The Marine Gardens
The Marine Ballroom re-opened under the management of Mr. Graham Yool. On 18 July 1922 Anniversary night was celebrated yesterday by a fancy dress ball and novelty carnival. Something like 1500 people were present and a very large proportion of these were in fancy dress. The dresses were very nearly as varied as they were numerous and the glitter of the costumes under the brilliant lighting effects produced a kaleidoscopic scene. The hall was reputed to possess one of the best floors in Edinburgh and, despite the large attendance, it was never over crowded. About half way through the evening a fancy dress parade waas formed for the purposes of adjudication. Bailie Keddie of Leith, in a short speech, referred to the success of the management and the event commemorated. Dancing was afterwards resumed and continued until the extended hours limit. Numerous novelties were distributed throughout the evening and the award of prizes was on a popular and liberal scale. The prizes were presented by Miss C. Graham Yool and the adjudication performed by a committee of ladies and gentlemen.
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In March 1923 Mr. Graham Yool began removing sand from the section of foreshore which was part of the curtilage of the Gardens which he had bought with the Martine Ballroom.
Tenants of the tenements in Kings Road complained to the Corporation about the vibration caused by the coming and going of carts. The Corporation agreed that the matter should be remitted to the Lord Provost’s Comittee.
Tenants of the tenements in Kings Road complained to the Corporation about the vibration caused by the coming and going of carts. The Corporation agreed that the matter should be remitted to the Lord Provost’s Comittee.
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The Marine Gardens ballroom presented a very attractive and picturesque appearance on 5 April 1923 when a Moulin Rouge fancy dress carnival was held. There was an attendance of about 2000 ladies and gentlemen, most of whom were in fancy costume.
The elaborate decoration scheme, together with the pretty lighting effects and the gorgeous and gay dresses of the dancers combined to make a scene of great beauty and splendour.
A feature of the decorations was a representation of the Paris Moulin Rouge, with its red arms, which was placed in a central position on the ballroom floor.
A notable event in the course of the evening was the taking of a cinematograph film of the proceedings by means of a specially installed powerful electric illumination. Among the special subjects taken by the cinematographer was the group of prize winners, including the lady who was acclaimed the queen of the Moulin Rouge.
The elaborate decoration scheme, together with the pretty lighting effects and the gorgeous and gay dresses of the dancers combined to make a scene of great beauty and splendour.
A feature of the decorations was a representation of the Paris Moulin Rouge, with its red arms, which was placed in a central position on the ballroom floor.
A notable event in the course of the evening was the taking of a cinematograph film of the proceedings by means of a specially installed powerful electric illumination. Among the special subjects taken by the cinematographer was the group of prize winners, including the lady who was acclaimed the queen of the Moulin Rouge.
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The Marine Gardens ballroom presented a very attractive and picturesque appearance on 5 April 1923 when a Moulin Rouge fancy dress carnival was held. There was an attendance of about 2000 ladies and gentlemen, most of whom were in fancy costume.
The elaborate decoration scheme, together with the pretty lighting effects and the gorgeous and gay dresses of the dancers combined to make a scene of great beauty and splendour.
A feature of the decorations was a representation of the Paris Moulin Rouge, with its red arms, which was placed in a central position on the ballroom floor.
A notable event in the course of the evening was the taking of a cinematograph film of the proceedings by means of a specially installed powerful electric illumination. Among the special subjects taken by the cinematographer was the group of prize winners, including the lady who was acclaimed the queen of the Moulin Rouge.
The elaborate decoration scheme, together with the pretty lighting effects and the gorgeous and gay dresses of the dancers combined to make a scene of great beauty and splendour.
A feature of the decorations was a representation of the Paris Moulin Rouge, with its red arms, which was placed in a central position on the ballroom floor.
A notable event in the course of the evening was the taking of a cinematograph film of the proceedings by means of a specially installed powerful electric illumination. Among the special subjects taken by the cinematographer was the group of prize winners, including the lady who was acclaimed the queen of the Moulin Rouge.
