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Herald Files - Snippets from the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald
January 3, 1902
Last Friday Mr ES Wilson received a presentation on the occasion of his completion of 25 years as headmaster of Saltcoats Public School.
Mr Alan Gilfillan, architect, Ardrossan, has had his plans for the proposed Co-operative Buildings in Kilwinning accepted.
Scotch whisky (18 under proof) is advertised at 3/- a bottle.
During 1901, 36.35 inches of rain fell in Saltcoats.
On Friday last the new Irvine Royal Academy was opened. The Earl of Eglinton declared the new building open, and a gold key was presented to Lady Eglinton by the contractors as a memento of the occasion. Dr J Parker Smith, MP gave an address on "Higher Education" and other speakers included Provost Murchland and Bailie Kirkland. it was pointed out by the Earl of Eglinton that in 1816, the then new Academy was opened by his own great grandfather, Hugh, Earl of Eglinton, who procured for it a Royal charter in 1818.
January 10, 1902
On Thursday, January 9, an explosion occurred at Nobel's Factory, Ardeer. One man is missing, John Howie of New Square, Stevenston.
On Wednesday the ships in Ardrossan Harbour were "dressed", the occasion being the marriage of Mr Alex J Ritchie, cashier to the Ardrossan Harbour Company. At a gathering of a number of friends, Mr Ritchie was presented with a marble timepiece and ornaments by Councillor JR Smith.
Mr Robert Gilmour, the new stationmaster at St Enoch Station, Glasgow, was formerly stationmaster at Saltcoats.
The new elementary school at Ardeer was formally declared open on Monday by Mr R Laidlaw. Mr George Sinclair, chairman of the board, presided. The total cost of the school was £4000
January 17, 1902
The Rev Arnold Boyd, St Andrew's Church, Dalry, has been appointed to the charge of Mussoorie, a hill station in North West India.
Mr William Fife senior, the well-known yacht designer and builder, Fairlie, died on Monday.
Mr David Cunninghame, Clydeview, West Kilbride, died on Sunday. He was one of the Cunninghames of Chapleton.
Owing to the operation of the popularly called "Football Act", Three Beith factories close at noon on Saturdays.
January 24, 1902
Private Alex Mair, RAMC, son of Mr Alex Mair, Corrie, has died of enteric at the South African front.
The largest cargo of iron ore ever discharged in Ardrossan, 6400 tons, came in this week by the steamer Conway.
At the opening of the salmon season on Loch Tay, Mr George W Menzies, Saltcoats, caught three fish weighing respectively 18lb, 20lb and 26 lb.
Dr J Paterson White, grandson of Mr Andrew Wilson, engine driver, Ardrossan, has obtained the degree of DPH from King's College, London.
Mansfield United Free Church congregation, Kilwinning, have decided to instal an organ.
January 31, 1902
Messrs W Park and J Gillespie have been appointed managers of Head Street United Free Church, Beith, in room of Messrs W McGuire and D Thomson, who have left the town.
Dalry Burns Club held their 77th anniversary gathering - the longest unbroken record in Scotland - in the Turf Inn, Courthill Street. Mr Alex Allan presided and proposed "The Immortal Memory" and Mr Bone proposed "The memory of Jean Armour."
The property known as Allan View, at the head of Ritchie Street, West Kilbride, and possessed by Mr Tom Donaldson, has been sold for £585.
Mr WW Melville has been appointed president of Beith Liberal Association.
February 7, 1902
Mr William Gilroy, superintendent of the local branch of the Prudential Assurance Company, was presented with an illuminated address on the occasion of his semi-jubilee in the service of the company at a social gathering of the superintendent, agents, sub-agents and friends of the branch in the lesser Town Hall, Saltcoats. The address was signed on behalf of the staff by the following assistant superintendents, messrs James Dunlop, WR Harper, D Melville, H Wightman, and J Kirk. Among those who contributed songs were Miss Gilroy and Mr Gilroy jnr and Messrs Stewart, Ritchie, Graham, Harvey, McCrum, Hutchison, and Harper. Mr A Arnott, accompanying Mr George I Bailey gave readings.
Mr Thomas Miller, a teacher at Ardrossan EU Congregational Church Sunday School for more than 40 years, has been presented by his class with a silver mounted walking stick.
Mrs Rae and family of Auburn Villa, Bowfield Road, West Kilbride, entertained the senior members of the Parish Church choir, the occasion being the departure of two of the members to New Zealand, Mr Thomas Donaldson and his sister Mrs Maggie Donaldson.
February 14, 1902
A shop in Quay Street, Saltcoats, occupied by Mr John Millar, and the dwelling house above were destroyed by fire on Saturday night.
A motion that every second street lamp should be extinguished after 11pm during the lighting season was defeated by two votes at a meeting of Ardrossan Town Council.
Mr William Cowan, Lorryman in the goods department of the G and SW Railway at Saltcoats, has been presented with a marble timepiece by the local merchants and a pair of bronze ornaments by the station staff.
