1912 January 15 The Scotsman
LORD HUNTER, in the Court of Session, decided that Lady Sinclair, residuary legatee and executrix of the late Lady Burroughs of Rousay, Orkney, was entitled to £1422 in respect of an annuity due to Lady Burroughs from the estate of her deceased husband, Lieutenant-General Sir Frederick W. T. Burroughs, of Rousay and Veira, K.C.B.
1912 February 10 The Orcadian
ROUSAY – LEAP YEAR DANCE. – A very successful dance, given by the young ladies of Sourin was held in Sourin Public School on Friday, February 2. Heavy showers of snow fell all afternoon, and did not give promise of a great turnout in the evening, but fortune favours the brave, and a goodly number of young men and women put in their appearance “to trip the light fantastic toe.” Misses Marwick, A. Munro, Craigie, Baikie, and Corsie, who had been appointed members of the committee, carried out all the required arrangements, to the satisfaction of all present. Twice during the evening, refreshments were served. Dancing started at 7 o’clock, and was kept up till the sma’ ‘oors o’ the morning. Misses Craigie and Aggie Munro carried out the duties of M.C. splendidly. Excellent music was supplied by Messrs J. W. Grieve, Whitehall; Wm. Grieve, Falldown: Jas. and Wm. Grieve, Sanday. The following is a list of those present: – Misses Lydia G. Baikie, Bella Craigie, Lizzie Corsie, Ann Corsie, Maggie Jane Craigie, Lizzie Craigie, Ella Craigie, Emma Craigie, Mary Jane Craigie, Betsy Cooper, Mary Ann Cooper, Rebecca Elphinstone, Annie Jane Harrold, Katie Harrold, Jeanie Inkster, Maggie Jessie Inkster, Minnie Linklater, Maggie Marwick, Jessie Marwick, Aggie Munro, Mary Ann Munro; Messrs John Craigie, James Craigie, Hugh Craigie, Tom Corsie, Wm. Corsie, Tom Gibson, John Gibson, Wm. Grieve, John Inkster, John Linklater, Robert Linklater, Malcolm Leonard, Kenneth McLean, Robert Mainland, James Munro, Albert Munro, John Marwick, James Russell, Robert Sinclair, John Seatter, Robert Seatter.
1912 February 14 Orkney Herald
FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MEMORIAL.
ANYONE desirous of contributing to the above Fund please forward Subscriptions to MRS JAMES CURSITER, Daisybank, Kirkwall, who has been asked to collect and forward to St Thomas’s Hospital, London, on behalf of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage.
[Florence Nightingale, OM, RRC, DStJ, was an English social reformer and statistician, and the founder of modern nursing. Nightingale came to prominence while serving as a manager and trainer of nurses during the Crimean War, in which she organised care for wounded soldiers. Born in Florence, Italy, on May 12th 1820, she died in Mayfair, London, on August 20th 1910. Contributions to the Fund went towards a memorial, installed in the south aisle of St Thomas’s Hospital Chapel, and homes for nurses.]
Late on Friday night, the steam liner Crimond, of Aberdeen (A334), Walker, master, struck on the Outer Holm of lre, Sanday. The night was dark and hazy, and the sea rough. The crew launched their boat with the intention of landing, and five men got into her, but the boat broke adrift, and capsized in the land sea. Four of those on board her were drowned, the fifth being rescued from the shore in a very exhausted condition. As soon as it became known that the vessel was ashore, the Sanday rocket apparatus was taken to the shore opposite the vessel and the Stronsay motor lifeboat was telegraphed for, and was launched without delay. Both reached the spot early in the morning. A rocket was fired, but missed the wreck, and before another could be fired, the lifeboat was taking off the remaining four members of the Crimond’s crew who were still on board the vessel. The lifeboat returned to Stronsay with the four rescued men, who left afterwards for Sanday, and left for Aberdeen on Sunday by another liner.
[In addition to steam and diesel-powered side trawlers, line boats [liners] fished down to 400 fathoms, principally targeting halibut, some prime specimens weighing up to 20 stone (140kg)].
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Letters to the Editor
STRONSAY LIFEBOAT SERVICE.
SlR, – By your kind favour I would wish, through the medium of the Herald, to convey the grateful thanks of the Stronsay Lifeboat Committee to all those who so spontaneously and ably assisted in getting the lifeboat away on her mission of mercy so promptly on Saturday morning. The Misses Chalmers, Post Office, like all others, were in bed sleeping comfortably when the ominous call came, and knowing what a midnight call meant, immediately jumped out of bed, and insufficiently clad for such a stormy night, one rushed to the office to receive the message and the other ran to the signalman’s house and roused him, then to the coxswain, and then to the writer of this, thereby saving a lot of valuable time. Miss Eunson, daughter of Coxswain Eunson, hastened to members of the crew who did not hear the rocket signals, and speedily had them out, and buckled on their lifebelts and ready for work, and then nearly broke down with the thought that she might be hastening her father, brother, and friends on a trip from which they might never return. Lifeboat men get no more praise than they deserve, but our sympathies should go out to their friends left behind, who, though proud that their husbands, fathers, brothers, or sweethearts are brave enough to risk their lives in saving others, yet suffer agonies until they return in safety. We have heard disparaging remarks regarding the money spent on the Stronsay lifeboat, and also regarding the efficiency of the boat and her crew, but surely the service rendered on Saturday so promptly and without a hitch should forever refute such idle and ignorant cavilling.
We would draw attention to the grand and humane work done by the lifeboats and their brave crews around our coasts, and the number of lives saved by them every year, and would appeal to a generous public to support with financial help the noble Institution which manages and controls this benevolent organisation. – Yours faithfully, – R. MITCHELL, Hon. Secy.
