November 1903
Evils of the Magdalen Green
Loose Habits of Young Dundee: Warning to Parents
In these columns a few months ago public attention was directed to the unbecoming conduct of a section of Dundee lads and lassies who nightly parade the central thoroughfares of the city, and also to the prevalent exhibitions of vulgar familiarity which are to be observed in the Nethergate and other popular promenades, but this week revelations of a more serious nature have been made concerning the moral character of young Dundee, and which mark only too clearly the existence of another plague spot in the midst of the citizens of Juteopolis.
A Bad Reputation
At the Police Court on Monday the authorities had to deal with a case of assault committed on two young girls in the vicinity of the Magdalen Green, and so shameful were the revelations made in the course of the evidence given by mere boys and girls interested that those must be passed over without comment. In the course of the trial, however, a constable was asked whether the Magdalen Green was a respectable place for girls after dark, and whether he would allow his daughter to go there between 9 and 10 o'clock, but Chief Constable Dewar interrupting, remarked that the policeman was not married and could not say. What the constable's answer might have been under these circumstances can only be surmised, and but for the interference of the Prosecutor the public might have had it from the lips of officialdom that the Magdalen Green was no place for respectable girls after the shades of night had fallen.
Young Dundee on the Esplanade
From personal investigations the writer without the slightest hesitation could have answered the same question in the affirmative, and added further, "so notorious has the reputation of that little bit of green sward become that no self-respecting girl would seek to venture near it after dark". This is no isolated opinion, for hundreds of citizens could with an open mind make the same assertion. One has only to stroll from the centre of the city westwards by way of Esplanade to the "Green" and sufficient evidence will be forthcoming - even en route - to justify such a statement, for there are ten chances to one that before the inquirer has gone far on his quest he or she will be satisfied that there is something radically wrong in the moral habits of a section of "younger Dundee". What is more surprising is the fact that the majority of these young people belong to other classes than those of the mill and factory workers.
Until stringent measures are taken toward remedying the evil parents would do well to warn their offspring against making a habit of strolling round the Green at dark, for they are certain in their travels to come across spectacles that are degrading beyond expression, and compelled to listen to talk that is disgusting in the extreme.
Burglaries in Dundee
Making off with the rent
At this season of the year when most people are arranging for the payment of their rents, the burglar makes his presence felt. In several parts of the city, house-breaking has occurred, and similar depredations have taken place in Lochee, the house of a working man having been entered on Tuesday morning, and a sum of fully £4 abstracted. The hours generally selected by burglars is after people have left for their work in the morning.
Clear Out
Marshall Meek, Sculptor, Balgay Road
is clearing out his large stock of monuments and crosses at greatly reduced prices.
Blackness Car terminus.
Despite the Pessimist's Prophecies
The Christmas card is yet with us. The private card is ever increasing in popularity. Last year we added 50 per cent to our output in private Christmas cards; and, while we do not hope to achieve such a record this year, we are confident of considerable increase.
Call and see our sample books and you will understand why we are so optimistic. The specimens are worth looking at. Come early before the best patterns get out of print. Remember delays are dangerous.
Lithographic Department, Dundee Advertiser Office.
Cook (plain)
Able to milk and wash. Three in family. Housemaid kept. Good wages.
For a Hairpin Cushion
A small whicker basket, such as sweets are often sold in, is needed. This gilded with liquid gold, and should be lined with muslin, and closely stuffed with bran. The top is covered with a piece of finely knitted wool of some pretty shade. This is sewn down to the edge of the basket. Ribbon is next twisted round the top of the basket, and tied in bows at each side.
Dundee Defaulters Penalised
At a Justice of the Peace Court at Dundee on Thursday, several parents were prosecuted for having failed to provide sufficient elementary education for their children.
In three cases fines of 20s, with the alternative of 10 days' imprisonment, were imposed; and in the other the penalty was 15s, or 7 days. Mr Edward Cowan, solicitor, prosecuted on behalf of the School Board.
An Explosive Cigarette
Bernard Morris, mill worker, Crichton Street, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault arising out of a practical joke. He furnished a fellow-worker named Robertson with an explosive cigarette, which on a light being applied flared up and burned Robertson's hand. Accused was admonished and dismissed.
Kinnaird Hall
Monday 9th November at 8 pm
Madame Clark Butt and party, including
M. Johannes Wolff, violinist
Mr W.H. Squire, violoncello
Mr Frank Merrick, solo pianist
Miss Ethel Henry-Bird
Misses Pauline & Ethel Hook
Mr Kennerley Bumford
Numbered seats 5s, 4s and 3s
Entertainment
Palace, Nethergate, tomorrow night, 8 to 9
Sunday evening service, conducted by Rev A.J. Forson
Vocalists - Miss Violet Burrows, soprano
Mr W.S. Cunningham - baritone
Full orchestra. Overture at 7.45 pm
Silver Collection - downstairs
Copper Collection - upstairs