A points medal play for by members of Ardrossan Castle Curling Club was won by Mr John Baird, the youngest member.
February 21, 1902
The death is announced at Klerksoop, South Africa, of Mrs Allan, wife of Dr w Carrick Allan, late of Ardrossan.
At the annual dance of the RSF Volunteers in Saltcoats, Lance Corporal R Smith was presented with the Long Service medal for 21 years' service in the Fusiliers.
Mr Hugh Dunlop, Kidsneuk, has been selected by the Kilwinning Ploughing Society to meet at Motherwell Mr J Waddell of Hamilton, who recently issued a challenge to meet any man in a ploughing match for a £20 stake.
The first social and dance connection with the Ardrossan Winton Rovers FC will take place in the Town Hall tonight.
February 28, 1902
The Rev Donald McDonald was ordained and was inducted to the charge of Kildonan United Free Church on Tuesday.
Mr JC Kelso, who has acted as secretary for the Arran Society of Glasgow, has been presented with a gold watch on the occasion of his leaving for India.
At Craig's auction Mart, Kilwinning yesterday, prices of fine quality bullocks ranged from £15 - £19.
It is stated that subscriptions amounting to from £200 - £300 have already been promised for Kilwinning Town Hall.
March 7, 1902
Sergeant S Crawford, 1st HLI, has arrived home at Saltcoats from the South African front. He will be at the depot at Hamilton for two months.
Mr James Kelso, late secretary of the Arran Society of Glasgow, who is leaving the city to take up an appointment in Calcutta, has been presented with a gold watch by the directors of the Society.
Mr RH Sinclair, Crummockside, Beith, died yesterday. he was secretary of the Liberal Association and a Past Master of the local masonic lodge.
The Rev Arnold Boyd, minister of St Andrew's UF Church, Dalry, was presented with an illuminated address on his departure to India.
March 14, 1902
At Saltcoats Town Council meeting a deputation of residents in the vicinity of Melbourne Park attended and protested against the proposal to erect a kiosk there. It was agreed to proceed with the building.
A call from the United Free Church, Lamlash, to Mr RS McLauchlan, assistant to Dr Bannerman, Perth, was signed by 72 out of 73 members and 51 adherents.
Mr George Menzies, Saltcoats, has established an excellent record this season as a salmon fisher,. Ten salmon, averaging 20lbs each, have been landed by his rod.
The Rev William McKenzie of St Bride's United Free Church, West Kilbride, and Ardrossan Presbytery clerk, died on March 9.
March 21, 1902
Ardrossan Parish Council decided to erect a new central premises on a site to be selected.
In a one-act dramatic piece "Second Thoughts," played by the Musical and Dramatic Society of Saltcoats at their entertainment in the Town Hall, the cast was:- Mrs Murray, Miss J Beckett, Miss Morrison, Mr A Becket, Mr W Fraser, Mr J Armour, Mr TP Anderson and Mr William McMurtrie.
In the League of the Cross Hall, Saltcoats, on Wednesday, The Rev Charles O'Malley gave his famous lecture on Irish wit and humour. The writer of the report states: "One laughed till one was sore, and one was not allowed to stop."
March 28, 1902
Fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon in the bakehouse belonging to Mr James Morrison, Stevenston, Considerable damage was done to a quantity of flour.
The Rev Mr Andrew, Glengarnock, has been appointed clerk to Ardrossan United Free Presbytery in succession to the late Rev Mr Mackenzie, St Bride's, West Kilbride.
The Caledonian Railway Company have introduced an improved service to and from Arran. There will be a daily direct connection between Ardrossan and Whiting Bay, the journey from Glasgow taking two hours.
Mr Paterson, accountant in the Union Bank, Ardrossan, has received an appointment in the London office.
April 4, 1902
The salmon fishings at Saltcoats, carried on for more than 50 years by the late George Main and his son Hugh Main, have passed into the hands of John Elliot.
TB Cockburn, late of Ardrossan, has been appointed editor of the Vancouver Leader.
When the wind is in the west the passer-by can't distinguish the roadway and the "green" at the south end of South Crescent, Ardrossan, Everywhere is sand.
Stevenston UF Congregation at a social made presentations to the Rev M Miller and Mrs Miller on their return from their honeymoon trip.
A cycling club has been formed in Dalry. The officials are: Messrs George Dunlop, Nicol Hood, T Anderson (Capt), Lyttle Bone, N Cosh, Hugh McCulley, Blair, Boyd, Buchanan, A Cosh and Kirkwood.
April 11, 1902
At the International football match between Scotland and England at Ibrox Park, Glasgow, on Saturday, a portion of the West Terrace gave way and hundreds of spectators were precipitated to the ground. The death roll is 23, and the injured number 414, there was a record of 74,400 at the game. Play, which was stopped, was resumed after a time, with a large number of spectators inside the railings. The result of the game was a 1 -1 draw, Brown (Tottenham Hotspur) scoring for Scotland and Settle (Everton) for England.
