5/1/17
WAR SCARRED WARRIOR
Gunner Angus MacMillan, R.F.A., has recently visited his parents living at Glen-Tolsta. Angus may well be described as a war-scarred veteran. He had seen much service in the South African War. Before the present war broke out he was a sailor, but although he was then fifty years of age he at once rejoined his old regiment and crossed to France with the first Expeditionary Force, and there he has been wounded four times. Out of the Battery with which he crossed in 1914 he can now trace only one man.

HOME FROM HOLLAND
A number of the local men interned in Holland are at present at home on a month's leave. They will be returning in the course of a few days.

FISHERY AFFAIRS
So far this has been an exceptionally mild winter and the boats engaged in the haddock fishing are getting some big catches. Owing however to the scarcity of young men and the want of a wire-rope for the Minch, the crews have much difficulty in hauling their boats when they come ashore.

NOTHING TO COMB
So well has this district responded to the call of King and Country that, should the military age be raised to 45, not an additional man could be obtained.

12/1/17
THE WEST COAST MISSION
The pupils attending the Bible Class conducted under the auspices of the above Mission, met on the evening if the 3rd January, for their annual treat of tea, cake, buns, etc. They were entertained by Nurse Stewart,their teacher, assisted by the Misses MacIver, MacLeod and MacArthur, school teachers. Nurse Stewart addressed the children, and thereafter solos were sung and readings and recitations given by the above named ladies. Several hymns were sung by the children. Nurse Stewart closed the meeting with the reading of Scripture and prayer. Mr Duff, the Secretary of the Mission, who takes such a kindly interest in everything that pertains to the welfare of the people of North Tolsta, sent as usual, a liberal supply of cake and sweets. And this as well as his other acts of generosity to the district, was much appreciated.

26/1/17
FISHING
The two local boats formerly fishing for haddocks have now turned to the herring. They have been pretty successful so far. One of them last week earned over £70 and the other one, although losing half her nets, had a good week also.

OUTBREAK OF FIRE
Last Saturday evening about seven o'clock, there was an outbreak of fire at 12 North Tolsta.
A boy of ten years of age, a son of widow John MacDonald, went to the barn to feed the lambs. Somehow the lambs jumped out of the pen and escaped by a back door. The boy, when he ran out to find them, left his lamp too near the corn. On returning he found the corn blazing.
He tried to put the flames out, with the result that he himself had a very narrow escape. The alarm was at once raised. Fortunately the fishermen were ashore, and most of the men on furlough happened to be living near at hand. Every available man was at once on the scene.
As the burning barn was to windward, it was feared that the dwelling house would take fire, and the furniture was removed. At this time the flames had penetrated through the roof of the barn, and the conflagration could be seen several miles away. The situation now caused great anxiety. The houses are so crowded in this part of the village that several men, in order to get at the fire quickly, clambered over the roof of the dwelling-house.
Some of the men attended to the neighbouring houses in case of emergency. Others looked to the thatch of the dwelling house upon which the flames were now freely playing, while most of them, amidst the forking flames, got hold of the couplings and rafters of the burning building, and by wrenching the wood under the burning roof collapsed into the barn with a crash. The men now leaped into the smouldering mass and managed to extinguish the fire. Many of them got their hands burnt and their boots and clothes badly singed. But for the prompt and vigorous action of the men the whole cluster of houses in the near vicinity would have been burnt to the ground. The women did their "bit" splendidly. Owing to the dry weather and frost, water was difficult to obtain.
However, after having exhausted the weekend water supply of their houses, a large contingent of them rushed with their pails to a stream 400 yards distant, and by their keeping up a good supply of water they materially helped to extinguish the fire. The corn, seed and potatoes in the barn were rendered practically useless. Much sympathy is felt for Widow MacDonald, who has in the war lost her husband and her only brother.

2/2/17
A PATHETIC CASE
Much sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Donald MacKay, 16 North Tolsta, who last week lost their only child after a short illness. What makes the case so very pathetic is that they lost another child last September. The deceased were the grandchildren of the respected missionary of the Free Church of North Tolsta, Mr Angus MacKay, who himself had, not so very long ago, passed through very deep sorrow, having lost his wife and six grown-up children within a few years of one another. Much sympathy is extended to him also who is in his old age has now lost these two grandchildren, who were born and brought up in his own home.

A FINE WAR RECORD
This district has given 200 men to the colours, which is equivalent to 3.5 per cent of the total population and 50 per cent of the males.
There were 124 men mobilised at the beginning of the war; but since then 76 men have enlisted voluntarily. 47 in 1914, 20 in 1915 and 9 since the beginning of 1916.
If however, this district has nobly responded it has severely suffered in having lost 22 of it's bravest sons. These casualties are made up of 7 R.N.R.s, 7 Seaforths, 6 Gordons, 1 Cameron Highlander, and 1 Australian. There are seven widows left with 38 children. Seven of the other men lost have left a large number of total dependants. Including widows and orphans, there are altogether now about 100 dependants left in the district. Widow MacDonald, 12 North Tolsta, has lost her husband and her only brother; Mr. Kenneth MacLeod, 56 North Tolsta, has lost two sons; Donald Murray, R.N.R., 22 North Tolsta, has lost a son and a brother; and Widow J. Martin, 76 North Tolsta, and Mr. D. MacLeod, Hill Street, have lost their only sons. Fifteen of the Tolsta men are interned in Holland, and another local man is a prisoner of war in Germany. The hamlet of Glen-Tolsta, with a population of under forty, has given ten men to the forces, seven of whom enlisted between August and September, 1914. An excellent record of voluntary enlistment

9/2/17
FISHING
The haddock fishing continues to be very prosperous. Each of the two local boats engaged had one day last week very heavy shots. Single lines in several cases brought in more than two hundred and forty fish each. More luck to them!

PRESENTATION TO A TEACHER
On Friday of last week Miss Donaldina MacArthur, who had been for more than three years on the staff of the Tolsta Public School, was, on the occasion of her leaving to take up duties in Sandwick Public School, presented with a gold pendant set with pearls and amethysts, as a parting gift from teachers, scholars and some other friends.
Mr. MacDonald, headmaster, who presided, spoke highly of Miss MacArthur, and expressed his regret at losing so efficient a teacher. The presentation was made by Miss Matilda MacDonald, one of Miss MacArthur's little scholars, and as she fastened the chain round her teacher's neck, Miss MacIver spoke for the school. She asked Miss MacArthur to accept the gift they had chosen as a token of their keen appreciation of her as a teacher, colleague and friend, and wished her every success in her new sphere.
Miss MacLeod suitably replied on behalf of Miss MacArthur. The pendant was supplied by Mr. MacGilvray, jeweller, Stornoway.

HOME ON LEAVE
Among those who are at present home on leave are - Sergt. Alexander MacIver, Australian Contingent, son of Mr. Alex MacIver, 30 North Tolsta; and Mr. Alexander Murray, 29 North Tolsta.
Sergt. MacIver emigrated to Australia nine years ago. He spent the first three years there on a sheep station, but afterwards went to Brisbane where he became an engineer. He was very successful in his trade. Two years ago he bought a fruit farm a few miles out of Brisbane. He has now employed a manager to carry on the farm work, while he himself enlisted in March, 1916, and came to this country two months ago.
Mr. Murray emigrated to Canada ten years ago, and after spending a year or two in the colony proceeded to Chicago, where he qualified in electrical engineering. For some years he was employed as a superintendent with the Canadian Cement Company, and this firm has been engaged for over a year in the making of munitions. Mr. Murray enlisted in the Canadian Navy last year.
Both are typical examples of our Scottish colonials. While the two were chatting over the reminiscences of their boyhood, a local worthy came up to them and after hailing them in real Highland fashion said - "What a powerful bugle-call when it has brought the one of you from the Canadian Prairie and the other one from the Australian Bush! Here we have another two examples of the patriotic response made by Lewis."

16/2/17
NEW TEACHER
Miss Annie MacLean, Bayhead Cottage, Stornoway, has entered upon her duties in the school here as successor to Miss MacArthur, appointed to Sandwick Public School. Miss MacLean before coming to Lewis taught in Kilirivagh Public School, South Uist, and she had also been teaching in St. Kilda for three years.

FISHING NOTES
The two boats fishing out of the village went drifting for herring last Friday night, but they had no success. They just landed their nets and returned at once to sea with their haddock lines. On Saturday morning they landed about 3000 haddock between them which was sold locally. They also had good shots on Monday and Tuesday.

HOME ON LEAVE
The following were home on leave last week:- Mr. Angus MacKenzie, 48 North Tolsta; Mr. Roderick MacDonald, 23 North Tolsta; Mr. Angus MacMillan, 4 Glen-Tolsta; and last, but not least, Mr. John MacIver, 41 North Tolsta, who has come home to marry a young lady from the Point district. We hope we shall hear of more marriages in the district shortly.

ROLL OF HONOUR
The following names are to be added to those already published:- Evander MacIver, R.N.R., 11 North Tolsta; and Murdo Smith, Seaforths, 56 North Tolsta. The two brothers of the former are already serving - Angus interned in Holland, and John in the Royal Naval Reserve. The father and a brother of the latter are in the Seaforths and another brother is in the Royal Naval Reserve. The two were under 18 years of age. A number of young men from the village working in Rosyth also volunteered several months ago, but as they are engaged in Government work they have not so far been allowed to leave their present occupation.

23/2/17
HOME ON LEAVE
The following seamen have been recently at home for a few days - D. Campbell, 54 North Tolsta; Angus MacLeod, 6 North Tolsta; Angus Nicolson, 9 North Tolsta, and William MacLeod, 6 North Tolsta. The last named was rescued from H.M.S. "Triumph" when she was sunk in the Dardanelles. He also took part in the sinking of the ill-fated German raider last year in the North Sea.

FISHING
The haddock fishing continues to be very prosperous. Bait is at times very difficult to obtain, crews have very much difficulty in hauling their boats, especially when the tide is out. But inspite of all these drawbacks the boats manage to get to sea four or five times every week. The weather is so favourable that even old men, are naturally ready to extol the glories of the past, willingly concede that this is the mildest winter experienced here for the past forty years.

OBITUARIES
We regret to record the death of Mrs. Mary MacKay, widow of the late Donald MacKay, 64 North Tolsta. The deceased was 70 years of age and had been in indifferent health for several years. Her two sons are on active service and neither of them was able to get home for the funeral.
We are also sorry to announce the death of Donald MacDonald, only son of Murdo MacDonald, 60 North Tolsta. The deceased, who was 23 years of age, had been in bad health for the past five years, but in spite of his sufferings during these years, he was always bright and cheerful. One of his chief regrets was that he was not able to join his former school mates in defending his King and Country.
He was so well versed in the war news that he was considered an oracle by the old men in the neighbourhood, who spent many hours in his company. Much sympathy goes out to the bereaved famillies.

WAR WEDDING
At Flesherin, Portnaguran, on Tuesday last, John MacIver, R.N.R., son of Mr. Alex MacIver, 41 North Tolsta, was married to Catherine, daughter of Mr. Finlay MacDonald, Flesherin. The offiating clergyman was the Rev. N. MacIntyre.

9/3/17
PUBLIC SCHOOL
Miss Christina MacLeod, Stornoway, has been appointed by the School Board to the staff of North Tolsta Public School, at the salary of £70 per annum.
Miss MacLeod will complete her training at Aberdeen this Summer and will be able to take up her duties in July.

HOME ON LEAVE
The following seamen were home for a few days this week:- Torquil Campbell, 34 North Tolsta; John MacDonald, 1 North Tolsta; Donald MacLeod, 45 North Tolsta and Kenneth MacKay, 30 North Tolsta. The last named learned the sad news on arriving in Stornoway that one of his children, a girl five years old, had died a few days ago. This little girl had diphtheria some time ago, and before she got over the effects of that trouble pneumonia set in, to which she succumbed. His mother had died just a week before his child. What makes the case still more pathetic is that his wife has been practically blind for the past three weeks, although it is sincerely hoped that she will yet be able to go about her work. Much sympathy goes out to the family in their sore trouble.