1912 March 9 The Orcadian
ROUSAY – PLOUGHING MATCH. – Our Agricultural Society was somewhat unfortunate in the weather conditions which prevailed last Wednesday, the day on which the ploughing match was held. Rain broke out before 9 o’clock, and continued all day. Consequently only fourteen ploughs turned up for competition. Mr Fred Inkster, Trumland Farm, kindly granted a field for the occasion. Mr John Logie’s silver cup for the best ploughed rig on field (which has to be thrice won) was keenly contested for between the first prize ploughmen in both sections, and was won for the second time by Thomas Gibson, Broland. The ploughmen were liberally supplied with tea and other refreshments on the field and after their work was done. The judges were Messrs Tom Foubister, Hannatoft, and John Work. Caskald, Shapinsay. who awarded the prizes as follows: –
Ploughing. – Champions – 1, medal and cup, Thomas Gibson, Broland; 2, Hugh Robertson, Scockness; 3, J. W. Grieve, Faraclett; Feering, Thos. Gibson; Finish, Thos. Gibson. Ordinary. – 1 and Highland Society’s medal, James Craigie, Falquoy; 2, Alex. Craigie, Banks, Frotoft; 3, Hugh Mainland, Trumland; 4, David Moar, Saviskaill; 5, James Linklater, Curquoy; 6, Hugh Craigie, Swandale; 7, James Russell, Brendale; 8, John Corsie, junr., Westness; 9, Robert Seatter, junr., Banks, Sourin; 10, James Lyon, Ervadale; Youngest ploughman, John Linklater, Trumland: Feering, Jas. Craigie: Finish, Alex. Craigie; Best feering on field, Jas. Craigie: Best finish on field, Thos. Gibson; Straightest ploughing, Jas. Craigie.
Harness. – 1, David Moar; 2, J. W. Grieve; 3, Hugh Robertson; 4, Hugh Mainland; 5, Robert Seatter.
Grooming – 1, Hugh Robertson; 2, Hugh Mainland; 3, David Moar; 4, Jas. Linklater; 5, Thos. Gibson.
In the evening the judges and a number of friends were entertained to a sumptuous dinner by Mr and Mrs Inkster, Trumland Farm. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given and duly responded to, and a pleasant evening spent. The committee take this opportunity of thanking the donors of the special prizes and all those who so kindly contributed to the funds of the society.
1912 March 30 The Orcadian
ROUSAY WOMAN’S ACTION. – An action been raised in the Sheriff Court, Lerwick, at the instance of Mrs Jane Grieve or McLean, Sourin, Rousay, Orkney, against the British Oil and Guano Company, Bressay, and having their registered office at Fraserburgh, for compensation for £171 12s, in respect of the death of pursuer’s son, John James McLean, 22, who met his death by accident on 22nd June last, while engaged in removing empty barrels from the defender’s works at Hoegan, to the stage or quay there, by slipping from said stage and being killed or drowned.
The pursuer bases her claim on the fact that she was wholly dependent on her son’s earnings at the date of his death, and that he was her sole support.
Mr J. Small, who represents the defender, lodged as his defence at the Sheriff Court, Lerwick, on 8th inst., that the accident did not arise out of, and in the course of, deceased’s employment, and that pursuer was not dependent on him.
The case came again before the Court on Friday last, when Mr G. W. Hoggan, for pursuer, stated that Mrs McLean, owing to ill-health and infirmity, would be unable to attend the Court here for proof, and that a commission would have to be granted to take her evidence.
Mr Small asked that a medical certificate should be produced to that effect.
The case was therefore adjourned for a fortnight, in order to allow Mr Hoggan to get the medical certificate.
1912 April 6 The Orcadian
ROUSAY – CONCERT AND DANCE. – A concert, followed by a dance, was held in Sourin School, on Friday evening, the 29th ult. There was not such a good turnout as might have been expected, had the weather conditions been more favourable. The platform was very tastefully decorated by Mr McLean, who spared neither pains nor energy in doing so. The choir was under the able leadership of Mr Grieve, Whitehall. At 7.30, Mr Pirie took the chair. The curtain was raised and the choir sang “Draw the Sword, Scotland.” The dramatic sketches were, perhaps, the most successful items on the programme. The audience apparently enjoyed them by the laughter that was heard almost all through. In “The Doctor’s Patients,” Mr McLean acted the part of Dr Frank Truelove, the mental specialist, while Miss A. Munro acted the part of Dolly, his wife. The part of Dooley, Dr Truelove’s servant, was excellently performed by Mr J. W. Grieve, who has a special gift of humorous acting. Miss Baikie and Mr Thomas Gibson performed the parts of Maria Tibble and Jeremiah Pipkin respectively. “An Afternoon Tea-party” was done by three little girls who admirably acted the parts of ladies at afternoon tea and amused the audience with their interesting talk about their husbands and maids. When the programme was finished, Mr Jamieson proposed a hearty cheer to the choir, and to its able conductor, Mr Grieve. Mr Pirie proposed a vote of thanks to the committee who had so tastefully decorated the platform, and to all the other performers. Mr Grieve replied, and proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Pirie who had acted as Chairman. The school was then cleared, and the young folks took part in dancing for an hour or two. Annexed is the programme: –
‘Draw the Sword, Scotland,’ choir; solo, ‘I’m the man they left behind,’ Mr J. W. Grieve; dialogue, ‘The Quarrel,’ Miss Bella Grieve and Mr John Inkster; ‘Fantasia on Nautical songs,’ choir; recitation, ‘The curfew must not ring tonight,’ Miss Lizzie Corsie; quartette, ‘Sir Knight,’ Miss Munro, Mrs Grieve, Messrs Gibson and Grieve; solo, ‘The old rustic bridge near the mill,’ Mr Jas. Grieve; ‘Killarney,’ choir; recitation, ‘Pussy and the looking glass,’ Miss Annie Craigie; duet, ‘When a little farm we keep,’ Miss Munro and Mr Grieve; recitation, ‘Praying for Shoes,’ Miss Mary Ann Grieve; ‘Welcome lovely spring,’ choir; interval; dramatic sketch, ‘The doctor’s patients’; ‘Battle of Stirling Bridge,’ choir; recitation, ‘The pied-piper of Hamelin,’ Mr Robt. Mainland; solo, Mr W. Grieve; ‘O, who will o’er the Downs,’ choir; solo, ‘O wert thou in the cauld blast,’ Miss Bella Grieve; recitation, ‘Cuddle doon,’ Miss Annie Linklater; quartette, ‘Widow Malone,’ Misses Munro, Reid, Messrs Craigie and Grieve; ‘An afternoon Tea-Party,’ Misses M. A. Grieve, L. Corsie, B. Grieve; comic song, ‘Dooley and Uncle Pipkin’; recitation, ‘Apples, Negro Lecture,’ Mr Wm. Marwick; ‘Evening,’ choir; recitation, ‘Little Orphan Annie,’ Mr John Craigie; ‘We’d better bide a-wee,’ choir.
