1913 January 15 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – ENTERTAINMENT TO SCHOOL CHILDREN. – This Christmas Miss [Sarah] Craigie, Frotoft School, again entertained her scholars, along with their parents and friends, to their usual Christmas treat. The school was beautifully decorated for the occasion. After tea, which was served by a willing band of helpers, Mr [John] Mainland, Westness, was called to the chair. The scholars then went through a varied programme of songs, recitations, dialogues, &c. which was greatly enjoyed by everyone present. The whole thing was beautifully done – even the tiniest tot doing its little part without a hitch – reflecting the greatest credit both on teacher and scholars for the trouble they had taken in getting up the several items. At the end of the programme Messrs R. Sinclair and Alex. Craigie did a very amusing dialogue, which kept the audience in fits of laughter. The scholars now had a surprise in store for their teacher, when they presented her with a beautiful oak biscuit barrel as a Christmas present. Miss Craigie, in a few well chosen words, thanked the children for their kindness. A vote of thanks was then awarded Miss Craigie, also Mr Mainland for the happy way in which he had discharged the duties of chairman. The school was then cleared, and the scholars and older ones joined in a short dance, the scholars joining in with great glee. This brought to a close one of the most enjoyable nights which has been spent in Frotoft School for a long time.
MISS MACKERROW is again with us, and is to conduct classes in the various schools in cookery, laundry work, &c. Her first meeting was in Frotoft School on Monday night, which was well attended.
1913 January 22 Orkney Herald
ORKNEY CENTENARIANS. – During the sixties of last century Sir George Cornewall Lewis and William John Thoms (the founder of ‘Notes and Queries’) carried on an active campaign against Centenarianism. They contended that nobody lived for a hundred years, and in support of this contention they sifted the evidence in a great number of cases. For instance, they took up the case of Henry Jenkins, who was said to have lived to the age of 169: they found that the claim rested on Jenkins’ own unsupported word; the case of Thomas Parr (“Old Parr,”) who was said to have lived to the age of 152: the only evidence was some unreliable dates in his life by the poet Taylor and the hearsay story in the post-mortem report by Harvey; the case of a Countess of Desmond, who was said to have lived to the age of 140: this was really the aggregate of the ages of two, if not three, successive countesses. They also pointed out that nearly all reputed centenarians belonged to classes that were careless about family records and registration; that there were no centenarians among the nobility, to whom the accurate recording of births, marriages, and deaths was of great importance because of their bearing on succession to estates and titles; and that no case of centenarianism was found in the books of the life assurance companies. Their inquiries into modern cases, however forced them to admit that some people do live for a century, but that these are very few, and that many so-called centenarians are not centenarians. Of late years the number of centenarians, in this country at any rate, has probably increased, for the average longevity of people is greater. The evidence, too, is more satisfactory, for during the last century church records have been more carefully and accurately kept and compulsory registration has been introduced. Taking the average of a few years, out of every fifty thousand deaths in the United Kingdom. about one is of a centenarian. As the total number of deaths in Orkney in a century is only about fifty thousand, the number of Orkney centenarians must necessarily be few. There were, however, during last century three well-authenticated cases – (1) John Kirkness, who died at Rousay in October 1862, aged 102; (2) Elizabeth Broch, widow of Alexander Fairweather, Sanday, who died at Kirkwall on January 8, 1865, aged 100 years and 6 months; and (3) Robert Yorston, who died at Kirkwall, July 8, 1888, aged 101 years. The case may also be mentioned of a tinker, who was in Kirkwall in the summer of 1860, and was said to be then 106 years of age. But this was a case in which no evidence of age was obtainable. The tinkers are wanderers – more so then than now – and where they are born and where they die, do not bother them much. All that can be said is that this tinker had reached a very great age. The accounts of the Orkney parishes in the Old and New Statistical Accounts of Scotland do not mention any centenarians. Several of the writers, the parish ministers of those times, speak of the people attaining a ripe old age, but the oldest any of them mentions is 95. Going farther back, the following passage will be found in the ”Description of the Isles of Orkney,” by the Rev. James Wallace, minister of Kirkwall, published in 1693: –
“By reason of the Temperance of their Dyet, and the Wholesomeness of the Air, the People usually Live to a good Age. A Man in the Parish of Holm died not many years since, who had Lived upwards of fourscore years with his Wife in a Married estate. There is also a Gentleman yet living in Stronsa, who was begotten of his Father when he was a hundred years of age, and did live till he saw this same man’s children.”
This, however, was written by a credulous author in a credulous age.
[Wait a minute! What about Rousay centenarian George Reid, who died in 1859 at the age of 104…..or thereabouts!]