EPIDEMIC AMONG POULTRY
During the past three weeks fully a fourth of the hens in this district have died of a disease, recognised by a poultry expert as "fowl cholera" which he says is comparatively rare in this country although very prevalent on the Continent. This is a great loss to poultry-keepers after having spent so much on the feeding of these fowls during the past months.

FOOD PRODUCTION
It was reported at the meeting of the Committee charged with the important matter of increasing the food production in Lewis that a large number of applications had been received from cottars and others in the North Tolsta district for plots for growing potatoes. It was further stated that the tenant of the farm there is willing to give land for the purpose, and Mr. James Thomson, Tong, was deputed to make the necessary arrangements.

INCREASED PRODUCTION OF FOOD
Mr. Colin MacDonald, representing the Board of Agriculture, visited this district for the purpose of making arrangements in connection with the granting of allotments of land to applicants who wish to acquire additional plots for potato planting, with a view to the increased production of food for the forthcoming year.
After seeing the new tenant of the farm at North Tolsta, who was quite agreeable to a part of his farm being utilised for this patriotic purpose, Mr. MacDonald visited the machair there, which he considers very suitable for the cultivation of potatoes. A meeting was held in the School, with the result that Mr. Cameron, who takes a keen interest in this Scheme, and in everything else pertaining to the welfare of the crofters and cottars, forwarded to the Chairman of the Lewis Executive Committee the names of forty applicants. The Board of Agriculture is to fence the area under cultivation. In all likelihood a good number of those who have not yet applied will send in their names for plots. It is open to either crofters or squatters to make application under the Scheme.

16/3/17
INFLUENZA
Influenza is very prevalent in this district for the past two weeks. A large number of young children are laid up, and there are also many cases even amongst the grown-up people.

CHURCH SERVICES
Rev. Mr. MacIntyre, Stornoway, preached in the Free Presbyterian Church last Sunday, both morning and evening. There were large congregations.

OBITUARY
We regret to announce the death of Mr. Murdo MacIver, 18 North Tolsta. The deceased who was 74 years of age, had been suffering from asthma for several years. Although it was known throughout the district that he was ill for the past few weeks, no one expected that he was so near the end.
The "Bogie" as he was generally known, followed a seafaring life from boyhood. He was always a very successful fisherman, and it was only a few years ago that he said farewell to the career he loved so well. His doughty deeds on the sea were known throughout the island, and many a stormy day he persuaded his crew to proceed to sea while other boats were putting back to harbour. He was often heard to declare that he was never nervous at sea so long as he felt something hard under his feet. No one ever heard him complain of either cold or wet. It was always a marvel how he could manage to cook in these open boats, even in the most stormy weather. Storm or sunshine, if Murdo was the cook, one could always rely on getting one's meals well prepared. On Saturday he was buried in the Tolsta cemetary, within a few yards of the sea. Murdo will be much missed in the district and much sympathy goes out to his widow, his three daughters, and his only son, who is a R.N.R., and not once at home since he went to the fishing in the summer of 1914.

HOME ON LEAVE
The following are home on a short leave this week - Donald MacKenzie, R.N.R., 73 North Tolsta; Pte. P.A. MacDonald, A & S Highlanders, Tolsta Farm; and Murdo MacLeod, R.N.R., 34 North Tolsta. We are very pleased to see that the last named has obtained a mate's ticket and we congratulate him. Mr. MacKenzie is a seaman gunner on a large merchantman and formerly had been serving in the Pacific. Pte. MacDonald is returning at once to France, where he had been gassed more than a year ago, when he was only 17 years of age.

23/3/17
FISHING NOTES
The haddock and herring fishing has been practically at a standstill for the past three weeks. The weather has been somewhat unsettled, and the only occasion during that period on which the boats ventured to sea the results were rather disappointing.

ROLL OF HONOUR
The following names are to be added to those already published for this district:- Mr. Donald MacKay, R.N.R., 16 North Tolsta and Mr. Alexander Morrison, R.N.R., 15 North Tolsta. This district has sent 202 men to the help of King and Country. An excellent record.

HARD TO BEAT
It is also worthy of note that Mr. J. Campbell, R.N.R.,(54), has six brothers-in-law as well as six brothers on active service, and that eleven out of the twelve had enlisted prior to the Derby Scheme. We think this record would be hard to beat.

INFLENZA
As reported in our last issue, this epidemic is very prevalent in the district. The inclemency of the weather is largely accountable for the severity of the trouble. It is said that on account of this illness the school attendance for the past two weeks has been the lowest recorded for several years. Nurse Stewart is kept going night and day.

HOME ON LEAVE
The following seamen are at present home on leave:- Mr. Andrew MacIver, R.N.R.,(26); Mr. Donald Campbell, R.N.R.,(54); Mr. John Campbell, R.N.R.,(54), and Mr. William MacLeod, R.N.R.,(34). The last named has not been keeping well for some time, but we are pleased to see that his health is now much improved. He was one of the many Lewismen who travelled from afar at the outbreak of hostilities. He came at his own expense from Alaska in the autumn of 1914.

30/3/17
HOME ON LEAVE
Kenneth Campbell, R.N.R., 30 North Tolsta, and Murdo Graham, R.N.R., 39 North Tolsta, are now at home for a few days. The former was at the time of the Battle of Jutland on board H.M.S. "Galatea", which fired the first shot in the battle. The latter saw much active service at the beginning of the war on H.M.S. "Nubian", but he had left that ship before she was mined last year. His only brother was killed in France in July, 1915.

COMMUNION
The half-yearly Communion was dispensed in the Free Presbyterian Church last Sabbath. Rev. Mr. MacIntyre was assisted by Rev. Mr. MacRae, Portree. All the services were well attended with a good sprinkling of strangers, particularly from the Ness district.
In spite of the severity of the weather a large number of Ness people crossed the moor on Thursday and Friday of last week to attend these services.
In the local Free Church Rev. R. MacLeod, Garrabost, was the preacher on Thursday, and Rev. R. MacKenzie, the pastor of the congregation, preached on Sabbath evening. For the remainder of the week the Free Church people were attending the services at Back. Crowds of the people from Ness passed through this district last Friday on their way to Back.

6/4/17
CHURCH SERVICES
Corpl. J. MacKenzie, Seaforths, 73 North Tolsta, who was a student of Divinity before enlisting, preached in the Free Presbyterian Church last Sabbath, both morning and evening.

HOME ON LEAVE
The following men are home this week:- Pte. Alexander MacLeod, Seaforths, 74 North Tolsta; Corpl. J. MacKenzie, Seaforths, 73 North Tolsta and Norman MacKay, R.N.R., 42 North Tolsta. The first named was so badly wounded last July that he has been in hospital ever since then. He was however much improved. He had also been very severely gassed in April, 1915.

PRODUCTION OF FOOD
Mr. Reid, of the Board of Agriculture, visited this district last week and measured out plots to be granted to the people of the township. On Saturday, Mr. James Thomson, Tong, accompanied by Mr. Cameron, met the applicants in the school and after explaining the Scheme, they allotted between forty and fifty plots to the people.

WOUNDED
Sergt. Duncan MacKay, Gordons, 42 North Tolsta, was wounded one dark night four weeks ago by falling into a cellar while he was trying to gather his men, whose billets were being heavily shelled by the enemy. About a fortnight ago his father received a free pass for the purpose of going to see him. It was feared that his case was very serious. We are now pleased to announce that has so well recovered that he has been removed to a convalescent home. Sergt. MacKay was also very badly wounded in September, 1915. Indeed his father was then notified of his death.

OBITUARY
We regret to record the death of Miss Mary MacKay, 42 North Tolsta. The deceased who was 77 years of age, was, on Tuesday of last week found dead in her house, where she had been living alone for the past twenty years. Mary, who was an outstanding character in her way, will be much missed by old and young; for her pawky sayings and her reminiscent stories of the illustrious past were such that we now feel none of us can discharge her role of "the sad historian of the pensive plain".

CLIFF ACCIDENT - A PLUCKY BOY
Alexander Murray, 12 years of age, son of Mr. Allan Murray, R.N.R., 4 North Tolsta, met with a serious accident on Thursday of last week. The previous evening he noticed one of his father's sheep on a ledge on the face of one of the precipitous cliffs on the south side of the Tolsta Ard. His mother and brother tried to dissuade him from going to rescue the sheep, but in the early morning he left home unawares and proceeded to the rocks.
He scaled the cliff from below until he reached the ledge, but the sheep tried to clear away, with the result that she brought the boy with her down the face of the rock - a distance of fully 180 feet.
The sheep was killed instantaneously, and evidently the boy was lying unconscious at the foot of the rock for some time. When he regained consciousness he noticed that the tide was coming in, and divesting himself of his boots and some garments he attempted to climb the rock.
His mother had been searching for him but failed to trace him. His brother then went off and found him, exhausted and covered with blood, on the top of the cliff. "Alick," said he, pointing to the foot of the cliff, "the sheep is dead and all my bones are broken."
After he was carried home he was attended by Dr. MacKenzie, Stornoway. It was found that no bones were broken, but there are serious internal injuries. It seems a miracle that he was not killed outright. The pluck of the boy is seen in his having when he was so much bruised and batterred climbed the cliff, a distance of over one hundred feet. We are pleased to say at the time of writing he is improving.

13/4/17
FISHING NOTES
The weather has been very stormy for the past 5 weeks. Fishing was practically at a standstill. Last Saturday, however, one of the boats ventured to sea and had a shot of about 300 haddocks as well as a few cod.

LEAVE
Seamen home on leave at present:- Murdo MacLeod,(76); John Campbell (Jnr.), (54); Murdo MacIver,(26); Murdo Smith,(24); Alex MacIver,(80); John MacIver,(69); John MacDonald,(23); Allan Murray,(4) and Alex Smith,(56). This is the first time that the two last named have been at home sine the Autumn of 1914. Several men are expected home this week, to help with the spring work.

SPRING WORK
There has been practically no work done on the crofts so far. But "Coinneach Sheorais" and two or three of the older men, who realise the seriousness of the times, have been busily engaged for the past few days delving their new plots on the Tolsta Farm. It is to be hoped the Board of Agriculture will have the fencing material for the plots on the ground as early as possible. This would materially encourage the people to proceed with the work without delay.

20/4/17
ROLL OF HONOUR
The name of Donald MacDonald, 23 North Tolsta, has to be added to those already published for this district. Donald who is 50, enlisted some time ago in the Royal Engineers.

WOUNDED
Mr. Murdo Nicolson, Hill Street, North Tolsta, received from Perth on Thursday of last week a telegram stating that his son, Pte. John Nicolson, Gordons, has been dangerously wounded in the chest. This is the second time Pte. Nicolson has been wounded.
On the same day, Mr. John MacDonald, 9 North Tolsta, received a telegram intimating that his son, Pte. Murdo MacDonald, Seaforths, has been dangerously wounded in the right thigh. This is the second time that Pte. MacDonald has been wounded.
The former went to France in December, 1915, and the latter in the Autumn of 1914 . It is to be sincerely hoped that both of them will recover from their severe wounds. Both were great favourites in the village.

DIED OF WOUNDS
We regret to announce that Widow J. Martin, 76 North Tolsta, has received a telegram informing her that her son-in-law, Sergt. Ian MacLeod, Royal Highlanders, has died of wounds in a casualty cleaning station in France.
Sergt. MacLeod had seen much active fighting in the South African War and being an Army Reservist, he crossed over to France with the original Expeditionary Force in 1914. He was wounded in the famous retreat from Mons.
After returning to this country, he was for several months a clerk in the Paymaster's office at Perth. Thereafter, he again went to France, where he was wounded the second time. Subsequently, he acted for some time as a Sergt. Major at Nigg. Several months ago he returned for the third time to France. The deceased was a native of Harris, but he was well known and respected here.

