LOOKING BACK IN TIME
The following was contained in the Town's newspaper of 26th March 1898

STAR HOTEL
We understand that Mrs John Muir, who has for about 17 years been successfully associated with the Star Hotel, Beith, has disposed of the posting and hotel business to Mr Walker, spirit merchant, Paisley, for a large sum.

KINDERSPIEL
On Thursday night, Mr Brown, organist at the Parish Church, produced his annual kinderspiel in the Templars' Hall, the piece staged being Dan, the Newsboy. The children, who numbered all told about 70 performers, acquitted themselves in a highly creditable manner, and showed unmistakeable signs of the careful tuition which Mr Brown must have bestowed upon them to bring them to such perfection. The accompaniments were played by Mr N McInnes on piano and Mr J Blackwood on the violin. The pieces will be repeated on Friday and Saturday and we believe the entertainment deserves large audiences.

CABINET MAKERS DISPUTE
We understand that the masters have held several meetings for the purpose of considering the demands of the workmen in the various cabinet works in the district, and their reply has now been received by the men. The dispute arose because some shops in Beith and Glasgow paid up to 4s more than in some others. The employers, who have now organised themselves, advise that It shall be the option of the employer to adopt the system of piece-work or time-work as he prefers. That the limit of overtime be increased from 7 to 10 hours per week. That the employers be at liberty to employ non-union workmen, and that the union workmen agree to work harmoniously with the employees who may not be a member of a Trade Society. Here in Beith we have combination against combination, and with the sad experience of the engineers struggle before us, great wisdom should be exercised on the part of the men before precipitating themselves into a struggle which will have far-reaching results. We counsel caution and moderation on the part of both sides, as a rash step now will involve immense loss and suffering to those immediately concerned, as well as to the community at large. The men have been allowed until Thursday to give their reply for Beith, Dalry, Kilbirnie and Kilwinning and until the end of April for Lochwinnoch.

GRAND BENEFIT CONCERT
A Grand Benefit Concert will take place in the Kersland Barony School, Barkip on Friday, 15 April. Rev Alexander Leslie in the chair. The artistes are Miss Lizzie Johnstone, soprano, Miss Alice Johnstone, soprano and Mr McPhie, tenor. Mr Robert Slaon, Scotch Comedian will entertain and Mr Yuielder is the pianist. Doors open at 7.30 pm and the concert begins at 8.00 pm. Admission 1s and 6d. Tickets to be had from John Kerr, Hugh Douglas, James Auchie and David Bell. A Grand Assembly will follow in Miss Young's hall. Ticket admitting lady and gentleman, 1s.