Miscellaneous Dalserf Information

February 1869

Hamilton – The Miner's Strike – Ejectment of Workmen From Watsonville Houses - In the Sheriff Court here yesterday, Mr Sheriff Veitch was engaged hearing a variety of complaints at the instance of Mr John Watson, coalmaster, residing at Glencaim House near Motherwell, against a number of his workmen who have been on strike for three weeks past. The first case called was that of Charles M'Sorsby , collier or miner, who occupied one of Mr Watson's houses at Watsonville. The house in which he resided was held from day to day, and one of the conditions of let was that occupancy should instantly terminate on his ceasing to be in the employment of the complainer. He struck work on the 30th January, and was accordingly bound to have at once removed from the subjects which he held. But this he failed to do, and decree for removal and ejection was therefore asked. The only reason given for refusing to remove was that no other houses could be got. The Sheriff granted warrant, and ordered defender to have his effects removed within four days. Seventy-eight cases of a similar nature were subsequently called in Court, and in each instance the decision was the same. Nineteen of the workmen came forward in answer to the complaint, and sixty failed to put in an appearance. Mr Brown, solicitor, appeared on behalf of Mr Watson, the complainer. Warrant was also granted against one of Hamilton & M'Culloch's workmen, George Muir, residing in Muir Street, Larkhall, who had been out of their employment since 30th December last. [Scotsman 24 February 1869]


The death has taken place at 98 John Street, Larkhall, of Robert M'Auley, who had passed his hundredth year. He was a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and came to Scotland 75 years ago. For some time he was employed in the Baillieston district; whore he lost his right arm in an engine accident. For 50 years he worked as a miner thus handicapped. Retiring from the mines 15 years ago he conducted a licensed hawker's business. He was in possession of all his faculties to the last, and could read without glasses and shave himself up till his latest illness three weeks ago. He has a son in receipt of an old age pension. [Scotsman 21 December 1918]