THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

A speech delivered by Mr James Falconer, the Liberal Coalition candidate for Forfarshire, to an audience of farmers and others at Forfar Auction Mart yesterday was freely punctuated with interruptions, and on more than one occasion the auction-bell was tolled, evidently by one out of sympathy with his views. Mr Falconer said that his position was that he was prepared to support the Coalition Government, to sue the language of Mr Bonar Law, so far as he honestly could.

50 years ago

Secondary schools in Dunfermline will go comprehensive in February next year. At Fife Education Committee meeting yesterday, one of the serious problems arising out of the introduction of the comprehensive system was spotlighted by the Rev Pogue. Mr Pogue pointed out there were only three honours graduates in maths teaching in the four Dunfermline schools. So all fifth and sixth-year classes in science and maths might have to be assigned to another school, depending on their subjects.

25 years ago

A ruling by Lord Prosser in the Court of Sessions in Edinburgh that British Rail have an obligation to open the level crossing gates at Broughty Ferry brought cheers from Tayside councillors and praise from Broughty Ferry traders yesterday. But, going by BR’s initial reaction, a long rearguard action may be fought in their efforts to have Gray Street stopped up. BR say that because of ongoing work elsewhere, nothing would be done until at least the end of January.

One year ago

Hundreds of local youngsters could face a bleak Christmas as a charity revealed it is desperate for donations. The Gift of Christmas Appeal Fife has received only a fraction of the donations it had been given by kind-hearted members of the public at this time last year. As the charity, which works to ensure every needy child in Fife has a present to open on Christmas Day, has more than 600 youngsters on its list, it fears many will be disappointed this festive season. The warehous is still almost empty.