Despite mixed weather, the activities at the Gardens carried on through the 1912 season much as they had in previous years.
On 7 September two band competitions were held under the auspices of the Scottish Amateur Band Association. These were the eighteenth annual championship competition open to second section bands and the eighth annual competition open to third section bands which are affiliated with the Association. Test pieces were set for each section, namely Madame Butterfly for the second class bands and Beethoven’s Macbeth for the third class bands. There was a large muster of bandsmen.
The Marine Gardens
On 20 September an appeal was lodged by the Edinburgh Marine Gardens Limited, against the Assessor’s valuation of £2,000. They proposed that the yearly value should be fixed at £1000.
Mr. Ramsay, architect, Glasgow, chairman of the company said that when the valuation was originally fixed, neither the Assessor nor the directors of the company had any basis upon which to go. The company originally returned £1200 as the valued rental. The Assessor proposed £3000 and the valuation, by adjustment, was fixed for the time being at £2000.
Experience had taught the company that £2000 was an absurd figure over and above a ground rental of £480. The period during which they kept open was only four months. They estimated the value of the Gardens and their contents at £15,000.
In reply Mr. Watson, for the Assessor, said the original cost of erection was £25,000. The Company had received an offer of £12,000 from an intending purchaser, but no offer from an intending renter.
Judgement was delayed and later in the afternoon it was intimated that the Court had decided that the valuation of the gardens should be entered in the roll at £1200.
Mr. Ramsay, architect, Glasgow, chairman of the company said that when the valuation was originally fixed, neither the Assessor nor the directors of the company had any basis upon which to go. The company originally returned £1200 as the valued rental. The Assessor proposed £3000 and the valuation, by adjustment, was fixed for the time being at £2000.
Experience had taught the company that £2000 was an absurd figure over and above a ground rental of £480. The period during which they kept open was only four months. They estimated the value of the Gardens and their contents at £15,000.
In reply Mr. Watson, for the Assessor, said the original cost of erection was £25,000. The Company had received an offer of £12,000 from an intending purchaser, but no offer from an intending renter.
Judgement was delayed and later in the afternoon it was intimated that the Court had decided that the valuation of the gardens should be entered in the roll at £1200.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
30 September saw the last day of the 1912 season, and like on most others, it rained. Nevertheless, throughout the day and especially in the evening, the attendance was considerably above the average. A large proportion of the visitors were holiday makers from Glasgow and elsewhere, while many were season ticket holders and other local frequenters who were taking advantage of the special privileges provided by the management for the last day. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, the band performances, instead of being held in the band court, were given in the Empress ballroom in the afternoon and the Concert Hall in the evening and at each the band of the 1st Battalion Black Watch had large and appreciative audiences. In addition to the musical programme in the Concert Hall in the evening an excellent cinematograph exhibition was given. Large numbers of dancers and spectators assembled in the Empress ballroom in the evening where a special closing night dance was held. The zoo was also well patronised but the other open air amusements suffered on account of the wretched outdoor conditions.
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Despite the season being over, the Management kept the Gardens open for occasional entertainment. In particular, they started a series of Saturday Night concerts. On 5 October, for example, Mr. Philip Malcolm, the eminent Scottish baritone, sang When I Awake, The Farmer’s Pride, The Adventurer, The Bonnie Earl O’ Moray and The Pier o’ Dundee. Mr. Graeme Goring recited Brother George, The Last Half Pint, and Bill’s Dog Hospital and there was a grand selection of new dramatic and humorous films by Lizar’s Bioscope. Admission was 3d, 6d and 1s.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
Mr. Thomas Ramsay, the chairman of the directors, presided at the fourth annual meeting of the shareholders of the Edinburgh Marine Gardens Limited, which was held on 23 December 1912 in Dowell's Rooms, Edinburgh.
The report showed that there had been a loss of £109 on the past season's working, which was £268 better than the previous year. The interest on debentures amounting to £694 made the total £804 compared with £1712 in the previous season, making a sum of £2632 at debit of the profit and loss account.
In moving the adoption of the report, the Chairman said the Directors had hoped to have had a good season during the past summer but while their expectations regarding the weekly expenditure and receipts were fairly well justified, the weather unfortunately had been all against them. The season had been a very bad one for all out door amusements and they might congratulate themselves that they had come out of it with such a small loss. No outdoor amusement concern of any kind in this country had come out of the year with such a small loss as the Edinburgh Marine Gardens.
Mr. C.W. Shepherd asked if the directors had any scheme to put forward for carrying on the business, seeing they were so much in debt. The Chairman said they could not deal with that matter at the present moment. Councillor Crawford asked if it could be disclosed how their aviation exploits had panned out. Had they paid or not? The Chairman replied that they had paid. The report was adopted and Mr. Henry Walker was elected as a director.
The Chairman said they had not come to the real business of the meeting and that was the suggestion by the directors that a committee of the shareholders be appointed to confer with them as to the future of the company. The directors in making this proposal considered it would not be altogether a prudent thing that the position of the company at this stage should be made public property. They ( the directors) did not want to shelter themselves behind this committee in any way, but they considered its appointment was the best thing to be done in the interests of the company. Mr. T. Gibson, Mr. G. Turnbull and Councillor Brydon Hogg were appointed as the shareholders committee to confer with the directors.
Mr. H. Rawson said he wished to being forwards the question of the price of their season tickets. One reason that had contributed towards the want of success of the Gardens had been the smallness of the charge made for these tickets. There was no place in the world where they could get an entertainment such as was provided at the Edinburgh Marine Gardens for the paltry sum of 5s 6d per season. If they only sold half the number of tickets at 10s 6d they would be better off, for the remaining people were sure to visit them more or less often. The better class people from whom they had hoped to get a fair measure of support looked upon the entertainment as not worth going to on account of its cheapness and the working man had never been attracted to the Gardens and he questioned whether he ever would be. No board of directors in the world could provide a first class clean amusement such as was provided at the Gardens for the sum of a halfpenny per day. The Chairman said that for the first two years, when the ticket was 7s 6d they had 12,202 purchasers, representing in cash value £3885 and in season 1911 and 1912 they sold 13,620 tickets at 5s 6d, representing £3625.
Councillor Crawford suggested that the public be admitted to the whole run of the place for sixpence. They might attract a greater number of people if that were done. The real fault all through had been that the entertainment was not sufficiently good to draw the people. They must give good amusement and at a cheap rate.
There was one way by which they might popularise the Gardens from the season ticket holder’s point of view and that was for Mr. Shepherd to persuade the Tramway Company to give special rates on the cars to the ticket holders. If that were done, he was convinced they would have a big addition to the ranks, even if the charge were 10s 6d. Mr. Shepherd said it would be better to see before discussing such matters what was to be done as regards the Gardens. It had to be decided yet whether they were to go on or not and a sum of between £3000 and £4000 would have to be found before they could make up their minds to proceed. The Tramway Company were very much interested in the concern. They were the largest shareholders, more than double any other shareholder.
A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings.
The report showed that there had been a loss of £109 on the past season's working, which was £268 better than the previous year. The interest on debentures amounting to £694 made the total £804 compared with £1712 in the previous season, making a sum of £2632 at debit of the profit and loss account.
In moving the adoption of the report, the Chairman said the Directors had hoped to have had a good season during the past summer but while their expectations regarding the weekly expenditure and receipts were fairly well justified, the weather unfortunately had been all against them. The season had been a very bad one for all out door amusements and they might congratulate themselves that they had come out of it with such a small loss. No outdoor amusement concern of any kind in this country had come out of the year with such a small loss as the Edinburgh Marine Gardens.
Mr. C.W. Shepherd asked if the directors had any scheme to put forward for carrying on the business, seeing they were so much in debt. The Chairman said they could not deal with that matter at the present moment. Councillor Crawford asked if it could be disclosed how their aviation exploits had panned out. Had they paid or not? The Chairman replied that they had paid. The report was adopted and Mr. Henry Walker was elected as a director.
