LOOKING BACK IN TIME

The following was contained in the Town’s newspaper of 26th March 1898

FANTAIL CHAMPION

On Friday evening last week Mr William Stevenson, Janefield, entertained the Ornithological Society in the Saracen’s Hotel, the occasion being the gentlemen’s phenomenal success at the principal shows in England and Scotland during the exhibition season just past. Mr Alexander Crawford, president of the Society, occupied the chair, and there was a fair attendance of members and a few friends. The trophies won by Mr Stevenson were on view on the table, and included six magnificent silver articles won at the Crystal Palace, London, Antiquarian Show, Forfar Open Show, and Kilmarnock Show. The array of silver was a remarkable one, and undoubtedly stamps Mr Stevenson as the champion fantail breeder in Britain. The company passed a most harmonious evening. The trophies were exhibited in our (local newspaper) window and attracted much interest.

DROWNING

On Monday, James Campbell, Bridge Street, Kilbirnie, aged 3, son of Mary Campbell, fell into the river Garnock from the steps at the backyard of his dwellinghouse. It was about 1 hour before the boy was missed and his body discovered about 20 yards further down the stream. A doctor was called, but, of course, the body was quite extinct.

MOVING FARMS

On Friday night last week a company of about 50 met in the Anderson Hotel last week to pay make a fond farewell and present a testimonial of their good wishes to Mr Joseph Reid, Bogside, who is leaving this parish to enter the farm of Barrhill in Kilbirnie. The Rev Innes Grant Sutherland was in the chair, and Mr John Crawford, jnr., Manrahead did the honours of croupier. Amongst those present were: John Reid, Commoncraig; A Reid, Middlebank; John Love, Threepwood; and Matthew Gilmour, Thomas Thorburn, D L Smith, J Marshall, S Kerr and D Kerr. After supper which was served in Mr Crawford’s best style, the chairman gave the royal toast which was loyally responded to. The croupier next gave toast to the Army, Navy, and Volunteers, to which Sergt Urquhart replied. Speeches, song and sentiment followed.

EXAMS

Glasgow University, passed in Zoology and Botany, thus completing her first professional examinations for M.B.

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.