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Blantyre Folk

The Late Mr John Hastie

Noted Agriculturist and Horsebreeder

The passing of Mr John Hastie at the age of 61 years removed a noted and prominent agriculturalist and certainly one of the largest and most successful breeders of Clydesdale horses of his time. Mr Hastie was a son of the farm, being the eldest son of the late Mr David Hastie of Stonefield Farm, Blantyre, who was also a well-known breeder of Clydesdales.

Trained by such a capable judge, it was only natural that the son should have inherited rare and sound judgment, necessary qualities required for a breeder and dealer. In agricultural circles he was perhaps one of the most kenspeckle figures in Scotland and his record of service in the interest of the farmer and in horse-breeding is one which could not be excelled by many men.

Thirty-one years ago the firm of David Hastie & Sons took over Eddlewood Farm, where better facilities and conditions prevailed for housing and rearing stock. The success which attended them in Clydesdales has made the name of Hastie more than a household word amongst Scottish breeders and farmers. He was a life member of the Clydesdale Horse Society and also of the Glasgow Agricultural Society, of which latter society he was a director.     

Mr Hastie was also a member of the Highland and Agricultural Society, and for 30 years he was a member and director of the Lanarkshire Farmers Society. He was also a member and director of the Cambuslang, Blantyre and Rutherglen Society until it terminated two years ago. Up till two years he had been a director of the East Kilbride Society, and also held membership of Biggar, Lanark, West Linton, Larkhall and Strathaven shows, at which he was always an exhibitor as a member of the firm of David Hastie & Sons, of which he was a partner until two years ago, when he retired and took up residence in Largs.

As breeders of Clydesdales he may even have exceeded his father’s popularity all over Scotland, as this extended all over Scotland . He did a large business both in buying and selling, and his trade in exporting this class of horse to New Zealand, Australia, Canada and other countries was enormous. As a judge of Clydesdales Mr Hastie was recognised and had the reputation of being one of the ablest and shrewdest on the agricultural board, and his services were in great demand. In this connection his duties took him to the farthest points of Scotland and at all the principal shows his cheery personality was always welcomed. The soundness of his judgment was never questioned, and as an arbiter he was often called in to adjudicate on many agricultural matters throughout the country.

He also carried on an extensive contractor’s business, and many were the jobs he carried out for Lanark County Council in roadmaking and drainage schemes in the now well known Hamilton Park, when it consisted wholly of treeland. When electric light was first introduced onto Motherwell he carried out all the trenching work and his straightforwardness and integrity in all his dealings brought around him many friends, including members and officials of the County Council and other bodies.

A Great Curler

As a curler Mr Hastie had few equals, and as a member of Blantyre Club was one of the most successful skips in the long history of the club. His record on the ice, however, travelled far beyond his local prowess, and on two occasions he had the pleasure and honour of being a member of the team that brought the Royal Trophy to Blantyre . He also skipped the rink that won the Harrowgate Cup at Crossmyloof in 1912, and he was one of the most popular curlers in the old Crossmyloof ice rink. In his internationals he only lost on one occasion, when the game was played at Moffat. During that period a thaw set in, and only another player and himself were able to throw their stones the full length. He won many prizes in the club in single-handed and points games, but owing to failing health he had to abandon further interest in the “roarin” game two years ago.

As a gentleman Mr Hastie had a most lovable personality and enjoyed a wide circle of friends. The esteem in which he was held was manifest by the large attendance of well-known agriculturists from over a wide area who were present at his funeral to High Blantyre Cemetery on Thursday. The cortege was met at the cemetery by a large number of friends from the surrounding neighbourhoods of Hamilton , Eddlewood, Strathaven and Blantyre . Mr Hastie is survived by his widow and one son and five daughters, the son being in a farm at Bridge of Earn . Two daughters are married.

Ref. Hamilton Advertiser. 19/11/1932 . Page 8.

Wilma Bolton 2004.

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