1912 April 13 The Orcadian
LORD PENTLAND IN ORKNEY. VISIT TO ROUSAY. – Lord Pentland, late Secretary for Scotland, arrived in Kirkwall on Thursday night. We understand his lordship is at present in Orkney for the purpose of inspecting Trumland House and the Rousay estate. He was conveyed to Rousay on Friday morning by the steamer Iona. Lord Pentland was accompanied by Lady Pentland and Sir John Sinclair. The party while in Kirkwall stayed at Mackay’s Hotel.
1912 April 14 The Orcadian
TITANIC DISASTER – GREAT LOSS OF LIFE
RMS Titanic was a British passenger liner that sank in the North Atlantic Ocean after the ship struck an iceberg during her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. Of the estimated 2,224 passengers and crew aboard, more than 1,500 died, making it one of modern history’s deadliest peacetime commercial marine disasters.
Titanic was under the command of Capt. Edward Smith, who also went down with the ship. The ocean liner carried some of the wealthiest people in the world, as well as hundreds of emigrants from Great Britain and Ireland, Scandinavia and elsewhere throughout Europe who were seeking a new life in the United States.
Although Titanic had advanced safety features such as watertight compartments and remotely activated watertight doors, it only carried enough lifeboats for 1,178 people – about half the number on board, and one third of her total capacity – due to outdated maritime safety regulations. The ship carried 16 lifeboat davits which could lower three lifeboats each, for a total of 48 boats. However, Titanic carried only a total of 20 lifeboats, four of which were collapsible and proved hard to launch during the sinking.
After leaving Southampton on 10 April, Titanic called at Cherbourg in France and Queenstown (now Cobh) in Ireland before heading west to New York. On 14 April, four days into the crossing and about 375 miles (600 km) south of Newfoundland, she hit an iceberg at 11:40 p.m. ship’s time. The collision caused the hull plates to buckle inwards along her starboard side and opened five of her sixteen watertight compartments to the sea; she could only survive four flooding. Meanwhile, passengers and some crew members were evacuated in lifeboats, many of which were launched only partially loaded. A disproportionate number of men were left aboard because of a “women and children first” protocol for loading lifeboats. At 2:20 a.m., she broke apart and foundered with well over one thousand people still aboard. Just under two hours after Titanic sank, the Cunard liner RMS Carpathia arrived and brought aboard an estimated 705 survivors.
1912 April 27 The Orcadian
THE TITANIC DISASTER. – Although a week has elapsed since the first full and authentic narratives of the Titanic disaster reached these shores, the public mind has not yet recovered from the shock and horror produced by the most terrible catastrophe in maritime history. Nothing in our time has so poignantly impressed the hearts of the people. We all feel as if we had suffered a personal bereavement, and the heartrending incidents associated with the final scene on the Titanic will never fade from the memory of those who have read of them. Inexpressibly tragic and touching is the picture of the leave-taking between the husbands and wives, of the great weeping of 1635 persons left on the doomed vessel to face certain death, and of the leviathan liner slowly sinking to the bed of the ocean as the band played that beautiful hymn, “Nearer, My God, to Thee.” That is an incident which will live in history…..
Evidence was to have been taken on commission at Kirkwall on Monday in the action by Mrs McLean, Rousay, against the owners of the manure factory at Bressay, Shetland, for compensation for the death of her son. A minute was lodged, however, under which defenders had undertaken to pay Mrs McLean compensation to the amount of £50, with judicial expenses. Agents for pursuer – Messrs Drever and Heddle acting on instructions of Mr G. W. Hoggan, Lerwick; agent for defenders Mr Joseph Johnston, solicitor, Aberdeen.
1912 May 11 The Orcadian
NORTH ISLES DISTRICT COMMITTEE. – A meeting of the North Isles District Committee of Orkney was held in Kirkwall on Friday, 3rd inst. – Mr Sutherland in the chair….. The following report by Mr Stevenson, Sanitary Inspector, on Rousay Slaughter-house, was submitted: –
1st May. – As instructed by your Committee I visited Rousay on 30th ult., and inspected the slaughter house there. The slaughter house is constructed of stone, lime, wood, and slate. The floor is of concrete, and the walls are smoothly cemented. It is well lighted and ventilated, and the drain is outside the door. It is 21 feet long by 12 feet wide, thoroughly clean and up to date in every respect. Mr Gibson informed me that he only killed, on an average, two sheep per week, and two cattle beasts in the year, and he only killed two sheep during the last six weeks. As the house is far too large for the trade, he was using one end of it for a store, and to weigh meal in. He let me see another little house which he is willing to put a concrete floor in, cement the walls, and put in light and ventilation for a slaughter house, as it is large enough for all he has to do. Considering the size of the present slaughter house and the small amount of slaughtering done, I do not think that the storing and weighing of a little meal does any harm, either to the meat or the meal. There are no bye-laws for the slaughter house in the district, consequently the storing of a little meal in one end of the house is no infringement of the Public Health Act. – George Stevenson, Sanitary Inspector.
