1901-1909

1901

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June

Aberdeen Press and Journal – Thursday 27 June 1901

GALA DAY AT PETERHEAD. VISIT OF THE TOWN SUPERIORS. splendid weather yesterday the usual Wednesday half-holiday at Peterhead .assumed the aspect of a gala day owing two interesting events, namely, the opening of a fine new bowling green and the holding athletic the Recreation Park. Besides the shopkeeping fraternity, many tradesmen took a idav,and as all the schools were closed at noon, is computed that about- 7000 people were holiday-making. Additional was attached the proceedings from the fact that the superiors the town, the governors of th* Merchant Maiden Company, were present their annual visit. Prompt to time, the games commenced at 3.30, when close on 2000 people had lined the spacious enclosure. The Recreation Park was gay with bunting, and most of the ladies present wore summer costumes, the scene was a very pretty one. The ring was the Buchanhaven end, usual. The interest in the programme, which consisted of pony racing and athletic events, was enhanced by the presence the town superiors, who manifested a keen interest in the competitions, which were not finished the time writting. The Merchant ‘Maiden Hospital deputation consisted of Mr Rcbert Weir, master of the company; Mr John Cowan, treasurer; Mr Jas. Anderson, convener of the Estates Committee; David Foulis, Mr Charles J. Turcan, W. Grant, convener of the Education Committee; Mr John Stewart, Right Rev. Mitchell, Moderator the- General Assembly of the Church of Scotland ; Baillie Murray, Mr W. Robertson, hon. treasurer; Mr Alexander Heron, S.S.C., secretary and law agent: Mr James Stenhouse, land adviser; and Mr Thomas M’Kenzie, officer. OPENING OF THE BOWLING GREEN. From ihe games the governors proceeded to the bowling green in St Mary Street, where large and fashionable spectatorat-e await-ed the opening ceremony. Among those present were—Provost Lea.sk and Mts Leask, Treasurer and Martin, Baillie Booth, Baillie Wilson, Councillors Ritchie, Duncan, Birnie, Roes, and Geils. Mr and Mrs R. B. Crabb, Mr and Mrs Thomas Mackie, Mr William Murray, headmaster. North Public School; Davii Martin, town clerk, and Mrs ‘Martin; Mr A. Clark Martin, solicitor; Mr John Birnie, president of the cMb; Mr W. Ainslie and Mis 6 Taitew-ell; Mr P. Irvine, solicitor; Mr Rdbert Gray, solicitor; etc. Mr J. Birnie ex pro-wed his pleasure seeing so many present. The committee, he said, asked 1 him to thank the contractor, Mr Duncan, for the way in which had performed his duties, and for his willingness to assist in every way. If anything was suggested Mr Duncan was always very pleased to give it hie best consideration. His work was there before them, and wan sure it did him oredi’. (Applause.) They were also indebted to John Taylor, who had acted all along as inspector o• works, and -who had spent much time over the matter. He had not only conducted the work to the satisfaction of the’ committee, but also the satisfaction of the contractor to such an extent that the job had been ■pretty much left himself. Then Mr Jame*> Reid, the local factor for the deserved their thanks. Mr Weir assured them that he felt the high honour conferred on him congratulate 1 the Peterhead people on having such beautiful green, and he hoped the club would 1 b© successful. assured them that the governors would the utmost as far their powers admitted to promote the prosperity of Peterhead. (Applause.) had now the honour to ask the club to accept of pair bowls for competition. (Loud applause.) •Mr Birnie called for three cheers for the governors, and ;;he«-e were heartily g’lven. Provost Leask, in proposing voCe of thanks Mr Weir, referred to the pleasure all felt at seeing the Rev. Dr Mitchell among them. Mitchell had’ laboured long among them, and, they all knew, he was Moderator of the Assembly the Church of Scotland. was sure deserved their congratulations on the present occasion. (Applause.) Mr Birnie called for a vote of thanks to Colonel Ferguson. who had presented the club with the turf for the green. He saw Mr Ainslie present, and hoped would accept the thanks the club. (Applause.) Air Ainslie, in a word, acknowledged, and after Weir had, amid ringing cheers, eent up the first bowl, the company were entertained tea. The presentation bowls bear the following inscription:—”Peterhead Bowling Club.—Presented by Robert Weir. Master of the Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh.—26th June, 1901.”