1913 February 12 Orkney Herald
AN ORCADIAN FATALLY INJURED IN EDINBURGH. – A porter named Charles Marwick (46), who resided at 32 Elm Row, Edinburgh, died in the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, on Tuesday last week as a result of injuries received the previous day, when he was knocked over in George Street by a motor taxi-cab. Deceased was wheeling a barrow along the street when the accident occurred. He was taken to the Infirmary in the taxi-cab, having been severely injured about the head. Deceased, who was a native of Rousay, had been resident for about eighteen years in Edinburgh. He was married, and leaves a widow and four of a family to mourn his loss, with whom much sympathy is felt by Orcadians and others in Edinburgh, where he was well known and highly respected.
[Charles was the fifth oldest of eight children born to James Marwick, Midgarth, Sourin, and Elizabeth Allan, Greentoft, Eday. In 1889 he married 19-year-old Williamina Sinclair at Cross & Burness, Sanday. They had three children, Jessie Isa, born in 1890; John Craigie, in 1894; and Davina Sinclair, who was born in 1898.]
1913 February 19 Orkney Herald
ORCADIAN ENTERTAINED IN CANADA. – On the occasion of his leaving for a holiday trip to the “old land,” Col. Sergeant. R. C. Inkster was entertained by his fellow sergeants of the 91st Highlanders, Hamilton [Ontario], in the sergeants’ mess on Saturday evening, January 18th. The Sergeant-Major, on behalf of the sergeants, wished Col. Sergt. Inkster a safe and enjoyable voyage, and a “spiffing time” amongst his kith and kin in the Orkney Islands, and to voice the sentiments of all present, and in token of their esteem for him, had much pleasure in presenting him with a travelling suit case, a cigar case, and a silver cup. Later on in the evening he was presented with a beautiful and appropriately designed and illuminated address. Mr Inkster, in a speech worthy of an M.P., replied, thanking his fellow sergeants for their remembrance, wishes, and kindness. A splendid oyster supper was afterwards served and a most enjoyable evening spent. Mr Tom Isbister, who accompanied Mr Inkster on his trip, was presented by his fellow members of “A” Company with a set of sleeve links with the crest of the 91st Highlanders engraved thereon. Mr Inkster is a native of Rousay, and Mr Isbister of Harray.
[Robert Craigie Inkster was the son of Hugh Inkster, Ervadale, Shetland, later Westness, and his second wife Mary Kirkness, Grain.]
DIAMOND WEDDING. – On Monday evening Mr and Mrs William Corsie, Albert Street, Kirkwall, celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of their marriage. Though they have attained the advanced ages of 82 and 79 years respectively, they are still wonderfully hale. Mr Corsie, son of Malcolm Corsie, London, Frotoft, Rousay, was married to Ann, daughter of Peter Leonard, Digro, Rousay, by the Rev. James Gardner, the parish minister of Rousay and Egilshay, at Digro, on 16th February 1853. They had a family of 8 sons and 5 daughters, of whom 11 are still living, two sons having died. Of grandchildren there have been 66, of whom 57 are still living; and of great-grandchildren of whom 23 are living. They have thus had no fewer than 102 descendants, of whom 86 survive. The aggregate ages of the oldest members of the four generations is 191 years, namely, Mr Corsie, 82; the eldest child, 59; eldest grandchild, 39; and eldest great-grandchild, 11. At the celebration of the diamond wedding on Monday, there were present 26 of the descendants. A large number of telegrams were received from absent members of the family and other friends. On behalf of the family, present and absent, Rev. W. P. Craig presented Mr and Mrs Corsie with a purse of sovereigns. In doing so, Mr Craig spoke of the pleasure it must give Mr and Mrs Corsie to see so many of their children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathered round them, and to receive from them that token of their affection. Mr Malcolm Corsie and Mr James Corsie, the eldest surviving sons, spoke in cordial and affectionate terms of their parents. Mr Corsie fittingly replied. At the request of Mr and Mrs Corsie, Mr Craig presented a Bible with a suitable inscription to a grand-daughter who lives with them. The company then sat down to tea, Mr Craig presiding, and thereafter a very happy evening was spent in song and sentiment.