The Chairman said they had not come to the real business of the meeting and that was the suggestion by the directors that a committee of the shareholders be appointed to confer with them as to the future of the company. The directors in making this proposal considered it would not be altogether a prudent thing that the position of the company at this stage should be made public property. They ( the directors) did not want to shelter themselves behind this committee in any way, but they considered its appointment was the best thing to be done in the interests of the company. Mr. T. Gibson, Mr. G. Turnbull and Councillor Brydon Hogg were appointed as the shareholders committee to confer with the directors.
Mr. H. Rawson said he wished to being forwards the question of the price of their season tickets. One reason that had contributed towards the want of success of the Gardens had been the smallness of the charge made for these tickets. There was no place in the world where they could get an entertainment such as was provided at the Edinburgh Marine Gardens for the paltry sum of 5s 6d per season. If they only sold half the number of tickets at 10s 6d they would be better off, for the remaining people were sure to visit them more or less often. The better class people from whom they had hoped to get a fair measure of support looked upon the entertainment as not worth going to on account of its cheapness and the working man had never been attracted to the Gardens and he questioned whether he ever would be. No board of directors in the world could provide a first class clean amusement such as was provided at the Gardens for the sum of a halfpenny per day. The Chairman said that for the first two years, when the ticket was 7s 6d they had 12,202 purchasers, representing in cash value £3885 and in season 1911 and 1912 they sold 13,620 tickets at 5s 6d, representing £3625.
Councillor Crawford suggested that the public be admitted to the whole run of the place for sixpence. They might attract a greater number of people if that were done. The real fault all through had been that the entertainment was not sufficiently good to draw the people. They must give good amusement and at a cheap rate.
There was one way by which they might popularise the Gardens from the season ticket holder’s point of view and that was for Mr. Shepherd to persuade the Tramway Company to give special rates on the cars to the ticket holders. If that were done, he was convinced they would have a big addition to the ranks, even if the charge were 10s 6d. Mr. Shepherd said it would be better to see before discussing such matters what was to be done as regards the Gardens. It had to be decided yet whether they were to go on or not and a sum of between £3000 and £4000 would have to be found before they could make up their minds to proceed. The Tramway Company were very much interested in the concern. They were the largest shareholders, more than double any other shareholder.
A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings.
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However, not everyone was happy with the way the Marine Gardens Company was going. Some of the Debenture Holders put forward a motion to wind up the Company and put the Marine Gardens into liquidation.
On 13 January 1913, Mr. William G. Swan issued a circular to shareholders asking for support in opposition to the motion.
In the circular Mr. Swan stated: “As a shareholder I, in common with the other shareholders, object to winding up the company at this time. I would point out that once this concern is liquidated, whether for the purposes of reconstruction or otherwise, the whole present share capital will be lost. Besides, it is not a sound business policy to sacrifice the Edinburgh Marine Gardens now when, uncertain though their present value may be, they undoubtedly have a certain and immense future value, as has been demonstrated by last year’s working, even under most unfavourable conditions.” He continued that it ought not to be difficult to deal with the disturbing element among the debenture holders and that if the directors could not save the situation, they should let others try to do so.
On 13 January 1913, Mr. William G. Swan issued a circular to shareholders asking for support in opposition to the motion.
In the circular Mr. Swan stated: “As a shareholder I, in common with the other shareholders, object to winding up the company at this time. I would point out that once this concern is liquidated, whether for the purposes of reconstruction or otherwise, the whole present share capital will be lost. Besides, it is not a sound business policy to sacrifice the Edinburgh Marine Gardens now when, uncertain though their present value may be, they undoubtedly have a certain and immense future value, as has been demonstrated by last year’s working, even under most unfavourable conditions.” He continued that it ought not to be difficult to deal with the disturbing element among the debenture holders and that if the directors could not save the situation, they should let others try to do so.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
On 15 January An extraordinary general meeting of the Edinburgh Marine Gardens Limited was held in Dowell’s Rooms, George Street. Mr. Thomas Ramsay, the chairman, presided over an attendance of about one hundred gentlemen.
The purpose of the meeting was to consider a resolution in the following terms:- “That it has been proved to the satisfaction of this meeting that the company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its business and that it is advisable to wind up the same and accordingly that the company be wound up voluntarily. “
Mr Ramsay explained at the outset that a meeting was called on 23rd December with the concurrence of debenture holders. The meeting was held and a shareholders’ committee appointed. The directors and the shareholders’ committee met the same day and after considering the position of the company they agreed that the only scheme before them was to proceed on the lines carried out successfully in the previous year. They immediately started to work on those lines.
On the following day they received notice from one of the debenture holders calling up his debenture, it being in default, interest not having been paid. On 30th December they had notice from another debenture holder to the same effect. On the same date they received a letter purporting to come from a meeting of the debenture holders and enclosing an offer for the purchase of the Gardens.
On 6th January the board and the shareholders’ committee considered the offer and decided to intimate that they did not see their way to entertain it and they reported further to the debenture holders that in view of the two individual intimations calling up debentures the board saw no alternative but to go into voluntary liquidation.
The board had no desire for liquidation of any kind because it was not in the interests of shareholders, creditors or any other body. They found themselves in the position that liquidation in some form or another would take place if they did not act and so they thought it preferable that they should take the step of going into voluntary liquidation.
Ramsay moved that the resolution to that end be given effect to. Mr. T.R. Gibson, in seconding, said he did so with reluctance for he thought the company were going to continue to act and carry on the Gardens as before but through someone taking an ill will at the company they had taken proceedings against the company. They as a company could not allow that to pass. The board were bound to look after the interests of the company and not of an individual or individuals. He could not see any other way out of it than applying for voluntary liquidation.
Ex Bailie Maxton said he was in the dark as to who the debenture holders were who had taken action and he wanted more information. He saw no reason for concealing the names of the debenture holders. The Chairman said there would be no attempt to withhold information. Correspondence on the subject was then read by Mr. G.B. Smith, the secretary of the company. A letter was submitted from Messrs Macpherson & Mackay SSC on behalf of Mr. C.W. Shepherd, stating that he was the holder of debenture to the amount of £1500 and that he had received no interest whatever and demanding repayment with accrued interest. A letter from Messrs MacAndrew, Wright & Murray WS on behalf of the Edinburgh and District Tramways Company, the debenture holders to the amount of £3300 was to the same effect. Letters were also read referring to a report of a meeting of debenture holders stating that an offer of £12,000 for the purchase of the Gardens and lease had come from a firm named Mazza & Lazarus, London and to the reply of the directors declining the offer.
Mr. W.G. Swan asked who was trying to sell the Gardens. Were the board aware that the Gardens were likely to be sold or had they an idea of selling the Gardens? Mr. Ramsay replied that the board had an idea of getting an offer. It was not a matter to put before the shareholders until there was an offer.
Mr. Swan said he could not understand why they had had no report of the conference between the directors and the shareholders’ committee. The deeper he went into the matter the more ridiculous the whole performance seemed to him. Was the proposal to liquidate unanimously agreed to by both directors and committee? Had the board and committee no remedy to suggest other than financial suicide? Why had the decision to liquidate been made after three weeks’ delay? He went on to speak of the increased tramway traffic on the route to the Gardens and said since the Gardens opened he calculated that the Tramway Company had netted some £24,000 there. In view of that they should not grumble on the strength of their paltry debenture holding. He said if they could get the Gardens let they might be able to pay off the debenture holders in a single year and then they might take the Gardens over themselves and that would save them going into voluntary liquidation. Or would it not be possible to raise about £3000 on second debentures? They should try to do something to save the situation.
Mr. Ramsay stated that she shareholders’ committee was appointed by the shareholders and not by the board. The board were not aware that the debenture holders sought to acquire the property at £12000 and work it themselves. The shareholders’ committee and the directors conferred and the present proposal had the approval of the former. He did not think the raising of £3000 on second debentures was feasible.
