The Cellardyke Echo

1900

DEATH OF FIFE SOLDIERS IN AFRICA. — A more insidious enemy than the Boer is now thinning the ranks of the British army in South Africa East Fife has given two victims to the scourge of the climate, enteric fever. One of these was Private James Bayne, of Cellardyke, a lad who gallantly volunteered from the local Rifles into the Black Watch, on the first call. He left Perth in February last, going to Southampton. Ever since he landed in South Africa, he had been unwell, and it is supposed he must have contracted cold on the railway journey between Perth and Southampton. Deceased was in his 25th year. He was of a bright and cheery disposition, and was a great favourite among all classes. The second is the son of our townsman, Mr Alexander Grieve, gardener. His son James, who was only 21, enlisted in the Army Service Corps some years ago, and his steadiness won him two steps up the ladder. The sad records from the hospitals form to-day the only cloud upon the march to Pretoria, and amid the national rejoicing there is extended a tender sympathy to all the relatives of those who are cut down. (James Cameron Bayne, son of William Bayne baker, lived at 35 Rodger Street, Cellardyke, he died at Bloemfontein Hospital, on 28th April of pneumonia)

THE PATENT SLIP AT ANSTRUTHER —As formerly reported in our columns, a Limited Company was formed some months ago to construct a slipway for repairs of boats and other vessels at the Harbour. The slip has been in course of construction for some months at the east harbour. The length of the cradle, on which boats vessels are placed, and which runs up and down on rails, is 90 feet, while the breadth of the slip is 19 feet. The slip rails are 245 feet in length. An engine of 8-horse power has been fitted up to work the cradle, but it has gearing equal to 30-horse power. From the gentlemen who took part in the formation the scheme was bound to prove a success. The construction of the slip was entrusted to Mr James Miller, boatbuilder, and he has carried it through in a most thorough and satisfactory manner. Mr W. Balfour, Ovenstone, has acted as engineer for the work, and with his usual and well-known resource has overcome all difficulties. The only delay in completion has been the tardiness in delivering the boiler, which, however, was unavoidable owing to the brisk state of the iron market. The work is now, however, quite complete, and steam was got up by the middle of last week. On Friday last., the first boat was placed on the cradle, and successfully hauled up in presence of a large turnout of onlookers. The first boat to be placed on the slip very appropriately bears the name “The Reform”—belonging to Mr Alexander Rodger, Cellardyke. The boat, after being guided on to the cradle, crept up noiselessly, but slowly and surely, and was placed in position for repairs without a hitch. Mr Millar manned the boat, and Mr Balfour the engine, both in a masterly manner. The slipway will be a great convenience to fishermen for getting their boats cleaned, caulked, or repaired, and will save them much expense by rendering it unnecessary to go to distant ports for such accommodation. The Company has been floated with a capital of £1100, and it is expected the shareholders will get a fair return. The Chairman of the Company is Mr John Marr, and Mr H. Watson, solicitor, is the interim Secretary.

1901

In Anstruther last Friday night, a very enthusiastic reception was accorded to Private F. Grubb on his homecoming from the war in South Africa. Accompanied by the Volunteers and Pipe Band, a procession was made through Anstruther and part of Cellardyke, and all along the route vast crowds of people gathered and heartily cheered the Private.

1902

Through the energy and enterprise of the Streets Committee the top of the Tolbooth Wynd has been partly concreted and steps put in, also with concrete. It looks very well, and it is to be hoped it will encourage the Committee to further improve the ancient burgh. The wynd is also to be laid with causeway blocks instead of metalling as at present.

A Case of Smallpox – Some consternation was created in the district last Friday night, when it became knows that a fisherman suffering from smallpox had been conveyed from Rodger Street, Cellardyke, to Ovenstone Hospital in the ambulance waggon. The particulars are that a St Monans boat (Jane and William, skipper, Robert Meldrum), manned by a Cellardyke crew, arrived from Shields. where they had been fishing for a few weeks, on Friday forenoon. One of the crew, George Murray (Geddes), had been complaining since Tuesday previous, and on being taken home, and Dr Ferguson railed, it was found that he was suffering from smallpox. The Doctor lost no time in notifying the hospital authorities, and the ambulance waggon arrived in the evening, and took the patient to Ovenstone. The other members of the crew were immediately vaccinated, and the usual precautions taken by the sanitary authorities to prevent any spread of the disease. On Saturday morning, Dr Nasmyth, the medical officer, arrived from Cupar, and saw to the fumigation of the boat as it lay at the middle pier, while the houses of all the crew were also sprayed with fumiline. On Monday night, the ambulance waggon was again sent to Cellardyke, this time to take away the clothes of the patient. The presence of the ambulance sent a rumour abroad in Anstruther and Pittenweem, that another case had occurred, but fortunately this was not the fact. The case in hospital is a mild one, and there is every hope that the disease will not spread.

1903

ACCIDENT AT THE HARBOUR.—An accident, which might have been attended with more serious consequences for the victim, occurred at the harbour on Wednesday afternoon. James Scott, eldest son of Mr John Scott, grocer, Cellardyke, while engaged on board a fishing boat received a pretty severe wound just below the instep with an adze. A small artery was severed and a good deal of blood lost. Dr Ferguson was called, and the patient was removed home.

DEATH OF THE OLDEST INHABITANT. Yesterday the remains of George Watson, aged 92, and the oldest inhabitant in Cellardyke, were laid to rest in Kilrenny Churchyard. Deceased, who was a very tall man, and tailor to trade, was familiarly known as ” the long tailor.” addition to his own occupation, deceased acted for a considerable number years as Procurator-Fiscal for Kilrenny. In his early days he was a. prominent figure both at political and municipal election meetings.

1885

Our townsman, Councillor Jarvis, of Norwich renown, is about to launch another dashing North Sea clipper. She is to the order of Skipper Alexander Cunningham, of the “Scotch Lassie,” of Cellardyke—the famous model of the Royal Lifeboat Institution. She was built in the September of 1867 or all but eighteen years ago, by that prince of the trade in his day, Bailie Christopher Pottinger, who opened this now thriving at Anstruther. Here we meet with a mile-stone as it were, in the path of progress, for this time every requirement or provision was held to be met for a deep sea boat in dimensions as follows to wit :—Length 43 ft. 6 in. ; breadth, 16 ft, 10 inches of hold 7ft 41n. ; that is, 51 tons o.m. The grand idea of the Institution, however, was to make the deep-sea fleet un-submergible in the event of a disaster at sea, and, which, in the case of the Scotch Lassie was provided for, exactly as in the water tight chambers of a life boat. But as you only have to compare the once boasted model with the Cellardyke deep sea fleet of today, to realise the great stride that has been made in the energy of the coast.

At a Burgh Court of Cellardyke on Saturday—Provost Skinner and Bailie Smith on the bench Robert Watson pleaded guilty to what appears to have been a neighbour’s quarrel on the evening of Friday, the 24th ultimo, in the course of which he, being under the influence of liquor, kicked the door, and broke one of the panes in the window of Alexander Wood, for which he was fined in 10s 6d. Two young fishermen, John Henderson and George Tawse, were accused of a breach of the peace by being noisy and quarrelsome in drink at an early hour on Sabbath, the 26^th  alt. Two convictions—the one in the spring, and the other in the mid-summer of last year—were recorded against the first, and one in the winter of 1883 against the second. Pleading not guilty, a lively scene followed over the hearing of the evidence. Police-Constables Martin and White deponed to the libel; while two comrades, John McRuvie and William Watson, did so in exculpation, with which the sympathies of the crowded Court were emphatically in accord that the bench sustained the charge, and fined each of the panels 12s 6d.

1886

At the Burgh Court of East Anstruther on Monday a hopeful carter youth of Cellardyke, rejoicing in the name John Huggins, was accused of having kicked and otherwise molested the door of the Mason’s Tavern on Saturday night, till his drunken outcries were quelled in the lock-up. Pleading guilty, he was fined, after a pointed admonition, in 10s 6d. A strapping cooper belonging to the town, William Pattison, aged about six and twenty, was charged with having stolen an ornate case of bottle of raspberry vinegar from the same hotel. It appears that the gas had mysteriously gone out; but a Iucifer was ignited in time to discover the prisoner within the rail—a hint that sufficed to put Police Constables Martin and White on the trail. The Prisoner, with the missing bottle in his pocket, was apprehended at his poor old grandmother’s, and so,, hermit-like, his Sabbath day musings took place in a cell. As he showed every sign of shame and penitence at the bar, the Magistrates so far sympathised with his situation that be was released paying a fine of 7s 6d.

1887

The Local Authority will now have to consider what charge they are to impose on each fisherman for barking his nets, and the course they adopt will doubtless be regarded as a precedent to other fishing localities, where a similar rate will be found necessary. When the water is introduced into Anstruther, a charge will likely be imposed on the Cellardyke fishermen for taking the water from Anstruther wells, and it will only be fair and just that this should be done, since the two communities are to have two separate supplies.

