1900 February 14 Orkney Herald
NOTICE. – All persons having CLAIMS against the late Mr JOHN GIBSON,
Langskaill, Rousay, are requested to lodge the same with the Subscribers
within THREE WEEKS from this date; and all Debts OWING to the
deceased to be paid within the like period.
DREVER & HEDDLE, Solicitors, Agents for Deceased’s Executrix.
1900 March 7 Orkney Herald
THE RELIEF OF LADYSMITH – LOCAL REJOICINGS. – The news of the relief of Ladysmith reached Kirkwall soon after ten o’clock on Thursday forenoon and was the cause of much rejoicing. Flags were speedily hoisted on flagstaffs or hung in strings across the streets, guns were fired, and peals were rung on the Cathedral bells. The schools and some public offices and places of business were closed during part of the day The inmates of the Poorhouse were not forgotten, and gifts from Mr J. W. Cursiter, Dr Bell, and others enabled them to share in the rejoicing to a greater extent than they otherwise could have done. In the evening the Volunteer Band marched through the streets playing popular and patriotic airs. Before returning to the Drill Hall, they stopped on the Broad Street, where a large number of people had gathered, and played “Rule Britannia” and the National Anthem. Cheers were then given for the Queen, for the defenders of Ladysmith, for the relieving army, etc. From the tower of the Cathedral and from the Town Hall there was a brilliant display of rockets and other fireworks; and private individuals in different parts of the town and neighbourhood marked the event in a similar way. Other citizens in quite a number of cases illuminated their houses. Except on the occasion of the Queen’s Jubilee, there has been no such spontaneous outburst of loyal and patriotic feeling for many a year as took place last Thursday.
THE WEATHER OF FEBRUARY. – Three types of weather have been experienced in Orkney during February. The month commenced with snow-showers, which increased in frequency till the 4th, when the ground was covered. On the 6th snow commenced to drift, and continued most of the 7th, when considerable drifts were met with in front of dykes and other obstacles. The thaw came on the 15th and 16th, with a gale, which culminated in a hurricane of 89 miles [per hour] on the morning of the 16th. For five days subsequently the barometer remained below 29 inches. During this time and up to the 23rd the weather was very changeable and disagreeable, with rain, hail, and frost. The rest of the month was very fine. Barometric pressure was much below the mean. The temperature was the lowest since 1895, which was 33.2 deg [Fahrenheit, or 0.66 Celsius]. On comparing the means for the last 50 years, we find only four colder Februaries, of which 1885 was the coldest, 31.6 deg. Last February was 3½ deg. below the mean. The minimum of 20.7 deg., which occurred on the night of the 7th, was the lowest reading since 1895, which was 20.6 deg., only a tenth inch lower. Februaries of 1888 and 1885 had both lower minima. These were the coldest for twenty years. The rainfall was slightly less than the mean. The hours of sunshine were twelve above the mean.
ROUSAY – PLOUGHING MATCH. – The ploughing match under the auspices of the Rousay Agricultural Society was held on Thursday on a field kindly given by Mr [William] Learmonth, Innister. Seventeen ploughs competed. The judges were Mr Wood, Dyke; Mr South, Burgar; and Mr Mowat, Schoolhall [Evie]; and their decisions gave general satisfaction. The ploughmen were liberally supplied with refreshments during the day. The judges, committee, and other friends were entertained to an excellent dinner served with Mrs [Mary] Learmonth’s usual ability and skill. The committee take this opportunity of thanking all friends who so kindly sent special prizes. Appended is the prize-list: –
PLOUGHING. – 1, A. Craigie, Innister; 2, J. Leonard, Avelshay; 3, Wm. Craigie, Breckan; 4, Thomas Gibson, Broland; 5, Wm. Balfour, Westness; 6, J. Gibson, Faraclett; 7, Wm. Grieve, Whitehall; 8, Wm. Pearson, Langskaill; 9, G. Munro, Saviskaill; youngest ploughman, J. Marwick, Knarston; best feering, Wm. Balfour; best finish, J. Leonard; best rig on field, A. Craigie.
