ARDROSSAN CURLIANA
The annual new year game in which non-members, by paying a fee may take part and the object of which is to provide meal for the poor, was played under the auspices of the Ardrossan Castlehill Club on the Mill Pond (shown below as Millglen Caravan Park in 2006) on Monday (2 January 1893). The division was, as usual, the two portions of the town, north and south. The ice was in splendid condition and the weather all that could be desired. Play all over was very good and the game resulted as follows. North - R Carson 17, J Crawford 16, R J Brown 15, total 48. South - William Beck 18, William Craig 23, W Caldwell 22, a total of 63. The majority was 15 in favour of the south.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 6 January 1893

BROTHERS COMMITTED TO PRISON
At Kilmarnock Sheriff Court yesterday, before Honorable Sheriff Substitute Colonel Dickie, - two brothers, a foundry labourer and an assistant furnaceman, residing in Ardeer Square (Stevenston), were examined and committed to prison on a charge of having there, early on the morning of the 1 January, assaulted John O'Rourke, junior, labourer, by knocking him down and stabbing him on the back of the head, the wound inflicted being of rather a serious nature.
            Glasgow Herald, 5 January 1893

ASSAULT WITH A KNIFE
On Wednesday (4 January 1893), two brothers, both furnacemen of Ardeer Square, Stevenston were examined and committed on a charge of having on 1 January assaulted a foundry labourer of Ardeer Square there, by seizing him by the throat, knocking him down and striking him on his body and when he got to his feet, one of the two stabbed him on the back of the head inflicting a wound about an inch long.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 6 January 1893

LETTER TO THE EDITOR - ARDROSSAN TOWN HALL
Sir
Permit me to call attention, through your columns, to the condition of the Town Hall (shown below in the early 1890s and early 1910s and as the Masonic Hall in 2003) on Friday evening last (14 January 1893) in the hope that it may be better kept in future. On that occasion, the local Rechabites held their annual festival and chose the Town Hall because it was near their size. They have begun to question the wisdom of their choice. While the dancing was going on, dust was flying as thickly as dust does outside in the month of March and one young man is ready to swear that the dust which accumulated on the back of a friend enabled him to write his name thereon. The same youth suggests that as their creed prevents Rechabites from taking anything to "wash doon the stoor", the caretaker should make it almost impossible for them to "kick up a dust".
Duster

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 20 January 1893

SEAFIELD TOWERS SOLD
This valuable property (shown below left around 1890 and below right as Quarriers in 2008) was re-exposed for sale by public roup in the Faculty Hall, Glasgow on Wednesday last (18 January 1893) at the reduced upset price of £4500. Messrs John Emslie and Guthrie, Writers, Ardrossan, on behalf of Joseph Russell, esquire, Port Glasgow offered the upset price and, there being no competition, the property was knocked down to them. Messrs Bannatyne, Kirkwood and Company were agents for the exposers and Messrs Hutchison and Dickson acted as auctioneers.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 20 January 1893

INCREASE IN RAILWAY FREIGHT CHARGES
Traders in Ardrossan are not in a frame of mind at present to subscribe towards testimonials towards the railway companies. The truth is their wrath is kindling and very soon we will hear of them being on the warpath. Rates have gone up beyond endurance point and pent-up feelings must find an outlet. As a specimen of how the railway companies are laying it on, we may mention that he carriage of a barrel of oil - about three and a half hundredweight - is 1s 7d and to West Kilbride 2s 4d. The old rates were 8d and 7d respectively. Shareholders smile at this.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 3 February 1893

ARDROSSAN ARTIST EXHIBITS PAINTINGS
Mr Andew Allan of Ardrossan exhibits two paintings at the Glasgow Art Institute this season.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 3 February 1893
Andrew Allan was born in Ardrossan in 1863, was a student of the Glasgow School of Art from 1882 to 1896 and went on to become an acknowledged lithographic artist. He was also mentioned in the Heralds of 25 December 1891, 16 March 1900, 30 March 1900 and 18 January 1901.

