I was employed at Netherdale Mill for many years, beginning as a Mule Piecer, then in the Carding department, Scouring department, Dyehouse, and Pattern weaving departments. Leaving Netherdale I was for a time a servant of the Burgh Corporation in the capacity of Public Weigher. There I learned Pitman’s Shorthand, and Typewriting, and because of my knowledge of these subjects I obtained employment with George Burns & sons, Engineers, with whom I am still working - 1926. My knowledge of shorthand has been of great benefit to me financially, as for the last 25 years I have held the appointment as the Instructor of Shorthand classes at the Confirmation School, Roxburgh Street, Galashiels.
Sunday, 6th June, 1926. My wife and I have been by Kelso, Yetholm, and Morebattle today with a Char-a-bance, coming by way of Jedburgh. I showed her the old School at Morebattle, and the bakers shop mentioned before.
Two years ago J.Burns told me my services were no longer required, so at 66 I was turned adrift. Since then I have been ekeing out an existence by teaching shorthand and typewriting, (when pupils could be had), copying work to, also for six months I was employed with R.P.Adam, Drysalter, and latterly for part of each day for six weeks with the Town clerk, Galashiels. Again I am back on my haunches, but I’ll rise again, at any rate I would rather die fighting than give in. ( 19/6/34).
23rd July 1937. In my 73rd year I am still fighting away for an existence. I have not many students meantime, but am "running" 3 clubs for Littlewoods Mail Order Stores of Liverpool, which brings 4/6 per week. At present only 2 of the family are at home - Mary and Bob, George being presently employed as a grocer at Yetholm.
I am just wondering what my next entry will be, but I am glad to say that I enjoy pretty good health, so " NEVER SAY DIE", but keep on "Playing the Game" till the whistle blows.