HARNESS. – 1, J. Gibson, Faraclett; 2, M. Leonard; 3, James Munro, Woo; 4, James Yorston; 5, William Scott, Hurtiso.
GROOMING. – 1, Thos. Sinclair, Scockness; 2, Thomas Lyal, Westness; 3, J. Gibson, Faraclett; 4, A. Craigie, lnnister; 5, Wm. Pearson, Langskaill. [Orkney Herald]
1900 April 4 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – TEMPERANCE. – Last Sunday evening Mr Henderson, of the Temperance League, delivered an excellent address on the drink question in the Free Church. Rev. Mr Pirie, of the U.P. Church, presided, and the lecture was much enjoyed by the rather small audience who had assembled to hear it.
COLPORTAGE. – On Wednesday evening in the Free Church, and on Friday evening in the Wasbister School, Rev. Alex. Goodfellow delivered his lecture on Haldane’s visit to Orkney. The collection was on behalf of the Colportage Society. The Rev. Mr McLeman presided at both lectures and spoke highly in favour of the lecture. [Colportage is the distribution of publications, books, and religious tracts by carriers called “colporteurs”. The term does not necessarily refer to religious book peddling.]
COMMUNION SERVICES. – The Free Church congregation engaged in these services on Sabbath last, when the day was favourable and the attendance good. Rev. John McLeman was assisted on Thursday, Saturday, and Sabbath by Rev. Mr Goodfellow, South Ronaldshay.
RELIGIOUS EXAMINATION. – In Wasbister School on Friday the boys and girls were examined in regard to their religious knowledge by Rev. Mr McLeman along with Rev. Mr Goodfellow. The children acquitted themselves very well under their able teacher, Miss [Jessie] Marwick.
1900 April 11 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – COMFORTS FOR SOLDIERS IN SOUTH AFRICA. – For some time back the young ladies and others in Rousay have been preparing, by knitting and otherwise, a consignment of comforts for the 2nd Battalion Royal Warwick Regiment, of which regiment General Burroughs, C.B., is Colonel in Chief. This handsome contribution has been forwarded by Mrs [Jane] Seatter, Saviskaill, to Mrs Burroughs in London, and is now on its way to the regiment in South Africa. These friends of our soldiers can little know what a pleasure and comfort these socks, shirts, &c., will be to our troops, whose clothing is in sad need of renewal.
ROUSAY GOLF CLUB. – The annual meeting of the above club was held in Sourin Public School on Saturday the 31st ult. The following were appointed office-bearers for the ensuing year: Captain, Mr J. S. Gibson; secretary, Mr R. G. Gordon; treasurer, Mr J. M. Reid; committee, Messrs A. Munro, H. Sinclair, G. Marwick, G. Munro and John Gibson. It was arranged that the monthly competitions should be played over the several courses as formerly. The secretary intimated that Mr Shearer, Leith, has kindly offered to present a gold medal for competition on the Brings Course.
1900 April 18 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – LONG LIVES. – The grave closed over the remains of Mr George Reid, Wasdale, belonging to this island, on the 3rd inst., at the advanced age of nearly 93 years. His father reached the long life of 107 years. Some time ago poetry appeared in one of the local papers describing incidents in his life. George Reid’s wife [Janet Harcus] predeceased him by six years at the age of over 93 years, and her mother [Christy Flaws] was in her 104th year when she died. Their ages added together make the remarkable long period of nearly 400 years.
1900 April 25 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – FREE CHURCH GUILD. – On Friday last the Free Church Guild brought its session to a close with a business meeting. The president, Rev. Mr McLeman was in the chair. The secretary reported that although the number on the roll was a few less than in former sessions, the attendance had been better, the interest well sustained, that the standard of work reached had been higher, and that the musical part had been greatly improved and reflected great credit on the guild precentor, Mr James W. Grieve. The treasurer showed that the guild had a small balance after paying all expenses. The president, speaking for the Guild Library Committee, pointed out that more than £3 had been received from collections at lantern lectures, which had been expended for library books, that more than fifty volumes were now in use by the guild and Sabbath School, that there was a balance of 7s from members’ subscription, and suggested that further effort should be made to increase the number of books. He congratulated the guild on their successful winter’s work, and expressed the conviction that all would endeavour to increase the interest and usefulness of the guild.