FORMATION OF ARDROSSAN BURNS CLUB
At a meeting of a few local gentlemen held recently, it was resolved to form a Burns Club in the town. The following office bearers have been elected: honorary president - Dr Macdonald, president - James Fleming, vice president - William Marshall, treasurer - J Cameron, secretary - James Smith. It was agreed that the club should meet in the Rest.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 February 1893
There were references to Ardrossan Burns Club and Burns Suppers in the Heralds of 27 January 1877, 5 January 1878, 2 February 1878, 4 February 1882, 31 January 1896, 21 January 1898 and 15 February 1901.

ARDROSSAN-BELFAST STEAMER LAUNCHED
A new steamer, named The Hound, intended for the Ardrossan and Belfast service of Messrs G and J Burns, was launched from Fairfield on Wednesday (1 March 1893). Mrs George Arbuthnot Burns performed the opening ceremony.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 3 March 1893

ARDROSSAN TEMPERANCE MEETING
Last Thursday evening (2 March 1893), a meeting of Friends of Temperance was held in the Templars' Hall, Ardrossan (shown below as the Gospel Hall in 2002). Mr W Craig, C T, presided. Resolutions were passed approving the Local Veto Bill introduced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 March 1893

ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION - ARDROSSAN BRANCH
The annual meeting of the local branch of this institution was held in the office of the secretary, Mr R L Alpine some time ago, Mr Bailey, president, in the chair. The annual accounts, showing a debit balance of 18s 6d, were submitted and passed. On account of the more convenient situation of the boatshed, the expense of exercises will be very much lessened in the future. While the operations at the new dock were in progress, the expenses in connection with this branch were very high. The Widows' Fund, instituted in 1880, for the benefit of widows of members of the lifeboat crew and amounting at that time to £757 7s 6d was exhausted in August last. The office-bearers and committee were reselected, Dr Macdonald and Mr Kirkhope being added to the committee.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 24 March 1893

ARDROSSAN COOPERATIVE SOCIETY
A meeting of the members of the Ardrossan Cooperative Society was held in the Templars' Hall, Glasgow Street (shown above as the Gospel Hall in 2002) on Wednesday evening (29 March 1893) for the purpose of considering the advisability of opening a branch from the Ardrossan store in Saltcoats. There was a poor attendance in members. In the discussion that took place, some very able remarks were made both in support of and against the proposal. On a vote being taken, it was decided by a majority by seventeen against fourteen that the Ardrossan Society do not form a branch in Saltcoats.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 31 March 1893

BACHELORS' DANCE AT THE NEW HOTEL IN ARDROSSAN
Kilmahew House (shown below as the disused Ardrossan Burgh Chambers in 1978) has been opened as a hotel, a ball held on Thursday evening week (30 March 1893) constituting the inauguration. Extensive alterations have been made internally and a considerable addition has been built to the southern side. The painting and decorating have been done by Messrs Gilfillan and Son, Ardrossan, grates and tiles by Messrs Shaw, Walker and Company, Union Street, Glasgow and gas fitting by Messrs Ramsay and Company, Argyle Street, Glasgow. The hall to the south and the main building will dine about one hundred and eighty and is to be lighted by Siemen's lamps. The grounds have been subjected to considerable alterations and two tennis courts have been laid out, the whole both on house and grounds being done under the supervision of Mr Angus Kennedy, contractor, Glasgow. The accommodation is of the most satisfactory kind. The lessee, Mr Murray, comes from Glasgow, having been in two years in Saint Enoch's Hotel. For seven years prior, he was at Shandon Hydropathic. The stabling has been let to Mr Donaldson, late of Dalry, who will put in a stud of good horses and will attempt to develop this branch of the business as thoroughly as the other branches. The ball on Thursday evening passed off with great eclat. Upwards of thirty couples were present and to the strains of Herr Iff's Band, dancing was kept up from eight o'clock till two on Friday morning. It is to be hoped that the hotel, opened thus auspiciously, may prove successful.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 7 April 1893
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report that includes the names of those present.
It appears the Caledonian Hotel did not last very long. The second last article on this page, dated 8 December 1893, refers to an auction of its furniture and furnishings on 30 November 1893.