HOME ON LEAVE
Angus Campbell, R.N.R.,(54); Pte. Donald Smith, Seaforths,(56); Duncan MacLean, R.N.R.,(51); Donald Nicolson, R.N.R.,(9); Donald MacMillan, R.N.R.,(Glen); John MacIver, R.N.R.,(43); Murdo MacIver,R.N.R.,(38); Murdo Murray, R.N.R.,(49); Donald Murray, R.N.R.,(22); Murdo Murray, R.N.R.,(45); Evander Murray, R.N.R.,(45); John Murray, R.N.R.,(52); Pte. J. Murray, Seaforths,(71) and Pte. Murdo Murray, Seaforths,(49). Most of these men are at home for the purpose of helping with the spring work.

27/4/17
DIED OF WOUNDS
Pte. John Nicolson, Gordons, Hill Street, has died from chest wounds. The deceased was 20 years of age and was mobilised at the beginning of the war. But as he was underage, he was retained in Aberdeen until December, 1915, when, in his intense eagerness to get to the Front, he managed somehow, to get into a draft leaving for France. Much sympathy goes out to his family.

CHURCH SERVICES
Mr. Angus MacLeod, Missionary, Waternish, Skye, preached in the Free Church here the last two Sabbaths. Mr. Angus MacKay, local Missionary, has been in indifferent health for the past two weeks.

OFFICER WOUNDED
We are pleased to announce that Lieut. Murdo MacIver, who was severely wounded some weeks ago, is getting on satisfactorily. At the time he received his wounds he was serving on H.M.S.______. Before then he had been serving on a submarine, or, as he himself said when writing some time ago to his cousin, Mrs. Cameron - "I am not allowed to tell you in what part of the world I am serving; suffice to say that I am at present under the briny." He enlisted into the Navy twenty-five years ago, and he was in 1907, one of the four champion gunners of the Mediterranean Squadron.

HOME ON LEAVE
Donald Graham, R.N.R.,(39); John MacInnes, R.N.R.,(Hill Street); Donald Murray, R.N.R.,(69); Roderick MacIver, R.N.R.,(10); Roderick MacDonald, R.N.R.,(23); Murdo MacDonald, R.N.R.,(1); Murdo Murray, R.N.R.,(61); Donald Campbell, R.N.R.,(54); Angus MacKenzie, R.N.R.,(48); Hector MacMillan, R.N.R.,(Glen); Alick MacMillan, R.N.R.,(Glen); J. MacDonald, R.N.R.,(1); Pte. R. MacKay, Seaforths,(66) and Pte. W. Gunn, Seaforths, (70).

WOUNDED
Pte. Donald MacLeod, Seaforths, son of Mr. Norman MacLeod, 53 North Tolsta, is wounded and is lying in hospital at Chatham. He was mobilised at the beginning of the war, and crossed to France, early in 1915, when only 16.

4/5/17
DIED OF WOUNDS
Pte. Murdo MacDonald, 9 North Tolsta, has died of wounds. He was 21 years of age. He was mobilised at the beginning of the war and went to France in the Autumn of 1914. He was severely wounded in November, 1915 and was in hospital until May, 1916. He went to France again shortly afterwards. "Murchadh Iain Bhig" as he was known locally, was a great favourite of the township and will be much missed by old and young. The only brother of the deceased is interned in Holland.

MARRIAGE BELLS
Angus Campbell, R.N.R., 54 North Tolsta, married Mary MacIver, daughter of Mr. Norman MacIver, 32 North Tolsta, on April 27th. On the same day, Angus MacKay, R.N.D., son of Mr. Angus MacKay, F.C. Missionary, North Tolsta, was married to Christina MacKenzie, 48 North Tolsta. Rev. R. MacKenzie, Back, officiated at both marriages. The first named bridegroom is a son of Mrs. Campbell, North Tolsta, whose seven sons were called up at the beginning of the war.

HOME ON LEAVE
Pte. W. MacDonald, Seaforths,(48); Pte. E. MacIver, Seaforths,(43); Pte. A. MacLeod, Seaforths,(20); Pte. A. MacMillan, Seaforths, Glen Tolsta; J. MacIver, R.N.R.,(41); D. Murray, R.N.R.,(27) and D. MacIver, R.N.R.,(28). A large number of the men from this district have this year been granted spring-work leave. Others are expected to get home during May. Indeed this township has been so much depleted of men that the spring work will be very far behind this year.

11/5/17
GRESS MILL
The people in this district are beginning to complain bitterly of the unreasonable delay in the repairing of the meal mill at Gress. It was announced several weeks ago that the money to put this mill into proper working order had been granted. It is estimated that there is sufficient grain in this township itself to produce at least 200 bolls of meal.

FISHING NOTES
One of the local boats shot the big lines one day last week and had a fair haul of cod, as well as some ling, halibut and skate. In the lot there was one large skate which would have weighed between 5 and 6 cwts. There was a great demand for the fish and it was all sold locally.

HOME ON LEAVE
Alexander MacLennan, R.N.R.,(35); Murdo MacLeod, skipper, R.N.R.,(34); Torquil Campbell, R.N.R.,(34); Kenneth MacKay, R.N.R.,(30); John Murray, R.N.R.,(40) and Malcolm MacLeod, R.N.R.,(58).
The first named seaman took part in the Jutland Battle, which culminated in the sinking of the "Blucher" and the last named has been having some thrilling experiences as a gunner on one of the large merchantmen.

18/5/17
CHURCH SERVICES
Last Sabbath in the Free Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Neil MacIntyre, Stornoway, preached in the forenoon and in the evening. Rev. Roderick MacKenzie, Back, preached in the evening in the Free Church.

LEAVE
Home for spring-work leave - George Murray, R.N.R.,(45); Angus MacIver, R.N.R.,(35); Angus Nicolson, R.N.R.,(9) and John Campbell, R.N.R., Moss Cottage.

POTATO ALLOTMENTS
For the past three weeks the plot-holders have been busily engaged on their new allotments on the Tolsta Farm. Already about 120 bags of potatoes have been planted there as well as many bushels of oats sown. But so far there has been no definite word as to when the fencing material is to be forthcoming. We hope that the authorities concerned will see to it without delay.

25/5/17
KILLED IN ACTION
Roderick MacIver, R.N.R., 25 North Tolsta, younger son of Mr. John MacIver, was killed on 8th May, when H.M.S. ________ struck a mine and sank. The deceased who was 23 years of age was mobilised at the beginning of the war. He was always so gentle and winning and was greatly loved by all and that, combined with his keen sense of humour, his invincible cheerfulness and his never-failing generosity, makes his loss deeply felt in the township.

1/6/17
LEAVE MEN
Hector MacKay, R.N.R.,(42); Kenneth MacIver, R.N.R.,(13): William MacLeod, R.N.R.,(6) and Angus MacMillan, R.N.R., Glen Tolsta.

IN HOSPITAL
Sergt. Major John MacIver, Seaforths, 26 North Tolsta and Pte. Kenneth Urquhart, Seaforths, 17 North Tolsta, are at present lying in hospital in France. We understand neither case is serious.

A NARROW ESCAPE
Last week some children from the north end of the village, after they had got home from school, went out to Glenmore to herd cattle, and as is customary with "children just let loose from school", they were somewhat playful.
One boy, Murdo MacaKenzie, 48 North Tolsta, hid another boy's staff in a deep pool of water, closely overhung with heather. After a while he returned for the stick and while trying to reach it he overbalanced and fell headlong into the pool. When his playmates missed him they became anxious and at once began to search for him.
After a while one of the boys noticed the little fellow's hand faintly moving amongst the overhanging heather. When they got him to the brink of the pool he was very much exhausted. He had swallowed a great quantity of the muddy waters of the pool before he was rescued. However, after he had been well rubbed by his companions, he was able to walk home with them and although he was confined to bed for a week, he was soon able to move about.

15/6/17
KILLED IN ACTION
Pte. Alexander MacLeod, Seaforths, 56 North Tolsta, was killed on 3rd June, aged 28 years. Prior to enlisting in July, 1915, he had been a policeman in Edinburgh. When he heard his brother Angus had been killed in action, he wrote home to his mother that he was going to enlist in his late brother's regiment "to fill the gap." He was a typical soldier - strong, fearless and manly.

FISHING NOTES
For the past three weeks several boats have been fishing out of this village. At first, the results were rather disappointing, but during last week there were heavier shots. Some of the older men have got their small boats in readiness for the summer fishing.

LEAVE MEN
The following men were home on leave last week:- Alexander Murray, R.N.R.,(27): Angus MacIver, R.N.R.,(33); Donald MacKay, R.N.R.,(16) and Murdo Murray, R.N.R.,(50).

15/6/17
WINNERS OF FLEET ROWING RACE - LEWIS CREW
Included were:- Donald Nicolson, stroke oarsman, North Tolsta; Murdo MacDonald, 1 North Tolsta and Donald MacLeod, 45 North Tolsta.

The rowing contest for the Admiral's Cup took place in Autumn, 1916. The winning crew contained nine Lewismen. For the four years previous to that, the Cup had been annually won by the crew of H.M.S. __________. In all the practising contests the R.N.R.'s of H.M.S. "Empress of India, came out first as she did in the final contest. So well was their prowess known throughout the Fleet that several of the other crews declared there was no use in their taking part in the final if these big Highland fellows were to compete.

Eight cutters prepared for the fray. There was a stiff breeze blowing, a head wind and a choppy sea. The distance to be covered was about three miles. The crew that had formerly won the Cup on several occasions kept a good lead for the first two miles.
The Commander of one of the Dreadnoughts, who had formerly commanded the "Emperor of India", kept calling out through a megaphone, "come on you Highlanders of the old ship!" At length, however, the coxswain, from Montrose, who had been attempting to learn Gaelic from his friends on board ship, called out, "Na Gaidheil an guaillibh a cheile, remember you are Highlanders! Now my lads, come on, let us show them all what we can do!"
With a powerful spurt the Highlanders nobly responded to the hint. The boat penetrated through the surging billows and dashed past the other boats so swiftly that, "you actually thought that the other boats had dropped anchor."
Once they got the lead nothing could deprive them of it. They retained their position all along, with the result that they finished four lengths ahead of the next boat. It was declared on all hands by the spectators that undoubtedly the best crew won the prize. As the winners were returning to their ship the officers mustered the crew on deck and the victors stepped aboard amidst the deafening cheers of their shipmates. The Admiral, who congratulated them, said that the Highlands had reason to be proud of them.

22/6/17
A BRAVE SOLDIER
Mrs. MacLeod, widow of the late Corporal Alexander MacLeod, Seaforths, of 56 North Tolsta, has received the following letter from one of the non-commissioned officers of her husband's battalion:- "It is with a very sad heart I am writing this letter to you. Doubtless you will have heard by this time about your husband - dear old Sandy. He was one of the best 'pals' I ever had and a Seaforth to the last. He charged a German machine-gun single-handed and while doing so, he was hit on the head. I miss him as a dear 'pal', but how much must you miss him! I know I cannot comfort you much, but as an old pal of his, both in the Police and in the Army, I offer you my deepest sympathy...... .and I assure you he lives in the hearts of his old comrades."

FISHING NOTES
The local boats fishing with the small lines had some good shots on several occasions last week.

CHURCH SERVICES
Rev. R. MacKenzie, Back, preached in the Free Church, on the Sabbath evening. Mr. Alexander MacKenzie, Stornoway, preached in the Free Presbyterian Church, for morning and evening services.

OBITUARY
When Mr. Alexander Murray, R.N.R., 27 North Tolsta, arrived home for leave last week, he found his youngest son laid up with diphtheria. We regret to announce that this boy has now died. Murdo was a bright and winsome wee chap, full of life and frolic. Much sympathy is extended to the family in their bereavement. Mr. and Mrs. Murray have each lost a brother in the war.

LEAVE MEN
The following are at present home on leave:- John Campbell, R.N.R.,(54); Murdo Murray, R.N.R.,(61); Angus Campbell, R.N.R.,(62); Roderick MacLeod, A & S Highlanders,(20) and Torquil Campbell,R.N.R.,(34). The last named was a
gunner on a merchantman which has been recently sunk through striking a mine. Torquil was severely wounded in the forehead, but after being in hospital for about a fortnight he has now well recovered from the effects of his wounds.

