DUNFERMLINE SATURDAY PRESS, SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER 1864
CORRESPONDENCE – SEASONABLE BENEFICENCE
To the editor. Sir:
It is very gratifying to learn that Sir Arthur Halket, of Pitfirrane, although resident at present in Caen, France, has not forgot the poor and aged upon his estate, but has this season characterised himself with more then his wonted liberality; also the Lady Dowager, Sir John’s widow, and the daughter of the dowager, have all contributed with a liberal hand to sooth the wants of many a poor widow in Crossford and Cairneyhill.
Coals are to be distributed along with other necessaries. Such acts of Christian sympathy bespeak genuine principle, and reflect great credit. It is to be desired that the example set by Sir Arthur’s family will be followed by others in the neighbourhood at the approach of winter. Sir Arthur, although absent in the body, is to be present with them in the mind; and, in addition to his former bounties, has given a sum of money this year to provide a Christmas dinner to his work people.
His name in his absence will be gratefully cherished in consideration of his many acts of kindness to the poor on his estate. It is a pleasant duty to be able to record the beneficence of the of the Halket family. I trust that in the money applied Sir Arthur will feel, as Shakespeare says, ‘to be twice blessed’. Like the tender dew from heaven,, ‘it blesseth him that gives and him that takes’.
He may, along with the family to which he belongs, rely upon receiving blessings from many grateful hearts upon his estate. Your insertion of these few observations will much oblige.
A constant reader. Crossford, December 28, 1864.
Cairneyhill People and History 