1930
DRIFT V. RING-NET CONTROVERSY MASS MEETING OF FISHERMEN AT ST MONANCE
Mr Duncan Millar and Case For Fishery Board Mr J. Duncan Millar, M.P. for Ease Fife, was one of the speakers at a mass meeting of drift net herring fishermen, held in the Parish Halls, Monance, on Saturday evening. The meeting was under the auspices of the St Monance branch of the Scottish Fishermen’s Association.
Mr Millar stated that the Fishery Board would give a deputation of fishermen an opportunity to put their case before the board. Mr Thomas Fyall, – St Monance, who occupied the chair, said that the meeting had been convened further consider the ring-net mode of fishing. The ring-net, he considered would destroy the spawning beds.
Mr Fyall also said that the ring-net men were sailing the seas without sufficient lights, a practice which he considered called for an immediate inquiry. “Destructive Mode.” Bailie Carstairs, Cellardyke, addressing the meeting, said he thought there was just cause for saying that the ring-net was a very destructive mode of fishing compared with the drift net method, mainly because the fact that was more intensive. The ring nets were also more destructive because they took in all kinds and sizes of herring, while the drift net caught mainly real prime herring. If he might apply an Irishism, the drift net caught the hen only after it laid the eggs. The ring net caught the hen with the eggs not laid, so that there was double destruction. After making comparison of the capital costs, Bailie Carstairs said he thought the case for the drift net far outweighed that for the ring net. He was the opinion that they had a very strong case to put before the Fishery Board to have the ring-net method stopped.
No Objection to the Men.
In concluding, he said there was no objection to the ring net men themselves, and they wanted that, to be clearly understood. They were quite prepared to welcome the men if they would adopt the same method as local fishermen. The Fishery Board was quite prepared to receive a statement setting forth the facts of the case, and was also willing to receive deputation of East Coast fishermen. (Applause.) Mr Cunningham, Anstruther, spoke upon the matter from the navigation point of view. said that the ring net men sometimes operated without lights or with lights of very poor quality. Mr Duncan Millar, who then addressed the meeting, said it gave him great pleasure to have the opportunity of discussing the various aspects of the problem.
At Westminster.
For several weeks past had been in touch with local officials, and had been endeavouring to do what could at Westminster to secure that some steps should be taken inquire more fully into the matter. He had been informed by Mr Wm. Adamson that the Fishery Board would be prepared to receive a deputation, when the fishermen could lay their case fully before the board. He was perfectly satisfied that, they had an exceedingly strong case to put forward, the matter was one of interest not only the local men, but to fishermen all over the coast. It was one which he was bound to say had received good deal of consideration in many quarters. As he understood the position they were all quite willing encourage the stranger to come among them and pursue his calling. It was felt, however, that the drift-net men were able to put forward substantial argument, why the ring-net method should be discontinued, and why steps should be taken by the Fishery Board to deal with the matter.
Nothing More Serious.
He could not imagine anything more serious than for the men out and be subjected to the interruption and prejudice which must, result by the presence in the same grounds of fishermen using the ring net mode of fishing. It was agreed that, the question appointing delegates approach the Fishery Board remitted to the local committee Pittenweem, and St Monance, each which could appoint two their number to act on the deputation. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to Duncan Millar, proposed by Provost Dunn, St, Monance who stated they were greatly indebted to Mr Millar for the way in which had taken up their case. On the motion of Mr Duncan Millar, a vote of thanks was extended to the chairman.
DARING RESCUERS
An Aberdeen steam trawler, the Ethel Crawford, was wrecked on the May Island, at the mouth of the Firth f Forth on Saturday Morning. The Trawler, which had come from Granton was steaming out of the Firth, when in an endeavour to avoid the nets of the Forth Herring Fleet, lying in the vicinity of the May Island, the vessel ran aground on the Nor Ness, a promontory of the May Island. Making water Badly, the trawler was in grave danger of slipping into the deep water, and the crew sent up flares, which they made by setting light to their bed clothes. The flares were seen by the steam trawler, Golden Sunray fishing nearby, but the vessel was un able to approach the wrecked trawler on account of the reefs and the heavy seas, and could only standby.
Thrilling Rescue
Then the motor bauldie, Winaway, of Cellardyke, came on the scene, and , by a daring piece of seamanship, Skipper Gourlay manoeuvred his boat through the surf to the doomed vessel and succeeded in rescuing the crew. They were taken to Anstruther and put under the charge of the local agent of the ship wrecked Mariners Society. The Men were unable to recover their belongings from the wrecked vessel and have lost everything.
