Notes from Newport Town Council Minutes
These are not full transcripts of the Minutes. They are my own notes.
1895-96 (November 1895 - November 1896) Source: Newport-on-Tay Council Minutes, newspaper reports
| Three vacancies, four nominations received - Thomas Roger, Thomas Winton, James Lawson, Alexander Robertson. [Courier 30 Oct 1895] |
| Voting: Alexander Robertson 220, Thomas Winton 203, James Lawson 199, Thomas Roger 159. Spoilt papers 4. Robertson, Winton and Lawson elected. [Advertiser 6 Nov 1895] |
| Edward Moir and Andrew Leitch elected Magistrates [Advertiser 11 Nov 1895] [Commissioners: Alexander Scott Provost, Andrew Leitch Senior Bailie, Edward Moir Junior Bailie, John Welch Junior Bailie*, Henry Pattullo, John F Millar, Alexander Robertson, Thomas Winton, James Lawson] [* Edward Moir was elected Junior Bailie but he didn't attend the Kirkin of the Council, and at the end of the year (Courier 7 Nov 1896) Bailie Welch is described as having acted during the year as Junior Magistrate, while Edward Moir is described as Commissioner Moir.] |
| Kirk Road - detailed proposals with costings and specifications - all as reported in the Advertiser 3 Sep 1895 - with plan. [This must be the Commission committee's report. A new road would be constructed from the last house on the north side on Westwood Terrace in a smooth curve to meet the Cupar Road to the south of the existing junction. The new road is shown on the plan as a dotted line, as also is the burgh boundary. The new road would therefore extend outside the burgh boundary where it would meet the Cupar Road. NB This new line of road was never built.] [Advertiser 2 Dec 1895] |
| Kirk Road - Long letter to the Editor from 'An Old Road Maker' pointing out that the Auld Kirk Road had been a public highway for many years, that it should have been repaired a long time ago, suggesting that Mr Berry would gain considerably from its alterations for a relatively small outlay, that the road continues beyond the burgh boundary, and proposing that the existing road be widened along its existing route by taking ground on the south side, and putting the footpath on the south side. [The Advertiser is making this a very public argument.] [Advertiser 2 Dec 1895] |
| The Commission resolved that a Police Court for the Burgh should be opened at the beginning of the year, sitting as required. James Allison to be Burgh Prosecutor, and John Scrimgeour to be Clerk to the Court. [Advertiser 3 Dec 1895] |
| Approved plans for 2 additional classrooms at Newport School. Plans submitted by David Robertson, builder Tayport, on behalf of heirs of Miss Meldrum, for workmen's dwellings to be built at Meldrum Square - no time to examine them so they will wait until the next meeting. [Advertiser 3 Dec 1895] |
| Letter to the Commission from a ratepayer in West Newport complaining about the state of Kirk Road, from which he entered his house. No action meantime as it was all under consideration by a 'Kirk Road Committee'. [Advertiser 3 Dec 1895] |
| Kirk Road - long letter to the Editor from 'Rip Van Winkle junior', noting the road's history and the lack of action in times past. Complains about the late Mr Berry's attempts to keep much of Tayfield outwith the Burgh, and his failure to construct a proper road along the line of the Old Kirk Road. Mentions James Shields' attempts to get Mr Berry to construct the road but to no avail. The writer does not want to lose the charm of the old road. [Courier 6 Dec 1895] |
| At the request of the magistrates of the burgh, all the licensed houses in Newport have agreed to close on New Year's Day. [Courier 16 Dec 1895] |
| Kirk Road - letter to the Editor from 'Vox Populi', there is to be a public meeting about the Kirk Road, and expressing the hope that the young Mr Berry will attend. Also expressing the view that the Commissioners should serve the voters and not the laird. [Advertiser 17 Dec 1895] |
| Public meeting called by those interested in the Kirk Road - Commissioners Winton, Leitch and Welch were present. [Advertiser reports that the Commission Committee were asked to attend but declined.] Thomas Congleton gave a history of the road and the properties along it. He referred to Sheriff Bell's pronouncement that it was a public highway and as such should be maintained by the commissioners. He stated that the Commission had no right to construct the new road outside the Burgh boiundary and if needed he would seek interdict to stop them. In reply Commissioner Leitch said that as presently advised, the Commission did not believe that the road was a public highway and that was why they had not maintained it. He believed that Mr Berry's contribution to the new road was too little, but also that Mr Berry might be willing to increase his offering. Agreed to form a committee (Salmond, Chalmers, Wilson, Mitchell & Scrymgeour) to press for the maintenance of the whole road from Cupar Road to the Yellow Castle. [Courier 18 Dec 1895] |
| Letter to the Editor - still no skating pond despite it being requested for several years. The farmer at Causewayhead had been agreeable to flood the old pond there during the winter if it was cleared of weeds and rubbish first, a minor task. [Advertiser 18 Dec 1895] |