FISHING
Although the weather has been somewhat unfavourable of late, the local boats have been going to sea regularly during the past week. They are getting heavy hauls and there is a steady improvement in the size and quality of the fish brought ashore these last few days.

29/6/17
LONG AND FAITHFUL SERVICE REWARDED
Mr. W. MacLeod, leading seaman, R.N.R., 34 North Tolsta, has been awarded a medal for long service and good conduct.
He enlisted in the Seaforth Militia thirty years ago and five years afterwards he enlisted in the Royal Naval Reserve. He went to Canada in 1912 and was in excellent employment at Fairbanks in Northern Alaska, at the time the war broke out.
He reported himself at once, although he was then fifty years of age. He left his employment and travelled home at his own expense, a distance of 9000 miles, taking more than five weeks on the journey. He reported at Stornoway as soon as he arrived and in December, 1914, he was called up for active service. One stormy night, while on patrol duty in the Irish Sea, he was badly injured and sent home for a well-earned rest.


6/7/17
TOLSTA FARM ALLOTMENTS
Last week the plotholders on the North Tolsta Farm were busy fencing their plots, but, unfortunately, they did not manage to secure in Stornoway enough fencing material to go round all the plots. It was stated that the Board of Agriculture was to fence the new area under cultivation and the accredited representatives of that Board definately and repeatedly told the plot-holders that this was to be done. But the Board now say they never promised the fencing, they even refuse to provide the wire-netting, after the people themselves had undertaken to provide the posts for the fence. However the last word has not been said on this topic.

FISHING
Boats fishing with the small lines are getting excellent hauls for the past week. Some days five or six small boats are out, but supply is not equal to
demand.

LEAVE MEN
Hector MacKay, R.N.R.,(42); Murdo MacDonald, R.N.R.,(16); Murdo MacIver, R.N.R.,(38) and Corpl. R. MacIver, R.F.A.,(25). The last named has been at the Front since the beginning of last January and although he was all along in the hottest part of the firing line, he has so far escaped without a scratch.

13/7/17
FISHING
The fishing was very successful during last week. The supply was fully equal to demand. One of the boats had more than 2000 fish one day recently.

CHURCH SERVICES
Mr. Angus MacKinnon, missionary, preached in the Free Presbyterian Church morning and evening on Sunday. He also preached on Monday morning before leaving the district.

HOME ON LEAVE
Sergt. Duncan MacKay, Gordons,(42); Murdo MacIver, R.N.R.,(25) and Roderick MacKay, R.N.R.,(66). The first named was on several occasions severely wounded in France and he has now just come out of hospital.

GRESS MILL
The Gress Meal Mill is now repaired and has been kept busily working for the past two or three weeks. The people are truly grateful for the opportunity of being once again able to have their grain milled so near at hand. Last year they had to go to Garrabost before they could get their grain made into meal.

ROLL OF HONOUR
Mr. Allan Cameron, son of Mr. Donald Cameron, merchant, North Tolsta and Mr. Donald MacDonald, son of Mr. Ewan MacDonald, North Tolsta Farm, have joined the Forces. Allan has made arrangements to enter the Mercantile Marine Services and has joined the Royal Naval Reserve and Donald has for two years been undergoing training as a wireless operator and has joined in Edinburgh.

20/7/17
WEST COAST MISSION
Mr. John Duff, the Organising Secretary of the West Coast Mission, visited this district last week. The people of the township are deeply indebted to Mr. Duff, for it was mainly on account of his exertions that the West Coast Mission provided Tolsta with a nurse five years ago. It is worthy of note that Nurse Stewart has recently been thanked by the authorities for her efficient service in connection with Public Health Affairs.

NEW TEACHER
Miss Christina MacLeod entered upon her duties as infant mistress in the Public School.

FISHING NOTES
Small boats continue to meet with success. One night one of the boats tried the nets and she got four baskets of herring of an excellent quality.

HOME ON LEAVE
Donald MacLeod, R.N.R.,(56); and Evander MacIver,(11), are home on leave. The latter has been granted a sick leave for a few months duration. There are also at home a number of the young women who have been doing munition work in the South.

27/7/17
CHURCH SERVICES
Rev. R. MacKenzie, Back, preached in the Free Church on Sunday evening.

FISHING
Small-line fishing has not been too successful of late. Dog-fish has been rather troublesome, destroying lines as well as fish. However were it not that the district is so much depleted of men, the small-line fishing this year would have been a record one.

LEAVE MEN
Murdo MacLeod, R.N.R.,(34); Murdo Smith, R.N.R.,(65); John Nicolson, R.N.R.,(Hill Street); Angus MacLeod, R.N.R.,(6) and Pte. Donald MacLeod, Seaforths,(53). The first named is now the skipper of a mine-sweeper and the last named has just come out of hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment. It is worthy of note that this young soldier, who is barely 19 years of age, went to the Front early in 1915 and was there all the time until he was wounded last Spring.

WERE YOU EVER AT GARRY?
One fine evening a few weeks ago, somewhere in France, an English officer, after taking part in one of the fiercest battles of the war, came up to a North Tolsta soldier and calmly said, "were you ever at Garry?." Needless to say, the Lewisman was agreeably surprised to hear his favourite haunts being mentioned on the battlefield. The officer on being answered in the affirmative, spoke in glowing terms of the beauties of this romantic place and ended up by saying, that he thought he could forget even the horror of war, if he could take the wings of an eagle and fly there and be at rest. Let us hope that both the officer and the soldier will be spared to spend a happy evening yet in the vicinity of "Loch na Cartach", where one finds in such sweet harmony the beauties of moor, loch, machair and sea.

3/8/17
INTERNED IN HOLLAND
The Lewismen in Groningen, Holland, are utilising their spare time to the best advantage. A large number of them took up the study of Navigation some time ago and Mr. John MacIver, 62 North Tolsta, has passed the Board of Trade examination for second mate on foreign-going steamships. Mr. John MacRitchie,(40), Mr. Donald Campbell,(13), Mr. J. MacDonald,(1), have passed for second hands. Messrs. J. MacIver and D. Campbell, have also passed in special signalling.

NAVAL CASUALTY
Donald Campbell, 54 North Tolsta, aged 33 years, was killed when H.M.S. "Olway" sank. He had been mobilised at the beginning of the war. The deceased had been in indifferent health for two or three years before the war. But he reported along with his six brothers, all of whom were in the Royal Naval Reserve. Much sympathy is extended to his family.

FISHING
On Monday, a small local fishing boat fishing off the village had five crans of excellent herring.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
The local school was closed for holidays on Friday of last week and is to re-open on Monday, 3rd September.

LEAVE MEN
Angus MacKenzie, R.N.R.,(48); John Campbell, R.N.R.,(54) and Murdo Murray, R.N.R.,(60). All these are survivors from the ill-fated "Olway".

17/8/17
FLOTSAM
A large amount of pitch has been washed ashore in this district during the past fortnight and last week two casks of rum and a large keg of lard were found on Tolsta Sands. The Custom House officials were back and fore for several days. One of the casks of rum was so heavy that the contents had to be transferred to three smaller casks before they could be carted to Stornoway. The lard was sold to Mr. Donald MacLeod, a local merchant.

NAVAL CASUALTY
Donald MacIver, R.N.R., 17 North Tolsta, has drowned in the Mediterranean.
The deceased was about 50 years of age and before the war was employed as a fireman on drifters fishing out of Peterhead.

WOUNDED
Pte. Peter A. MacDonald, A & S Highlanders, North Tolsta Farm and Pte. John MacLeod, Gordons, 74 North Tolsta, have recently been wounded, the former in the arm and the latter in the leg. Pte. MacDonald, who enlisted before he was 17 years of age, was gassed in France two years ago and Pte. MacLeod, who crossed to Belgium in October, 1914, has now been wounded for the third time.

24/8/17
A RUBBER BOOM
A block of rubber, 27 inches long and weighing about 1½ cwts., was found last week amongst the rubbish coming ashore on Tolsta sands. The find was forwarded to the Receiver of Wreck.

GENERAL NOTES
The fishing has been practically at a standstill for the past 3 weeks. Bait is difficult to procure, no sand eels having been obtained since the pitchy stuff began to cover the sands.
The cattle are all now home from the shieling and the people are finishing off the carting of the winter fuel.
The crops are in excellent condition and it is likely that the barley will be ready for reaping at the end of this month. The potato crop has so far showed no signs of the blight and the plots on the North Tolsta Farm give promise of yielding an abundant supply of tubers. The hay however, will this year be much inferior to last year's crop.

31/8/17
MUNITION WORK
Several young women from this district left for the South last week to start at munition work. This township has sent out a large number of munition workers. Mr. MacDonald, 61 North Tolsta, has four of his daughters employed in munition factories.

GENERAL NOTES
The cattle were sent to the Ard grazings last week and the boys, while there herding spent the time in playing shinty. At times there are very lively contests, especially when a team of the South-enders meets a team of North-enders.

14/9/17
WOUNDED
Hector MacMillan, R.N.R., 4 Glen Tolsta, was wounded during an air raid recently on the Chatham Barracks. His wounds although somewhat severe, are not dangerous. Hector, with four other men from this small hamlet, enlisted in 1914, shortly after the outbreak of hostilities.

LEAVE
Home on leave: Murdo MacIver, R.N.R.,(25); Roderick MacKay,R.N.R.,(66);Sgt. Duncan MacKay, Gordons (42); and Cpl. Alexander MacIver, Australians,(25),
Sgt.MacKay,who had twice been severely wounded has been granted a month's leave. Cpl.MacIver has been at the front for nearly a year, but has so far escaped scathless.

DROWNING ACCIDENT
Murdo Murray, younger son of Mr. John Murray, 27 North Tolsta, was drowned while bathing on the Tolsta Sands last week. A number of youths who were herding cattle in Ard of Tolsta, resolved to go bathing at the foot of the high cliffs at the south end of the Tolsta Sands.
Murdo did not accompany them at first and it was only when they were entering the sea, that they noticed him hurriedly descending the rocks. They were all swimming some distance from the shore, when one of them, on looking towards the land, saw Murdo in difficulties and raised the alarm. Those who were near enough to hear him made for the land and it was after five minutes that the first of them reached the spot at which Murdo was seen to disappear.
One of them who was a better swimmer than the rest, managed once or twice to get hold of the drowning boy, but failed to effect a rescue. At the time there was a strong current with heavy seas and the backwash of the receding breakers was so strong that it was with difficulty some of the boys managed to secure a footing; two or three of them were were so much exhausted that they had to appeal for help.
Murdo could not swim and it is believed he lost his balance in the midst of a "cliath" of breakers. In the evening the two boats dragging for the remains found the body some distance from the land.

21/9/17
WEDDING BELLS
On Thursday of last week, at 34 North Tolsta, Mr. Alexander MacIver, 14 North Tolsta, was married to Mary MacLeod, youngest daughter of Mr. Donald MacLeod 34 North Tolsta. The officiating clergyman was Rev. N. MacIntyre, Stornoway. This was the fifth marriage in the district since last Christmas. Good for Tolsta!

28/9/17
TOLSTA PUBLIC SCHOO
Miss Flora C. MacLeod, assistant mistress in this school during the past three years, has been offered an assistantship in the Nicolson Institute, but we are pleased to learn that Miss MacLeod has decided to stay in the Tolsta School for a further period.

HARVESTING
Although the weather of late has been unsuitable for harvest work, still more of the people have their barley gathered into the barnyards and by the end of this week many of them will have the oats also gathered in. But on account of scarcity of labour some famillies are behind with their work and it is to be hoped more men will yet be granted harvest leave.

12/10/17
AN ACCIDENT
On Tuesday of last week, while Mr. John Campbell, 19 North Tolsta, was attending sheep in the neighbourhood of Glen-Tolsta, he stumbled and got his leg severely fractured. He was at the time accompanied by his son, who ran home for help. Most of the men turned out at once and the injured man was carried home on improvised stretchers. He was removed to the Lewis
Hospital, where he is getting on very well.