A shareholder asked if the shareholders could not pay so much per share and clear off the debt altogether? The dancing hall and concert hall at the Gardens paid very well on Saturday nights.
Mr. Ramsay said it was perfectly feasible that the shareholders should pay up 5s per share or more. He thought they were better protected under voluntary liquidation in that respect than under forced liquidation.
Mr. A.N. Drummond objected to the liquidation proposal being made and said they were apparently being rushed into it. He represented three large corporations and he moved that the matter be adjourned for three weeks or a month and the voluntary liquidation be then undertaken if necessary. Mr. Maxton seconded. Mr. Ramsay observed that if the shareholders cared to take the risk of three week’s delay it was for them to say. It was explained that the petition for forced liquidation was now before the Court. If the shareholders deferred for three weeks, the other petition would have a three weeks’ start. Mr. Drummond withdrew his amendment and the resolution was unanimously adopted.
Mr. Smith was appointed liquidator and the board and shareholders’ committee, with the addition of Messrs Maxton and Swan were appointed to advise with the liquidator.
The purpose of the meeting was to consider a resolution in the following terms:- “That it has been proved to the satisfaction of this meeting that the company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its business and that it is advisable to wind up the same and accordingly that the company be wound up voluntarily. “
Mr Ramsay explained at the outset that a meeting was called on 23rd December with the concurrence of debenture holders. The meeting was held and a shareholders’ committee appointed. The directors and the shareholders’ committee met the same day and after considering the position of the company they agreed that the only scheme before them was to proceed on the lines carried out successfully in the previous year. They immediately started to work on those lines.
On the following day they received notice from one of the debenture holders calling up his debenture, it being in default, interest not having been paid. On 30th December they had notice from another debenture holder to the same effect. On the same date they received a letter purporting to come from a meeting of the debenture holders and enclosing an offer for the purchase of the Gardens.
On 6th January the board and the shareholders’ committee considered the offer and decided to intimate that they did not see their way to entertain it and they reported further to the debenture holders that in view of the two individual intimations calling up debentures the board saw no alternative but to go into voluntary liquidation.
The board had no desire for liquidation of any kind because it was not in the interests of shareholders, creditors or any other body. They found themselves in the position that liquidation in some form or another would take place if they did not act and so they thought it preferable that they should take the step of going into voluntary liquidation.
Ramsay moved that the resolution to that end be given effect to. Mr. T.R. Gibson, in seconding, said he did so with reluctance for he thought the company were going to continue to act and carry on the Gardens as before but through someone taking an ill will at the company they had taken proceedings against the company. They as a company could not allow that to pass. The board were bound to look after the interests of the company and not of an individual or individuals. He could not see any other way out of it than applying for voluntary liquidation.
Ex Bailie Maxton said he was in the dark as to who the debenture holders were who had taken action and he wanted more information. He saw no reason for concealing the names of the debenture holders. The Chairman said there would be no attempt to withhold information. Correspondence on the subject was then read by Mr. G.B. Smith, the secretary of the company. A letter was submitted from Messrs Macpherson & Mackay SSC on behalf of Mr. C.W. Shepherd, stating that he was the holder of debenture to the amount of £1500 and that he had received no interest whatever and demanding repayment with accrued interest. A letter from Messrs MacAndrew, Wright & Murray WS on behalf of the Edinburgh and District Tramways Company, the debenture holders to the amount of £3300 was to the same effect. Letters were also read referring to a report of a meeting of debenture holders stating that an offer of £12,000 for the purchase of the Gardens and lease had come from a firm named Mazza & Lazarus, London and to the reply of the directors declining the offer.
Mr. W.G. Swan asked who was trying to sell the Gardens. Were the board aware that the Gardens were likely to be sold or had they an idea of selling the Gardens? Mr. Ramsay replied that the board had an idea of getting an offer. It was not a matter to put before the shareholders until there was an offer.
Mr. Swan said he could not understand why they had had no report of the conference between the directors and the shareholders’ committee. The deeper he went into the matter the more ridiculous the whole performance seemed to him. Was the proposal to liquidate unanimously agreed to by both directors and committee? Had the board and committee no remedy to suggest other than financial suicide? Why had the decision to liquidate been made after three weeks’ delay? He went on to speak of the increased tramway traffic on the route to the Gardens and said since the Gardens opened he calculated that the Tramway Company had netted some £24,000 there. In view of that they should not grumble on the strength of their paltry debenture holding. He said if they could get the Gardens let they might be able to pay off the debenture holders in a single year and then they might take the Gardens over themselves and that would save them going into voluntary liquidation. Or would it not be possible to raise about £3000 on second debentures? They should try to do something to save the situation.
Mr. Ramsay stated that she shareholders’ committee was appointed by the shareholders and not by the board. The board were not aware that the debenture holders sought to acquire the property at £12000 and work it themselves. The shareholders’ committee and the directors conferred and the present proposal had the approval of the former. He did not think the raising of £3000 on second debentures was feasible.
A shareholder asked if the shareholders could not pay so much per share and clear off the debt altogether? The dancing hall and concert hall at the Gardens paid very well on Saturday nights.
Mr. Ramsay said it was perfectly feasible that the shareholders should pay up 5s per share or more. He thought they were better protected under voluntary liquidation in that respect than under forced liquidation.
Mr. A.N. Drummond objected to the liquidation proposal being made and said they were apparently being rushed into it. He represented three large corporations and he moved that the matter be adjourned for three weeks or a month and the voluntary liquidation be then undertaken if necessary. Mr. Maxton seconded. Mr. Ramsay observed that if the shareholders cared to take the risk of three week’s delay it was for them to say. It was explained that the petition for forced liquidation was now before the Court. If the shareholders deferred for three weeks, the other petition would have a three weeks’ start. Mr. Drummond withdrew his amendment and the resolution was unanimously adopted.
Mr. Smith was appointed liquidator and the board and shareholders’ committee, with the addition of Messrs Maxton and Swan were appointed to advise with the liquidator.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
A petition for the winding up of the Company under the provisions of the Companies (Consolidation) Act 1908 and for the appointment of an official liquidator was presented to the Lords of Council and Session (First Division, Mr. Adam, Clerk) on 16 January 1913 at the instance of Charles William Shepherd, residing at Devon House, Joppa.
Their Lordships pronounced the following interlocutor:
The Lords appoint the petition to be intimated on the walls and in the minute book in common form, to be served on the Edinburgh Marine Gardens Limited as craved and to be advertised once in the Edinburgh Gazette and once in the Scotsman newspaper and allow all parties having or claiming interest to lodge answers within eight days after such intimation service and advertisement. Dunedin IPD All of which intimation is hereby given. Macpherson & Mackay SSC Petitioner’s agents. 25 Queen Street, Edinburgh.
Their Lordships pronounced the following interlocutor:
The Lords appoint the petition to be intimated on the walls and in the minute book in common form, to be served on the Edinburgh Marine Gardens Limited as craved and to be advertised once in the Edinburgh Gazette and once in the Scotsman newspaper and allow all parties having or claiming interest to lodge answers within eight days after such intimation service and advertisement. Dunedin IPD All of which intimation is hereby given. Macpherson & Mackay SSC Petitioner’s agents. 25 Queen Street, Edinburgh.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
A meeting of creditors of the Edinburgh Marine Gardens Limited was held in Dowell’s Rooms on 3 February. The appointment of Mr. J. B. Smith as liquidator was unanimously confirmed.
Mr. C. W. Shepherd, manager of the Edinburgh and District Tramway Co. intimated that a scheme had been brought forward by some people from London. A sum would be found to pay all the preferential creditors in full and the unsecured creditors 10s in the £1 and to carry on the Gardens.
No expression of opinion was given in regard to the matters and the proceedings terminated with votes of thanks.
