Looking Back – News from the John O'Groat Journal of yesteryear

Fair play over meat prices

From the Groat of October 7, 1921

Dissatisfaction with the high price of butcher meat in Wick had been "prevalent for some considerable time". Several attempts had been made to hasten a reduction in price but the butchers had remained adamant. However, change was on the way with a new business being set up in the town.

At a meeting of the town council, a letter was read from Charles Ball, junior, of the Station Hotel, asking the council to give him the use of the Women's Rest in Lower Dunbar Street, near the Black Stairs, "for the purpose of retailing meat at reasonable prices and seeing that the public get fair play as regards their meat supply".

The council agreed to grant the use of the premises at a rent of 10s per month.

An advertisement on another page announced the opening of Mackenzie and Ball's wholesale and retail butcher's shop which promised the lowest prices in town, with fresh supplies always on hand.

Meanwhile in Thurso, police were hunting for the "depredators" who had broken into the Miller Academy.

The school had been "burglariously entered" and a large number of tools, used in connection with carpentry, had been stolen.

More than 30 locks in desks and cupboards had been broken.

Pupils rebel over religious instruction

From the Groat of October 8, 1971

Religious education for fifth and sixth-year boys in Thurso High School had been dropped temporarily after the pupils made it clear they had no interest in the subject and would not cooperate with the teacher.

A meeting of the education committee, members heard that the boys' behaviour "leaves a lot to be desired and they show no respect for the Church".

Miss S Mitchinson had done an "excellent and thankless job" as teacher of RE in Thurso High. She had arranged talks for the senior pupils and had had considerable help from visiting ministers, but the pupils had refused to engage with them.

The Rev Robert R Sinclair asked if this was a situation that the committee should accept and he said this was "the outcome of the permissive society".

However, Provost T W Pollok, Thurso, felt that was taking things too far and that it was a not a question of morals.

Education director Hugh R Stewart said there were "decent, admirable youngsters" who would question the establishment.

"We are not going to accept this but we must go about it in a proper way," he said.

G D Brims, Watten, thought that the committee should not get too preoccupied that certain pupils were rejecting the teaching. The committee's position was to see that the facilities were there.

New war of words

From the Groat of October 11, 1996

A furious exchange of words had plunged relations between Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) and the local council to a new depth.

The row was triggered by an approach from the area property manager of Highland Council to CASE about funding for a commercial redevelopment of Market Square, including the relocation of council offices, as part of the Wick Project.

CASE's acting chief executive Neil Money turned down Brian Hemming's request for talks in retaliation "for the fact that the council refuses to meet my board to discuss an economic development strategy".

His letter was copied to all eight Caithness councillors and the directors of CASE and was confirmed later in a press statement which included a strong attack on the council leader in Caithness, John Young, and which stated that it would be inappropriate to use CASE money solely for the benefit of the council.

However, Brian Whitelaw, the council's area manager, said that Mr Money had misunderstood the intent of Mr Hemming's letter, which had been to discuss how the council and CASE might explore with the private sector the redevelopment of a key town centre site.

He also denied that the council had refused to meet CASE. An invitation had been made but the meeting had yet to take place.

Mr Young, meanwhile, said Mr Money's remarks didn't bother him in the least.

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