In the Parish Church, Kilwinning, a mural tablet in brass has been set up in commemoration of Major Claud Miller Wallark, Gordon Highlanders of Monkcastle and Monkredding, who fell fighting in Ladysmith.
Hugh Harvey Fulton, son of Mr John Fulton, headmaster, Ladyland School, Kilbirnie has gained high honours in anatomy and physiology at Glasgow University.
The Rev James McMurray Ross, Aberdeen has been called to St Andrew's Church, Dalry.
April 18, 1902
Mr John Brown, Govan (a native of Kilbirnie) who was injured in the Ibrox football match disaster, died from his injuries last Thursday.
A pamphlet has been issued to the householders of Stevenston setting forth the reasons why that place should be forthwith made into a burgh. A Schedule has been enclosed on which the householders have been asked to reply "yes" or "no" to the question.
Mr John McInnes, son of Mr William McInnes, stationer, Saltcoats, has distinguished himself at Glasgow University and is proceeding to Oxford.
Incandescent lights are the latest improvement at G&SWR station.
Mr EJ Hill of the Bank of Scotland, Ardrossan is retiring and going to live at Cramond Bridge.
April 25, 1902
On Wednesday afternoon the oilskin factory of Ardrossan Oilskin Company was gutted by fire. The company had a large number of of orders on hand and work girls will be thrown idle . A girl named Mary Ramsay was severely burnt about the face and hands.
The Rev George Morris, senior minister, Courthill United Free Church, Dalry, died on Monday evening. He was in his 79th year and the 52nd of his ministry.
Mr JB Orr, who served his apprenticeship as a pupil teacher under Mr JG Lyon, West Kilbride School, has passed in education and mathematics for the MA degree at Glasgow University.
A Stevenston note says that it is hard to say hoe the vote on the burgh question will go, although the anti-burghites emphatically declare that Stevenston will not be formed into a burgh for many a year.
May 2, 1902
Mr R Sangster McLaughlin was on Tuesday ordained and inducted to the charge of Lamlash United free Church.
Mr James Wyllie of Mayfield, was entertained and presented with a timepiece on the occasion of his leaving the district to start farming on his own account at Whitehill Farm Sanquhar.
The Bank of Scotland intimate the Mr Hugh S Smith from the head office will take charge of the Ardrossan branch on the retiral this month of Mr EJ Hill. Mr Smith had his early training at the Saltcoats branch under Mr James Campbell.
The new hall of Mansefield UF Church, Kilwinning, was opened on Wednesday night.
At a gathering in Kilbirnie West UF Church, the Rev Alex Davidson, to mark his retiral from active duties of the pastorate of the congregation, was presented with a testimonial in the form of a cheque for £410.
May 9, 1902
The final result of the plebiscite on the Stevenston burgh question is: For the burgh, 586; against, 352; neutral, 55; majority in favour , 234.
Stevenston Co-operative bakers are out on strike for a working week of 55 hours and a wage of 30/- per week all the year round.
Mr Robert Smith, Wardrop Street, Beith, one of the few survivors of the hand-loom weaving industry in town, died on Wednesday aged 72 years.
Lynn mansion House and grounds, Dalry, have been leased for a period of years by Mr James McCallum, solicitor, Glasgow.
The new reservoir at West Kilbride was opened on Saturday. Mr Thomas Simpson, chairman of Water Committee, presided at the ceremony and Mr Wm Graham turned on the new water supply.
May 16, 1902
Arnott and Crawford have taken over the cabinet making and upholstery business of D Reside, 75 - 77 Dockhead Street, Saltcoats.
A native of Kilwinning, Mr Robert Barclay, is doing splendid work as a superintendent of the British India Company at Rangoon.
Mr Alex Breckenridge was entertained by the choir of the EU Congregational Church, Saltcoats on the occasion of his departure to South Africa.
The Irvine Brewery, put up for sale, has failed to find a purchaser.
A few friends of Mr Archibald Lagon met with him in the Crown Hotel, Saltcoats, last Tuesday evening and presented him with a walking stick on his occasion of leaving to live in West Kilbride. Mr FH Richmond presided and Mr Gilmour made the presentation.
May 23, 1902
The Rev Mr Purves and his young wife were formally welcomed home by the congregation of Erskine United Free Church last Friday evening. Mr Ronald, on behalf of the congregation, made the presentation of a cabinet and a purse of sovereigns and Mr john Miller presented a study chair on behalf of the Bible class.
Messrs AA Laird & Co intend inaugurating a new service of steamers between Ardrossan and Portrush during the coming Summer. During part of June and part of September the service will run three times a week each way and during July and August daily each way.
Mr Charles D Shaw, County Clerk of Ayrshire, died on Monday evening.