| New Skating Pond - through the agency of Provost Scott the former skating pond at Causewayhead is being made ready for use. As a result of an appeal to Mr Berry and with the concurrence of Mr Arthur of Causewayhead, the Provost has had a number of men engaged in putting the pond in order, and in a few days it will be ready for flooding. Mr Berry bears a considerable share of the expense. [Courier 24 Dec 1895] |
| Skating Pond - For some time the burgh has been without a skating pond. For the past 2 winters Mr Berry has flooded the Tayfield bowling green and allowed the use of the ice. Now Provost Scott has arranged for the old pond situated to the rear of the farm at Causewayhead to be opened up for skating again. [Advertiser 24 Dec 1895] |
| Inspector Walker and his staff have made the pond ready for flooding and the first keen frost will make it available for skaters. [Advertiser 31 Dec 1895] |
| For the last 2 nights the streets of Newport have been left in total darkness. [Evening Telegraph 4 Jan 1896] |
| Plans for a tenement of workmen's houses in Meldrum Square approved [this is the block 27-31 Queen St]. Suggestion to have the footpaths from the low road to West Station, and from Cupar Road to East Station laid with concrete - had been considered previously but not done because of the dangers on frosty days. Agreed to put in kerbing on these footpaths and others meantime. The quarry on Kirk Road is becoming a nuisance because of dumping of rubbish from neighbouring households. The road at Linden Avenue is being broken up into deep ruts by the carts engaged in building construction. [Courier 7 Jan 1896] |
| Kirk Road - meeting of the Commissioners' committee and the public committee of interested ratepayers set up recently. Much discussion. The public committee is understood to be approaching Mr Berry to facilitate an amicable settlement. [Advertiser 11 Jan 1896] |
| Newport's first Police Court: Provost Scott chairman, with Bailie Welch, John Scrimgeour clerk of the court, John Allison burgh prosecutor. William Higgins, no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to begging within the boundaries of the burgh. The chairman said Newport was greatly troubled by mendicants [! - it is Newport after all. The Courier uses 'beggars'.] and the practice needed to stop. At the time of his arrest the prisoner had 16/11½d on him. Fined half a crown [2/6d] or 5 days imprisonment. Fine was paid. [Evening Telegraph 20 Jan 1896] |
| Police Court, Bailie Leitch: James Craigie, fishhawker, Dundee charged with contravention of the byelaws - leaving his barrow unattended on the highway on Thursday last. Fined 5/-, option of 3 days' imprisonment. [Courier 25 Jan 1896] |
| Police Court - demonstrations outside the building before the case was called, mostly elderly people - Bailie Leitch allowed as many to enter the court as possible. The case was against Andrew Malcolm, grocer High Street, who was charged with having left a handbarrow unattended for 2 hours on the street in front of his shop, contrary to the Police bye-laws. During the proceedings a noisy procession of vehicles carrying children waving flags and cheering or groaning at intervals. Mr Malcolm pleaded not guilty. His solicitor Mr Kilgour dissociated himself from the noise and interruptions. There was evidence from Malcolm's shop assistant Andrew Skinner, and the police. During the hearing of evidence those present in court gave loud expression to their feelings. Mr Kilgour said that no wilful obstruction had been caused, and shopkeepers should not be called upon to understand the clauses and sub-sections of such-and-such an act; in the burghs it should be the duty of the police to give a warning first before rushing off to prosecute; no warning had been given and it would be dangerous to convict a man on the voluntary evidence of his own servant. Bailie Leitch said he could not do other than find the charge not proven. This was met with loud cheering by those both inside the court and outside. The whole proceedings kept the central part of the burgh in a state of considerable excitement. [Evening Telegraph 27 January 1896] |
| Letter to the editor - complaining about the prosecution of the fishhawker for leaving his barrow unattended for 20 minutes - it detracts from our lovely burgh to have a policeman always in attendance on the lookout for tramps or unattended barrows. [Advertiser 28 Jan 1896] |
| The community in general will learn with pleasure that the Dundee fishhawker who was on Friday mulcted of 5s. for having on the previous day left his barrow unattended on the high road at West Newport has been refunded of that sum, together with a handsome surplus. This has been accomplished through the instrumentality of Mrs Robert Mathewson, East Newport, who has collected the monies from a number of those interested in the case, in which special interest has been taken. [Courier 30 Jan 1896] [Advertiser describes Craigie as being handicapped through only having one arm. It doesn't use 'mulcted' only says he was fined 5s.] |