1913 February 26 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – PLOUGHING MATCH. – Our Agricultural Society held their annual competition on Wednesday last in adjoining fields on the farms of Brendale and Woo, kindly granted for the work by their respective tenants, Messrs [John] Russell and [James] Inkster. The fields during the day were visited by a large number of people. Seventeen ploughs turned out for competition. The silver cup presented to the society by Mr John Logie, Trumland House, for the best ploughed rig on field, having now been won for the third time by Mr Thomas Gibson, Broland, becomes his own property. He has also finally won, for the third time, the silver medal for competition in the champion class, presented by Mr Shearer, coal merchant, Kirkwall. The judges were Messrs Thos. Foubister and John Work, Shapinsay, who awarded the prizes as follows: –
PLOUGHING – Champions – 1 with medal and cup, Thomas Gibson, Broland; 2 James Craigie, Falquoy; 3 Hugh Robertson, Scockness; 4 James W. Grieve, Faraclett; feering, Jas. Craigie; finish, Thos. Gibson. Ordinary – 1 and Highland Society’s medal, Alex. Craigie, Hullion; 2 Hugh Craigie, Swandale; 3 David Moar, Saviskaill; 4 John Gibson, Avelshay; 5 Robt. Seatter, Banks; 6 Robt. Sinclair, Sketquoy; 7 Hugh Marwick, Trumland; 8 James Linklater, Curquoy; 9 John Marwick, Trumland; 10 David Craigie, Langskaill; youngest ploughman, William Corsie, Knarston; feering, Alex. Craigie; finish, Hugh Craigie; best feering on field, James Craigie; best finish on field, Thos. Gibson; best ploughed rig on field, T. Gibson; straightest ploughing, T. Gibson.
HARNESS – 1 David Moar; 2 J. W. Grieve; 3 Hugh Robertson; 4 Hugh Marwick; 5 Hugh Craigie.
GROOMING – 1 Hugh Marwick; 2 Hugh Robertson; 3 John Corsie, Westness; 4 J. Gibson, 5 J. Marwick.
The ploughmen were liberally supplied with refreshments during the day and after their work was done. In the evening the judges and a number of friends were entertained to an excellent dinner by Mrs [Margaret] Inkster, Woo. Mr John Logie occupied the chair, and the duties of croupier were performed by Mr [George] Gibson, Avelshay. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given and responded to. The committee take this opportunity of thanking the donors of the special prizes and all those who subscribed to the funds of the association.
1913 April 9 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – THE LATE MR JOHN MARWICK. – We regret to record the death of Mr John Marwick, farmer, Midgarth, which took place on 30th March, after a short illness. Mr Marwick was born at Millhouse, Rousay, in the year 1827, and for a short while occupied the farm of Curquoy along with his father, but for upwards of 60 years the deceased occupied the farm of Midgarth. He leaves a widow, two married daughters, and a married son to mourn their loss. The interment took place to “The Chapel” burying ground on Thursday, the 3rd inst., the officiating clergymen being the Rev. Alex. Spark, Rev. A. I. Pirie, and the Rev. Mr Abel.
[John was born in 1827, the son of James Marwick and Christian Groundwater. In June 1872 he married 31-year-old May Yorston, daughter of Peter Yorston and Lydia Turnbull, Oldman. They had four children: May Mowat, who died at birth in 1873; Ann Robina Yorston, born in 1874; May Jemima, in 1875; and Alexander Allardice, who was born in 1878.]
STEAMER SERVICE. – On Saturday, the 5th inst., owing to the fog, the s.s. Fawn did not make the usual run between Rousay and Kirkwall in the morning, but, nothing deterred, one or two of the energetic ones crossed Eynhallow Sound by small boat, and reached Kirkwall overland in time to return by the Fawn in the afternoon.
ENTIRE HORSE. – A very fine stallion was brought to the island by Mr [Walter] Muir, [Breckan], on Saturday. He is a fine boned, shapely, well set-up horse, and should leave some very good stock behind him.
[A male horse or pony that is 4 years or older that has not been gelded (castrated) was known as “Entire”.]
1913 April 16 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – UNITED FREE CHURCH. – The communion was dispensed in Rousay United Free Church on Sunday. Mr Pirie was ably assisted by the Rev. D. McLaren, of Evie. A service was also conducted by Mr McLaren in Egilshay in the evening. On Friday a deputation from the Presbytery consisting of the Rev. D. MacLaren; the Rev. H. W. Haggie, of Sandwick; and Mr Walker of Pow, Sandwick, made the quinquennial visitation to the Rousay congregation. In the evening of that day the congregational guild held its closing social for the winter. The members of the deputation and the Rev. R. H. Abel were present, and during the evening gave instructive and amusing addresses. The Rev. Mr Pirie presided over a large audience. Mr James W. Grieve, the guild conductor of praise, with a well-trained choir, sang a number of hymns with precision and excellent skill. Solos from the Rev. Mr MacLaren and Mr W. Grieve, congregational conductor of praise, were also much appreciated. At the close votes of thanks were heartily given to all the contributors to the night’s entertainment, and also to Miss Cooper and the committee for providing an excellent tea.