Mr James Hendry, grocer, new Cross, Beith, has retired after having been 47 years in business. he is succeeded by his son, Mr WR Hendry.
May 30, 1902
An Ardrossan Harbour employee, William Kane (52), Glasgow Street, Ardrossan, was drowned on friday evening off the Horse Island.
A destructive fire took place early on Friday morning at the Bridgend Worsted Mills of Messrs Thomas Biggart & Co Ltd, Dalry. The 500 employees were idle until Monday when there was a partial restart.
The importance of South Beach station, Ardrossan is to be further enhanced by the erection there of a bookstall.
The estate of Kirkhall, Ardrossan, has with the death of the late Laird Weir's sister, Mrs Young, passed into the hands of Captain Hugh Auld, Ardrossan Road, Saltcoats.
June 6, 1902
The announcement of peace in South Africa was celebrated throughout the country on Monday. In Ayrshire towns buildings had flags on display, bonfires were lit and there was general rejoicing.
Saltcoats fair is in full swing. One of the features at the show ground was a miniature railway, the carriages on which were drawn by a real "live" engine.
Mr John G Lyon, headmaster, West Kilbride, has been appointed vice-president of the Ayrshire branch of the EIS
June 13, 1902
Ardrossan and Kilwinning Town Councils have each adopted a bye-law prohibiting betting on the street.
At a meeting of Ardrossan Town Council it was decided to ask Lord Eglinton (through Mr Vernon) to let the town council have South Beach Green on condition on condition that the Council provided an esplanade.
Mrs Cree formerly of Stevenston and Saltcoats, and residing in Wallsend-on Tyne, attained her 100th year on Sunday.
police constable Cairns, Kilbirnie, has been promoted to sergeant and transferred to Stewarton. Sergeant Simpson, Stewarton comes to Kilbirnie and it is said Kilbirnie is to have a sergeant permanently.
June 20, 1902
On Tuesday evening the Rev James Adams, St Andrews Square Church, Greenock, was inducted to Trinity Church, Saltcoats.
The naming of the streets and the numbering of the houses in West Kilbride is now complete. the work was done by Mr McNeilly of West Kilbride and Dalry.
The daylight service of the Laird Line between Ardrossan and Portrush was inaugurated last Tuesday by the Azalea.
June 27, 1902
King Edward is seriously ill and the Coronation has been indefinitely postponed. local celebrations and festivities arranged to take place next Thursday are being cancelled.
Ardrossan Model Yacht Club's race for the Barbour Challenge Medal resulted in a win for "Alasca" (H Hughes). In another race "Rambler" (A Blair, Saltcoats) and "Glance" (J McMurtrie, Saltcoats) were first and second.
At the animal sale by auction last Tuesday of growing potatoes on Hunterston Estate, West Kilbride, over 130 acres were disposed of and prices ranged from £19 10/- per acre to £38 10/- per acre. At Poteath 46 acres were sold at from £20 to £30 per acre.
Mr Robert Howat, son of Mr John T Howat, manager at Eglinton Ironworks, Kilwinning, has secured a second class certificate as mine manager.
July 4, 1902
A report submitted to Ardrossan UF Presbytery states that in the case of several parishes the proportion of worshippers on Sunday does not probably exceed 15 per cent of the adult population and there is an ever-growing infringement of the rest of the Sabbath. other points in the report that intemperance is very prevalent and gambling is on the increase.
The death is announced of Mr James Stewart, of Heathfield, Irvine, who was factor for the Eglinton Estate.
Owing to the King's illness the date of the Coronation has been postponed but Troon carried through the programme of having a bonfire and fireworks display at the ballast Bank.
In the annual bowling game, Ayrshire beat Glasgow by a majority of 510 shots. On the winning side, Dalry were first with 76 majority and Saltcoats and Ayr second with 65.
July 11, 1902
James Walker, dental surgeon, Saltcoats intimates that the charge for extraction by his "easy method" will be 2/- each extraction in consequence of the extra expense, time care and attention needed for each patient.
The following are among the new JPs for Ayrshire:- Alex Parker, Irvine; CO Lundholm, Stevenston; Dr William Sneddon, Beith; William Graham of Crosbie, West Kilbride; John T Howat, colliery manager, Kilwinning; James Nisbet, Kilwinning; John Hogarth, banker, Ardrossan; Andrew Patrick, Greenbank, Dalry; George Lammie, Grangemuir, Prestwick; William Mackie, Troon; and John Morris, bank agent, Largs.
On Tuesday Dalry was inundated with a large number of wool-buyers from various districts throughout the country, the occasion being the sale of about 797,000lbs of wool and yarns salvaged from the recent fire at Biggart's Mill.
July 18, 1902
Ardrossan Town council are drawing up by-laws to regulate the local bus traffic.
Messrs G&J Burns will sail eight steamers to Ireland from Ardrossan today and five tomorrow (Saturday).
A new wing to the Scottish Co-operative Convalescent Home at Seamill was formally opened last Saturday.