1900 May 16 Orkney Herald
SAD DROWNING ACCIDENT. – The trading steamer Cormorant, belonging to Mr R. Garden, merchant, Kirkwall, returned to Kirkwall on Thursday last and reported that while on the passage from Kirkwall to Aberdeen, and when about twenty miles off Copinshay, James Corsie accidentally fell overboard and was drowned. It appears that the deceased had gone to the engine-room for coal, which he was to use for cooking purposes. He was not seen to fall overboard, but the captain of the vessel, who was on the bridge at the time, heard him cry and saw him sink. Corsie was a young man of about 22 years of age and belonged to Frotoft, Rousay, where he was much respected. He had only left home on Tuesday last to join the vessel, and it was his first voyage on the boat. Much sympathy is felt with his widowed mother in her sad bereavement.
[James Sinclair Corsie was the son of James Corsie [1832-1875], Nears, and Mary Marwick Low, Quoyjenny. James was born on August 17th 1875 – six months after his father’s death.]
1900 May 23 Orkney Herald
THE RELIEF OF MAFEKING. – News of the relief of Mafeking was received shortly before 10 o’clock on Friday night in a Reuter’s telegram to the Orkney Herald. The telegram was at once posted in a window of our publishing office, and was received with cheers. Its contents spread rapidly through the town, and everywhere called forth expressions of pleasure and enthusiasm. No preparations had been made for celebrating the event, and everything done was entirely spontaneous. Some fireworks were set off, crowds marched through the streets cheering and singing popular and patriotic songs, and the band of the Orkney Volunteer Artillery paraded, and, halting on the Broad Street, played the National Anthem, after which loud cheers were given for the Queen, Lord Roberts, Baden-Powell, and the defenders of Mafeking. On Saturday the town was gay with bunting.
1900 June 6 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION. – The following seven candidates have been nominated for the five seats on the School Board of Rousay and Egilshay: – Lieut.-General Burroughs, Trumland House; William Grieve, Falldown; Hugh Marwick, Guidal; Robert Marwick, Woo; Rev. John McLeman, F.C. Manse; Rev. A. I. Pirie, U.P. Manse; Hugh Sinclair, Newhouse. The polling takes place on Friday first.
1900 June 13 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – THANKSGIVING WAR SERMON. – The Rev. A. Spark preached in Rousay Parish Church on Sunday last from Jeremiah, xivii. 6 – “O thou sword of the Lord, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? Put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.” The following are some extracts: – Describing despotic monarchies of ancient days, he said the world then enjoyed mighty civilizations, but an impassable gulf separated the ruling classes from toiling millions. In Greece, in Rome the despotism of rulers bore so hard sway that self-government was an impossibility. In Germany the worshippers of Thor, Odin, and Freya submerged in superstition both civilization and religion. To the Hebrew race was committed the doctrine of the Fatherhood of God, but, humanly erring, they reared upon it and spiritual despotism claiming the divine right of thinking for the people. In all nations – in all centuries the brotherhood of man was not recognised. Then came Jesus of Nazareth – a “bright and morning star” proclaiming the brotherhood of man and man’s equality, asserting his responsibility to a power higher than either Church or State. For that truth He died. That death hath revolutionized the world. We thank God to-day, for the fall of Bloemfontein and Pretoria – that the wave expressive of human liberty and equality has been extended to South Africa by our British arms. By that, all men – black or white – are created equal. By that, equal rights and privileges have been secured under the British seal. The British nation has spent its treasures and spilt its blood to declare the brotherhood of man. Wherever African history is read to British arms must be accorded the supreme honour of establishing a Government whose corner-stone is the equality of man. This must ever be a memorial of Great Britain. This day calls us to re-assert the great principles for which our armies have battled. God’s purposes must have a place not only in written law but in its administration. There must be an equality which the poorest may enjoy as well as the rich. I fear we are drifting to a slavery worse than Africa both in Church and state – drifting into civil and spiritual despotism. Is it not so A few demagogues direct our political action. Our Government of Great Britain – misnamed a representative Government – represents with rare accentuation property and wealth. Commercial monopolies grind thousands of sweating