Notes from Newport Town Council Minutes
These are not full transcripts of the Minutes. They are my own notes.
1894-95 (November 1894 - November 1895) Source: Newport-on-Tay Council Minutes, newspaper reports
| Messrs Leitch, Moir and Welch, the retiring commissioners, have been nominated for another term of office. No other candidates have come forward, consequently there will be no poll. [Advertiser 1 Nov 1894] |
| Andrew Leitch, previously second bailie, is elected first bailie; John Welch is second bailie. [Courier 10 Nov 1894]. [Commissioners: Alexander Scott Provost, Andrew Leitch First Bailie, John Welch Second Bailie, Henry Pattullo, John F Millar, Thomas Roger, Alexander Robertson, Edward Moir, James Durham] |
| Representation of the parish on Fife County Council - 12 councillors: 7 for the burgh and 5 for the landward area. [This refers to the creation of the new Forgan Parish Couuncil to replace the existing Parochial Board on 15 May 1895] [Courier 14 Nov 1894] |
| [Comment piece] Complaints from Newport residents: the filthy condition of some of the roadways, St Phillans Place in particular. Absence of cinders from the side paths is a particular annoyance to foot passengers. Others complain about the roads in the West End, nearly all of which are in an impassible condition - the road running up by the old Yellow Castle, the grass-grown road running from the gateway of Tighnavon to the Brae, and the various side roads all require the attention of a West End provost. Curious that the east end roads are well looked after compared to the west end. Old Kirk Road appears to be about to be converted into a canal and should soon open for barge traffic. [Evening Telegraph 19 Nov 1894] |
| Old Kirk Road - action is needed. Set up a subcommittee to look into the public rights in the road, the rights & powers of the commissioners, powers to expend rates on improving the road, powers as to compelling the proprietors of lands abutting the road to lay out the road, etc. Provost Scott, Bailie Leitch & Mr Pattullo to form the subcommittee. [Courier 4 Dec 1894] |
| Dundee Water Commissioners think Newport is paying too little for water for public purposes. Before it was a Burgh, it paid £10 per annum. There are 3 water troughs which use £80 worth of water per year. Provost Scott said one of the troughs belonged to the Tay Ferries, and suggested public water be cut off from the other two and that they be supplied from private sources. Agreed to confer with Dundeee Water Commmissioners. [Advertiser 8 Jan 1895] |
| Dundee Water Commissioners are proposing to raise the rate from £10 to £25 per annum. Line of road to Woodhaven - complaint from Mr Murdoch - surveyor to lay down a gully after Mr Murdoch has made a footpath. [Courier 8 Jan 1895] |
| Plans for extension of burgh drainage system for new houses south of West Newport Station - cost £25. But it goes through private ground - negotiate with feuars and superiors. It had been necessary to extend a new drain at Woodhaven a distance of 50 - 60 feet. Cost £14 17s. [Advertiser 5 Feb 1895] |
| Print copies of the register of voters prior to the Parish Council election - cost £8. Proposed calling a meeting of electors to explain the powers of the new Parish Council. [Advertiser 5 Mar 1895] |
| Following satisfactory agreements with feuars and land owners, agreed to extend the sewer system for the new houses being built at West Newport Station. Letter from Daniel Lawson asking for sewer to be extended to the burgh boundary, and to serve his property [8-10 St Fort Rd]; he would then pay burgh drainage rates. Cost would only be about £10 - agreed to go ahead. Agreed to extend burgh sewers to include the new houses being built at Waterston Crook - £25.[Advertiser 5 Mar 1895] |
| Several workmen have for the past few days been engaged in laying channelling stones along the sides of one or two of the main thoroughfares for the better drainage of surface water. [Advertiser 14 Mar 1895] |
| Street improvements: workmen under the superintendence of Mr Walker are presently cutting 2 or 3 feet off the broad gravelled pavement on the same side as the shops in the High Street. As there is also a concrete pavement on this side of the road, there seems to be little need for the additional pavement, which prevents vehicles being drawn up alongside the curb. [Advertiser 27 Mar 1895] |
| [Letter to the Editor] Disgraceful state of the once-beautiful Kirk Road. Huge amounts spent on a new cemetery, large sums being spent in pottering about the High Street and in laying costly channel along the highway, yet nothing is done to make the [Old Kirk] road passable. [Courier 1 Apr 1895] |
| Accepted tenders for extension of drainage at West Newport Station & Waterston Crook. Plans passed for additions and alterations to Ellenmount, Wellgate Park. The channelling work has been completed as far as funds allowed. In front of the shops an improvement has been made. Within the space between the kerbing and the concrete it was resolved to plant a number of trees. Provost said the shopkeepers agreed. [Advertiser 2 Apr 1895] |