New Improvement on Fishermen’s Overalls . ln addition to the two patents, which Messrs Duncan & Black, Cellardyke, have taken out for buoys and sea boors, and which have proved a decided advantage to the fishing community throughout Scotland, they have just secured a registered design for the improvement of fishermen’s brooks. Formerly it has always been a complaint by the fishermen that when hauling their lines or nets in stormy weather, they are often drenched into the skin by the water getting in at the side of the trousers. Owing to the construction of the flap, water is admitted freely, and in order to obviate this Messrs Duncan & Black have put on what they term ” flap-guards,” that is a piece of cloth sewed in at the sides, and when the brooks are buttoned up these guards are so placed that any sea water striking a fisherman will at once run off, and thus keep their inside clothes thoroughly dry. The brooks have now been appropriately named ” Keep-me dry,” and a number of fishermen, who have seen them, have given orders for them, and speak highly of the advantages that will accrue to their class by wearing them

On Friday evening last about 7 o’clock some alarm and excitement were created in Cellardyke by report that a boat had gone ashore on the rocks to the westward of Cellardyke harbour. It seems that there not being enough water to get into Anstruther harbour, the James Ritchie-Welch (Skipper, James Smith), was bringing up to lie until the tide flowed, when, being close inshore, the swell carried her on to the Busses rocks lying to the west of Cellardyke harbour. Assisted by the flowing tide, however, she was soon got off, not much the worse of the mishap.

1888

The crew of the Cellardyke boat Maggie Reid had an exciting adventure at sea. While the gale was raging like whirlwind the big mast snapped by the deck. “God be praised,” might well rise on thankful lips for the escape of boat and crew, but as the recovery of the spar was the one chance of regaining the land, it wis anxiously watched by Skipper Henderson and his crew, till the storm was far spent that they were able to hoist it on board. A carpenter and his tools were needed, but like the old fathers of Cellardyke, who when cast away on desert island, built a boat from the wreck of their ship, and so escaped to a friendly port, the crew in this case, with no better implement than the steerage axe, fashioned the broken mast to the step that they once again set sail to reach their own firesides Sabbath.

1889

The ladies and others associated in the Cellardyke soup kitchen met in the Council Room on Saturday afternoon to receive the report of Treasurer Thomson. It appears that in the bi-weekly relief between the 8th February and the 19th March there had been 1428 free rations of soup and bread, at a cost of twopence each. 906 had been sold at a penny or half-penny below prime cost. The donations and sales amounted to £17 8s, or ¼ d less than the expenditure. Provost Martin, who was in the chair, thanked the ladies for the sacrifice they had made from week to week in this labour of love. A very appreciative reference was also made to the services of Treasurer Thomson.

Skipper Cunningham of the “Seagull,” of Cellardyke, reported that, in tacking for Shields in the end of the-week, he espied a derelict schooner 85 miles from Tynemouth, and about a hundred miles from the May. It was a mournful sight—masts and bulwarks being gone. The hull rose and fell like a coffin in the surf, without a sign of life on the deck ; and, though the boat was steered does to the taffrail, no name or device was to be seen though it was evident from her paint, &c., that the vessel belonged to a foreign port. From its situation, the wreck was the cause, of no little peril, especially after nightfall, to vessels sailing along the coast. According to the latest advices, she is fast drifting to the north, as she was seen on Monday little more than thirty miles from the May full in the track of ships on their way to and from the Firth.

It is expected that the boats at present going to the deep-sea fishing will leave off next week, and make preparations for Shetland. About 100 boats from Cellardyke will be engaged at Shetland, so that very few will be left at home in the course of three weeks.

1880

On Friday Mr Jarvis launched from his building yard on the west quay a beautifully-modelled carvel-built fishing boat, 49 ½  feet long, for Skippers James and Adam Watson. The boat was named the “W. E. Gladstone”, in honour of the Premier. Mr Jarvis has another boat ready for launching, and also one building, both of very large size. On Monday, Mr Millar, West Anstruther, also launched a strong and excellent carvel-built boat at West Anstruther harbour. It was made to the order of Skipper Thomas Smith, Cellardyke, is 47 feet long, and named the ” Olive Branch.”

THE NEW BENEFIT SOCIETY CELLARDYKE. The Society was formed the other week, under the name of the Fishermen’s Union and Benefit Society.

1881

ESTIMATES WANTED, for the JOINER, PLASTER, PLUMBER. and GAS-FITTINGS of TWO DWELLING HOUSES to be Erected in Forth Street, Cellardyke. Plans and Specifications to be seen with Mr WALLACE, Builder, Anstruther, with whom offers will be received up to Wednesday, 18th. The lowest offer may not be accepted.

The Cellardyke Young Women’s Missionary Society, – in connection with the “Hall” Sabbath School, held their first annual sale of useful articles in the Town Hall on Friday last. This Society was formed in November last, with a twofold object- 1^st. That the members might meet together once a week for sewing, knitting, &c. and for mutual and pleasant intercourse, one of their number, during the time the others were working, reading something interesting and instructive, suitable for their improvement, interspersed with singing with harmonium accompaniments. Materials are provided for the members free, which are deducted from the proceeds of the annual sale. The Members number about 40. 2^nd. That the proceeds of the sale, after deducting expenses, should be devoted to some missionary object. The sale on Friday last amounted to upwards of £9; and after deducting the price of the material they had upwards of £4, which they have voted this year, one-half for building mission premises among the Jews at Breslau, and the other half for the native pastor aid fund, under the charge of the Rev. Narayan Sheshadri, India. Great credit is due to the members for their patient and persevering efforts in this good work, and so hope that the success which attended the sale on Friday will prove a stimulus to greater and yore extended exertions next winter.

The Shetland squadron is at last doing well. The “Jessie” of Cellardyke had eight tons at a take the other day; but more than one half of the boats from the Scottish main had lost heart and gone home ere the favourable change in the weather, which was and is alone needed to make the harvest complete. The herring fishing at Howth is not to be deserted by our East of Fife crews, on the contrary, two boats, are being fitted out from Cellardyke, and three from Pittenweem, but no departures are spoken of for the Hebrides.

1882

BOOTS AND SHOES. ROBERT GRAY respectfully announces to his Customers and the Public that he will offer the Whole of his Large Stock of BOOTS and SHOES at the Lowest Prices. All repairs done on the shortest notice. 3 SHORE STREET, CELLARDYKE.

WANTED, a Smart Active lad as an Apprentice to the Drapery Trade. Apply to R. WATSON & CO.. Cellardyke.

WANTED, an APPRENTICE to the GROCERY Business Apply to John Butters, Cellardyke.

1883

The International Fisheries Exhibition at South Kensington – opened By the Prince and Princess of Wales with the rest of the Royal Family in attendance

…………The platform, when the Royal party had got seated, presented a brilliant spectacle, the gay uniforms and decorations harmonising well with the crimson background of the dais, the sides of which were draped with fishing nets supplied Messrs Sharp & Murray, Cellardyke. These formed a very attractive and graceful drapery, and their colour contrasted well with the elaborate decoration the throne, bearing the Royal cypher, the outer framework being constructed of tridents with trophies of flags, while overhead was a canopy of nets of a very fine mesh, suspended from “Neptune’s” crown. The seats were elaborately upholstered in crimson and gold, and the flooring was covered with Turkey carpet, the groundwork of which was garter blue. All the surroundings were filled in with profusion of tropical plants and flowers in full bloom, the scent of the roses overpowering all else. From here, too, the best view could be got of the brilliant decorations of the promenade with its suspended bannerets and trophies, its flowering palms and plants, and the expectant and interested crowd with their many coloured dresses.

Another correspondent

…I noticed how elegantly the nets, furnished by Messrs Sharp and Murray, Cellardyke and Aberdeen, lent themselves for the purpose of decoration indeed, their effect was equal to that of real old lace, and was more in keeping with the nature of the Exhibition.

