ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO Saturday April 14, 1923 Kerbstone petrol pumps approved

Veterans of the farm – long service records at Balinakill

The Town Clerk reminded the Town Council that sometime ago applications had been received from Messrs John Huie & Co, Longrow, and Messers Craig Brothers, Longrow, for permission to erect kerbstone petrol pumps opposite their business premises for the purpose of replenishing the tanks of motor vehicles.

These applications have been refused. Subsequently Messrs Craig Brothers had submitted a second application, which could not be discussed at the time, as the three months required by the standing orders have not elapsed since the matter was previously decided.

Bailie McEachran moved that permission be granted to Messrs Craig Brothers to erect the kerbstone pump. These pumps were being erected on public thoroughfares all over the British Isles, and were found to be a great convenience to tourists and others using motor vehicles.

Dean of Guild Reid moved that permission be not granted. If they gave facilities to one, then they could not refuse the same facilities to every seller of petrol in the burgh, and the council might be sure they would have other applications. Some of our streets were too narrow for this purpose, and it would be a disadvantage to have motorcars standing on the thoroughfare while replenishing their store of oil.

There was too much liberty taken by motorists in this direction as it was. He did not think that kerbstone pumps would be a very great benefit.

Mr A D McNair seconded. Since the proposal was rejected by the streets committee sometime last year, no new situation had arisen. It has been stated that such pumps have been erected in towns all over the British Isles, nevertheless he had read quite recently of one town refusing to sanction their erection.

In Campbeltown, the motor supply firms had yards where ample facilities could be provided for supplying petrol to motor vehicles. And in any case, why should petrol sellers have greater privileges for kerbstone trade than any other trader.

The photo reproduced on this page was taken recently at Balinakill by Mr Hampton, who is employed as a gardener on the estate.

It shows three workers who, at different times within the last three years, have been awarded the medal and certificate of the Highlands and Agricultural Society for long service with the Balinakill Farm.

The names, taken from left to right, are John Morrison, Neil McCoist and Robert McCallum.

The first and last named shown standing in the photo are aged respectively 57 and 71 years. The service record of the former is 40 years and of the latter 49 to date, and in neither case is the record closed.

The venerable figure between them has reached the age of 88. He retired some time ago with 42 years’ service to his credit.

It will be seen that in point of age, four generations divide the oldest from the youngest, while their partner is almost midway between them. Each of the three of them has worked for four successive lairds.

The two younger men served with Sir William Mackinnon Bt, with his two nephews, Mr John Mackinnon and Mr Duncan Mackinnon, and they still carry on under Mrs Duncan Mackinnon.

The senior member of the group ceased work long before the death of the late laird, but, on the other hand, his connection with the estate dates back to the time of Sir William’s predecessor.

It does credit to the estate and to the men. One and all of them are men of sterling character, who have worthily upheld the dignity of country life and work and set an example of steadfastness in an age of unrest.