Master George J Winchester , Mossgiel, West Kilbride has been awarded a Distinction Certificate for pianoforte plying by
the Association Board of the Royal Academy of Music. He is a pupil of Mr Frederick Kerr, organist, Trinity Church, Saltcoats.
The death took place of Mr John Niven, Kilwinning, a celebrity in the bowling world. He skipped the first Scottish rink in the first year of the competition.
July 25, 1902
The rates in Ardrossan Parish (including education, 8d on owners and 8 1/2d on occupiers) total 11 1/4d on owners and 1/- on occupiers. In Stevenston Parish rates are (including education, 5d on ratepayers and 5d on occupiers), 9 1/2d on owners and 9 1/2d on occupiers.
Along the beach from Winton Circus, Saltcoats, to Arran Place, Ardrossan, nine religious meetings were being held at the same time on the same evening.
Mr RB Gillespie, who was formerly stationmaster at Saltcoats, has been honoured on his completion of 20 years' service as manager for Lancashire and Cheshire for the Norwich and London Accident Insurance Association.
Mr William Watson, who has accepted a call to the EU Church, Kilwinning, is a native of Dreghorn.
Private Andrew McILwraith, reservist of Scots Guards, arrived home at Kilbirnie on Friday night from war service and was given a public reception.
The property in Dockhead Street, Saltcoats known as Ting Tong Tea Shop was burned on Saturday night.
August 1, 1902
Mr W Reid died on Tuesday morning at his home at Ladeside, Kilbirnie. he founded the brick-making industry at Lugton and carried on a successful business there.
A Three day bazaar in aid of the fund to clear the £564 debt on Lamlash UF Church realised £636.
Mr AP Davidson, schoolmaster, Lamlash, has been appointed to the charge of a department in one of the secondary schools in Glasgow. He has been in Lamlash for 21 years.
Captain TD Allan, Saltcoats (1st VB, RSF) has been granted the rank of Hon Major.
Mr George Robertson, youngest son of Mr Archibald Robertson, fisher, Saltcoats, is leaving for South Africa. For six years he has been piper to Saltcoats Volunteers. He takes with him to South Africa a full Highland dress of Clan Robertson and his pipes.
August 8, 1902
On the Ardrossan to Portrush daylight service "Azelea" or "Cedar" weekend excursion fares are offered - cabin 11/-, steerage. 5/-, Steamer leaves Ardrossan at 10 am Saturdays and arrives Ardrossan 3.30pm on Mondays. Bed and breakfast on board 4/6 per day.
The death is announced of the Rev JJ Kelly, formerly minister of Fullarton Free Church, Irvine.
Mr JB Thorneycroft, chairman of the Ayrshire Coalowners Association, will celebrate Coronation Day by inviting a large party to cruise on the SS Carrick from Ardrossan Pier.
Lieutenant James B Walker, 14th (King's) Hussars and the son of the late Mr Alex Walker of Crosbie Tower, Troon, was welcomed home on Monday after having been at the South African front for 2 1/2 years.
Mr RM Blackwood, Daisybank, Beith, in an examination by the Civic Service Commissioners for a post under Government took first place in the United Kingdom out of over 450 candidates with 1572 marks out of a possible 1800.
August 13, 1902
The Coronation was celebrated on board the Glen Sannox at noon on Saturday by the assembling of the crew on the bridge where the national anthem was sung and feu-de-jole was fired. On Sunday the crew received a free dinner.
At Saltcoats Town Council's meeting Councillor Whyte said he would give notice of a motion that the ice cream shops in the burgh will be closed on Sundays and Saturday nights at 10 o'clock. The provost said there would be a bill before Parliament in connection with the matter and the council could not take up the question.
Captain Highet returned to Irvine last night after two-and-a-half years in Africa. The captain left as a trooper and worked his way up. The crowd waiting to meet him at the station unyoked the horses of his carriage and pulled him up to his father's residence in Kilwinning Road
On Friday night Vale of Garnock Strollers got an enthusiastic reception on winning the Irvine and District Juvenile Cup.
Captain Torrance was prominent in some lively scenes at Ardrossan Parish Council meetings.
The first day's proceeds at Saltcoats North Church bazaar were £371.
August 22, 1902
Mrs Ainslie (65) Stevenston, and her grandchild Agnes Johnstone were accidentally killed on the railway near Stevenston by the Campbelltown express on Monday. The child was the daughter of Mr James Johnstone, plumber, Thistle Cottages, Stevenston.
George Young of Glasgow Rangers, who last year played left back for Beith, has signed on again for Beith.
Mr William Orr and his son, Mr John Orr, watchmaker, have erected in their garden an instrument whereby Greenwich mean time may be obtained by timing the sun crossing the meridian.
As a result of the three days bazaar held by Saltcoats North Parish Church, £650 will be added to the Endowment Fund.