1884

Several splendid additions that have been made in the course of the last few days to our coast fleet. Two were built by Mr Weatherhead, of Cockenzie—the one for Mr John Ovenstone in St Monance, and the other, the ” Lilias Scott,” for Mr John Gardiner, Cellardyke, who sold a fine boat of the same name the other month to his townsman, Mr Alexander Doig. These craft are after the well-known Eyemouth type—wedge-like in the ends, with a rising floor, which old sailors, used to describe in the famous controversy over the navy clippers as the peg-top bottom. There is no mistake of their witch-like performance when “close hauled” on a summer sea. Opinions, of course, differ; and thus the admiration on all sides over the dashing craft, built with a special eye to the storms of the winter sea, on lines like a lifeboat, by the builders of the East of Fife. We refer to the “Ocean Herald,” built to the order of Mr William Aitken by Councillor Fulton, of Pittenweem, the “Mary Anderson,” of that part, launched on Monday; and the ” Onward,” of Cellardyke, on Wednesday, by Councillor Jarvis, who has now turned out from first to last over a hundred and fifty fishing vessels of the first-class since beginning business about sixteen years ago at Anstruther. The “Mary Anderson,” which is to the order of Mr George King Anderson, is in the meantime, at least, the admiral ship of the coast. She is fifty-eight feet long, but we also note with interest that she is rivetted through and through with half-inch bolts, as in the case of vessels designed for freight or cargo. Her steerage will be used as a kind of store room; the cabin, 16 feet long, being situated abaft the hold, which measures at least four and twenty, fitted up on the most approved principle for the stowage of fish or herrings, as well as the immense sea tackle carried to-day by the boats of the coast. Much has been said of late about the rig of fishing craft; but our fishermen, who are surely the best judges, still cling to the old lug sail, with the addition of mizzen and jib, which, in the case of the “Mary Anderson,” will represent at least 532 yards of canvas.. When our parcel left on Thursday afternoon the boats were only arriving at the pier. The fleet, it seems, had failed to fish bait at the outset, and the baffling winds which followed had thus long delayed the errand of the week. The weather had been bleak and squally, and the trip, as a whole, is one of the mast disappointing of the season, especially in view of the low markets obtained at Scottish ports in the end of the week. The haddock fishing continues to be prosecuted by about a hundred yawls in the offing. We do not know whether the Buckhaven fisher is right or not in his opinion, “No a fin can get leave to soom the sea, freend,” but crew after crew are working as many as five thousand hooks without always getting a hundred fish. It deserves notice, however, that when the herring is used for bait instead of the mussel or the clam, the take rises from perhaps two or three to six or seven baskets, as we saw the other day at St Monance. The crab and lobster fishing is proving less productive, though you can overhear such a message while waiting the arrival of the Crail train, ” Jack Murray has twenty dizzen the day.” The Fife coast between Buckhaven and Cellardyke has now sent twenty-eight boats to fish the herring at Kinsale. The letters thence are all in the same tone—” We have made a good start, but as yet there is no news to send though a large shoal has been seen outside the Bay.” About a score of boats will sail from the East of Fife in the course of next week for Shetland. The white fishing has been rarely, if ever, so successful at the islands. The Cellardyke boat, “Rob the Ranter,” landed cod and ling the value of £50 in one week, and the herring is now likewise so abundant that telegrams are urgent both for nets and men.

SEA LUCK.—The old saying that ” there are as good fish in the sea as were ever taken out of it ” was curiously verified on Anstruther pier the other day. It seems that the ” Benjamin ” on board the Cellardyke boat ” Vivid ” was beguiling the watch while fishing for herrings in the North Sea with the ” murderer “—that is, a long plummet bristling all round with hooks, and worked precisely like the well-known gig on dandy line. It became entangled with what proved to be a magnificent halibut weighing about 70 lbs. The prize, coming, like the rest of the take, under the hammer of our worthy townsman, Mr Bonthron, realised to the youthful captor the tidy little sum of £1 2s 6d.

NEW MACHINE FOR MAKING BARRELS. —Mr Thomas Cormack has just had fitted up this week in his premises at Cellardyke, by Mr Balfour of Ovenstone, a new machine for trussing herring barrels, which will effect a considerable saving of time in the making of them in future. The machine consists of two cast iron halves hinged, and the barrel, after being raised with two service hoops, is put in with the wide end in. The half cone, in which are three iron hoops put into grooves, is then closed by a hand wheel, to which a screw is attached, and the platform on which the barrel stands is forced up with a pressure of six tons. After one end of the barrel is finished, the platform goes down at once and the other end put in. The machine is driven by means of a friction pulley, so that it can be stopped at any moment. A barrel can be trussed in a minute and a half after being taken off the heating cone. At present a cooper is understood to make five barrels a day, but by the aid of the machine it will now be possible to make three times that number. The machine is similar in construction to those used in different parts of England, and is the first that has been made by Mr Balfour. It will be of great advantage in turning out a large number of barrels, and after its merits become known will doubtless come to be generally used in the district. On Wednesday a trial was made of the new machine after it was properly fitted up, and was found to work exceedingly well in every particular, and gave every satisfaction. It bespeaks much credit to the enterprise of Mr Cormack that he has been the first to introduce this machine in the East of Fife, and thereby increase the facilities for turning out work in his rapidly increasing business.

1895

NOTICE TO FISHERMEN. PALLETS! PALLETS!! PALLETS!!!   MANUFACTURED from Best Selected Home Sheep Skin at THOS. SCOTT, 81 George Street, Cellardyke.

PATENT CANVAS PALLETS. ALEX. BLACK & CO. Patentees and Manufacturers, Cellardyke, have appointed Mr John Robertson Innes, Merchant, St Monance, sole Agent there. Customers in St Monans can only be supplied through him.

1896

LAUNCH OF A STEEL LINER AT LEITH. Another addition to the Anstruther fleet of Steam Line Fishing Vessels was made on Tuesday, by the launch at Leith from the building yard of Messrs Hawthorn & Co., of the steel liner ‘Kellie Castle,’ built to the order of the Castle Steam Fishing Company Limited. Being the first steel vessel built for the district a considerable number of the shareholders and their friends were present at the launch, and it is pleasing to report that all of them expressed their satisfaction with her appearance. Her dimensions are length 90 feet, breadth, moulded 19 feet, depth moulded 10 feet 6 inches. She will be supplied by the builders with compound surface condensing engines working at a pressure of 120 lbs, and is fitted with the most improved appliances for line fishing. The christening ceremony was performed by Miss Janet Gardner, daughter of Skipper Alexander Gardner, Cellardyke.

Thirteen Cellardyke boats left for Stromness and Scrabster this week, and four for the south.

1897

ACCIDENT.— Yesterday afternoon, while an apprentice named James Murray, belonging to Cellardyke, in the employment of W. Brown, joiner, was assisting to unload a lorry of wood at the shop part of the load slipped off, and falling on Murray’s leg broke the bone above the ankle. Dr Wilson, Anstruther, was sent for, and having dressed the limb the lad was afterwards conveyed home.

APPOINTMENT OF SKIPPER. Skipper David Birrell, Cellardyke, ham been appointed skipper of the steel steam liner being built at Dundee for the Tay Steam Fishing Coy, Ltd. The vessel is the companion one of the Largo Bay, which arrived at Anstruther yesterday afternoon. At one time it was intended to man her with a Broughty-Ferry crew, but this has been found impossible, and Skipper Birrell will have a Cellardyke crew, and fish from Anstruther. The vessel is expected to be ready in June.

1898

ATTACKING THE OLD BOATS AT LEVEN. Great complaint is made each summer about the smell from Leven dock, and the sanitary authorities are taking action in the matter. The Commission has wakened up the Kirkcaldy District Committee, and it in turn has stirred up the N. B. R. Company, who hold the dock. As a result the place is to be cleaned out, and part of the clearing will include the removal of the old boats which have lain there for many years. They belong to a former generation, and had their day long ago. Some are submerged when the dock is full, and all are the home of colonies of rats. An effort has been made to trace the owners, but no one will have anything to do with them, the accumulated rates are far above their value, and accordingly a warrant is to be asked from the Sheriff craving power to bring them.

OUTBREAK OF SCARLATINA FEVER. —ln Cellardyke, ten cases of scarlatina fever has been reported, and another suspected case was intimated yesterday. The fever is of a mild type. During the last three weeks two children have died of it. The disease is attacking children of the age from 3 to 10. Every means are taken to suppress the fever.

1899

OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT. PETER SMITH, Begs to intimate to the Inhabitants of Cellardyke, Anstruther. Pittenweem, St Monans, and surrounding Districts, that TOMORROW, (SATURDAY), he will Commence Business as GENERAL DRAPER at No. 1 John Street, Cellardyke, and hopes by strict attention to Business, offering Goods of Superior Quality at MODERATE PRICES to merit a share of public Patronage

STORNOWAY FISHING. A telegram from Stornoway last night at seven o’clock states that 400 boats landed 12,000 crans yesterday, the Cellardyke boat, Providence, had 29 crans at 9s per cran, and the Vivid 30 crans at 2s 9d.

PROPERTY SALE.—In the Town Hall, Cellardyke, on Friday, Messrs Mackintosh & Watson, solicitors, offered for sale a house in Dove Street belonging to Mrs H. Reid or Bett, Australia. A sum of £75 was offered subject to acceptance or rejection within 10 days.