Peterhead Sentinel and General Advertiser for Buchan District – Saturday 29 June 1901

OPENING PETERHEAD BOWLING GREEN. Tiibrk was a largo attendance at the opening of the bowling-giuen in St Mary Street, Peterhead, on Wednesday afternoon, additional interest attaching to the occasion from the fact that the Master of the Merchant Maiden Company, of Edinburgh, was to conduct the formal opening ceremony. The Governors of the Company, who are tho superiors of Peterhead, at tended the opening in their corporate capacity. Mr J. Birnie, president of the club, expressed his pleasure at seeeing so many present. The committee, said, asked him to thank the contractor, Duncan, f r the way in which lie had performed his duties, and for his willingness assist in every way. If anything was suggested, Mr Duncan was always very pleased give it his best consideration. woik was there before them, and he was sure it did him credit—(applause.) They were also indebted to Mr John Taylor, who had acted ns inspec?or of w rks, and who hud spent much lime over the matter. He had not only conducted the work lo the satisfaction of the committee, but also to the sitisfaction of Ihe contractor, t« such an extent that the job had been pretty much left lo himself. Then Mr Janies H“id, the local factor for the governors, deserved their thanks. it often happened that the money went done sooner than ihe k. Mr Reid, who was one of the original committee, had always shown very great interest in the works. He had suggested some great improvements, which involved great amountofcarting, and this extra carting he had provided free(applause). They wore very much indebted also to the governors of the Merchants Maiden Company, who had very generously granted ths site, not feuing, but at agricultural, rate (applause)—and they had capped their generosity by coming lo declare the ground open (loud applause). He then called upon Mr We;r. Weir assured them that the high honour conferred on him. He must confess that he was a little surprised that the honour had come his way, because he con’d recollect only one occasion on which he was connected with the game of bowls. At that time certain society Edinburgh asked him to accompany them on their annual visit to the country, and the feature of the meeting was game of bowls between the members and the guests. He carried off a silver trophy—(applause). When asked afterwards how he won it, he said that it was in his usual way, but within the next day or so it was discovered that the prize was a eon- I eolation one—(laughter). Well, he had to seek for some other reason, and ho thought it might be that he was Master of the Merchant Hos pital, the superiors of Peterhead and its harbours. He might say the choice was not so uu| fit us might first seem. There was an ancient connection between the company and the game lof bowls. The company was formed in 1681, and nine years afterwards a bowling green was formed in connection with their hall, which that time stood in the salubrious precincts of 1 the Cowgafce—(laughter). Many citizens joined in the game of bowls. There wore curious accounts showing, Mr Weir said, that the bowls bad to be purchased abroad at a dear figure, but later on they got them in England much cheaper, thus showing the business principles which distinguished Scotsmen —(laughter). He congratulated the Peterhead people on having such beautiful green, and he hoped the club would be successful. He assured them that the governors would the utmost, as far as their powers admitted to promote the prosperity of Peterhead —(appUuse). He had now the honour to ask the club to accept of a pair of bowls for competition—(loud applause). On the call of Mr Birnie, three cheers were heartily given for the Governors. Provost Leusk, in proposing vote of thanks to Mr Weir, referred to the pleasure all felt at seeing the Rev. Mitchell among them. Mitchell had laboured long among them, and, they well knew, he was Moderator of the Assembly of the Church of Scotland. He was sore he deserved their congratulations on the present occasion—(applause). Biruie called for a vote of thanks to Colonel Ferguson, who had presented the club with the turf for the green. He aw Mr Ainslie present, and he hoped would accept the thanks of the club—(applause). Mr Ain-lie briefly acknowledged, and after Mr Weir had, amid ringing cheers, sent the first bowl, the company were entertained at lei. The presentation bowls hear the following in scriptsion : —Peterhead Bowling Club.—Presented Robert Weir, Master ot the Company of Merchants of the C.ty of Edinburgh.—26th June, 1901.”

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1902

Peterhead Sentinel and General Advertiser for Buchan District – Saturday 24 May 1902

Peterhead Bowling Club. THE GREEN will be OPENED for Play on Wednesday, the 28th inst., at 3 o’clock. New Mem be; may enrolled application the Secretary or Members of Council.