1912 May 15 Orkney Herald
TWO TINKERS DROWNED. – Last Wednesday a party of eighteen tinkers – men, women, and children – arrived at Kirkwall from Rousay by their own boat. After spending some hours in Kirkwall, they started by boat for Deerness, but did not proceed farther than Carness, anchoring their boat in the Bay of Carness for the night. While some remained in the boat, others landed by means of a dinghy and encamped on the beach. During the evening, John Newland. jr., aged 23, determined to return on board, and began to launch the dinghy. The others tried to prevent him, and took the oars away. He, however, pushed the boat into the water, and, holding on to the stern, waded out till the water reached his neck. He then either lost his footing or attempted to get into the boat, and after floundering about for a short time he lost hold and sank in trying to swim to the larger boat. The accident was at once reported to the police, who proceeded to Carness and the body was recovered. About midnight, John Newland, sr., father of deceased, who had remained in Kirkwall, left for Carness. On reaching there he took the dinghy to board the larger boat, but was carried down the String. The boat was found next afternoon on the Head of Work, but there was no trace of Newland, and there is no doubt but that he has been drowned. He was about 50 years of age. John Newland, jr., was buried in St Magnus Churchyard on Friday afternoon, the funeral being witnessed by a large number of people.
1912 May 22 Orkney Herald
LORD AND LADY PENTLAND have taken up their residence at Trumland House, Rousay, where they intend to remain for a few weeks prior to proceeding to India, Lord Pentland having been appointed Governor of Bombay Presidency. Lord Pentland has let his London house, 7 Cambridge Square, for five years.
[John Sinclair, 1st Baron Pentland, GCSI, GCIE, PC (1860 – 1925) was a Scottish Liberal Party politician, soldier, peer, administrator and Privy Councillor who served as the Secretary of Scotland from 1905 to 1912 and the Governor of Madras from 1912 to 1919. On 12 July 1904 he married Lady Marjorie Adeline Gordon (1880 – 1970). They had two children: Margaret Ishbel, born 1906, and Henry John, who was born in 1907.]
1912 May 29 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY PARISH CHURCH. – Last Sunday Lord and Lady Pentland and children attended the service in the Parish Church. The Rev. Alexander Spark preached a special sermon – subject, “The British Empire” – from St Luke ii. 10 – “Fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.”
1912 June 22 The Orcadian
NORTH ISLES DISTRICT COMMITTEE. – A meeting of the North Isles District Committee was held at Kirkwall on Friday…..A letter from Mr David Gibson, Hullion, Rousay, with reference to the sale by the Rousay Co-operative Society of meat of animals not killed in a certified slaughter-house but by farmers on their farms, was allowed to lie on the table. The Clerk is to ask the opinion of the Local Government Board in regard to the matter.
1912 June 26 Orkney Herald
FOGGY WEATHER – S.S. FAWN ASHORE AT VEIRA. – The warm weather of the last few days has been followed in the evenings and mornings by fog. On Sunday morning it was very thick, but during the day the atmosphere cleared, but fog settled down again towards evening. When the s.s. Fawn left on Monday morning at 6 o’clock on her usual rounds to Rousay, Eglishay, and Veira, there was no appearance of the fog clearing off. She had proceeded safely on her course until about o’clock she ran aground on Veira. She was going at very slow speed, and was got off the following morning undamaged and proceeded on her rounds to the North Isles.
1912 June 29 The Orcadian
“CUBBIE ROO.”
(An Orcadian Lullaby.)
Hushy-ba, ma bonnie thing,
My sweet and peerie petty,
Night comes on wi’ shadowy wing,
And Cubbie Roo’ll get thee’ –
Wild and awful Cubbie Roo
Is daft for little bairns like you.
Hushy-ba, and lie ye still
On your mammy’s breast, now;
The sun is low behind yon hill,
Far in the golden west, now –
‘Tis near the midnight’s witching hour
When all the fairy folks have power.
Every headland, holm, and stack,
Far away and near, now,
Throw their shadows, long and black,
On waters calm and clear, now –
And night is leaning, soft and low,
On every noiseless sound and flow.
It is midsummer in the north,
And a midsummer night, here,
When fairies from their brochs come forth
In the lingering light, here.
To dance around their fairy queen
And hold their revels on the green.
So, hushy-ba, my bonnie thing,
Every headland, holm. and stack.
Night comes on wi’ shadowy wing,
And Cubbie Roo’ll get thee,
If thou dinna gang to rest
Like a birdie in its nest.
Note. – Extract from “The Orkney Book“: – “Wyre, too, soon opens out to view, with its ruined chapel, and the mound which marks the traditional site of ‘Cubbie Roo’s’ Castle, the home of the once formidable Kolbein Hruga, whose name is even yet used to terrify into good behaviour some obstreperous youngster with the awful threat, Cubbie Roo’ll get thee.” – H. HENDERSON. “Bard of Reay.” 22nd June, 1912.
1912 July 13 The Orcadian
HARVEST PROSPECTS. – The cold weather in May, and during part of June, had a very detrimental effect on all crops. With the warmer weather now being experienced, however, great progress has been made. Oats on good black soil, where there is moisture, look well. On poor clayey ground, the crop on the other hand, is thin and considerably stunted owing to the adverse weather conditions of the earlier part of the season. Turnips are coming on rapidly. and a commencement has been made with singling, and indeed this crop has come on so quickly that farmers are unable to keep pace with singling requirements, the high temperature, dews, and occasional showers, having had a remarkable effect. Hay for a long time was thin in bottom, but the moisture towards the end of June and beginning of this month has remedied this defect, and ryegrass is of great length, but rather thin. It is estimated that this crop will be about one-third less than last year, which, of course, was an abnormal season.
1912 July 17 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – TRUMLAND SHOOTINGS have been let this year to Sheriff Johnston, and Westness is again let to Dr Hadley, who occupied the same shootings last season. Both parties are expected to arrive towards the end of the month. As this is the Glasgow Fair holidays, a large number of visitors from the south arrived by the Fawn on a visit to their friends.
