Ardrossan - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
14 JANUARY 1888

ARDROSSAN HARBOUR EXTENSION

The work of the harbour extension is proceeding rapidly, and the Messrs Lawson, the contractors, are to be congratulated on the progress they have made.

In two parts the excavations have reached the required depth of 21 feet 9 inches below the original surface, and as the day lengthens the present squad of about 700 workmen will be augmented, while even new night and day shifts will be employed.

The channel between the lighthouse and the Crinan Rock will be 400 feet wide, while the depth of the water at the new harbour will be 18 feet at low water, and 27 feet at high water.

The area of the new dock will be about 10 acres, while the new outer basin will reach 7 acres.

Every modern appliance for the speedy loading and discharge of vessels will be furnished, and the new harbour when completed will largely increase the trade of this port.

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GLASGOW HERALD
14 JANUARY 1888

ARDROSSAN WATER SUPPLY

The great demand for water, caused by the harbour extension works and the Lanarkshire & Ayrshire Railway points to a probable deficiency in the summer.

In order to provide against this awkward contingency the Commissioners of Police have just inspected the site for an additional reservoir, and will meet again on Monday to further consider the matter.

Meantime they have resolved to extend the 6 inch pipe at the harbour to meet the requirements of Mr Lawson, the contractor for the harbour extension.

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CASUALTY OF WAR
14 JANUARY 1917

Died on service, Private ANDREW GRAY ANDERSON, (28), 44th Battalion Australian Infantry – Theatre of war, France and Flanders – son of Richard and Jessie Anderson, Glebe Nursery, Springvale Road, Saltcoats.

The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald subsequently reported: -

“Word has been received by Mr and Mrs Anderson, Glebe Nurseries, Saltcoats, that their second son, Private ANDREW GRAY ANDERSON, Australian Force, was killed at the front on 14th January.

Private Anderson, who was 28 years of age, was brought up in Saltcoats, and educated at Saltcoats Public School and Ardrossan Academy. He served his time as an engineer with Messrs Young, Ardrossan, and thereafter became a marine engineer, serving four years with the Glen Line. He secured his chief’s certificate, and for two years previous to enlisting was employed by the Australian Government on one of their steamers on the west coast of Australia.

He joined the Australian Force last March, and later came to England to complete his training. He was twice home on furlough, the last occasion being in October.

In November he went to the front and he had been about six weeks in the fighting line when he was killed.”

In a letter to Mrs Anderson, Lieutenant Roy Skinner says: -

“Your son was a patrol leader in the Scout Platoon. I can assure you he was fearless, and was looked up to by everyone. Part of his duties consisted of going on patrol in No Man’s Land.

On Sunday night, 14th January, he went out as usual. The patrol were caught about 6.15 p.m. in a burst of machine gun fire. Sergeant Taylor was wounded, and poor old Andy killed instantly. His pal, C. Nugent, nobly carried him back to our lines.

He has been buried in one of the large French cities, the name of which I will communicate to you as soon as possible.

May I conclude by saying that all the boys join me in offering you our sincerest sympathy in your bereavement.”

Private Anderson had many friends in Saltcoats and district, and was well liked for his genuine nature and cheerful manner.”

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GLASGOW HERALD
15 JANUARY 1883

BIRTH

SMITH: At Montgomerie Street, Ardrossan, on the 13th instant, Mrs J. R. Smith; a son.

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GLASGOW HERALD
16 JANUARY 1852

BIRTH

At Wave Cottage, Ardrossan, on the 12th instant, Mrs Train; a daughter.

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GLASGOW HERALD
16 JANUARY 1874

ARDROSSAN GRAIN MARKET

There was a good attendance at market on Thursday, but few samples shown. There were 68 bolls wheat exposed, which sold thus: - 40 at 29s 3d and 28 at 29s. There were 10 bolls oatmeal at market, which sold at 20s 6d. Of 26 quarters of oats offered, 10 sold at 24s.