toilers into the dust. Capital crushes labour. A kind of popedom has invaded the Protestant churches and is undoing the simplicity of salvation. Not every church, not every nation, but that church and that nation has a God-given seat which exists for the good of mankind. In our constitution, where is enthroned God’s great purpose, He should be acknowledged whose right is to reign. His word our highest word in Church and State…..The coveted glory of the warrior is the V.C., but the Christian soldier has a better and a nobler, the Cross of Christ. May this cross be enthroned upon every heart. O friends, when your last evening on earth comes, will it come bright with rosey hopes or laden with lowering black shadows? Will your voice catch up the choral hymns of heavenly hosts or will you hang your harps on the willow trees weeping in everlasting captivity? O seek the Christ of Nazareth now. A Christless shroud is very cold – a Christless grave is very deep. Rather then on African veldts, on Arctic icebergs, amid the majesty of ocean waves or the terrific thunder of cannon, than die Christless amid the luxury of palace homes without Him. In this materialistic age, amid the rush and roar of money-making occupations and fevered harassments of anxious human hearts, in the name of Christ I crave for you, dear friends, a brighter home that needs no sun, for God himself is its light, and, when life’s battles have been nobly and victoriously fought, I claim for you that crown which fadeth not away.
1900 June 27 Orkney Herald
HOLIDAY. – Friday last was, on the recommendation of the Town Council, observed as a general holiday in Kirkwall. Heavy clouds hung about all day and there were occasional showers of rain, but these were mostly local, and excursionists in the main escaped them. So heavy, however, was the downfall in the forenoon that the streets in Kirkwall, which seemed to get most of the rainfall, were flooded and the water flowed into several low-lying houses. In the morning the steamer Orcadia left Scapa for Longhope with Nos. 1 and 8 companies of Orkney Artillery Volunteers and a large number of friends of members of the corps on board. These all spent an enjoyable day at Melsetter, where they were warmly received by Mr Middlemore, and other parts of Walls. They returned in the evening to Scapa, where most of them landed. A number, however, remained on board to go round with the steamer to Kirkwall. The vessel ran into fog and only reached Kirkwall about 10 o’clock the following morning. The Fawn had a good contingent of passengers to Rousay and Egilshay and the Iona for Shapinsay, while the Hoy Head carried a number to St Margaret’s Hope. All available vehicles were requisitioned for trips through the Mainland. Chief among these was the picnic of the St Magnus Guild and their friends, which was held at Aikerness, Evie.
1900 July 25 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY REGATTA. – The annual regatta of the Rousay and Viera Boat Club was held on Friday last. When morning broke there was scarcely a breath to ruffle the surface of the water, but as the day advanced a light breeze sprang up from the eastward. The day was the occasion of the annual holiday in Kirkwall, and the steamer Fawn ran a special trip to Rousay, many people availing themselves of this opportunity of witnessing the races. The first race was to start at 11 a.m., and as the hour approached boats began to arrive from all quarters, but owing to the light wind many were delayed, and the first race consequently started only about 12 noon. The course was the usual triangular one, being from a buoy off Trumland Pier, round a mark boat in Egilshay Sound, thence round another mark boat off Graand and back to Trumland Pier.
The first race was for boats of 16 feet waterline and under, and in this race there were six entries, viz., Alice, Ceska, Nita, Jean Ann, Lizzie, and Nancy. For this race a cup was presented for the first time by the Club, and owing to this circumstance much more interest was shown than in former years. The start was a flying one, and, with the exception of the Jean Ann, all the boats were in good position when the starting gun was fired. The race was very keenly contested throughout between Alice and Ceska. The Alice from the time of starting to the Point of Avelshay was leading, but being unable to weather this point, was passed here by Ceska, which kept her lead till the mark boat at the Graand was reached. On the run home, however, the Alice again passed the Ceska and was the first to cross the line, but had not sufficient lead to make up for Ceska’s time allowance, which thereby received the cup. Notwithstanding her bad start, the Jean Ann succeeded in passing the other boats and was an easy third. The finish, after deducting time allowance, was as follows: –
