Belfast Telegraph - Friday, 23 December, 1904

Births

LEE -- December 19, at Melbourne Terrace, Armagh, the wife of H.F. Lee, of a son.

Deaths

BAXTER -- December 22nd, 1904, at his residence, 36 Hill Street, Ligoniel, Henry Baxter.The remains of my dearly-beloved father will be removed from above address, on to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon, at two o'clock, for interment in the City Cemetery.Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation. -- American papers please copy.
HENRY BAXTER

CALLEN -- December 22, 1904, at 24 Ardmoulin Avenue, Edward Alexander, dearly-beloved son of David and Agnes Callen, aged two years.His remains will be removed from above address, on to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon, at two o'clock. Friends will please accept this intimation.
Deeply regretted.

CAMPBELL -- December 22nd, at her mother's residence, 100 Brookmount Street, Lizzie, the dearly-beloved daughter of Elizabeth Campbell.Her remains will be removed, for interment in Newtownbreda, on to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon, at two o'clock. Friends will please accept this intimation.
She has gone to the land where the careworn and weary
Enjoy the sweet rapture of peace and love;
She has quitted this earth with its sighing and weeping,
To join with the angels in heaven above.
"Gone, but not forgotten."
ELIZABETH CAMPBELL.

CARSON -- December 22nd, 1904, at her residence, 142 Snugville Street, Mary, the dearly-beloved wife of Adam Carson.Her remains will be removed, for interment in the City Cemetery, on to-morrow (Saturday) morning at half-past ten o'clock. Friends will please accept this intimation.
ADAM CARSON.

COURTNEY -- December 22, at his residence, Templepatrick, James, the beloved husband of Anne Courtney.His remains will be removed, for interment in the family burying-ground, Templepatrick (Old), on to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon, at three o'clock. Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation.
ANNE COURTNEY.

JOHNSTON -- December 22nd, 1904, at Templemore Avenue Hospital, Eliza Jane, the dearly-beloved wife of William Johnston, late of Annetta Street, and eldest and dearly-loved daughter of Isabella Ireland, 93 Lindsay Street.Her remains will be removed from 7 Church Street East, Newtownards Road, for interment in the City Cemetery, on to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon, at two o'clock. Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation.
WILLIAM JOHNSTON.

LENNON -- December 23rd, 1904, at 69 High Street, Holywood, Patrick Charles, infant son of Patrick J. and Lena Lennon, aged nine weeks.Funeral to-morrow (Saturday), leaving above address at 10 a.m., for interment in Milltown Cemetery, Belfast.
Deeply regretted.
P.J. LENNON.

LENNON -- December 22nd, 1904, at her residence, 9 Bootle Street, off Tennent Street, Sarah, youngest daughter of S. and R. Lennon.Her remains will be removed on to-morrow (Saturday) at 2.30 o'clock, for interment in the City Cemetery. Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation.
S. & R. LENNON

LINDSAY -- December 23rd, at his father's residence, 35 Daisyfield Street, Robert (Wee Bobbie), dearly-beloved son of William James and Maggie Lindsay.Funeral on Sunday afternoon, 25th. inst., at half-past two o'clock, for City Cemetery.
"Safe in the arms of Jesus."

LOCKHART -- Thursday, December 22nd, 1904, at her residence Springmount, Hydepark, Eleanor (Nellie), the beloved daughter of James and Sarah Lockhart, aged 3 months.Her remains will be removed from above address, for interment in Mallusk Burying-ground, on to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon, at two o'clock. Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation.
What most I prize -- it ne'er was mine,
I only yield Thee what is Thine.
Thy will be done.
JAMES & SARAH LOCKHART.

M'CORMICK -- December 23rd, at 68 Antrim Road, Robert M'Cormick (Clarke & Son).Funeral private.
MATTHEW ANDERSON M'CORMICK.

M'CORRY -- December 21st, at Larkvale, Helen's Bay, Margaret A., beloved wife of Hugh M'Corry.Removal for interment in the family burying-ground, Glenavy, on to-morrow (Saturday) morning, at ten o'clock.
HUGH M'CORRY.

M'PHERSON -- At 31 Ardgowan Street, Agnes M'Pherson, the eldest and dearly-beloved daughter of Robert and Edith M'Pherson, aged 9 years.Notice of interment in to-morrow's papers.
R. M'PHERSON.