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GLASGOW HERALD
16 JANUARY 1877

STRANDING OF AN ARDROSSAN BRIGANTINE

Newry, January 15 – The OSCEOLA, of Ardrossan, struck at the entrance to Carlingford Lough yesterday, and is likely to become a total wreck.

The OSCEOLA is a brigantine of 192 tons, and owned by Mr S. Montgomery, Ardrossan.

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GLASGOW HERALD
16 JANUARY 1880

ARDROSSAN GRAIN MARKET

The attendance at market on Thursday was small and several samples of wheat were shown, some of which sold at 21s 6d per boll.

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GLASGOW HERALD
16 JANUARY 1884

MUNICIPAL MEETING ARDROSSAN

The monthly meeting of the Police Commissioners was held on Monday evening – Bailie Hogarth presiding.

It was agreed to grant the use of the Town Hall to the Parochial Board in which to hold their meetings free of charge.

A communication was read from Mr Holmes, on behalf of Lord Eglinton, asking that the burgh police force be not reduced, as proposed by Captain McHardy, chief constable, his Lordship agreeing to pay £100 instead of £80 as theretofore, towards the upkeep of same.

The medical officer’s report shows the death rate to be for the past five months 19 per 1000 against 18 per 1000 for 1882

The meeting unanimously agreed to petition Parliament in favour of the Barmill Railway Extension Bill.

It was agreed that Bailie Hogarth and the Clerk should attend the convention of Royal Burghs.

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GLASGOW HERALD
16 JANUARY 1885

MARRIAGE OF LADY SOPHIE MONTGOMERIE

The marriage of Mr Samuel Hynman Allanby, second son of the late Mr Henry Hynman Allanby of Kenwick Hall, Lincoln, with Lady Sophie Constance Montgomerie, eldest daughter of the Earl and Countess of Eglinton, was solemnised yesterday morning at St. Peter’s, Eaton Square, London, by the Rev. Canon Overton, rector of Epworth.

Ardrossan:
Ardrossan had a very gay appearance, both town and harbour having been gaily decorated with flags in honour of the marriage.

In the evening there was a torchlight procession, three free concerts, and a grand display of firework. Coals, goods, and money were also distributed among the deserving poor.

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GLASGOW HERALD
16 JANUARY 1886

MUNICIPAL MEETING – ARDROSSAN

The Police Commissioners met on Thursday evening – Provost Hogarth presiding – when the Clerk read a communication from the directors of the Gas and Water Company, in which it was stated that they had agreed –

(1) that both gas and water works be sold to the Commissioners at a price or prices to be fixed by arbitration; and

(2) that an agreement for the purchase should be entered into between the company and the Commissioners, which should be scheduled to the bill now being presented in Parliament by the company.

On the motion of Mr Barrie, seconded by Mr Boyd, shoemaker, it was agreed to call a meeting of ratepayers for Monday evening to consider these proposals.

Mr Boyd called attention to the fact that the Glasgow & South-Western Railway Company were erecting a signal-box at the level crossing in Princes Street, which would greatly damage the appearance of the street, and the Clerk was instructed to write the railway company, asking its removal to another site.

Mr Barrie called attention to a case which had been brought under his notice, which appeared to him to be a direct violation of the Truck Act. A man engaged at the formation of the new railway had called on him and stated that instead of cash for work done he had been offered a line for provisions, which he was to purchase at the contractor’s store in Saltcoats. The man declined to accept the line, and in consequence of that refusal he had been discharged.

Mr Boyd said one or two similar cases had been brought under his notice.

The sergeant of police was instructed to make inquiries into the cases. And if they could be substantiated he was ordered to report them to the Procurator Fiscal.

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GLASGOW HERALD
16 JANUARY 1888

BIRTH

MacGREGOR: At 52 Glasgow Street, Ardrossan, on the 12th instant, Mrs W. MacGregor; a son.