1912 August 3 The Orcadian
WELCOME RAIN. – For a long time there has been little or no rain, so that the burns have been almost dried up, and the barrels empty of water, while the growth of the crops has been greatly impeded. The cry of the farmer has been for rain, and the rain came on Sunday afternoon in regular pelting showers, which lasted for some hours. As the people were leaving the church the rain fell, while some who remained behind for a time, expecting that the shower would soon be over, saw no sign of abatement, and were compelled to pass through both the welcome and the unwelcome rain.
1912 August 12 The Orcadian
ROUSAY. – Mr John A. Shearer, lately manager for Mr David Greig at Balham, late of No. 4 Frotoft, Rousay, and who won the “Hugon” prize of £10 at the National Examination of the Institute of Certificated Grocers this year, sails on August 31, to take up an important appointment in Rhodesia, in the grocery and allied trades. The appointment was secured through the Institute of Grocers, the firm for whom Mr Shearer will go out to the colony having approached that body to recommend a student who had passed through their complete course of study with success. We wish Mr Shearer every fortune in his new post.
[Born on October 11th 1888, John Alexander Mainland Shearer was the son of John Shearer, Lady, Sanday, and Lydia Marwick, Corse. Cott was the name of No 4, Frotoft.]
1912 August 14 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY CATTLE SHOW. – The annual show of the Rousay Agricultural Society was held at Sourin, Rousay, on Tuesday. The day was all that could be expected, and consequently there was a good turnout of spectators. There was a large number of entries, especially in the cattle section. The quality of the stock was good. The medal for the best bullock or heifer, presented by Mr Moir, Aberdeen, was won by Mr David Inkster, Furse. Mr Inkster having won the medal three times, it now becomes his own property. The medal for the best draught gelding, presented by Messrs James Tait & Sons, Kirkwall, was awarded to Mr Thomas Gibson, Broland. The judges were, Messrs P. Maxwell, Orquil, St Ola, and J. Bews, Rubaquoy, St Andrews. Annexed is the prize list: –
CATTLE SECTION. – Calves – 1, David Gibson, Langskaill; 2, 3, and hc, Mainland & Stevenson, Westness; c, David Brown, Curquoy. Shorthorns – 1, William Moar, Saviskaill; 2, Tom Inkster, Nearhouse; 3 and hc, Mainland & Stevenson; hc, John Gibson, Faraclett. Polled Cows – D. Gibson; 2, Tom Inkster; 3, Mainland & Stevenson; hc, David Inkster, Furse; c, George Gibson, Avelshay. Shorthorn Two-year-old Queys – 1, Tom Inkster; 2, Mainland & Stevenson; 3, Wm. Moar; hc, Tom Scott, Hurtiso; c, Fred Inkster, Trumland. Polled Two-year-old Queys – 1 and hc, D. Inkster; 2 and 3, D. Gibson; c, John Scott. Shorthorn Two-year-old Steers – 1, 2 and hc, Mainland & Stevenson; 3, Fred Inkster; c, John Scott. Polled Two-year-old Steers – 1, D. Inkster; 2, Wm. Moar. One-year-old Polled Queys – 1, 3 and c, Robert Seatter, Banks; 2, James Russell, Brendale; hc, John Scott. One-year-old Shorthorn Queys – 1 and hc, Mainland & Stevenson; 2, John Gibson; 3, Wm. Moar; c, Geo. Gibson. One-year-old Polled Steers – 1, D. Inkster; 2, D. Gibson; 3, Fred Inkster; hc, Geo. Gibson; c, Robert Seatter. One-year-old Shorthorn Steers – 1, D. Inkster; 2 and hc, Tom Inkster; 3, Geo. Gibson; c, Wm. Moar. Best group of three in cattle section – D. Gibson. Best animal in cattle section – D. Inkster.
HORSE SECTION. – Mare with foal at foot – 1, Wm. Moar; 2, Robert Seatter; 3, Geo. Gibson; hc, John Gibson; c, D. Inkster. Foals – 1, Robert Seatter; 2 and 3, Geo. Gibson; hc, Mainland & Stevenson; c, D. Inkster. Draught Geldings – 1, Thomas Gibson; 2, Co-operative Society; 3, John Gibson; hc, D. Gibson; c, John Corsie, Knarston. Three-year-old Geldings – 1, Geo. Gibson; 2, Mainland & Stevenson; 3, Robert Seatter. Yeld Mares – 1, Tom Inkster; 2, Fred Inkster; 3 and hc, Wm. Moar. Three-year-old Fillies – 1, Fred Inkster; 2, Wm. Moar. Two-year-old Fillies – 1, Fred Inkster; 2, John Craigie, Glebe. One-year-old Fillies – 1, John Corsie; 2, Hugh Craigie, Swandale; 3, Fred Inkster; hc, Wm. Moar. Two-year-old Gelding – 1, Wm. Moar; 2, Geo. Gibson; 3, Hugh Craigie. One-year-old Geldings – 1, Geo. Gibson; 2, Robert Seatter; 3, Wm. Moar.
