THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

In the words of Rev Dr Hugh G. Watt, many “kind and true words” were last night said of Rev James Boath Wood, minister of St Paul’s (South) Parish Church, Dundee. The Foresters’ Large Hall was packed at the congregational social in commemoration of Rev Wood’s semi-jubilee. In making the presentation of £255 in bank draft and cheques to Rev Wood and a handbag to Mrs Wood, Mr William Kettles, the session clerk, made fitting historical reference to the high position of St Paul’s Church.

50 years ago

Today’s controversial visit by Mr Enoch Powell to Dundee University is off. This was announced last night by the University Conservative Association, who had sponsored the visit. Mr Christopher Chope, president of the association, said he received a letter yesterday from Mr Powell cancelling the meeting because he had learned it was to be held on university premises. He said: “In view of what has passed, I do not consider that it is likely a meeting could be held in these circumstances.”

25 years ago

The Scots students trapped in the aftermath of the earthquake in Japan were on their way home yesterday after a 13-mile walk out of Kobe. The group had been forced to go ahead with their plans to escape from Kobe on foot to the nearby town of Osaka – less badly hit by the quake – after attempts to get them out by helicopter, car and motor cycle all came to nothing. They ended up walking most of the way to Osaka and then taking the train and subway into the town itself. The students were flying into Glasgow late last night.

One year ago

Angus Council is facing accusations that poor maintenance and the effects of recent dredging work contributed to the collapse of a large chunk of Arbroath’s harbour wall. An insider said the local authority may have to shoulder some of the blame for the 18th Century structure crumbling into the sea. “It used to be that the cement at the stonework was re-pointed every year, but that hasn’t happened for years now,” said the source, “and the recent dredging work was conducted too close to the harbour wall.”