Buckie man’s escape
There was a sequel to the Isle of May wreck when Andrew Wilson, a Buckie Fisherman, walked quite unexpected into his mother’s house in Buckie on Saturday night, and asked for acoule of boiled eggs for his supper. Andrew is one of the numerous herring fishermen of the Moray Firth who have been compelled to seek work aboard trawlers owing to the failure of the herring fishery. Andrew it transpired was one of the crew of the ill-fated Aberdeen trawler, Ethel Crawford, which was wrecked on the May Island on that Morning
Story of the ship wreck
… the crew were in bed when they were rudely awakened about four o’ clock by a grinding shock. When they rushed on deck, they found the trawler had run ashore on the weather side of the island, and heavy seas were breaking over her. After sounding the trawler’s siren and burning flares of bedding and paraffin, they got an answer half an hour later by which time the vessel was making water rapidly, the level in the engine room having risen to the fires. The lights of three Anstruther Herring boats were seen approaching. These boats had cu adrift from their herring nets and rushed to the rescue
Boys Night Out
One boat venturing as near as was safe, managed to cast a small line aboard the trawler, enabling a rope to be passed between the two vessels. The trawlers small boat was launched and her crew transferred ton the Anstruther boat, the men abandoning the wreck just as they stood, some in sea boots others just in shoes. The Anstruther boat put about and picked up her nets which contained half a dozen baskets of herrings, and running a dozen miles home reached Anstruther about 7 am. The last to leave the trawler was skipper George Baxter.
Aboard the Winaway was a schoolboy out for the experience of a nights herring fishing- He got some !
In interview with a Courier and Advertiser” representative, Mr John Gourlay, 14 East Forth Street, Cellardyke, the skipper of the Winaway, was inclined to make light of the gallant part he and his men played in rescuing the stranded crew. Modestly he remarked We only did what any other boat would have done in the circumstances.” Skipper Gourlay said he noticed the distress shortly before four o’clock. ” The first indication we got that anything was wrong,” said, “was when saw huge flare. At first I thought it was a boat on fire, but I saw steam rising I assumed I must be the trawler which had noticed previously. We were about three-quarters of a mile away, but within a short time were near enough to take off the crew. “The Ethel Crawford’s stem was deep in the water, and the crew had no time to rescue their belongings. Most of the crew were in their bunks; they had to come away in whatever they were wearing. One man had a working suit and a good suit of clothes lying beside him. In his haste he grabbed at one of the suits and it happened to be the working suit. One man had an oilskin coat with him and another a cap, and many of them needed fresh clothing.
1931
FISHERY BOARD FOR SCOTLAND CELLARDYKE MAN’S APPOINTMENT Official announcement has been made of the membership of the reconstituted Fishery Board for Scotland consequent upon the death of the chairman, Mr D. T. Jones, and other changes. The King has been pleased, on the recommendation of the Secretary of State for Scotland, to approve the appointment of Mr George Hogarth, secretary to the Fishery Board for Scotland, to be a member and chairman of the Board during His Majesty’s pleasure, in the place of Mr D. T. Jones, C.B.E.. F.R.S.E., deceased. His Majesty has also approved the appointment of the following to be members of the Board for a period of five, years from January 21, 1931: Mr William Lyon Mackenzie, K.C., Sheriff of Ayrshire (legal member and deputy chairman) : Mr D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson, C.8., M.A., D.Litt., F.R.S., Professor of Natural History, St Andrews University (scientific member); Sir Malcolm Smith. K.8.E.. Leith; Mr William W. Carstairs, Cellardyke, Fife; Mr W. J. Merson (fishcurer.), Provost of Buckie; and Mr George Slater, C.B.E. (fishcurer), Aberdeen. The last three are new members. The New Chairman. Mr George Hogarth, who has been selected to succeed Mr Jones, is a native of Edinburgh, where he was born in 1879. He was dux of the Royal High School, and entered the Civil Service as a member of the staff of the Estate Duty Office in 1899. In 1912 he was transferred to the Fishery Board for Scotland with the appointment of chief clerk. Since 1920 he has acted as secretary to the Board, a position to which he was promoted when Mr Jones, the former secretary, was appointed chairman. No intimation has been made as to the appointment of a new secretary to succeed Mr Hogarth.
