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

GENERAL NOTICE. 15
to construct an underground central reading-room and appur-
tenances contiguous to the Free Library Buildings in Albert
Square. The proposal, which met with opposition and adverse
criticism, was opprobriously designated the "cellar" scheme;
and there is a probability that effect would have been given
to it but for the timely intervention of Sir William Ogilvy
Dalgleish, who came to the relief of the responsible authorities by
handing over a gift of £3,000, to be devoted to the purchase of a
suitable site above ground. By this arrangement, a new public
edifice of dignified proportions will soon grace the centre of the city.
Another important undertaking, and one which has been the subject
of intermittent negotiation — namely, the new Electric Generating
Station, a scheme of some magnitude — is now going forward, a
difficulty with the Harbour Trustees as to location at Carolina Port
having been amicably arranged. Affiliated to this scheme, and form-
ing part of it, is the provision made for two auxiliary stations, one
of which will be situated in Lochee, and the other at the north-east
end of the city. Of other probable municipal enterprises, there are
two— the extension of King's Cross Hospital by the addition of wards
for the treatment of diptheria, and the long-talked of rehabilitation
of Central Baths, West Protection Wall. The grandiose scheme,
formulated by Lord Provost Longair, and which was to embrace great
utilitarian municipal improvements, including a new Town Hall, met
with a rather mixed reception, and the proposal, original and strik-
ing in its conception, is practically abandoned. The improvement of
the City Churches is in active operation. A few months hence
there is every likelihood tramway cars will be carried to a terminus
at the extremity of South Union Street. A public bowling green
was opened in Victoi'ia Park on Saturday, May 30. But by far the
most important piece of municipal legislation of the year is that
which relates to the inclusion within the burgh of Downfield and
a strip of debatable land between the city and West Ferry. This
desirable arrangement was effected through the operation of a
Provisional Order, the Royal Assent to which was given 26th June
last year. Tramway communication between Downfield and the city
was inaugurated on subsequent Christmas Day.
The long-expected widening of Cowgate is within measurable dis-
tance of realisation. St Andrew's Street area, which was dealt with
last year, has paved the way for early development on the proposed
new street line of Cowgate. Advantage has already been taken of
the amenities these streets afford as business centres. The site at
north-west corner of St Andrew's Street, and having a frontage to
Cowgate, has been feued for the erection of a spacious place of
amusement, to be designated " The King's Theatre and Hippo-
drome." It is expected the theatre will be opened about Christmas
ensuing.
In close proximity Messrs James P. Mathew & Co., proprietors of the
Directory, have erected extensive printing works. The arrangement
of the whole structure has been carried through on a well-designed
plan, provision being made for conducting on the most efficient
principles the various handicrafts with which the firm is associated.