1886
Both Stephen Williamson the sitting MP and contender Sir Robert Anstruther claimed victory in the General election for the St Andrews Burgh’s Seat as they had an equal number of votes. After a court case about voting legality, Sir Robert Anstruther was duly elected.
The Court case with multiple voting irregularities. One example from Cellardyke –
John Watson “Watson,” a fisherman, residing James Street, Cellardyke, said he was No. 385 on the Voters’ Roil for the burgh of Kilrenny. He went to vote Cellardyke on the day the election 7th December last. was the polling place about 11 o’clock. He was active member of Sir Robert Anstruther’s committee. When told the Sheriff that his name was John Watson, “Watson,” the Sheriff asked him if he was sure that that was his name. When he replied that that was his name, they gave him a coloured paper—a tendered voting paper —which he marked. —Mr Macintosh explained that this was the only tendered vote in the election. The voting paper was shown to witness, who identified it the one marked. He was not told, he said, that another person had voted in his name. They asked him to sign his name to register. When went to deposit the paper the ballot-box the officials took out of his hand. did not know where to put it.
ACCIDENT AT SEA.—On Tuesday, when at sea, Henry Reeve, fisherman, Cellardyke, fell heavily in the boat, striking his side against the sharp corner of one of the hatches. He was not seriously hurt, but one of his ribs was splintered, incapacitating him for duty.
CRIME.—James Moir, carter, Cellardyke, was accused of furious driving on Monday, before the Bailies of East Anstruther. His excuse was that he was driving to catch the train; but he was found guilty, and, this being his third offence, was fined 15s
Police Court.—Before Provost Skinner and Bailie Smith, Cellardyke, on Wednesday, John Dunn, a tramp, was charged with begging from door to door the previous day. Accused pled guilty, and was sentenced to 10 days imprisonment. When apprehended, he was found to have about 18s in his possession.
FOR SALE, the Boat May Queen KY. 1627, of Cellardyke,—Smack-rigged, Sails, in good order, with 2 Anchors and Chains , New Net Hauler, and every necessary appurtenance; Carvel Build. Further information to he had from Duncan & Black, Manufacturers, Cellardyke Factory, Fife. Owner: John McKay 1889 – Shetland Times February 1886
FOR SALE by Private Bargain, the Deep Sea FISHING BOAT “MIZPAH,” of Cellardyke, KY. 2023. Length, 51 feet; 3 ½ years old ; with all her Appurtenances, ready for Sea For further particulars apply to JAMES CUNNINGHAM (Rodger), Cellardyke.
BUTCHER MEAT. —The low prices received for cattle just now have compelled one or two of our local farmers to dispense with middlemen altogether, and to kill and sell their own beef at their own risk. As a consequence of this competition the good folks of Cellardyke are getting the advantage of “prime ox beef at 6d per lb”
Sudden Death. — a singular coincidence Dr Flaxman had occasion visit Mrs John Robertson, in Roger Street, Cellardyke, on Friday afternoon, when on entering the room he found her all but lifeless the floor, being overtaken, it is supposed, fit of paralysis, which in a minute or two later she breathed her last. Margaret Anderson, who belongs to an old Anstruther race, was the relict of the late Mr John Robertson, tailor, by whom she had numerous family, with her own share of the joys and sorrows of life. She was, we told, in her seventy-fourth year.
Sale of a Fishing Boat, – Cockenzie – On Saturday the creditors of Mr William Weatherhead sold a deep sea sailing boat by auction, and after keen competition the boat was knocked down to Mr William Watson, fisherman Cellardyke, Fife, at £200. The boat is 57 feet keel, 18 feet across beam, carvel build and fitted with cabin aft. The boat is well made but will take about £40 to finish. Mr Brand Dunbar was auctioneer
SALE OF NEW FISHING BOAT —Mr Jarvis has succeeded in disposing of one of his large new fishing boats, which have lain on his hands for the last six months. The purchaser is Mr James Smith (Watson), Cellardyke. The boat, which has been fitted up with all the latest improvements is the largest that has ever been built in Anstruther or on the coast, and is 58 ½ feet in length and 19 feet broad. The price has not been allowed to transpire, but it is understood that the purchaser has got a very good bargain. Mr Jarvis is negotiating for the disposal of the other new boat at present lying in front of his building shed, but as yet no offer has been accepted. The new fishing boat built for Mr Thomas Webster Gall, Broughty Ferry, was launched by Mr Jarvis on Saturday, and left the harbour for Broughty Ferry on Tuesday. She is 42 feet long. and 15 ½ feet beam
Our M.P.—At last the Burghs know their member. “Sir Robert’s on,” and Mr Williamson has to write Ex MP. after his name. The news of the Court of Session’s decision was received by Sir Robert Anstruther’s supporters here with much satisfaction, and in a short time church bells were heard chiming the news, In Cellardyke, the boats being off, the greybeards and the wives had all the news to themselves, and little groups of eager women soon showed the partisanship of this side or that. In the afternoon a large band of young lasses, marshalled by a strapping winch in blue petticoat and red garibaldi, and carrying a hand bell, which she rang vigorously, paraded the streets, with every appearance of satisfaction to themselves. In Anstruther, in the evening bonfires were lit at different points, one at the end of the east pier, one at the Cross (which burned, however, but a short time), and another at the West Sands. Squibs were flying about in abundance, and one or two effigies, after being hawked about the streets for a time, were burned. The Church party are naturally jubilant over the result of the Scrutiny; while, on the other band, Mr Willianson’s supporters are greatly disappointed, and much regret is expressed at the loss to the Burghs of so model a Member as Mr Williamson is on all hands admitted to have been.
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