Bye-Laws. HELENSBURGH, 11th Nov. 1807.

Markets and Fairs.—The Magistrates and Town Council convened, “agreed that the annual markets of Helensburgh should be published in the newspapers and handbills; and likewise inserted in the almanack, and also the following articles concerning the same, viz., all cattle coming and entering the market for sale, shall pay the following dues:—For each cow or horse a penny; sixpence for each score of sheep; a sixpence for each sow; and if sold, to pay the above same rates when returning from the market. And we likewise further agree, that the two town officers are authorised to uplift the same at their proper stations, and to be paid only off the funds for so doing.”
HELENSBURGH, 6th Jan. 1808.

Attendance at Church, Officers and their Halberts.
“We, the Magistrates, having convened this day, we therefore ordain that the two town officers shall attend church in their uniform with the Magistrates. Only with the exception that the town halberts are not daily required, but upon certain occasions to be ordered by the Magistrates.

John Campbell’s disobedience in relation to the above Bye-Law. (Literatim.) HELENSBURGH, 10th March 1808
...And likewise the Magistrates having ordered their two officers upon Saturday the 16th of Feb., to attend divine service at the Row Church, upon Sunday the 17th of Feb.; but upon John Campbell’s disobeying our orders thereanent, it is agreed by the Council, that the said John Campbell be decerned in the fine of one pound sterling for misbehaving in such a manner, and likewise liable to pay the above fine for every Sabbath and fast day lawfully ordained, he absents himself without a lawful excuse.

Court days—Absence of Magistrates.
At Helensburgh, the third day of July eighteen hundred and nine years,—Convened the Magistrates and Town Council of Helensburgh, and have taken into our consideration the following articles:—1st, We have mutually agreed that our first court will be held upon Tuesday the 10th current, at the New Theatre, and five o’clock in the afternoon, and regularly, afterwards, the first Tuesday of every month; 2nd, We have likewise agreed that, after the Provost is regularly warned by the officer to any of the courts and not attends, that he will be liable to a fine of ten shillings sterling, unless a regular notice be given to the Council beforehand as impossible to attend; the Bailie, as above, a fine of five shillings, and councillors half-a-crown.
(Signed) HENRY BELL.
JOHN MOONY.
WILLIAM MICHAEL.

HELENSBURGH, 16th March 1810. (A long minute, in which it is ordained that an assessment of one penny per pound of the valued yearly rent be exacted annually from each proprietor, till the town is by this means supplied with water.)

Non-attendance of Burgesses at Public Meetings.
11th September 1811—It is moved and unanimously voted that, when intimation was given to the feuars by the bell, through the streets of the Burgh, to attend any meeting of the Magistrates and Council, any magistrate, councillor, or feuar, who shall fail to attend, shall forfeit and pay the sum of two shillings and sixpence sterling of a fine for each failure, without a reasonable excuse, to be levied by legal measures if not paid.

Declination of Office by a Bailie.
9th December 1812.—A meeting of the feuars called by the Bell.—Bailie Jardine stated to the meeting, that Mr. John Gray, the other Bailie named at last election, had been called on to signify his acceptance of the office, when he refused to do so; and as he bad hitherto failed to attend any of the meetings, he considered it proper to call the meeting to consider what should be done in this matter, &c.

The meeting considering the propriety of keeping up the magistracy, declared that Mr. Gray had forfeited his office of Bailie and the fine annexed to his refusal, and they therefore proceeded to elect a new Bailie in his stead, &c.

Members of the Council to sit in one seat in the Church.
The meeting, by a majority, fix that all the Bailies and Councillors who shall go to the Row Church, shall at all times sit in the seat appropriated for them, and failing any of them so sitting in church, he shall forfeit a shilling for each offence, to be levied by the treasurer for behoof of the common good of the burgh.

Court Terms.
The meeting consider it is sufficient to have a court once every quarter, and, therefore, they fix that in time coming, a court shall be held on the first Saturday of every quarter; reserving, however, to call occasional courts, if necessity requires, oftener.

John M‘Auslane and Thomas Napier fined for declining office.
11th September 1813.—Mr. John M‘Auslane paid five shillings for declining to be a Councillor, after election; and Mr. Thomas Napier paid ten shillings for declining the office of Bailie, after election. These two fines paid to the treasurer.

Gratuity to Officer.
12th September 1815.—It was moved and agreed to, that each feuar shall annually pay one shilling to the officer; and that, in respect of that allowance, the officer to be elected shall be obliged to do all the business pertaining to the town, warn to, and attend all meetings, &c. The said sum to be levied by the officer himself,— the officer to be continued during pleasure.

Fines for declining office.
11th September 1823.—James Colquhoun paid ten shillings, as a fine for refusing to accept the office of a bailie. Anlay Lennox paid ten shillings also for declining the same office.—Robert Leuchars and William Lennox each paid five shillings for declining to accept the office of councillors.

Customs for Fair let for five shillings. November 6th, 1821.—The Customs for the fairs were let for five shillings to Robert M‘Neil, highest bidder.

List of the Provosts of the Burgh of Helensburgh from