FAREWELL MEETING AND PRESENTATION
Last night, Thursday (6 April 1893), Mr George Hamlen, chemist at Nobel's Factory, Ardeer, was entertained to dinner in the Eglinton Hotel, Ardrossan (shown below in the eraly 1960s) and presented with a handsome gold watch on the occasion of his leaving the company's services to form an explosives company in the United States. C O Lundholm, esquire, occupied the chair. After dinner, which was purveyed in good style, the loyal toast of The Queen was given from the chair and was heartily responded to. In making the presentation to Mr Hamlen, the chairman referred to that gentleman's many good personal qualities and the services he had so willingly and ably rendered while living among them at Ardeer. Mr Mamlen made a suitable reply and thereafter a pleasant evening was spent in song and sentiment. "The Factory" has a wealth of musical talent and the artistic rendering of the songs which were sung on this occasion formed a special feature in a pleasant social evening. Mr Hamlen sails for Liverpool tomorrow and carries with him the good wishes of a large circle of friends.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 7 April 1893

NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING
About six o'clock on Monday night (10 April 1893), while some boys were amusing themselves on the top of some stones piled up at the quarry (shown below as disused ground in the early 1900s) at the head of Glasgow Street, Ardrossan, one of them, a little boy, two and a half years old, tumbled into the quarry and would have drowned but for the assistance of Mr Mackay, mason, Eglinton Street who heard the cries, went at once and got him out. It's a pity that the Commissioners don't see it to be their duty to have the place fenced in as this is not the first accident of the kind that has happened and at present it lies just an open common.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 14 April 1893

ARDROSSAN PHARMACEUTICAL SUCCESS
Mr John Miller, late assistant with Mr Gemmell, Ardrossan, successfully passed the Pharmaceutical Society's examination, entitling him to be registered as chemist and druggist.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 April 1893

APPLICATION FOR ARDROSSAN CALEDONIAN HOTEL LICENCE
Application was made by Mr David Murray for a hotel and bar licence in Montgomerie Street, Ardrossan. Objections had been lodged by the Earl of Eglinton, his Commissioner, the honourable Greville Richard Vernon, Ardrossan Free Church (shown below as Saint John's Church in 1913), the Lifeboat Lodge of Good Templars and a number of householders and property owners resident in the neighbourhood. Mr Kirkhope, solicitor, Ardrossan who appeared for the applicant, objected to the objections being read. Mr Bailey said the objections had been lodged in terms of the act.
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 April 1893

The hotel referred to is the Caledonian Hotel, previously Kilmahew House shown above.

ARDROSSAN BOYS' BRIGADE
Last night (4 May 1893), the Ardrossan Company of the Boys' Brigade closed the session with a meeting in the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) Hall, Glasgow Street, Ardrossan. Mr E J Hill of the Bank of Scotland, Captain of the Brigade, occupied the chair and he was supported by the Reverend R M Hiddleson and the Reverend J D McCall and Lieutenants Kinnear and Thomson.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 May 1893
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report.

SAILORS' AND FIREMEN'S UNION MEETING - LABOUR DEMONSTRATION
An open meeting of all classes of working men was held on South Beach Green (shown below in the eraly 1900s) on Friday evening (28 April 1892). There was not a large assemblage. Messrs C R Neilson, Ardrossan, Paisley, Glasgow; McNaught, Greenock; Gardner, Bristol and Souter, Glasgow addressed the gathering.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 May 1893

ARDROSSAN RECHABITES' TRIP
On Saturday last (17 June 1893), the annual excursion of the Juvenile Rechabites of the Castlehill Tent, Ardrossan took place to Fairlie Glen when over thirty children, along with a few of the adult members, attended. A most enjoyable time was spent and everything passed off successfully.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 23 June 1893

BOWLING - BARRHEAD v ARDROSSAN
A friendly match between three rinks from each of the above clubs was played on Saturday (1 July 1893) on the green of the former and resulted in the visitors being beaten by thirty shots. The score was Barrhead 72, Ardrossan 42.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 7 July 1893

APPOINTMENT OF ARDROSSAN CEMETERY KEEPER
At a meeting of the Cemetery Committee last week, Mr J L Bailey presiding, William Gardener was appointed Cemetery Keeper in room of his deceased uncle. (The cemetery is shown below in 2010.)