Mr. C. W. Shepherd, manager of the Edinburgh and District Tramway Co. intimated that a scheme had been brought forward by some people from London. A sum would be found to pay all the preferential creditors in full and the unsecured creditors 10s in the £1 and to carry on the Gardens.
No expression of opinion was given in regard to the matters and the proceedings terminated with votes of thanks.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
On 28 February Mr. William G. Swan from Liberton, a shareholder of the Edinburgh Marine Gardens Limited issued a further circular in which he stated that there was good reason for the company continuing to carry on the Gardens.
Further, he believed the shareholders now had an opportunity of recovering a portion, if not the whole, of their invested capital and he suggested:-
(1) That the shareholders contributed £1000, provided the directors raised a further £1000, said £2000 to be a loan merely, bearing interest at 6 percent per annum, secured and forming a preferable charge over such assets as were not covered by the present debentures.
(2) That if considered necessary, in addition to the above security, an insurance might be arranged so as to provide against the loss of the new working capital of £2000 should the coming season prove to be a wet one.
(3) That the trustees for the debenture holders be authorised to and hold the assets forming the security for the proposed £2000 loan on behalf of the respective contributors and
(4) That the resolution of 15th January agreeing to wind up the company be rescinded.
He added that he had good reason for stating that directors would raise their half of the £2000 and it accordingly now rested with the shareholders to provide the remaining £1000.
Further, he believed the shareholders now had an opportunity of recovering a portion, if not the whole, of their invested capital and he suggested:-
(1) That the shareholders contributed £1000, provided the directors raised a further £1000, said £2000 to be a loan merely, bearing interest at 6 percent per annum, secured and forming a preferable charge over such assets as were not covered by the present debentures.
(2) That if considered necessary, in addition to the above security, an insurance might be arranged so as to provide against the loss of the new working capital of £2000 should the coming season prove to be a wet one.
(3) That the trustees for the debenture holders be authorised to and hold the assets forming the security for the proposed £2000 loan on behalf of the respective contributors and
(4) That the resolution of 15th January agreeing to wind up the company be rescinded.
He added that he had good reason for stating that directors would raise their half of the £2000 and it accordingly now rested with the shareholders to provide the remaining £1000.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
Meanwhile, life in the Gardens went on.
On 28 February two hundred and fifty couples of dancers attended the Edinburgh and District Regular and Territorial Sergeants’ ball, held in the ballroom . The gathering was a conspicuous success. Many officers graced the assembly with their presence. As the majority of the gentlemen were in uniform, picturesqueness was thereby lent to the scene. To the bugle call, dancers took places for each dance and all the arrangements were carried out with military precision.
On 28 February two hundred and fifty couples of dancers attended the Edinburgh and District Regular and Territorial Sergeants’ ball, held in the ballroom . The gathering was a conspicuous success. Many officers graced the assembly with their presence. As the majority of the gentlemen were in uniform, picturesqueness was thereby lent to the scene. To the bugle call, dancers took places for each dance and all the arrangements were carried out with military precision.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
At the end of April Lord Ormidale, as Lord Ordinary officiating on the Bills, sanctioned a scheme whereby the Edinburgh Marine Gardens Limited was to be carried on.
The matter was brought before the Court by George Banks Smith, general manager and secretary of the Marine Gardens, who was the liquidator in the voluntary winding up of the company under the supervision of the court.
Mr Smith said that he had directed his efforts in the interests of all concerned to the resuscitation of the company and with this object the preservation of its goodwill, one of its most valuable assets, was paramount. The goodwill could not be saved unless arrangements were made for the business of the company to be continuously carried on in the summer season, from May to October , when the great proportion of its income was received.
It appeared that if it was forced to realise its assets, the company would be unable to meet the claims of the debenture holders. The company’s indebtedness to them exceeded £12,796. The value of their security might not exceed £8000. The movable assets of the company were estimated at £4000 upon the assumption of their sale as a going concern. The claims of ordinary unsecured creditors other than the debenture holders amounted to £4000 or. In the event of an immediate realisation, therefore, there was no prospect of any return to any of the different classes of shareholders.
The leading features of the scheme were that in respect of the Edinburgh and District Tramways Company Limited and the L.A. Thomas Scenic Railway (Portobello) Limited advancing respectively £2000 and £5000, Smith would pay out various expenses in connection with the liquidation and all preferable claims for rent, taxes, wages and working expenses and make over the balance as working capital for the company in order that it might continue its business.
In return for such advances the debenture holders and the ordinary unsecured creditors of the company consented to the two lenders obtaining a preference over them in the event of the company going again into liquidation, while the unsecured creditors were to be entitled to interest on their debts at 5 per cent per annum from the date of the scheme being judicially sanctioned.
William Grieve Swan, Janetville, Liberton, a shareholder in the Gardens, stated that he had put forward an alternative scheme which provided for raising a sum of £1000 from the shareholders and £500 from the scenic railway by placing the moveables valued at £4000 in the custody of trustees who were to hold the same in security for such £15000 and rescinding the resolution to wind up of 15th January 913. He averred that the arrangement between the Edinburgh and District Tramways Company and the petitioner contained an uncalled for and gratuitous sacrifice of the creditors’ and shareholders’ interests.
In reply to Lord Ormidale, Mr. Wilton, counsel for Mr. Smith, said that the takings last season were £600 a week and over the whole season that represented between £10000 and £12000.
Lord Ormidale said he was prepared to sanction the scheme. So far as he understood the position he did not think there was any outrage upon any of the shareholders. No expenses were found due to or by either party.
The matter was brought before the Court by George Banks Smith, general manager and secretary of the Marine Gardens, who was the liquidator in the voluntary winding up of the company under the supervision of the court.
Mr Smith said that he had directed his efforts in the interests of all concerned to the resuscitation of the company and with this object the preservation of its goodwill, one of its most valuable assets, was paramount. The goodwill could not be saved unless arrangements were made for the business of the company to be continuously carried on in the summer season, from May to October , when the great proportion of its income was received.
It appeared that if it was forced to realise its assets, the company would be unable to meet the claims of the debenture holders. The company’s indebtedness to them exceeded £12,796. The value of their security might not exceed £8000. The movable assets of the company were estimated at £4000 upon the assumption of their sale as a going concern. The claims of ordinary unsecured creditors other than the debenture holders amounted to £4000 or. In the event of an immediate realisation, therefore, there was no prospect of any return to any of the different classes of shareholders.
The leading features of the scheme were that in respect of the Edinburgh and District Tramways Company Limited and the L.A. Thomas Scenic Railway (Portobello) Limited advancing respectively £2000 and £5000, Smith would pay out various expenses in connection with the liquidation and all preferable claims for rent, taxes, wages and working expenses and make over the balance as working capital for the company in order that it might continue its business.
In return for such advances the debenture holders and the ordinary unsecured creditors of the company consented to the two lenders obtaining a preference over them in the event of the company going again into liquidation, while the unsecured creditors were to be entitled to interest on their debts at 5 per cent per annum from the date of the scheme being judicially sanctioned.
William Grieve Swan, Janetville, Liberton, a shareholder in the Gardens, stated that he had put forward an alternative scheme which provided for raising a sum of £1000 from the shareholders and £500 from the scenic railway by placing the moveables valued at £4000 in the custody of trustees who were to hold the same in security for such £15000 and rescinding the resolution to wind up of 15th January 913. He averred that the arrangement between the Edinburgh and District Tramways Company and the petitioner contained an uncalled for and gratuitous sacrifice of the creditors’ and shareholders’ interests.
In reply to Lord Ormidale, Mr. Wilton, counsel for Mr. Smith, said that the takings last season were £600 a week and over the whole season that represented between £10000 and £12000.
