February 1916

People’s Journal

The “Fourth’s” Year of War
A year ago they left Dundee, the lads of the “Gallant Fourth”.

“Dundee’s Own” they were then, dear to the hearts of the thousands who saw them depart for – somewhere.

“Dundee’s Own” they remain yet, after a year’s conflict with the Huns; but they are dearer to us now than even in that moment if parting, for they have given their blood for our sakes, and brought honour to the name of this old city.On the 24th of February 1914, amidst extraordinary scenes of enthusiasm, shedding of tears mingled with outbursts of cheering, Dundee saw her son’s set out to face the toils and horrors of war. Yet they were content that they should go, these soldiers of ours, unshakeably resolved that the work they went to accomplish should be performed. Formed for home defence, the battalion, when the call came, volunteered for active service to a man. Short of full strength, the ranks of the first line were filled almost in an instant, and with astonishing speed the second line was raised, a thousand stronger.

Before the “Fourth” departed their gallant leader, Colonel Harry Walker, spoke a few words to them. “Men” he said “you belong to a great regiment, one whose battalions of the line have gathered glory and reaped fame in every quarter of the globe. You have a great tradition to sustain, and I trust that, when you proceed to active service, to whichever destination we may be sent, you will remember that tradition, and do your best to garner fresh laurels for the Black Watch. I myself have every confidence that you will do nothing to tarnish the fair name of the regiment. I think, indeed, you may be trusted to conduct yourselves in the way you should do as a battalion of Scotia’s premier Highland regiment – the 42nd Highlanders”

How noble and well “Dundee’s Own” have fulfilled their trust has been shown at Neuve Chapelle, Ypres, and Loos, and in the fighting which is going on now we know they are doing their duty.

Two weeks passed, and the news came to the city that “the Fourth” were in the trenches. This fact was tragically brought home to the citizens by the announcement of the battalion’s first casualty. Corporal Ralph A.T. Dick, who a couple of weeks before, had marched with the cheeriest to the train, had laid down his life for his country.

After the War

At a meeting of the Housing and Town Planning Committee of Dundee Town Council last Tuesday evening, Lord Provost Don stated that there was a proposal to start in the near future a large fund for supporting soldiers and sailors who came home wounded, and conjoined with that there was a proposal to have homes of some sort, or workshops, for those men. They were doing something in large English centres, and also in the vicinity of Edinburgh. The different municipalities were concerned, and in an industrial area such as Dundee, it was as well that they should take not of what was being done.

Mr Allan asked if the Government intended to legislate in the matter, and would see that properties were given at a reasonable value.

Convener Paton explained the schemes as set out in the papers issued by the Government Department stated that the point raised by Mr Allan would no doubt be kept in view.

If was decided that the Sub-Committee in charge of the matter should be continued and that the Lord Provost, Mr MacDonald and Mr Allan would be added to the Committee.

A War-Time Warning

Owing to the Government decision to restrict the supply of paper by 50 per cent., newsagents will receive only the quantities that are ordered from the publishers. To get the “People’s Journal” regularly, therefore, you should give an order at once to the newsagent with whom you deal.

The casual sale of newspapers will soon be a thing of the past. The reader who has been in the habit of buying his newspaper here and there will find himself disappointed. The only way to be assured of a copy of the “People’s Journal” is to give an order at once to the newsagent.

Her Majesty’s Theatre

Dundee
Next Week
Monday February 7th at 7.15
Matinee Saturday, at 2.15
George Grossmith and Edward Laurillard
Present
To-Night’s The Night
A New Musical Play.
Box Office open at Paterson’s tel. 1919.

McBurney’s China Sale

Now proceeding.
Genuine reductions all round.
Whitehall Street, Dundee.

The Happy Home

Have you a boy in the
Black Watch?
If so, you’ll treasure the
Silk Pictures given away this week with
“My Weekly” and “The Happy Home”
A Black Watch Soldier with
“My Weekly”
Ribbon and Badge of the Gallant 42d with
“The Happy Home”.

Lord Provost Don Inspects Royal Engineers

Lord Provost Don, who is at present in London in connection with the Royal Patriotic Fund, on Saturday, inspected the 205th Field Company of the Royal Engineers. This company was raised in Dundee, and is commanded by Major Murdoch.

Dundee Soldier Dies of Wounds

Lance-Corporal David Cropper, of the 2d Black Watch, is reported to have died of wounds on the 30th January. Deceased was 26 years of age and had served nearly eight years in India. His sister, who received the communication, resides at 32, Carmichael Street.

Reserved Trades

The Secretary of Dundee and District Manufacturer’s Association Ltd., on Thursday received from the Board of Trade a letter dated 2d February, from the Reserved Occupations in connection with the jute industry and a further list showing the alterations made in the general reservations affecting all trades.

This statement is as follows:-
Jute Trade.
Foreman, batcher, dresser or beamer, tenter, calendar man.

All Industries
Mechanics, &c – Mechanics and other similar men engaged in the maintenance and repair of plant, machinery and tools.

*Carters, lorrymen and draymen (horse and power) employed by public carriers of goods by road or by carting contractors in connection with the railways, docks, wharves and warehouses. Others in all trades not engaged collecting from or delivering to private houses.

Coopers – All classes except those employed in making and repairing barrels or casks for beer, wine or spirits.

*These reservations are in addition to the reservation carters, lorrymen and draymen in specified trades, viz, coal depots or wharves, flour mills and in the home-grown timber trade.

First War Jumble Sale

A most successful jumble sale was held on Saturday afternoon in St Roque’s Mission Hall, Blackscroft, in aid of the funds of the First Ward, and raised the handsome sum of £25. The committee is grateful to the donors of the various articles for the sale and to the large staff of assistants for their valuable services.