1866.—THE Malcolm Canmore Lodge was instituted in
January the year.
LITERATURE.—“Clarkson Gray and Other Poems (with
Illustrations). By Mrs. James Morton, Dunfermline.
Published by William P. Nimmo, Edinburgh, 1886.” This
is an 8vo volume of 924 pages, and consists of thirty
essays, &c., on miscellaneous subjects.
JOSEPH
NOEL PATON, R.S.A. was this year appointed her Majesty’s
Limner for Scotland. (MS Note.)
THE
Dunfermline Co-operative Society.—The foundation stone
of their new buildings was laid by Provost Whitelaw on 4th
June, 1866, at the top of Randolph Street. There was a
public procession on the occasion. (An. Dunf. dates
1861, 1867.)
TOWN-HOUSE SPIRE RE-ERECTED.—The lead covered wooden
cone above the bastion of this steeple was removed by
mistake in the year 1860 and was re-erected in October
this year.
PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—John Whitelaw, Esq., re-elected
Provost, November, 1866. (Burgh Records.)
1867.—THE Dunfermline Co-operative Society.—The
Committee of this Society at the end of their first
year’s transactions, find that the amount of business
done reached the sum of £6,471 19s. 8d. (See An. Dunf.
dates 1861, 1866.)
LILLIE-HILL FIRE-CLAY AND TERRA COTTA WORKS.—Messers.
Lindsay & Anderson began these now extensive works on 7th
May, 1867. About 100 persons are employed at the
works. Here terra cotta work of the finest quality is
manufactured; sewerage pipes, fire bricks and many other
articles made from clay are turned out in large
quantities, and sent to the most distant parts of the
kingdom, as also to Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and ports
on the Black Sea, &c. The works are about two miles
north east of Dunfermline.
GYMNASIUM.—On Monday, 13th May, 1867, the
Gymnasium of the Dunfermline Athletic Club was opened at
eight o’clock, evening. The Honorary President, the
Lord Provost of the city, in the chair; Andrew Blair,
Secretary. (Newspapers.)
CANMORE STEAM POWER WEAVING FACTORY ERECTED.—This
factory, in Damside Street, stands on the site once
covered by the waters of the dam. It was erected in
1867 by the Messrs. J. & T. Alexander, proprietors, and
employs about 850 operatives. (MS. Note)
SOCIETY OF SOLICITORS.—The Solicitors of Dunfermline
(ten in number) formed themselves into a society on 4th
July, 1867, under the Act 28th and 29th
Vict., cap. 86. (MS. Note)
SIR
JOSEPH PATON, Knight.—This eminent artist, a native of
Dunfermline, received this year (1867) from her
Majesty’s hand, at Windsor, the honour of knighthood.
(MS Note)
EXTENDED BOUNDARIES.—In an application, presented to the
Sheriff of the County of Fife, by Robert Alston,
watchmaker and jeweler, residing in Golfdrum Street,
Dunfermline, and others, Ratepayers in respect of Lands
and Heritages situated beyond the existing boundaries of
the Royal Burgh of Dunfermline, praying him to take the
steps provided by the Acts 20 and 21 Victoria, cap. 70,
for extending the boundaries of said Royal Burgh, the
Sheriff-Substitute pronounced deliverance thereanent.
PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—John Whitelaw, Esq., was
re-elected Provost, Nov., 1867. (Burgh Records)
1868.—CASTLE BLAIR STEAM POWER WEAVING FACTORY.—This
factory at Castle Blair, Dunfermline, was erected by
Messrs. Inglis and Co, the proprietors. There were
upwards of 400 operatives employed. (MS Note)
RALPH
ABERCROMBY. 2nd Lord Dunfermline died on 12th
July, 1868, in the 63rd year if his age, and
was buried in the Grange Cemetery, Edinburgh. He
succeeded his father, the 1st Lord
Dunfermline, in 1858. (Newspaper.)
RE-ERECTION OF THE OLD MARKET CROSS STONE PILLAR.—This
Pillar was re-erected on August 15th, 1878.