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A children’s fancy dress carnival was held in the Marine Gardens Ballroom on 27 April. About two thousand children were admitted and the spacious hall, gaily decorated for the occasion presented a fascinating scene as the young dancers played in their fairyland. Many of the costumes were very picturesque and others betrayed considerable ingenuity. Each boy and girl was given a toy on leaving the hall and during the carnival novelties were freely distributed. A number of attractive prizes were given for the best dresses and included a large rocking horse, a gramophone and a toy elephant in addition to some hundreds of mouth organs, dolls and engines. That the evening was greatly enjoyed by the throng of young folk was evident from their bright and happy faces.
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At Edinburgh Police Court on 11 June Thomas Mason (19) of 5 Prospect Place admitted the theft of 68 lb of brass fittings from the Marine Gardens. Bailie Young imposed a fine of £1 with the alternative of 20 days imprisonment. It was stated that the fittings had been removed from a number of old cable car tops stored in the Gardens.
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1924 cracked off with a grand panto carnival in the Marine Gardens ballroom, which attracted a large number of dancers and spectators.
The function was under the patronage of the Lord Provost, Magistrates and Councillors of the city.
Specially decorated for the occasion, the spacious ballroom had a festive appearance. Many of the dancers wore fancy dress and the gaily coloured costumes of the mingling throng made kaleidoscopic the changing scene of gliding humanity that swayed with rhythmic motion. A number of artistes from the leading theatres attended the ball and some of them gave exhibition dances.
The function was under the patronage of the Lord Provost, Magistrates and Councillors of the city.
Specially decorated for the occasion, the spacious ballroom had a festive appearance. Many of the dancers wore fancy dress and the gaily coloured costumes of the mingling throng made kaleidoscopic the changing scene of gliding humanity that swayed with rhythmic motion. A number of artistes from the leading theatres attended the ball and some of them gave exhibition dances.
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Yet another fancy dress carnival took place at the Marine Gardens on 14 March in aid of the Cinema Benefit Fund when over 3000 people were present, including Mr. Victor McLaglan, the boxer actor who presented the prizes.
In a speech he expressed himself delighted with his first visit to scotland. Mr. McLaglan is a son of the Bishop of Claremont. During the ball hundreds of ladies secured his autograph.
Valuable prizes subscribed for by Mr. Graham Yool, the Edinburgh Cinema Committee and the Glasgow Renting Trade were presented by Mr. McLaglan.
Among those present were Mr. D.S. Alpin, president of the Cinema executive Association, Mr. George Salmon, secretary of the Edinburgh CEA and members of the trade in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The free use of the hall was granted by Mr. Yool.
In a speech he expressed himself delighted with his first visit to scotland. Mr. McLaglan is a son of the Bishop of Claremont. During the ball hundreds of ladies secured his autograph.
Valuable prizes subscribed for by Mr. Graham Yool, the Edinburgh Cinema Committee and the Glasgow Renting Trade were presented by Mr. McLaglan.
Among those present were Mr. D.S. Alpin, president of the Cinema executive Association, Mr. George Salmon, secretary of the Edinburgh CEA and members of the trade in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The free use of the hall was granted by Mr. Yool.
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The following week there was a gathering of about 3000 dancers and spectators in the Marine Gardens Ballroom, in connection with a fancy dress carnival ball in aid of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, which was held under the patronage of the Lord Provost, Magistrates and Town Council. The scene was a bright and gay one.
Mr. W.M. Baird, chairman of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary Pageant Committee tendered thanks to the management for arranging the carnival ball. He said that the extension of buildings to keep the infirmary in the forefront as a great house of healing with an ever open door would no doubt give the zest and vigour to all to make a great effort to ensure success in the collection of funds. The infirmary’s needs were great and pressing but greater still was the reserve of human sympathy.
Mr. W.M. Baird, chairman of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary Pageant Committee tendered thanks to the management for arranging the carnival ball. He said that the extension of buildings to keep the infirmary in the forefront as a great house of healing with an ever open door would no doubt give the zest and vigour to all to make a great effort to ensure success in the collection of funds. The infirmary’s needs were great and pressing but greater still was the reserve of human sympathy.