1. Ceska, F. C. Henniker – 1h. 30m. 59s.
2. Alice, A. Hamilton – 1h. 31m. 10s.
3. Jean Ann, W. Wood – 1hr. 32m. 58½s.
4. Nita, A. Spark – 1h. 37m. 47½s.
5. Nancy, W. Sutherland – 1h. 39m. 17s.
6. Lizzie, D. Johnston – 1h. 46m. 30s.
The second race was for yachts 35 feet waterline and under. For this race there were only two entries, viz., Thora and Annie. By special arrangement of committee Thora had to allow Annie 15 minutes time allowance on the course. The start as usual was a flying one, and both yachts got well off together, Thora slightly leading. This lead she maintained throughout the whole course, and succeeded in greatly outdistancing her opponent, but was unable to finish in time to save the heavy time allowance which she was obliged to allow Annie. The following is the finish with time allowance deducted: –
Annie, J. Logie (Cup) – 2h. 10m. 35s.
Thora, J. Tinch – 2h. 12m. 35s.
The third race was for boats of 22 feet of waterline and under, for which there were four entries, namely, Walrus, Sigurd, Laulie, and Thistle. This race had a flying start, and all four started pretty well together. After passing the mark-boat to Egilshay Sound Walrus took the lead, followed closely by Sigurd, which position each boat maintained throughout the race, and finished as follows: –
Walrus, A. Leask (Cup) – 1h. 24m. 30s.
Sigurd, General Burroughs – 1h. 28m. 37s.
Laulie, J. Marwick – 1h. 29m. 35s.
Thistle, A. Marwick – 1h. 29m. 46½s.
The fourth race was for fishing skiffs of 20 feet waterline, and in this race there were three entries, viz., Sarah, Anne, and Wild Wave. Sarah took the lead, followed by Ann, and maintained their respective positions throughout the race, finishing as follows: –
Sarah, John Mainland – 1h. 21m. 43s.
Ann, J. Craigie – 1h. 25m. 43s.
Wild Wave, J. Gibson – 1h. 26m. 36s.
The last of the sailing races was the all-comers, and this, perhaps, was the best contested race of the day. There were eight entries, viz., Thora, Annie, Walrus, Sigurd, Laulie, Thistle, Ceska, and Alice. The start was a flying one, as were all the rest, and all boats got well off together on the starting gun. However, before the Point of Avelshay was reached the larger yachts had a good lead, which they continually increased throughout the whole race. The finish, after deducting time allowance, was as follows: –
1. Thora, J. Tinch – 0h. 55m. 31s.
2. Annie, J. Logie – 1h. 1m. 19s.
3. Walrus, A. Leask – 1h. 2m. 19s.
4. Sigurd, General Burroughs – 1h. 7m. 44s.
5. Thistle, A. Marwick – 1h. 8m. 27s.
6. Laulie, J. Marwick – 1h. 10m. 0s.
7. Ceska, F. C. Henniker – 1h. 13m. 35s.
8. Alice, A. Hamilton – 1h. 16m. 26s.
Annexed are the results of the rowing races: –
Men’s Rowing Race. – 1, A. Harrold and J. Rendall; 2, W. Fraser and J. Balfour; 3, J. Flaws and J. Cursiter; 4, J. Harrold and A. Johnston; 5, W. Sutherland and J. Miller; 6, J. Gibson and J. Leonard.
Boy’s Rowing Race. – 1, J. Marwick and W. Russell; 2, D. Munro and R. Craigie.
For the benefit of the visitors, the club provided a refreshment room as usual, and great credit is due to the ladies who presided there for the admirable manner in which all the arrangements were carried out. At the close of the races, Mrs Arbuthnot, Westness House, handed out the prizes to the successful competitors, for which she was accorded three hearty cheers. Cheers were also accorded to Gen. Burroughs, the commodore of the club, and Mrs Burroughs; to Mr Leask, the vice-commodore, and the other members of the committee. The committee take this opportunity of thanking all those who have so kindly contributed towards the funds of the club.