ROUSAY, EGILSHAY, AND VEIRA CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY, LTD. – ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS. – A largely attended meeting of the shareholders in this society was held in the Sourin Public School on the evening of Thursday, 10th inst. Many of the shareholders’ wives and lady friends were also present. After a very substantial service of tea and cake, presided over by Mr Gibson and a willing and efficient stall of young ladies, the real business of the meeting began. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The secretary was then called upon, and read the annual audited return of the society’s accounts, the cash account, general accounts, trade of the year, profit and loss account, and balance sheet of funds and effects as at 31st Dec. 1912. These accounts were, in the circumstances, very satisfactory, the balance sheet and the profit and loss account showing an unappropriated balance of £76 4s 8d carried to next year. The president, Mr Logie, congratulated the share-holders on the present position of affairs, and the success of the society’s business since the last general meeting, seeing that it had also built during the past year a shop, store, and stable, and that another storeroom is in course of construction; and stated that the happy results were all brought about by the loyalty of members, and free labour on and in connection with the buildings. During the year 26,816½ dozen eggs, worth over £1300, have been sold, and goods to the value of £2283 18s 10d. On the motion of the Rev. Alex. Spark, the committee of management were re-elected. Mr Spark then shortly addressed the meeting on co-operation, pointing out how the movement had spread and taken hold all over the civilized world, its aims and objects, its value as a united force, and the benefits to be derived therefrom. A friendly discussion on matters of business followed; after which, votes of thanks to Mr Gibson and the young ladies for their willing service in connection with the tea, and to the president and secretary for services rendered to the society, brought a very pleasant and interesting meeting to a close.
ROUSAY HORSE BREEDING SOCIETY. – This society has secured as their premium stallion, “Master Dale,” the property of Mr George A. Ferguson, Surradale, Elgin. Foaled in 1910, “Master Dale” is a horse of fine size and substance, with head, eye, and ear that betoken good temper and fine disposition. His pedigree traces right through the best blood of the Clydesdale breed. His sire, “Allandale,” a noted prize-winner, is one of the best breeding stallions of the present day. He was got by “Sir Hugo,” also a noted prize-winner, and the sire of many fine animals, including the 1600-guinea stallion “Sir Rudolph” and the 800-guinea “Sir Dighton.” His sire again was the greatest of all sires, the famous “Sir Everard,” the sire of “Baron’s Pride.” “Jordan Shaw,” the grandsire of “Master Dale,” was a popular premium horse in his day. He was got by the famous “Top Gallant,” out of a mare by “Prince of Wales” (673).
1913 April 30 Orkney Herald
A SOLAR PHENOMENON. – On Thursday evening, about seven o’clock, the sun took on a remarkable appearance. For some time its face had been obscured by a bank of mist which stretched from the northern and western horizon midway to the zenith. From out this bank of mist an object appeared, blood-red in appearance, and angular in shape. People about Kirkwall Harbour at the time stared with astonishment at the phenomenon, and the first thought in everybody’s mind was that it was an airship on fire. Gradually the object took on a more definite shape, and for a few minutes the full face of the sun was seen hanging, between the broken mist-bank, to all appearance like a huge red ball of fire. People stopped in their walk and gazed at the strange sight and an old salt whispered that such an angry-looking sun boded no good, and that we might be on the look-out for a period of unsettled weather.
1913 May 21 Orkney Herald
NATIONAL RESERVE.
COUNTY OF ORKNEY.
The ORKNEY TERRITORIAL FORCE ASSOCIATION is desirous
of registering Members of the Reserve for the following: –
1. Officers and other ranks, under 42 years of age, who are willing
to sign an honourable obligation for *entice with a combatant unit
either at home or abroad. A medical examination has to be
passed before registration.
2. Officers and Sergeants, under the age of 55, and other ranks, under
the age of 50, who are willing to sign an honourable obligation for
service with a combatant unit for home de-fence, or for duty in a
fixed position, or for administrative work.
Present members of the Reserve are eligible to transfer to these classes.
Further particulars may be obtained from the Subscriber, with whom
applications should be lodged as early as possible.
T. F. FYFFE, Secretary, Orkney Territorial Force Association.
4 Broad Street, Kirkwall.
1913 May 28 Orkney Herald
FIRTH – A PROFITABLE HEN. – There is on a farm in the parish of Firth a hen, fifteen years old, which has hatched two broods of chickens every year since it was one year old, and has hatched one good brood this year. The hen laid well all last winter. The hen has been moved from parish to parish and from farm to farm several times, as its owner moved from place to place, but the changes did not in any way seem to injure its laying or breeding qualities.