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By the summer of 1925 the Marine Gardens Ballroom had its own orchestra, The Portobello Marine Gardens Dixieland Orchestra and regular radio broadcasts started on Saturday afternoons from 3:00 to 4:15.
On 13 February 1926 the broadcast featured a new band, Jeffries and his Rialto Orchestra. Jeffries soon became a favourite, broadcasting every week throughout 1926.
On 13 February 1926 the broadcast featured a new band, Jeffries and his Rialto Orchestra. Jeffries soon became a favourite, broadcasting every week throughout 1926.
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On 19 February 1926 another Carnival Ball was held in aid of the Scottish Cinema Trade Benevolent Fund, a special attraction being the presence of Miss Betty Balfour and Mr. Stuart Rome, the leading British film stars of the day.
Miss Balfour and Mr. Rome appeared on the balcony over the orchestra platform and shortly after 10 o’clock the crowd on the floor gathered in front of the balcony and Mis Balfour addressed a few words to them. She said she was delighted to be there but was impatient to dance and after a few asides and impromptu observations she asked the dancers to carry on.
The two cinema notabilities thereafter descended to the floor. During the first dance in which they took part they were considerably impeded by the dancers who showed a tendency to close in upon them, but thereafter the crowding ceased.
Yesterday afternoon Miss Balfour and Mr. Rome spoke a few words from the Edinburgh studio of the British Broadcasting Company during the children’s hour. Miss Balfour contented herself with a brief but cheery message of greeting while Mr. Rome, who has recently visited America, made an appeal for increased support of British films. John Bull, he said, ought to say to Uncle Sam: “You’ve had enough. No more. We’re going to give our own people a chance.”
Miss Balfour and Mr. Rome appeared on the balcony over the orchestra platform and shortly after 10 o’clock the crowd on the floor gathered in front of the balcony and Mis Balfour addressed a few words to them. She said she was delighted to be there but was impatient to dance and after a few asides and impromptu observations she asked the dancers to carry on.
The two cinema notabilities thereafter descended to the floor. During the first dance in which they took part they were considerably impeded by the dancers who showed a tendency to close in upon them, but thereafter the crowding ceased.
Yesterday afternoon Miss Balfour and Mr. Rome spoke a few words from the Edinburgh studio of the British Broadcasting Company during the children’s hour. Miss Balfour contented herself with a brief but cheery message of greeting while Mr. Rome, who has recently visited America, made an appeal for increased support of British films. John Bull, he said, ought to say to Uncle Sam: “You’ve had enough. No more. We’re going to give our own people a chance.”
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16 April 1926 saw the release of Tres Jolie. This popular tango, featured by Jeffries at the Marine Gardens Ballroom had been recorded by Beltona. No. 972 2/6 Picador. It was a Spanish one step with vocal chorus. Beltona records were published by Murdochs and nearly all dealers supplied them.
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The Radio Broadcast from the Martine Gardens on 27 July 1926 was a special Holiday programme. The concert was open to the public and a collection was taken in aid of the Royal Infirmary.
The West End Concert Company and the Phoenix Costume Concert Party appeared in songs, dance, comedy and music relayed from the Beach, (by permission of the proprietors of the Marine Gardens)
The West End Concert Party consisted of :-
Scottish violinist. Reels and Strathspeys (Ian Mclean).
Humorous interlude “The Postie” (Jock Reid)
mezzo soprano selections (Miss Rosa Goldie)
Reid and Lern with some nonsense.
and the Phoenix Costume Party:-
Melodious Minutes (orchestral)
Chorus “One By One” (party)
Song “Hail Caledonia” (Peter Ponton)
Humorous interlude “The Bud” (D. McGregor, J. Drysdale, S. Armstrong)
Song “My Ain Folk” (Betty Lessels)
At the piano “Nonsense” (J. Drysdale)
Duet “You’re The Sort of Girl” (Mildred Wilson, D. McGregor)
Scotch character song “The Treasure” (Sandy Armstrong)
Song “Look For The Silver Lining” (Mildred Wilson)
Chorus ensemble “There May Be Days” (party)
Accompanist Miss Catherine Innes. At 9.0 p.m. Jeffries Rialto Trio (violin, cello and pianoforte) took over in a musical interlude relayed from the Marine Gardens.