LITERATURE.—“Clark’s Guide to the Abbey and its
Antiquities. Containing an Account of the Abbacy; the
Royal Tombs; Discovery of the Grave of king Robert the
Bruce; the Monastery, the Royal Palace, Malcolm
Canmore’s Palace; Malcolm Canmore and Queen Margaret;
the persons whose Portraits adorn the Town Hall; Queen
Margaret’s Cave; Mr. Paton’s Collection of Antiquities,
&c. Published by William Clark 12 High Street,
Dunfermline. 1868.” This 12mo contains 64 pp. of
interesting local details, and is embellished with a
fine copperplate frontispiece engraving of the Abbey
Church from the north east.
ERECTION OF GENERAL BRUCE’S MONUMENT in the South
Transept, Abbey Church.—This monument (or, rather, Altar
Tomb, of white marble), was erected in October, 1868.It
was executed by Folley, the sculptor and was done by
order of the Bruce family at Broomhall, in memory of
General Bruce, tutor to the Prince of Wale, and has
beautifully cut on it, in alto, several emblematical
representations in connection with his visit to the Holy
Land with the Prince. The tomb is on the east side of
the South Transept of the New Abbey Church (above the
Elgin vault).
THE
TOMB OF THE BRUCE.—A fine painting, entitled, “The Tomb
of the Bruce,” by Waller Hugh Paton, Esq., R.S.A., was
exhibited the year at the Royal Scottish Academy.
PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Henry Reid, Esq., manufacturer,
was elected Provost, Nov., 1868. (Burgh Records.)
LITERATURE.—“The Tomb of the Bruce.” Recited to the
Knights Companions of the Royal Order of Scotland,” &c.,
by the author, Rev. J. B. Johnstone (8vo pamphlet, 8 pp.
and 16 stanzas). Published by W. Clark, Dunfermline.
ELECTION OF FOUR BAILIES INSTEAD OF TWO.—“From time
immemorial,” down to 1868, two bailies had been chosen
for the Burgh. for “the proper dispatch of business,
and holding weekly courts, the following were
elected:--Messrs. Morrison, Duncanson, Balfour, and
Walker.” (Dunf.Press.)
PRESENTATION TO EX-PROVOST WHITELAW.—A soiree was held
in the Music Hall, on Tuesday evening, 1st
December, in honour of Ex-Provost Whitelaw, when he was
presented with a testimonial, consisting of a time-piece
and upwards of £200 worth of silver plate, subscribed
for by the inhabitants, in appreciation of the many
valuable services he had rendered to the town.
(Newspaper.)
1869.—LITERATURE.—“The Dunfermline and West of Fife
Annual Register and Almanac for 1869. Published by
Andrew Ker, bookseller, Dunfermline.” First number.
REV.
JAMES M’KENZIE, minister of the Free Church
congregation, Canmore Street, died on 10th
June, 1869, aged 51. An obelisk, 21 feet in height, was
erected over his remains in the New Cemetery, with the
following inscription in gilt letters:--“Erected by the
Free Abbey Congregation, in affectionate remembrance of
the Rev. James M’Kenzie, for twenty years their beloved
pastor. Born, 21st July, 1818. Died 10th
June, 1869.”
LITERATURE.—“The Clashin’ Wives o’ Pittencrieff, and
Other Original Songs. By David Fleming. Published by
A. Romanes, Press Office, 1869. Price 2d.”
THE
New Slaughter Houses, Baldridge Burn, were finished, and
opened for business on Tuesday, 17th August,
1869. The same day the following members of the
“Slaughter House Committee” visited the
premises:---Provost Reid, Ex-Provost Robertson, Bailies
Morrison and Balfour. (For full description of the
building and its conveniences, see Dunf. Press of 21st
August, 1869.)
PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Henry Reid, Esq., re-elected
Provost, November, 1869. (Burgh Records.)
REV.
JAMES YOUNG, minister of Queen Ann Street Church, died
suddenly, in his manse, on 5th December,
1869, in the 66th year of his age, and 39th
of his ministry. He was the author of “The remembrance
and Imitation of Departed Ministers,” 1849, and of “Our
Refuge,” connection with the Crimean War, 1854. (See
An. Dunf. date 1831.)
1870.—CONSUMPTION OF ANIMAL FOOD IN DUNFERMLINE.—Since
the Slaughter House (Baldridge Burn) was opened on 17th
August, 1869, to 1st January, 1870, a correct
account of all animals slaughtered in it has been kept.
The following is copied from the “Slaughter Book”:--“17th
August, 1869, to 1st January, 1870 (140
days), 8 bulls, 203 oxen, 43 cows, 208 heifers, 12
calves, 1868 sheep and lambs, and 273 pigs. Total
animals slaughtered, 2615.”