Peterhead Sentinel and General Advertiser for Buchan District – Saturday 04 October 1902

Bowling Gaslight. —The members of the Peterhead Bowling Club brought a very successful season a close last night, when halfa dozen rinks were played by gat-light. The illuminations were on extensive scale, the scene being very effective oue. The tosc, thistle, and shamrock, with stirs on either side, were illumined by ga*, while incandescent gas lamps threw bright light over the green. The games were watched with interest, by a large gathering of the members and their lady friends. During the evening excellent selections were discoursed by the artillery band under the leadership of Bandmaster Ritchie. The illuminations were carried out George Keillor, gas manager. The club has now had gas introduced into the pavilion the green.

1903

Peterhead Sentinel and General Advertiser for Buchan District – Saturday 17 October 1903

Bow ling Club.— The members of the Peterhead Bowling Club have practically closed their t-eason. The membership has been well maintained, and the game has increased in popularity in the town. The results <f the various competitions held dunng tho season aie as follows : —Governors’ howls and championship green (scratch)—l Mr TA. Yates, 2Mr T. H Scott, 3Mr John Birnie. The bow ls, which were pre rented by Mr Weir, Master of the Merchant Maiden Company, now become the properly of Mr Yates, this being the second year in succession in which he has won them. Dumlastsir Cup, presented by Mr Alexander Gray, Aberdeen (handicap)—Winner, Mt T. ales ; tar.iier up, Mr C. F. Wills. Pn dcnt’s pri/.e, pa i bowls, presented by Mr John Birnie (handicap)—Winner, A. Clark Ma tin ; runoer up, Mr W. Hunt r. Mr Win. Duncan’s priz*, pair of bowls’, presented Mr Wm. Dane m, coot’actor, Inverurie (handicap)—V\ inner, James Taylor, ; runner up, Mr W. 3. Mr Fted Strachan’a pr zu, presented Mr Fr d Stracban, diesp)—Winner, X. A, ales runner up, Mr A. Milne, jun. Hats competition, for prizes pres nted Mr W. S. Taylor (handicap)—Messrs J. ]i. Dickie and J. Harvey. Rink Competition—Messrs T. H. Scott (skip), W. L. Birnie, jun., W. Hay,and W. Mackintosh. Stickiea” competition, a walking stick, pre scoled by Mr J. \V. Hunter, to each member of the rink making the highest score through the season—Messrs W. S. Taylor (skip), C. F. Wills, D. J. Milue, and T. A. Yates.

1904

1905

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser – Tuesday 02 May 1905

Bowling. PETERHEAD CLcs.—The half-yearly meeting of the Peterhead Bowling Club was held in the Palace Hotel, Peterhead, on Wednesday night—Mr D. Johnston Milne, vice-president, in the chair. Office-bearers were elected as follows—President, Mr D. Johnston Milne ; vice-president, Mr Robert Robertson ; secretary and treasurer, Mr A. Clark Martin ; committee—Messrs John Birnie, James Taylor, jun.,J. D. Bisset, A. P. Ross ; green warden, Mr Joh Birnie ; skips—files-rs W. Scott, J. B. Dickie, W. Anderson, John Birnie, A. Webster, A. Scott, J. Taylor, jnn., D. J. Milne, and Robert Robertson ; Match Committee—Messns A. Webster, James Taylor, jun., A. P. Ross, W. Scott, and W. L. Birdie, jun.

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser – Tuesday 08 August 1905

Bowling. Perraimen.—The members of the Peterhead Bowling Club had an ” At Home” on Wednesday afternoon. There was a large attendance of members and their friends, and the weather being fine, a pleasant afternoon was enjoyed. Tea was served in the course of the proceeding’s, and excellent music was supplied by the Gordon Highlanders Volunteer Bank, nuder the leadership of Band, master Killeen. In the evening a match was ”played between representatives of the public in town who are members of the club, and teams from the other section of the club. The latter won by 36 points. The following are the scores i—Boards—Bobert ECobertson, 26 ; J. B. Dickie, 16 ;A. Boom, 16 ; John Birnie, 16 ; D. J. Milne, 18. Club—James Talor,un., 12 ; Wm. Scott, 30 ;W. Anderson, 30 ; Joh n Davidson, 23 ; A. Webster, 33.