The West End Concert Company and the Phoenix Costume Concert Party appeared in songs, dance, comedy and music relayed from the Beach, (by permission of the proprietors of the Marine Gardens)
The West End Concert Party consisted of :-
Scottish violinist. Reels and Strathspeys (Ian Mclean).
Humorous interlude “The Postie” (Jock Reid)
mezzo soprano selections (Miss Rosa Goldie)
Reid and Lern with some nonsense.
and the Phoenix Costume Party:-
Melodious Minutes (orchestral)
Chorus “One By One” (party)
Song “Hail Caledonia” (Peter Ponton)
Humorous interlude “The Bud” (D. McGregor, J. Drysdale, S. Armstrong)
Song “My Ain Folk” (Betty Lessels)
At the piano “Nonsense” (J. Drysdale)
Duet “You’re The Sort of Girl” (Mildred Wilson, D. McGregor)
Scotch character song “The Treasure” (Sandy Armstrong)
Song “Look For The Silver Lining” (Mildred Wilson)
Chorus ensemble “There May Be Days” (party)
Accompanist Miss Catherine Innes. At 9.0 p.m. Jeffries Rialto Trio (violin, cello and pianoforte) took over in a musical interlude relayed from the Marine Gardens.
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By kind permission of the Lawrence Wright Music Corporation, from the 8 December there was a special visit to the Martine Gardens by Murrey’s famous London band. They were the perfect combination that made dancing a delight. Mr. Jack Beeching, baritone, sang at all the evening sessions.
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Among the social events on the Trade Union Congress diary was a visit to the Marine Gardens Ballroom on 5 September 1927 and a fairly large number of the delegates sought a few hours recreation at Portobello’s spacious dance hall. The 1500 people present included three Labour members of Edinburgh Town Council. The TUC visit coincided with the introduction of a new band, the Ambassadors’ Orchestra which, under the direction of Mr. Billy Reid and the conductorship of Mr. Lou Simmonds, played with verve and rhythm.
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A Warrant to erect sports pavilions at the Marine Gardens was granted by Edinburgh Dean of Guild Court at a sitting in the Burgh Court on 25 November 1927. One of these was for a football pitch at the Gardens. It would have stripping rooms for teams, committee room and other accommodation.
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Speedway started at the Marine Gardens in May 1928.On 23 May a crowd of 5,000 watched the racing. The Scotsman reported that the racing was of a thrilling and interesting nature and though there were some falls, no accident occurred among the competitors.
In the Edinburgh Handicap only one of the cracks, Ivor Creek, England, advanced beyond the first stage and in winning his heat from Drew McQueen, Edinburgh, he was fortunate as the Edinburgh rider had a spill while leading round the final bend in the last lap. W. Galloway, Australia, after taking the lead in the second heat, had to stop owing to trouble with his chain. The final eventually resolved itself into a struggle between Rex Delahaye, Edinburgh and Drew McQueen, the former winning narrowly after a fine race.
Expert racing took Paddy Deans and Sprouts Elder into the final of the Flying Eight, a four laps event. In order that an attempt could be made on the record, the last stage, which should have been over six laps was run over four laps. Dean was on the lead throughout, Elder losing ground twice in endeavouring to gain the inside position and in the end the Australian won with half a lap to spare without, however, touching the world’s record.
In the Edinburgh Handicap only one of the cracks, Ivor Creek, England, advanced beyond the first stage and in winning his heat from Drew McQueen, Edinburgh, he was fortunate as the Edinburgh rider had a spill while leading round the final bend in the last lap. W. Galloway, Australia, after taking the lead in the second heat, had to stop owing to trouble with his chain. The final eventually resolved itself into a struggle between Rex Delahaye, Edinburgh and Drew McQueen, the former winning narrowly after a fine race.