| Bill of £10 for water for public purposes was paid. Still no agreement about charges for water for the 3 horse troughs (£80 per annum) - negotiations to continue. Is anything being done about Kirk Road? - Nothing can be done as long as the storm lasted. Report has been prepared, and the proprietor [Mr Berry] has been spoken to, so the commission has not been idle. [Advertiser 2 Apr 1895] |
| [Comment piece] It is expected that representations will be made to have a bathing shed erected in the vicinity of the 'Big Rock'. Winter stroms wrecked havoc with the lightly constructed wooden building put up a considerable time ago, so a properly equipped bathing station is needed. [Advertiser 8 Apr 1895] |
| Eight trees of varying species have been planted in the High Street and surrounded by iron railings. [Advertiser 11 Apr 1895] |
| Request from Newport Commissioners to Tay Ferries (Dundee Harbour Trustees) to pay £15 a year for water used in the trough at the pier at Newport. No action to be taken by Harbour Trustees. [Courier 4 May 1895] |
| Malicious mischief - 2 of the newly-planted trees in the High Street have been irreparably damaged. The sloping ground on which they are planted is at present a source of danger to drivers and cyclists as it is unmarked by any light. Suggested a lamp on the outmost kerbstone would tend to lessen the present danger. [Courier 6 May 1895] |
| Mrs Ronald will continue the lease for the cleansing dept yard, which had expired, at rent of £12 per annum. Plans approved: David Brand - alterations at Bay House, Miss Whittet - alterations at Hillside, Thomas Roger - alterations & additions at Woodriffe Tce. Plans for a semi-detached villa at West Newport beyond the buildings at present under construction next to Mr Welsh's house were put on hold - further information required about the width of the street in front [Westfield Tce]. Carting contract - 2 tenders received, both £11 - awarded to Oliver Mathewson who has held it for some time. [Advertiser 7 May 1895] |
| Bailie Leitch - condition of roads in West Newport - (1) a dangerous wall immediately west of Yellow Castle - Commission should repair it, (2) another road in the west has rubbish deposited there. Inspector Walker will look into this. Mr Pattullo asked for a report from the Burgh Surveyor on the roads which needed concreting and improvement. Complaints of obscene language [graffiti] on walls & doors - police will take action. Mr Millar - disgraceful condition of Kirk Road - Provost has seen Mr Berry who is agreeable to certain improvements. Provost said they would be started very soon. [Advertiser 7 May 1895] |
| Agreed to invite tenders for the extension of the drainage system at West Newport Station. Agreed to pay £12 instead of £10 for the burgh commissioners' yard which had been extended. Public water supply - it has been possible to obtain water for all public purposes for £30 - agreed to settle with Dundee Water Commissioners. Bailie Leitch spoke strongly about private footpath in front of Cadzow Castle - the feuars were prohibiting this roadway being continued from the front of Alma Terrace to the railway crossing. If the commissioners had to metal, light & keep in good order the roadway adjoining the railway crossing, he maintained the feuars there ought not to prevent the continuance of that footpath as the Kirk Road was practically impassable. Clerk to investigate. Agreed to issue public notices about obscene language being scribbled by boys on newly-painted walls, and also about the damage to the newly planted trees in the High Street. Negotiations with Mr Berry about Kirk Road were making progress. [Courier 7 May 1895] |
| Plans for Mr Chalmers' property near Waterstone Crook were approved but no approval is given of the street in front. Plans & sections submitted of a street Mr Berry wishes to form across the field in front of Linden Avenue so as to join Station Road and Victoria Street [this is Albert Cresc]. Letter from Dundee Water Committee that, on the basis that only 1 horse trough will be used, water for sanitary & public health purposes will be charged at rate of £35 annually. [Courier 4 Jun 1895] |
| Total income from assessments £1029 15s 5d, expenditure £747 7s11d [Advertiser 10 Jul 1895] |
| Mr Millar referred to the question of the Old Kirk Road, but as the matter is still in discussion in committee it was not gone into. [Courier 10 Jul 1895] |
| [Comment piece] Provost Scott is still discussing the Old Kirk Road with the Laird [Mr Berry] and refuses to inform the rest of the Commissioners about the progress of the discussions. The state of the road is a disgrace. [Evening Telegraph 10 Jul 1895] |
| Report from Burgh Surveyor of the streets requiring improvement - call upon proprietors in certain districts to concrete and curb their pavements and to leave the general improvements in the hands of the works committee. [Advertiser 6 Aug 1895] |