August 29, 1902
The King and Queen and party on the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert were ashore in Arran on three days this week. They were enthusiastically received. Messrs C Murchie & Co of Ardrossan have supplied provisions to the vessels accompanying the King's yacht while in Brodick bay.
Sergeant McDowall, Ardrossan recently returned from active service in South Africa, was entertained to supper in the Sergeant's Mess Hall and was presented with a dress case. captain Murchie handed over the gift.
Mr John Adams, younger son of Mr John Adams, burgh collector, Ardrossan, has been appointed sanitary inspector at Kroonstad.
Mr James Coltart, Girdle Toll, Eglinton, who lifted 10 first and 10 second prizes at Dreghorn Flower Show, has been awarded the special prize at Crystal Palace (London) Dog Show for best sporting dog exhibited (a retriever).
September 5, 1902
Plans were passed by Irvine Dean of Guild Court for the erection by Mr David Flannigan of a two-storey dwelling house with a 65-feet chimney stalk in Cochrane Park.
Ayr's new theatre, the Gaiety Theatre, stated to be one of the most up to date structures of its kind in the Kingdom, will be carried on by a limited liability company. It will be opened on September 8 with the Brixton Burglary, a comedy.
Scotland's premier actor, John Clyde will appear in the musical drama The Dawn of Freedom in Saltcoats Town Hall on Saturday next.
Domestic gas coke is on sale at Ardrossan Gasworks at 8/4d per ton.
Irvine is proposing to introduce electric lighting for the streets.
Principal prizewinners at Kilwinning Flower Show were:- Messrs T Trodden, J Smith, J Noble, William Gemmell, G
Richmond, G Hutton, William Halbert, J Coltart and M Heron.
September 12, 1902
Higher-lying roads, particularly in the north-west parishes of Dalry and Kilbirnie and in the vicinity of West Kilbride, were severely damaged by the rapid flow of water during the recent floods. At West Kilbride the hollow of the Post Office was under water and several adjoining buildings were flooded and at Millside Road, Kilbirnie, the roadway was torn up and rendered impassable while the footbridge was carried away.
The contractors for the new Unionist Club buildings which have been erected on the west side of Princes Street Ardrossan, were: Hugh Thomas, Saltcoats, architect, his design having been selected in a competition, John Inglis, builder, Robert Frew, joiner, John Lambert, plumber, James Allison, slater, Murray & McCallum, plasterers, and John Gilfillan, painter.
The Rev Gillison's ordination as colleague and successor to Rev Davidson in the pastorate of the UF Church, Kilbirnie, takes place on Tuesday.
Mr James Campbell, writer, has been unanimously appointed Depute Town Clerk of Saltcoats and Depute Clerk to the Police and Dean of Guild Courts.
September 19, 1902
The Rev Robert Mordue, rector of St Andrew's Episcopal Church, Ardrossan, died at his residence on Wednesday night.
The Hon Thomas Cochrane, MP for North Ayrshire, formally declared the new Unionist Club in Ardrossan open on Friday afternoon.
Mr JS Bailie, manger of the Bank of British West Africa, is at present enjoying a well-earned holiday in his native town of Saltcoats.
A two day sale of work in aid of a fund for the liquidation of the debt existing on Reformed Templars Hall and to meet the expense of repairs on the building, was held in the Public Hall, Dalry on friday and Saturday last. The promoters of the bazaar aimed at raising the sum of £370.
At Beith on Saturday Mr John Arthur became the local bowling champion of the season.
September 26, 1902
Miss Flora Hendry of Whiting Bay last Thursday rescued a visitor from drowning.
Mr Matthew Beck, Ardrossan has purchased the public house in Saltcoats known as Klondyke from the trustees of Mrs Lundie.
Provost Young, Ardrossan, on Monday cut the first sod of the Busbie Water Works.
Mr McEwen, who was at one time a clerk at the Kilwinning goods station, G&SWR, is now traffic manager of the Highland railway, He married a Kilwinning lady, a former infant mistress of the Eglinton District Public School.
October 3, 1902
Mrs Alexander, butcher, Ardrossan, intimates that she has disposed of her business to Mr William L Cowan.
Mr AP Davidson, who for over 20 years was headmaster at Lamlash and now occupies a post in a secondary school in Glasgow, was presented with a purse of sovereigns from friends and old pupils in Arran. The Rev Mr McLaughlan presided and made the presentation.
Mr John Houston has been presented with gifts on retiring from the treasureship of Kilbirnie Co-operative Society.
The firm of Greig Bros. builders, Kilwinning, has been dissolved by mutual consent of the partners, Mr William Greig and
James Greig, and the business will be continued as formerly by Mr James Greig on his own account.
Mr Bertie Greer is presented at a gathering of friends with a dressing case to mark the occasion of his leaving for South Africa.
October 10, 1902
At Saltcoats literary meeting, Mr John Taylor, presiding office, ex-Baillie Hunter spoke on Municipal Enterprise.