ST.
MARGARET’S WORKS.—Steam Power weaving Factory
Erected.—This steam loom factory, erected by the firm of
Messrs. Robertson & Hay, foundry Street, was put in
motion on 21st January, 1870. About 270
operatives were employed. (Newspaper)
STREET
SWEEPING MACHINE.—The new patent machine for sweeping
streets was tried in April for the first time, when it
was found to do its work admirably. (MS)
FREE
ABBEY CHURCH, CANMORE STREET—Induction.—The Rev. James
M. Shiach was ordained minister of this church on the 18th
of May, 1870, as successor to the late Rev. James
M’Kenzie.
THE
REV. PETER CHALMERS, D.D., A.M., F.A.S., historian of
Dunfermline, died on 11th April, 1870, in the
Abbey Church Manse, in the 80th year of his
age and 52nd of his ministry.
SCARCITY OF WATER—The Loch Gloe Scheme.—In consequence
of the great scarcity of water experienced in
Dunfermline for some years past, in time of drought, but
especially in 1870, the town council resolved to
increase the supply by bringing water into the burgh
from Loch Gloe, which is about six miles north of
Dunfermline. The “Loch Gloe Water Scheme” was shortly
afterwards abandoned in consequence of the great
opposition it met with from the ratepayers. The
expenses incurred amounted to £709 15s. 10d. (Burgh
Records.)
THE
DEVON WATER SCHEME.—“The Loch Gloe scheme having been
abandoned, Mr. George Lauder, a retired merchant, began
to advocate, with commendable persistency, the claims of
the Devon Scheme.” (See An. Dunf. date 1875, &c.)
QUEEN
ANN STREET CHURCH—Ordination.—The Rev. Robert French,
was ordained minister of this church on 5th
October, 1870. He resigned in May, 1872, and was
induced minister of Derby Road Chapel, Bootle,
Liverpool, on 4th June, 1872. (Newspaper)
“THE
DASHWOOD BRUCE MONUMENT.”—Early in October, 1870, a
beautifully sculptured paneled white marble monument was
erected in the south transept of the Abbey Church, over
the Bruce family vault, to the memory of Charles
Dashwood Preston Bruce, who was killed by a fall from
his horse on 26th August, 1864. (See An.
Dunf. October, 1868.)
EVANGELICAL UNION CHURCH.—The Rev. John Adam, who was
inducted pastor of this church in 1869, demitted his
charge in 1870.
ABBEY
CHURCH—Ordination.—The Rev. John Pitt was ordained
minister of the Second Charge of the Abbey Church on the
22nd of September, 1870.
PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Henry Reid, Esq., was re-elected
Provost, Nov., 1870. (Burgh Records)
CONSUMPTION OF ANIMAL FOOD.—From 1st January,
1870, to the 31st of December, 1870, the
following is the number of animals slaughtered in the
Slaughter House for Burgh Consumption, viz.—Bulls, 30;
oxen, 871; cows, 156; heifers, 326; calves, 129; pigs,
857; sheep and lambs, 3,312—total, 5,681. (Slaughter
House Book.)
1871.—THE “KING ROBERT THE BRUCE” LODGE, of the Order of
Foresters, was instituted on the 21st
January, 1871.
FREE
TEMPLARS.—“King Robert the Bruce Lodge,” No. 3, of the
United Temperance Association, was instituted in
Dunfermline on 21st January, 1871, under the
name of “Free Templars of St. John.” A union was
effected in 1875, by which it was agreed in future to
designate the association as the “United Temperance
Association.” (MS Note)
THE
“BRUCE LODGE,” No. 280, of the Independent Order of Good
Templars, was instituted at Dunfermline on the 23rd
January, 1871.
MEMORIAL WINDOW.—In March, 1871, a beautifully stained
glass memorial window, to the memory of the late Rev.
Dr. Chalmers, was erected in one of the old Norman
windows on the south side of the old Abbey Church, by
his widow Louisa Maria Chalmers.
CENSUS.—The eighth Government Census was taken in April,
1871. The following are the results for the Parish of
Dunfermline:--Population of the Town within the new
extended boundary, 23,116: population of the Town within
the new extended boundary, 14,958; of which 6,744 are
males and 8,214 females, being as increase of 1,882,
since 1861, in Town and Parish, and of the extended
municipality alone of 1097. (Newspaper Note,)
EVANGELICAL UNION CHURCH—Induction.—Rev. James Foote,
was inducted minister of this church in 1871.