THE SALE OF THE K.Y. BOOT PREMISES. These premises were re-again exposed for sale by public roup by the liquidators in the Town Hall, Cellardyke, last Friday afternoon at the upset price of £180. Only one offerer appeared, but Mr Bonthron, who officiated as auctioneer, got no bid for the property at that figure. Mr Watson said he had the consent of the co-liquidator, Mr W. T. Ketchen, Methil, to reduce the upset price to £170 but no lower, and at that sum, it was knocked down to Mr James Leslie, manufacturer.

1890

On Sunday afternoon funeral services were conducted in Kilrenny Parish Church and in the Free Church, Anstruther, in connection with the Ioss of the Cellardyke boat and crew of seven men. Both clergymen referred to the men as being very respectable and Godfearing men, and being composed of the pick of Cellardyke fishermen. (Garland)

1891

SKIPPER HENRY BETT and CREW of the Cellardyke Boat “Rob the Ranter,” beg to thank the Directors of the Scottish Boat Insurance Company, Fraserburgh, for the speedy settlement of their Claim for damage done to their gear in a recent storm at Yarmouth, having through their Agent, Mr THOMAS CUNNINGHAM, Anstruther, received £26 16s 4d, as the proportionate share of the loss. ( apologies this article was Dec 1891 not April)

1892

SEAMAN KNOCKED OVERBOARD. The Cellardyke boat Fifeshire put into Elie yesterday morning, and the skipper reported that while tacking in the storm late on Wednesday night near the Carr Rock, at the mouth of the Firth of Forth, George Anderson (Tarvit), belonging to Cellardyke, was struck by a sail and knocked overboard. A heavy sea was raging at the time, and he was never seen again. He was 37 years of age, and leaves a widow and two children.

Last Friday evening intelligence was received in Cellardyke, of the foundering of a yawl in St Andrews Bay with the loss of the crew of three, all belonging to Cellardyke. It appears that the skipper of the fishing boat Comet of St Andrews (Andrew Gordon) observed on Friday afternoon a small yawl at the west side of the Carr Rock full of water, with her mast alongside. There was a strong westerly gale blowing at the time, and it was with considerable difficulty and some risk that Gordon and his crew took the yawl in tow. After boding out the water, the boat proved to be to Ross, of Cellardyke, and had been engaged in crab and lobster fishing at Boarhills almost four miles to the east of St Andrews. There was nothing in the boat except a couple of lobsters. The Rose left Boarhills in the morning in charge of her owner and skipper George Smith, who was an elderly man, upwards of 60 years of age. The crew consisted of the skipper and two young fishermen William Smith and Adam Dick, 16 and 18 years of age respectively belonging to Cellardyke. When the Comet towed the Rose into St Andrews harbour there was a large crowd on the pier. The Rose is a tidy little yawl, but the fishermen consider that she was by far too small a craft to venture out of Boarhills harbour on a gusty mid boisterous day such as Friday. The accident has cast quite a gloom over the fishing population, and much sympathy is felt with the bereaved relatives of the lost crew.

1893

Exposure of Property – On Saturday afternoon, the fishcuring premises in Shore Wynd, Cellardyke, were exposed for sale by public coup in the Town Hall. Only one offer was given, but as the sum was far below the reserve bode, it was not accepted, and the sale adjourned. Some house and cellars in Sharp’s Close were also put up, but no offerers came forward.

1894

Rev. Mr Ray, Cellardyke was presented last night with a full set of pulpit robes by his congregation and Young Men’s Guild.

Some of the Cellardyke skippers refused to pay their boat rates on Saturday, and are to continue this practice until the harbour ground is made even. Other skippers decline to join them until the grievance has been laid before the harbour Commissioners, and a refusal given that nothing will be done. It is alleged that the uneven bottom of the harbour causes damage to the boats by springing their timbers on account of the strain when aground.

1885

Anstruther Harbour Commission

..Other two applications were submitted for the situation of harbour master—one by Thomas Tarvit, harbour pilot ; the other by Mr Alexander Stewart, late of Elie. who stated that he had been for years in command both of home and foreign vessels. A strongly-phrased memorial in the name of certain fishermen in Cellardyke was also lodged on behalf of Alexander Jack, one of the two previous applicants; but, on the motion of Mr Bonthrone, seconded by Mr Adamson, it woe agreed with one voice to appoint Mr William Lyall, retired shipmaster, Cellardyke ;—to enter on the duties on the 1st proximo —at a salary of £25 a year.

Coopering

The most remarkable step, however, yet achieved in the way of progress is at the steammills of Cellardyke, where Mr Thomas Cormack has so utilised that wizard steam, that he can, and is, usually turning out some 400 barrels a-week. Who has not seen the cooper sweating and panting with truss-hoop and hammer? It ruined, as we all know, many a noble constitution; “but this worse than Alabama slavery,” as the poet Gilfillan used to say, is a thing of the past at Cellardyke, while the trussing is so perfected—we use the word advisedly—by the all-persuasive embrace or leverage, if you will, of the steam-wrought cone, that the cooper is only left to fasten the hoop by the hour with the same quiet and steady hand as you see the carpenter at work on the contiguous bench. The value of such an Invention is not to be over-estimated. How often has the sea harvest proved other than a blessing to those engaged in it, by the failure of the supplies which are now provided with such facility by Mr Cormack.

1886

Leith Police Court – Alex Hodge , fisherman, Cellardyke charged with being drunk, forfeited 5s.

1887

Impressive Scene. — Thursday morning last week the young man, Charles Coull, of the Ferryden boat, “Alexander,” who was struck with lightning in the late storm, died after severe suffering. His corpse was conveyed to Ferryden by boat, and the whole of the Cellardyke fishermen, dressed their blue clothes, to the number of between 400 and 500, attended the mournful procession to Anstruther harbour—walking four abreast. The father briefly expressed his thanks for the kindness which he had experienced on every hand in Cellardyke.

John R. Foubisher, master of the steam trawler, “Malta,” of Granton, was charged with anchoring on 28th January his trawler a little to the east of the Isle of May, where drift net fishing was going on, whereby the nets of the “Maggie Scott’’—skipper Alex. Gardiner (Watson)—Cellardyke, were damaged to the extent of £1; and those of the “ Four Brothers —skipper Thomas Birrell— Cellardyke, to the extent of £12. The crews of the “Maggie Scott” and the “Four Brothers” deponed to having on the afternoon of Friday 28th January shot their nets in the shelter of the Isle of May, at a distance of about half or three quarters of mile from the trawler, which was then at anchor. Through the unexpected action of the tides, which are very fickle at that point, the nets were carried down upon the trawler, and sustained damage to the amount named. Both crews said there was nothing to prevent the trawler from lifting her anchor, and that the customary lights were not put up to show that the trawler was unmanageable. For the defence the mate and others of the crew of the trawler stated that they had been obliged to anchor in the shelter of the May through stress of weather, and that their bunker of coals had caught fire on the afternoon of the day in question, and was not yet extinguished, it was unsafe to raise the anchor in the circumstances, as the whole boat might have been set on fire. Sheriff Henderson deemed that excuse quite satisfactory, and found Foubisher not guilty.

FATAL ACCIDENT AT KILCONQUHAR STATION. Last night a sad accident occurred at Kilconquhar Station. A large crowd had gathered at the station waiting on the half-past six o’clock train. and as it entered the station, Charles Clark, an ironmonger with Mr Dalzell, Anstruther, and residing with his parents in Cellardyke, tried to get into a carriage while in motion. Owing to the surging of the crowd he lost his hold, and fell in between two carriages. Immediately the signal was given to the driver to have the train stopped, but this was not done before two of the carriages had gone over him, almost severing his right leg from his body, and inflicting severe internal injuries. Clark was conveyed to one of the waiting rooms, and the services of Dr William Fordyce, who fortunately happened to be in the train on his way to Anstruther, obtained. Everything was done to alleviate the sufferings of the injured lad, but although he regained consciousness and retained it to the last, he died about an hour afterwards, about eight o’clock. Dr Clouston, Colinsburgh, arrived before life was extinct, and said that the injuries were so serious that nothing have been done to save him. Intelligence was conveyed to his parents in Cellardyke, and last night the body was brought to Cellardyke. The melancholy accident has evoked a considerable amount of sympathy for the parents in being so suddenly bereft of their son who was so well known. The young lad, who was in his 19th year, expressed a wish to see a minister before he died and the Rev. Mr Legge of Kilconquhar arrived is time to engage in prayer with him. At the conclusion he fervently joined the Amen, and shortly afterwards expired.