1913 June 11 Orkney Herald
THE WEEK. – An incident that took place in the course of the race for the [Epsom] Derby last Wednesday, has had a fatal ending. After several of the horses had gone past her, a woman ran out on the course [at Tattenham Corner], and deliberately placed herself in front of the King’s horse [Anmer]. The jockey [Herbert Jones] tried to turn the horse aside, but was unable to do so sufficiently to avoid the woman, who was knocked down and seriously injured. The horse turned a somersault, and fell on the jockey, who was also injured. Both woman and rider were taken to hospital, where the woman died on Sunday; the jockey is recovering from his injuries. The woman was Miss [Emily Wilding] Davison, a well-known Suffragette, who had been several times imprisoned for militant acts. Her object was presumably to stop the race in order to call attention to the suffrage cause. There will be general sympathy with her friends on her death; but her death will be generally regarded as a case of suicide. No sane person would stand in front of a racehorse going at top speed unless he or she were inviting death. A few people speak of Miss Davison as a martyr. Martyrdom is not acquired through suicide, or through any unnecessary exposure to danger. Martyrdom is compassed by the acts of others not of oneself. Miss Davison’s act is not different from that of the person who commits suicide by lying down in front of a railway train. Militants have frequently declared that they regard life as sacred and that their war is against property only. In this case not only did Miss Davison sacrifice her own life, but she might have caused the death of the jockey. The incident, instead of helping the cause of women’s suffrage, is likely to retard it. It will increase the feeling of distrust which the doings of the militants have aroused.
1913 July 2 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – PICNIC. – On Friday, the 27th June, through the kindness of Mrs [Jane] Spark, the Manse, the scholars of the different schools of the parish were hospitably entertained to a picnic and sports in the manse grounds. The weather was dull and showery, but it cleared up in the evening. There was a large turnout – about two hundred being present. An interesting item in the programme was the May festival and maypole dance given by the scholars, the principal parts being taken by the pupils of Miss [Sarah] Craigie, of Frotoft School. Miss Jeanie Harrold, resplendent with crown, sceptre, and garland of roses, made an ideal queen, while Miss Peggy Sutherland, Miss Mary Mainland, and Master James Craigie sang with great sweetness. The maypole dance was exceedingly pretty. The whole reflected great credit on Miss Craigie’s ability as a teacher. The sports were engaged in with great zest, and included running races, wheel-barrow race, thread-the-needle race, egg-and-spoon race, Aunt Sally, Euclid competition, and tail the donkey. Prizes given by Mrs Spark were afterwards presented to the successful competitors by the Rev. A. Irvine Pirie, Trumland Manse, and a hearty vote of thanks to the Rev. Alex. Spark and Mrs Spark brought a most enjoyable entertainment to a close. Mr John Logie, Trumland House, made a most efficient master of ceremonies. In the evening the young people adjourned to the barn, where they tripped the light fantastic toe until the early hours of the morning.
1913 July 9 Orkney Herald
THE NEW PRESIDENT OF THE FIRE BRIGADE OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION. – The eleventh annual conference of the Association of Professional Fire Brigade Officers was held in Aberdeen last Thursday and Friday. Lieut.-Col. C. J. Fox, Chief of the London Salvage Corps, nominated as his successor as President of the Association Firemaster Inkster, Aberdeen [‘Fiery Bill’ of Cogar, Rousay] . He said it barely needed words of his to say how much they respected and revered him. He was a man of education, ability, and of good fellowship. (Applause.) Chief Officer W. Pett, Exeter, in seconding, said that was not the first time he had met Firemaster Inkster. He had fought him some years ago and been knocked out (Laughter.) Firemasters Grovener, Ealing, and Scott, Bradford, supported the motion and Mr Inkster was unanimously elected president. On taking the chair, the new president returned cordial thanks for the manner in which his name had been proposed for the chair. He did not know, he said, if he had much ambition in his life, but in one respect it had been realised that day. He would endeavour in the future as he had done in the past to maintain the progress of the association, because their association was a progressive one. They had in the past elected men who had done their very level best to build up the association, and to these men they were very much indebted at the present time. He again returned thanks for electing him to that high office. (Applause.) Mr Inkster read a paper on “Flax, Its Culture, Growth, and Manufacture for Fire Brigade Purposes.” The members of the association were entertained at luncheon by the Town Council. On Friday discussions took place on various subjects connected with the work of fire brigades and the position of members of the association. In the evening the annual dinner of the association was held, at which Firemaster Inkster presided.
SUCCESS OF AN ORCADIAN IN MANCHESTER. – Miss Annie Craigie, who was formerly a pupil in the Wasbister Public School, Rousay, and has been for the last twelve months attending the Ducie Avenue Central School, Manchester, has just won a scholarship of the value of £75 from the Manchester Education Committee. She is a daughter of Mr James G. Craigie, Inspector of Poor, Rousay.
1913 July 16 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY MEMORIAL SERMON. – The Rev. Alexander Spark preached in the Parish Church on Sunday last from Rev. xiv. 13 – ” Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from hence forth: yea, saith the Lord, that they may rest from their labours: and their works do follow them.” His discourse was as follows: –
This is a benediction upon the dead. Waste, decay, death are the words of gloom, but the New Testament brings brightness and cheer to all desolate places. Where men put on mourning, and go with long faces to grave-yards, where the black hearse carries the beloved dead, where floods of tears roll down the cheek, and sorrows wring the heart, there come the notes of joyful hope and happy benediction. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.”