Expert racing took Paddy Deans and Sprouts Elder into the final of the Flying Eight, a four laps event. In order that an attempt could be made on the record, the last stage, which should have been over six laps was run over four laps. Dean was on the lead throughout, Elder losing ground twice in endeavouring to gain the inside position and in the end the Australian won with half a lap to spare without, however, touching the world’s record.
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Speedway at the Marine Gardens really caught on and by mid-July an attendance of fully 16,000 men women and children was common. They were provided with exciting and interesting fare on 19 July. There was some very fine racing and excellent times recorded. Drew McQueen, the well known Edinburgh rider, set up a record time for the track of 24 and one fifth secs for a lap. He did this in the fourth heat of the Flying Eight when racing against Norman Isbister. The previous best time of 24 and two fifths secs. was held by Stewart St George, New Zealand. Just before McQueen put up his record, Sam Reid, in an attempt to beat St. George’s time, had gone round in 25 secs with a clear field. One of the best races of the night was the third heat of the Edinburgh Handicap, which McQueen won by superb riding after a thrilling tussle with George McKenzie. The second semi final of this handicap, in which the same two riders and Harry Duncan were racing neck to neck for most of the time was also an interesting event. In the Flying Eight second heat, Paddy Dean, in a close contest with Sam Reid, did the four laps in 1 min 39 and two fifths secs. In the final a well contested and enjoyable race, Dean was beaten by Eric Burnet, who did the four laps in 1 min 37 and a half secs.
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The following week the crowd was 17,000.
They witnessed a programme of racing which provided its full complement of thrills. To the Edinburgh public the result of the final of the Scottish Gold Helmet Challenge Race was particularly pleasing for in gaining the honour, Eric Burnet was the first local rider to wear the champions headgear. From England Roger Fregley and Arthur Willimot came to engage with Drew McQueen and Eric Burnet in two international matches. In the first match Fregley defeated McQueen after a good race.
The other was postponed after Willimot had earned the applause of the crowd by his sporting action. Burnett was enjoying a good lead when he crashed in the last lap and rather than achieve a fortunate victory, Willimot stopped his machine. It was the intention to re-run the race, but while competing in the Edinburgh Handicap Willimot came down and was too badly shaken to permit of him riding again during the afternoon.
In his match with McQueen, Roger Fregley broke the four laps record for the ground, reducing the figures to 1 min 26 and one fifth secs while in an attempt on the lap record he equalled Drew McQueen’s time of 24 and one fifth secs.
They witnessed a programme of racing which provided its full complement of thrills. To the Edinburgh public the result of the final of the Scottish Gold Helmet Challenge Race was particularly pleasing for in gaining the honour, Eric Burnet was the first local rider to wear the champions headgear. From England Roger Fregley and Arthur Willimot came to engage with Drew McQueen and Eric Burnet in two international matches. In the first match Fregley defeated McQueen after a good race.
The other was postponed after Willimot had earned the applause of the crowd by his sporting action. Burnett was enjoying a good lead when he crashed in the last lap and rather than achieve a fortunate victory, Willimot stopped his machine. It was the intention to re-run the race, but while competing in the Edinburgh Handicap Willimot came down and was too badly shaken to permit of him riding again during the afternoon.
In his match with McQueen, Roger Fregley broke the four laps record for the ground, reducing the figures to 1 min 26 and one fifth secs while in an attempt on the lap record he equalled Drew McQueen’s time of 24 and one fifth secs.
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On 30 July the weather was none too kindly and rain actually fell during the sport, but nevertheless the dirt track racing at the Marine Gardens drew out another large attendance, the crowd being officially estimated at 14,000.
The meeting was without any of the cracks such as Paddy Dean or Ivor Creek but the Edinburgh riders, especially Eric Burnet, had come on so rapidly that Dean and his visiting colleagues no longer represented the class above local talent.