1888

DISPUTE AS TO A NEW BOAT. William Jarvis, boatbuilder, Anstruther, sued Thomas Ritchie, fisherman, Cellardyke, for £8 1s 10d for supplying material to his boat. Ritchie, on being asked for his defence, said he had a number of complaints to make. He contracted with Mr Jarvis for a new boat, and everything was to be satisfactory . He objected to the stern posts, which were insufficient, and he found there were two or three rotten timbers, and the forestep, which was the moat particular thing in a boat, was very bad. He had paid for the boat in different instalments, and when Mr Jarvis asked for this money for putting in the things he had mentioned, he said “you have taken your own way to build the boat, and I will take my own way of paying you.” Had he known then what he knew now about the boat he would have kept £15 off the account. He had to buy a new mast at Peterhead for which he paid £6, and he lost £3 10. upon the old one supplied by Mr Jarvis. Besides the boat Mr Jarvis had sold to another skipper should have been his. This boat cost £205, and Mr Jarvis charged him £216 for the one he got. Mr Jarvis held he was perfectly entitled to charge for the articles supplied, and was not bound to give them for nothing. The boat was one of the best of the fleet. The Sheriff said from what the pursuer had said he was taking the law into his own hands, and he could not allow that. He said he knew from the beginning that he was getting a bad boat. If that were so he was not bound to take it, and he ought to have seen that everything well done according to the contract. He had not seen to that, but took the boat knowing that in his opinion the contract had not been carried out to his satisfaction. In these circumstances he did not see what else he could do but grant decree. He was sorry if he had got a bad boat, but he had his own self to blame. Mr Welch suggested to his Lordship that he should remit the account to a practical boatbuilder not connected with Anstruther, and let him, say whether the new articles charged for were reasonable or not, or should have been contracted for at the first. The Sheriff accepted the suggestion, and remitted to Mr Miller, boatbuilder, St Andrews, to go over the contract and account. Mr Miller’s report would come before the court in July, but he advised defender to try and come to a settlement with Mr Jarvis, as that would be the cheapest course in the end. Defender said in that case he would require time to pay. He was not able at present. The Sheriff—You can consult with Mr Jarvis afterwards, and we will hear the result in July.

A DESERTION CASE – The next case was that of Westwood against Marr, fishermen, Cellardyke, which had been continued from last court. Pursuer claimed damages for inlying charges of a child of which defender was the father, and also for the upkeep of the child since he had left his wife, a daughter of the pursuer. Mr Welch, who appeared for defender, said he was afraid his Lordship had no jurisdiction in a case of this sort. It was a claim for damages in a case of desertion, and that could only be taken in the Court of Session. The Sheriff agreed, and said he had no status in this case He advised pursuer to apply to the Court of Session for a divorce, and for damages for desertion. The Court of Session had decided that a man was not bound to pay for the upkeep of his wife when she lived outside his house. At present he was asked to practically decide a case of expenses in a case of separation, and could not do such a thing. The action was dismissed.

The last contested case was that of John Morris, baker, Cellardyke, against Alexander Pattie, carter, Cellardyke, for an account for bread and bran. Defender and his wife appeared, and held that they had paid £6 they had not got credit for. This was denied by Mr Guthrie on behalf of Mr Morris. Some wrangling ensued between the parties, and the Sheriff had twice to speak sharply to Mrs Pattie, whom he threatened to put into custody. Ultimately the Sheriff said he did not believe a word the defenders had said, and granted decree with expenses. The Court lasted nearly three hours.

CELLARDYKE. A NEIGHBOURS’ QUARREL—A rather conflicting case came before the Magistrates of Cellardyke on Saturday—Provost Martin and Bailie Sharp on the bench. Robert Watson and Betsy Keay were accused of assault, in far that the one kicked and the other scratched their neighbour, Catherine Sutherland, the wife of Alexander Wood, on the afternoon of Friday of last week. They protested their innocence, and the complainer and also Thomas Muir and Mrs Agnes Wilson or Sutherland were examined by the Fiscal. Four witnesses appeared for the defence, but, after a long and patient hearing, the Magistrates held the charge so far proved, but in respect of the very conflicting nature of the evidence the sentence was modified in the case of the skipper to 10s, and in that of his wife to 2s 6d, or in default to six days’ imprisonment in Kirkcaldy jail. The fines were paid.

1880

MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE AT SEA. THREE CELLARDYKE FISHERMEN DROWNED. On Wednesday morning, as the boat Southern Cross, Alexander Fowler, master, was running home from the great lines she was struck with a tremendous sea while crossing the Morray Bank, some ten leagues or so from the Isle of May. Two of the crew, Andrew Flemming, who was at the helm, and Andrew Brown, who was standing on the hatchway, were washed overboard and drowned, while another of the crew, Thomas Keay, was also severely crushed between the spars, which had been cast loose by the same fatal sea. Skipper Fowler, with great presence of mind, cast loose the sheet on the boat, or one and all would doubtless have been engulfed in destruction. Fleming leaves a widow and five children, and Brown widow and two children, all of whom are more or less helpless and dependent. Another melancholy disaster occurred on board of the Cellardyke boat Onyx, Robert Meldrum, master, which also encountered the storm in the North Sea. The Onyx, like the Southern Cross, was homeward bound, and while close reefed in mid ocean she was struck by one of those treacherous billows only too well known in the navigation of the North Sea. At this instant one of the crew, Andrew Muir, was swept into the sea, and though for time he sustained an unequal struggle with the storm, he perished before the boat could beat up to his rescue. Another of the crew, David Wood, was severely cut on the forehead, through a blow dealt by the heel of his lost comrade, while in the clutches of the sea, which threw him over the gunwale. Muir leaves widow and five helpless children.

MR WILLIAMSON MP AND CONSTITUENTS. Mr Stephen Williamson the intelligence of whose return for the St Andrews Burghs was received the East of Fife in with great rejoicings, on Wednesday paid a visit to the coast burghs, and was everywhere received in the most cordial manner. At East Anstruther he was carried shoulder high into Town Hall; and on returning from Crail to meeting at Cellardyke he was met by several hundred fishermen, who unyoked the horses from his carriage, which was first pulled down to Cellardyke and afterwards to the residence of his mother in Anstruther. Here a large crowd collected and amidst loud cheers, Mr Williamson, was again carried shoulder high to Belfield House. The hon. member left by the last train for Cheshire in order to vote for the liberal candidates there., and his carriage was pulled to the railway station by a number of fishermen. Before leaving Anstruther Mr & Mrs Williamson briefly acknowledged their appreciation of the magnificent reception they had received in all the coast burghs.

1881

One evening last week, a fine boy seven years of age, the son of Mr Alexander Rodger, fisherman, Cellardyke, was sent to deliver a garden spade in an adjacent street. He seems to have overbalanced himself or his burthen, as on going home he complained of a stroke to the temple. There being neither cut nor blemish it did not excite, perhaps, a second thought, but towards nightfall the poor little victim began to exhibit every symptom of concussion of the brain. The Doctor was called in, but an enemy was at work that no skill could baffle or dislodge, and after lingering almost without hope from the first, he was released from his sufferings on Monday morning. No little sympathy is felt for the family in this unlooked-for bereavement.

1882

(There was a bad storm and many of the boats made their way to Leith) –

On Friday night one of the fishermen, named McReuvie, belonging to a Cellardyke boat, which was lying in the Old Dock, missed his footing while going on board a steamer to reach his boat, and fell between the quay wall and the vessel, but was happily not very seriously injured. He was taken to Leith Hospital, and it is expected will be able to leave a few days.

Fisheries Exhibition Edinburgh

Messrs Sharp & Murray. Cellardyke, show a most complete collection of nets, lines, and deep-sea fishing gear, all so admirably arranged as to make their working plain to the merest tyro. As noteworthy fact, illustrating the extent and value of gear required by even comparatively small fishing community, it may be here mentioned that the great and haddock lines of the Cellardyke fleet would extend to the enormous length of 1200 miles.

1883

Anstruther – Handsome Donations.— Sir Walter W. Hughes has forwarded from London, to his friend, Mr Bowman, Town-Clerk, gift of £100 the Fishermen’s Society ; also, to Mr Nicholson, Session clerk, a donation of £10 for the churchyard improvement of his native town of Pittenweem. Sir Walter has also sent £100 through Bailie Sharp to the Fisherman’s Union of Cellardyke, where he wrought both as apprentice and man in the cooperage of the Bailie’s father, or rather, let us say, where he had his early home till he entered on that adventurous and romantic career, attended in the end with such brilliant success. – another article  – CELLARDYKE. DONATION TO THE CELLARDYKE FISHERMAN’S BENEFIT SOCIETY. —We understand that Sir Walter Watson Heughs., of Wallaroo, has sent through Bailie Sharp the handsome sum of £100 to be added to the permanent fund of this Society. The fund now amounts to £600.

International Fisheries Exhibition. –Twelve Cellardyke fishermen have been selected from whom to choose four representatives to visit the forthcoming Exhibition in London, They are expected to absent a fortnight, and their expenses are to paid.