FLORAL: “THE YUCCA GLORIOSA.”—This curious plant, called
Yucca Gloriosa, or Adam’s Needle, was in full bloom in
the garden of Mr. John Reid, James’s Place, Dunfermline,
in the month of August, 1871; it has been said that the
Yucca flowers only once in 100 years, therefore, should
this rare plant live, it will not appear in bloom again
until August, 1971. Mr. Reid has had this plant in his
garden for twenty five years; it stands about eight feet
high from the ground, the leaves are of a deep green
colour, sharp pointed, lance shaped, stiff and has a
beautiful and graceful appearance. (MS Note)
THE
SIR WALTER SCOTT CENTENARY.—The 15th August,
1871, was held as a partial holiday in Dunfermline in
memory of the Great Wizard. flags floated from several
houses, as well as from the Town House Steeple. In the
afternoon a banquet, managed by an equal number of
citizens and town councilors, was held in the Music
Hall, and in the evening a Scotch Festival was held in
the same place. The chair at the afternoon’s banquet
was occupied by Sir James Colville, of Craigflower. Sir
James was supported on the platform by Sir Peter Arthur
Halket, Bart, of Pitfirrane, and lady, Provost Reid,
Thomas Spowart, Esq., Bailie Duncanson, and Ex-Provost
Whitelaw. There was a very large and respectable
company, and speechifying, anecdotes, and song singing,
were the order of the evening. Although not equal to
the Burns’ Centenary, yet it was a success. (MS Note)
THE
PALACE RUINS AND MR. HUNT’S CLAIM.—The proprietorship of
the palace ruins, which had been the subject of
litigation for the last twenty years, was finally
settled in favour of the Crown on Monday, 25th
September, 1871. The House of Lords had decided that
the Royal Palace Ruins at Dunfermline, with as much
ground around them as would be sufficient to give access
thereto, belonged to the Crown. It was remitted to the
Court of Session to apply the judgment, which was done
on 25th September, 1871, in presence of James
A. Hunt, Esq., proprietor of the adjoining ground, Mr.
Rankine, Advocate, Mr. Kerr, of H.M. Board of Works, Mr.
Peddie, C.E., Edinburgh and Mr. P. Macallum, C.E.,
Dunfermline.
THEOLOGICAL PRIZE ESSAY.—Mr. William Horne, M.A., our
talented young townsman, highly distinguished himself in
literary composition, by carrying off the Prize of £100
offered by an anonymous donor for the best Essay on “The
Nature and Contents of Scripture Revelation as compared
with other forms of Truth.” Mr. Horne, when a student
at the University of St. Andrews in 1869, obtained the
Rector’s Prize, value £25, for the best Essay on the
“Principle of Inseparable Association.” (Dunf. Press,
Nov., 1871)
PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Kenneth Mathieson, Esq., elected
Provost. (Burgh Records, Nov., 1871)
TEMPERANCE ASSOCIATION.—The Queen Mary Lodge, No. 8, of
the United Temperance Association, was instituted in
Dunfermline on 8th Dec., 1871, under the same
designation as that into which the King Robert the Bruce
Lodge merged, and the same explanation as to change of
name is also similar.
CONSUMPTION AL ANIMAL FOOD IN DUNFERMLINE.—Between the
31st December, 1870 and 31st
December, 1871, there were slaughtered in the new
slaughter house, 33 bulls, 83 oxen, 117 cows, 551
heifers, 86 calves, 2,633 sheep and 868 pigs—total
5,126.
1872.—DIED, at his residence in Rolland Street,
Dunfermline, Alexander Dick Miller, aged 29. “He was
the tallest man in Great Britain, being nearly 7 feet 5
inches in height.” (Newspaper)
MEMORIAL WINDOW—Abbey Steeple Belfry.—During the month
of August, this year, the Abbey Belfry window was glazed
with stained emblem glass, by the late James Hunt, Esq.,
of Pittencrieff, in memory of his father. (For
description of window, see Dunfermline Press of August,
1872.)