19/10/17
ANOTHER WAR WEDDING
On Tuesday, of last week, at 31 North Tolsta, Mr. Evander Murray, R.N.R., 45 North Tolsta, was married to Miss Margaret Morrison, eldest daughter of
Mr. John Morrison, 31 North Tolsta. Rev. Roderick MacKenzie, Back, was the officiating clergyman.

NURSING SCHEME
At a Meeting of the Lewis District Committee a letter was read from the West Coast Mission intimating their willingness to allow their nurse at North Tolsta 6to come under the Medical Services Board's scheme for District Nusing in Lewis and nominating Mr. Duncan MacDonald, headmaster, Tolsta, to represent the Mission on the District Committee.

2/11/17
HERE AND THERE
The weather has been very boisterous here lately and owing to the fact that most of the township is about 300 feet above sea level, we had more snow lying on the ground here than in the neighbouring districts. At the time of writing the half of the potato crop is still in the ground and in some level places the plots are sodden in water. So far the potatoes lifted, have been of an excellent quality and there has been practically no trace of disease. The plots planted on the Tolsta Farm have yielded splendid returns. In various cases they produced at the rate of ten tons per acre.

9/11/17
WEDDING BELLS
On Thursday of last week, at 71 Keith Street, Stornoway, Mr. Louis MacLeod, late Seaforth Highlanders, was married to Miss Mary Finlayson, daughter of the late Alexander Finlayson, 10 North Tolsta. The officiating clergyman was the Rev. Roderick MacKenzie, Back. On the same day, at the Manse, Knock, James Crockett, skipper, R.N.R., Bayhead, Stornoway, was married to Miss Margaret MacLeod, daughter of Mr. John MacLeod, 20 North Tolsta. Rev. Angus MacLeod was the officiating clergyman.

16/11/17
SCHOLASTIC
Miss F. C. MacLeod, who has been assistant mistress in the local school for more than three years, has been appointed to the staff of the Auchtermuchty Public School, Fife.

MUNITION WORKERS
A number of Tolsta young women have recently left for the South to begin munition work. Altogether, two dozen have left this township and many of these have been away more than two years.

23/11/17
FISHING NOTES
Two local boats tried the small line fishing twice last week and their hauls were fairly satisfactory. There are indications that haddock are somewhat plentiful on the coast, but at present the dog-fish is rather troublesome. It has been reported that some trawlers were last week operating off the Tolsta Sands.

CROFTING NOTES
The potato crop has now been lifted and it is now considered to be a record one. Coinneach Sheorais and several of the other plotholders on North Tolsta Farm have had excellent results. One of the local merchants, who had a piece of his park planted in potatoes, had a record crop. This particular plot was planted in drills well over two feet apart, while the plants were about a foot apart in the drills. Many of the crofters also did wonderfully well. Indeed, in various cases plots have yielded results which would compare favourably with the best obtained in Easter Ross.

7/12/17
FEVER OUTBREAK
Owing to an outbreak of scarlet fever in the district, Dr. Murray Medical
Officer of Health, has advised the closing of the school for a period of three weeks.

LEWIS HOSPITAL
The annual collections were made recently in the two local churches and as usual, the people have liberally contributed. Mr. John Campbell, 19 North Tolsta, who had been undergoing treatment for a fractured leg in the Lewis Hospital, speaks highly of the attention and kindness of the medical and nursing staff during his six weeks stay.

PRESENTATION
Miss Flora C. MacLeod, who has been on the staff of the Tolsta Public School for the past three and a half years, was, on the occasion of her leaving the district to take up her duties in Auchtermuchty Public School, presented with a silver-backed dressing set - brush, comb and mirror - inscribed as follows - "Presented to Miss Flora C. MacLeod, by the pupils and staff of Tolsta P. School, 1917." Mr. D. MacDonald, who presided, spoke highly of Miss MacLeod's work in the school and said the people of the district were very sorry losing such a capable teacher. The proceedings terminated with "Auld Lang Syne."

14/12/17
TOLSTA MAN GETS MILITARY MEDAL
We are pleased to hear that Sergt. Alexander MacIver, Australians, 30 North Tolsta, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry on the battlefield, or as he himself so aptly puts it, "for giving too much cheek to the Huns."
Alick went to Australia ten years ago and was in business in Queensland when he enlisted at the beginning of 1916. He was home for a short visit last February and shortly afterwards he went to France.

28/12/17
FISHING
Two of the local boats went out with haddock lines last Friday night. One of the boats got the lines broken after having hauled three of them, but on these they had 400 haddock. On the following morning, when they managed to haul the rest of the lines they found that the fish on them had been eaten up by dogfish.
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4/1/18
WEDDING BELLS
At the Free Church Manse, Jordanhill, Glasgow, on 17th December, Alexander Murray, R.N.C.V.R., 29 North Tolsta, was married to Miss Gormelia Graham, 39 North Tolsta. Miss Catherine MacIver, teacher, Tolsta Public School, was bridesmaid and Mr. Donald MacLean, Ness, was best man. The officiating clergyman was Rev. Mr. Ross, Free Church, Partick. A reception was held afterwards at 80 Greenfield Street.

25/1/18
THE SNOWSTORM
A blizzard of unusual severity has swept over the Lewis for two weeks and this district, which is so much exposed to the north wind, has got the brunt of the storm, which started suddenly about 7pm, on Sunday, 6th January.
Most of the worshippers remained in the churches till 10pm, but those who had to go experienced much difficulty in reaching their homes and several lost their way altogether. At the beginning of last week several houses in the south end of the township were practically buried in snow and many families could not get out until they were released by outsiders - what the wags of the village call "The Dug Outs."
Mr. Colin Smith, a resident, 89 years of age, says this has been the most severe snowstorm he has ever experienced. A large number of sheep were buried in the drifts and it is feared many of them are still there.
At the time of writing, (Monday) this district is very short of provisions. The mails have been delivered here only once last week. The usual mail gig has not been able to come during the past fortnight. It is feared that much of the potato stock lying in barns has been ruined by the blizzard. It is reported that rabbits have been caught in the doors of the houses in the middle of the village. Although thaw has now set in, it is not likely that the roads to town will be passable for at least a week.

8/2/18
SCHOOL APPOINTMENT
The School Board at a Meeting on Tuesday of last week, approved of the appointment of Miss Jessie Fraser, Achiltibuie Public School, Ullapool, to the staff of Tolsta School.

AFTER THE SNOWSTORM
Towards the end of last week the local merchants managed to get their carts through to town and now the township is pretty well supplied with provisions. During the thaw, the walls of a number of barns and outhouses collapsed, but there has been no injury to either man or beast. The fishermen are very eager to get to sea, but at the time of writing, (Monday), they have not so far been able owing to the inclemacy of the weather.

15/2/18
TOLSTA PUBLIC SCHOOL
The school was reopened on Tuesday of last week, after a two months' closure. There was a splendid attendance throughout the week, but it is feared that the village is not yet cleared of scarlet fever.

FISHING NOTES
Two of the local boats have been fishing for herring during the past two weeks. Whenever the weather has permitted them to do so. They are not meeting with much success, but one of them had a shot of three crans on Wednesday night. All this fish was sold locally.

TORPEDOED
We are pleased to hear that Allan Cameron, R.N.R., North Tolsta, whose ship was torpedoed last week, is amongst the survivors. This is the second time that Allan has had a narrow escape. He was in the Chatham Barracks last September during an air raid, when so many of his comrades were either killed or wounded.

22/2/18
FISHING NOTES
The two local boats fishing for herring have met with splendid success last week. They were able to go to sea only three nights and between them they had during these nights about sixty crans. All the shots were disposed of locally at eight or nine shillings per basket. Practically every household in the district has procured some of these herring.

8/3/18
THE PLOTHOLDERS
A meeting of the plotholders was held in the school last Friday. Mr. D. Cameron, merchant, presided. A committee office members was elected to carry out arrangements for the coming year. This committee will meet soon and it is to be hoped that those who wish to have plots this year on the North Tolsta Farm will send in their names as soon as possible, to allow the necessary preparations to be carried out in time.

15/3/18
TORPEDOED
Murdo MacIver, A.B.,(25), Roderick MacKay, R.N.R.,(64) and Angus Campbell, Park, (13), the three local men on H.M.S. "Calgarian", were all rescued when that ship was sunk after being torpedoed last week. They have arrived home on a three weeks' leave. Both MacIver and MacKay had been on that vessel since the war began and we understand they had several narrow escapes before now, for, to all appearances the Huns for some time back were eager to get a torpedo into the "Calgaran."

22/3/18
TOLSTA PUBLIC SCHOOL
Mr. D. J. MacLeod, H.M.I.S., visited this school on Thursday of last week. Although scarlet fever has been prevalent in the district, there has been a satisfactory attendance since the school was reopened at the beginning of February.

CHURCH SERVICES
Corpl. John MacKenzie, Seaforths, 73 North Tolsta, preached in the Free Presbyterian Church last Sabbath, both morning and evening. Corpl. MacKenzie had been a Divinity student before enlisting and is very popular amongst the people of the district.

29/3/18
WEDDING BELLS
At 2 North Tolsta, on 21st March, Murdo MacIver, A.B., 25 North Tolsta, was married to Miss Margaret MacKay, daughter of Mr. Donald MacKay; and at 34 Kenneth Street, on the same date, Mr. Donald MacDonald, Uig, Skye, was married to Miss Annie MacLeod, daughter of the late John MacLeod, 75 North Tolsta. Rev. Neil MacIntyre, Stornoway, officiated at both marriages.

5/4/18
SACRAMENTS
The half-yearly Communion services were held in the Free and Free Presbyterian Churches last week. In the F. P. Church, Rev. Neil MacIntyre, Stornoway, was assisted by Rev. Mr. MacRae, Portree. There were many strangers, particularly from the Ness district. On Thursday, Rev. Mr. MacLeod, Urray, Moderator of the Free Church, preached in the local F.C. Mission House.

12/4/18
WOUNDED
Sergt. Murdo MacDonald, Seaforths, youngest son of Mr. Donald MacDonald, 48 North Tolsta, has been wounded. Recently the Commanding Officer wrote to Sergt. MacDonald's father, saying his son was one of the bravest men he ever met.

19/4/18
WAR SAVINGS MEETING
Ex-Provost Anderson, accompanied by Councillor N. Stewart and Councillor C. J. MacIver, addressed a meeting in Tolsta Public School, on Wednesday of last week. Councillor Stewart presided. Several canvassers were appointed to visit the various sections of the district.

KILLED IN ACTION
Pte. Donald MacLeod, Seaforths, son of Mr. Norman MacLeod, 53 North Tolsta, has been killed in action. The deceased who was 19 years of age, was in the 3rd Seaforths when war broke out. Although he was then barely 16 years of age and could if he desired, have got his discharge on account of his youth, he wrote home to his father telling him not, on any account, to attempt to get him out of the Army. He was sent to France in March, 1915, before he was 17 years old. He was wounded on several occasions. Donald was a very plucky young soldier, greatly beloved by his comrades. Indeed, he was one of nature's gentlemen and will be sorely missed by the people of the district, by whom he was much liked and highly respected.

3/5/18
FISHING NOTES
One of the local crews fishing with the large lines met with gratifying results last week. For two hauls of ling, cod and skate, they got up to £60. The smaller boats fishing for haddocks got several good hauls last week also. Most of the latter was disposed of in the district.

10/5/18
WOUNDED
News has been received that Pte. Donald MacDonald, Royal Scots, North Tolsta Farm, Pte. Kenneth Urquhart, Seaforths, 17 North Tolsta and Pte. Murdo Smith, Seaforths, 56 North Tolsta, have been wounded in action. Pte. Urquhart, has been at the Front for more than three years and was in the famous 51st Division. The other two had gone to France only a few months ago.

24/5/18
LOCAL NOTES
Tolsta Public School has been closed for over a month on account of an outbreak of measles in the district.
The six local men at home on leave from Holland were called away last Sunday.
The Spring work is well advanced and many of the people have their peats cut.