M'WHIRTER -- December 22nd. at the residence of his son-in-law, Thomas Weir, 34 Scott Street, Belfast, Robert M'Whirter.His remains will be removed, for interment in the City Cemetery, on to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon, at half-past two o'clock. Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation.
E. M'WHIRTER.

PORTER -- December 22nd, at 53 Manor Street, Cliftonville, William Porter.Interment in the City Cemetery, on Sunday afternoon, at half-past two o'clock.
ALFRED PORTER, R. H. A.

ROBINSON -- December 22nd, 1904, at his residence, Carnanee, John Robinson, in his 86th year.The remains of my dearly-beloved father will be removed, for interment in Templepatrick Burying-ground, on to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon, at one o'clock. Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation.
ELIZA ROBINSON.

ROBINSON -- December 23rd, 1904, at her residence, Island View, Whitehead, Ann Jane, relict of the late John King Robinson.Her remains will be removed, on to-morrow (Saturday) morning, at 8.45, for train arriving at Randalstown at 10.52 for interment in the family burying-ground, Randalstown. Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation.No flowers.

SHANKS -- December 22nd, at his residence, 26 Hooker Street, James, the dearly-beloved father of Mary Ann Shanks.His remains will be removed, for interment in the Shankill Burying-ground, on to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon, at three o'clock.
Friends will please accept this intimation.
MARY ANN SHANKS.

SMYTH -- December 21st, at his residence, 33 Napier Street, John Smyth, eldest son of the late Henry Smyth.The remains of my dearly-beloved husband will be removed, for interment in the City Cemetery, on to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon, at half-past two o'clock. Friends will please accept this intimation.
Deeply regretted.
ANNIE SMYTH.

VINT -- December 22nd, 1904, at her residence, Ballyhone, Margaret, the beloved daughter of James Vint.Her remains will be removed, for interment in Carnmoney Burying-ground, on to-morrow (Saturday) morning, at eleven o'clock. Friends will please accept this intimation.
JAMES VINT.

YORK -- December 22nd, at her residence, 18 Auburn Street, Jane, the beloved sister of Martha York.Her remains will be removed, on to-morrow (Saturday), at 12 o'clock noon, for interment in the City Cemetery. Friends will please accept this intimation.
MARTHA YORK.

In Memoriam

DAVIDSON -- In loving memory of my dearly-beloved husband, Joseph Davidson, who departed this life on December 23rd, 1903, at his residence, 48 New Dock Street, and was interred in the City Cemetery.
SUSANNAH DAVIDSON

DAVIDSON -- In loving memory of Joseph C., fourth and youngest son of the late George Davidson, who departed this life December 23rd, 1903, and was interred in the City Cemetery.
There is a green hill far away,
Without a city wall,
Where our dear Lord was crucified,
Who died to save us all.
Inserted by his sorrowing Mother, Brothers, and Sister
82 Halliday's Road.

DEMPSTER -- In loving memory of Eliza, beloved wife of William Dempster, who died December 23rd, 1901.
WILLIAM DEMPSTER.
Ballymacromwell, Toye.

MITCHELL -- In loving memory of my dear daughter, Lizzie Mitchell, who departed this life on 23rd December, 1902, and was interred in the City Cemetery.
"Safe within the fold."
We miss her; oh, how we miss her,
More than human tongue can tell,
Since she has gone to glory,
With Christ at home to dwell.
Inserted by her loving Mother, Brothers, and Sisters.
21 Ribble Street.

STEVENSON -- In loving memory of our dear mother, Ellen Stevenson, who departed this life on 23rd December, 1903 and was interred in Dundonald Cemetery.
M. FERRIS & M. & A. STEVENSON.

Clippings

WOMAN'S SAD END IN BELFAST.

KILLED BY COLD.

THE EFFECTS OF SLEEPING ON A TILE FLOOR.

Another pitiful case illustrative of the conditions of life amongst the poorer classes in Belfast was investigated to-day by the Deputy-Coroner, Mr. J. S. Finnegan, and a jury.The inquest, which was conducted in the Boardroom of the Union Workhouse, was held on the body of Mary Ann M'Sherry, aged about 38 years and wife of John M'Sherry, a weaver, of 5 Dimsdall Street, who had been removed to the Union Hospital suffering from shock and paralysis, and in which institution she had died on the 22nd inst.

