May 1918

Local Lads Win War Medals

Two Dundee men have won the D.C.M. for gallantry. They Are:-

202746  Pte. R. Barber, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Dundee).
During an engagement as a runner he continually carried messages to and from the firing line under heavy machine gun and shell fire. Though he was twice wounded, he continued at his duties without any thought for his own safety, and thus ensured communication being maintained during a critical period.

202321  Pte. A. Blair, Royal Scottish Fusiliers (Dundee).
During the attack, on the lines being cut, he went out and repaired them under an intense shell fire. On two later occasions he went out and repaired them in several places. His courageous conduct and indifference to danger were deserving of the highest praise.

A Communal Kitchen

Dundee has now in full operation a communal kitchen, and the new venture in Lochee Road promises well. The opening on Monday was particularly successful, being attended by all-classes.

Lord Provost Sir Wm. Don, who presided, said that, while the national kitchen was an innovation in Dundee, he believed the time had come when its introduction was desirable. In years gone by the Corporation had made experiments with kitchens of this type, but they could not be said to have been successful. War time, however, had changed a great many things, and opinion had so changed that the Committee were thoroughly justified in the step they had taken. So far as Dundee was concerned, the food provided would be wholesome, digestible and appetising. The lady whom they had appointed as manageress (Miss Bisset) had been trained at one of the best schools in the country. To ensure success the support of the public was needed. The establishment was not instituted merely to provide food for the poor but for the rich as well. He was doubtful if the committee had been ambitious enough with their first effort. In his opinion it should have been very much larger, but it the public make this kitchen a success others would be started.

Tommy’s Letters

Letters to soldiers serving overseas are not to come under the new scheme of increased postal rates.

This decision was make in the House of Commons when Mr Illingsworth, the Post-master General, moved the second reading of the Post Office (no.2) Bill. Letters and parcels to the troops at the front, had, he said, involved a very heavy traffic, necessitating the use of three to five special trains every day, and it had been estimated that the increased revenue from this source would amount to £500,000. Since the proposals had been brought forward, however, evidence had been received that the troops abroad would consider it a hardship if their relatives were called upon to pay extra postage on their letters, notwithstanding that the soldiers’ letters would come post free as heretofore. The last thing the government wished was to give rise to any feeling of grievance on the part of the soldiers who were undergoing such risks, and who appreciated correspondence from home more than anything else.

It has been suggested that the concession might be extended to all soldiers, irrespective of whether they were serving overseas or not. Under this arrangement, the cases of wounded soldiers in hospitals would be met. The question of including the navy is also to be considered.

A Useful City Hostel

At the half-yearly meeting of the Discharged Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Hostel, Workshop, and Garden Committee yesterday – Lady Baxter presiding – the Secretary (Bailie Noble) reported that there had been staying at the hostel since the inception of the scheme an average of 17 men weekly. At times there had been as many as 21 men. The workshops, he stated, had been busily employed turning out numerous useful articles of furnishing for the benefit of the various organisations. The Bailie further alluded to the satisfactory progress of the men under their care.

The Treasure intimated that, roughly speaking, at present they had received £3100 in contributions, while small sums of money were still being sent into aid the scheme.

Bailie Noble expressed thanks to the friends for their help. And particularly mentioned the pupils of the Glebelands School, who had commenced to send in a monthly subscription.

Emergency Scones

Have you ever found the flour supply unexpectedly at and end? Read how Mrs Menzies, Torphichen, hit on a good recipe. I found myself without flour or buttermilk when I was about to bake a few scones for tea. The oven was in prime condition, so, making an experiment with what I had, a cupful of sago soaked in water, three teacupfuls wheaten meal, one tablespoonful syrup, one teaspoonful salt, one tablespoonful margarine. After mixing these together I put into a cup one tablespoonful vinegar and filled up the cup with water. While fizzing I stirred it in with a knife, cut in rounds, and baked in the oven. The turned out light and crispy.

For Work on the Land

Fife Army Style Boot
Strong, sturdy boot, built in my own workshops, from reliable material, with iron heels and sparables or tackets in soles.

Per pair 21/-.
Carr paid in UK.
All sizes and fittings
Send size and P.O.
The Boot for allotment workers and all engaged in work on the land.
A.T. Hogg,
No, 37, Strathmiglo, Fife.
Pioneer and Leader of “Boots-by-Post” trade.

”Cleopatra”

Captain, John Todd
Saturday 4th May – 1 p.m. Dundee to Newburgh only, leaving Newburgh at 7 p.m.
Sunday 5th May – 10.30 a.m., Dundee to Newburgh only, leaving Newburgh at 2.45 p.m.
Sunday 5th May – Round trip from Dundee. Fare, 6d.
Return fare Dundee and Newburgh, 1s 6d.
2, Union Street.

A Most Useful Article for a Soldier

Homocea
British Made
Touches the Spot
A Magic Healer

Unsolicited Testimonials
“I write to thank you for the Homocea Ointment. It is the most useful article a soldier can carry. Myself and several of my chums found it worth its weight in gold for Wounds and Cuts. The results, in my own case and others personally known to me, can only be described as marvellous”
Private W.H. Lee
British Expeditionary Force.

You can get it of all stores and chemists
Price 1/3, or 3/- (large box).

Not Enough Yarn for Looms

Firms which have their jute weaving factories running 50 to 55 hours per week were on receipt of the following notice on Wednesday:-

“Owning to the impossibility of obtaining a sufficient quantity of medium weight yarn for Government purposes, it is very desirable that not more than 40 hours should be worked weekly in weaving factories. As the department is unwilling to bring this about by an Order in Council, it is hoped that manufacturers who are running their factories more than 40 hours per week will make arrangements forthwith to reduce the working hours to 40 per week. Will you please sign attached form signifying your acquiescence, and forward it to War Department, Jute Goods Depot, Dundee.” A number will begin the forty hours’ working this week, and the balance next week.

Economy In Tea

Do you find your tea allowance too small? Read what Mrs Hill, Thornliebank says, and learn how to make more of it: - Instead of putting two or three spoonfuls of tea into the pot, fill a saucepan with water and let it boil, then put in one spoonful of tea and let it boil for one minute, not longer. Stain into a pot leaving the leaves in the saucepan. Fill up with cold water, and bring to the boil again, when you will have a second infusion ready for the teapot. Where there is a large family considerable saving can be effected by making tea in this way. Any tea left in the pot will be quite fresh and fit to drink, no matter how long it has been standing.