December 1932
Dundee's Record Postal Rush
Dundee postal staff have been specially thanked by Mr J. W. Lincoln, the head postmaster, for their work during the Christmas rush. In a special message to the staff the postmaster says:-"Now that Christmas is over, it is with the greatest of pleasure that I take the opportunity of thanking all ranks for the splendid manner in which they met the unprecedented volume of traffic. Never in the history of Dundee has the staff been called upon to make such an effort. The spirit of emulation, cheerful and loyal co-operation evinced by all through out the district were marked features of the busiest periods, and I wish to record my sincere thanks to every member of staff, both permanent and temporary with out exception."
A census of the Christmas rush shows that the volume of traffic was a record one and exceeded last year's by 20 per cent. On 23rd December over 200,000 letters were delivered. Never before have so many been handled in the one day. Altogether there were delivered during the Christmas week 481,000 letters and 58,955 parcels.
Churchhill's Slur on Dundee
Mr Winston Churchill is to withdraw the aspersions he made on Dundee. In the new edition of his book, "Thoughts and Adventures" which is being published in the spring the reflection on the city's sobriety will be expunged. In the present edition on sale he charges Dundee with "bestial drunkness" for which he says " it bears an evil reputation and which I must admit I have never seen paralleled in any part of the United Kingdom." In a further letter to Lord Provost Buist, who took him to task for the statement, Mr Churchill writes:-
My Dear Lord Provost, - In reply to your letter of November 28th, I am bound to say my impression were not derived only from casual statement but from personal observation. It was far from my wish to hurt your feelings or reflect upon the city of Dundee and I have already expressed my regret that my original statement caused annoyance.
Subject to what I have said in this letter, I have given directions that the statement is not to appear in the new editions of my book which are now being printed.
Yours Sincerely
Winston S. Churchill.
Lord Provost Buist has sent the following reply to Mr Churchill's letter:-
Dear Mr Churchill, - I have to thank you for your letter of December 3 and I an glad to note that you have given direction that the statement to which I drew your attention is not to appear in any new editions to your book. I am quite sure that your decision will give great satisfaction in the city.
Dundee Schoolboy Joins Celtic
Bernard Scanlan, the Dundee Schoolboy International, has signed a provisional form for Celtic. The signing took place at his home on Thursday night, when Colonel Shaughnessy persuaded the 15 year old lad to throw in his lot with the famous Glasgow Club.
Scanlan thus has the somewhat unique honour of stepping from juvenile football straight into the senior circle. He has not kicked a ball in a junior game. For a time he was putting up good performances in the ranks of Balgay United, a prominent Lochee Juvenile combination, where he has excelled in both inside berths.
Scanlan played against England in a schoolboy international in May of this year and following his fine performance local junior clubs angled persistently for his signature, while at least one Second Division Club was interested in him.
A Practical Guide
Aunt Kate's Mothers Book - Home management, baby care, family cookery, first aid, household pets, simple gardening, legal guide etc etc...
On sale from December 5 - 6d.
Profusely Illustrated with photographs
Santa Claus at the Infirmary
Santa Claus, whose favours at this season are so eagerly courted, and evidence of whose visits are so earnestly sought, suffered a severe blow to his vanity yesterday. He appeared in the children's ward of Dundee Royal Infirmary, his sack laden with toys and his mind filled with the idea of distributing gifts from the Christmas tree. But his reception can only be described as mixed. He was a particularly genial Santa. His cloak has quite the requisite amount of snow clinging from his hem and his scarlet hood was in keeping. His cheeks puffed out rosily above his long silvery beard.
Perhaps it was the beard! Children in this year of grace do not see many beards. By the majority of the children gathered round the Christmas tree or lying in their cots drawn nearer to it, the figure of Father Christmas was hailed with sounds of glee. But there were exceptions and tiny howls of fear mingled with the chorus of delight.
Lord Provost's Appeal
Sir - The local Manager of the Labour Exchange informs me today that there are 24,000 unemployed in our city - 13,000 men, 10,00 women and 1000 young persons.
He has asked me to appeal to the citizens to endeavour to give as many as those as possible a day or day's employment before Christmas so that the true spirit of Christmas maybe manifested in our city. I do so with goodwill and urge my fellow citizens that if they can do anything to help they will do so.
May shopkeepers and householders may have casual jobs waiting to be done and if these could be done next week many might assist. Do it now is the slogan for today. Let us act up to it. I am.
Wm H. Buist, Lord Provost
City Chamber, Dundee
15th December 1932.
Caird Hall Corporation
Organ Recital
James Hinchliffe, City Organist
Brass Quartet
(St Margaret's, Conductor: G.G.Miller)
Charles Gow...Baritone
The Very Rev J.M.McGauley will preside.
Sunday at 8.
Request programme. Silver collection.
Special cars and buses at close.