black, J.P., which occurred at his residence in James Street on Sunday evening, Cellardyke has lost a highly respected citizen. Black had been in failing health for some time, although the end came quicker than was expected. Born in Cellardyke, Mr Black was long connected with the oilskin manufacturing business, and owned and controlled the factory of Black & Co., Cellardyke. He possessed considerable business ability, which had reflected in the success of the company. Despite the claims upon his time and attention, however, Mr Black took large share in the public life of the district. In 1898 he was appointed a member of Kilrenny Town Council. Three years later he was elected Provost of the burgh, which post he held up to two months ago, when was forced to retire through illness.
Unique Service.
His services to other public bodies were in some respects unique. For thirty-five years he was a member of Kilrenny School Board, and for fifteen years he served that Board as Chairman. He was a useful member of Anstruther Union Harbour Commissioners for thirty years, served on the old Parochial Board and the Parish Council for a period, was Governor of the Waid Academy, Anstruther, and a member of No. 7 Anstruther District School Management Committee for a term. In the world of sport Mr Black was an outstanding figure on the bowling greens, and was President of the Anstruther Club for many years. His prowess as bowler was well known throughout the East of Fife, and few could reach his standard as a skip. Ex-Provost Black was his 74th year, and leaves a widow to mourn his loss.
Another paper adds to the info
The ex-Provost started his ‘business career as a baker. The mechanical sense was in his blood, however, and after he had reduced the physical labour in his father’s bakery by making an engine and a rolling machine, he invented the patent canvas buoy now used by all fishermen and started in business as an oilskin and buoy manufacturer. The business prospered, and during recent years, when the fishing industry has been passing through bad financial times, he avoided much of the loss experienced by similar firms by extremely shrewd buying and selling of the raw material of the trade —cotton and linseed oil. Always first in his factory in the morning, he nevertheless, like all busy men. found time to do much public work, and for forty years he was one of the leading figures in the East of Fife, known by all as a keen commercial man, a hard worker in all movements fur the good of the public, and in the world of sport a skilful and dominating figure on the bowling green.
REMAINS OF CELLARDYKE EX-PROVOST LAID TO REST. The remains of the late ex-Provost Black, Cellardyke, were laid to rest yesterday in Anstruther-Easter Churchyard. A large concourse of mourners attended the funeral, including members of the Town and Parish Councils of the three burghs. Flags on the public buildings were flown at half-mast mark of respect to deceased. Members of Kilrenny Town Council, of which body the Provost was head for years, acted as pall-bearers. Many beautiful wreaths were sent by relatives and friends. The service at, the graveside was conducted by Rev. J. F. Kington, Anstruther Baptist Church.
1924
CELLARDYKE. Sale of Work. A sum £130 was realised at a sale of work and cake and candy held at the East End, Cellardyke, in aid of the Pariah Church funds and the local branch of the Lifeboat Institution. The sale was organised by the Women’s Guild and the Junior Guild. Rev. J. Lee presided, and Mr H. Watson. J.P., Anstruther, performed the opening ceremony. In the evening the teachers and scholars the Sunday School gave missionary demonstrations (In costume) in the Town Hall.
CONDITION OF HOUSES IN CELLARDYKE. Town Council to Take Action. ” This ought to have been attended to years ago,” said Bailie W. W. Carstairs at a meeting of Kilrenny Town Council held last night when the sanitary inspector, C. C. Henderson, acting on instructions received from the Council on the request of the Scottish Board of Health, reported on the insanitary condition of houses in Cellardyke. The burgh of Kilrenny is largely formed by the community of Cellardyke, where the Town Council hold their meetings. Bailie Bett presided, there being a full meeting with the exception of Provost Mitchell.
Mr Henderson, who was appointed sanitary inspector for the burghs of Crail. Kilrenny Anstruther Easter, Anstruther Wester, and Elie about three months ago, said he had taken his first survey with regard to the sanitation of houses in the burgh. The section he had taken first was the west end of the burgh from James Street to Tolbooth Wynd and northwards. Up to date he had completed James Street and found sixteen houses without water supply to the house, and without sink or suitable receptacle, and twenty-five houses without w.c. convenience. Altogether in the street there were six houses which required to closed, as they were not fit for human habitation under the Housing and Town Planning Act, 1909. There was one case of overcrowding in the district where eleven people were occupying two rooms, and in this case the necessity for improvement was most urgent as there was no water, no sink, and no w.c.
Bailie Carstairs thought that as Council they were bound to take the matter up. Some of the houses referred to were factored solicitors in Anstruther for people outside the district altogether, and they were drawing rents for them year after year. The matter ought to have been attended to years ago. He considered the Council ought to support Mr Henderson. Bailie Bett said that ” headquarters” were forcing the Council to act. Bailie Carstairs said it had been an urgent question long ago. Mr Henderson pointed out that he had only time to deal with one street and wynd. He had prepared a block plan showing colour the houses with suitable sanitary arrangements, and would deal with the other districts in a similar manner. Councillors Downey and Thomson considered that a start should be made and the Sanitary Inspector was empowered to issue notices to the proprietors.
1925
CELLARDYKE GATHERING DISPERSED BY RAIN. OPEN-AIR STALLS REMOVED TO TOWN HALL. Heavy showers of rain interfered to large extent with the annual sale of work held under the auspices of Cellardyke Parish Church Woman’s and Junior Guilds yesterday. The function had been staged at the east end of Cellardyke, near the putting green and tennis courts, but hardly had the sale been set a rolling when wet weather forced adjournment to the Town Hall. A speedy rearrangement of the stalls was made by willing helpers under the direction of Rev. J. R Lee, minister of the church, and Bailie Bett. Adjoining rooms were utilised for the sale of teas, and the main hall for the sale of articles of apparel and cake and candy. So many ladies and girls gave valuable help that it would be invidious to particularise. Suffice that Miss Oliphant, convener. was as usual a splendid organiser of the effort, which was on behalf of church funds.