Bailie William W. Carstairs. Anstruther, is sole partner in the firm of John Martin & Co., manufacturers, Cellardyke. The son of a Cellardyke fisherman, he entered John Martin & Co.’s employment in minor capacity, and has now become sole proprietor of the business, which gives employment to about 180 workpeople. Bailie Carstairs recently designed a new motor drifter which contains many novel features, and in which an exceptional interest has been taken by the fishing industry. It is claimed for this new boat that her cost is much less than a new wooden or steel drifter, while she can carry the same fleet of nets.
1932
HOUSING SCHEME AT CELLARDYKE
At the monthly meeting of Anstruther Town Council, Bailie Cook, convener of the Housing Committee, submitted plans of the proposed new housing scheme Fowler Street, Cellardyke. The. scheme consisted of two blocks of four houses each and two blocks of two houses. The committee recommended that two-roomed bungalows be substituted in place of the cottage type proposed previously. The Council approved of the plans. With regard to the fencing round the gardens it was resolved to obtain estimates the cost of the erection of a wire fence and a brick wall and consider the alternative prices next meeting. The Council agreed to instal gas boilers instead of fire places in the small bedrooms of the flatted houses. A letter was read from the Provost of Leven urging the Town Council to protest against the Town and Country Planning Bill. The Council agreed to protest. Mr Dow. joint town clerk, was appointed representative to the conference to be held in Kirkcaldy 8th April, with a view to forming small burghs association in Fife.
1933
CELLARDYKE LADY DEAD One of the oldest inhabitants of Cellardyke has passed away at her residence, “Kilrenny,” Toll Road. She was Mrs Dewar, who was 96 years of age. Until a few days ago she was able to carry out minor household duties, but she was confined to bed with bronchitis, from which she failed to recover. Mrs Dewar was a native of Kilrenny and came to reside in Cellardyke nine years ago, naming her new residence after the place of her birth. Her husband. Mr William Dewar, died in 1923.
53 YEARS OF LIFEBOAT SERVICE CELLARDYKE MAN CONGRATULATED BY EAST FIFE M.P. On the occasion of his forthcoming retiral from the lifeboat service, with which has been connected for the past 53 years, Mr John Jack, 15 James Street, Cellardyke, received the following letter from Mr J. Henderson Stewart, M.P. for East Fife: ” Dear Mr Jack, —May I offer you congratulations on your retiral after the long period of service of 53 years with the Anstruther lifeboat? Surely it is a record of which you and your friends must proud. With best wishes for happiness your more restful days.—Yours very truly, J. Henderson Stewart.”
While making for Anstruther Harbour yesterday morning, the steam drifter Twinkling Star (skipper. James Muir, of Cellardyke) ran ashore behind the west pier. Fortunately the weather was calm and the vessel was refloated at flood tide.
FIFE MODEL-SAILING BOAT RACES 90 ENTRIES FOR CELLARDYKE EVENTS. The attractions of the East Neuk of Fife will be considerably enhanced this year by model-sailing boat races at the Cardinal Steps Pond, Cellardyke. The recently formed East Fife Model Sailing Club is now enthusiastic organisation with 140 members, some of whom come from far as Falkirk, Dunfermline, and St Andrews. Their ages range from the youngest schoolboy to veterans of 70. Although the club is open to all, strange to say, there are no lady members
Weather permitting, racing for the Mitchell Cup will take place this week. About 90 entries have been received. The fact that the races have already been postponed twice emphasises the importance of the weather. A lot depends on the way the wind blows. The members of the club are keenly interested and the races are expected to be closely contested. The fishermen members wish to take much advantage of the present races a 6 possible, they are usually away from home during the summer. Their only opportunity to take part in the races is after the East Anglian fishing to the month of April. In the course of time probably more perfect Fifie model will be evolved and competition will be keener than ever. Mr D. Keid, the secretary, is of the opinion that these Fifie models are principally for autumn and winter. While they are more adapted for heavy winds, a yacht is more or less summer model. D. C. Wilson, commodore, is also an enthusiastic official, and has gifted a cup which is intended for competition among juveniles, 17 years of age and under. Races for the Shirreff Cup, which took place some months ago, are run under certain restrictions. The present Mitchell Cup competition is open all. The Wilson Cup competition is expected to take place in April.