Joseph Hamilton, a brother of the deceased, who lodged in her house, said on Monday evening last, about 4.30, the deceased was working in Springfield Road, and the husband asked at Hazelton's Mill that his wife should come out.Witness had also to come, and they went to a public-house and had a little drink.John M'Sherry had a good deal taken previously, and when they went home deceased and her husband had an argument about money, and the husband pushed her against a table.The deceased's daughter caught hold of her, and witness caught hold of the husband by the arms.He was sure the husband did not strike her, because witness held him, and he was also not near enough to do so.In going out the deceased staggered against the corner of the table, on which there was a lamp.She made no complaint of having hurt herself on leaving the house, and did not return to the house that night.About half-past nine o'clock that night a little boy brought witness to a neighbour's house where the deceased then was, and she said to him if he was put out of the house he could come there to stay, but witness remained in M'Sherry's house, as he had no fear of any annoyance.

Did you ever hear your sister say he had previously struck her? -- Oh, it was years ago, but I never heard it recently.The deceased had not been in good health since the birth of her last child, a few years ago.She had been working for the last couple of years until Monday.Witness could not say whether her life was insured, but he had seen insurance agents in the house collecting money.She never made any complaint that she had been at any time struck by her husband.

The Coroner -- They never do that; it is not to their own that they make complaint.

Continuing, witness said he had only been staying there for four weeks.He understood M'Sherry had only commenced work about a couple of months ago after twelve months want of employment.

The Coroner -- Can you say where he got the money for drink? -- I could not say.

The Coroner -- It is a mystery to me, having regard to the distress there is in the city, how people out of work can get money for drink.

Lucy M'Sherry, a daughter of the deceased, corroborated the previous witness as to her father and mother having some words about the change of money and the mother having left the house in consequence.She had never known her mother to be drunk.When her father took drink he would shout loudly, but he never struck any of them.Her father and mother had been insured ever since they were married, but owing to the hard times they could not keep up payments, and had to drop it until a few weeks ago, when they re-joined.Her mother always went out, because she was a quiet woman, and did not want to let the neighbours hear any noise in the house.

Ellen M'Sherry, a young cripple girl, corroborated in certain particulars the evidence of the other witnesses, and said she and her mother slept on the night in question on the tile floor of a neighbour's house.It was a cold night, and there was no fire in the kitchen.About three o'clock in the morning her mother began to moan, and witness asked what was wrong, but the mother could make no answer.Witness rose from the floor, but her mother was unable to do so, and the woman of the house came down and put on a fire as soon as she saw the state that mother was in.Her mother was brought up along side the fire and stretched in front of it and she nursed her mother's head on her knee.A messenger was sent by the girl for her father, who came in and remained for a few minutes, looked at her mother, and said it was one of her usual turns.Her mother was generally ill once each year, and at the commencement of the illness would be unconscious for an hour or two, but always recovered in the course of three weeks.A priest and a doctor were sent for.

Sergeant Bergin gave evidence of the removal of the deceased to the infirmary and the arrest of her husband on the charge of wife assault, on which he was at present under remand.

Dr. William Minford said the deceased was admitted to the Union hospital on Tuesday morning.She was then unconscious, and showed no marks of external violence.She recovered consciousness in the evening for about half-an-hour, but again relapsed into unconsciousness, and died early on Thursday.On making the post-mortem examination he found the body very ill-nourished.There were no broken ribs or signs of violence, and the cause of death in his opinion was cardiac failure following shock and exposure in an ill-nourished person.The condition of the organs did not indicate that she had been a person addicted to alcohol.

Dr. H. J. Moneypenny, who assisted in the post-mortem, concurred, and said the deceased must have suffered greatly from cold, because there was practically no blood in the external blood vessels, while the internal organs were so much congested in some cases as to be actually bleeding.

The Deputy Coroner congratulated Dr. Hiram Moneypenny on his recent appointment as police surgeon for the Central Police Office and as medical officer for the Fire Brigade.Those who had watched Dr. Moneypenny's career from the time he had acted as house surgeon to the Royal Hospital up to the present, and the remarkable ability he had displayed, felt that a wise selection had been made, and one which the Police Committee would have no cause to regret during the time Dr. Moneypenny desired to hold the appointment.He wished the Doctor every success during his professional life in Belfast.