| A suggestion has been made that the pond at Causewayhead could be used for boating purposes, using a flat-bottomed boat, and profits given to the Comerton Home or other charity. The beautiful situation of the pond, together with its size, will doubtless attract numerous Newportonians over the summer months. Som time ago it was suggested forming a model yacht club - these facilities could revive the project. [Advertiser 30 Jan 1896] |
| Some money has been spent on having the burgh fire appliances improved and put in perfect working order. On the suggestion of Bailie Leitch it was agreed to hold the Police Court at 8.45am in future instead of nine o'clock. [Courier 4 Feb 1896] |
| Assessments: collected so far £1335-7-4, outstanding £61-15-6 which is considerably less than last year. Treasurer empowered to take legal proceedings for the recovery of the unpaid rates. [Advertiser 3 Mar 1896] |
| Letter from Parish Council asking the commission to take action against the interference with the alleged right of way to the pathway leading from the main road to the foreshore at Craighead Cottage. In 1841 it had been legally demonstrated that a right of way existed. Agreed to ask the Burgh Surveyor to examine whether the public use of the pathway had been interfered with. The matter of the public footpath leading from the steps at Taygrove eastward by the riverside - highly dangerous in places. Agreed to refer to streets committee to report as to whether any steps should be taken to preserve the right of way, and whether public funds should be used to keep the present footpath in proper order. Unsatisfactory state of east end of Linden Avenue - Mr Cappon, Burgh Surveyor, has suggested improvements. Report required on the formation of the still unmade footpaths on the main front roads, east and west. Mr Winton asked about the Kirk Road question. Provost Scott said he had met with Mr George Scrymgeour representing the west end residents and was hopeful that the matter was near settlement. [Advertiser 3 Mar 1896] |
| The Burgh Surveyor tabled a sketch of proposed feuing at Craighead bearing a 36-foot road over the line of the present path leading from the main road to the foreshore at Craighead Point. [Advertiser 7 Apr 1896] |
| A letter asking for a holiday on the anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn was allowed to lie on the table [i.e. nothing was done about it]. [Advertiser 7 Apr 1896] |
| Remitted to the lighting convener to arrange at what date the public lamps should be left unlit. [Advertiser 7 Apr 1896] |
| Plans passed for 2 new villas in Albert Street for M P Robertson, an addition to Taygrove, and an addition to Mr Frederick Thomson's villa in Cupar Road. Burgh Surveyor provided a lengthy report on the state of the roads in the burgh. Agreed to carry out metalling and channeling costing about £300, the rest of the recommendations were left to the sub-committee. Suggestion from Commissioner Winton to secure a piece of ground from the corner of the field at East Station [in front of East Station at Albert Street] to give more room for vehicular traffic - passed over to Burgh Surveyor. [Courier 5 May 1896] |
| Suggestion from the Provost that the gas be kept longer lit, some inconvenience being caused on preceding nights through want of moon or gas light. Complaint from the sanitary inspector about the amount of litter being left strewn on the Braes and roads by Saturday visitors, entailing extra labour by the sanitary staff. [Courier 5 May 1896] |
| Excess litter - Mr Lawson asked if it was necessary that any members of the sanitary staff should be required to make a collection of debris on Sundays. Complaint from Mrs Mollison, Bloomfield, East Newport about escape of gas from a disused drain, proving dangerous to occupants of her house. Surveyor and Inspector Walker to investigate. [Advertiser 5 May 1896] |
| Contracts for road improvements: kerbing - Mr Mackie & Mr Tait; metalling - Mr Mackie; channeling - Mr Tait & Mr Boath. Complaint from reps of A A Paul & George Scrymgeour about a drain running through their grounds from houses to the east of their property at Cadzow Castle and adjacent villas. Matter to be held over. Plans passed: 3 semi-detached villas for Alexander Robertson, builder, at East Station; alterations for Peter Fleming for his house at West Newport. [Courier 2 Jun 1896] |
| Accounts for the year: include £647-0-11 received from burgh assessments, 10/- received from Police Court fines, paid £374-13-0 for cleansing, £122-13-8 for lighting, paid £3 to the Burgh Prosecutor. Plans approved for a double villa in West Newport for Mr Jason Worrall. [Advertiser 15 Jul 1896] |
| Letter from County Council offering provision of a class for technical education in Newport provided the Commissioners give up their grant which they had used formerly in providing for the conveyance of those in Newport desirous of such education to Dundee and enrolling them in classes there. Commissioners agreed to continue with the present setup, it being difficult to provide in Newport an education in technical matters as good as that afforded by classes in Dundee. [Courier 4 Aug 1896] |