Miss Lizzie Hunter, of Saltcoats,, had the distinguish of singing several Scotch songs by request to the Duke and Duchess of Fife at Mar Lodge, Braemar on Thursday and was specially complemented for her excellent singing.
There was dog racing at Stevenston on Saturday.
The celebrated Ben Greet Company will appear next Saturday in Saltcoats Town Hall in the popular comic opera La Poupée.
October 17, 1902
In a nitroglycerine explosion at Ardeer Factory William Carson was killed. The explosion was felt severely throughout the district.
Mr Robert Wyllie, Royal Horse Artillery, has returned from South Africa to Ardrossan.
A fleet of 200 fishing skiffs are engaged between Ardrossan and the Cumbraes where there are vast shoals of herring.
A Choral Union has been formed in Dalry. The committee consists of Messrs Redman, G Ballantyne, Holburn, Sheddon, Henderson, Lammie, Geddes, Morton, Kell, Spence, and Dow and Miss Gilbert, Taylor, Blair, Kerr, Young and Mrs Sheddon.
A public meeting of ratepayers protested against the proposed large extension to the schoolmaster's house at Glengarnock at a cost of £409.
A mass meeting of miners in Irvine protesting against the rate of wages and the block system was addressed by Mr Brown, Annbank, Mr R Scanlon, Mr Muir and Mr R Smith. Mr Robert Mullin presided.
October 24, 1902
Messrs McKellar, fruiterers, Ardrossan, have evidently secured a "corner" in the Canadian apples. "Threshings" remarks that he will be a happy boy who gets one of three-quarter of a pond apples in his Hallowe'en "dook."
The Lady isle, off Troon is now lit at nights.
The Arran potato crop is being rapidly secure. The price is not high to begin with as the first boat is being loaded at 25/- per ton.
The death has taken place of Mr Hugh Melville, silk printer, Roebank, Beith, in his 83rd year. To his enterprise, activity and energy the success of the Roebank Silk Works was very much due.
The Christian Brethren's new hall in Townend Street, Dalry, was formally opened on Monday evening.
A new and improved ping-pong table has been installed in the Public Institute, West Kilbride.
On Saturday James Robb created a new record for Gailes golf course with a 72.
October 30, 1902
On Saturday afternoon the memorial stone of the extended East United free Church building, Kilbirnie, was laid by Mr RW Knox, of Moorpark.
Mr James Fallon, headmaster, St Bridget's School, Kilbirnie, received a presentation on his leaving for another situation.
Miss Agnes Markie received a handsome timepiece as a marriage presentation from her fellow workers in Saltcoats Laundry.
Dalry Co-op Society's quarterly turnover is £1994. The dividends were 2/4d on grocery 3/3d grocery.
The total on the technical class in breadmaking taught in Kilmarnock Academy by Bailie Kirkland of Irvine is 130.
November 7, 1902
A statue in memory of the officers and men of the Royal Scots Fusiliers who fell in the South African War was unveiled at Ayr on Saturday.
At Whiting Bay pier on Friday, a conference of gentlemen headed by Mr Matthew Kerr and Mr Thomas Miller, piermaster, boarded the Glen Rosa and presented Captain McGregor with a handsome meerschaum pipe in acknowledgement of his services in saving the pleasure boat Follow Me, which had been driven to sea from her moorings during a gale in September.
At Saltcoats Literary and Debating Society a paper defending some of the popularly condemned forms of literature was read by Mr Manson Gibson.
A mule bird belonging to Mr Muir, West End, Dalry, has died. Mr Muir got possession of the bird when it was over a year old and has had it for the past 17 years.
Eglinton iron Works are pleased to announce that hot and cold water baths are available for tuppence each, or fourpence each with a spray.
The submerged wreck of the jigger "Mary" which founded last Saturday just outside Ardrossan and was lying in the fairway, was blown up by charges of dynamite on Tuesday.
November 14, 1902
Early on Sunday morning, an attempt was made to wreck a train on the G&SW Railway between No1 Pit Auchenharvie Colliery, and the Saltcoats laundry. Two pieces of clay, weighing about 1 1/2 cwts each had been lifted from the side of the railway and laid across the lines. A goods train struck the slag and shattered it, but the engine was not seriously damaged.
Sergeant WS Thomson, RFA, a native of Ardrossan, has died in South Africa from enteric fever. He was formally employed first in the Royal Bank of Scotland, Ardrossan, and then with Messrs Hogarth & Co, Ardrossan. He was a brother in law of Mr James Tyre, Ardrossan.
Mr Hay, for 21 years schoolmaster at Corrie, has been presented with a purse and sovereigns on his leaving to be headmaster of Onick School near Fort William. Mrs Hay received a bracelet and brooch from the church members in recognition of her services as organist.
November 21, 1902
Fred Pickles, 14 years of age, Dalry, was fatally injured on the railway on Monday evening.
Carlung mansion House, West Kilbride, was gutted by fire on Monday afternoon.