After an explicit exposition of the text, he finished thus: –
“Beloved, a righteous man hath just fallen in Israel.” James Robertson, who died at Kirkwall on 9th July last, was a man of outstanding principle – a loving husband and pious father, a good neighbour, a diligent farmer. He hath now entered upon “the rest that remaineth for the people of God.” At Hunclett, in Rousay, he moiled and toiled for many years, and reared his family in righteousness. His hospitality was unbounded, and his long grace at table giving thanks for God’s mercies contained a blessing for us all – collectively and individually. However hard his week’s work had been, he considered it his duty to attend the House of God each Sunday, and he was always a most willing giver to the schemes of the church. He lived a life of faith, holding firmly on to the Rock of Ages, and his end must have been peace. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours: and their works do follow them.” Beloved, our sympathies are with the family in the hour of their sorrow, and we pray God to dry up their tears, and comfort their hearts, and to impress upon them all the happy thoughts that, although their dear and venerable father hath left them, he is now at home with God. “Thou wilt show me the path of life; in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
“Now the labourer’s task is o’er,
Now the battle-day is past;
Now upon the further shore
Lands the voyager at last.
Father in Thy gracious keeping
Leave we now thy servant sleeping.
1913 July 30 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – WEDDING. – A pretty wedding took place on Wednesday the 23rd inst. in Wasbister School. The bride was Miss Martha [Mattie] Williams Wards, schoolmistress there, and only daughter of Mr and Mrs Wards, South Ronaldshay, and the bridegroom Mr Mark Mackay Kirkness, farmer, Quoyostray. The school was tastefully decorated with flowers and evergreens, and festoons of flags, and the ceremony was witnessed by a large crowd. The officiating clergyman was the Rev. Alexander Spark, parish minister, assisted by the Rev. A. I. Pirie, U.F. Church. The bride wore a beautiful dress of soft white cashmere trimmed with lace, and a long bridal veil of white net over orange blossom, and a lovely bouquet of white irises. She was accompanied by two bridesmaids in white, with bouquets of white flowers. The presents were handsome and numerous. After a sumptuous tea, dancing was indulged in till early morning.
PICNIC. – Through the kindness of Miss Craigie, teacher, Frotoft, the scholars and their friends were entertained to a very enjoyable picnic on Friday the 25th inst., in the grounds of the school. The day was ideal, and there was a large turn-out. The Territorial band from Kirkwall, under the able leadership of Mr Smith, discoursed excellent music during the proceedings. A most interesting item of the programme was the crowning of the May Queen and the Maypole Dance. Miss Jeannie Harrold made a very pretty queen, and Miss Mary Mainland sang the “Call Song” with sweetness and correctness. The singing and the braiding of the Maypole was very effective. Sports and races were afterwards engaged in, and prizes were presented by Mrs Spark, the Manse, along with the School Board prizes for Bible knowledge and attendance. The whole reflected great credit on Miss Craigie as a painstaking and successful teacher.
1913 August 13 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY PICNIC. – The annual picnic of the Sourin School was held on Friday last in glorious weather. Parents and children were present in large numbers, and after milk and buns had been partaken of, a start was made with the sports. The various events were successfully carried through, the obstacle race in the adult section creating much amusement as the competitors, with some of their female articles of apparel very much awry, scrambled to the winning post. After tea had been served, the prizes were presented by Mrs Giles, the school attendance, sewing, and Bible knowledge also being given away at this time. A most enjoyable dance was afterwards held, of which not the least enjoyable were two or three Highland dances footed to the stirring strains of the bagpipes. Much credit is due the teacher, Miss Baikie, for her indefatigable efforts to make the picnic a success, an undertaking in which it was said she was surpassingly successful…..
