Another local anecdote, which is worth sharing. In 1897, a relatively new term was being used on the railways. In November that year, a Blantyre teacher was endeavouring to explain the term “Booking” in the context of securing advance tickets to travel.

“Now”, he said to the pupils. “Can any of you tell me the name of the office at which railway tickets are sold?”

“The BOOKING office”, replied one of the smarter lads. “Right!”, said the teacher.

At this moment, the teachers eye fell upon another small boy in the corner of the classroom who was evidently not paying attention to what was being said. “Did you hear that Traynor!?”, shouted the teacher.

“What, sir?”, said the startled youth innocently.
“As I thought”, said the teacher, “you were not listening! Let’s suppose your father for example decided to have a day’s holiday and visit the seaside. What would he have to do before he took a seat on the train?”

The youngster thought for a moment and piped up, “Pawn his tools?”

illustrated by AI imaging this scene.