A BRAVE SOLDIER
Mr. Norman MacLeod, 53 North Tolsta, whose son, Donald, was killed in action on 29 March has received the following letter from his son's Platoon Officer - "It is with the very greatest regret that I write to tell you of your son's death. From having come to know him well personally, I realise what a very severe blow his loss must have been to you, Though we were not together many months, I had already learned to value him higher almost than any man in my Platoon. He was full of many of the finest qualities a man can have and certainly had no bad ones. I cannot say how deeply we all miss him and I only wish I were capable of finding words of sympathy for you which would be at all adequate. No tribute too high can be paid to him."

OBITUARY
The village of North Tolsta has suffered much during the past days. The other morning, two children died of measles - Christina, aged seven years, the younger daughter of Mr. Norman MacIver, shepherd, 11 North Tolsta and Christina, aged 11 months, the youngest child of Pte. William MacDonald, 48 North Tolsta. Also there passed away on Monday morning, after a lingering illness, Mrs. Jessie MacDonald, R.N.D., 1 North Tolsta. What makes this case even more pathetic, is that the deceased's husband, who was at home on leave from Holland, had to leave by the mailboat on Sunday night, just a few hours before his wife passed away. His must have been a case of heart-rending experience. It should be mentioned that Mr. MacDonald was allowed to return home, when he arrived in London.

7/6/18
BIRTHS ANNOUNCEMENT
MACDONALD - At the Schoolhouse, North Tolsta, on 1st June, the wife of Duncan MacDonald, of a son.

14/6/18
THE PLOTHOLDERS
This year there was more demand for allotments on the North Tolsta Farm, with the result that the area there under cultivation has been doubled. Last week, the people were busy fencing in this tract of land, including the field cultivated by the tenant, Mr. MacDonald. There seems to be a good deal of healthy rivalry amongst some of the holders - and indeed some of them are worthy of much praise for their work. We know of one man who carried a dozen creels of a special kind of seaweed from "Amhuinn na Claich", a distance of over three miles. Surely such a man is worthy of getting a good crop.

ANOTHER NAVAL CASUALTY
Angus Campbell, Leading Seaman, 54 North Tolsta, died on the 29th of last month on board s.s. ________. The deceased was 32 years old and was mobilised with his six brothers at the beginning of the war. He is the second of the seven to make the supreme sacrifice. Angus had been at the Defence of Antwerp, but escaped. Since then he had other narrow escapes. Several weeks ago he left this country as a gunner on a large ship, but it was not on that ship that he died. The cause of death has not yet been notified. He was much liked and greatly respected in the district.

21/6/18
THE STORM
A westerly gale of unusual severity swept over this district on Thursday, of last week. Fishermen assert it was the heaviest summer gale experienced here for the past 29 years. The storm started at 7pm and continued for several hours. One of the small fishing boats had been out, but fortunately she had managed to reach the land shortly before the storm came on. Some of the women out on the moor with their cattle had to leave their shielings and come home. The following day there were showers of hailstones.

WEDDING BELLS
At Stornoway, on 5th June, Mr. John Murray, Seaman, R.N.R., 40 North Tolsta, was married to Miss Christina MacDonald, daughter of Mr. Murdo MacDonald, Lionel, Ness. Rev. Mr. Cameron, Stornoway, was the officiating clergyman. Sonus, soirbheachadh agus saoghal fada dhaoibh.

28/6/18
ANOTHER TOLSTA SOLDIER KILLED
Corpl. John MacKenzie, 73 North Tolsta, was killed in action on 9th June. The deceased who was about 36 years of age, was a Divinity student, before enlisting in 1916. Being an expert instructor in bomb-throwing, he was kept in this country until the German offensive started last March. He was much loved and highly respected, both as a man and as a Christian. The Commanding Officer of a Battalion has written and one could see how highly he esteemed John MacKenzie, a keen and capable soldier and a man who had such a good influence on his fellow soldiers.

12/7/18
GENERAL NOTES
Mr. Duff, Organising Secretary of the Glasgow and West Coast Mission, paid his annual visit to this district this week. It was through Mr. Duff that the district of North Tolsta got it's first nurse.
The school was reopened on Wednesday of last week. This is one of the few schools in the Highlands where the number of pupils on the role is on the increase. Miss Henrietta MacLeod, the additional teacher appointed, has now entered upon her duties.

26/7/18
ANOTHER TOLSTA SOLDIER GETS THE MILITARY MEDAL
Sergt. Murdo MacDonald, Seaforths, 48 North Tolsta, has been awarded the Military Medal for his bravery on the battlefield during the German Offensive last March. Murdo, who is about 22 years of age, went to France early in 1915, he has been at the Front practically without a break since
then.

9/8/18
EGGS FOR THE WOUNDED
Last week there were 48 dozen eggs collected by the staff and pupils of Tolsta Public School. Forty-one dozen were sent to Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow, per Provost MacLean and the remainder were sent to the Lewis Hospital.

DISTINGUISHED VISITORS
On Wednesday of last week, Sir Hall Caine, with other distinguished guests from Lewis Castle, visited this district. They stayed in the village for an hour chatting with the people and visiting a few houses. Today, (Monday), Lord Leverhulme visited the township and after conversing with some of the people, he went to see the pier that was built at Portnambothag some years ago. If this pier were extended, it would greatly facilitate matters for the fishermen of the district.

LOCAL NURSING ASSOCIATION
A Meeting of the Association was held last week, when the local Committee for the ensuing year was elected. There was a good attendance and Mr. Donald Cameron, Merchant, presided. The newly-elected Committee met this week for the purpose of electing office-bearers and for making up the estimates of income and expenditure for the current year. Mrs. Cameron, was made Convenor and Mr. Duncan MacDonald, Secretary and Treasurer. The other members of the Committee are - Mrs. Kenneth MacIver, 38 North Tolsta; Miss Isabella MacDonald, 61 North Tolsta; Mr. Angus MacLennan, 35 North Tolsta and Mr. Angus Graham, Shoemaker. Councillor Alexander MacIver, represents the Parish Council. The income for the past year was £87 9s 3d. Nurse Stewart last year paid 1,955 nursing visits. At the Meeting the people expressed their gratitude to the West Coast Mission and to those who helped bring a nurse to the district nearly six years ago.

16/8/18
The amount of local subscriptions towards the Funds of the Nursing Association of this district was last year £4 15s.

30/8/18
TOPICAL NOTES
There has been practically no fishing done here for the past month. The crops have suffered much from the effects of the recent heavy rains. It is feared this year the potato crop will be much poorer than last year.

LORD LEVERHULME
Lord Leverhulme paid another visit to the district recently. He was accompanied by Mr. Ranald MacDonald, Carloway and after being joined by some of the local people, the party visited the old landing place at the mouth of the River Garry.

6/9/18
TOPICAL NOTES
The old people assert that the weather during August this year was worse than that of any corresponding month during the past forty years. The heavy rains of the past fortnight have seriously damaged the roads and culverts between here and Back and in many cases sections of crofts, have been badly damaged also. Reaping will begin in a few days, but harvest operations will not be in full swing for a fortnight yet. As this district is so much depleted of men, it is hoped the Naval and Military authorities will release as many men as possible for harvest work.

4/10/18
ANOTHER TOLSTA MAN GETS THE MILITARY MEDAL
Corpl. John MacLeod, Machine Gun Section, 20 North Tolsta, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery on the battlefield. He worked a machine gun for several hours after the remainder of the gun company had become casualties. Corpl. MacLeod went to France in 1914 and he was wounded several times. This is the third Tolsta soldier who has been awarded the Military Medal during 1918.

18/10/18
WEDDING BELLS
ON 11th October, at 10 North Tolsta, Mr. Murdo MacDonald, R.N.R., was married to Miss Annie MacIver, 10 North Tolsta. On the same date, at 2 Hill Street, North Tolsta. Mr. John MacIver, R.N.R., 33 North Tolsta, was married to Miss Dolina MacLeod, 2 Hill Street, North Tolsta. Rev. R. MacKenzie, Back, officiated at both marriages.

25/10/18
AN ACCIDENT
When Alexander Gunn, son of Pte. William Gunn, 70 North Tolsta, was on Monday, of last week leading a horse and cart down one of the crofts, he was thrown out of the cart and fell under the horse, with the result that he was injured about the head and chest. People who were working in the vicinity noticed the accident and rushed to the rescue. He was sent to the Lewis Hospital where he is recovering well.

A TOLSTA SOLDIER GETS HIS COMMISSION
Mr. Roderick MacIver, 25 North Tolsta, has received his Commission as Second Lieutenant. He was in Australia when war broke out and returned to the country in 1915 and enlisted in the R.F.A. He saw a great deal of active warfare in France and had some very narrow escapes.

8/11/18
INFLUENZA
Influenza has been prevalent in this district for the past three weeks, but it is now spreading at an alarming rate. Today (Tuesday) only about 20 per cent of the pupils and only one of the teachers appeared at the school. The school has been closed till Monday, 11th November. In a large number of cases whole famillies are laid up, but medical attendance is difficult to obtain.

TORPEDOED
Mr. Murdo MacIver, R.N.R., 18 North Tolsta, survived after his ship was torpedoed. He was rescued after being in a small boat for 35 hours. Another Lewisman on board the ship is among the missing.

15/11/18
TOLSTA PUBLIC SCHOOL
On account of the prevalence of influenza in the district, this school is to be kept closed till 18th November, by order of the Medical Officer of Health.

INFLUENZA - FOUR DEATHS
There were no fewer than five deaths in this district since last Thursday and four of those are attributed to influenza. On Thursday night, Catherine MacLeod, wife of Murdo Murray, R.N.R., 45 North Tolsta, died of pneumonia after an attack of influenza.
The deceased, who was 34, was a great favourite in the district. She left a family of four young children. On the same night, Mary MacIver, 18 North Tolsta died, she had been in indifferent health for some time. She was 71. On Friday morning, one of the twin children of Kenneth MacKay, R.N.R., 30 North Tolsta, died of pneumonia and the other one died on Saturday night. These children were five months old. Tonight (Monday), Donald MacIver, 5 years of age, youngest son of Donald MacIver, R.N.R., School Street, has died of croup.
There is such a deep gloom cast over the district by these deaths, that the people feel they cannot rejoice as they should over the glad tidings of peace. One feels like the gaelic Bard after the Battle of Waterloo, when he said - "Bha Breatuinn deanamh gairdeachais. Bha iadson deanamh caoidh."

25/11/18
PROMOTION
Murdo MacLeod, 34 North Tolsta, who has been acting Skipper now for nearly two years, has been promoted to the rank of Skipper with priority from 18th October.

PRESENTATION
Miss Jessie Fraser, assistant teacher, was on the occasion of her marriage, presented by the staff and pupils of the school with a silver pot and a cake basket. Miss Fraser, was a great favourite among the people.

29/11/18
TOLSTA PUBLIC SCHOOL
The school is to continue closed till the first Monday in December, on account of the prevalence of influenza in the district.
There have been two recent deaths, due to the influenza epidemic. Christina Isabella MacDonald, daughter of widow John MacDonald, 12 North Tolsta. The
deceased was 14 years old and had been delicate from childhood. On Monday, Donald MacDonald, eldest son of widow Murdo MacDonald, 32 North Tolsta, died of pneumonia, following influenza. She was 21 years of age.

13/12/18
WRECKED
John MacIver, R.N.R., 43 North Tolsta, was a gunner on a sailing ship, when it was wrecked during a storm three weeks ago, on the south-west coast of England. The crew threw themselves into the sea. Although he was crashed several times among rocks, John managed to escape with severe bruising about the legs.

ANOTHER DEATH FROM INFLUENZA
Jessie MacLeod, youngest daughter of Mr. Norman MacLeod, 6 North Tolsta, died of pneumonia, following influenza. She was 23 years of age and had always been strong and healthy.
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10/1/19
A BRAVE SOLDIER
Corpl. John MacLeod, 20 North Tolsta, has been awarded the Croix de Guerre for exceptional bravery on the battlefield last Autumn. He had already been awarded the Military Medal.