1906

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser – Tuesday 13 November 1906

NOTES FOR BOWLERS. BY BACKHAND. MY friend Backhand Junior will no doubt be pleased to learn that the suggestion he made in Bowling Notes last August regarding a “smoker” to close tho season with has caught on, and tomorrow evening will see the matter an accomplished fact. The subject was broached at the meeting at which the prizes were presented the other week in the Palace Hotel, and being unanimously agreed to, a committee was appointeed to carry out the arrangements. The “smoker” bas been entered into with mach enthusiasm, and I learn that an excellent programme has been got together, in which Mr Alex. Sinclair (gold medallist), and Mr John Mitchell !the local “Barry Lauder”), will each take a prominent part, and altogether the committee are to be congratulated on the excellent fare provided. The “order of things” will be song, toast, and sentiment from 7 to 8•30, followed by progressive whist ; and let mo remind you to bring ” the hooks” and ofriend with you. Some croaker suggested that he was afraid very few would turn up, but that gentleman can lay the flattering unction to his soul that with one or two exceptions every bowler will be there, accompanied by a friend; and it is anticipated that between 60 and 70 will be present. And why not? See that you are there, and I guarantee you will not go away disappointed. Now, gentlemen, please note, Palace Hotel tomorrow evening at 7 prompt, and again I repeat —bring a friend. The half-yearly meeting, at which the prizes were presented, was a tame affair. Not even a bottle of “fizz.” Well! well! Tho prizewinners were there almost to a man, and a hearty cheer was given to champion J. B. when he scooped in the championship ‘pot,” etc., eta. Someone says he bloshed, but don’t you believe it? Notice of motion was tabled to reduce the annual subscription for bowl boxes, but as the motion will not be considered until the meeting in April next. Members will have ample time to consider the question before then. It is quite an open secret that Peterhead Bowling Club are likely to have opposition in the not very distant future in the shape of a public bowling green, and as the municipal election is on next month that is the time to ” hustle” up your candidates on the matter. I don’t see why an important town like Peterhead shonld not have a public green, which, like all other “greens” of a like nature, will pay itself in course of time.

1907

Peterhead Sentinel and General Advertiser for Buchan District – Saturday 30 November 1907

ANNUAL MEETING. Presentation of Prizes. Thb annual meeting of the Peterhead Bowling Club was held Thursday evening in t! Royal Hotel, Peterhead. Colonel Robe tson, president of the Club who occupied the chair said the past season had been a cold and miserable one, but the result of it shown by the balance sheet, was not in the least unsatisfactory—(applause). He proposed that the abstract of accounts be approved (applause). Mr D. Johnston Milne seconded. He thought the financial statement was very s atisfactory. Colonel Robertson then presented the various prizes to their respective winners as follows : Chnrapionship—Winner, Mr J. G. Stewart, medal by the President; runner-up, Mr A. P. Ross, tobacco box. Dunalastair Cup—Winner, Mr J. G. Stewart, cup and silver sovereign purse; runner-up, Mt A. P. Ross, P’pe. Doubles – Winners, Mr J. A. Scott and Mr J. Gordon, pipe and tobacco pouch each ; runners up, Mr J. Taylor, jun., and Mr P. Ali m, walking stick each by Mrßobl. Mackie. Rinks—Winners. Mr R. Robertson (skip), Mr A. P. Ross, Mr R. Mackie and Mr J. Forrest, sleeve links each ; runners-up, Mr J. Birnie (skip). Mr J. W. Slater, Mr J. Harvay, and Mr R. Cowie, knives by MrM Kinley, Glasgow. Siickies.” Winners, Mr J. B. Dickie (skip), Mr A. Scott, Mr W. Martin, and Mr Walter Duff, walking sticks by Mr Robert Mackie. Vases presented by Mr Win. Macintosh.— Winner, Mr W. Petrie ; runner up, Mr J. Gall. Pipes were presented to each of the following for competition promoted by Mr Jas. Taylor, jun.—Mr W. Macintosh, Mr A. Giles, Mr J. Watt, Mr J. G. Stewart, Mr Walter Duff, Mr J. F. Davidson, Mr Robert Cowie, Mr J. B. Dickie, Captain Kelly, Mr William Martin, Mr J. Taylor, Mr William Petrie, Mr Jaa. Sutherland, Mr Spink. Mr Adam Maitland, MrMunro Johnston, and Mr C. Bruoe, jun. Mr A. P. Ross said he had been requested to return thanks to the donors for tha very handsome prizes which had been presented that night. He did with pleasure, and hoped the donors would remember the club next year(applause). The meeting closed with vote of thanks to Colon*-! Robertson for presiding, on the motion Mr D. J. Milne.

1908

1909