LEITH – 100 Years ago – This......
Introduction.
This regular column will it is hoped let you have a taste of not just what was happening in Leith, but what the Leith newspapers were reporting. There were no such things as headlines in those days the newspapers relied largely on Advertising and the front pages were wholly devoted d to that.
On the inside pages there were reports about what was happening not only in Leith but in the country as a whole with columns coming from the colonies, as they were referred to by ex-Leithers.
The local news was derived from reports by the various organisations in the town and snippets of the really local events which everyone had heard about anyway but drew a readership to satisfy the advertisers.
New reporters were a rare breed, probably one or two per newspaper who concentrated on Council business, local debates, national events and points of interest to the more grandiose members of the community. Even then there were ‘freelancers’ who submitted bits and pieces in the hope of recognition and perhaps a free ticket to the Theatre or such if their reports were favourable.
This introduction will not be repeated(except of course if you have access to the internet, whre you will always be able to have a look back at previous entries.
The selection of subject matter is totally random, but at times may be repetitive if there is unfinished business. Should anyone have a desire to see what a particular topic was happening at the time, let us know and if it is there we will try to fit it in.
Just how much was a half a pound of mince in these days? We’ll have a look.
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LEITH 100 Years ago 1st – 11th Jan 1908.
From the Leith Observer & Advertiser. (The main weekly newspaper for Leith.)
Not surprisingly the main event of interest was the Hogmanay celebrations, with the bringing in of the New Year at the Foot of Leith Walk around the statue of Queen Victoria. No bells here to welcome the year but the sound of ship’s horns from the docks and the Forth. What was surprising, but on reflection maybe not, was the accompanying picture that was of the assembled crowd at the unveiling of the statue in 1873. Cameras being relatively new may not have been sufficiently advanced to take shots in the dark.
Provost Meikle declared ‘Ring out the Old & Ring in the New’ to large cheering.
There was a look back at 1907 at home and abroad, with such recollections as:
The King and Kaizer at Windsor- England and the airship. The historic conference between the Imperialists and Hague - The Atlantic Supremacy. The Parliamentary battle - Lords Vs Commons - Trade, Commerce & Agriculture.
A Roll of the Dead – including Queen Mary of Hanover and Lord Kelvin
Other articles included:
A Page from Leith History (sounds familiar) which tells of the gifting of part of the Shore by King David I to the abbots at Holyrood and the separation between that the ‘rude-side’ and the lands of the de Restalrics, and subsequently the Logans.
There was an article about the festive fare for the Poorhouse at Seafeild (The two Leith Poorhouses, North Leith in North Junction Street and South Leith in Great Junction Street had merged and moved in the previous year) and Leith Hospital being donated by local businesses and served by church members from throughout the town
‘The unhappy Leithers’, yes there were ‘Leithers’ back then and apparently unhappy ones to boot.
The unhappiness was about – yes you’ve guessed it – the treatment being handed out to the ‘Leithers’ by The ‘Edinburghgers’ who ever since the days of the sell out of his part of Leith to the city by Lord Logan had never seen any such unfairness since the Earl of Herford when the English army had ‘sacked and burnt’ their town in 1542.
The Leith Hospital shilling Fund continued to receive donations including – a rich man’s Guinea – and a Widow’s two mites, both gratefully received
On a lighter note the Leith BBs had beaten the Dundee BBs ‘five goals to one goal’ in the now annual football match on New Years Day at Chancelot Park and Aladdin was performed at the Gaiety.
The newspaper ran a ‘Story’ column, each week a chapter or two from a current favourite book was serialised, this week was the firs two chapters of ‘Scarlet Town’ a novel about London life with strong love interests and thrilling episodes. ( we’ll tell you when the next one starts)
Normally this review would stop at this point, but being the holiday, we will continue into week two of January.
A gale blew through the town and the Forth with a tree falling in Victoria Park across the overhead lines causing delays to services. At Leith Fort a heavy flag standard was destroyed. Trees fell all along the water of Leith causing serious flooding downstream, and ships had to come further up the forth for shelter including the steamer ‘Stirling’ 36 tons, carrying a cargo of beer which berthed overnight in the harbour.
Opening the first Town Council meeting of the year the Provost Mackie stated that “we should resolve to ‘Fling out the False & Bring in the True’.” Not quite the feelings a week earlier when bringing in the New Year.
There was a long discussion about the pros & cons of reducing the Tram fare from 1d to a halfpenny at the end of which it was agreed to remit the matter to the relevant committee who the provost said should be handling it anyway. (It is interesting to note that the reporting of council matters always included ‘in parenthesis’ side notes such as – (laughter) – (gentle applause).
Another debate which had been going on for some time was the charges to be made for a Round of Golf (on the Links). Councillors, and certain other gentlemen of the town, had the privilege of an annual Guinea fee, some thought this should be increased to 2 Guineas, whereas local golfers paid 2d per round (9 holes) which should be raised to 3d. The argument was about unfairnesses, the privilege gave the guinea payers right of tee at any time, including starting ahead and even playing through, of those ‘normal’ golfers who paid per round, because time was important to them.
The increases to ‘normal’ per round players were also unfair because these ‘normal ‘ players averaged 36 hole per week against casual players who played some times only this number of holes per year. The discussions continue.
The adoption of ‘ The Notification of Births Act 1907’ was unanimously agreed, and remitted to the Medical Officer to advise the Local government Board of the decision and the arrangements proposed for carrying out the Act. (This may explain some of the inaccuracies in previous censuses).
Election Expenses, yes really, were announced. This was the Parish and Town Council expenses, not the candidates which we are more used to today.
The total expenses for the previous year were £177/0s/3d, which would be shared ‘mutually’ 3/7ths by the Town Council and 4/7ths by the Parish Councils.
The Medical Officer’s report included a statement re the ‘Preservatives in Milk’ or the banning of them under the ‘Sale of Goods and Drugs Act’, and reference to the occasion that seamen from the ‘Golden Hind’ which had berthed in Leith Road were treated by Hospital staff for such complaints when embarkation of the 4th Regiment took place in 1854.
The Dean of Guilds Court approved, eventually, after around 12 months of changes and challenges the building of a tenement building in Newhaven Main Street by Margaret Pottinger of Trinity.
Leith Provident Co-operative Society were granted permission to erect a ‘boot workshop’ next to their bakery in Bangor Road and the Victoria Rubber Co was allowed to make a small addition to their premises on Leith Walk.
Leith Tramways, extending their route along Lower Granton Road, were in discussions with Edinburgh Transport who had right of way for some of the distance, and agreed to invoke the ‘Pilrig Clause’ which allowed for fare revenue sharing.
The Seamen’s Institute held their annual social event in the Bethel of the Sailors Home.
The history article was about ‘The Nobility of Leith’ referring to Mary of Guise staying firstly at the residence of Adam White Esq. a Leith Merchant in what was to become Queens Street before having her own residence built by Messrs J Heddie & Co on Rotten Row, which became Water Lane in the 1800’s and had the Inscription ‘Mary of Guise Buildings’. It was near to other buildings erected for her courtiers on Quality Street.
Mention was also made of The Duke of Lennox (Duke Street) and his stately building on Coalhill and Leith as a royal landing place, Mary Queen of Scots, James VI and George II all having disembarked at the Shore.
Hibs - two goals – Third Lanark - no goals.
Leith – one goal – Aberdeen - no goals – at Logie Park
Further Information on ‘Leith’s Living Archives’ - http://firstleither.blogger.com
Printed & published by Strobomi Publishing © 2008 – leithslivingarchives
Also: www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/EH6
Very interesting, but I question the relevance of the Hibs score as they are - and as far I am aware always have been - situated outwith the boundaries of The Port? (PS Feel free to include said team's result if they lost!)
Tam, You are spot on with the geography, going back as far as I can (1400) it would still have been in Restarig and then Lochend. At no recent time it didn't even have a Leith postal address. Never mind, you only have to read this how do you think I feel writing it as a Hearts Man. When it comes to derby day, if there is room maybe I'll squeeze in a match report.
Being an ex-Leith Athletic player I can at least see how they were doing in the old days.
I did sneak a look at the horoscopes and it said that on the 19th of Jan 2008 Hearts would win 1-0.............worth a bet??
LEITH 100 Years ago 12th – 25th Jan 1908.
From the Leith Observer & Advertiser. (The main weekly newspaper for Leith.)
On the front page of the 18th January edition we see the Official Announcement regarding the Notification of Births Act. There is still no indication of how and where this was to be carried out.
We also notice an advert on the page ‘Artificial Teeth’ from Mr Arbuckle of ‘Crown Street’ and at the Gaiety there is a performance of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
On the pages reserved fro Council and similar reports there is a piece ‘Humour in the Sheriff Courts’. The humour relates to a case of ejection from a property. The wife told the court that the husband’s name on the notice was wrong. The sheriff asked if there was a Paul in the family. “ No, neither a Peter or a Paul. She lost the case but said “My husband ‘nivir’ denied his name country or creed” – what was the name???
The Trades and Labour Council at a meeting in the Assembly Rooms agreed to petition the government urging them to use only British labour in the construction of the Memorial to Queen Victoria outside Buckingham Palace.
A body was found in the Albert Dock on the 13th of January, it was to be identified as that of a gentleman from Livingstone Place who had been missing since January 7th.
The Medical Officer of health reported a mild outbreak of mild smallpox which appeared to be mainly around the area of the smallpox hospital in the Links district. Many had been quarantined and one death was reported. Meanwhile in an editorial the Observer said it was being attributed to sailors from the vessel Penelope which had docked on her way from Russia.