ROUSAY CATTLE SHOW. – Tuesday last seek was a holiday in the island, there taking place on that day two annual events – the cattle and flower shows. The former was held under the auspices of the Agricultural Society, and the latter under the auspices of the Horticultural Society – both of them popular and thriving institutions. The weather was highly favourable, and the s.s. Fawn ran a special trip with visitors from Kirkwall; consequently, the shows were well patronised. In both the horse and cattle sections there was a good exhibition of stock. The medal for the best cow in yard and the medal for best mare over three years, were won by Mr Thomas Inkster, Nearhouse; and the medal for best gelding by Mr William Moar, Saviskaill. The judges were: – Messrs R. Scarth, Binscarth, Firth; Bews, Ruboquoy, St Andrews; and A. T. Fowlie, of the North of Scotland College of Agriculture. Annexed is the prize-list: –
CATTLE. – Calves – 1 John Craigie, Glebe; 2 Mainland & Stevenson, Westness; 3 and c, Thomas Inkster, Nearhouse; hc George Gibson, Avelshay. Shorthorn cows – 1 and 2 Thomas Inkster; 3 John Gibson, Faraclett; hc Robert Marwick, Scockness; c John Scott, Hurtiso. Polled Cows – 1 and 3 Thos. Inkster; 2 Geo. Gibson; 4 and c William Moar, Saviskaill. Medal for best cow in yard – Thos. Inkster. Two-year-old Shorthorn Queys – 1, 2 and 3 Mainland & Stevenson; hc John Gibson, Faraclett. Polled Two-year-old Queys – 1 and 2 J. Scott;, 3 Robert Seatter, Banks; hc and c Thos Inkster. Two-year-old Shorthorn Steers – 1 and hc Wm. Moar; 2 and 3 Mainland & Stevenson. Two-year-old Polled Steers – 1 Fred Inkster, Trumland; 2 John Craigie, Triblo. One-year-old Shorthorn Quey’s – 1 Robert Marwick; 2 and c Mainland & Stevenson; 3 Wm. Moar; hc Geo. Gibson. One-year-old Polled Queys – 1 John Craigie; 2 Robert Seatter; 3 Fred Inkster; hc Robert Marwick; c Wm. Moar. One-year-old Shorthorn Steers – 1 and 2 Thos. Inkster; 3 Wm. Moar; hc Fred Inkster; c J. Scott. One-year-old Polled Steers – 1 R. Marwick; 2 John Craigie; 3 Robt. Seatter; hc Wm. Moar; c Fred Inkster.
HORSES. – Mare with Foal at Foot – 1 Mainland & Stevenson; 2 Wm. Moar; 3 Robt. Seatter; hc John Corsie, Knarston. Foals – 1 Robt. Seatter; 2 Mainland & Stevenson; 3 Walter Muir, Breckan; hc John Corsie; c Wm. Moar. Draught Geldings – 1 Hugh Craigie, Swandale; 2 John Corsie; 3 Co-operative Society; hc John Gibson. Three-year-old Geldings – 1 Wm. Moar; 2 Geo. Gibson; 3 Hugh Craigie. Yeld Mares – 1 Wm. Moar; 2, 3 and c Fred Inkster; hc David Gibson. Medal for best mare over three years old – Thomas Inkster. Three-year-old Fillies – 1 John Craigie, Glebe; 2 Fred Inkster; 3 J. Scott.; hc Robt. Seatter. Two-year-old Fillies – 1 Fred Inkster; 2 J. Corsie. One-Year-old Fillies – 1 Wm. Moar; 2 Mainland & Stevenson; 3 David Gibson; hc Robert Lyon, Ervadale. Two-year-old Geldings – 1 Wm. Moar; 2 Robt. Marwick; 3 J. Scott. One-year-old Geldings – 1 Robt. Seatter; 2 John Gibson; 3 Geo. Gibson. Medal for best Gelding – Wm. Moar.
1913 August 27 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – PRESENTATION AND CONCERT. – An interesting evening was spent last Tuesday in Frotoft Schoolroom, when, before a large company of friends, Miss Ida Gibson, of Hullion, was presented with a gold bracelet. The Rev. A. Irvine Pirie, who presided, in making the presentation, said that Miss Gibson had for the last ten years acted with great acceptance as organist in Trumland U.F. Church. Living as she did several miles from the church, her unfailing attention through winter and summer to her self-imposed duty must have entailed many sacrifices, and reflected upon her the utmost credit. It was with great pleasure, therefore, that a proposal on the part of the section of the congregation worshipping in Trumland Church to present her with some small token of their gratitude was taken up and a subscription started. Mr Pirie hoped that the beautiful bracelet with which she was now presented would be regarded by her not merely as an ornament but as an expression of good-will and esteem on the part of those who had subscribed towards it. Mr David Gibson, Hullion, replied suitably on behalf of his daughter. Before and after the presentation the company was kindly entertained with a programme of vocal music by several soloists who contributed largely to the pleasure of the occasion. These were Mrs Barkworth, Miss Ella Thomlinson, Miss Jean C. Syson, and the Rev. A. Irvine Pirie, B.D.; and with a hearty vote of thanks to these, the evening was brought to a close.
1913 September 3 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – THE LATE MR JOHN CORSIE, SCHOOLMASTER. – The death took place at his residence in Constitution Street, Peterhead, on Tuesday last week, of Mr John Corsie, retired teacher. Mr Corsie, who was 85 years of age, was the son of a farmer in the island of Rousay, and was educated at King’s College, Aberdeen. He was appointed schoolmaster of Muir School, Millbrex, and held that position for over 30 years. He also acted as registrar of the parish. Mr Corsie was held in great respect in Millbrex. Twelve years ago he took up residence in Peterhead, where he made many friends. He was a member of the Established Church, and a Unionist in politics. Mr Corsie, who was predeceased by his wife, is survived by five daughters and one son.