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 14 July 1893

TAMPERING WITH AUTOMATIC CONFECTIONERY MACHINE
On Sabbath last (9 July 1893), one of the constables discovered that an automatic machine at the Caledonian Railway Station, Ardrossan (shown below in the mid 1910s) had been broken into and a quantity of confections removed. Two boys will be tried at the Burgh Court today (14 July 1893) charged with the crime.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 14 July 1893

EXCURISON PARTIES
The Roman Catholic community of Glasgow seem to prefer Ardrossan and Saltcoats for their annual outings for, year by year, we have them in large numbers on the Monday and Tuesday of the annual fair. This year we had the congregations of the Sacred Heart Church, Bridgeton; the Saint Mary's congregation in Abercrombie Street, East End and members and friends of Saint John's League of the Cross, etc. Unfortunately, the weather was not as favourable as we could have wished but the behaviour of the several parties was exceptionally good.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 July 1893

LAWN TENNIS
At a mixed doublesmatch played between the Ardrossan Tennis Club and Ardrossan Bowling Green Club on Friday last (29 July 1893), the game ended in a win for the former. The result was Tennis Club - 10 sets, 71 games; Bowling Green Club - 2 sets, 48 games.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 4 August 1893

MADAME ANNIE GREY
This popular and gifted singer (shown below) visits Ardrossan on Tuesday evening (15 August 1893) when she will give one of her dramatic and lyric recitals. Elsewhere in this issue we give a portrait and would recommend all lovers of the songs of Scotland to be present at her concert on Tuesday evening.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 18 August 1893

ACCIDENT AT ARDROSSAN HARBOUR
On Wednesday evening (27 September 1893), Alexander Anderson, residing at Harbour Place, Ardrossan and employed as a crane man at the berth of the Belfast steamers fell from the house of one of the cranes and broke his right arm, dislocating the wrist of the same arm and cutting his face badly. To avoid an alarming burst of flame from the door of the boiler fire, he attempted to leap clear of the crane altogether but his foot slipped on the iron flooring and he fell heavily on the hard causeway. Dr Robertson was in attendance and the injured man was removed home.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 29 September 1893

SALTCOATS AND ARDROSSAN SAINT JOHN'S ROYAL ARCH MASONIC LODGE NUMBER 320
A smoking concert in connection with this lodge was held in the Eglinton Hotel on Thursday evening (21 September 1893) of last week. Brother R Macdonald and Right Worshipful Master presided and Brother E Aird Depute Master and G Barrie Immediate Past Master officiated as croupiers. There was a large turnout. The novel and agreeable manner in which the tables were arranged made intercourse easy and a very pleasant evening was spent. Songs were sung by a number of the brethren and recitations were contributed by others. Host Fleming's cheer was much enjoyed and the time passed to the enjoyment of all.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 29 September 1893

COURT APPEARANCE FOR PLAYING FOOTBALL IN THE STREET
At Ardrossan Burgh Court on Monday morning (16 October 1893), before Provost Hogarth, Bailies Young and Anderson, three boys were charged with playing football in Barr Street, Ardrossan. They pled not guilty but were convicted and admonished.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 20 October 1893

ARDROSSAN AND DISTRICT POULTRY AND PIGEON SOCIETY
A meeting of the above society was held last night (26 October 1893). There was a good attendance. The secretary intimated that the Earl of Eglinton had kindly agreed to become the patron of the society. He sent a handsome subscription and a number of gentlemen in the district had also subscribed handsomely towards the funds. Some discussion took place as to the date for holding the show when it was resolved that it be held on Thursday 4 January 1894. It was hoped it would provide a source of attraction and bring visitors to the town during the new year holidays and also be clear of the dates on which other shows are held. It was agreed that the membership fee be two shillings annually.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 27 October 1893

LECTURE ON ARBITRATION
Last night (2 November 1893), Dr Darby, secretary of the Peace Society, lectured to a small but highly appreciative audience in Ardrossan on this subject. His historical résumé showing the growth of the peace spirit in nations and arbitration as a means for adjusting international differences was very interesting and secured the undivided attention of his hearers. Thomas Kirkhope esquire presided and the Reverend Mr Anderson moved the vote of thanks to the lecturer.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 3 November 1893