| Settlement of the Kirk Road question - after discussion with Mr Berry agreed that he will give a contribution of £300 towards the cost of repairing the road and he will give off, free of charge, any ground required for the proposed deviation at the eastern end, and also hand over the road to the commissioners for public use. There are certain conditions of Mr Berry's offer but these were not likely to stand in the way of an ultimate arrangement. Expenses over and above the £300 will be great and the committee thought that while the commissioners would contribute liberally from the rates, the proprietors whose properties abut the road should be expected to contribute handsomely towards the work in view of the greater value of their properties as a result of the improvements. [Advertiser 6 Aug 1895] |
| [Comment piece] Kirk Road Improvement Scheme - this is being heartily taken up. The Provost and the Burgh Clerk have visited the proprietors adjoining the street and a considerable sum has been raised. Not much work has been done yet, in view of the season, but the road will be thoroughly repaired and a divergence will be made at the south end. [Advertiser 29 Aug 1895] |
| [Comment piece] It is understood the proposal to establish a Police Court in the burgh has been favourably considered by the authorities and a court will be held in the Municipal Buildings at an early date. [Advertiser 29 Aug 1895] |
| Plans submitted for a semi-detached villa in Albert Street, the new street at present in course of construction between Station Road and Victoria Street. Plans approved. Agreed to drain at once the part of the street where the villas are to be built but to leave drainage of the rest of the street until a future date. Captain Bremner, Fife County Police, said that until a police court is established here half of the minor offences would have to go unpunished. The Magistrates are to meet to prepare a report about forming a police court and report to the next meeting. [Advertiser 3 Sep 1895] |
| Kirk Road: following extensive discussions with Mr Berry, agreement has been reached, subject to certain conditions. Mr Berry hands over full rights to the roads on condition that it is made, and afterwards kept in order, by the commissioners; that the road be made by the commissioners from the west end along the line of the present road about half way eastwards, then it will be altered as it approaches the Cupar Road; that Mr Berry agrees that the road be 18 feet wide from the west to the east end; as feuing takes place on the south side of the road and the west side leading down to the Castle he will bind his feuars to give off ground and make 18' of the road so that the whole road will be 36' wide without costing the commission anything for the ground taken or for any additional ground needed to make the existing road 18' wide. Mr Berry agreed that he will fence all the road on the north side as they consider advisable in view of the possible feuing on that side; that he will allow the commissioners to quarry rock for making the road from the quarry beside it free of charge by him. Mr Berry stipulates that the road from the Kirk Road along the railway from the West Station be kept up, and the levels of the new or amended road be according to his feuing plans; finally he will give £300 to carry out the work. That is Mr Berry's understanding of the commission's views. Before the commission can agree they must sort out the funding - the completed road will be 18' wide with a footpath on the north side 5' wide with a substantial curb, the surveyor estimates that it will cost in round figures £1000. The committee agres that the houses abutting the road should contribute something to the cost as their house values will be substantially improved. They propose therefore that each house proprietor should pay the amount which it would cost to improve the road opposite his property. This will bring in a considerable amount. As there is a long line of road where no new houses can be built on the north side, the commissioners hope that they can provide for the remainder of the road. The commissioners do not feel that they are asking the proprietors for more than is reasonable, but they cannot go into this heavy expenditure unless they receive substantial support from those who are to be much benefitted. Committee report was agreed unanimously. [Advertiser 3 Sep 1895] |
| [Comment piece] The Old Kirk Road may become the New Kirk Road due to the improvements. A police court is about to be set up. However there are still some other reforms needed: surely Newport can afford to light its roads when the dark nights come in instead of waiting for some specially selected date - ladies have been afraid to go out after nightfall recently and the lieges have had to go to the stations, lamp in hand, to show the way to their villas; Newport still lacks bathing facilities - why not a natural bathing pond as in St Andrews? The laird [Mr Berry] is understood to be quite willing to aid in this. Why not provide habitable houses for the working class section of ratepayers? There are some corners of Newport which are not so unlike the slums of a city. Working men employed in Newport who have tried to get houses have to cross and recross from Dundee. [Evening Telegraph 3 Sep 1895] |