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ROUSAY FLOWER SHOW. – The annual show of the Rousay Horticultural Society was held in the Sourin School, on Tuesday. There was a large entry, and the show on the whole was very successful, more especially in the baking section and dairy produce, the judge in this department finding it very difficult to award the tickets. A new feature this season was three prizes offered by Messrs Brown and Polson for the best baked Madeira Cake. The first prize was won by Mrs [Janet (Jessie)] Gibson, Langskaill, and second and third by Mrs [Jessie] Scott, Lopness. The judges were – for flowers and vegetables, Mr Andrew Laird, Kirkwall; for industrial work, Mrs Bell, Kirkwall; and Miss Hope, Edinburgh; for dairy produce and baking, Miss McKerrow, N.D.D. The prize list is as follows: –
FLOWER SECTION. – Double stocks – 1, John Cutt, 2, J. S. Gibson; Aster – 1, John Cutt; Pansies – 1, J. S. Gibson, 2 and 3, Miss Ellen Craigie; Violas – 1, J. S. Gibson; Stocks (single) – 1, J. S. Gibson; Roses – 1, 2, and 3, John Cutt; Dahlia – 1, John Cutt, 2, J. S. Gibson; Tiger Lily – 1 and 2, John Cutt; Gladioli – 1 and 2, John Cutt; Marguerites – 1 and 2, John Cutt, 3, Miss Ellen Craigie; Sweet Williams – 1 and 2, John Cutt, 3, Miss A. J. Harrold; Calceolarias – 1 and 2, J. S. Gibson, 2, John Cutt; Candytuft – 1, John Cutt, 2 and 3, J. Mainland, Frotoft; Wild Flowers – 1, Annie Linklater, 2, M. A. Sabiston, 3, Lizzie Craigie; Canterbury Bells – 1, Miss A. J. Harrold, 2, Katie Harrold, 3, J. S. Gibson; Marigolds – 1, Katie Harrold, 2, A. J. Harrold, 3, M. J. Craigie; Chrysanthemums – 1, Miss Ellen Craigie; Poppies – 1, Miss Ellen Craigie, 2, Miss Katie Harrold, 3, Miss A. J. Harrold; Dwarf Rose – Mrs Logie, Trumland Lodge, 2, J. M. Harrold; Canterbury Bells – 1, Miss Baikie, 2, John Cutt; Primula – 1, 2, and 3, Mrs Logie; Double Geraniums – 1 and 2, John Cutt, 3, J. M. Harrold; Single Geraniums – 1, 2, and 3, John Cutt; Pelargonium – 1, 2, and 3, John Cutt; Mesembryanthemum – 1, Miss Wylie, 2, Mrs Sutherland, 3, Miss Grieve, Blossom; Rose – 1, Mrs Logie; Begonias – 1, Edith Gibson, Avelshay, 2, Mrs Logie, 3, Winifred Gibson; Shamrock – 1, Miss Baikie; Fuchsia – 1, Annie J. Harrold, 2, Kate Harrold; Sedum – 1, Bella Grieve, 2, Mrs Harrold, Bigland; Aloe – 1, Sybil Seatter, 2, Kate Harrold; Evergreen Foliage – 1 and 2, Geo. M. Robertson; Maidenhair Fern – 1, Mrs Logie, Trumland, 2, John Cutt; House Leek – 1, John Harrold, Bigland, 2, Miss Grieve, Blossom; Agapanthus – 1, John Cutt; Campanula – 1, Miss Baikie; Lavender Plant – 1, John Cutt.
VEGETABLE SECTION. – Carrots – 1 and 2, John Cutt, 3, Miss Elphinstone, Pow; Cabbage – 1 and 2, Mrs Marwick, Guidal; 3, J. S. Gibson, Hullion; Lettuce – 1 and 2, J. S. Gibson, 3, John Cutt; Leeks – 1 and 2, John Cutt, 3, J. S. Gibson; Rhubarb – 1, John Cutt, 2, Miss Grieve, Blossom, 3, John Cutt; Parsley – 1, Miss Elphinstone, 2, J. S. Gibson; Potatoes – 1, Mainland, Westness, 2, J. Cutt, Westness, 3, J. S. Gibson; Apples – 1 and 2, John Cutt; Shallots – 1, Geo. Mainland, Frotoft, 2, Geo. Mainland, 3, John Cutt; Onions – 1, Winifred Gibson, 2 and 3, John Cutt; Turnips – 1, Miss Elphinstone, 2, J. S. Gibson, 3, John Cutt; Peas – 1, 2 and 3, John Cutt; Spinach – 1, 2 and 3, John Cutt; Red Currants – 1, J. M. Harrold, 2, John Cutt; Black Currants – 1, J. M. Harrold, 2, John Cutt; Strawberries – 1 and 2, John Cutt; Gooseberries – 1, J. M. Harrold, 2, J. S. Gibson, 3, John Cutt.
DAIRY PRODUCE. – Fresh Butter – 1, Miss Craigie, Lodge, 2, Mrs Inkster, Woo, 3, Mrs Craigie, Breck; Salt Butter – 1, Mrs Sutherland, Pier, 2, Miss Mowat, Springfield, 3, Mrs Linklater, Curquoy, vhc Mrs Craigie, Glebe; Table Butter – 1, Miss Jean Scott, Hurtiso, 2, Miss Seatter, Banks; Sweet Milk Cheese – 1, Mrs Robertson, Scockness, 2, Mrs Reid, Tratland, 3, Mrs Linklater, Curquoy, vhc Miss Craigie, Lodge; Skim Milk Cheese – 1, Mrs Robertson, 2, Mrs Reid, 3, Mrs Harrold; Hen Eggs – 1, Mrs Scott, Lopness; Flour Scones – 1, Mrs Craigie, Glebe, 2, Miss A. Reid, Tratland, 3, Miss M. J. Grieve, Blossom; Bere Bannocks – 1, Miss Mowat, Springfield, 2, Mrs Craigie, Glebe, 3, Mrs Craigie, Breck; Queen Cakes – 1 and 2, Miss Ann Reid, Tratland; Mince Pies – 1, Jessie Reid, Wasdale; Cheese Cakes – 1, Jessie Reid; Rock Cakes – 1, Jessie Reid; Pancakes – 1, Annie Scott, Hurtiso, 2, Sybil Seatter, Banks; Drop Scones – 1, Miss Baikie, Schoolhouse, 2, Miss Grieve, 3, Miss A. J. Harrold; Oven Scones – 1, Anna Reid, 2, Ida Gibson, Hullion, 3, Mrs Gibson, Langskaill; Oat Cakes – 1, Mrs Craigie, Swandale, 2, Mrs Craigie, Glebe, 3, Miss Mowat, Springfield; Short Cake – 1, Mrs Inkster, Woo, 2, Mrs Mowat, Pretty, 3, Ida Gibson; Jam Sandwiches – 1, Miss Ida Gibson, 2, Anna Reid, 3, Miss Baikie; Corn Flower Cake – 1, Mrs Inkster; Scotch Bun – 1, Mrs Scott; Iced Cake – 1, Mrs Scott; Madeira Cake – 1, Mrs Gibson, Langskaill, 2, Mrs Scott, 3, Ida Gibson; Black Currant Jam – 1, Mrs Gibson; Rhubarb Jam – 1, Mrs Scott, 2, Miss Grieve, Blossom, 3, Mrs Harrold; Marmalade – 1 and 3, Mrs Gibson, 2, Miss Reid, Wasdale; Gooseberry Jelly – 1, Miss Baikie.