Lord Ormidale said he was prepared to sanction the scheme. So far as he understood the position he did not think there was any outrage upon any of the shareholders. No expenses were found due to or by either party.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
Crisis over, the Marine Gardens opened for the new season on 17 May 1913 and when the doors were opened there was no sign of despondency. A cheery note of optimism prevailed and there appears to be some justification for the feeling.
As the management well knew, in a venture of this kind genial weather is a necessary factor if success is to be attained. When cooling breezes were coming off the Forth on a summer evening a pleasant hour could be devoted to the enjoyment of the music provided in the band court. Unfortunately, that had not been the general experience the previous year. More than often icy blasts and persistent rains undid most of the efforts of the management and visitors were forced to seek amusement indoors. Having these things in view, precautionary measures had been taken to make the Gardens attractive in the new season, no matter what the weather conditions were.
The old Exhibition Hall, which ran parallel with the Empress ballroom, had been converted into a Winter Garden, laid out with floral and other decorations. It was connected by archways with the ballroom and the alteration was likely to make dancing still more popular. Under the new order of things should the evening or afternoon be disagreeable, the band and entertainers were to be withdrawn from the grounds to the Winter Garden, the idea being to have something in the nature of a promenade. The ballroom floor was now equipped with a stage for such occasions. Those who were content to merely look on had also been provided with adequate accommodation. The charity concerts on Sunday evenings were to take this form during the season.
Another innovation of note was the Al Fresco theatre. To make a home for this form of entertainment, the zoo had been displaced. Where the cages of the animals formerly stood, trees and shrubs had been planted and in the centre of the open air theatre there was a pond, ornamented with rockery and fountain. At the top end was the stage for the costume concert parties. A projecting roof right round added to the comfort of the enclosure. Throughout the season there was to be a new company of entertainers each week, this being made possible by some of the popular concert costume parties including the Gardens in their tour of the popular seaside resorts. On the opening night the Scottish Gems made a successful appearance and during the week the entertainment was to be provided by The Somebodies.
Instrumental music would, as formerly, be one of the principal attractions and no effort was spared to bring to Portobello bands of undoubted reputation. The opening engagement was that of the Royal Irish Fusiliers under the baton of Mr. A.J. Dunn, but as their services were required at a review elsewhere on the opening day, their appearance was deferred for a day and the band court was occupied by the massed bands of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) and the Cameron Highlanders. The Fusiliers were to make a stay of a fortnight’s duration. Among the other bands which were scheduled to appear were the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Scots Greys, 1st Life Guards and the St Hilda Colliery Band, (the latter having won the two thousand guinea world’s championship cup at the Crystal Palace in 1912).
In the theatre a continuous programme cinema show was to be given, the promenade being free in the evening and only a nominal charge made for chairs. The amusement court was still to the fore and a number of important football and athletic fixtures had been arranged for the sports enclosure.
A fresh coat of paint had brightened up the buildings and the plots of grass throughout were all looking trim and neat on the first day when, favoured with pleasant weather, the Gardens were thronged by large crowds.
As the management well knew, in a venture of this kind genial weather is a necessary factor if success is to be attained. When cooling breezes were coming off the Forth on a summer evening a pleasant hour could be devoted to the enjoyment of the music provided in the band court. Unfortunately, that had not been the general experience the previous year. More than often icy blasts and persistent rains undid most of the efforts of the management and visitors were forced to seek amusement indoors. Having these things in view, precautionary measures had been taken to make the Gardens attractive in the new season, no matter what the weather conditions were.
The old Exhibition Hall, which ran parallel with the Empress ballroom, had been converted into a Winter Garden, laid out with floral and other decorations. It was connected by archways with the ballroom and the alteration was likely to make dancing still more popular. Under the new order of things should the evening or afternoon be disagreeable, the band and entertainers were to be withdrawn from the grounds to the Winter Garden, the idea being to have something in the nature of a promenade. The ballroom floor was now equipped with a stage for such occasions. Those who were content to merely look on had also been provided with adequate accommodation. The charity concerts on Sunday evenings were to take this form during the season.
Another innovation of note was the Al Fresco theatre. To make a home for this form of entertainment, the zoo had been displaced. Where the cages of the animals formerly stood, trees and shrubs had been planted and in the centre of the open air theatre there was a pond, ornamented with rockery and fountain. At the top end was the stage for the costume concert parties. A projecting roof right round added to the comfort of the enclosure. Throughout the season there was to be a new company of entertainers each week, this being made possible by some of the popular concert costume parties including the Gardens in their tour of the popular seaside resorts. On the opening night the Scottish Gems made a successful appearance and during the week the entertainment was to be provided by The Somebodies.
Instrumental music would, as formerly, be one of the principal attractions and no effort was spared to bring to Portobello bands of undoubted reputation. The opening engagement was that of the Royal Irish Fusiliers under the baton of Mr. A.J. Dunn, but as their services were required at a review elsewhere on the opening day, their appearance was deferred for a day and the band court was occupied by the massed bands of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) and the Cameron Highlanders. The Fusiliers were to make a stay of a fortnight’s duration. Among the other bands which were scheduled to appear were the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Scots Greys, 1st Life Guards and the St Hilda Colliery Band, (the latter having won the two thousand guinea world’s championship cup at the Crystal Palace in 1912).
In the theatre a continuous programme cinema show was to be given, the promenade being free in the evening and only a nominal charge made for chairs. The amusement court was still to the fore and a number of important football and athletic fixtures had been arranged for the sports enclosure.
A fresh coat of paint had brightened up the buildings and the plots of grass throughout were all looking trim and neat on the first day when, favoured with pleasant weather, the Gardens were thronged by large crowds.
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On 23 May Mr. George Banks Smith of the Edinburgh Marine Gardens Limited applied to Edinburgh Corporation for renewal of the licence for the concert hall situated in the Marine Gardens.
Bailie Rose drew attention to the fact that a concert had been held in the Marine Gardens on a Sunday. Whenthe Lord Provost pointed out that it had been a charity concert, Bailie Rose asked if they had the right to open the Gardens on Sunday without the Corporation’s consent.
The Clerk stated that so long as the concert was for a charitable, religious or philanthropic purpose, it was not outwith the scope of the licence.
Mr. Smith said these concerts were not run by his company. Various institutions had applied for the use of the Gardens for charitable purposes and the company derived not a single penny of income from them.
Bailie Rose said the concert was advertised in the tramway cars and was done, he understood, for the purpose of advertising the Marine Gardens. That was what he objected to.
The Lords Provost remarked, amid laughter, that he thought it was done to get as much money as possible from the Edinburgh public.
Bailie Rose confessed to being very chary of the Marine Gardens being in the position of doing anything for charity.
Councillor Macfarlane said that it was quite evident that the Marine Gardens were not receiving reimbursements of any sort and he moved that the application be granted. Mr. Huie seconded and it was agreed to grant the licence.
Bailie Rose drew attention to the fact that a concert had been held in the Marine Gardens on a Sunday. Whenthe Lord Provost pointed out that it had been a charity concert, Bailie Rose asked if they had the right to open the Gardens on Sunday without the Corporation’s consent.
The Clerk stated that so long as the concert was for a charitable, religious or philanthropic purpose, it was not outwith the scope of the licence.
Mr. Smith said these concerts were not run by his company. Various institutions had applied for the use of the Gardens for charitable purposes and the company derived not a single penny of income from them.
Bailie Rose said the concert was advertised in the tramway cars and was done, he understood, for the purpose of advertising the Marine Gardens. That was what he objected to.
The Lords Provost remarked, amid laughter, that he thought it was done to get as much money as possible from the Edinburgh public.
Bailie Rose confessed to being very chary of the Marine Gardens being in the position of doing anything for charity.
Councillor Macfarlane said that it was quite evident that the Marine Gardens were not receiving reimbursements of any sort and he moved that the application be granted. Mr. Huie seconded and it was agreed to grant the licence.