GREAT
FALL OF RAIN.—About midnight, of August 26th,
a “heavy rain began to fall; it increased in fury and
volume of fall until about six o’clock in the morning,
when it began to moderate. All the burns in the
district overflowed their banks, the streets were
flooded, and much damage was done to house roofs and
exposed places. The damage done was estimated at
£2,200. (Newspaper)
THE
Dunfermline Journal, after a suspension of about ten
years, began to be republished, in a much enlarged form,
on Oct. 12, 1872.
PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Kenneth Mathieson, Esq., was
re-elected Provost, Nov., 1872. (Burgh Records.)
1873.—CITY OF GLASGOW BANK.—A branch of this bank was
established in Queen Ann Street, in Jan., 1873—John
Ross, Esq., agent.
THE
CONCORD LODGE, No. 840, of the Independent Order of Good
Templars, was instituted in Dunfermline on Feb. 7,
1873. (MS Note)
THE
DUNFERMLINE ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY was instituted in March,
1873.
FIRST
SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION.—On the 20th March,
1873, the polling for the Burgh School Board took place
in the High School by ballot, when the following were
declared elected:--James Hunt (Pittencreiff), 1084; Dr.
Dow, 843; Provost Mathieson, 653; Rev. A. Mitchell, 449;
Dr. Morris, 296; A. Jackson, founder, 284; James Mullen,
broker, 265; T. Spowart, of Broomhead, 263; Bailie
Walls, 260.
OPENING OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPEL.—The new Roman
Catholic Chapel in Martyr’s Place, which had for some
months previous been building, was finished and opened
with great ceremony on March 23, 1873. Bishop Strain,
of Edinburgh, officiated.
QUEEN
ANN STREET CHURCH.—The Rev. Robert Alexander was
inducted minister of this church on 1st
October, 1873.
LITERATURE.—“Dunimarle, Perthshire, 1873. By J. Todd,
Sept., 1873.” This is the title of a manual guide to
Dunimarle, near Culross. It is a 12mo of 16 pages.
THE
Dunfermline Savings’ Bank, East Port Street, was built
this year.
MEMORIAL WINDOWS IN THE OLD ABBEY CHURCH.—Two of the
windows in the north aisle of the Old Church, during
December, 1873, were decorated with stained glass
figures emblematical of Scripture subjects. One of
these windows was erected by Mr. Robert Reid of Iffley,
in memory of his parents; the other (Above Pitcairn’s
Tomb), by Thomas Alexander, in memory of his parents and
relatives.
The
“Reid Memorial” has emblazoned on it a large
illustration of the family of Bethany, which occupies
the main part of the window, and is by the old stone
dials divided into three parts. In the centre division
there is a representation of Jesus, with Mary seated at
His feet; in the other is their sick brother Lazarus
reclining upon a couch. Two tracery openings above
contain figures of angels, emblematic of the
Resurrection. In the under part of the window there are
three subjects, viz., Nicodemun’s visit to Christ by
night; Christ blessing children; and Christ at supper
with the two disciples at Emmaus.
The
“Alexander Memorial” is the easterly window of the
nave. The emblazoned subjects represent, in the main
arch, the baptism of our Lord Jesus receiving the
glorification of the Spirit of God being the grand
central figure in the design; in the side divisions of
the window are figures of John the Baptist, Mary, the
mother of Jesus, and Joseph; while the three smaller
groups underneath are “The Sower,” “The Good Shepard,”
and “The Good Physician.”
Both
these windows were executed by Messrs. Ballantyne of
Edinburgh. It is much to be regretted that the top part
of the old historical monument of Secretary Robert
Pitcairn had to be removed for the display of the under
part of the emblazonments of the last mentioned window.
This fine tomb ought to be restored to its original
condition.
1874.—LITERATURE.—“Atlas of Scripture Geography,
consisting of Sixteen Maps and plans, with Historical
and Geographical Questions and Answers on each Map, by
Andrew Thomson, Dunfermline. Published by Collins,
Sons, & Co. Glasgow. March, 1874.” This work is a 12mo
of 128 pp., and is embellished with sixteen very
beautifully engraved maps, on each of which a series of
questions is put and answered. There are about 2,000
questions and answers in this useful little volume.