The Leith Hospital shilling fund reporting continued. This was an appeal by the Observer to its readers requesting small donations. This week donations included one from ‘rich in health’ – 5/- and another from 'five cronies' 5/-. Total to date £327. At the same time the Leith Hospital Management Board ‘Special Appeal’ had reached £361/13/3d.
The Parish Council debated why the paupers from the poorhouse working in the Fireworks factory, needed lesser medical approval than those engaged in breaking stones. Other issues such as the conditions in the fireworks factory and the remuneration expected from the use of such labour by the Poorhouses. The parties claimed that it was wrong for some people to make out that they were slave drivers but were sympathetic to those people. ??
The Preservatives in Milk issue was raised again. This time in the sheriff Court where Bathfield dairy and two of their customers in George Street and Hamilton Crescent were accused of ‘watering down’ t the extent that they were not to the same constituency as previous samples. The defendants stated that “of the samples ‘we can only comment on the milk from the cows in Leith’”
At the Leith Police Court a person was charged of disorderly conduct in Duke Street. This was his 55th appearance before the court. Defending himself he said ‘it’s pretty hard to be put in like a dog'. I never put a drink between my lips on New Years Day and was put in prison the next day. Sentencing Bailie Lindsay said: I will give you a slighter sentence than last time 5/- or 3 days……………………Thank you Sir. A lady was also sentenced to 5/- or 3 days for stealing a skirt from her husbands house in Trafalgar Street.
Also in the Police courts were two Ice Cream vendors from Leith Walk and the Kirkgate charged with selling their goods in contravention of the local by-laws on Hogmanay. Judge McKelvie sentenced them to £2 or 30 days.
The proposed extension of the tram lines on Lower Granton Road was raised again after a letter from Edinburgh Transport stated differences of interpretation re the Pilrig terms. The Town Clerk was instructed to write in the following terms: ‘your communications now under reply embodies several onerous conditions even in excess of the Pilrig terms we do not see our way to comply with them’ …. To be continued.
The Young Man’s Literary Society held their 41st Annual Social and Concert in Junction Road Church, Chairman Rev JM Scott.
Advert: The Burns Statue Blend Old Scotch Whisky – Robert Wood, Salamander Street 2/6 a bottle.
Hibs ‘three goals’ - Greenock Morton’ no goals’ at Greenock.
Dean ‘six goals’ – Leith Nondescripts ‘one goal’
At this point in the previous revue it was said that the articles would appear weekly. It has now by popular demand been decided to make this fortnightly.
Jan 25th Edition
The front page opened with a BANG it hit you straight away with a six square inch blank space, with a small 1” sq. caption: look out for an important notice that will appear here next week. Who said today’s media was initiative! The Ladies Column tells of the King and Queen, accompanied by the Princess Victoria spending an extended cruise on the ‘New Royal Turbine Yacht’ Alexandra. There is also some information about the Empress Eugenie ‘now past her Psalmists span’ stopping in Cairo where earlier she had been at the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. The Ladies also wrote of: The latest Petticoat, Striped Velveteen, The cause for Black, the care of Hatpins and ‘when buying fish’
The Medical Officer reported the deaths in the previous week of 43 persons, 23 male & 20 female. Categorised as: 13 under 1 year, 4 from 1 to 5 years, 7 over 60. There were also 43 births. It does not say whether this figure came from the new Notification Act.
An NBR railway engine was derailed at Central Station – no injuries accrued.
The tug ‘Hornby’ was launched by Miss Rose Dunbar at Cran’s shipbuilders on Queen’s Dock. The tug had been built for the Alexandra Towing co. Liverpool.
There was an Observer Editorial on ‘Burns’. At the end of a long eulogy it ended our Burns club along with many more the world over will pause their life pursuits to pledge a cup of kindness to his Immortal memory.
The drama ‘The Stepmother’ was staged at the Gaiety.
The Leith Hospital Shilling Fund continued to attract donations including Incognito – 2/6d and Good Success 42/-
The Leith School Board, Chairman Dr D Kilpatrick, discussed the need for a new school to be built. The proposal read: ’given the condition of the present Links Place school it is inappropriate that more money be spent altering the building and recommended that a new school be built. Following a long discussion it was agreed to accept the recommendation.
The provision of mid-day meals caused a question, was I the responsibility of the School Board or the Poorhouse Association? Bot arties were involved in long and sometimes heated discussions. No resolution was reached but all were invited to Kinnaird House, in the Kirkgate, to witness to see the problems and disruption caused by who was getting what.
The Leith Distress Committee was also involved in discussions about work for the unemployed and the use of Poorhouse labour. The committee wanted standardisation of the rates of wages and sharing of costs. The Parliamentary Grant allowed to the Local Government Board was to be read for guidance.
‘Ladies of the type known as Suffragettes’ had been arrested and charged with Disturbance an Offensive behaviour and appearing at the Police Court they sat knowingly in the places reserved for the public ‘at their own audacity’. They smiled around the room with a vacant and nervous way and moved about their seats like ‘a hen on a ‘het’ girdle’. There were protests about the charges being made and an argument about ‘these man made laws’. They were removed to the dock and sentenced with 20/- or 14 days. ‘The ladies melted away downstairs’.
At the Sheriff Court a gentleman was charged with the embezzlement of £130 from Messrs Munro & sons, spirit Merchants, Constitution Street. Sheriff Mac Connachie ‘leniently’ passed sentence 30 days.
An address on Home Rule for Scotland was given to a small audience at the Liberal Club Hall.
Hibs - ‘four goals’ – Queen’s Park – ‘one goal’ at Easter Road in front of a 6000 crowd.
At Hampden Park it was: Queen’s Park Strollers – ‘four goals’ – Leith Amateurs – ‘one goal’.
Watch this space, well the suggested page in next weeks exciting edition.
Further Information on Leith see ‘Leith’s Living Archives’ - http://firstleither.blogger.com
Printed & published by Strobomi Publishing © 2008 – leithslivingarchives
LEITH 100 Years ago 25th Jan – 8th Feb 1908.
From the Leith Observer & Advertiser. (The main weekly newspaper for Leith.)
Feb 1st:
This is the one you have been waiting for, yes, THAT SPACE: Hold on now, it’s:
GREAT CLEARANCE SALE – J Gibson-Walkers, 79 Great Junction Street, along with practically the whole front page announcing their similar events. Gies a break !!
The headline said ‘Something Accomplished’.
This something referred to the 25th Anniversary of Rev Kilpatrick’s serving on the School Board. It was said that under him ‘The Educational Ladder kept steadily in view and the ‘lad o’ pairts’ can make his way up. He had also served as Governor of Dr Bell’s School for 17 years. The Board said there was a need of thanks’ and he was awarded the Provost Meikle Medal. In an editorial the Observer observed that Rev Kilpatrick had brought more than just a presence to the Board, he had done for Leith what many School Boards had failed to do, especially in England by, at his first meeting of the Board, denouncing his ‘Free Churchmanship’ as such, saying that Denominationism had no part to play in our Educational Machinery.
The Tram debacle carried on, when everyone thought it had been solved. A further proposed amendment had been received starting, ‘my offer to confer with you in the subject of Granton Road’ and the Council debated all 14 clauses one by one. The reply again by clause ended, ‘We petition indeed for proceeding, please advise your agreement to communicate, accept and consent with the examiner’. It appears that a third party has been brought into conciliate.
Lodge Trafalgar celebrated its centenary with a study of the Century and it's origins.
At the Liberal Club Burn’s Night Mr Alexander Johnson spoke of the Flora of Burns saying
it was claimed ‘no botanist he’ tempered by his concern for flowers when in his works he writes ‘a Primrose by a river’s brim, a yellow primrose was to him, and it was nothing more’ but he also writes compassionately of a flower by the roadside saying ‘here lies a Rose a Budding Rose and blooms a Rose in Health’. He quoted at length including ‘A fig fer those including flowers, A Fig fer those by can pratelted, Liberty’s a glorious Feast’. Evidence of the mangled mind of Burns.
The Leith Hospital Shilling Fund rose by £4/10/12ths, including a donation from the Leith Provident Co-operative Society, Sandport Street of 2/-.
The Smallpox situation continued a good report that any fear of a general outbreak was dismissed by the good work of Dr Robinson and his team controlling and monitoring all aspects of the spread of the Maladies. This fear caused Dr Robinson to authorise a statement that no treatment is given other than at the ‘Little’ Hospital and non encountered otherwise areas.
There was a deputation to the Council by the Leith ‘cairters’ re the restriction of heavy traffic causing disruption to their trade. It was agreed to have the provision amended to exclude horse Drawn Carts.
A gift of a Diamond Tiepin was given to Mr DR Petrie organist at North Leith Parish Church as an expression of esteem and appreciation of his skill, tact and taste as a musician & choirmaster.
At the Gaiety Robinson Crusoe is running and at the ‘Tent’ in Jane Street, Mr Faulkner gave two showings of his Cinematic displays – ‘Signs of the Cross’.
Hibs ‘five goals’ – Abercorn ‘no goals’, Scottish Cup.
Seafeild Ath ‘three goals’ – Granton Oakvale ‘one goal’ Scottish junior Cup.
At the point in the Leith Observer reserved for ‘The Observatory’, an editorial, this week there is a footnote to the effect that ‘Owing to pressure on space several contributions including the ‘Observatory’ have been with held. (I know how they feel!!)