1884

About the beginning of last month we reported that the KY boat (No. 1453), Cellardyke, had got one of her masts damaged, and that she was towed up the river by the steam tug Storm King. For this a salvage of £20 has been claimed by the Tug Company. This claim, we understand, is to be resisted, on the alleged grounds that, in the circumstances, it is quite unwarrantable, as the boat had entered the river, and was in no danger, and that therefore the tug was not entitled to anything more than an ordinary pilotage, which would amount to about 15s. Similar and heavier claims have been made upon two Ferryden boats, and should this case go into Court it will excite a vivid interest.

1920

MR J. DUNCAN MILLAR AND WAR PENSIONS. In pursuance of his candidature as Liberal candidate for East Fife Mr J. Duncan Millar addressed crowded meetings at Pittenweem and Cellardyke last night. Provost Ogilvie presided at Pittenweem. Mr Millar referred to various matters affecting the interests of the fishing community and the re-establishment of the fishing industry after the war. He pleaded for speedy reopening of the Continental markets in Russia and Germany. A unanimous vote of confidence was passed. Asked at Cellardyke as to the delay in the payment of war gratuities, Mr Millar expressed his regret at the failure of the machinery of the War Pensions Department to deal adequately with all cases.

1923

Methil, the death of Mr A. G. Nicholson, a well-known native, has occurred at Cowes, Isle of Wight. Both at Kilrenny in December, 1846, served his apprenticeship with the late Mr Ireland, builder. Cellardyke, and afterwards became master builder in Glasgow. Later he became associated with his brothers in the confectionery business, and was well known commercial traveller throughout Fife and Scotland generally. Deceased took a keen interest in social work, particularly in the advancement of the young, he was concerned various Welfare Associations and in the Boys’ Brigade. Mr Nicholson latterly took business In Methil. from which retired few years ago and settled in Cowes with his son, Mr G. M. Nicolson, S.S. C. He was in his 77^th year.

1925

FREEMASONS’ CEREMONIAL AT CELLARDYKE. On the invitation of Lodge Ayle (No. 95), Anstruther, Freemasons from various parts of Fife to the number of 200 attended divine service in Cellardyke Parish Church yesterday. The parade of the brethren they marched in full regalia to the church headed by a silver band, made an imposing spectacle which was witnessed by large crowds. The whole body of the church was reserved for the brethren. Brother James R. Lee, Chaplain of Lodge St Ayle, conducted the service. Amongst the lodges represented were:—St Adrian, Pittenweem; Balcarres, Colinsburgh; St Andrews at Crail, Crail; St Andrews, St Andrews; Earl Haig, Leven; Balfour Melville, Methil; Lodge Balcomie and Dreel Castle Royal Arch Chapter, Anstruther.

INJURY TO CELLARDYKE CONTRACTOR. Anstruther goods station mishap. A distressing accident occurred at Anstruther Goods Station yesterday. While attempting to pass between two railway waggons, Mr Alexander Smith, contractor, Cellardyke, was caught between the buffers and severely injured. Medical examination disclosed three ribs broken.

1927

‘BUS OVERCROWDING IN FIFE. Offenders Fined At Cupar. Hon. Sheriff Stark at Cupar to-day imposed a fine of 20s on Jessie Higgins, ‘bus conductress, 8 Swan Street, Denbeath, who admitted carrying 10 passengers in excess of the number in her vehicle was instructed to carry. James Stevenson, ‘bus driver, 25 James Street, Cellardyke, who was charged with having carried seven passengers excess, was also fined 20s. In this case, Mr lan Mclnnes, W.S., Cupar, who appeared, stated that the bus had been hired by Anstruther Philharmonic Society to take people home after a concert. When the people came out a policeman was on duty showing them into the bus in question.

LICENSING OF PLEASURE BOATS AT St ANDREWS HARBOUR. It was reported in the minutes of the Town Council that Alexander Ritchie, Cellardyke, had applied for a licence to run the motor boat, “Maconnachie,” at St Andrews Harbour during the season of 1927. The Committee recommended that the licence should be granted on the usual conditions, and that it should be made a condition of the licence that Ritchie will exercise personal supervision. The Council adopted the recommendation, but at a later stage of the meeting letters were read from Messrs R. Wilson & Son and Messrs J. Cargill & Son, who have rented the boating stances at the West Sands, pointing out that if more boats were licensed, confusion would be likely to arise. And Judge Reid suggested that the granting of a licence to Mr Ritchie be reconsidered. Judge Reid said that ample provision had already been made to provide all the boats that would required; and the licensing of another boat-hirer would mean that the local men would not be able to recoup themselves for the capital outlay they had made. The local men had a most intimate knowledge of the conditions round the coast, and could be trusted under any conditions to carry out that work with perfect safety. He therefore moved that the licences be confined the local men, seeing they were able to provide all the accommodation needed. Mr W. N. Boase seconded. It was pointed out that the approval of the Committee’s recommendation could, not be rescinded unless the Standing Orders were suspended. After a vote, the standing orders were suspended. Judge Reid then moved that in view of the information obtained that night from, the local fishermen who had got the boat hiring, and in view of the fact that they were able to provide all the accommodation needed, and also that the granting of further licences might lead to confusion, the Council disapprove of the minute, and confine the licences to local men. Mr Boase seconded. Bailie Bruce moved the approval of the minute. He said he had never heard of anyone getting a monopoly for a harbour. They should keep the harbour as an open port. lan Wilson seconded Bailie Bruce. On a division the voting was equal, and the Provost gave his casting vote in favour of the Committee’s recommendation.

1929

Mr Alexander Gourlay, fisherman, of 6 Dove Street, Cellardyke, who died on 11th February last, left a personal estate valued at £1091.

1885

ROUP OF A FISHING BOAT.—On Saturday afternoon the deep sea fishing boat Mizpah of Cellardyke, K.Y. 2023, belonging to A. &J. Cunningham, was exposed for sale by public roup at the middle pier, in presence of a large number of fishermen and others. Mr Bonthron officiated as the auctioneer. The boat was first exposed at £220, but there being no offers at that sum the price was reduced to £210. when Messrs Andrew Pratt, jun., and David Smith, Cellardyke, became the purchasers at that amount. The boat is to be delivered to them on the 15th of September next. (The boat was built at St Monans 3 ½ years previously, It was unusual to sell a boat in advance of handover. Unfortunately in July of that same year 1885 while still in the ownership of  her original skipper she was struck some 500 yards out of Aberdeen harbour by the steamer St Ronald and sunk, I have no knowledge of the how the arrangement with the new owners was sorted)

1886

EXTENSIVE FORGERY —At the Borough Petty Sessions (Uxbridge) on Thursday, March 18th, Alfred Ernest King, journeyman carpenter, of respectable appearance, was committed for trial at the Reading Assizes, on four separate charges of forging and uttering certain cheques knowing them to be forged. The prisoner, on the 22nd February presented a cheque for 10s. on the Clydesdale Bank, Anstruther, purporting to be drawn by W. E. Stewart, to M. G. Beagley, giving an order for materials for fencing at Sunningdale, which he said he was employed to erect by Mr. Steward. Mr. Beagley believed him, and gave him change by a cheque for £15 10s. The cheque prisoner gave was worthless and returned marked ‘No account.” A warrant was Issued for his apprehension. Evidence was given to show that no such person as W. E. Stewart lived in the neighbourhood, and a clerk from the Clydesdale Bank stated. that the cheque, with others subsequently produced was taken from a cheque book supplied in 1881, to Mrs. Davidson, grocer, living at Cellardyke, Fifeshire. Mrs. Davidson was dead, and her daughter. Miss Davidson, was now living at Sunningdale. It was at her house that prisoner lived with his wife, be having lived in that neighbourhood for years, and it was from her home that be abstracted the cheque book. The prisoner went to London on Feb. 23rd, and went to a furniture warehouse in Gray’s Inn road, where be selected goods to the amount of £8 10s 9d, and presented a cheque on the same bank far £13 10s, purporting to be signed by Sir Reginald Cathcart. …..” A third cheque for £8 10s. prisoner presented to Mr. James Peters, clothier, 190, High Street, Shoreditch, ……… The fourth cheque also purported to be drawn by “A. E. Steward,” for £10 10s. This the prisoner presented to Mr. S. Good’s, 78, Tottenham Court-road. …………. All the cheques were returned marked “No account.” The prisoner reserved his defence.