BUST
OF DR. LIVINGSTONE, from the chisel of Mrs. D.O. Hill,
was presented by that lady to the Members of St. John’s
Lodge, Dunfermline (No. 26) on 25th March,
1874. (For a short list of Mrs. Hill’s sculpture works)
JOSEPH
PATON, ESQ., F.S.A., died at his residence, Wooer’s
Alley, Dunfermline, on 14th April, 1874, in
the 78th year of his age. During the last
half century he was celebrated as an indefatigable
collector of Scotch and other antiquities, books, &c.
In early life Mr. Paton was a weaver; afterwards, for a
short time a printer, in the printing office of the late
Me. John Miller, Dunfermline, and at last settled down
about the year 1818 as a pattern designer, which
profession, from this period till within a month of his
death, he prosecuted with great success. His
antiquarian museum, books, &c., were disposed of by Mr.
T. Chapman, auctioneer, Hanover Street, Edinburgh, on 6th,
7th, 9th, 10th, 11th
and 12th, November, 1878. The greater part
of the articles brought high prices, and like many other
antiquarians, he was frequently deceived by sellers of
antiquities, and consequently, many of the items could
not be relied on as genuine. Mr. Paton’s remains lie
interred in the Old Churchyard, Dunfermline. A small
granite tombstone, cut in the form of a cross, was
erected in 1876 by his two sons, Sir J. Noel and Waller
H. Paton. It has an appropriate inscription, and marks
his last resting place. The writer became acquainted
with Mr. Paton about the year 1822 and from that date to
his death, he enjoyed without interruption his kid, free
and easy sociable friendship.
THE
REV. NEIL M’MICHAEL, D.D., A.M., minister of Gillespie
Church, died in his names, Dunfermline, on the 3rd
April, 1874, in the sixth eighth year of his age and the
thirty ninth of his pastorship. In 1841, he was
appointed Professor of Systematic Theology and Church
History by the Relief Synod, and in 1847, Professor of
Ecclesiastical History, &c., by the United Presbyterian
Church, on the union of the Secession and Relief
Churches; and, in 1850, he received the degree of D.D.
from St. Andrews University. On 9th June,
1869, he was presented with a Silver Epergne and £1,600
by a large number of friends and admirers. In 1853 he
published his celebrated lecture on “Hildebrand and his
Age;” in 1856, “The Messiah’s Greatness;” “Family
Worship;” and “pilgrim Psalms,” &c.
CALEDONIAN STEAM POWER WEAVING FACTORY ERECTED.—This
factory was erected in Knabbie Street by Messrs. Steel &
Co. in 1874, and employs about 220 persons. (MS Note)
DEATH
OF EX-BAILIE BIRRELL.—Died, at his residence in St.
Margaret’s Street, Dunfermline, on the 9th
May, 1874, David Birrell, Esq., Ex-Bailie of the City,
in his 79th year. In his earlier days he was
a captain of the famous Edinburgh “Six Foot Club,” and
was acquainted with Sir. Walter Scott, Professor Wilson,
and other eminent men. He was also a member of the old
Edinburgh Celtic Society; and in August, 1822, did duty
as one of the Guards by whom George IV. was escorted
during his sojourn in Edinburgh. (Scotsman, May 16th,
1874.) He was an enthusiastic antiquarian, and
possessed an excellent private museum. The writer was
long favoured with Mr. Birrell’s interesting letters on
the antiquities of Dunfermline.
THE
Dunfermline Association Foot-Ball Club was formed in
1874. It is in connection with the Dunfermline Cricket
Club.
DIED,
the Rev. William Johnstone, A.M., D.D., minister of the
U. P. Church, Limekilns, on the 24th May,
1874, in the 74th year of his age, and the 51st
of his ministry.
THE
Albany Steam Power Weaving Factory was erected in
Gardener’s Street by Messrs. Walker, Reid, and Co., the
proprietors, in 1874. There were upwards of 260
operatives employed.
FEEING
MARKET.—The first Feeing Market, for the western
district of Fife, was held at the Town Green on the 15th
September. It was the opinion of all concerned, that
the market had supplied a want which had long been
greatly felt in the district. (Dunfermline Press, 19th
September, 1874.)
PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Kenneth Mathieson, Esq., was
re-elected Provost in November, 1874. (Burgh Records.)