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In the Al Fresco theatre a delightful entertainment was provided during the second week by a costumed concert party bearing the name The Gay Gondoliers. It included Miss Agnes Arrell, soprano, Miss Violet Locke, mezzo soprano and pianist, Miss Nina Lorenza, comedienne and mandolinist, Mr. Jack Marsh, baritone, Mr. George Robins and Mr. Fred Beck, whose humorous items were not the least attractive numbers on a programme which proceeded at a merry rate.
The band of the Royal Irish Fusiliers still occupied the Band Court and every item of their extensive repertoire was played in an admirable manner. An interesting selection of films was furnished at the Cinema theatre and the Empress ballroom never lacked for patrons.
The band of the Royal Irish Fusiliers still occupied the Band Court and every item of their extensive repertoire was played in an admirable manner. An interesting selection of films was furnished at the Cinema theatre and the Empress ballroom never lacked for patrons.
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On 1 June there was a senior five a side tournament at the Marine Gardens. Over 4000 people saw the interesting play in a five a side tournament open to all Scottish senior football clubs. In the final Airdrieonians beat Peebles Rovers by one goal to nil. (There was some ill feeling shown in this game which culminated in one man from each side being ordered off.)
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Following the band of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, the band of the Royal Scots Greys under the conductorship of Mr. F.W. Frayling, arrived at the Marine Gardens on 3 June and performed two excellent and varied programmes, which included Godfrey’s Reminiscences of Gounod, a Scottish Fantasia by the same composer and an American sketch by Myddleton. Euphonium and cornet solos by Messrs Dunn and Watson respectively were appreciated.
A new company of light comedians presented an attractive entertainment in the open air theatre. These players, who styled themselves The Comedies were Miss Alice Woldie (soprano). Miss C.V. Adrienne (comedian) Miss M. Gresham (piano soloist and accompanist) Mr. Will Cane (humorist) Mr Ireland Cutter (light comedian and dancer) and Mr. R. Graham (baritone).
A new company of light comedians presented an attractive entertainment in the open air theatre. These players, who styled themselves The Comedies were Miss Alice Woldie (soprano). Miss C.V. Adrienne (comedian) Miss M. Gresham (piano soloist and accompanist) Mr. Will Cane (humorist) Mr Ireland Cutter (light comedian and dancer) and Mr. R. Graham (baritone).
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4 June saw a capital card of a dozen events carried through at the annual sports meeting of the Edinburgh Pharmacy Athletic Club held in the sports ground of the Marine Gardens.
A few days later fickle weather, rain and sun alternating, prevailed on the occasion of the 28th annual athletic sports meeting of the Edinburgh Harriers’ Club. A heavy wind blew athwart the track and helped nobody. The meeting was handled admirably and though nothing of a surprising nature was accomplished, the sport was good.
The last in this batch of sporting events was the sixth annual meet between Edinburgh Northern Harriers v. Edinburgh Southern Harriers on 11 June. The sport was again good. The result was a win for the Northern by six points to five. Each club now had three victories in the series. The result was in doubt till the last event was decided, the clubs standing five five when the four miles race was begun.
A few days later fickle weather, rain and sun alternating, prevailed on the occasion of the 28th annual athletic sports meeting of the Edinburgh Harriers’ Club. A heavy wind blew athwart the track and helped nobody. The meeting was handled admirably and though nothing of a surprising nature was accomplished, the sport was good.
The last in this batch of sporting events was the sixth annual meet between Edinburgh Northern Harriers v. Edinburgh Southern Harriers on 11 June. The sport was again good. The result was a win for the Northern by six points to five. Each club now had three victories in the series. The result was in doubt till the last event was decided, the clubs standing five five when the four miles race was begun.
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On 17 June the Scotsman devoted an entire article to the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra following its opening performance at the Marine Gardens.
The Berlin orchestra’s merits were well known in Scotland. It was a fine combination of wood winds and brasses, numbering something short of forty performers in all, which had won golden opinions not only in Berlin, the place of its origin eighteen years before, but outside the fatherland. The orchestra had been engaged at the Glasgow Exhibition and at the Edinburgh Exhibition at Gorgie and came to the Marine Gardens after a successful series of concerts recently held at the Liverpool Exhibition.
At the performances given in the afternoon and evening of 16 June, it was regrettable that the audiences were not larger. No doubt in the evening the chill of the sea kept people away even in mid June, but those who attended, and they made a considerable crowd, had a splendid entertainment.
The programme included examples of Weber, Wagner, Liszt, Rossini, Mascagni, Gounod, Sullivan and Strauss - not Dr. Richard Strauss, but the older Viennese waltz composer. The music was chosen and rendered with essentially open air style, but this did not imply that there was any lack of finesse. The characteristics of the orchestra were the unanimity of all the players as regards time and after that the capacity under the able hand of the conductor to establish a graduation of the collective tone, ranging from the strongest fortissimo to the most delicate pianissimo and finally a rare balance in the relative prominence of the instruments, in virtue of which the melody was always supreme while the subsidiary parts asserted themselves unobtrusively yet effectively.
Loud applause followed the bright and brisk rendering of Weber’s Jubilee overture which ended in a version of God Save The King. After a really brilliant rendering of a selection of the chief airs from Faust in which all parts of the band shone, an encore was given, a valse composed by the conductor and entitled Sicilienne. It was obviously a parody of Offenbach’s O Lovely Night from the Tales of Hoffman but it was none the less effective because of that. Another popular piece was Sullivan’s Lost Chord which was played with such beauty of tone and expression as to enforce, at the call of the audience, the repetition of the last verse.
Granted good weather, the orchestra deserved the support of the Edinburgh musical public and there was always the magnificent dancing hall to retire to, where the fine points of the playing might be even better appreciated than in the open air.
The Berlin orchestra’s merits were well known in Scotland. It was a fine combination of wood winds and brasses, numbering something short of forty performers in all, which had won golden opinions not only in Berlin, the place of its origin eighteen years before, but outside the fatherland. The orchestra had been engaged at the Glasgow Exhibition and at the Edinburgh Exhibition at Gorgie and came to the Marine Gardens after a successful series of concerts recently held at the Liverpool Exhibition.
At the performances given in the afternoon and evening of 16 June, it was regrettable that the audiences were not larger. No doubt in the evening the chill of the sea kept people away even in mid June, but those who attended, and they made a considerable crowd, had a splendid entertainment.
The programme included examples of Weber, Wagner, Liszt, Rossini, Mascagni, Gounod, Sullivan and Strauss - not Dr. Richard Strauss, but the older Viennese waltz composer. The music was chosen and rendered with essentially open air style, but this did not imply that there was any lack of finesse. The characteristics of the orchestra were the unanimity of all the players as regards time and after that the capacity under the able hand of the conductor to establish a graduation of the collective tone, ranging from the strongest fortissimo to the most delicate pianissimo and finally a rare balance in the relative prominence of the instruments, in virtue of which the melody was always supreme while the subsidiary parts asserted themselves unobtrusively yet effectively.
Loud applause followed the bright and brisk rendering of Weber’s Jubilee overture which ended in a version of God Save The King. After a really brilliant rendering of a selection of the chief airs from Faust in which all parts of the band shone, an encore was given, a valse composed by the conductor and entitled Sicilienne. It was obviously a parody of Offenbach’s O Lovely Night from the Tales of Hoffman but it was none the less effective because of that. Another popular piece was Sullivan’s Lost Chord which was played with such beauty of tone and expression as to enforce, at the call of the audience, the repetition of the last verse.
Granted good weather, the orchestra deserved the support of the Edinburgh musical public and there was always the magnificent dancing hall to retire to, where the fine points of the playing might be even better appreciated than in the open air.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
21 June saw the fourth annual military tournament and amateur athletic sports promoted by the City of Edinburgh Territorial Force Association which were held in delightful weather. The sport on the whole was good and the public turned out in fair numbers.
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The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra were succeeded by the St Hilda Colliery Band.