WEDDING BELLS
At Stornoway, on Thursday, 26th December, Mr. Torquil MacIver, a discharged soldier, 4 North Tolsta, was married to Miss Mary MacIver, second daughter of Angus MacIver, R.N.R., 17 North Tolsta. Rev. Neil MacIntyre, Stornoway, officiated. Saoghal fada agus sonus suamhnach dhaoibh. This has been the sixth Tolsta couple to marry during the past three months and we understand there are more to follow.

24/1/19
A VISIT FROM LORD LEVERHULME
His Lordship visited the district last Saturday and after calling on the motherless children of the late John MacDonald, 1 North Tolsta, who was lost in the Iolaire disaster, he met some of the local people who had applied for new holdings.

THE GREAT DISASTER
Since we have sent in our last report the remains of three of our local men have been recovered and buried in the local Cemetary - Donald MacLeod and Malcolm MacLeod, sons of Malcolm MacLeod, 58 North Tolsta and Evander Murray, 45 North Tolsta. As we were burying these at night, verses from "The Burial Of Sir John Moore", kept recurring to our memories with strange persistency. The bodies of Donald Campbell, No. 44 and of John MacIver, No. 69, have not yet been recovered.

TOLSTA PUBLIC SCHOOL
The teachers and pupils of the school have collected £2 2s for the Institute for the Blind, Inverness. This sum is being forwarded to the local agent at Stornoway.

IOLAIRE DISASTER FUND
A Cinematographer visited this district last week to take photographs of the survivors and others. He also photographed sections of the township. We understand these photographs are to be exhibited in aid of the Disaster Fund.

7/2/19
LEAVE MEN
Some of the local men have been granted temporary discharges from the Army and Navy. Several others are coming home on short leaves.

OBITUARY
Mary MacDonald, 6 years of age, one of the motherless children left by the late John MacDonald, 1 North Tolsta, who lost his life in the "Iolaire" disaster, has died. This child had an attack of diptheria, an illness which has claimed several victims from this district during the past four years.

PRESENTATION
On the evening of 1st February, a deputation waited upon Mr. and Mrs. MacDonald, Schoolhouse and presented them in name of the villagers with :- A silver tea-service to Mr. and Mrs. MacDonald, a gold brooch to Mrs. MacDonald and a fountain pen to Mr. MacDonald. Mr. William MacLeod, in a neat speech, said the villagers were anxious to show in tangible form their appreciation of Mr. MacDonald's unfailing courtesy and kindness to them during the past four and a half years, when they had to get letters written, or to get Government schedules completed. They always found him most willing and ready to help them and they had great pleasure in giving these presents. Mr. MacDonald suitably replied, on behalf of himself and Mrs. MacDonald and heartily thanked the villagers for their gifts. He said that the little he did for the villagers during the war was very very small in contrast to what the soldiers and sailors had done for the people at home.

21/2/19
WEDDING BELLS
On 11th February, at 4 Glen Tolsta, Mr. Donald MacAulay, Breasclete, was married to Miss Catherine MacMillan, daughter of Mr. Donald MacMillan, 4 Glen Tolsta. Rev. Roderick MacKenzie, Back, officiated. On the same date, at 34 Kenneth Street, Stornoway, Mr. Donald Morrison, 8 North Tolsta, was married to Miss Isabella MacIver, daughter of Mr. Norman MacIver, 32 North Tolsta. Rev. Neil MacIntyre officiated at both.

HERE AND THERE
About 60 per cent of our local Naval Reservists have been demobilised. Several of these have started fishing and others are employed in Stornoway. The most of these men are eager to secure small holdings for themselves. The Lewisman's love for and pride in being in possession of a croft in his native island is wonderful and this war has seemingly increased his love for the soil.

28/2/19
TOLSTA TO NESS ROAD
A Surveyor has been in the district examining the route for the proposed road to Ness. It is understood locally, that Lord Leverhulme wishes to see this proposed road constructed. It would be a great boon to the demobilised men to get employment so near at hand and further, this road would materially shorten the distance between Ness and Stornoway.

INFLUENZA
There are several cases of influenza in the district, but with the exception of one or two cases, the illness is of a mild type. It is hoped this epidemic will not spread at such an alarming rate as it did last November.

A BRAVE SOLDIER
Among the Tolsta men recently demobilised, we notice Sergt. Murdo MacDonald, Seaforths, 48 North Tolsta. He was awarded the Military Medal last Spring and now we are pleased to see that he has been awarded a bar to his medal.

28/3/19
WEDDING BELLS
At 10 Back, on 11th March, Mr. Alexander Graham, 57 North Tolsta, was married to Christina Stewart, 10 Back, daughter of Mr. Donald Stewart. On the same date at 51 North Tolsta, Donald MacLennan, 35 North Tolsta, was married to Mary, daughter of the late Angus Campbell, 51 North Tolsta. Rev. Mr. MacIntyre, Stornoway, officiated at both marriages.

PRESENTATION
After school on Friday of last week, Mrs. Catherine MacIver, was on the occasion of her recent marriage, met by the staff and pupils and presented with a silver tea and coffee service. Mr. MacDonald, Headmaster, who presided, said Mrs. MacIver had taught in the school for more than seven years as a certificated teacher, besides serving her apprenticeship as a pupil teacher. During that time, she worked with energy and enthusiasm. It was the sincere wish of the pupils and staff that she and her husband, Mr. Roderick MacIver, of the Australian Imperial Force, may have joy, long life and every prosperity in their new home in Australia.

4/4/19
A NEW TEACHER
Miss Jane Thomson, Tong, entered upon her duties as assistant teacher in the local school on Monday last. She had been formerly teaching in Lionel School.

TOLSTA FARM ALLOTMENTS
Mr. Donald MacLeod, Merchant, Secretary of the Allotment-holders Association, recently received word from Mr. MacKenzie, Portree, to the effect that these plots are to be granted to the local people this year again on the previous terms. Many famillies would avail themselves of this opportunity, but the difficulty of securing fencing material discourages them. The portion of the farm alloted for these plots is excellent for the cultivation of potatoes.

DIPTHERIA
Owing to an outbreak of diptheria in the district, the infant school has been closed by order of the Medical Officer of Health. There have been many outbreaks of this disease in the township since July, 1914 and it is to be hoped that the authorities will now be successful in getting at the source of the trouble. It is quite possible there is a diptheria carrier in the district. Dr. MacKenzie, Stornoway, accompanied by the Sanitary Inspector, visited the district on Tuesday of last week to make investigations. We understand he has suggested to the District Committee to secure the services of a bacteriologist in order that the operative cause be authoritatively ascertained and satisfactorily dealt with.

11/4/19
WEDDING BELLS
At 52 North Tolsta, on 1st April, Mr. William MacLeod, 34 North Tolsta, was married to Mary, daughter of Mr. Alexander Graham, 57 North Tolsta. On 3rd
April, at 45 North Tolsta, Mr. Roderick MacKay, 64 North Tolsta, was married to Margaret, daughter of Mr. John Murray, 45 North Tolsta. Rev. Mr. MacKenzie, Back, officiated at both marriages.

ALLOTMENTS
In former years the plot-holders had much difficulty in fencing their allotments on the farm. They could not get anything more substantial than wire-netting, with the result that the sheep and the cattle broke through this fencing. Recently, Dr. Murray, M.P., was approached to use his influence with the Secretary for Scotland and the Board of Agriculture, to supply fencing material for the plots, with the result that the Board is now forwarding half a ton of barbed wire for these allotments. Last year, there were 37 plots cultivated and this year there are applications for other 24 plots, making a total of 61. The greatest drawback now is the difficulty in getting seed potatoes.

25/4/19
WEDDING BELLS
At 13 North Tolsta, on 15th April, Mr. John Campbell, jnr., 54 North Tolsta, was married to Jessie, eldest daughter of the late Murdo Campbell, 13 North Tolsta. Rev. Mr. MacKenzie, Back, officiated.

TOLSTA TO NESS ROAD
Work on this road was started last week, but so far only a few of the men have made a beginning. Of course people at present are so very busy with the Spring work that they cannot leave the croft. It is to be hoped the road work will soon be in full swing, but most of the men think that the wages offered are not sufficient, in view of the high cost of living.

TOPICAL NOTES
The crofters and allotment holders are expecting a supply of seed potatoes with the first cargo boat in Stornoway. It is hoped there will not be much delay.
The epidemic of diphtheria has practically died out.
There was not very much interest taken locally in the recent Education Authority Election. Between 25 and 30 per cent of the voters turned out. A Meeting of Electors had been held the evening before the Election. Mr. Cameron, J.P., presided. It was at this Meeting one of the men got so eloquent in speaking in favour of the women candidates that he said - "If you study the history of the world, you will find from the morning of the Lord's resurrection to the present time, that some of the heroines have outshone the greatest and most famous of other heroes."

SANITARY INSPECTOR'S REPORT ON SCHOOL
At a Meeting of the Lewis District Committee, a report was submitted from Mr. Milne, Sanitary Inspector, as to the sanitary condition of the school at North Tolsta, in view of the repeated outbreaks of diphtheria in that district.
Mr. Milne said, that the school buildings occupied a clean, dry site and the situation, though somewhat exposed, is good. The condition of the buildings, both internally and externally, is generally satisfactory. The sanitary conveniences provided for the use of the children and also for the Schoolhouse, are of an antiquated and primitive description and in his opinion, unsanitary and unsuited for the requirements of the school. The existing latrine should be abolished and a suitable type substituted, with adequate provision for flushing.
Probably the roof waters from the school buildings could be collected and conserved for this purpose and this might be supplemented by a small pump, which could be used at any time during dry periods. The sewage should also be treated, to prevent fouling of the surface of the ground, which is more or less frequented by children and others. The cleanliness of the school was satisfactory, but the prevention of dust during sweeping operations being distributed over desks, seats, school furniture and books was, he feared, too often overlooked. That applied to schools generally throughout the island and he thought it was most desirable, that damp sawdust moistened with some disinfectant should be sprinkled on the floors before sweeping was commenced.
The water supply appears to be fairly adequate and he thought there was hardly any reason for suspicion as to its quality. The common drinking cup at the school was no doubt, a likely means of conveying infection from one child to another, but it was difficult to suggest any alternative, as there is no supply water under pressure.

16/5/19
TOLSTA P. SCHOOL
The upper section of the school was reopened on Monday, after the Spring holidays. The infant department is still kept closed to prevent the spread of diphtheria.

SOLDIERS AND SAILORS FEDERATION
Mr. Murdo C. MacAulay, Secretary of the Lewis Branch of the Discharged and Demobilised Soldiers and Sailors Federation, addressed a crowded Meeting in this district on Tuesday of last week. Several of the local men of "the boys" were enrolled.

DIPHTHERIA
Dr. Dewar, of the local Government Board, was in the district recently, making a searching investigation into the cause of the frequent occurrence of diphtheria in this school area. It is earnestly hoped that he will be successful. If he fails to find the source of this trouble during these visits, we understand it is his intention to resume his investigations next month.

SEED POTATOES
Last week the Drifter "Result", on her way to Carloway, landed 14½ tons of seed potatoes ordered by this district. The price for a cwt. bag delivered here was, 14s 2d. The quality of the potatoes did not come up to expectations. The people expected to get the Iron Duke variety, but most of the quantity was of other varieties, which are not considered so suitable for the local soil.

MARRIAGE BELLS
At Flesherin, Point, on 30th April, Mr. John MacIver, 11 North Tolsta, was married to Annie, daughter of Mr. Angus MacDonald, Flesherin. On 8th May, Mr. Angus MacMillan, 4 Glen Tolsta, was married to Christina, daughter of Mr. John Murray, Merchant, North Tolsta.

23/5/19
FISHING NOTES
The small boats with the haddock lines have been having excellent catches during the past ten days. Mr. Murdo MacInnes, with his boat "Jeannie", is always to the front.

DIPHTHERIA
There has recently been a fresh case of diphtheria in the district. The child is now progressing favourably. It is to be sincerely hoped Dr. Dewar's recent investigations will help to eradicate this troublesome epidemic from the district.

TOPICAL
With the excellent weather, the Spring work is well under way. The cuckoo which has seldom visited this district during recent years was heard here last Sabbath.