The East Neuk’s Grand Old Man of the Sea . By Mrs Rowlands, Cellardyke
“When ye see the May Licht abune the tap o’ the highest wave ye’re safe to mak’ Anster harbour,” was the storm-lore imparted by an old-time mariner to his son, now a well-known Cellardyke Skipper. Nowhere on the coast of the Fifeshire peninsula is there such a dangerous rock bound shore as that washed by the Forth, and lying between Fifeness and Kincraig point, Elie. Hence the reason for one of the earliest lifeboats relegated to “the Kingdom” being stationed at Anstruther.
It has fallen to Mr John Jack, James Street Cellardyke, to have had the unique experience of spending fifty three of his eighty-three years of life in connection with the district lifeboat. He has, he proudly asserts, served on three such boats and it is now his sole ambition to assist at the launching of the fourth, the new motor lifeboat which is shortly to supersede the present sailing vessel. In 1880, Mr Jack ” signed on ” as one of the crew of the Admiral Fitzroy. This vessel was succeeded by the Royal Stewart, which in turn gave place to the present vessel the James and Mary Walker. The launch of the last-named boat was unparalleled the annals of lifeboat history for she slipped from her “cradle” with sails unfurled and billowing to the breeze. Contrary to the expectations and outspoken criticism of the spectators she took to the water as gracefully as one of our “sea. maws.”
Anster’s Four Coxswains
Anstruther’s four lifeboats, from their earliest proudly vaunted their four coxswains, who hold simultaneous office. These four concurrent appointments were made so that, though the others might be absent at the various ” fishings,” one man at least, should be at home to “carry the boat.”
During the winter herring season only were the four coxswains together available for duty. To prevent friction arising during this period, a superintendent coxswain was appointed to take full control of the boat. A rock-bound coast and lee-shore upon which the south-east wind vents its full and direct fury renders the waygoing of the lifeboat a peculiarly difficult and dangerous venture. Before reaching the open sea, she must accomplish the well-nigh impossible task of crossing the harbour bar, and rounding the point of a pier hidden by clouds of spray. She must then tack round and approach the distressed vessel from the weather side, that with the wind in her favour.
A lifeboat is destined for the preservation, not for the casting away of lives; it is the prerogative therefore of the coxswain to determine whether or not he shall risk the safety of his boat and crew in going to the rescue of a doomed vessel. Should the crew volunteer along with him, then he puts out to sea, and it stands to the honour and credit of the lifeboat crews that no man ever withdraws. It is indeed only after repeated attempts at rescue that any of our lifeboats have ever failed in their objective.
Beating Berwick to it
An example of coxswain and crew’s persistence and daring was given many years ago when a local vessel, the Providence, while making for the home harbour, was caught in a sudden stupendous gale. Disabled by a broken mast, and with her anchor caught on the Isle of May cable, she was cast on the rocks of the Billow Ness, where, buffeted by the breakers, she was in imminent danger of being dashed to pieces. At half-past one in the morning the James and Mary Walker responded to the warning gun; but so high were the mountainous seas that the harbour bar became insurmountable barrier. Thrice the lifeboat essayed to reach the open Firth, and her third attempt was almost disastrous, for she was caught the grip of the waves and dashed to the back of the pier. The report hereafter arose that the North Berwick lifeboat, launched from a weather shore and having in consequence a following wind, was proceeding to the scene.
“Gin the Berwick lifeboat taks aff thae men, it’ll be slur on Cellardyke fishermen a’ their days,” commented a bystander on the pier.
“Wha’ll volunteer along wi’ me, an’ I’ll gang fourth time!” bawled the coxswain above the storm. In response the crew once more manned the lifeboat. This time she succeeded reaching the stranded vessel; “standing by” in case assistance was needed.The gale, however, somewhat abated its force, and the Providence having rigged a jury-mast, and having also fortunately cleared her anchor, made Anstruther harbour in safety. Her encounter with the back o’ the pier cost the James and Mary Walker four holes her hull
“ . . . an a Newfun’lan’ Dog “
“It’s gey queer,” commented the old fisherman, ” that when the gun roars out its warning call to the lifeboatmen, it’s either the mirkest oor o’ the nicht. or else the tide’s at its lowest ebb.”
It was in the ” wee sma’ oors ” of the morning that the summons came to rescue a steamer cast ashore on the rocks below St Monans’ Kirk. In extreme haste the boat was launched, and sore was her strain against the storm before she drew alongside the trapped vessel.
