Issued on: Departure
Dates of presentations: 11/01/1901
Number issued: 1
BO’NESS CONSTABLE FOR BADEN POWELL’S POLICE.
ENTHUSIASTIC SEND OFF.
Not since the Bo’ness volunteers left for the front – fully twelve months ago – was such a feeling of patriotism exhibited as was the case on Friday evening last when Constable Andrew SCOTT of the Bo’ness constabulary was feted by his brother officers and friends and accorded a hearty send off on the occasion of his leaving to proceed to South Africa as a member of Baden Powell’s police. A large company of prominent local gentlemen assembled in the barracks to bid a last farewell to the respected and gallant young officer, and to cheer him on his way by indulging in a few hours’ conviviality and good fellowship. A cake and wine banquet was presided over by Constable Ramage, the oldest member of the Bo’ness police force, who, opened the proceedings by proposing long life, health, and prosperity to Constable SCOTT. In doing so the Chairman said he was very pleased to preside over such a gathering, and he was sure those present were equally as pleased to be there to give the worthy constable a hearty send off. (Applause). Constable SCOTT was to leave Bo’ness the following morning, and a week later to set sail for South Africa. He had been altogether about four years in the police force. One year of that time being spent in Bo’ness, the remainder in the Mid-Lothian constabulary. All present knew him to be what he was – (applause) – as quiet, decent, and as good a man as anyone could meet in a year’s travel. (Hear, hear). He had during his stay in their midst done his duty by the public. He was sure they would all agree with him in saying that when they lost SCOTT they lost a good man. (Applause). Speaking of barrack life amongst constables, the Chairman said that it was often hard to get the men to pull together. Such, however, had not been their experience in Bo’ness, as the four constables stationed in Bo’ness had all along pulled as one man. He wished Constable SCOTT success in his new sphere. He asked the company to fill up their glasses and drink to the health, long life and prosperity of Constable SCOTT. This was done in a hearty manner, after which the company sang “He’s a jolly good fellow”. The Chairman expressed regret that the Inspector was unable to be present with them that evening, owing to having been suddenly taken ill. The Inspector had expressed his deep regret at his inability to attend. In the absence of the Inspector he would ask their new chief, Sergeant Eddington, to hand over a number of presents to Constable SCOTT. Sergeant Eddington, in doing so, expressed himself as highly delighted to act in that capacity, but regretted the unavoidable absence of the Inspector, who could have filled the position with more grace and acceptance. His acquaintance with Constable SCOTT had been short lived, having only experienced it for one day; but the large and representative company present that evening was ample testimony of the esteem and respect in which he was held. (Applause). He had much pleasure in asking him to accept the presents in name of his brother officers and friends.
The presents consisted of a handsome gold albert and appendage, pair of field glasses, meerschaum pipe, silver match box, and hunting knife.
Constable SCOTT, in reply, thanked his brother officers and friends for the beautiful presents. He referred to the kindness that had been shown him since he came to Bo’ness. They all knew he was proud to know that he was leaving so many friends behind him. …….