| Kirk Road Scheme - a meeting of gentlemen whose property abuts the Kirk Road was held in the YWCA Hall last night, Commissioner Welsh in the chair. After considerable discussion it was agreed that a deputation should attend the Burgh Commissioners at their next meeting on 7 Oct. - Mr Winton, Mr Alexander Wilson, Mr Frank Salmond & Mr Scrymgeour. [Advertiser 25 Sep 1895] |
| Last night, through some cause or another, the public lamps remained unlighted. [Courier 2 Oct 1895] |
| A meeting of the Provost & Magistrates was held to consider the proposal to establish a Police Court in the burgh. The meeting, it is understood, was favourable to the project, which will be before the full commission on Monday next. [Advertiser 4 Oct 1895] |
| A report about the formation of a burgh police court was favourably received and was remitted back to ascertain the costs. Speeches were given by retiring commissioners Durham and Roger. Mr Roger and Mr Robertson would seek to stand again, but Mr Durham will not. [Courier 8 Oct 1895] |
| A deputation of feuars interested in the Kirk Road improvements (George Scrymgeour, J R Wilson, Thomas Winton) was received. Mr Scrymgeour said the scheme was unfair to the feuars who have to contribute, and to the ratepayers. The scheme is not about restoring one of the prettiest roads in Newport but rather forming a new feuing road with new access for Tayfield estate. A large part of the cost of the new road which was to be given in lieu of the present Old Kirk Road was to be borne by the burgh funds. The road should be upheld for the benefit of the proprietors and the ratepayers. [No comment given about the Commissioners' views.] [Courier 8 Oct 1895] |
| [A much fuller report on the deputation about Kirk Road.] It seemed particularly unfair to the feuars and ratepayers to the west of the railway station who were called upon to pay the full amount of the making of the road opposite their feus and would also, through the rates, be contributing to the cost of making the new or deviated portion. The inhabitants of Newport held that they had rights in the Old Kirk Road which ought not to be lightly overlooked. The residents in the parish had a right of way over the old road which had been a thoroughfare since time immemorial, and if the road had been destroyed then it had mainly been done through the building traffic caused by the feuing of ground on the Tayfield and other estates. The road could not be left as it was - it was insanitary. The feuars wished the commissioners to reinstate the old thoroughfare; or, if a wider road must be made, that it be the full width of 36' from the Cupar Road right to Waterstone Crook, as the proposed 18' road would be unsatisfactory. The later extension of 36' might not take place for a generation. Mr Wilson said the feuars were not prepared to pay the sums set forth against them in the scheme. He, for instance, was asked to pay £32 for 35 yards of road, and he found in the same proportion that the person interested in that part of the road from his ground to the end of Kirk Road would have to pay £460 for one side of the road. If the present road was drained and bottomed with large stones it would be a good road for years to come. Mr Winton said the present road was quite sufficient and he could not see the benefit to the feuars of the new scheme. [cont.] [Advertiser 8 Oct 1895] |
| [Kirk Road deputation (cont.): ] On being questioned, Mr Scrymgeour thought the deputation represented the views of all the feuars in the Old Kirk Road. Asked that, if the road was bottomed and put in a satisfactory state that would be sufficient, or if the scheme was to be carried through then the estate should meet more of the expense, Mr Scrymgeour agreed and added that if the scheme was to be carried out then the road should be 36' wide. Asked if they had no objection to the deviation if the width is 36', the deputation agreed. Asked that if the road was made 36' wide they would be prepared to contribute anything, Mr Scrymgeour said he was opposed to paying for an 18' road but would contribute to a 36' road as that would give better value for money. Commissioner Leitch asked if they didn't think that making the road 36' from the quarry eastwards was a waste of ground and money because there was no feuing there now nor is there any likelihood of any for many years to come. Mr Scrymgeour replied that there might be something in that but the feuars didn't see it that way, they seemed to think that with a 36' road the feuing would continue. Provost Scott said that the commissioners were just as anxious as the feuars to have the road put in a good state. He proposed a committee of commissioners and feuars try to come to some satisfactory arrangement. Agreed. [Advertiser 8 Oct 1895] |