Feb 8th
There was another debate about Burns comparing him against the Ettrick Shepherd; this debate was so lengthy that the Observer gave almost a quarter of a page in coverage. The Pilrig bowls Club celebrated their fist Anniversary with their version o a ‘burns Night’ in the Glendinning Rooms on Leith Walk.
The Gas Company Employers agreed to contribute to the ‘sick benefit’ and instructed the finance Committee to make arrangements to do so.
In the Police courts 6 youths aged 16 were admonished for playing football in the Streets on a Sunday, meanwhile a labourer from Portland Place was remitted to the Sheriff Court for stealing 21 packets of Stationery from ‘Portland Place Station’. Three previous convictions were taken into account. Another labourer from Parliament Street was sentence to 10/- or3 days for being drunk and disorderly in ‘Henderson Street last evening and in Leith Walk this morning’.
The weekly health statistics were much the same as far as new and existing cases were concerned, but more prominence is given to the ‘East Pilton Hospital’ to where 60 patients had been transferred.
The Leith Ladies had a talk from a Lady from the Army Recruiting Office, apart from her expected topic she spoke about, women and Smoking, servants Charters, Spring Head gear, Wrist Cuffs, how to wash Lace and Treacle sponge.
The musical comedy, the Country Girl was staged at the Gaiety where an actor was injured, dislocating his knee during a dance routine.
HEADLINE: Influenza Epidemic. Don’t panic this was an advert for ‘Lightening Cough Cures’. 91/2d, 1/11/2d or 2/9d, depends on how bad you believe adverts.
The Leith Provident Drapery announces, 'An Important announcement':
2/- in the £ to non-co-operators??
The Leith Hospital Shilling Fund receives donations from, My 11th Limerick – 20/- and Now or Never – 700/-. Yes I have checked it.
Only two cases of Smallpox are reported.
There is a ‘Disastrous fire’ at the premises of Harkness, Scanlon & Co, Wholesale Chemists and Druggists, Balantyne Road, near to Junction Bridge. The 3 storey building, with a Basement full of wool etc; where the fire was started suffered £5000 of damage, but the actions of the Fire Brigade diverted the fire away from nearby fuel tanks.
The Granton tramway extension was discussed yet again by the Council, where a committee of all sections of the Council, resolved to extend in agreement with Edinburgh Transport Committee to apply the Pilrig Agreement from Bonnington Road, Ferry Road, Granton Road and Granton to the mutual Burgh Boundary at Wardie.
Following the assassination of the King of Portugal and his eldest son, the Town Council sent by telegraphic message to the Marquis of Several, Portuguese Consul in London, expressing deepest sympathy for this dastardly act. A message of the Queens gratitude was received by the Council.
The matter of rents for the ‘working class dwellings at Sheriff Brae’ was debated. It was proposed to increase the rents for: 3 bedroom houses by 3d per wk. – 2 bedrooms by 6d per wk and single rooms by 3d per wk from 2/6d per wk to ‘only’ 2/9d per wk. This would bring another £3334 pa to the Council. It was moved that restrictions on lettings be introduced so that those earning 20/- per wk, would be eligible for a 1 bedroom house and those earning 25/- per wk eligible for a 2 bedroom property. The matter was referred to the housing sub-committee, where Mr Malcolm moved that rents not be imposed as these would bring a drastic reform by limiting wages. There was also accusations of people being in arrears not being sought when it was known that a good portion of their waged were being spent on drink and they were living like paupers. The motion to increase was carried 10 votes to 4 votes.
The Police committee considered a case of grievance re the way horses were being used by the cleansing dept. No evidence was produced.
The matter of Leith Police Clothing Contracts was discussed. Police and other Council clothing had hitherto been procured from local sources and now there was a proposal to buy the same from England. It was resolved to go for the best value for money: England.
To meet the cost of provision of lighting in common stairs it was proposed to have these met from the rates at a cost of 11/2d or £1500 pa. Motion defeated. (Who pays now?)
At the General Committee permission was granted to Mr Ward to form a lane between Dudley Avenue and North Fort Street for pedestrian use only.
A general outbreak of ‘foot and mouth’ disease on the continent caused quarantine steps be introduced for vessels arriving in port as a precautionary measure.
Hibs ‘four goals’ – Airdrieonians ‘no goals’
Leith ‘two goals’ Arthurlie ‘one goal’
Further Information on Leith see ‘Leith’s Living Archives’ - http://firstleither.blogger.com
Printed & published by Strobomi Publishing © 2008 – leithslivingarchives
LEITH 100 Years ago: 10th Feb – 22nd Feb 1908...
From the Leith Observer & Advertiser. (The main weekly newspaper for Leith.)...
Feb 15th Edition:...
The Ladies start this week in style considering, Women and Outdoor Sports, Taxing the Bachelors, the Sea Water Cure and the Importance of Manners and Appearance.
A donation from the sale of a poem, ‘Below Burns Statue in Leith’ raised 8/- taking the total to date of the Leith Hospital Shilling Fund to £782/10/1/12th. At the Wesleyan chapel in Great Junction Street, a Sacred Concert was held, soloist, Madame Jessie Strathearn. AR AM.
The Leith school Board purchased ‘Claremont Villa’ previously the residence of Provost Mackie, for use as a new school for the defective children.
At the Gaiety the last performance of the dairy Maid was to be followed by Fred Melville’s great drama, ‘Her Forbidden Marriage’ – see the Great scene ‘Marriage by Motor Car’ including a REAL MOTOR CAR.
The Observatory returned praising the handling of the Smallpox Epidemic but criticised the great acclaim given to the release of three patients as insensitivity. It also bemoaned the fact that there is a ‘traumatic cloud’ of the intention to look for a new site for the little hospital.
North Fort Street School, headmaster and staff held a reception and dance for a large party of ladies and gentlemen, friends of the school. The rooms in use were tastefully decorated and the partition in the large double classroom was drawn apart to provide excellent dancing facilities. The inspiring and up to date music was provided by Mr Gilchrist’s (Edinburgh) band.
At the Edinburgh sheriff court a Leith seaman, at the insistence of the Inspector of poor, Leith, was convicted of deserting his wife and 6 children, whereby they became chargeable to the Parish: Sentence £9 or 21 days.
The Leith steam trawler ‘Annie Walker’ caught off Dunbar a collapsible 20’ boat marked on he stern B803, thought to be from a foreign steamer.
The medical officer reported on sterilised and ‘buddeised’ milk for children. His hospital board had investigated this for 4 years and gave statements about sterilisation, pasteurisation and the dangers and disadvantages of these, stressing that these preparations were acceptable but only when the heating of and cooking with them was conducted properly. He also reported on a new treatment of milk recommended by Dr Budde of Denmark which included additives of peroxide and hydrogen had been found after testing to be more acceptable., and despite some small side effects recommended that this along with the others was to be given free to the poverty stricken for as long as possible.
In the Police courts there were 11 cases up before the Ballies. Two of assault, two of Breach of the Peace, two Laying down ashes, five, Theft. Sentences: Assault 10/- or 5 days to 7/6d or 3 days. B of P – 5/ -or 3 days. Laying down ashes 2/6d or 3 days. Theft £1 or 5 days to 10/- or 3 days.
A Fort Place fisherman created disturbances in that street during the night. The ballie asked: ‘were you celebrating some sort of Jubilee or anything?’ accused: ‘I came home from sea yesterday and had a few drams – I don’t know what I was doing’. With 3 previous convictions the sentence was 10/- or 7 days.
At the Parish Council, a motion disapproving of a resolution by the Relieving Committee to obtain weekly and monthly accounts from each grocer who supplied food to the paupers listing what each gave to who. Mr Douglas, moving, said, ‘life is too short for the inspector to take up his time going over these accounts. Moreover, it was a great hardship on the Grocers. The Resolution was adopted.
The council also received a letter from the Independent Labour Party, Leith Branch requesting weekly copies of parish council Minutes. After a lengthy debate mainly concerned with disclosures and the naming of names the council decide by 10 votes to 1 against permitting this, saying that there was enough press coverage and that the public were only entitled to see the Published annual accounts which ids a requirement by law.
A large number of members of Lodge Trafalgar attended a service in South Leith Parish Church in celebration of the centenary of the opening of the Lodge.
The annual Leith Police statistics showed a large increase in ‘drunkedness’ related offences, but 182 fewer juveniles appeared before court. There had only been one murder, however at 2162 the total crimes and offences was up on the previous year.
The situation with the Police Cup final also went to court, of another type.
A fourth attempt to settle the tie between the Edinburgh & Leith forces was needed and was played at Tynecastle. The first two games ended in draws. Inn the third game Edinburgh won one goal to nil, but Leith entered a protest about wrong players being listed in the Edinburgh team sheets, which was upheld. Leith won the fourth tie three goals to one goal.
In other local games, Polwarth beat Leith Central three goals to nil. Craigmillar beat Leith Amateurs three goals to two goals and Rosebury beat Leith Athletic Juniors by two goals to nil. The 1st Leith BB won four goals to one goal over the 5th Leith; the 4th Leith remained top of the table.
The Leith Independent Schools association held its 47th AGM at Lochend School where a good attendance heard Mr Bruce Lindsay, chairman report excellent progress. He went on to say that Leith was setting an example for other such as Edinburgh. The chairman had previously announced his retirement from the board after 17 years service. Mr Bishop, Secy, in a long tribute to the retiring chairman, said that they hoped that after a years rest he would return to the board.
The Water of Leith Purification and Sewage Committee gave a remit to their engineers involved in the proposed new overflow tank at Coltbridge to include for consideration the increase of outflow from the Water of Leith.