| Police Court: a number of boys were charged yesterday at the police court with garden plundering. Small fines were given in some cases while some others were let off with a warning. The magistrates are determined to put down this kind of offence and future cases are likely to be more severely dealt with. [Courier 25 Aug 1896] |
| Police Court. Yesterday morning two Dundee lads were brought before Bailie Welch charged with fruit-stealing. They were fined half-a-crown [2/6d] each. [Courier 27 Aug 1896] |
| [Comment piece] The Coming Municipal Election. Retiring Commissioners are Provost Scott, Henry A Pattullo, John F Millar. The Kirk Road is subject of debate, but ... local ratepayers have little or nothing to grumble at. During the past 3 years - considerable progress. A considerable influx of people from Dundee and neighbourhood. At Woodhaven a new community has arisen and round about Woodmuir many handsome villas and attractive cottages have been erected. Building at Albert Street and Victoria Street also Linden Avenue. In sanitation Newport is second to none. The retriring Commissioners have done splendid service. [Advertiser 29 Sep 1896] |
| Previous to the meeting the Burgh Officer announced that several ratepayers desired admittance. This was granted. Mr Pattullo said that in future, if ratepayters announced their intention to attend, the Commissioners might prepare something worth hearing. A telegram was received from the proprietor of Cadzow Castle notifying that a drain had burst on his property - this was referred to Committee. Arrangements made for the forthcoming election of Commissioners. October 13th set as date for fixing the rate of assessment. [Advertiser 6 Oct 1896] |
| Some time ago the Commission supported St Andrews District Committee in the proposed erection of a hospital for the northern part of the county. A site in the neighbourhood of Balmullo was to be investigated. Retiring - Provost Scott and commissioners Pattullo and Millar. Provost Scott stated he did not desire to seek re-elction. Mr Millar also did not intend to seek re-election. Mr Pattullo would stand again. [Advertiser 6 Oct 1896] |
| Election: James Mitchell, Linden Avenue has announced his intention to stand; it is pretty certain that John White, grocer, will offer himself for election. Mr Pattullo and James Young are already contenders. A requisition has been signed asking Provost Scott to reconsider and to stand again. [Evening Telegraph 19 Oct 1896] |
| [Letter to the Editor] It is to be hoped that Provost Scott does not retire. Is there another man in the place who could have brought the same time, zeal and ability to the work as Provost Scott has done? There is still much to be done - the Kirk Road is a quagmire, and the Yellow Castle Road still requires attention. An ample playground is needed for the children - great and small. In all Newport there is not a morsel of common ground except when the tide is out. Which wealthy burgher is to provide this - or will it fall upon the ratepayers? Another question often asked - are the laird and his men to be permitted to shoot crows, dogs and other game within the burgh to the annoyance and danger of Kilnburn and vicinity? There is also the need for a good reading room and recreation room including 2 or 3 billiard tables... Who is to carry out the programme over the next 3 years? The unerring instinct of the community replies - Provost Scott, Newport's Grand Old Man. Signed - Tocsin, Newport. [Advertiser 21 Oct 1896] |
| Requisition to Provost Scott - signed by 100 ratepayers - asking him to reconsider his retiral. Provost Scott thanked the meeting and promised to consider the matter. He would let them know in due course. There are now believed to be 7 candidates - Captain Rollo has been asked to stand. [Advertiser 21 Oct 1896] |
| Provost Scott decides not to stand for re-election but is deeply touched by the request of the ratepayers. [Advertiser 26 Oct 1896] Sketch of Provost Scott and biography [Courier 26 Oct 1896] |
| Public meeting addressed by the retiring Commissioners - Kirk Road and the road up by the Yellow Castle are still the outstanding problems. Provost Scott was thanked for all his work. The Provost invited nominations for the 3 vacancies - James Young (proposed by James Lawson), Thomas Roger (proposed by Bailie Robertson), Captain George Rollo (proposed by William Fenton), James Mitchell (proposed by G Thoms), H A Pattullo (proposed by Bailie D S Smith. All the candidates then addressed the meeting. [Advertiser 27 Oct 1896] |
| Plans passed - a two-storey tenement of working men's houses to be erected at Meldrum Square by John M Burnside [the block 34, 36, 40 & 44 King Street]; a shed at Pierhead for Mr Young, cycle agent. [Advertiser 3 Nov 1896]. [In the Courier 3 Nov 1896 - Young's shed is described as a temporary shed for the storage of cycles at Craighead [should be Pierhead]] |
Previous available year Next available year