Court’s dim view of lighting breach

Afghan Campaign was part of General Roberts’ famous march from Kabul to Kandahar.

However, the military authorities tired of Ned, as he did of them, and he returned to Stirling where he became known to townsfolk for a string of eccentric exploits. The first prosecution in Stirling under the Lighting, Heating and Power Order, 1918, came before the town’s Sheriff Court 100 years ago.

Margaret McKay or Dow, Lower Craigs, and Janet Thomson or Gallagher, St John Street, both Stirling, were charged with

One was pushing a wheelbarrow to Dover and back, another was starting a march to London dressed in military uniform and shouldering a wooden gun - because he couldn’t get a real one. He also set himself the task of setting out from the Abbey Ferry, Cambuskenneth, to voyage breaching the wartime regulation aimed at saving energy.

It was alleged that on September 27, 1918, they caused electric current to be used in the Ambulance Hall, Thistle Street, Stirling, after 10.30pm.

Both accused admitted the charge but said they knew to America in a two-oared boat.

The Observer wrote: ‘The march to London finished at St Ninians where Duffy got into loggerheads with the village policeman as a result of taking too many refreshments at local hostelries. The voyage to America was brought to an nothing of the order.

Deputy Fiscal Mr Waugh said the two women were in charge of a dance which was taking place at the hall.

A notice was displayed under the hall’s main switch indicating that electricity must not be used after10.30pm. When police entered the hall they found paraffin lamps ready for use.

One of the women said that about 11pm someone had said the lights should be shut off and she sent for two lamps. She was just lighting them when a police inspector came in. A fine of 10 shillings each was imposed.