Burnet had another successful day and had he not come down might well have scooped the pool. He won the Edinburgh Handicap final with a display as accomplished and daring as any he had yet given. That he failed to find a place in the Marine Speedway’s Scratch final was due to a spill in the semi-final. This race was won by the local rider Harry Duncan, but he looked like being beaten by George McKenzie, another local man, until the latter came down and Duncan, followed by Drew McQueen, went on to win.
Sig Schlam, the Australian crack, made his first appearance in Scotland, as did Fred Fearnley.
The meeting was without any of the cracks such as Paddy Dean or Ivor Creek but the Edinburgh riders, especially Eric Burnet, had come on so rapidly that Dean and his visiting colleagues no longer represented the class above local talent.
Burnet had another successful day and had he not come down might well have scooped the pool. He won the Edinburgh Handicap final with a display as accomplished and daring as any he had yet given. That he failed to find a place in the Marine Speedway’s Scratch final was due to a spill in the semi-final. This race was won by the local rider Harry Duncan, but he looked like being beaten by George McKenzie, another local man, until the latter came down and Duncan, followed by Drew McQueen, went on to win.
Sig Schlam, the Australian crack, made his first appearance in Scotland, as did Fred Fearnley.
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11 August saw a fairly comprehensive programme at the Marine Gardens Speedway , before the biggest crowd yet present there, the attendance bordering on 18,000.
In addition to the Edinburgh Handicap and Scottish Gold Helmet event, there was a series of three matches between Edinburgh and Manchester riders.
At an interval in the racing Frank Moody, European cruiser weight boxing champion, fresh from his victory over Tommy Milligan, boxed an exhibition with Steve McCall, Aberdeen.
The feature of the racing was the failure of Eric Burnet and Drew McQueen, who both disappeared from the Gold Helmet competition by unfortunate spills. During the afternoon Burnet came down four times, but spills were numerous owing to the state of the track. The Edinburgh rider G. McKenzie eventually triumphed in the final, his two Manchester opponents having a series of spills, though Mackenzie’s victory was gained by what, under the circumstances, was risky riding.
Twice during the day new figures were put up for the four laps standing start. Eric Burnet returning 1 min 37 and four fifth seconds, to be bettered later by Drew McQueen’s 1 min 37 and three fifth secs.
Edinburgh won the intercity matches by two victories to nil, the race between H. Duncan and A. Moore being cancelled after the former had crashed against the fence, though fortunately uninjured.
In addition to the Edinburgh Handicap and Scottish Gold Helmet event, there was a series of three matches between Edinburgh and Manchester riders.
At an interval in the racing Frank Moody, European cruiser weight boxing champion, fresh from his victory over Tommy Milligan, boxed an exhibition with Steve McCall, Aberdeen.
The feature of the racing was the failure of Eric Burnet and Drew McQueen, who both disappeared from the Gold Helmet competition by unfortunate spills. During the afternoon Burnet came down four times, but spills were numerous owing to the state of the track. The Edinburgh rider G. McKenzie eventually triumphed in the final, his two Manchester opponents having a series of spills, though Mackenzie’s victory was gained by what, under the circumstances, was risky riding.
Twice during the day new figures were put up for the four laps standing start. Eric Burnet returning 1 min 37 and four fifth seconds, to be bettered later by Drew McQueen’s 1 min 37 and three fifth secs.
Edinburgh won the intercity matches by two victories to nil, the race between H. Duncan and A. Moore being cancelled after the former had crashed against the fence, though fortunately uninjured.
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By the time of the first evening meeting the following Saturday, the crowd had risen to 19,000.
Better or more exciting racing had not been seen since the season started. It seemed as if fate had decided that all records must go, for not only was the crowd the largest yet, but two new speed records were established by the Glasgow rider J. Valente.
He won the Silver Gauntlet and it was in his heat of this race that he returned 1 min 37 and one fifth secs for the four laps, to displace Drew McQueen’s figures of 1 min 37 and three fifth secs.