PROVOST HOGARTH'S RETIREMENT FROM ARDROSSAN BURGH COURT
After the business of the Court on Monday last (6 November 1893) was over, Provost Hogarth made a reference to his retiral and said "I have had the honour of officiating in this Court ever since it was constituted. This is my last appearance and I desire to compliment the Assessor and Fiscal on the able manner in which they have discharged their respective duties and to express my appreciation of the cordiality which has existed between the Magistrates and the Court officials. Personally, I have to acknowledge the courtesy and kind assistance received and take the liberty of bespeaking the same for my successors. I also bear testimony to the excellent police arrangements of Captain McHardy, Chief Constable of the County, and the able and efficient manner in which his subordinates discharge their duties in the Burgh of Ardrossan.". The Assessor, Mr Cook, expressed the satisfaction he had always felt in sitting at Courts presided over by the Provost and his regret that the Provost's long connection with the bench had come to an end. His successors might depend on a continuance at the hands of the Court officials of that courtesy and assistance to which the Provost had so kindly referred. The Fiscal, Mr Emslie, said "Provost Hogarth, I endorse every word Mr Cook has said. I very much regret your retiral. Your magistracy bridges over a wide tract of time during which you have sat at and also presided over this Court and judged a vast number of cases. I have often admired your judgements for, while the law was satisfied, there was always mercy. Your retiral is with honour. You carry away with you our respect and esteem and I express the hope that you may long enjoy the rest that you so well deserve. Sergeant Gordon thanked the Provost for the kind observations he had made about the constabulary.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 November 1893

ACCIDENT ON THE RAILWAY IN ARDROSSAN
On Monday night (13 November 1893) about half past six o'clock, a man was found lying unconscious on the Caledonian Railway near the crossing leading to Montgomerie Pier. An engine had been shunting waggons at the spot and it was at first feared that the prostrate man was dead. On examination, however, it was discovered that one of his feet had been crushed and broken but there were no signs of further injuries externally. Medical aid was summoned and the injured man was removed to Glasgow Infirmary.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 17 November 1893

ARDROSSAN LITERARY SOCIETY
The first ordinary meeting of the session was held in the Town Hall, Ardrossan on Tuesday evening (14 November 1893), Mr Angus McLean, vice-president, in the chair. Mr Archibald Crawford, president, read an excellent paper on socialism. The discussion which followed the reading of the paper was most interesting and intelligent and was entered upon with great zest. Next Tuesday evening (21 November 1893) will take the form of the ever-popular 'hat night'.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 17 November 1893

GOOD PRICES AT MILL FARM, ARDROSSAN
Good prices were got at the Mill Farm (shown below in 2002) sale in Ardrossan Parish last week. Implements, cattle, corn stacks and everything exposed commanded what may be reckoned as really good prices. The corn and wheat stacks were at prices £2 to £4 above the estimates made by farmers on the spot before the sale, the corn stacks realising £14 to £16 and the wheat stacks £17 to £20.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 1 December 1893

ARDROSSAN INDEPENDENT CHURCH MANSE SCHEME
The committee appointed to deal with the Manse Building Scheme have agreed to go back to the congregation for further powers. The providing of increased and improved church accommodation is contemplated.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 December 1893

SALE AT CALEDONIAN HOTEL, ARDROSSAN
Last Thursday (30 November 1893), the furniture and furnishings of the Caledonian Hotel were exposed for sale. Mr Bennett acted as auctioneer and carried through the sale in a most successful manner. The prices realised were good.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 December 1893
It appears the Caledonian Hotel did not last very long. The eleventh article on this page, dated 7 April 1893, refers to the opening on 30 March 1893.

ARDROSSAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Last night (21 December 1893), the members of this society met in a social capacity at Mrs Wylie's. The proceedings were characterised by great heartiness and becoming decorum. We are pleased to observe that this most deserving society is in a thoroughly prosperous condition.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 22 December 1893