January 1961
Threat to Today's Tay Ferries Service
Late last night a large question mark hung over today's Tay Ferry Services. The Scotscraig, the only diesel ferry in service, developed propeller trouble and there was a possibility that the paddler B.L. Nairn would have to run an hourly service.The other diesel ferry, the Abercraig, has been off for several weeks through engine trouble. After a conference last night Captain E.A. Woodhead, superintendent of Tay Ferries, said they were to keep the Scotscraig running and risk any consequences.
"Anything can happen" he said"we may be able to keep her running until such a time when we can take her for repair with little of no inconvenience to the public."
Last night's threat to the half-hourly service came at 8.30p.m. when the Scotscraig was at Newport Pier.
Repertory Theatre
Nicoll Street, Dundee
Now Showing
Christmas Pantomime.
"The Heartless Princess"
By Franklin Black
Nightly at 7.30.
Extra Matinees - Details from Box Office.
Happy Teeth Campaign
A busload of 40 children from the Demonstration School, Park Place, Dundee, arrived at the City Square today to watch the erection of Happy the Dwarf.
Happy, a 20 foot coloured model complete with toothbrush and apple carrying a scroll of the six rules of Dental Health, takes the place of "the world's largest toothbrush" in the second phase of the Dundee Dental Health Campaign.
Walt Disney gave their co-operation in the design of the model. The cost is being met by Thomas Hedlay & Co. Ltd.
Mr David Finlayson, chief dental officer said at the City Square "I think the model is excellent. It is more eye-catching than the toothbrush and sill stimulate everything for the second phase."
The campaign had gone exceedingly well, except for a lapse at Christmas time. It will go on until the end of March, when a second examination of the children's teeth will have been completed.
Professor A.D. Hitchin, of the Dental Hospital and Mr Finlayson handed out apples to the children. Bailie Buick and Professor McHugh of the Dental Hospital were also there to support the campaign.
Full House for Burns Concert
Lord Provost Maurice McManus and Mrs McManus were among the packed audience in Dundee Art Galleries last night for a Burns Concert.
Although accommodation had been provided for over 400 some disappointed folk had to be turned away.
The concert was given by May J. Robertson's ladies' choir, with Marjory Davidson, Margaret Morgan, Morag Thomson, Sheila McIntosh and Jack Renwick as soloists. Elma Roy gave selections of Burns poetry. Accompanist was Eileen Allan.
Lord Provost McManus and his wife had to leave early to attend a Burns supper given by Lochee Burns Club at The Rowans.
The Bridge - 1 ½ Miles
The Tay Road Bridge will be 7300 feet (about 1½ miles) long and will be on a line from the King William Dock at Dundee to Craighead of Newport. Estimated cost was recently given as £3,960,000. The expectations are that it will be used by 3200 vehicles per day. The engineer for the bridge project is Mr W.A. Fairhusrt, of F.A.Macdonald & Partner's, Glasgow.
Jute Trade's Aid to Pakistan
The sum of £1950 has been contributed by the jute industry in Dundee and district towards the Pakistan Disaster Fund. Firms in the industry have given this in response to an appeal launched by the High Commissioner for Pakistan, London.
The disaster fund is for the relief of victims of the cyclone and floods which created havoc in East Pakistan in October causing a death toll of thousands.
Dundee Teenager Heading for Stardom
Arthur Spinks, the 17 year-old Dundee accordionist is making great strides on the Scottish variety stage. A former pupil of Harris Academy, he started out in April last year with Alec Findlay at the Palace Theatre, Dundee.
Now appearing in a bill headed by Jack Radcliffe in the "Ring Out the Bells" show at the Gaiety Theatre, Ayr, young Arthur has been a great hit.
Last night he stated that after the Gaiety Theatre show ends in four week he is booked to appear for two weeks at the Empire Theatre, Edinburgh, one of Scotland's top theatres.
The only child of Mr Arthur Spinks, a store clerk, and Mrs Daisy Spinks, young Arthur has played the accordion since he was 4½, having been inspired by a young companion who lived next door.
He also said last night that he has been booked for the Gaiety Theatre, Ayr, summer show headed by Johnny Beattie.
Dundee Rep Welcomes TV Plan
An announcement by Scottish Television that they intend to start presenting productions by Scottish repertory companies was received with enthusiasm last night by the director of Dundee Repertory Theatre, Mr John Henderson.
When a reporter from "The Courier" told him that STV are to invite each of the major companies to put on a play, Mr Henderson replies "I can't wait for the invitation".
"Of course, there will no doubt be many difficulties for us to overcome, but I'm sure we have the people to do it".
Just what sort of production Dundee Rep would undertake for a TV performance can't be decided yet?
"A lot will depend on shat is asked in the invitation" Mr Henderson said "Without knowing the whole plan, I can't say what we would like to do. But I am delighted to hear of such a plan. I think this is a good idea. I 'm looking forward to more details"
Dundee Rep's current production is their panto "The Heartless Princess" which runs until January 14.
Corporation Will Take Over Phins
A settlement has been reached between Phins Ltd., ironmongers, Nethergate and Dundee Corporation, who have been negotiating for the acquisition of the property for some time. At the Town Planning Committee last night, Mr Gordon Watson, senior town clerk depute, said the terms are that the corporation can acquire the whole of the property and the business for the sum agreed. The figure could not be given at this stage, because it was still subject to confirmation by the valuation office.
Phins' property is required for demolition to make way for the first phase of the Overgate redevelopment, which is due to start in a few weeks.
The business was founded at the beginning of the century by the late Sir John Phin, who became Lord Provost of Dundee. On his retiral it was taken over by a company. Under the managing-directorship of the late Mr David W. Gray it was established in its present four story premised in the 1930's, and became widely known to the shopping public in the east of Scotland.