1900 August 15 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – SOURIN SCHOOL. – On Tuesday the 7th inst. General and Mrs Burroughs visited the Sourin School, distributed prizes, and gave the pupils their annual treat. Mrs Burroughs takes a genuine interest in the education of all the pupils in the different schools on the estate. The prize-winners are : – A. Graham Spark, Kate Russell, Veira L. Spark, Fred Scott, Jessie Corsie, Mary Leonard, Minna Gibson, John McLeman, William Marwick, David Marwick, Marion Seatter.
CATTLE SHOW. – The annual show of the Rousay Agricultural Society was held on the farm of Banks, Sourin, on Tuesday. The judges were Mr James Scott, Odinstone, Shapinsay; Mr William Walls, Gutterpool, Holm; and Mr John Bews, Ribaquoy, St Andrews. Annexed is the prize list: –
HORSES. – Mares with foal at foot – 1, John Gibson, Faraclett; 2, Benjamin Moodie, Ervadale. Draught geldings – 1, David Gibson, Hullion; 2, John M. Harrold, Bigland; 3, William Learmonth, Innister; hc [highly commended], Mrs Sibella Seatter. Draught Mares – 1, John Gibson, Faraclett; 2, Mrs Seatter; 3, Fred Inkster, Furse. Two-Year-Old Fillies – 1, John Gibson, Faraclett; 2, Robert Marwick, Woo; 3, Fred Inkster, Furse.
CATTLE. – Cows in Calf or Milk – 1 and 2, Mrs Seatter; 3, J. Craigie; hc, Paterson Craigie, Lodge; c, George Gibson, Avelshay. Two-Year-Old Heifers – 1, Mrs Seatter; 2 and 3, David Gibson, Langskaill; hc and c, George Gibson, Avelshay. One-Year-Old Heifers – 1, William Learmonth; 2, George Gibson, Avelshay; 3, John Gibson, Faraclett. One-Year-Old Steers – 1, George Gibson, Avelshay; 2 and hc, Mrs Seatter; 3, William Learmonth; c, John Gibson, Faraclett.
1900 September 12 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – PRESENTATION TO A TEACHER. – Mr James Craigie, teacher, Doll School, Brora, Sutherland, a native of Rousay, who has lately accepted an appointment in Bracadale, Skye, was made the recipient of a valuable timepiece on the occasion of his leaving Brora. On the evening of Monday 3rd inst., a few of his intimate friends and all the scholars met Mr Craigie in the school. On the motion of Mr R. Dingwall, Brora, Mr George Sutherland, Doll, was called to the chair. He said they were gathered there that evening to show their appreciation of Mr Craigie as a teacher, as a friend and neighbour. He had done well to them in their school and they now wished to show in however small a degree their esteem of a teacher who was thoroughly reliable and devoted to his work. He was both pleased and sorry – pleased to be in the position he was there that night to give some tangible mark of their esteem, but sorry to lose such an excellent teacher. Miss Bella Mackay, in a few well-chosen words presented Mr Craigie in the name of the pupils of the school with the time-piece. Mr Craigie, in reply, said he did not think himself deserving of such a handsome gift. It came on him quite as a surprise, and it would on that account be all the more valued by him. Valuable as the gift was, he regarded still more the kind motives that prompted the action. He felt that he could not express his gratitude to them in a manner befitting the occasion. They were to take the wish for the deed. He would carry away with him a very pleasant memory of the years he spent amongst them, and he would be always glad to meet in with any of his friends or pupils wherever he might be placed and be pleased to do anything in his power for them. Mr Gibson, Town and County Bank, and Dr Nicoll, both members of the School Board, spoke very highly of Mr Craigie as a teacher and eulogised the excellent work he had done in school. As a Board they would miss him as one of their most successful teachers. Mr H. Winchester, M.A., Mr A. M. Gunn, M.A., and Mr R. S. Mackay, teachers of Clyne Public School, and Mr Wm. Murray, crofter, Doll, each spoke briefly in praise of Mr Craigie. A vote of thanks was accorded to the chairman and the meeting then dispersed.