Launches -Anstruther shore was the scene of an interesting event on Saturday in the event of the launch of two deep sea fishing craft recently built by Mr. Jarvis. The first to dive into her destined element was the Resolute, 30 tons register owned by Mr. David Black of Pittenweem. She was followed in dashing style by her big sister, scarcely less than 60 ft in length and 35 NT, belonging to Mr James Smith of Cellardyke the son of the public-spirited Magistrate of the name. She is christened the James Ritchie Welch in recognition of the many services of that leading citizen of St Andrews to the fishing community, never so conspicuous by the way, as in his meritorious endeavour of late to rescue their hard won earnings, from the wrecked fortunes of the year. Ex Baillie Welch, who was present with his sister at the launch has, we understand, acknowledged the compliment with a gift of a beautiful barometer, so inscribed as to be at once a fitting and graceful memorial of the interesting event

1887

DESIRABLE PROPERTY IN CELLARDYKE FOR SALE. To be SOLD by Private Bargain, THAT DWELLING-HOUSE of Two 1 Storeys, including the WORKSHOP, numbered 6 and 8 John Street, Cellardyke, with the Large GARDEN behind, which extends to Forth Street, all as belonging to Mr JAMES WATSON (Salter.) For further particulars apply to MESSRS JAMIESON & GUTHRIE, Solicitors, Anstruther, with whom Offers may be lodged on or before 7th April 1887.

Later that week – SALE OF PROPERTY.—The dwelling house on the other side of Cellardyke Town Hall has just been sold by Mr James Watson, Salter, to the adjoining proprietrix, Mrs James Watson, publican, for the sum of £150

The fine deep sea boat in course of construction at St Monans by Mr Robertson has been sold to Mr Donald Henderson, of Cellardyke. She is to be employed, we hear, with net and line in the summer sea. – This vessel was the Vine KY417

TO LET, HOUSE and SHOP (together or separate) at 1 HARBOURHEAD, Cellardyke. House consisting of Kitchen, Back Kitchen, and 3 good sized Rooms. Apply to ALEX. MARR. grocer.

SALE OF BOATS. —The deep-sea fishing boat, the Reform, has been sold to Alexander Roger, Cellardyke, for £260. Mr Robert Heughes, Cellardyke, has purchased the new boat lying at the boatbuilding yard for fully £200. The expense of rigging out is to be borne by the purchaser.

BURGH COURT.—At this court, held on Saturday in Cellardyke Town Hall, David Brown Carstairs, was charged with assaulting Thomas Thomson, shoemaker, in his shop in James Street. The accused pled not guilty, but the complainer producing witnesses the panel was convicted on evidence, and mulcted in the sum of 7s –

At the Burgh Court of East Anstruther on Friday Provost Anderson and Bailie Darsie on the bench—Peter Boyter, fisherman, was accused of being drunk and disorderly at the shore on Saturday night. Pleading guilty. he was admonished and fined 10s.—A youth named Thomas Smith was charged with assaulting George Smith in the East Green on Thursday the 17th by throwing a turnip so as to strike him the eye. He admitted the charge, but under great provocation. Two Cellardyke bystanders were examined for the complaint, but the accused was dismissed with an admonition. The same panel was also accused of stealing six cakes of tobacco, from a box on the counter of Mr Calley, grocer land spirit merchant, at the Cross, on Saturday the 19th ult. He pleaded guilty and was fined 7s 6d

1888

RAILWAY COMPANIES (CARRIAGE of FISH) Bill..–Sir Edward Birkbeck, Bart., M.P., has agreed to alter Sub-Section B of the 6th clause of the Bill, so that the rates, partly by railway and partly by sea, shall not include a ferry over an arm of the sea worked and maintained by a Railway Company as part of its system. This is in accordance with the suggestion of Mr J. Ritchie Welch, of St Andrews, at the meeting of fishermen held at Cellardyke, and will be of great advantage to the Fife fishermen.

BICYCLE, 51 Inch, “Neilson,” in Good Order ; Lamp, almost new; Owner going abroad. Cost £10. Will be sold cheap. What Offer? Hutton, Rodger Street, Cellardyke, Fife.

Last Thursday, the Anchor Line steamer Anchoria left Glasgow for New York with nearly 600 emigrants and passengers, a considerable number of whom were from Edinburgh, two from Anstruther, and one from Cellardyke. The latter obtained their tickets for the passage across the Atlantic, and for the railway journey to Hamilton, Ontario, at the emigration office in Shore Street, Anstruther.

THE OLD LIFEBOAT, ” The Admiral Fitzroy,” which has been replaced by a new life-boat, and which was bought a week or two ago by Mr McKenzie, left Anstruther by rail on Monday for Kinsale.

1889

CELLARDYKE. PRESENTATION.—On Monday evening, the members of Cellardyke Established Church Choir waited upon Mr R. Melville at his house, and presented him with a beautiful silver mounted baton, on which was engraved a suitable inscription. Mr W. Orr, N.B.R., on behalf of the subscribers in a very appropriate speech made the presentation. Mr Melville in a few well chosen remarks, and in a very touching manner, thanked the subscribers for this entirely unexpected proof of their kindness. Thereafter a very pleasant and enjoyable evening was spent.

Owing to the low supplies of bait and the gale from the north-east, little or nothing has been done at the Lent fishing. We can only report three takes rising to £4 for the week. Cod ruled at 40s a score, but the price is low in view of so small a catch at this day of the year. Seventy sales took place at the pier last week, but prime cod only realised 30s. No little anxiety was felt for the boats caught in the gale. In particular, anxious faces flitted and fro asking for the Mary Anderson of Cellardyke, but the sail last emerged through the rain and the mist.. Not a few of the Fife boats refuse in Leith, &c.

Wholesale Thefts – By a Married Woman.— Alison Thomson, the wife of David Ramsay, labourer, Cellardyke, about 36 years of age, and the mother of seven children, was brought before the Kilrenny Burgh Court on Wednesday—all Magistrates on the bench – accused of eight separate acts of theft of wearing apparel, &e., from as many neighbours in the feus at Cellardyke.  She was also charged with a previous conviction on the 2^nd August, 1886 when she was sent sixty days to Cupar jail for stealing the sum of £10. The unfortunate panel, who was seemingly overcome with shame and repentance when too late, pleaded guilty. addressing the Court, Fiscal Peebles warned the householders not leave their clothes exposed in the gardens overnight, seeing that the practice was fraught with temptation to the dishonest. Provost, Martin said that he never before had to deal with such serious and painful case. The panel was sentenced as before to sixty days in Dundee Jail.

1880

Before the Magistrates of West Anstruther on Saturday—a carter lad, named Fleming, in the employment of Mr Cormack, fish-merchant, Cellardyke, was accused of furious driving near the Railway Station, but as the charge was only sworn to by a single witness, the bench dismissed the case as not proved.—Another young Cellardyke carter, Robert Pattie, was charged with a similar offence, but here Mr Guthrie, the Fiscal of Court, obtained a conviction, when the panel was fined in the sum of 7s 6d.—James Brunton, fisherman, Cellardyke, was charged with a breach of the peace, but on evidence being led, the averments of the complainers, George Elder and his father, went to show that the altercation was so much of a family quarrel, in which it was impossible to say who was worse, that the Ballies dismissed the charge.

Furious Driving. – Everyone can understand that the value of herring, or fish in general very much depends on the expedition with which they can be sent to market, hence the rush on all sides to overtake the first train. Carters, however, at least, so think the authorities, occasionally exceed discretion, and the safety of the lives and limbs of the lieges, especially when an accident does occur, as it did the other day to an orphan boy named Drummond who had his foot run over near the Post-Office. Thus, on Friday last, before the East Anstruther Ballies, Alexander McRobie and David Parker, carters, Anstruther, and David Scott, carter, Cellardyke, were charged under the Lindsay Act with furious driving on the occasion of the accident referred to. They severally denied the charge, when three neighbour wives were called to prove the complaint. According to this testimony, the misfortune of the boy bad happened, not through the fault or recklessness of the drivers, but by the “shying” of one of the horses, and altogether the proof was so confused and unsatisfactory, that the panels were dismissed with a reprimand from the bar.

1881

After a day or two of bright, and even genial sunshine, the wind again became tempered with frost on Sabbath. On the following day was still more intense, and as if to complete the wintry aspect of the picture, snow fell thickly with the gathering twilight. Towards morning the frost became keener than ever, and where not crispy with the snow, the ground rang like irorf under the feet, but the brilliant sunshine soon altered the hue of the landscape, when night was only needed to make the reign of the frost supreme as ever. Monday the gale was so high that very few of the boats ventured to sea, but on the following night general trial was made in the Forth for herring bait for the great line fishing. The six Cellardyke boats that sailed last week for Shetland had a splendid run to the islands, making the trip from port to port in fifty hours.

Intelligence was received here the other day that Captain James Webster, of the ship Mary Stenhouse, of and for Liverpool from Calcutta, died on the 16th January in the Indian Ocean, where his body was consigned to sailor’s grave, James Webster was a native of Cellardyke. He served his time as carpenter in Dundee before taking to shipboard, where his success is another illustration of what a sailor’s destiny may be. He was about fifty-five years of age, and has left a wife and family to mourn his loss.