TOLSTA TO NESS ROAD
So far only a few of the local men have started on this work, but these few are making very good progress. This road is being constructed so as to bear a weight of four or five tons. One man who had reclaimed a piece of skinned land several years ago, was able to provide the Contractor with about sixty tons of small stones which he had taken out of this plot for bottoming the new road.

20/6/19
WEDDING BELLS
At 10 North Tolsta, on 12th June, Mr. Murdo MacIver, 38 North Tolsta, was married to Christina, daughter of the late Angus MacIver, 10 North Tolsta. Rev. Roderick MacKenzie, Back, officiated.

THE NEW ROAD
About 120 men have now started work on the construction of the Tolsta to Ness road. Among these there are about two dozen men from other districts, including Harris. We understand no more outsiders are at present to be taken on. The position of the road being constructed at present passes through one of the most beautiful spots in Lewis.

DIPHTHERIA
Another case of diphtheria has broken out in the village, but we are pleased to learn the child is progressing favourably. As the local nurse is busy at other cases, Nurse MacKinnon, Stornoway, is here at present attending to this case. We understand the authorities desire to remove any further cases of this kind to hospital.

HERE AND THERE
Some good hauls of fish are still being got by the small boats. The weather during the past fortnight has been very unsettled and the young corn is somewhat stunted in exposed places. Representatives from the Labour Exchange held another Referee Court in the local school, on Thursday, 12th June.

27/6/19
DIPHTHERIA
A fresh case of this oft recurring trouble has broken out in the village. We understand the patient, a child, is progressing favourably. It is to be hoped the authorities will continue their investigations till they get at the root of this trouble. It is an anxious time for parents with young families.

FAREWELL VISITS
Pte. Donald MacLeod, Canadians, eldest son of Mr. Norman MacLeod, 63 North Tolsta, has been recently at home on a short leave, before returning to Canada. Corpl. Alex MacIver, Australians, son of Mr. Alex MacIver, 25 North Tolsta, has also been home recently prior to returning to Australia. His brother, Lieut. Roderick MacIver, R.F.A., is leaving also for Australia this week.

25/7/19
TOPICAL NOTES
The small boats fishing out of this village are still getting good hauls of haddock and gurnard. Two new boats have recently been added to the local fleet. There has been a welcome improvement in the weather during the past weeks and crops are now beginning to regain their summer verdure. The potatoes have not suffered so much as the other crops during the severe weather in June.
A good deal of progress has been made in the construction of the new road to Ness. About 140 men are working and some weeks a good deal over three hundred pounds of money is coming into the village. The women folk are delighted that their men are getting such steady employment so near their homes.
There are still isolated cases of diphtheria breaking out through the village. It seems the Local Government Board's Representative has not been able to get at the source of this trouble.

1/8/19
TOLSTA PUBLIC SCHOOL
The school closed for annual holidays on 24th July until 1st September. It is hoped it will be possible to reopen the whole school then. The Infants and Lower Juniors have been excluded since the end of last March, on account of diphtheria. Things however, are not looking promising, for since 1st May, there have been no fewer than 13 cases of this disease. Fortunately, none have proved fatal.

ROADMEN STRIKE
On Thursday last, the men working on the North Tolsta road struck work. The reason for doing so was somewhat trivial. It seemed to have something to do with travelling from a certain point of the road to the rest of the week. The men returned to work on Monday morning and not the least ill-feeling exists between the men and the manager, Mr. Dunlop, whom the former highly respect and consider a very capable master. The men lost 25 hours' work and we are informedthat they would require to work 200 days, even if their claims were conceded, to make up for the time lost. The people are very grateful to Lord Leverhulme for providing work for them so near their homes.

8/8/19
LEWIS PEACE CELEBRATIONS - NORTH TOLSTA
On Saturday, 19th July, there was a peace celebration picnic for the school children and others, held at Garry. As there was a funeral in the village that day, the festivities did not begin till 2pm. Over 200 children marched from the school to Garry, about 2 miles distant. Before the sports started, the senior pupils amused themselves by gathering water lillies on Loch na Cartach. The sports commenced about 5pm and many of the children took part in the following events - 300 yards, sack, three-legged, wheelbarrow, donkey and marathon races, egg and spoon races, tug of war, etc. There were over 100 prizes given and every child present received a coin in memory of the occasion. Mr. Dunlop gave out the prizes. At the close, Mr. MacDonald, Schoolmaster, made a short speech suitable for the occasion. After the votes of thanks, the children were formed into a procession and marched home-ward, highly delighted with the day's outing. Mr. and Mrs. Dunlop, Mr. Allan Cameron, Mr. Donald MacLeod, Student, Misses K. A. Finlayson and Johanna MacLeod and the school teachers, helped with making the arrangements. Mr. John MacKenzie, Baker, Bayhead, Stornoway, catered for the picnic. Besides the £4 donation received from the Peace Celebration Committee at Stornoway, there was a substantial collection made by those working on the new road, while Mr. Dunlop, Mrs. MacDonald, the Farm; Mr. Allan Cameron, Mr. Donald MacLeod, Merchant; Mrs. Murray, Glasgow and the school teachers also gave good donations. The sward at Garry, where the picnic was held, is one of the most beautiful spots in Lewis.

12/9/19
TOLSTA PUBLIC SCHOOL
This school was reopened on Monday last, after the annual holidays. During the Summer months, the Infants and Lower Juniors were excluded on account of the frequent recurrence of diphtheria in the district, but that whole school is now open, there being only about half a dozen pupils excluded.

NEW TEACHER
Miss Annie M. MacLean, Stornoway, has entered upon her duties as Infant Mistress in North Tolsta School. Miss MacLean has been teaching in the local school prior to her entering Dundee Training Centre two years ago.

TOPICAL NOTES
The weather has been very unsettled for some time and many people have not yet managed to get their peats carted home. Very little fishing has been done during the past three weeks. It is not likely that any corn can be reaped in this district till after the middle of this month and, as far as can be seen at present, there will be no hay in the village at all this year.

3/10/19
WEDDING BELLS
At the North Tolsta Free Presbyterian Church, Mr. Angus Nicolson, 9 North Tolsta, was married to Christina, daughter of Mr. Murdo MacDonald, 60 North Tolsta. Mr. Angus Morrison, 15 North Tolsta, was married to Annie, daughter of Mr. John MacLeod, 20 North Tolsta. Rev. Mr. MacIntyre, Stornoway, officiated.

PASSING NOTES
The people have now started reaping the barley. The storms of recent weeks have badly damaged the corn. There has been no fishing done during the last fortnight. The district Nurse, is now away for her annual holidays and Nurse MacIver, Carloway, is to be here during Nurse Stewart's absence.

DIPHTHERIA
This trouble still breaks out here and there, throughout the village. There have been five cases during the last three weeks. Jean, the two-year-old daughter of Mr. John Murray, 71 North Tolsta, died of this illness a few days ago and the heartfelt sympathy of the Community is extended to the bereaved family.

17/10/19

LORD LEVERHULME'S SCHEME - NORTH TOLSTA UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES

A mass Meeting of the men of North Tolsta, was held in the Tolsta Public School, on Wednesday, 8th October. Mr. John MacLennan, No. 60, one of those responsible for calling the people together at the outset, explained the reasons which prompted them to hold the Meeting. He said that it was time they appointed a village Committee, which would deal with affairs pertaining to the welfare of the inhabitants. Thereafter, Mr. Angus MacLennan, No. 35, was called to the chair.

The Meeting was unanimously in favour of having a Committee called, "The Tolsta Vigilance Welfare Association" elected on the spot. The following Members were elected:- Mr. John MacLennan, No. 60; Mr. Roderick MacKay, No. 66; Mr. Torquil MacDonald, No. 9; Mr. Allan Murray, No. 4: Mr. Angus MacLennan, No. 35 and Mr. William MacDonald, No. 48.

The Chairman then, amidst applause, invited a discussion on Lord Leverhulme's Schemes. Mr. Donald Cameron, J.P., Mr. John MacLennan, Mr. Kenneth MacLeod, Mr. Angus Graham, Mr. John Campbell, Mr. Allan Murray and others, took part in the discussion that followed.

The concensus of opinion was, that it would be detrimental to the welfare of the inhabitants of Lewis to do anything rash in the circumstances that would tend to thwart his Lordship's Schemes for the betterment of the island. Several of the speakers referred to the large amount of money he was spending since he came to the island in order to create employment for the people. It would be impossible to find any other landlord who had done so much in so short a time. One of the men said that in one year his Lordship pays as much in wages alone, as it cost him to buy the island and said he, "we have seen only the beginning of his Schemes."

The Chairman then asked those who were in favour of Lord Leverhulme's Scheme to put up their hands, with the result that there was a forest of hands put up. When he asked for a show of hands of those not approving of these Schemes, there was no hand put up. It is worthy of note that most of those who had recently met his Lordship at Back, were present at this Meeting.
The Chairman declared amidst loud cheering, that the Tolsta people were unanimous in aquiescing in Lord Leverhulme's Schemes and the newly-elected Committee were authorised to inform his Lordship of the result of the Meeting.

WEDDING BELLS
At 18 North Tolsta, on 24th September, Mr. John MacLeod, 58 North Tolsta, was married to Kennethina, youngest daughter of the late Murdo MacIver, 18 North Tolsta. At 52 North Tolsta, on 7th October, Mr. Donald MacLeod, 45 North Tolsta, was married to Christina, youngest daughter of the late Allan MacDonald. Rev. Mr. MacIntyre, Stornoway, officiated at both weddings. No fewer than 20 Tolsta couples have married during the past 12 months. Good for Tolsta!

DEATH FROM DIPHTHERIA
Angus, the youngest son of Mr. Donald MacIver, 82 North Tolsta, died of the after effects of diphtheria, on Tuesday, 7th October. The deceased was 10 years of age and was a prime favourite with old and young in the district. Donald, a younger brother of the deceased, died last November, during the epidemic of influenza.

7/11/19
SCHOOL CLOSURE
Owing to the outbreak of diphtheria in the Headmaster's house, the school is to be closed till the first Monday of December. There are also some other cases of this illness throughout the village.

NORTH TOLSTA'S WAR RECORD
There were 231 former pupils of this school on active service during the war. The population at the last census was 853 - 400 males and 450 females. This is equivalent to a percentage of 27 of the total population and of 58 per cent of the males. Fifty of these have made the supreme sacrifice, a percentage of 21.6 of these serving. Ninety per cent of them had enlisted before the Military Service Act came into force. Widow John Campbell, No. 54, lost three of her seven sons and Mr. Kenneth MacLeod, No. 58, lost three of his five sons. Widow Martin, No. 76, lost her only son and two sons-in-law and Widow Campbell, No. 47, lost her husband and her eldest son. It is worthy of note that Mrs. John Campbell, (Jnr.), No. 54, had her husband, six brothers and six brothers-in-law serving. Tolsta's record is hard to beat.

28/11/19
TOLSTA PUBLIC SCHOOL
This school reopens on Monday, 1st December. At present the district is practically clear of diphtheria. During the closure, all the drains about the school buildings were opened up and put in a satisfactory condition and various other improvements are also being carried through. The Education authorities are determined to have everything about the school in a sanitary condition.

FRIENDS IN NEED
The house of Mr. Allan Murray, 4 North Tolsta, was recently destroyed by fire. Within a few hours after the fire, up to fifty pounds was subscribed by the village people to help Mr. Murray to rebuild his house. The people of Coll have also sent £13.

PARISH COUNCIL
We understand that Mr. John MacLennan, Crofter, 60 North Tolsta, has been nominated for the Parish Council. Mr. MacLennan, we think, should make a very good representative for the district.

CHILD NEGLECT
Angus MacMillan, seaman, 2 Glen Tolsta, was apprehended on Monday by a Sheriff Warrant, at the insistance of the Stornoway Parish Council, charged with having failed to maintain one of his children, who was staying with his grandfather, at 2 Port-of Ness. He was bought before Sheriff Dunbar, and pled guilty. The Sheriff sentenced him to one month's imprisonment.
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