1900 November 14 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – PRESENTATION. – On Wednesday last week Mrs Seatter, Saviskaill, was presented with a very handsome marble dining-room time-piece subscribed by General and Mrs Burroughs and other friends in the parish. On introducing Mrs Burroughs to make the presentation, the Rev. Mr Spark said – “General and Mrs Burroughs and friends, on behalf of subscribers and of the parish generally, we are here to say farewell to Mrs Seatter. Under our roof it was proposed to do so by some small gift, which has been heartily subscribed. Its simplicity does not mar its sincerity. The parish will miss Mrs Seatter, we shall miss her, but the poor and needy of this district will miss her more than any. Mrs Seatter, the past 41 years of your life are like yesterday, yet within that period the tenderest ties that bound you to your heart’s choice have been severed, and you return to thy sunny south with a chastened feeling of sorrow. May this timepiece point you to the home where time shall be no longer. “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift upon you the light of His countenance, and give you his peace, Amen.” I have now the honour of asking Mrs Burroughs to make the presentation.” Mrs Burroughs said – “Mrs Seatter, I am asked to make this presentation to you, of a dining-room clock, in the name of your friends and neighbours in Rousay. Now that you are retiring from farming after 40 years residence at Saviskaill, and leaving for the south, we all feel that this is no ordinary severance with the past. You will be very much missed in Rousay. The poor and lonely are losing a truly kind and benevolent friend. The whole community is losing a public spirited inhabitant, who has ever been ready to help forward what would promote the general good. I do not forget our constant friendship also with your late much esteemed husband, one of our oldest and staunchest friends. We are so small a community here that when one of its members leaves, especially a prominent one such as yourself, it leaves a blank. I shall be asked by many visitors to our Loch. “Where is Mrs Seatter?” After a day’s fishing or shooting, Mrs Seatter’s “scones and butter,” and preserves, and the kindly welcome on her handsome face, is looked forward to as no ordinary treat by southerners who do not enjoy these luxuries all the year round; in fact, we can ill spare the friend we have met here to-day to do honour to, but all our good and kindest wishes for a happy and prosperous future for herself and family go with her.” – The timepiece, which was furnished by Mr William Hourston, Kirkwall, bore the following inscription: – “Presented to Mrs Seatter, Saviskaill, as a farewell gift by dear friends. Rousay, Orkney, 11th November, 1900.”
[Jane Hepburn Chalmers or Seatter was the wife of farmer William Traill Seatter. He died on January 11th 1890. They had a son, christened Frederick William Burroughs Seatter, who was born on October 12th 1859 and died on November 15th 1910. Jane Seatter passed away on September 8th 1914 at Burntisland.]
1900 November 28 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – PRESENTATION. – Mr George Stevenson, farmer, who is leaving Scockness, Rousay, for Garth, St Ola, was on Saturday waited on by a deputation and presented with a purse of money subscribed for by many of the farmers in Rousay and Egilshay in acknowledgment of veterinary services he had always willingly rendered them. Mr Stevenson returned thanks, and afterwards entertained the deputation. Much regret is felt throughout the islands at Mr Stevenson’s departure, as not only did he place his skill freely at the disposal of neighbours, but he was a general favourite and will be greatly missed.
1900 December 12 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY. – HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICES were held in the three churches here on Thursday last. The weather being fine, the attendance at all the services was good. In the parish church the Rev. A. Spark preached an appropriate sermon from Jer. Viii. 20 – “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”
GUILD MEETING. – The Ritchie United Free Church Guild opened its winter session with a social meeting on Thursday evening. The attendance was excellent, evidently indicating the increasing popularity of the guild social in this district, and the provision made for the mental and physical requirements of those present was duly appreciated. The choir, under the leadership of Mr J. W. Grieve, guild precentor, sang well, their rendering of the several pieces being much enjoyed. Suitable addresses were delivered by the president and vice-president, and a humorous reading and recitation by the secretary. Towards the close, feeling reference was made by the president to the removal by death since last session of one of the guild members, and the choir sang an appropriate hymn. Altogether a very happy and harmonious evening was spent, and after votes of thanks had been proposed and given, and the benediction pronounced, the meeting dispensed, fully resolved to meet again some other night.