INDUSTRIAL SECTION. – Special prize for best article in industrial section – Lizzie Logie, Pier Cottage; Table Centre – 1, Miss Baikie, 2, Miss Ellen Craigie; Crochet – 1, Miss M. J. Grieve, 2, Miss A. J. Harrold, 3, Kate Harrold; Large Crochet – 1, Mary Reid, Tratland, 2, Annie Scott, Hurtiso, 3, Miss Baikie; Table Centre – 1, Annie Scott, 2, Miss M. J. Grieve, 3, Miss A. J. Harrold; Cushion Covers – 1, Lizzie Logie, 2 and 3, Miss Baikie; Sideboard Cloth – 1 and 2, Jean Scott, Hurtiso; Knitted Shawls – 1, Lizzie Logie, 2, Miss M. J. Grieve, 3, Mrs J. Inkster, Swartifield; Quilt – 1, Betsy Cooper, Hanover; Homespun Cloth – 1, Betsy Cooper; Drawing – 1, Hugh Craigie, Triblo, 2, Geo. Mainland, Frotoft, 3, Hugh Gibson, Oldman; Writing – 1, Minnie Corsie, Knarston, 2, Hugh Gibson, 3, John Inkster, Swartifield; Man’s Knitted Vest – 1, Miss Baikie; Darned Net Blouse – 1, Miss Baikie; Tea Cosy – 1, Mary Logie; Socks – 1, Mary Ann Cooper; Duchess Set – 1, Miss Ellen Craigie.
1912 August 28 Orkney Herald
ARTISTS IN ROUSAY. – The picturesque and ancient island of Rousay is being visited this summer by three well-known artists. Mr [William] St Thomas Smith. A.R.C.A. (who hails from Canada), is a member of the Royal Canadian Academy, and a distinguished water-colourist painter. His pictures of the “sea waves” are especially well known and much appreciated by collectors, both in the United States and Canada. Quite recently the Canadian Government purchased one of his most important pictures for the national collection. Most of Mr Smith’s recent work has been painted at Rousay, and this is his fourth annual visit.
Mr H. J. Dobson, R.S.W., Edinburgh, is making his first visit to Rousay this year, and is charmed with its possibilities. Mr [Henry John] Dobson paints Scottish interiors, and his pictures are well known throughout Britain and the Colonies from reproductions both in colour and black and white. Some years ago Messrs A. & C. Black, Ltd., London, published a book with twenty coloured reproductions from his best known pictures. Mr Dobson is an exhibitor at the Royal Academy, London, and also at all the leading provincial exhibitions.
Mr John McGhie, Glasgow, is a painter of both figure and landscape or seascape combined. His pictures of fisher folk on the east coast of Fife may be readily recognised at any of the art exhibitions. Mr McGhie is an artist who has made great progress in his profession during the last few years. As a portrait painter he has done some good work.
The good, kind-hearted folks of Rousay are to be congratulated on the picturesqueness of the island, which has attracted so many painters, not only from the capitals of Scotland and in the south, but from over the seas in distant Canada.
1912 October 5 The Orcadian
[With the threat of war looming…..] THE SEAFORTHS. – Last week, Lieut. Reid, recruiting officer at Dingwall for the Seaforth Highlanders, who was accompanied by a sergeant-major, pipe-major, and a corporal of the regiment, delivered lectures on the history of the regiment in Holm on Friday, Kirkwall on Saturday, and Stromness on Monday evening. At Kirkwall Mr A. Baikie, of Tankerness, presided, and at Stromness, the chair was taken by Major Hepburn. There were good attendances at all the meetings.
In the course of his remarks, Lieut. Reid said Orkney was part of the recruiting ground for the Seaforths, but he was sorry to state that of late they were not obtaining a due proportion of recruits from this quarter. His object was to remedy this fault. He proceeded to give a short résumé of the history of the regiment during its long and honourable career. Thereafter he pointed out the attractions of the Army from a monetary point of view, and affirmed that to good men the chances of promotion in the Service are equal, if not better, to those offered by ordinary employment.
A series of lantern slides were then thrown on the screen showing many phases of a soldier’s life. The usual votes of thanks brought the meeting to a close.
1912 October 26 The Orcadian
Mr Fred Scott, a native of Rousay, who served his apprenticeship with Messrs W. and J. Leslie, Kirkwall, has passed the Board of Trade examination for chief engineer. Mr Scott, who has been on the British-India steamships, trading in India and the Far East, for the past three years, has been in Orkney on leave for a few months, and proceeded to London recently to sit his examination. He is a son of Mr John Scott, of Hurtiso, Rousay.
1912 October 16 Orkney Herald
NAVAL NOTES.
GERMAN VIEW OF CONCENTRATION IN SCAPA FLOW.
