Towns > Dundee > 1809-1912 - Dundee directory > 1908-1909

DUNDEE DIRECTORY
1908-190 9.
GENERAL NOTICE.
Quietude, relieved by occasional accessions of hopefulness, has
dominated the city and its affairs during the year. In certain
aspects much progress has been made ; in others the status quo
maintained. Looked at from any point, Dundee can give a good
account of itself. In no way has it receded, and, with the exception
of one or two in the case of textiles, there have been few lapses.
Municipally, educationally, and socially it has added to its prestige ;
and undertakings of importance, which last year were in their
preliminary stages, have reached completion. It has annexed,
improved, embellished, projected, and another year will see the
fruition of schemes which still further will solidify its position
as a progressive city. Industry, whether relating to the staple
trade or that connected with minor branches, compared with condi-
tions which existed a few years since, is in a good way. In some
instances there has been a set-back ; but, whilst that is true, it
must be admitted there were at the same time compensations which
more than counterbalanced this. The financial crisis in America,
though more or less anticipated, was the only thing which
caused an unwonted flutter in our " Cowgate " dovecotes.
Related as we are to the States, which are large buyers of our
products, the progress of the panic was watched with" a keenness
which only outstanding incidents can arouse. A gratifying feature
during the year was the absence of serious labour embroilment.
Disputes which ended in strikes occurred in one or two firms, and in
others wage conditions caused disagreement. Fortunately these
divergencies, which at first looked ominous, were amicably settled.
Nor has India, our much -vaunted rival, excited involuntary trepida-
tion. This unwonted tranquility on a subject Avhich at best is a
thorny one has given rise to the question— Has the Calcutta Bogey
been laid ? Scrutinising, therefore, the trade of the city as a whole,
there is reason for gratification with the results of the year.
Great as has been the development of the city commercially in the
near past, it is evident we are on the eve of the unfolding of
collateral issues, which in their scope will wield great influence
upon its future intellectual well-being and status. Our educational
authorities, who have hitherto been content to confine themselves to
the adminstration of purely codified branches of education, are
awakening to higher ideals of their responsibilities. More than ever
it is realised that if Dundee is to keep its place in the markets of the