Feb 22nd Edition:...
The Health statistics showed 33 deaths, 13 male, 20 female including 3 deaths from ‘Pathesis’.(I can’t find this in the Medi - encyclopaedia). There were 23 notifiable diseases: Typhoid - 1. Smallpox – 3. Scarlet Fever – 14. Peuretical Fever – 2. Erapalis – 2. Sixteen persons were removed to East Pilton. 45 births were recorded, no sex.
‘and here are 100/- wi’ mair comin’ and Generous Nigel gave 28 and a half shillings to the Leith Hospital Shilling Fund. (People ask why I keep reporting this – it’s because it was obviously important then!!).
Mr James Bruce from the BBC gave a talk on ‘The story of new France’ to the members of the North Leith United Free Church (Ferry Road) Literary Association.
In Leith, Newcastle and other ports the Shipbuilding Employer’s Federation posted notices to the effect that a reduction of one half pence per hour or 14d per week would apply to time rates or 5% on piece rates. It stated that a similar reduction had already been made to ordinary shipworkers rates and that this reduction would be made in this week’s wages. The men, of course were strenuously opposed to this, but it was not thought there would be any lock outs.
At Cupar sheriff court the master of he steam trawler ‘’Retriever’ was charged with fishing inside the 3 mile limit, of the May Island. He pleaded guilty, but in his defence it was stated that the fishing gear had broke down about 36 miles out, and he returned to shallow water to repair it. After the repair he carried on fishing and was arrested by the fishery cruiser. ‘It was more an error of judgement that a deliberate attempt to contravene the law’. The sentence was modified to £20 or twenty days imprisonment, with the fishing gear being forfeited.
A ‘Nicht o’’ Burns’ was held at the NLPC Halls in Great Wellington Street, the concluding address stated ‘the poet is revered to a degree it never was before………….time but the expression stronger makes’.
The Granton tram saga continues, but seems to be nearing conclusion. The transport committee of Edinburgh Town council had before them the Memorandum of Agreement regarding the proposed arrangement, The ‘Heads of Agreement’ had been published confirming that the two councils were to co-operate in this matter in line with the ‘Pilrig Agreement’ wholly and in the same manner of Clause 20 of the leith Tramways confirmation act 1904’.
A new pillar box was erected on the pavement fronting Bonnington Road School and 745 people visited the public Baths, paying £8/10/61/2d. (Not all at once!).
The Observatory was sad to report that although there had only been one death from the Malady at the hospital, this was the 100th death in this epidemic. However it also reported that Dr Robertson, who had handled the outbreak so well, had been invited by the Royal Institute for Public Health to become a Vice President at the section for Preventive Medicine.
The Leith Esperanto Society met for their monthly meeting under the chairmanship of the Rev David Kilpatrick.
The Leith School Board again under the chairmanship of the Rev Kilpatrick agreed to appoint a second ‘Master’ at Trinity Academy, and to advertise for a Lady teaching modern languages. A letter from the head of Couper Street School applied for the award of the Perfect attendance watch to be given to Ina Christie for ten years perfect attendance, noting that she had also attended the Sub Co for two and a half years.
The Chairman asked – what is a Sub Co? – Supplementary Courses was the answer. – He should have written that down! – what is the point of saying Sup Co? (Laughter) Mp, MD, and all that sort of abbreviation, its perfect nonsense. (more laughter). The question of the award was remitted to the appropriate committee.
‘Leith’s new Golf Course’.. was the headline, ‘Its Appearance and Promise’.. followed by a sketch of the new course at Craigentinny.
Leith’s New Golf Course 1908..
The report goes on ”It was confidently stated at least once when the members and candidates for the Town council were facing the music on public platforms that the ground secured by the Town council at Craigentinny for a municipal golf course would never be other than a place for the propagation of weeds – or words to that effect. If the Gentleman who uttered that “optimistic” phrase has been out to the golf course lately, his mind would have been changed. If he has not, he should go out soon and get it changed for the alteration that has been wrought on that wilderness of weeds and plough ridges is nothing short of wondrous……. as time goes when altering the face of old mother earth”.
It went on to discuss: What is done, the placing of the bunkers, the belt of trees, that awful elbow at the eighth hole, 380 yards, two full drives and a mashie, and having to round that elbow. The opening….it has been agreed by the parks Committee that the formal opening will be in the first week of May. Bernard Sayers, North Berwick, Arnaud Massy, la Boulle, France, last years Open Champion being the central figures.
The first club to make the course their home is to be, appropriately, the Leith Corporation Employees Golf Club and Provost Mackie has accepted the position of Hon President.
The distress committee had written to the parish Council asking if they would be prepared to carry out the proposed outside work at the new poorhouse at their own expense, where 20 men from where could be employed. The council refused asking for a reply within 5 days to their earlier offer to pay half the cost if 20 – 30 would be employed.
The advert the previous week for the performance of ‘Her Forbidden Marriage’ was successful in attracting large audiences, sometimes full houses.
The Water of Leith Committee resolved to apply to Parliament for a Provision Order, for the improvement in the ‘great drain’ from the Dean to Seafield, including supplementary work for the overflow for use in heavy rains.
In the Police courts on the Monday there were 6 cases of Breach of the Peace, 1 of Indecency and of Trespass and 3 of Drunk and Incompetent. On Wednesday, however there was the case of the week.
A warehouseman from Jane Street was charged with, at his mother-in-law’s house in the same street, assaulted his wife by throwing soup in her face and dragging her about by the head. The accused – ‘I am guilty of soup, but not dragging’. The complainant in her evidence stated that the accused threatened to throw the salt cellar at her, but afterwards he had thrown spoonful after spoonful of soup at her, seized her by the head and knocked her in the corner. The accused: ‘she is a suffragette – did I seize you by the hair an drag you about? – you took me by ht e head and knocked me in the corner, and doubled me up. The accused kept asking questions until the Ballie stopped him. The mother of the complainant corroborated her daughter’s evidence. Accused: naw – that’ll do – anither suffragette – condemn me - I know you. The mother-in-law replied – I don’t want to condemn you.
Accused: then what are you standing there for? (laughter) ballie: Order – order – we must have some order here. Prosecutor: Have you any questions to ask your mother- in – law?
Accused: she’s not worth speaking to. Case found proven: sentence 7/6d or 5 days.
(A case of a salt and batter ye !!!).
In the East of Scotland Shield Hibs and Leith drew one goal all, and Leith Amateurs beat Edinburgh Northern two goals to one goal.
Further Information on Leith see ‘Leith’s Living Archives’ - http://firstleither.blogger.com
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LEITH 100 Years ago: 23rd Feb - 7th Mar 1908.
From the Leith Observer & Advertiser. (The main weekly newspaper for Leith.)
Feb 29th Edition:
What better way to start the weekend than by sitting by the fire with a glass of ‘Haggets Nourishing Stout’, only 2/6d a dozen and coal now at a low price of 17/- a bag (cwt) for Good Lothian and 22/- for Best Niddrie.
(We have to recall that in the past few weeks Leith Town Council had decided that only those with a family income of 20/- a week could rent Corporation house with two bedrooms?)
The Tramway ticket returns for the previous week were £455/11/10d an increase of £12/10/- on the previous year. (This is only mentioned because there is no other report on Tramway business this week – what’s happening on Lower Granton Road?
Health statistics showed a normal (sic) death rate, 17 male, 30 female. Seven under one’s - 9 between 1 and 5 years and 13 over 60. There were18 notifiable diseases recorded and 16 patients had been sent to East Pilton Hospital.
Under Provost Mackie, the Edinburgh and Leith Gas Commissioners met, amongst other things they decided to provide canteen facilities at Granton gas Works, and that the old works were to be sold. They accepted a proposal to oppose the ‘Coal Mines 8 Hour Bill’ saying it would lead very much dearer coal for the Gas Companies. The Government were strongly in favour of this Bill and had pledged to carry it through; the mood of the country was that this Bill was eminently desirable. – Decision deferred.
Provost Mackie’s annual treat for the poorhouse dwellers filled the large hall. A concert was given by many local artists and gifts of food, sweets and tobacco were distributed.
It was announced that Bruce Peebles, the East Pilton Engineers were to go into liquidation.
On Junction Bridge a horse bolted, injuring a lady passenger in a lorry it collided with. Its trailing harness overturned a grocer’s barrow near Bowling Green Street, after which the
horse veered away and cantered back to its stables in Coburg Street.
The Burgh of Leith tendered – again – for uniforms for Tramway workers.
‘The Woman who Gambled’ was coming to the end of its run at the Gaiety, to be followed by the weird mystery – from life to death – ‘A False Wife’.
The Leith Hospital general council of Contributors, at their AGM heard that 22190 patients had been treated in 1907, an increase from 21917 in the previous year. Given the average number of patients per day, the cost per annum per occupied bed was £250.
The ‘Shilling’ und saw a bad week, given that 20/- was contributed by children of he Burns Street mission, only a further 39/- had been donated.
Dalmeny Street United Free Church celebrated the semi-jubilee of the Sabbath School, 272 children attended a special service t which some 140 teachers, past and present and guests had been invited.
A Railway porter was fatally injured at Central Station sidings, when shunting carriages ran over him severing both legs.
A letter had been received by the Leith Observer, from the organisers of the Scottish National Exhibition – Edinburgh – 1908 with an:
‘Appeal for a Leith Exhibit’. Wm Lindsay, FRSGS, Joint Convenor, wrote:
“Sirs. I am convinced that were her citizens willing the historic Port of Leith could take a lead in making the Exhibition successful and more distinctly National.
