A Medical Officer is appointed for the Burgh

Sanitation and water supply are discussed by the Commissioners at meetings in the Burgh Hall. The Commissioners appoint Dr Banks as Medical Officer for the Burgh, an office he held for 50 years.

Securing a clean water supply for the town, to replace the wells, was a top priority for the Police Commissioners. Improvements to street lighting, the installation of weighing scales, the expansion of a gas supply and improvements to pavements were all on the agenda in these early days. In July 1873 notice was given in the local paper of the intention of the Police Commissioners to take out loans to fund the building of the hall along with funds for the construction of major improvements to the Burgh’s water supply.