It was with much gusto that Mr Jack related how, during her hurried launch, the boat caught the side of her carriage and almost ripped off her rudder, ” but,” he finished with evident pride, “they took aff eighteen men an’ a Newfun’lan’ dug. We jaloosed, ye ken, that there wis something wrang wi’ the boat, but we jist keepit her gaun; when we got hame we had look at her, an’— her rudder wis nearly a’ torn awa’.”
Mountainous seas driven by furious gales against a lee-shore; piers and sea-dykes hidden by the spume and spray of the breakers; a handful of weatherbeaten fishermen, and a gallant boat turning a determined bow to the elements, setting out to quest her way amid the tumultuous billows—these are the scenes recalled by an old man’s tales.
Eyes dimmed by eighty-three years’ vigil sparkle once more, and the voice resumes its old-time timbre as the veteran relives past days.
Always Second Cox.
Many speeches of congratulation have been made, and many messages sent to our Grand Old Man of the Sea but none has given him more pleasure than the letter sent by our member for East Fife, Mr J. Henderson Stewart. ” An’ it’s in his ain haund o’ write,” said the recipient as he fondled the cherished missive before handing it over again to the safe keeping of ” the wife.” ” But I never was coxswain,” was the conclusion of Mr Jack’s narrative. “Ay,” he added slyly, nodding at his beaming consort on the opposite side of the hearth, ” I wis aye on the lifeboat, jist the same as I am at hame, second cox.”
1934
PROPOSAL TO CHANGE A SHIP’S NAME. I, ROBERT GARDNER, of Sunniside, Williamson Street, Cellardyke, HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that for personal reasons I have applied to the Board Trade, under Section of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, in respect of my ship “MENAT,” of Kirkcaldy, official number 145552, of gross tonnage 95.40 tons, register tonnage 39.44 tons, heretofore owned by Martin Gardner, of 18 Fowler Street, Cellardyke, and Robert Gardner, Williamson Street, Cellardyke, for permission to Change her Name to PLOUGH, registered in the said new name at the port of Kirkcaldy as owned by me. Any Objections to the proposed change name must be sent to the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen, Tower Hill, E.C.3, within Seven Days from the appearance of this advertisement. , Dated at Anstruther this 3rd day March 1934 (Signed) ROBERT GARDNER.
NO MONDAY MORNING HERRINGS LANDED. Contrary to expectations, no herrings were sold or landed at Anstruther on Monday morning. Following a meeting of the fishermen in Cellardyke Town Hall on Saturday the decision of two visiting skippers to land herring in defiance of the bye-laws was withdrawn. Had the skippers carried out their intention to land catches the local fishermen would have had a mass meeting at the harbour to take what steps they deemed necessary to ensure that no Monday morning sales of herring take place, but nothing out of the usual occurred at the harbour.
CELLARDYKE WEDDING PRESENTATION. On the occasion of her marriage to Mr William Pollock Budd, youngest son the late Mr and Mrs George Budd, Anstruther. Miss Catherine Bell, second daughter of the late Mr David Bell, Frithfield, and of Mrs Anderson, 55 Shore Street, Anstruther, was presented by the employees of John Martin & Co., Cellardyke. with a handsome sideboard clock.
Owing to the shortage of water, Cellardyke drifters were unable to have their boilers refilled at the port of Anstruther, and at the week-end several went to other ports in the firth where water supplies are less limited The Water Committee were forced, owing to the serious positron. to place a ban on the filling of drifters’ boilers. Refilling at Anstruther costs 5/-, against 25/ – and 3o/- at Methil.
Notices have also been issued to householders requesting them to use water sparingly. When the subject was discussed with one of the magistrates he said that even if the worst came there were several good wells in the area that could be opened up to supply the domestic needs of the community.
CELLARDYKE FISHERMAN’S DEATH INQUIRY. A formal verdict was returned at Cupar yesterday in an inquiry into the death of Thomas Anderson, fisherman, 7 Dove Street, Cellardyke, who on 7th February fell overboard from the fishing boat Just Reward in the Firth of Forth, about a mile north of May Island. It was stated that after Anderson had fallen overboard he was seen in the water 25 yards away, but he disappeared, and, despite the fact that the searchlight was put on and a life-belt thrown, there was no trace of the deceased. The vessel searched for about an hour.
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