Over the next few articles, I’m exploring one particular day in Blantyre. Saturday 29th October 1892.
Why that day being so special? Well, This was the day that Blantyre received a new ambulance waggon, something which would make a significant difference to local emergency response. Thankfully, the day was well described in the newspapers and absolutely worth retelling here, some 133 years later!
That afternoon, the brand new ambulance waggon (built of timber, with 4 wheels and to be horse drawn) was delivered to the school yard of Stonefield School (Ness’s). Built to order at a cost of £90, it was exhibited in the grounds of the school at the corner of Victoria Street and Glasgow Road (the exact spot being where Blantyre Library was until recently).
A large number of public figures and indeed residents had been invited along to inspect the vehicle which was described as being the latest of its kind, with cushioned wheels (tyres) and springs providing suspension. The interior was fitted out with stretchers with blankets and pillows all suspended by the finest springs which will mean the greatest of comfort for patients being conveyed to their homes or hospital.
After a visual inspection had been carried out, the public figures were invited ‘across the road’ to the yard of Mr David Hastie where the waggon was to be housed in a specially built garage. Another visual inspection followed as authorities saw where the waggon would be safely stored. However, during the proceedings, conversation turned to another matter as the small group of authorities learned that Mr Hastie recently had something exciting installed. A Telephone! The delegation having never seen a phone before, and knowing this was one of the first to be installed in Blantyre, quickly moved their attention that day from the new waggon , leaning on Mr Hastie to ‘show off’ his new telecom acquisition. Those events are explored in the next article with some humour!
The former school where the ambulance was exhibited is pictured in later decades.