[John Corsie was the son of Malcolm Corsie, Nears, and Isabella Louttit, Skaill, Westside. On September 6th 1861 he married Elizabeth Martin, Cluny, Aberdeenshire. Their children, born between 1862 and 1870, were Elizabeth, Margaret, Georgianna, Malcolm, Williamina, and Agnes.]
1913 November 5 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – PARISH CHURCH. – The Rev. Alexander Spark preached here on Sunday, 2nd Nov., from Proverbs x. 22, “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.” He said, in the course of his exposition, that whether one is rich or poor, learned or ignorant, God’s estimation of him is always from the stand-point of the heart. Abraham had riches, but also had the blessing of God. Job, too, had riches, and a like blessing. But material wealth and spiritual blessing do not often go together. The Gospel age knows little of this union of the material and the spiritual. Jesus, and the Apostles, and the martyrs, and the specially saintly, all down through the Christian age on to to-day, are poor in this world’s goods. The terms of discipleship are that Christians exchange the earthly for the heavenly – the cottage of clay for the palace of God. Now, whoever has the blessing of God is rich, indeed, regardless of the amount of his worldly treasures. This riches can alone bring peace and everlasting joy. While the world is going at highest speed for pleasure – seeking eagerly fleshly joys – few find the true fund of riches and pleasures for evermore. To-day we would commemorate Mr Peter Yorston, of Langskaill, Kirbuster, who died there on the 15th October, and was laid by us, with reverent care, into his last resting-place in Wasbister Churchyard in Rousay on 18th October. He was ordained an elder of the Church of Scotland at Rousay Parish Church on 29th June 1890. For many years he was associated in the eldership with the late David Flaws, who was drowned several years ago. Several times he acted as representative elder in the Presbytery of North Isles, and in the Synod of Orkney. He was in business a hard-working plodding farmer – first at Oldman here, next at Glenorkney, near Kirkwall, and lastly at Langskaill, Kirbuster. Assisted by his devoted wife and family, he has acquired success step by step, and now leaves his material gains to his family. But withal, he attended to his spiritual life – ever seeking in the House of God a spiritual uplift, and a nearer approach to the Christ Himself. The blessing of God thus seemed to be upon him, and now, though he has left the material world behind him, we hope that he now inherits “the blessings that are at God’s right hand.” We sympathise with the widow and family, and pray God to comfort their hearts in this bereavement. May they obtain “that blessing of the Lord which maketh rich.” At Wasbister School, 3.30 p.m. same day, Mr Spark made a like reference to the late Mr Yorston, and preached from Psalms cxix. 75, “I know, 0 Lord, that Thy judgments are right, and that Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.”
[Peter Yorston, born on May 15th 1848, was the son of Peter Yorston, Oldman, and Lydia Turnbull, Evie. In 1870 he married Mary Kirkness, Quoyostray, and they had a family of five children; Peter, Jemima Mary, Lilla, James, and John Alexander, who were born between 1871 and 1883.]
SUDDEN DEATH. – QuIte a gloom was cast over the district of Wasbister last Monday morning when it became known that Mr Robert Pearson had died through the night. Mr Pearson, who lived by himself on a small croft known as Castlehill, was a young man of about 40 years of age, and was in his usual health on Sunday. On Sunday evening he visited his mother, who lives in a cottage nearby, and stayed till about 8 p.m., leaving apparently in the best of health and spirits. His mother, noticing no stir about his house on Monday morning, went to the house and found him lying dead near the door. Much sympathy is felt for the widowed mother and younger brother, who both reside together, in their sad and sudden bereavement.
[Robert Pearson, born on March 20th 1873, was the son of Robert Pearson, Castlehill [just above Turbitail and Burness], and Henrietta Traill Harcus, Garson, Westside. At this time his mother was living down the hill at Vacquoy No 1 with her youngest son Alexander [Sandy] Logie Pearson.]
1913 December 31 Orkney Herald
[Looking back over the events of the past twelve months the Editor of the Orkney Herald wrote of the social and political unrest and general discontent with things are they were. Continuing war in the Balkan states ended catastrophically for the Ottoman Empire, which lost the bulk of its territory in Europe. Austria-Hungary, although not a combatant, became relatively weaker as a much enlarged Serbia pushed for union of the South Slavic peoples. The war set the stage for the Balkan crisis of 1914 and thus served as a “prelude to the First World War”].
[Another paragraph ran as follows]: – The naval rivalry between this country and Germany continues. Mr Churchill’s proposed naval holiday, though warmly supported in the United States, met with a cold reception in Germany. For the time being there is no prospect of a halt in the mad race of armaments, and as the navy of Britain is “her all and all,” there is no alternative for the British people but to make those sacrifices that are necessary for the maintenance of her naval supremacy.