| [Letter to the Editor] Is it necessary to have a road 36' wide? In my opinion a road 18' wide with a suitable sideway or siding made at certain distances for passing would be sufficient for foot or vehicular traffic. The Auld Kirk Road is very dear to many, seeing that they have had many a pleasant stroll along the same and enjoyed the romantic scenery for over 50 years or more. Many of our ancestors, no doubt, in their early childhood enjoyed their walk in the Lovers' Loan and whispered many trusted words in each others ears. Why, then, should we lose one of the best walks in the burgh? Is it to benefit the ratepayers or Tayfield estate? Can it be explained, also, who asked the road to be deviated? Yours, 'Right of Way'. [Advertiser 9 Oct 1895] |
| [Comment piece] There is a pretty pronounced feeling in Newport that it would be a mistake for Mr James Durham to retire from public service. He is an independent and willing worker … his friends should see that he is nominated and, if there is a contest, that he shoud receive sufficient support. [Evening Telegraph 9 Oct 1895] |
| A requisition to Provost Scott signed by a very large number of municipal electors in the burgh has been drawn up requesting that, in view of the approach of the municipal elections, the Commissioners should convene a public meeting in order that they may be afforded an opportunity of giving an account of their stewardship. It would also serve as an occasion when the names of proposed candidates might be announced, as at present there is a feeling that the three retiring representatives should be opposed. [Advertiser 15 Oct 1895] |
| Assessments from Whitsunday 1895 to Whitsunday 1896: 8d per £ general purposes, 4d per £ special sewer rate, 5d per £ streets and roads; payable on 1st Jan 1896. Following receipt of a requisition, Provost Scott said he had called a meeting for Tuesday 22nd in the Blyth Hall. [Evening Telegraph 18 Oct 1895] |
| Report of public meeting: A large attendance. Attending - Provost Scott, Commissioners Leitch, Robertson, Pattullo & Roger. [Retiring commissioners are Durham, Robertson & Roger]. Commissioner Robertson said during his term the work of the commission had gone smoothly & without friction. Kirk Road was certainly a difficulty. In its present state it was a disgrace. He was not prepared to recommend that the ratepayers should pay the full cost of repairing the road, he believed any deficiency between the contributions of Tayfield and the feuars should be made up from the rates. He said the burgh drainage system had been very satisfactory. He thought the time was approaching when a few acres should be got for a pleasure ground for Newport with provision for skating. Commissioner Roger said he took a special interest in all that concerned Newport and thought that in terms of drainage & lighting the burgh was peculiarly well off. He regretted that the establishment of a Police Court should be required, but the Magistrates had unanimously agreed to request that such a court should be instituted. (cont.) [Courier 23 Oct 1895] |
| Public meeting (cont.) : On a call for nominations, James Lawson & Thomas Winton were proposed and seconded. Mr Lawson said he strongly believed that the ratepayers should be given the opportunity to elect new men to public office. He said fuller information and plans about Kirk Road should be given to the electors. Mr Winton felt that West Newport should have more representation. He wanted to say that feuars in the west did not object to paying for the Kirk Road, what they did object to was that the burgh should be asked to pay for a new feuing road for Tayfield estate. Commissioners Leitch & Pattullo also spoke about the Kirk Road question. Peter Fleming & Mr Mitchell, West Newport, also criticised the commissioners and stated that the west end was willing to pay their fair share when a just apportionment was made. George Scrymgeour asked the commission to give urgent consideration to the need to provide houses for working men residents; he also asked them to look at the rights of the community in the path leading from the main road at West Newport past Mr Boase's house to the railway path at Captain Fairweather's. Hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman. [Courier 23 Oct 1895] |
| [Meeting of feuars concerned about the Kirk Road] - report back from the meeting with the commissioners, agreed to go ahead with a joint committee to discuss the question. Restating that the feuars wish to have repairs made to the roadway as it stands without any further alterations at present and those present would contribute voluntarily to the scheme if it was to happen that way. [Advertiser 30 Oct 1895] |
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