Town Council appointments:- Ardrossan - Provost Young, Bailie Hogarth, Police Judges Harvey and Barrie. Saltcoats - Provost Guthrie, Bailie Blakely, Kilwinning - Bailie Greig.
Mr John Reid, Main Street, Stevenston, won with his jacobins five prizes at the Crystal Palace Show, London.
On Saturday the steamship "Constance" for London owners was launched at Ardrossan.
November 28, 1902
Miss Moffat, Ardrossan, a member of the School Board and well known in public life in the town, died on Monday.
The steel screw steamer, Jessie, launched at Ardrossan on Saturday, is a sister ship to Constance, launched from the same yard the previous Saturday.
An excellent performance of Rob Roy was given in the league of the Cross Hall, Saltcoats on Friday evening. Mr J Kirkwood Campbell played the part of Rob Roy and the members of the cast included: Missus Sarah Bonnar, Kate White, Maggie Murray, Mary Regan, Lizzie Smith, and Messrs John McCourt, Michael Reilly, Francis Stewart, Patrick Keenan, Charles McCulloch, James Leckie, David White, John McMahon, Neil Coyle, John Hendry, James Murphy, Patrick McKeever, Daniel Higgins, Patrick Lang, Ed Murray, Patrick McIver, James Higgins, John McMahon and Hugh White.
December 5, 1902
The Rev JM Watson was last Wednesday ordained and inducted as colleague and successor to the Rev JC Balderstone, Overton UF Church, West Kilbride.
Mr J Peat Millar, Beith, was the winner of a silver medal for portraiture at Glasgow Eastern Photographic Exhibition.
The numbers on the rolls of schools under Ardrossan School Boards were:- Eglinton, 459; Winton, 454; Saltcoats, 846; Academy, 381.
On Thursday last Col Blair, CB entertained his tenantry in the Lesser Public Hall, Dalry. Those who proposed toasts were:- Mr J Harvie, Croatholm; Mr W Rae and Mr J Gordon, Kilwinning, Mr A Cromrie presided.
December 12, 1902
In a letter to an Ardrossan Academy pupil, a lady resident of Saltcoats, Canada, says that their town was formerly called Stirling, but when the crofters settled near at hand about 12 years ago the name was changed to Saltcoats.
On Sunday night the golden wedding was celebrated of Mr and Mrs William McHattie, Cochrane Street, Kilbirnie.
An Irvine young lady artist, Miss Price of Harbour Street, has had an oil painting and three poker work tables accepted for exhibition by hanging committee of the Exhibition of Fine Arts, Kilmarnock.
About 1000 birds were exhibited at the Irvine Pigeon Show. Among the successful exhibitors were:- JW Craig, AK Marr, S Robson, R Pillans, R Stevenson, J Binning, W Wood, R Brown, W Timothy, AR McNair, R Blair and S Nichol.
December 19, 1902
Councillor Lewis Porter has been appointed by Ardrossan Town Council as representative to the County Council.
Presentations have been made to Mr James Stewart, late manager, Ardeer Foundry, Stevenston, on his departure to fill another position. At the social gathering the toast of the Ardeer Foundry was replied to by Mr George McGregor. Mr Hugh Higgins, one of the workmen, read an original poem addressed to Mr Stewart.
The membership of William Knox Institute, Kilbirnie, 117 full members, 119 reading and recreation and 35 library, a total of 371. The library books issued numbered 2721 (87 per cent fiction).
Large shoals of herring made their appearance in Irvine Bay after an absence of about 20 years from that part of the coast. Local fishermen had some great catches.
December 26, 1902
At a gathering of the inhabitants of Annicklodge district, James Burns, a schoolboy, was presented with a watch and a chain in recognition of his bravery in jumping into a spate-swollen burn and saving the life of James Gillespie, a schoolfellow. Two other boys, George McNaught and James Love, who at considerable risk to their own lives, assisted Burns in bringing Gillespie to the bank, received presentations respectively of a badge with gold centre and a handsome pocket knife.
Among the new JPs for Buteshire are the following for Arran:- James McGregor. quarrymaster, Corrie; Robert Hamilton, piermaster, Brodick; JG Sweet, Lamlash; Dr Neil Fullerton, Lamlash; William Hamilton, Arnhall, Whiting bay; Robert Kerr, Glenscorsadale; Finlay Kerr, Lochranza; Thomas Miller, Whiting Bay; Robert Kerr jnr, Lochranza.
Members of the Parish Church, West Kilbride, entertained their leader, Mr John Carruthers, in Mr McRae's on the occasion of his retiral after 38 years' service. Mr John Montgomery presented a handsome writing desk to their guest.
Under the auspices of Glengarnock UF Church, a Glengarnock juvenile choir presented the kinderspiel, The Holiday Concert, in the Good Templars Hall, Kilbirnie, under the conductorship of Mr Angus Mitchell, leader of psalmody.