Leith, on many eventful occasions has, by the combined sagacity and patriotism of her merchants and the skill and hardihood of her mariners, secured for Scotland a renowned place in the annals of naval supremacy. In this connection it is pleasant to remember that the Port of Leith was virtually the birth-place of the Scottish Navy of the past, and from its harbour, Wood and Barton sailed the seas and kept the flag of Scotland proudly waving in spite of every foe.
Was it not from the good town of Leith that King James IV’s renowned ship, “The Great Michael” was launched, and was it not for the size and strength the wonder of her time; then good ships all of them: The Flower – The Yellow Carvel – The Lion – The Jenny Pirwin – The Cuckoo – The James – The Margaret, and others of the same period showed that Scotland’s commerce was promoted and protected by the men of Leith.
This being her honourable record in the stormy past, would it not be a gracious act – an act of patriotism – if Leith would kindly contribute to the Exhibition a model that would clearly symbolise the foundations of her commercial enterprise.* Models of the aforementioned famous ships would prove an immediate attraction to the public, and were a large model of, say, the Yellow Caravel - the work of Leith’s own carpenters – presented to the Exhibition by Leith’s townsmen, it would be a tribute whose value and whose interest would be unique.
The model could be appropriately anchored on the Water of Leith within the Exhibition Grounds (at Saughton) and would effectively remind the crowds of visitors that as of old the Port of Leith was still a leader in commerce and trade the world over.
I make this appeal because I know the people of Leith are desirous of their town’s advancement. I know they would like her to maintain her worthy place in Scotland’s history. I know they will gladly help to realise this suggestion, made for the sake of the success of a national event which is intended not only to advance the national prosperity, but to spread the blessing of peace, fraternity and lasting friendship among the nations of the world.
The ultimate destination of such a model, after the Exhibition is over, might be in our Royal Scottish Museum.
Trusting the Leith citizens will be pleased to consider the suggestion herein contained, and hoping that it may appeal to them and meet with their approval. Yours etc;”
Leith Academy Former Pupils held an evening of Musical Entertainment and Dance at Coupar Street Halls. ‘Cinderella’ was the theme.
The boys’ Brigade inter-company football league competition ended, the 4th Leith being top of the league, he 10th Leith narrowly beaten into second place.
Hibs lost to Kilmarnock by one goal to no goals.
MARCH 7th Edition:
There had been a proposal to extend Starbank Park and a public meting was held in the Madras Hall on Craighall Road where some 50 residents heard details of the proposal. A petition, which gathered about 600 signatures in favour of the extension were assured that the purchase of the land required for this scheme would not be affected by the extension at Victoria Park and the extension would not only be enhanced amenities for the local community but for the entire ward. In support of the proposal, it was stated that as Leith had no sea beach, what better substitute than a seaward looking park. The proposal was sent to the Council.
The National Actors Association decided to ‘demand’ a minimum wage of £2 per hour.
At the Market Hall, the Temperance Society entertained and presented a concert by the St Cecelia’s Orchestral Choir on behalf of Leith Hospital funds. £w/13/4d was raised, and gratuitously raised to £3 by the Society.
Meanwhile the ‘Shilling Fund’, now nearing the end of its fundraising time-span at the end of March raised another 207/-.
In the Leith Dean of Guild Court, James Bertram & Sons were given permission to build a Brass foundry at their Leith Walk premises. Robert Lamb of Logie Green Works were given permission to erect a wooden shed at Seafield’ on the understanding that it would not interfere with the adjacent wall belonging to Leith Town Council.
Bernard Sayers, the golfer, had intimated that he would be very pleased to play at the opening exhibition of the new golf course together with Mr Massy of France the current open Champion. Prise money of £25, £15 and £10 was suggested. The matter was approved, but there was some disapproval that the course needed more money spending on it. ‘The grass isn’t even growing. ‘The charge of 1/- a head entrance fee wouldn’t help the grass – it would make it worse’. It was agreed t proceed with the exhibition and the charges.
The Leith School Board, at their meeting announced that Leith academy would take part in the Scottish National Exhibition as part of a 230 strong choir and orchestra in the Grand Hall.
It was asked if this was the only school involved ad confirmed that it was.
‘What about the Newhaven School dressed as fisher people?’ Don’t know, but will refer to committee for consideration.
Leith Town Council had a long debate about Rates, the arrears thereof and their collection.
It was stated that arrears would be subject to a penalty, and in future there would be an opportunity to pay by instalments. No details as to how this would operate, but reference was made to the Gas company payments which were due 3 times a year. Any who don’t pay are made to pay by ‘penny in the slot meters’ or get no gas at all.
‘Are we to do that as well?’ (Laughter) – ‘something after the same manner – but still in advance!’ The motion was carried by 10 votes to 5 votes.
At the Police Courts a carter from Eastfield pleaded guilty to being drunk while in charge of two horses, both attached to the same cart. Eight previous convictions were reported and the sentence was 20/- or 14 days in custody.
Three labourers sons from Bangor Road, aged 12 and a half, 10 and a half and 8 and a half respectively were fund guilty of stealing from the green in Tennant Street, two pairs of ladies knickers, a nightgown and a bolsterslip.
A labourer’s wife from Weir’s Close was fined 6d or 5 days for being drunk in charge of two children under two.
Yet another labourers wife, from Bonnington Road was fined 5/- or 3days for being drunk in Coburg street on Saturday and again on Sunday in Leith Walk.
A Dock Place seaman was convicted of assaulting two showmen in the Kirkgate with his fists. - 7/6d or Twenty Five Days.
Four youths were charged with playing football in Smiths Lands on Sunday. Three were fined small amounts; the fourth had the case dropped as he was in the Smallpox Hospital.
A carpenter’s son from Starbank was remitted to Haddington Sheriff Court. He had stolen £2 from a box at Blaghie Farmhouse, where he was employed. He had gone to London by train, but, tiring he returned to his parents house in Newhaven. The Police had been made aware of the theft, and on his return the boy was recognised and arrested. The detective discovered that he had handed the balance of the money to his mother. £15/13/6d.
The Government’s Licensing Bill had created much ‘disquietitude’ in the Trade, both in England and Scotland, which was set out in a statement of opinion by a Mr WG Sinclair of Edinburgh, Managing Director of Allsops Brewery, also of Edinburgh and we give space to it as more dispassionate and better responded than others that have been published. The Statement begins: “The Bill is so extraordinary in character that as a businessman I am almost tempted to say it is not worth while recording it”. The Bill, in summary, set out to vastly reduce the number of licensed premises and impose far greater duties on the sale of alcoholic beverages. It was intended to compensate those who ‘lost’ licenses but only meagrely. The great amount of drink related crime was one of the reasons given for these changes, but the trade and local councils as well were against the move. The trade because of the hardship on its members, and the local councils because they too would lose out since they charged rates for licences. The statement went on at length, giving many arguments against this imposition, but to no avail, the Bill was passed by Act of Parliament.
Hibs beat Port Glasgow Athletic by two goals to one goal. Leith met East Stirlingshire at Falkirk in front of a crowd of 800 supporters. East Stirlingshire were the winners by three goals to one goal. NB Thistle met Leith Athletic Jnrs at Holyrood Park in the Edinburgh League, NB winning comfortably by Seven goals to three goals. At Chancelot Park Leith Battalion BB’s were due to play the ‘Old boys’ in preparation for the next week’s game against Edinburgh.
• Editors note. The copy sent to ‘aboutmyarea/eh6’ stops at this point.
For further Information on Leith see ‘Leith’s Living Archives’ - http://firstleither.blogger.com
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LEITH 100 Years ago: 8th - 20th March 1908.
From the Leith Observer & Advertiser. (The main weekly newspaper for Leith.)
March 14th Edition:
The Ladies of Leith as always start the week discussing – The going abroad season, taking colds and the sweating evil. There is no statement if these topics were interlinked. Of course it didn’t stop there, they also discussed cooking lessons and meals for one, our summer coats, the new spring straws, roes and mushroom toast and toilet needs.
There had been 33 deaths, 16 and 17 male and female respectively, of which one was under 1 year old, 8 between the ages of 1 & 5 and 7 over 60.
Of the twelve notifiable diseases recorded there was only one incidence of Smallpox.
An interesting article discussed travel between - Edinburgh and Glasgow - before the Railway.
A brief consideration of travel before the opening of the North British Railway, Edinburgh to Glasgow in1843; by road there were only two options, via Murrayfield, Linlithgow and Falkirk, or, via Gorgie Mid-Calder and Shotts.
The stagecoach service had started in 1670, leaving Edinburgh on Monday morning and returning (God willing) on Saturday.
A twelve hour ‘Express service’? ran from @ 1700 – 1790. It carried fewer passengers who had to walk when the stagecoach encountered steep inclines, and there were numerous, planned and unplanned stops, including hose for Dinner and Tea, which had been necessary on the previous longer planned journeys.
In 1780 a John Warde, with the introduction of spring suspension cut this journey time to six hours. The ‘Royal Telegraph’ was pulled by four horses.
This became so popular, that very soon after the introduction of the service; it was seen to be necessary to schedule two services per day (again God willing) in each direction.
The Forth & Clyde canal was opened in 1822. The canal barges were only suitable for the carriage of goods etc; but passengers would send their luggage by barge and travel by stagecoach, and eventually ‘omnibus’ to meet the barge at Port Dundas. This service was also very popular, so much so, that three road passenger services were needed to meet he luggage being carried.
There is a small note about a Boys’ Brigade ex-Members Club having a swimming match.