MR ISAAC COWIE, Deputy-Secretary of the Young Men’s Guild of the Church of Scotland, preached at Wasbister School on Sunday, 2nd curt., upon “The Good Samaritan.” He then urged the interests of his Guild, stating the advantages accruing to young men and women going south. Before closing, he adverted to the union of the Free and U.P. Churches, wishing it well, but added that it was right to ascertain the present position of the Church of Scotland. She was a compact, solid, undivided Church, whose communicants number 656,112, thus outnumbering all the communicants of all the other Churches in Scotland put together. She was increasing at the rate of nigh 8000 yearly. He expressed the Church’s sympathy with the people of Wasbister as being very disadvantageously situated, but especially as having been refused a site for a place of worship by the proprietor, but he hoped that would soon be granted. Their petition was in Assembly hands, and he would do his endeavour to further their spiritual interests. He was well aware that their petition resulted from a regular course of sermons preached in the school there by the Rev. Mr Spark, parish minister. (The petition bore 100 signatures, 30 of which are E.C. and 70 either F.C. or U.P.)
1900 December 19 Orkney Herald
SHERIFF CRIMINAL COURT. – At Orkney Sheriff Criminal Court at Kirkwall yesterday – before Sheriff Cosens – …..Mark Kirkness and John Craigie, two young men from Rousay, pleaded guilty to committing, under provocation, a breach of the peace at Saviskaill, Rousay, on 9th November. Their pleas were accepted, and fines of 15s each, with the alternative of fourteen days’ imprisonment, were imposed.
1900 December 26 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – CHRISTMAS SERMON. – The Rev. A. Spark preached a special Christmas sermon on Sunday last from 1 Chron. v. 22 and Philip. iv. 7 – “The War of God,” “The Peace of God.” He went on as follows: – This Christmas sounds the paean of both “war” and “peace,” so my text is twofold and might be divided into two heads – 1. The Divine Problem of War; 2. The Divine Problem of Peace. 1. All wars not of God are wicked. The history of nations proves that there have been wars of God – wars against barbarism and all bad conditions of society. Our civil and religious liberty rose out of wars of God; good government is the fruit of Christian warfare. The American War of Independence, North and South American War, the wars of Cromwell and the Puritan Revolution were wars of God for human good. Had the complaints of the Outlanders been met with decent consideration and justice the South African problem would have been solved much more to the advantage of Britain without firing a gun. Man’s heart is man’s worst enemy. Within this last black year there have been thousands of desolate homes, thousands of broken hearts, thousands of lives ended on the battlefields of life, ruined and undone….. 2. The Peace of God. The central note of the angelic song was peace – “Peace on earth.” What a blessing if this message becalmed our souls and inspired peace, if this message would ring out from end to end of Christendom at this time. The Hague Peace Conference was rooted on good intentions but was the sounding of a hollow drum. There were platitudes of peace with the sting of war at its heart. The world is not sincere. It requires two things at least – (1) A Christianised public opinion, and (2) a Christianised public practice. The pulpit and the press have prime duties. Although Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, still it is for this world. The Church’s duty is to work the leaven of righteousness into the dough of human duty, civil as well as sacred. The Church and the State are God-ordained agencies to recall the human race to righteousness. Christ is Head of civil and sacred governments – Head of nations and of churches. Church and State own the same patronage and ought to perform their God-given duties. The Church of Scotland – though marred and scarred has fought in God’s wars, and seeing God’s world to be God’s field, she labours to reclaim nations, governments, universities, schools, professions, trades, and all society into the love and practice of righteousness and of the peace of God. If we have to fight opposing hosts, we fight in the name of the Christ of God, the “good fight of faith,” in order to carry out the injunctions of the Prince of Peace, and make the wide world the palace of God. The good soldier of Jesus Christ must put on all the armour of God and fight with might and main to gain the crowning victory of the universe, when the kingdoms of this world shall have become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ, and from pole to pole men shall kiss the sceptre of the Prince of Peace.