1875.—THE REV. JOHN MacFARLANE, L.L.D., died at Clapham
London, on 7th February, 1875, in the 69th
year of his age and 40th of his ministry. He
was “one of the most popular divines and eminent
literary sons of Dunfermline.” We have before us a
letter from Dr. M’Farlane, received many years ago,
which gives a note of his works. They are the
following:--
“Life and Correspondence of the Rev. Henry Belfrage,”
360 pages; “Dissenting Neutrality,” 33 pages; “Memoir of
Rev. John Campbell,” 264 pages; “Good Will to Israel” 43
pages; “The Mountains of the Bible,” 412 pages; “The
Night Lamp,” 328 pages; “the Hiding Place,” 370 pages;
“Why Weepest Thou?” 264 pages; “An Aged Christian.” 38
pages; “Tribute to Ralph Wardlaw, D.D.,” 12 pages;
“Altar Gold,” 66 pages; “Church Endowments,” 32 pages;
“Life and Times of George Lawson, D.D.,” 480 pages. All
these works are in octavo.
THE
PALACE DYKE REMOVED.—The coarse wall, erected towards
the end of last century by a proprietor of Pittencrieff,
for the purpose of enclosing the Palace ruins within his
grounds, and keeping out the public, was, in March and
April this year, removed by Her Majesty’s Board of
Works, and a new dwarf wall built, on which a
substantial iron rail is erected. This alteration opens
up a fine view from the public road of the Old Palace
wall. The ground between the public road or street,
together with the ruin, and a small strip of ground
outside of it on the west, are now royal property.
(Newspaper)
GILLESPIE CHURCH.—Induction.—The Rev. J.W. Dunbar was
inducted minister of this church on 24th
March, 1875. He was translated from Wolverhampton.
INSIGNIA OF OFFICE FOR THE PROVOST AND BAILIES.—Previous
to this period some discussion had arisen in the Council
as to the necessity of having a badge of office to
distinguish the Magistrates on certain public
occasions. It was ultimately agreed that the Provost
and the four Bailies should have badges of distinction.
Messrs. Mackay & Cunningham, jewelers and silversmiths,
Edinburgh, were accordingly instructed to make them. In
April, 1875, the badges were presented to the
authorities, The Provost’s badge is of gold, oval in
form. It has on one side of the Burgh arms, with the
old motto, “Esto Burgess Inaccessa,” surrounded by the
words, in bold relief, “CITY OF DUNFERMLINE,” while on
the reverse side is a representation of Justice. The
gold chain to which it is attached is of a massive link
pattern, and has three pendant festoons. The whole
forms an official badge of which no municipality need be
ashamed. The Provost’s insignia cost about £100 and the
gold chains of office for the four Bailies, £25 each.
(Newspaper)
THE
DEVON WATER SCHEME.—Although Mr. Lauder “steadily kept
this scheme before the public, by letters in the
Dunfermline Press, and otherwise, yet nothing was done
in the matter until the autumn of 1875. In August this
year Mr. Lauder sent a letter on the subject to the
Provost, who sent him an encouraging reply. Mr. Lauder,
along with others, then got up a petition in favour of
the Devon scheme, signed by 2166 of the ratepayers.
This petition was presented to the Council, on 24th
September, 1875. It asked the Council to “adopt the
neccessary means, by applying to Parliament for
obtaining for Dunfermline a supply of water from the
river Devon.” The Council took action upon the
petition, and, on the suggestion of the engineers,
Messrs. Leslie, of Edinburgh, who considered the Devon
to be too much tainted with moss, adopted instead the
Glensherup Burn, a Tributary of the Devon, and in the
session of 1876 obtained an Act of Parliament to procure
a supply from that source, at an estimated cost of
£65,000. Mr. Lauder, “the father of the Devon Scheme
has, however, the credit of having first pointed out the
locality from whence an ample supply of water was to be
obtained. (See An. Dunf. date 29th June,
1877, and Sept., 6, 1878; and the Burgh Records.)
THE
YOUNG MEN’S LITERARY INSTITUTE.—This Institute was
formed in 1875 for the moral and mental improvement of
its members by essays, debates, readings, &c. The place
of meeting was Queen Ann Street Mission Hall.
BAPTIST CHURCH, MAYGATE.—The Rev. J. T. Hagen was
inducted minister of this church in October, 1875. This
church was the property of the late Ex-Provost
Robertson. Shortly before his death in 1871, he
bequeathed it in his will as a free gift to the
congregation.
PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Kenneth Mathieson, Esq.,
re-elected Provost, November, 1875. (Burgh Records.)
