In July 1892, High Blantyre School served as the polling place, with a notably empty thoroughfare compared to previous elections. Only 1,591 men could vote due to restrictions: they had to be 21 or older, property holders or occupiers, and registered. Women and most working-class men were excluded from voting.
In March 1934, a most unusual situation arose over the appointment of a new minister for Blantyre (Old) Parish Church. By 203 votes to 53 the congregation openly rejected the candidate selected as sole nominee by the vacancy committee. The situation was most unusual as the congregation had experienced 2 sermons by the stand-in, trial minister. […]
I was surprised on TWO counts to see this record in 1935 of a miner standing for parliamentary elections. Also due to his level of expenses, which in 1935 for that campaign were £320 (a sum of £21,000 in today’s money!). PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION, 14th November, 1935. SUMMARY THE ELECTION EXPENSES OF JOHN JAMES FRASER, of […]