Some of the information provided by Donald L Reid for this internet Beith News column may also be included in the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald.

The following extracts from the Western Supplement and Advertiser for December 1866 may remind readers of their not too distant roots and a way of life which is both informative and humbling:

Thursday last was our Parish Fast day. There were no services in any of the churches except the established. The weather was very wet and stormy and rain continued to tall from 10 o'clock forenoon until late at night. Rain and storm did not prevent many people from leaving the town bent on pleasure or business.

Lord Eglinton and a very large field of mounted gentlemen met at Beith Station on Tuesday. A good number of Beith people were at the station to see the meet, it being the first in the district this season. Unfortunately for those unmounted lovers of field sport, his Lordship is this year hunting in both Renfrewshire and Ayrshire, and the route taken by Lochwinnoch and on to Kilbarchan, excluded all who were on foot for the pleasure of seeing a run.

The committee appointed to superintend the enquiry as to the probably amount of expense required to bring water from Bigholm to the town of Beith, have done the work entrusted to them in a very business-like manner. The appointed Mr. Gale, Chief Engineer for the Glasgow water-works,

 to survey the ground, examine the springs, and to report on the expense of bringing the water Into the town. It appears that the report issued by Mr. Gale estimates the expense at £2,541. This is calculated to supply water for 3,500 of the population, at the rate of 20 gallons per head per day. It now lies with the proprietors of Beith to say whether their tenants are to have a plentiful supply of pure water brought to hand, or if they am still to depend on the present mode of well supply. It appears that 83 out of 106 nave signed for the bringing in of the water.

Some individuals will pooh, pooh, at us for yet again mentioning this nuisance which remains so obnoxious to the public health as the siver[1] in Clayholes Street. Firth is lying inches deep in many places in an open siver, principally because of the need for a new gutter. The Road Trustees should be looking to the interests of the Inhabitants of Beith and a new one should have been laid before this time. Can our Sanitary Committee or its officer not see to the remove of the said nuisance? Cholera is breaking out in many towns and villages and the great vigilance on the part of the guardians of public health is necessary.

We are happy to state that Lord Eglinton has again this year as usual, given 50 loads of coal for the poor of the Parish of Beith, and that Mrs. Ralston Patrick of Roughwood, has kindly sent £5 to the Minister of the Parish for the same purpose.