The 1st and 15th BB’s were involved but it doesn’t say if this was a swimming club only.
‘Dare Devil Dorothy’ was coming to the end of its run at the Gaiety, to be followed by ‘Life’s Sweetest Sins’.
The shilling fund received but two donations. One from “R” of 21/- and another of 2/- from a Daniel Paterson of Great Junction Street. The 2/- was the contents of a purse he had
handed in to the police, having found it in Duke Street. Here had been no claimants, therefore the contents had been returned to the finder.
West Lothian Council had complained to the City council about the Waste Paper Nuisance caused by the amount of waste paper from the City being sent to the county for disposal.
Lower Granton Road Tramway Extension:
The saga that was whether or not Leith would be allowed to extend its Tramway route to Granton Square via Lower Granton Road had been under consideration for some Months, the respective Council Tramway Committees having different views on how this could be operated.
The problem was that Lower Granton road was under Edinburgh Council control, they had no intention of creating a tramway to Granton Square, whereas the Leith council saw a need for this because of the large number of workers from Leith employed at Granton Gas works, which was operated by the Edinburgh & Leith Gas Corporation.
A scheme had been agreed for revenue sharing on trams from both councils, using the Pilrig Junction, but the proposed use of Lower Granton Road had wider complications. This was not a junction, but a thoroughfare.
The ‘Pilrig Agreement’ was laid in standing orders of the ‘Leith Burgh Bill’ and the proposed extension was seen best to fit in to that legislation.
The disagreement was such that the matter had been referred to a committee at the House of Lords, where after lengthy discussions, explanations and considerations the Chairman, after conferring with his fellow committee members said that the Standing Orders relating to the Standing Orders would be dispensed with.
(The full report can be seen on Leith’s Living Archives).
In last weeks edition there was a report on the Newhaven boy, Thirteen and a half years of age, who had an adventurous trip to London using the proceeds of theft from his employer’s premises at Haddington. At Haddington Sheriff Court the court heard that the employers had no wish to continue to employ the boy. His Lordship agreed that this was on the whole probably best, and suggested that the boy seek alternative employ, in the period before the family emigrated to Canada. The boys Mother, answering His Lordship’s question said that she knew of no one who would be sufficiently interested in the boy to consider offering him employment.
This being so, the Fiscal, at the request of His Lordship agreed to try to get the boy some employment, and it was agreed that the boy be allowed home after entering into a bond, whereupon he would, if called upon, appear within twelve months for sentencing.
The members of the Leith Kinderspiel Class presented to a large audience in the Assembly Rooms, the comic opera, ‘Jack Jolliboys Homecoming’ he cast comprised Twenty principal characters, seven Market girls, seven principal dancers, sixty of a chorus and six of the Misses Sutherlands Highland dancers. Stalls of Fruit and vegetables, used as props on the stage were supplied by Miss Fairbairn of the Kirkgate.
The Death was announced of Mr James Shepherd Adams of John street, for forty years chief Engineer on the Northern Lighthouse ship ‘Pharos’. For many years he was also a kirk session member at North Leith Parish Church.
The Leith Parish Council moved a comprehensive resolution after the Feeding of Schoolchildren Act. It noted that there ws no adequate scheme of old age pension for those of that age who needed feeding, and that this should be inclusively established.
Five cases were brought to the sheriff Court by the Leith School Board against parents failing to provide elementary education to there children, the first of which was against a parent from Albany Street.
The parent said: ‘To a certain extent I am guilty. If I had worked in town I would have done all I could to get the child (13 years old) to school regularly, but I am employed at Granton Gas Works. My wife does her best, and nor is the child. He took a hatred to the school and will not go. She is not able to go with him.
After cross examining, the Sheriff asked, ‘is the boy here today’? – accused - ‘no he is at school’ – sheriff – so he is at school today then? – accused – ‘yes, and all the week. I give him plenty of strap, that is all can do’. After many witnesses and a lengthy hearing, the defendant was found guilty. 7/6d fine or 3 days, 2/6d expenses anyway.
The educational section of the Leith Provident co-operative junior choir gave a concert, also in the Assembly Rooms.
In the police Courts, there was an interesting case for Publicans. A lady licence holder for the sale of intoxicating liquor at premises in Giles Street was charged with having knowingly permitted drunkedness on the premises when a married fireman from Couper Street was allowed to remain there in a drunken state.
The defendant said in evidence to the contrary that her sister who had gone to the premises that night found the man at the bar with no drink in front of him and that when he left he appeared to both to be sober. When the man was arrested the following morning he confessed to drunkedness the previous evening and said he had been on the premises.
After long deliberations on the different reports of events and considering the previous good way the house had been run in a difficult area, the Judge said, the fine for this offence is £5 but I will modify it by half (£2/10/0d), with the alternative of 21 days imprisonment.
The Fire Brigade were called to a fire at the Grain Elevator in the docks. The alarm had been raise by the ‘May Otway’ apparatus which rings a bell when the temperature reaches a certain degree of heat. The fire was soon extinguished and damages amounted to £200.
At Parkhead in front of 18000 fans, Celtic defeated Hibs by four goals to no goals, while at Somerset Park, in the 5th round of the Consolation Cup, Leith Athletic and Ayr United drew no goals each.
March 21st Edition:
North Leith United Free Church – Coburg Street, had a guest preacher – Rev G Robson BD, Ex moderator of ‘Disposed Congregations’.
There were 9 cases before the Police Courts: one, Cruelty to Children, two of Assault and another two of Breach of the Peace. One charge of ‘Jostling’ and two of Drunk & Disorderly behaviour;
The charge of Cruelty to Children was referred to the Sheriff Court under the Cruelty to Children Act – 1904.
A labourer from Broad Wynd was convicted of assaulting a Tolbooth Wynd lady by striking her on the face and dragging her about by the hair on her head on the Shore, while another labourer from Bath Road was convicted of Disorderly conduct, having assaulted his mother– in-law by striking her on the face. The sentences were 20/- or 3 days and 15/- or 10 days respectively, the latter conviction considered three previous convictions. Whether these all referred to his mother-in- law is not stated.
Two men from St Ninian’s Lane and Broad Wynd respectively were convicted of being Drunk and Disorderly on two different occasions by drawing a crowd when fighting. 10/- or 7 days, (10 previous) and 7/6d or 3 days (1 previous).
Meanwhile a Williams Street, Edinburgh, iron Worker acknowledged his liability to be blacklisted, having been found drunk and disorderly on Saturday in Weir’s Close and similarly on 3 previous occasions within the past year.
Accused: – I am not a man addicted to drink – I have been unfortunate. If I get a chance again, I’ll never put it to my mouth again.
Ballie: - you are in a very serious position; I don’t suppose you want to be blacklisted?
Accused: - I would not sir.
Ballie: - Very well, 10/- or 7 days, and see that you don’t come back again or that is what will happen. (Blacklisted in this sense means barred from all public houses within the town for an indiscriminate length of time)
The women’s Freedom League, Leith Branch had a talk on Women Suffragettes in Foreign countries. Ten ladies attended.
Afire at the Victoria rubber Mills in Leith Walk caused the Fire Brigade to be called out. A spark from the friction of the machinery had fallen into a trough containing Rubber & Naptha.
The fire had been doused by applying wet bags before the Brigade arrived but a worker from Bedford Street had been severely burned on the arms and neck and taken to the Royal Infirmary where he was detained.
The ‘Iolantha’ a yacht of 2000 tons, built by Ramage & Ferguson, and fitted out at the Albert dock was launched. It was to sail under the Stars and Stripes, but also carrying the flag of Commodore Morton F Platt of the Schooner ‘Ingomar’, a well known Leith Yachtsman currently on the other side of the Atlantic.
The name ‘Iolantha’ appears happily chosen, since it was the name of many a Princess of the Italian Royal House, and it will prove to be a ‘princess of the Sea’. (Dimensions given).
Rev David Kilpatrick, at a meeting of the Edinburgh Presbytery of the United Free Church, moved that the Presbytery Petition Parliament in favour of ‘The Children’s Bill’.
He said they would scarcely recognise that 1600 to 200 children each year died by being ‘overlain’, and that this should be an offence – especially when intemperance was the cause.
Motion accepted.
A Parliamentary Notice was announced under the Private legislation Procedure – Scotland Act - 1895, regarding the Water of Leith purification and Sewage, informing of:
New Works - Acquisition of Land Construction of Surface Water Drains - Borrowing Powers and Rates - Agreements and Amendments to Acts and other purposes.
There were 3 full columns of details. (Will it all come out in the wash?)
The death was announced of Mr James Goalen, a well known townsman and member of an old Leith family. He had taken his fair share in the public domain and made reference often to the changing face of Leith, compared to the days of his father and grandfather.
His Grandfather, William Goalen was a shipbuilder in north Leith and had bought land at what was to become Couper Street, building a house there known locally as ‘Braidstairs’.
He also built Starbank House.
Among John Goalen’s public duties were as a member of the Leith Parochial Board, director of the Leith Property and Building Society and of the Leith Cemetery Company. He was also a member of the Kirk Session at South Leith Parish Church and became a property owner & landlord of many housing developments.
Mr Wm Gardner – Sinclair of Dodson, Mair & co, St Clair’s Works, and more recently of Samuel Alsopp & Sons, Burton on Trent, brewers, was created a Knight of the Order of Isobella by King Alfonso of Spain.
