Towns > Dundee > 1809-1912 - Dundee directory > 1906-1907

GENERAL NOTICE. 15
acres— will be included within the city boundaries. The municipality
is also looking forward to considerable economies. Already the
tramway fares have been lowered, and the prices of gas and electricity
have been reduced. In this connection it may be pointed out that
the map attached to the Broughty Ferry section of the Directory has
been brought up to date to include the ground abovementioned,
and defines its position between the two burghs. There is a
likelihood of another scheme of magnitude being undertaken by
the Council ere long. The congested state of Overgate and its
inability to cope with the traffic, which is on the increase, is
attracting general attention ; so much so, in fact, that the widening
of that thoroughfare must soon be faced. In so far as the Cowgate
is concerned, it may be mentioned that the proprietors of the
Dundee Directory, in view of the early demolition of the properties
fronting the street, have begun the erection of a block of handsome
business premises to the west of their present works. These, when
finished and equipped, will greatly enhance the appearance of the
locality.
From certain other standpoints Dundee is keeping abreast of the
times. The Harbour, with its new wharf and sundry other improve-
ments, has concluded a successful year. Seldom has the port
been so busy, with the result that its finances show a very favour-
able balance. Shipbuilding, too, has been brisk, most of the yards
being fairly employed.
Mr William Longair, who for a number of years efficiently dis-
charged the duties of Convener of Works, on 10th November was
unanimously appointed Lord Provost, in succession to Lord Provost
Barrie, whose term of office had expired. Lord Provost Longair, who,
in his robes of office, forms the frontispiece to this year's Directory,
is a leading member of the firm of Messrs James Paterson & Co.,
manufacturers, Lawside Works. Entering the Council in November
1896, his abilities as an administrator were speedily recognised, and
under his supervision Seagate has been widened, St Andrew's Street
opened up, many old properties in these localities demolished, and
the new Esplanade wall reconstructed. In private and public life
the Lord Provost is courteous to a degree ; and his capacity to fill
the honourable position to which he has been appointed is well
known and has long been recognised.
From a municipal standpoint, the year has been fraught with
unexpected results. The question of the running of tramway cars
on Sundays, which had engaged the public attention on a previous
occasion, was again raised in August last, and on September 5th a
vote, which was by plebiscite, announced a favourable majority of
4,129. The total votes recorded were 19,121, out of an electorate
of 22,424. Though not unexpected, the large majority caused much
surprise. A factor which no doubt helped to influence public
opinion on this vital question lay in the opening of the Dundee and
Monifieth tramways, which ran for the first time on 27th December
last, the directors having determined to use their lines for Sunday
traffic. Apart from Sabbath use, the new route has become very
popular.