1882

OBSTRUCTING BTHE HARBOUR ENTRANCE. The Clerk also stated that he had received two verbal complaints from Peter Murray, skipper, as to boats lying in the fairway at the entrance to the old harbour, whereby his boat was prevented from getting inside the harbour, besides sustaining damage. This occurred on two different occasions lately—once when, being out at sea and the weather very stormy, his mast was broken, and he came into the harbour to procure another mast. On reaching the mouth of the old harbour, he found the fairway blocked up with boats, so that he could not get near the quay to ship another mast which he had lying at a particular place. He wished the harbour-master to get the passage cleared, but failed to get this done for him. As he wished to go out to sea again to recover his gear, which he had left at sea, he applied to another person for the loan of a mast which lay near the entrance, and was thus put to great inconvenience and loss of time. On the second occasion, on coming into the harbour he found the fairway again blocked, and in trying to get his boat into a berth, had got it damaged by colliding with other boats, the repairs costing about 5s.  He (the Clerk) had thought it right to get the harbour-master’s statement of the affair, and he was now in attendance to give any explanation. The Harbour-master said on the occasion first alluded to the harbour was very crowded, there being more than 200 boats in it. They had mostly come in with the flood tide, and the skippers seemed anxious to keep as near as possible the entrance in order to get out early when the tide came in. He said on that occasion Skipper Murray wanted him (the harbour-master) to send the bell through Cellardyke in order that those who had their boats lying there might come and remove them, in order that Murray might get in. It was at eleven o’clock at night, however, when there would be great difficulty in doing this; so, in order to allow Murray to get a mast to go to sea again, he suggested to him to haul his boat to the entrance quay, and to carry the mast which he had borrowed along the quay to that spot, which was done. He denied that the fairway was completely closed up, for there was a passage left about a breadth and a half of a boat. He knew he was empowered to employ men at the expense of the owners of boats to remove them out of the fairways or where they blocked up the traffic, if persons were not left in charge of the boats; but he could not get men at that time of night, and had to do the best they could when such a crowd of boats were in the harbour. He added, that not-withstanding the great number of boats frequenting the harbour this season, there had been little or no obstruction or hinderance in it.

At the Fishery Exhibition shortly to be held in Edinburgh, not the least interesting exhibits will be those of Mr Peter Thomson, general merchant, Cellardyke. The idea is a novel one, as it seeks to give a practical illustration of the dress, or attire, to the last detail of the seafaring men of the coast, which Mr Thomson proposes to do by three life-size models of the Cellardyke fisherman, as at sea, on shore, and at church.

1883

CELLARDYKE. FISHERMAN DROWNED. —Within less than a week a second calamity has befallen the shores of Fife in the loss at sea of Thomas Pratt, one of the crew of the deep-sea boat “Phoenix” of Cellardyke. In the twilight of Monday they were about to cast their nets about a mile in the offing of when the unfortunate young man, without any perceivable cause, lost his balance end fell overboard. His comrades sprang to the rescue. but, in the very act of cheering him in his gallant efforts to swim, they saw him give a convulsive stroke and sink into a watery grave. The “Phoenix” then returned after an absence of less than two hour. to the shore. ( The previous week it was reported that ex pat Dykers, David and Robert Boyter had drowned in an accident in Canada)

Ransom Price of Fish. – The tempestuous weather has seriously checked the sea doings of the week. Gale followed gale from the southward, but nevertheless the crews gallantly put to sea—now with net, now with line, and in some cases, at least, their devotion was not in vain. On Wednesday night tar barrels were blazed to warn boats from attempting Anstruther harbour, being the second signal of the kind this week; but one Cellardyke boat, the Water lily, safely ran the gauntlet, and realised not less than £27 for her deep sea haul. Several boats bore away for Newhaven, but this may be said to have closed the market on the Fife coast for Good Friday, in anticipation of which fish have sold as they never sold before Anster pier—cod fetching 6s and ling -7s 6d a piece in the auctions Wednesday. By the evening in question about forty takes had been sold here, , ranging from£5 to  £20.At St Monans  several sales have also taken place in the course of the week, but the doings are in marked contrast to those of the previous one, when some crews in particular earned from £15 to £80.

INDUSTRIES OF CELLARDYKE. NET MANUFACTURING AND OILSKINS.

The rapidly increasing population of Cellardyke has led to a proportionate increase in the trade of the town, and a few details as to the present state of the staple trades may not be unacceptable to our readers.

MESSRS SHARP & MURRAY. This firm, in addition to their large fish Curing establishments at Anstruther, Aberdeen, and elsewhere in the north east coast of Scotland, made an early start in the manufacture of nets. A large and well-lighted factory was erected at the foot of the Windmill Road, and since its erection a large business has been done. At present there are 18 net looms in operation, all of the newest construction. The demand for nets made in Cellardyke is so good that all the machines are constantly kept going. In addition to the net factory, Messrs Sharp & Murray have a large establishment for the manufacture of oilskin and fishing material, for which there is always a large demand. Independent of their fishcuring and general business, the firm have about 50 persons regularly employed.

R. WATSON CO. The net factory of this firm is about to be enlarged in consequence of the increased demand. At present there are only nine machines, or net looms, but that number will shortly be doubled, and the number of nets prepared will then from 40 to 50 per week. As in the other net factories, the machines are of the most recent construction, and their complicated nature may be inferred from the fact that there are 2500 small pieces in each machine. A great deal of the work is done by steam power, a steam engine of 4 horse power being on the premises. In one of the rooms there are boilers for barking the nets, and we were informed that above 1000 lbs. could be barked at one dip. The premises of the firm are being added to by a large addition on the west side. The firm also prepare every description of fishing lines. The premises, which are almost all new, have been fitted up with a due regard to the health and comfort of the workers, the different apartments being all very clean, well-aired, and lighted. The oilskin manufactory is in the Urquhart Wynd. Here the different oilskin garments are oiled, dried, &c., and the present accommodation, which is in course of being enlarged, is capable of allowing 500 dozens to be hung up. The extra accommodation to be provided will admit of room for fully another 100 dozen. Messrs Watson & Co. also do a large trade in the manufacture of bladder buoys. The firm employ about 50 hands.

MESSRS JOHN MARTIN & CO. This firm employ a large number of women, who are kept in constant work in the manufacture of every description of fishing material. Lines suitable for nearly every port in the northeast coast of Scotland are sent out ready for casting into the sea, and all sorts of oilskins are also made on the premises, which are very extensive and conducted on the most approved principles.

THE CELLARDYKE OILSKIN FACTORY. Under the above designation, the recently constituted firm of Duncan & Black propose to add somewhat to the industries of Cellardyke. They lately acquired the business and plant of a large net manufacturing firm in Leith, which they are at present carrying on vigorously, and it is intended, we believe, to transfer the plant to Cellardyke, in a range of new premises about to be erected on the site adjoining their present in James Street, and which was long occupied as an oilskin factory by the late Mr Horsburgh and his son-in-law, Mr Wm. Duncan. In this factory it is proposed to place in the meantime seventeen net looms, but accommodation is to be provided for more when necessary, and the works are expected to be in full operation in July next. In addition to net manufactory, Messrs Duncan & Black carry on a large trade in every kind of oilskin and fishermen’s lines, and the additions now about to be made sill afford a good deal of employment in Cellardyke.

1884

REMARKABLE ESCAPE FROM DROWNING. Stonehaven, Thursday. A severe south-south-west gale was blowing during the morning, and the sea was running high, being driven into clean smoke by the force of the wind, A number of Cellardyke boats caught in the gale put in here during the day. The crew of the “Endeavour,” KY., 2052, George Moncrieff, skipper, reports the providential escape of one of their number from drowning. While about 2 miles off Crawtouness some additional sail was being put out, when a lad named Michael Pratt, who was assisting in the work, was struck by the fore yard, and knocked overboard. Another of the crew, named Peter Muir, observing what had happened, threw a rope to Pratt, and a coil happening to go round his neck, he was towed along with the boat through the rolling sea. Pratt having got hold of the rope with his hands, attempts were made with a boathook to pull him aboard, but each time his clothes gave way, and he was in eminent danger of being drowned. Ultimately a rope was passed round one of the lad’s legs, and in this way he was hauled aboard. On landing Pratt was taken to a house in the Old Town, and Dr Edmond was called to attend him. He is not yet out of danger.

CELLARDYKE BOATS IN PERIL AT MONTROSE. Early yesterday morning the wind blew in variable gusty blasts between the south and west, and so continued until far on in the morning, when it partially abated. Two KY boats, numbering respectively 1651 and 1453, entered the harbour. The former did so without assistance, and had a shot valued at £11; but the latter had been put to great stress by the violence of the gale. She was shortly after midnight within two miles of Anstruther, from which she hails, when the gale struck her fiercely, split her foremast, and drove her struggling and almost helpless crew far north Montrose Bay, where they succeeded in anchoring, and from which they were safely brought into the harbour the steam-tug.