Ex Ballie Hyslop’s Hospital Scheme came before the Leith School Board; He had written about an endowment scheme for the provision of two cots, one for boys, the other for girls costing £2400 and wanted a special effort to raise this amount. Three hundred and fity children had been treated in the hospital in the previous year. The Board agreed to place collection boxes in each school, and even in each class, under the control of the Headmasters. But insisted that other monies would have to be collected by the Ballie and his supporters; It would go before the Management Board, but it had to be noted that this could not be seen as a precedent for raising hospital funds, even though the hospital did a magnificent job.
A meeting of the Distress Committee was called for an eight o’ clock start, but by eight-fifteen only eight people were in attendance. Although the quorum was six members the meeting was abandoned since relevant members were absent. It was reported that the work at Seafield (Poorhouse) was going all right.
A gallant Police Constable had, throwing his overcoat and tunic off, jumped into Leith Harbour to rescue a man who had leapt into the water. Rescuing him. The man from Couper Street was taken to Leith Hospital. In court he was charged with being drunk and disorderly and collecting a crowd.
The Prosecution asked for the highest penalty be applied, and the Ballie said to the accused on sentencing. I would like to point out not only was your life in danger, but that of the Constable. It is a good job that every Constable in Leith can swim. 10/- or 7 days.
The Edinburgh & Leith Gas Commissioners were requested by the works committee to increase the charge for public lighting, which had not changed since 1902. Present rates are: 2/6d per 1000 cu,ft. for flame burners in stairs and 2/5d for the same amount used in incandescent street lighting. Private customers paid 3/- for the same amount. The Committee said it could afford to charge public gas at 2d or 3d more.
Three options were considered and it was agreed that all public supplies would be charged at 2/6d.
St Patrick’s Day had been celebrated by the large Irish population in Leith. An enjoyable Irish concert and a drama had been held in St Marys School, but beyond that no ‘real’ celebrations took place.
Hibs, playing Falkirk, at Brockville lost by three goals to one goal
In the Scottish Consolation Cup Final replay at Logie Green Leith beat Ayr United by one goal to no goals.
The Edinburgh & leith Battalions of the Boys’ Brigade played their annual match at artillery Park, Murrayfield, Leith running out winners by two goals to one goal.
For further Information on Leith see ‘Leith’s Living Archives’ - http://firstleither.blogger.com
Printed & published by Strobomi Publishing © 2008 – leithslivingarchives
These documents were now being used by Leith FM, the local radio station.
LEITH 100 Years ago: 21st Mar – 3rd - Apr 1908.
(Supporting the Campaign for a Leith Museum – 2008)
From the Leith Observer & Advertiser. (The main weekly newspaper for Leith.)
March 21st Edition:
The long running ‘story’ – Secret Town – draws to an end in Chapter XXV.
“It was all my fault Roger” – she mumbled – “all the fault of my foolish jealousy”. – “Lady Sabina’s right and I was nearly punished for it as she – it is I who must ask forgiveness – Roger – can you forgive me? And what could the answer be than a kiss? –ahhhhhh!!
Next week – ‘The Fortune Hunters’ by Esther Murray.
Continuing in the Ladies vein they discussed – carefulness in the young – for a sick headache – the use of hot baths – about damp streets – the care of hair and concluded with Cheese Puffs & bathing the baby.
‘The Worst Woman in London’ was coming to the end of its run at the Gaiety to be followed by an adaption of Marrie Correlli’s great novel ‘The Sorrows of Satan’.
The smallpox disease had ceased to be an epidemic. Only one new case being reported, and that being an unvaccinated gentleman.
Three of the seven cases admitted in the previous week had been discharged and it was hoped that the Smallpox hospital would be empty in the following week.
The mid-day meal for schoolchildren had been served last week for the last time this session (in the Kinnaird Hall). It was a feast of fat things for the 300 little folk, more than usual, as was the noise and hilarity. They had a good dinner and went away with a large lump of currant bread in their hands. Ex-Provost Kinnaird with recollections of his ‘Leith Laddiehood’ called it ‘plum duff’ though cookery books called it pudding – ‘duff’ being a local rendering of dough. He said that the little plate and big lump of pudding somewhat enriched the eyes of those who had not looked for a second course – the vestiges of this part of the feast were indeed few.
A grand concert was given in the Drill Hall in aid of the Police aided scheme for providing of boots for the destitute children and other local charities. Ballie McKenzie said: “It was a heart rending sight to see poor children in cold weather without boots or stockings. The organisation had done good work, spending £44 more than it had received and 296 pairs of bots and stockings had been ‘lent’ to such children despite the parents having wasted their meagre monies on tobacco and alcohol”.
The Unionist association of Leith Burghs met to adopt a candidate for the Burgh. After discussion Mr George Laybourne Watson was adopted. He had a long acquaintance with Leith, through Lodge Trafalgar and the Leith Rifles. He was a man of leisure and could therefore devote his time to Parliamentary purposes.
Mr Watson who had been kept waiting in a side room for the duration said, in a short speech, that Socialism was a nightmare and that he wanted to make his opponents squirm.
The trawler ‘Sea King’ was picked up in a sinking position 150 miles out from the May Island. The crew were in peril and thrown off the boat which was towed into Leith Harbour.
The Leith Burns Club met and a large meeting heard Mr JT Johnstone of Broughton Street talk about ‘When George III was King’.
He surveyed the reign of the King, the court; social life; fashion and customs of the period and made strong allusion to the mental breakdown of the King and the appointment of the Prince Regent. He also spoke of the time Burns spent in the Capital mentioning the old incorporations, their position and functions and also drew note to the dimensions of Leith and the grossly unkind treatment meted out to the port by their powerful “superior” which exacted many dues and rendered little service in return.
The juvenile section of the Lighthouse Tent No. 1400 (Newhaven) Independent Order of Rechabites had their annual soiree in the Fishermen’s Hall. In the Chairman’s remarks it was stated that from the 649 member’s fees of £54. A sum of £41/6/3d was given to Medical Charities.
Twelve cases came before Baillie Bryson. Five of Breach of the Peace; one each ‘jostling’ and indecency and another five of Drunk and Disorderly.
An Iron Founder from Bernard Street, having 4 previous convictions was penalised to the extent of 20/- or 14 days custody for creating a disturbance in his own house, meanwhile a labourer of no fixed address was fined 15/- or 10 days for Breach of the Peace in Henderson Street. Two previous convictions were taken into consideration. Another such offence in the Kirkgate by an Edinburgh engineer saw a fine of 7/6d of five days while a Water Street labourer admitted committing a similar offence in Water close early in the morning and again today had to pay 5/- or 3 days.
‘Jostling’ ‘passengers’ in the Kirkgate was the charge against an Elbe Street labourer, the charge was admitted, the fine 10/- or 3 days. The same penalty was given to another labourer for being indecent in Constitution Street.
The drunks were dealt with thus: One man with 3 previous convictions 7/6d or 5 days; an Edinburgh lady with 10 previous convictions 10/- or 3 days and a seaman on his first appearance for such a charge 3/6d or 2 days.
A respectable looking seaman residing in Sandport Street making his first appearance pleaded guilty of assaulting a gent from the Shore in Duke Street, striking him on the face, knocking him down and while down striking him repeatedly.
The Baillie said he understood the case and passed sentence accordingly: 20/- or 14 days.
‘The Territorial Force’ -- ‘Allocation and Number of Troops’.
“A special Army Order” had been issued giving the detail of Mr Haldane’s Territorial Force Scheme as now adjusted.
There have also been issued orders showing the method of transference of Volunteer Units to the territorial force and of the transfer f property of the volunteers to the County Associations.
This announcement goes on to classify all existing Volunteer numbers including Yeomen, Infantrymen, Artillery, Engineers and Royal Army Medical Corps together with existing battalions and support headquarter staff numbering some 11,896 officers and 302,199 other ranks.
Recruitment to the Territorial forces would commence on April 1st under the authority of the County associations with the assistance of the Adjutant and permanent staff of he units involved.
For the present recruits would be between the ages of 17 and 35 on enlistment. Boys between 14 and 17 could with the consent of their parents or guardians be recruited as trumpeters, buglers or bandsmen. The term of re-engagement must be no less that one year and no more than four years.
Every recruit will have to undergo a medical examination on enlistment, but not on re-engagement in the Territorial Forces.
The age for discharge of sergeants other than those on Permanent Staff will be 50years, wit powers of retention, in very special cases of up to the age of 55 years.
In the case of Rank and File the age of discharge will be 40, with a possible retention by the Commander for a further period not exceeding five years.
This rule will give rise to criticism, as there are thousands of useful men who have passed the age of 45 and who are still quite capable of good work.
EDITOR:
This announcement would have been of particular interest to members of the 1st Leith Boys’ Brigade. In the July of the following year they would start a relationship with the Rt Hon Richard Haldane, Secretary of State for defence and his family and estate workers when they were to begin camping on the Cloan Estate near Auchterarder.
An annual event in the calendar of the company for some 45 years.
The Annual Dinner of the Aerated Water Manufacturers, Edinburgh & District; and Beer Bottlers Defence Association was held at the Carlton Hotel, Edinburgh.
The Chief Mate of the Leith steamer ‘Nubis’ admitted to attempting to smuggle 23 lbs. of tobacco. The contraband was concealed below the boards of his berth. He had been dismissed from service by the vessel owners and the Dundee Court fined him £24 with £1 expenses or three months imprisonment.
Hibs beat Clyde by two goals to one goal.
In the Scottish Consolation cup semi-final at Alloa. Alloa also won by two goals to one goal.