Winners of the 1912 Thousand Guineas Championship Trophy besides other honours of high order, the bandsmen had a good reputation to uphold and they set about doing this in delightful fashion. The band produced a full round tone and under the direction of Mr. James Oliver submited well finished performances of the varied numbers essayed.
In the Al Fresco theatre a sextette of comedians and vocalists dubbing themselves The Globe Trotters served up light fare in pleasing fashion. Their concerted numbers were particularly effective. Good pictures at the Marine theatre Cinema and the other attractions were also being well patronised.
Winners of the 1912 Thousand Guineas Championship Trophy besides other honours of high order, the bandsmen had a good reputation to uphold and they set about doing this in delightful fashion. The band produced a full round tone and under the direction of Mr. James Oliver submited well finished performances of the varied numbers essayed.
In the Al Fresco theatre a sextette of comedians and vocalists dubbing themselves The Globe Trotters served up light fare in pleasing fashion. Their concerted numbers were particularly effective. Good pictures at the Marine theatre Cinema and the other attractions were also being well patronised.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
Outstanding on the programme of the Edinburgh Northern Harriers’ sports at the Marine Gardens on 5 July was the relay race for the challenge trophy presented by the promoters.
It was expected that Edinburgh University ( the holders) and the West of Scotland harriers would fight out the issue and so it proved to be. Gibson gave his team (the University) a good lead on the first circuit, but Cattanach lost most of it and Christie at the third lap gave the West a lead of a dozen yards. Hunter tried hard to pull this in but was ultimately beaten by four yards. Six teams turned out but the only others to complete the four laps were the Edinburgh Northern Harriers.
The other events produced some fine running and the threatened rain held off. A good crowd put in an appearance.
It was expected that Edinburgh University ( the holders) and the West of Scotland harriers would fight out the issue and so it proved to be. Gibson gave his team (the University) a good lead on the first circuit, but Cattanach lost most of it and Christie at the third lap gave the West a lead of a dozen yards. Hunter tried hard to pull this in but was ultimately beaten by four yards. Six teams turned out but the only others to complete the four laps were the Edinburgh Northern Harriers.
The other events produced some fine running and the threatened rain held off. A good crowd put in an appearance.
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So popular were the St Hilda Colliery Band that their engagement was carried over for a second week. They had a large repertoire and their selections afforded opportunity to their cornet, trombone and euphonium players to show what they could do as soloists. Solos and accompaniments were skilfully handled and the bandsmen had become great favourites.
The concert company on the second week had a camp fire scene in which to appear. The Stingarees, as they styled themselves, were Miss Flora McDonald (soprano) Miss Adey Ellis (comedienne) MIss Irene Constance Lee (in songs at the piano) Mr. Arthur Gourlay (baritone) Messrs Stanley H. Bell and Mr. Gerald Saffery (comedians) They had many effective solos and concerted numbers. The other attractions were, as usual, being well patronised.
The concert company on the second week had a camp fire scene in which to appear. The Stingarees, as they styled themselves, were Miss Flora McDonald (soprano) Miss Adey Ellis (comedienne) MIss Irene Constance Lee (in songs at the piano) Mr. Arthur Gourlay (baritone) Messrs Stanley H. Bell and Mr. Gerald Saffery (comedians) They had many effective solos and concerted numbers. The other attractions were, as usual, being well patronised.
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The chief attraction during July was balloon ascents and parachute descents. Four members of the accomplished Spencer family of aeronauts had come from Hendon, bringing with them two large balloons, one used for captive ascensions with passengers who desired a bird’s eye view of the district from the altitude of 1000 feet and the other in connection with Miss Spencer’s daring parachute drops.
Each evening before a large group of spectators Miss Spencer made a flight from the sports arena to a great height and when over the waters of the Firth of Forth cast off in her parachute which came slowly and gracefully down. When she touched the water a quarter of a mile or so from the shore there was a considerable splash. Provided with a cork jacket, the lady floated till picked up by an attendant motor boat, while the released balloon, caught at a high altitude by a current of air from seaward, drifted across country to Niddrie before an automatic deflation device brought it to earth, to be safely retrieved by a party of assistants who had chased it in a motor car. Miss Spencer (who had been engaged in this daring profession for three years) returned with as little delay as possible to the Gardens and was heartily congratulated.
Each evening before a large group of spectators Miss Spencer made a flight from the sports arena to a great height and when over the waters of the Firth of Forth cast off in her parachute which came slowly and gracefully down. When she touched the water a quarter of a mile or so from the shore there was a considerable splash. Provided with a cork jacket, the lady floated till picked up by an attendant motor boat, while the released balloon, caught at a high altitude by a current of air from seaward, drifted across country to Niddrie before an automatic deflation device brought it to earth, to be safely retrieved by a party of assistants who had chased it in a motor car. Miss Spencer (who had been engaged in this daring profession for three years) returned with as little delay as possible to the Gardens and was heartily congratulated.
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On 24 July 1913 the Tramway Workers went on strike and the running of the trams was carried out by the management and office staff. In the absence of the general manager (Mr. Shepherd) in Glasgow, the chief engineer Mr. T.E. Harris, superintended the operations connected with the outgoing of the cars.
The cars began running at 10 o’clock in the morning and continued till 5.30. The drivers were stated to be experienced men and a number of learners and inspectors accompanied each car. Two policemen in uniform were also on each vehicle, one at the front and one at the back.
As regards the working of the vehicles, everything seemed to have gone satisfactorily, drivers and points men being exceptionally careful. There was a five minutes’ service between the Post Office and the Marine Gardens. On the outward journey particularly the cars were well patronised. That the service, limited as it was, was appreciated there could be no doubt.
Excepting an occasional shout of blackleg or booing from a sympathiser of the men on strike, there was nothing to indicate that there was any dispute.
One gentleman, a passenger on one of the cars, on being given some information as to the dispute, he having just arrived in the city from abroad said :- Well we just have to be thankful for even a limited service. It was most annoying to arrive in Edinburgh and find there was no car service.
The running of the cars apparently afforded some amusement for visitors at Portobello. A considerable crowd assembled at the terminus at the Marine Gardens. A number of extra police were on duty and although the sympathies of at least a section of the crowd were apparently with the men on strike, they contented themselves with booing or a shake of the fist.
The cars began running at 10 o’clock in the morning and continued till 5.30. The drivers were stated to be experienced men and a number of learners and inspectors accompanied each car. Two policemen in uniform were also on each vehicle, one at the front and one at the back.
As regards the working of the vehicles, everything seemed to have gone satisfactorily, drivers and points men being exceptionally careful. There was a five minutes’ service between the Post Office and the Marine Gardens. On the outward journey particularly the cars were well patronised. That the service, limited as it was, was appreciated there could be no doubt.
Excepting an occasional shout of blackleg or booing from a sympathiser of the men on strike, there was nothing to indicate that there was any dispute.
One gentleman, a passenger on one of the cars, on being given some information as to the dispute, he having just arrived in the city from abroad said :- Well we just have to be thankful for even a limited service. It was most annoying to arrive in Edinburgh and find there was no car service.
The running of the cars apparently afforded some amusement for visitors at Portobello. A considerable crowd assembled at the terminus at the Marine Gardens. A number of extra police were on duty and although the sympathies of at least a section of the crowd were apparently with the men on strike, they contented themselves with booing or a shake of the fist.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
The strike carried on for a week. Thirty cars were running over the Edinburgh lines and as 5 more drivers and 2 conductors had broken away from the strikers there was an augmented service. On 27 July there was a noisy demonstration at Portobello which induced the general manager to stop the cars from going further than the Marine Gardens. At meetings of the men certain of their leaders said that the patience of the strikers was getting exhausted.