The Berlin Post, the official organ of the German war party, discusses a statement recently published in London, describing Admiralty dispositions, under which the destroyer flotillas in full commission are massed on Scapa Flow, in the Orkney Islands, so as to form a screen for the battleship fleet, which will be kept to an extent on the Western Coasts, out of reach of a German destroyer attack from the North Sea. The Post says that the destroyers acting with a squadron of eight cruisers, must undoubtedly be considered a sort of blockading fleet, whose duty it will be to defend a line running between northern Scotland and Sweden and Norway, and on the outbreak of war to prevent the piercing of the line by a flying squadron of German cruisers, which would be expected to harass Britain’s sea traffic in the rear, and which in order to reach the Atlantic would be compelled to go round Scotland, instead of through the English Channel. England must not wonder, says the Post, that Germany considers the various transparent movements and reorganisations which have been taking place in the English Fleet as preparatory measures for war, and is keeping her own eyes open accordingly. “The new dispositions (it says) in the Orkneys teach us conclusively how bitterly urgent is our necessity for fast battle cruisers, which, in point of engine-power, armour, and guns, shall be in a position to smash such blockading lines with ease.”
1912 November 20 Orkney Herald
DISPLENISH SALE.
There will be Sold, by Public Roup, at ESSAQUOY, SOURIN, ROUSAY,
on SATURDAY, 23rd November: – 1 Horse (9 years old), 1 Mare (aged),
2 Cows in calf, 1 Farrow Cow, 2 One-year-old Cattle, 3 Calves; 2 Carts,
Water Cart, Roller, Reaper (by Wallace), Single Plough, Drill Plough,
Scuffler, Harrows, Spring-tooth Harrows, Plough-trees, Fanners,
large Tub, Cart and Plough Harness, Bushel Measure, Turnip
Cutter, a small Square-stern Boat, a quantity of Potatoes (by
the barrel), and a number of other articles.
Four months’ credit on approved bills for sums of £5 and upwards.
Sale to commence at 10 a.m.
The s.s. Fawn leaves Kirkwall Pier at 7 a.m., returning at 4 p.m.
G. C. WEBSTER, Auctioneer.
1912 December 4 Orkney Herald
GALE AND SNOWSTORM. – A heavy gale from the north broke out last Tuesday night. The barometer had been exceptionally low all day, marking, indeed, almost the lowest on record. The fact that telegraphic communication south of Aberdeen was interrupted showed that very stormy weather prevailed further south. The storm broke about midnight, and was accompanied by heavy hail showers. At Kirkwall the sea rose rapidly, and, as the storm came on about the time of high water, the waves were soon washing over the pier and breaking over the tops of the houses along the Ayre.
The storm continued until Wednesday afternoon, when it abated. On Wednesday all communication by sea was interrupted. The St Ola, after calling at Scapa, returned to Stromness instead of making the passage across the Pentland Firth. The steamers Orcadia and Fawn did not leave Kirkwall for the North Isles, and the steamer lona did not make her usual runs from Shapinsay to Kirkwall and back. During Wednesday there were occasional snow showers, and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday a good deal of snow fell. On Saturday and Monday several of the roads were blocked, and few of the passenger coaches made their journeys. On Monday there were some hours of thaw, but in the evening keen frost set in. Yesterday (Tuesday) thaw again set in. Considering the strength of the gale, little damage was done.
ROUSAY – GUILD SOCIAL. – The United Free Church Guild opened its winter session on Thursday evening with a social. There was as usual a large gathering of young people. Mr Pirie, who presided, had with him the Rev. Mr Abel, presently acting as assistant to the congregation, and Mr Alex. Grieve, one of the guild vice-presidents. These gave in the course of the evening interesting and humorous addresses. Mr William Grieve, guild secretary, gave a reading, and Mr Robert Mainland a recitation, both of which were well received and enjoyed. Mr James W. Grieve, leader of praise to the guild, conducted with much skill a large and well-trained choir. The singing was splendidly performed and was very much appreciated. A very successful meeting was closed with votes of thanks to all who had contributed to the programme, and to Miss Reid, guild treasurer, and Miss Cooper for an excellent service of tea.
1912 December 18 Orkney Herald
THE LATE LADY BURROUGHS’ ANNUITY.
CLAIM BY LADY SINCLAIR OF DUNBEATH.
The Second Division of the Court of Session on Wednesday disposed of a reclaiming note for the defenders in the action by Lady Sinclair, 46 Norfolk Square, Hyde Park, London, wife of Sir John R. G. Sinclair of Dunbeath, Bart., Barrock House, Wick, residuary legatee and executrix of the late Lady Burroughs, of Rousay, Orkney, widow of the late Lieutenant-General Sir Frederick W. T. Burroughs, of Rousay and Veira, K.C.B., against L. G. Dunbar, of the Bank of Bengal, Calcutta, and others, trustees of the late Sir Frederick W. T. Burroughs, for payment of £1422, the amount of an annuity due to Lady Burroughs before her death.
In the Outer House Lord Hunter granted decree for the sum sued for, with expenses. His lordship said that the obligation of the defenders to pay the annuity, which rested on a marriage contract, and interest, was not disputed. The only defence offered was that the action was unnecessary, or at all events premature, in respect of a minute dated in January 1906, by which Lady Burroughs postponed her claim to her annuity for a time until certain debt was reduced. The contention of the defenders was that upon a sound construction of the arrangement neither Lady Burroughs nor others coming in her stead had any claim to payment of the annuity until the estate was sold. They maintained that an absolute discretion was given to them to retain the property until they procured a fair price. In order to sustain an action the pursuer must aver that the estate had been sold, or that the defenders were in fault in not selling. His Lordship could not accept that interpretation of the minute. Nothing in the minute amounted to an extinction of Lady Burroughs’ annuity. Had Lady Burroughs lived, she might have had to wait until the defenders realised the estate, but she was not prevented from insisting on a sale. On her death the defenders became liable to pay her executors the arrears of the annuity, and, if necessary, were under an obligation to realise the heritable estate.
The Division adhered to the Lord Ordinary’s interlocutor, with expenses.
Counsel for the Pursuer – The Hon. Wm. Watson. Agents – J. & J. Turnbull, W.S. – Counsel for the Defenders – Mr Fleming, K.C., and Mr Crurie Steuart. Agents – Mackenzie & Kermack, W.S.