Leith Persevere nine goals – Brandon Star four goals;
Warrender United four goals Leith Ashville no goals;
Leith Persevere eight goals St Thomas’ Athletic four goals;
The first BB Inter-Battalion match between Leith and Glasgow was to take place on the Saturday at Chancelot Park. There were strong hopes for a continued unbeaten run by Leith over other battalions.
April 4th Edition:
The new serialised story ‘How the Mischief Began’ – began!! – will all be revealed?
The body of a man lying face downwards among stones was found by some Newhaven fishermen while walking along the breakwater at Annfield near the fish house. The stones were about sixty yards out from the breakwater & the condition o the clothes indicated that the body had been immersed for some days. At the Police Office Mortuary the body was found to be that of a Balantyne Road marine fisherman from the trawler ‘Robin’ then lying at Granton.
Mr William Tod from Denholm Green, Trinity of Messrs Jas &John Tod, Leith ws presented with an Illuminated Address on his retirement by Mr WA Carruthers, the oldest employee of the Firm on behalf of all the employees a both the leith Dalkeith Mills.
After an excellent supper, followed the good old custom always obeyed at the gathering of bygone days, of a reading of a part of the Scriptures after which all present joined the singing of the second Paraphrase.
A fire of alarming character broke out at a tenement in the Kirkgate creating a great deal of excitement for both the Saturday night crowd and the tenants themselves. Although the damage was estimated at £750 there was no loss or injury to human life.
In the Police courts:
A porter of no fixed address pleaded guilty of stealing an overcoat from premises in Tolbooth Wynd. Fine; 20/ or 14 days.
A St Andrews Street labourer with 24 previous convictions was ordered to pay 15/- or suffer 10 days for creating a disturbance in Queen Street by which a crowd was attracted.
Three labourers from Elbe Street; Ferrier Street and Gordon Street together with an apprentice butcher from Crown Street all pleaded not guilty to having obstructed the footway in Leith Walk along with several others.
The burden of the evidence from the constables was to the effect that there had been complaints about youths standing at the corner of Crown Place. On the evening in question they had observed the accused whom they had often warned before, standing there for 10 minutes, and when the constables drew near the youths moved on to the Causeway.
The ballie found the case proved and imposed a penalty of 5/- or three days, saying he knew the police extended a good deal of indulgence to the lads obstructing the pavements of the town. Each of the accused had one previous conviction.
A marine fireman of no fixed address with six previous convictions was fined 10/- or one weeks imprisonment for being drunk and disorderly on the Shore.
In the Thursday sitting the only thing to note was the high number (11) of drunks appearing.
This was put down to the previous day being Pension day. The three appearing for the first time – in sorrow – were admonished with a warning of what would happen should they appear again.
Bonnington Road District:
A Chapter of Memories.
Few districts in Leith have undergone a change to their natural features over the last forty years as that undergone by the irregular oblong space having on it’s four corners the Ebenezer and Junction Road United Free Churches, Pilrig House and Bonnington Bridge.
Cromwell house played a strong part in the problematical area, seen and thought of as haunted; Pilrig House replaced the old deserted Mansion House and rows of crowded tenement buildings stood before the delectable palace of wonders that is Macrte’s Theatre.
Behind the Theatre, further down Bonnington Road stood Swanfield Mills, then owned by the brothers Wilson – shrewd, pawkey and kindly Scots of a type rapidly dying out. The mill turned out good men as well as good flour, men certainly of local fame, but one of world wide repute; Andrew M Fairbairn the well known theological writer and Principal of Mansfield College, Oxford. Although principal Fairbairn’s career as a miller had ceased over forty years earlier it is worthy of record here if only in being another feather in the cap of ‘Good old Leith’.
Further down stood a little dairy farm extending back to Bangor Road. The firm of Field and Allan based there were also the owners of the Welsh Slate Quarries at Bangor.
Bonnington Hall School opposite a rural path known as ‘Tennants’ running between Breadalbane Street and Burlington Street was the scene of a memorable event when he sewer running down this path overflowed following a torrential torrent casing the schoolchildren to climb upon the forms until the floods subsided.
Pilrig House and it’s Lady Bountiful of the ‘sixties’ and ‘seventies’ needs no shade of RL Stevenson to make our memories ‘like distant music, soft and sweet’.
The weekly meeting for boys was presided over by her personage, her benevolent face framed in the cork-screw curls of our Grandmothers days, with her gentle voice reading from some book dear to the boyish imagination.
Ronald’s Mansion House almost opposite Pilrig House with its Ivy clad walls starched almost to Bonnington Toll is now swept into the limbo of the past as is the little whitewashed cottages opposite the Toll House.
From Bonnington Bridge to Hillhousefield the ground was nearly all orchard, painfully remembered by at least one of the uninvited guests. The House, sadly altered from wha it was when stately gallants of other days led the dance or listened to the minstrel’s ‘unpremeditated lay’.
Between South Fort Street and Cromwell’s House in what is now a district of teeming population was before only relieved from actual solitude by Junction Mills with the ruin of the old water mill on the other bank and a few tenements on Junction Bridge.
That old water mill probably stood on or very near the site of the ‘Mills of Leith’; granted by King Bruce to the citizens of Edinburgh, a grant from which Leith can accurately date the beginning of these centuries of tyranny and intolerable oppression, at the hands of her neighbour, which only ceased – in these more openly aggressive forms at least – on the passing of the Reform Bill in 1832.
Looking round from Pilrig house to the site of old Cromwell House, it is hardly too far fetched to say (if one had been acquainted with the district since the later sixties) with Wordsworth:
“Turn where’er I may – I see not now the things which I have seen before”
Editors Note: This week to be continued in next edition
For further Information on Leith see ‘Leith’s Living Archives’ - http://firstleither.blogger.com
Printed & published by Strobomi Publishing © 2008 – leithslivingarchives
LEITH 100 Years ago: ‘IN Absentia’
(Supporting the Campaign for a Leith Museum – 2008)
From the Leith Observer & Advertiser. (The main weekly newspaper for Leith.)
First Leither is unfortunately unable at this time to relate more of the happenings in Leith 100 years ago, so to keep you all going here are a couple of Leith Odes to while away the time.
These have also been taken from the Leith Observer; if you know of more please add them to ‘Leith’s Living Archives’ or send them to first leither at the Eaddress below.
Be good or yer grannie’ll be aifter ye!!!!
ALWAYS LEITH
O where is the Leith where Ah used tae stay' …
The white wally closes done up wi' pipe clay; …
Where ye knew every neighbour frae first floor tae third,…
And tae keep yir door closed wis considered absurd. …
O where are the weans that once played in the street …
Wi' a peerie, a jaurie, a gird and a cleek? …
Can they still cadge a colly or dreep aff a dyke? …
Or is writin' on walls noo the wan thing they like?...
O where is the polis that once walked the beat, …
And a' the wee keelies that played in the street? …
They would shout tae the polis "Away ya big mug!"…
And they a' ended up wi' a skelp on the lug! ….
O where is the wee shop where ah used tae buy ….
A quarter o' tatties, a tupenny pie, …
Some broken biscuits, a big soda scone,…
And the wummin aye asked "How's yer Ma gettin' on?"…
An' where is the chip shop that Ah knew sae well, ….
The wee corner cafe where they used tae sell …
White puddins, brown sauce and a penny a poke, …
An ye knew they were "Tallies" the minute they spoke.…
An' where is the tram car that once did the ton…
Down the Queensferry Road on the Junction Street run;…
Where the Conductress aye knew how tae deal wi' a nyaff –…
"If yer comin', come oan, if yer no', then get aff!" …
There's maybe one place ye've no' heard o' at a' – …
It'a the shop wi' the three brass balls up on the wa',…
Where yer good claes on Monday were put oot o' sight….
If you're lucky you got them for Saturday night! ….
An' where is the fitba' that Ah played an' saw? ….
The fair shooder charge an' the wee tanner ba'? ….
There was nae 4-3-3, there was nae 4-2-4 ….
An' yer mates didnae kiss you whenever you'd score!....
Now you've been tae Blackpool, tae Paris and Spain ….
But yer Ma and yer Da had tae aye stay at hame …
Wi a day tae North Berwick or Petticur Bay ….
For the Burroo in these days very little did pay. ….
Now you've fridges and freezers, TV and the likes ….
And the bairns have a' got they fancy new bikes. ….
Keepin' up wi' the Jones's is the modern way' ….
An' there's nae savin' up noo for that rainy day…..
O where is the Leith that Ah used tae know? ….
Big Willie, Wee Shooey, The steamie, the Co? ….
The sleekit wee bachle, the glaikit big dreep? ….
Yer ba's on the slates - yer gas oan a peep!....
T H A T’ S L E I T H
A place whaur bonny lassies dwell…
That’s Leith
Theyr names ah dinnae need tae tell…
In Leith
Wi’ eyes sae blue ‘n golden hair
Gang oot wi’ noses in the air…
They’ve plenty pride o’ thit ah’m shair
In Leith
A place wi’ roads aye in a mess
That’s Leith….
Thit gies the ladies great distress
In Leith….
Maist evry yin o’ them ye meet
Tucks up her dress abune her feet….
Tae keep it aff the dirty streets …………..In Leith
We’ve got a Provost good ‘n true
In Leith….
A maun wha kens a thing or two
O’ Leith….
We took it as a wee bit slight
Tae think he wisnae made a knight….
But shairly, time‘ll put that right………..For Leith
For further Information on Leith see ‘Leith’s Living Archives’ - http://firstleither.blogger.com
Printed & published by Strobomi Publishing © 2008 – leithslivingarchives
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