“A CUMING A’ AWA’ IN BITS.”

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2455, 31 January 1881, Page 4

“A CUMING A’ AWA’ IN BITS.”

Before the erection of the new pier at the Castle Rock, passengers from Dumbarton had to be conveyed down’ the Leven to the Clyde steamer by a ferryboat rowed by two sturdy and generally elderly ferrymen. On one occasion an English commercial traveller had seated himself on the gunwale,at the stern. One of the old ferrymen, aware of the danger to anyone so placed, when the rope of the steamer should be attached to the bow of the boat, took occasion to warn the man of his danger. “ Noo, raa man, come doun aff that or you’ll coup ower.” The bagman only replied by telling him to “ mind his own business, and trust him to take care of himself.” “ Weel,” said the ferryman, “ mind I’ve telt ye ; as sure as ye’re sitting there, ye’ll coup ower.” No sooner had the rope been attached and the boat got the inevitable tug from the steamer, than the fellow went heels up over the stern. “ Gowk, I telt him that!" However, being in the water, it behoved that every effort should be made to rescue him. So the Ferryman made a grab at what seemed the hair of his head, when a big wig came away. Throwing this impatiently into the boat, he made a second grip at the collar of his shirt, when a front came away: Casting this from him with still greater scorn, he shouted to his companion, “ Tummas, come here and help to save as muckle o’ this man as,ye can, for he’s coming a’ awa’ in bits.”