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Over the course of August the Al Fresco theatre saw a continuous round of amusement:
The Nonentities consisted of a combination, including Miss Louie Consell (light comedy entertainer) Mr. Fred Evered (lady impersonator) Mr. Cecil Bradley (tenor) Mr. Oscar Mills (humorist and dancer) Miss Doreen Season (entertainer at the piano) Miss Phyllis Gray (contralto) and Mr. Walter W. Langford (comedian and banjoist).
The Poppies sustained the entertainment on familiar lines. One of the performers who was singled out for special note was Miss Katharine Craig, a soprano comedienne with a voice of much sweetness and purity of tone.
Merriment abounded all the time that Mr. Hickman Smith’ Royal Entertainers were on the boards and as they gave three shows in the course of each afternoon and evening they afforded pleasure to a large number of patrons. Sketches and burlesques were pleasingly submitted in alternation with good solo numbers. The performers, six in number, all sustained their parts well.
The Hustlers, a sprightly and talented company of artistes, six in number, provided a varied list of items, ranging from rag time to snatches from well known comedies and the opera and elocutionary sketches from Kipling.
The Nonentities consisted of a combination, including Miss Louie Consell (light comedy entertainer) Mr. Fred Evered (lady impersonator) Mr. Cecil Bradley (tenor) Mr. Oscar Mills (humorist and dancer) Miss Doreen Season (entertainer at the piano) Miss Phyllis Gray (contralto) and Mr. Walter W. Langford (comedian and banjoist).
The Poppies sustained the entertainment on familiar lines. One of the performers who was singled out for special note was Miss Katharine Craig, a soprano comedienne with a voice of much sweetness and purity of tone.
Merriment abounded all the time that Mr. Hickman Smith’ Royal Entertainers were on the boards and as they gave three shows in the course of each afternoon and evening they afforded pleasure to a large number of patrons. Sketches and burlesques were pleasingly submitted in alternation with good solo numbers. The performers, six in number, all sustained their parts well.
The Hustlers, a sprightly and talented company of artistes, six in number, provided a varied list of items, ranging from rag time to snatches from well known comedies and the opera and elocutionary sketches from Kipling.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
September saw performances by the band of H.M. 8th the King’s (Liverpool) Regiment under the conductorship of Mr. Arthur Halford. The admirable taste which had been a leading feature of their programmes was continued in their selections at both the afternoon and evening sessions, when the renderings were most happily blended. HMS Pinafore, The Dancing Mistress and Princess Caprice were representative of the popular and lighter side of the programme and the classical was served up in such tabloid form as Reminiscences of Gounod, which proved one of the leading numbers at the evening performances. The solo work included in the latter rendering was most effective and the entire concerted work was of a high standard.
They were followed by the band of the 79th Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. There were forty five performers under the baton of Mr. W.H. Abbott. At the afternoon performances selections from such well known works as Mignon, Tales of Hoffman and The Mikado were well received, while in the evening the most popular items of the programme were selections from Sullivan’s works, a selection of Scottish songs and dances and the regimental march The Cameron Men.
In the Al Fresco theatre a musical variety entertainment was provided by a company of six performers under the title of The Somebodies. The Celtic pipers also give performances. As for the other attractions, the Merry Mascots met with much success and their ragtime items in particular were cordially received by a large audience.
They were followed by the band of the 79th Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. There were forty five performers under the baton of Mr. W.H. Abbott. At the afternoon performances selections from such well known works as Mignon, Tales of Hoffman and The Mikado were well received, while in the evening the most popular items of the programme were selections from Sullivan’s works, a selection of Scottish songs and dances and the regimental march The Cameron Men.
In the Al Fresco theatre a musical variety entertainment was provided by a company of six performers under the title of The Somebodies. The Celtic pipers also give performances. As for the other attractions, the Merry Mascots met with much success and their ragtime items in particular were cordially received by a large audience.
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Though the Empress ballroom, which attracted hundreds of dancers and spectators, would still be open on Saturday evenings throughout the winter and the popular Sunday sacred concerts would continue, 29 September saw the close of another summer season of the Edinburgh Marine Gardens.
It was an encouraging closing day, for over 7000 Glasgow excursionists spent their autumn holiday within the pleasure ground and no fewer than three sets of organised athletic sports for prizes were held in the sports arena.
In the evening the ballroom was thronged as was also the spacious and comfortable auditorium of the Marine cinema theatre, where, after the usual continuous display of well chosen films, a farewell evening concert was provided by the variety company styling themselves The Somebodies.
Excellent music was provided at intervals in the afternoon and evening by the band of the Cameron Highlanders, the finale being a Scottish selection and the regimental march The Cameron Men.
It was an encouraging closing day, for over 7000 Glasgow excursionists spent their autumn holiday within the pleasure ground and no fewer than three sets of organised athletic sports for prizes were held in the sports arena.
In the evening the ballroom was thronged as was also the spacious and comfortable auditorium of the Marine cinema theatre, where, after the usual continuous display of well chosen films, a farewell evening concert was provided by the variety company styling themselves The Somebodies.
Excellent music was provided at intervals in the afternoon and evening by the band of the Cameron Highlanders, the finale being a Scottish selection and the regimental march The Cameron Men.
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The announcement that the Sunday sacred concerts caused consternation in the Edinburgh United Free Presbytery. At a meeting on 29 October the Rev. Mr. Muir reported on behalf of the Religion and Morals Committee that there had been received from the Rev. Jacob Primmer a letter protesting against the Concerts as evil and against God’s law. The Committee submitted a motion condemning the evil referred to and the Presbytery approved. The committee regarded the matter as of great importance. They felt, however, that something even more important than the holding of these concerts was the growing tendency to open shops on Sundays.
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Over the winter Portobello Thistle Football Club established themselves as the resident team at the Marine Gardens sports ground.
In the first round tie for the Musselburgh Competition Cup on 16 November they drew 2 goals all with Niddrie Bluebells.
7 December saw them defeat Rosewell Rosedale 4 - 0 in an East of Scotland League match. (Play was stopped owing to darkness, five minutes from time.)
On 15 March 1914 they defeated Niddrie Bluebells by six goals to nil in the Lumley Cup tie and trounced Edinburgh Nomads by the same margin a fortnight later.
In the first round tie for the Musselburgh Competition Cup on 16 November they drew 2 goals all with Niddrie Bluebells.
7 December saw them defeat Rosewell Rosedale 4 - 0 in an East of Scotland League match. (Play was stopped owing to darkness, five minutes from time.)
On 15 March 1914 they defeated Niddrie Bluebells by six goals to nil in the Lumley Cup tie and trounced Edinburgh Nomads by the same margin a fortnight later.
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Constituted in 1864, the Edinburgh Trades Council had reached their jubilee year and to mark the event the council held a conversazione and dance in the Marine Gardens on 20 March 1914 when Lord Provost Inches delivered the inaugural speech of the proceedings
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According to the annual report of the Edinburgh Marine Gardens Limited, the 1913 season’s trading showed a small loss of £25 3s 2d. The result was the best obtained for the past four years.
Unfortunately for the company, the tramway strike, occurring as it did during the Glasgow and Edinburgh trades holidays, seriously affected the Gardens. The revenue for that period suffered to the extent of over £1300 compared with the corresponding period of the previous season.
There also had to be added to the trading loss £438 9s 4d for liquidation expenses, £333 8s 4d for painting buildings ( a biennial charge) and £729 2s 11d for years interest on debentures.
The Shareholders agreed arrangements on the same terms as the previous year for the carrying on of the Gardens for the coming season.
Unfortunately for the company, the tramway strike, occurring as it did during the Glasgow and Edinburgh trades holidays, seriously affected the Gardens. The revenue for that period suffered to the extent of over £1300 compared with the corresponding period of the previous season.
There also had to be added to the trading loss £438 9s 4d for liquidation expenses, £333 8s 4d for painting buildings ( a biennial charge) and £729 2s 11d for years interest on debentures.
The Shareholders agreed arrangements on the same terms as the previous year for the carrying on of the Gardens for the coming season.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.