In the semi-final he went a bit further and in covering the distance in 1 min 34 and four fifth secs he returned figures which were officially stated to be the best yet recorded on any track.
His time in the final was 1 min 36 and one fifth secs, so that in his three appearances he got inside the previous record.
His fourth outing was in the attempt on the lap record. The best time, 23 secs, stood to the credit of Al Johnson, Australia and prior to Valente’s effort Johnson went round the track and put up new figures, 22 and one fifth secs. Valente got inside even this and completed some remarkable evening performances by finishing the quarter mile track in 22 secs.
In face of this riding the Edinburgh cracks were rather overshadowed and Glasgow’s star was undoubtedly in the ascendent as another western rider W. Dickie won the Edinburgh Handicap.
Better or more exciting racing had not been seen since the season started. It seemed as if fate had decided that all records must go, for not only was the crowd the largest yet, but two new speed records were established by the Glasgow rider J. Valente.
He won the Silver Gauntlet and it was in his heat of this race that he returned 1 min 37 and one fifth secs for the four laps, to displace Drew McQueen’s figures of 1 min 37 and three fifth secs.
In the semi-final he went a bit further and in covering the distance in 1 min 34 and four fifth secs he returned figures which were officially stated to be the best yet recorded on any track.
His time in the final was 1 min 36 and one fifth secs, so that in his three appearances he got inside the previous record.
His fourth outing was in the attempt on the lap record. The best time, 23 secs, stood to the credit of Al Johnson, Australia and prior to Valente’s effort Johnson went round the track and put up new figures, 22 and one fifth secs. Valente got inside even this and completed some remarkable evening performances by finishing the quarter mile track in 22 secs.
In face of this riding the Edinburgh cracks were rather overshadowed and Glasgow’s star was undoubtedly in the ascendent as another western rider W. Dickie won the Edinburgh Handicap.
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Earlier that afternoon Leith Athletic gave a disappointing display in their first League game at the Marine Gardens football ground. They should have done better than share points with Dunfermline Athletic but their forwards were inclined to carry cleverness just too far. Over 4000 spectators saw the Leith side start off strongly and open the scoring in fifteen minutes. Immediately after the restart the visitors stole a march on the home defenders and Young lofted the ball past Steele for the equaliser. Subsequent play ran entirely in favour of Leith Athletic and only a series of good saves by Harris kept the scores level.
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The heavy rain which had fallen on 25 August, although having a detrimental effect on the riders’ performances, did not mar the Scottish Dirt Track Championships held at the Marine Gardens Speedway. The uncertain nature of the track made the sport highly exciting, though frequent spills were responsible for some unexpected results. It was not uncommon to see all the competitors on the track together tinkering with their mounts and naturally the first to get going again won the race. The Glasgow rider P. Coia could afford to come down twice and yet win his race, but the time, 3 mins 12 secs fully demonstrated the manner of the riding. All the Scottish cracks, except Eric Burnet, competed while the Australians, Al Johnson and Irvine Jones also took part, but were early out of the competitions owing to mechanical troubles. James Valente was rather lucky to enter the second stage of the 350cc event for after he had stopped his opponents also came down. He was less fortunate in the semi-final where his machine refused in the first lap and his chance was lost. Drew McQueen, however, managed to keep clear of trouble and entered the final with ease. Equally easily did he win the event for his opponent came down during the second lap and McQueen rode away alone for a hollow victory. The visiting cracks did not do too well in the 500cc event. Both the Australians went down early while of the Englishmen only Ivor Creek advanced. He also got to the final where, pitted against McQueen and Valente, he was always in the rear. As usual, Valente flashed ahead at the start and , taking the corners with greater vim than the other two, he was soon away on a comfortable enough lead. To head him never looked possible and riding carefully enough to avoid accident, yet doing a sufficiently good speed, the Glasgow rider added the championship to his imposing list of achievements. At the conclusion he met Ivor Creek in a match and had the Englishman beaten both for skill on the bends and speed down the straights.
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