Dr. Moneypenny thanked the Coroner for his kind remarks.

The Deputy Coroner commented strongly upon the prevalence of drinking habits amongst the poor and working classes of Belfast.It was something appalling to find that men-respectable working men- spent on average about one-third of their earnings on drink, with the result that when men became depressed and work scarce there was not a penny to meet the "rainy day."Seventy-five per cent. of the cases that came before him and coroner's juries were the direct outcome of drink.The only remedy he could see for such state of affairs was education -- moral and intellectual-and in it the moral element must play the greater part.Legislation had not, and never would, make men sober.

The jury found in accordance with the medical evidence.

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LOCAL BREVITIES

The "Evening Telegraph" will not be published on Monday, 26th inst.

The business in the Summons Court to-day was conducted before Major W. E. C. M'Cammond, J. P., and Dr. N. J. M'Donnell, J. P.

Mr. James M'Lean, the Resident Magistrate who returned Joseph Fee for trial at Clones, occupied a seat on the bench beside Mr. F. G. Hodder, R. M., in the Belfast Custody Court to-day.

The first instalment of the motor cars to run on the Great Northern Railway is expected to arrive about the middle of February next.These will be placed on the service between Belfast and Lisburn.

Messrs. John Robson and Adam Turner continued their valuation of the Tramway Company's horses to-day in connection with the forthcoming arbitration.They were engaged during the day at the Sandy Row Depot up till 4 o'clock, by which time 4? 8 horses had been examined.

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THE DONEGAL DISASTER.

RELIEF FUND.

The relatives of the seven fishermen drowned in the disaster in Donegal Bay on Friday morning, Dec. 9, are in extremely necessitous circumstances, having been deprived of their principal breadwinners.The skipper, Kennedy, whose son was also drowned, leaves a widow and six children, while John Gallagher leaves a widow and four children, and Charles Kenney was the support of an aged father and family.We shall be pleased to be the medium of augmenting the relief fund which has been started, and gladly open our columns to acknowledge any subscriptions that may be sent to us.

Already acknowledged £25 18  
Joshua E. Peel, Armagh 1 1 0
H. J. Neill, Ltd. 1 0 0
Deans, Logan & Co., Ltd. 0 10 0
Anonymous, "S. R." 0 10 0
B. J. 0 5 0
C. O'Brien (Bangor) 0 4 0
Anonymous 0 2 6
A Sympathiser 0 1 0
J. B. 2s 6d; W. S. M., 2s 6d; N.C., 1s; W. L. 2s; J. P., 1s; G. R., 2s 6d; P. B. 2s 6d; J. M. 1s; A. C., 2s 6d 0 17 6
James Bonner,1s; W. Sheppard, 1s;J. M'Aleer, 1s; J. C. Maxwell, 6d; W. Baxter, 6d; H. Sweeney, 6d; S. Nelson, 6d; "A Lover of Donegal Fishermen," 6d; M. Hutton, 2s 6d;J. Gallagher, 2s 6d; James Begley, 1s; James O'Connor, 1s 6d; George Reilly, 2s 6d 0 15 6

Mr. Peter Ward, Dunkineely, County Donegal, acknowledges the receipt of 1s from a Ballymena sympathiser for above fund.

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COL. SAUNDERSON IMPROVING.

Our Downpatrick correspondent writes;- Col. Saunderson, M. P., had a good night on Thursday and was able to sit up for a considerable time to-day.He is making rapid progress toward recovery.

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MISHAP TO A CLYDE STEAMER ON THE CO. DOWN COAST.

The Clyde Shipping Company's steamer Garmoyle, bound from Waterford to Glasgow, went aground, as already reported, on Tuesday morning, at Ballyquinton Point, Co. Down.It was extremely dark at the time, but the steamer got off in an hour, and proceeded to Portaferry, where a pump was put on board as a measure of precaution.The damage was slight, and the steamer resumed her passage, arriving in the Clyde on Wednesday.

The steamer was sinking when Pilot Watterson boarded her.Putting on full steam he ran her ashore at Portaferry slip.Messrs M'Causland's steamer Duke of Edinburgh came to her assistance and put two powerful steam pumps on board, thus keeping her afloat until divers examined her and got the holes plugged, enabling the boat to leave at seven o'clock in the morning for Glasgow.

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SERIOUS ARMAGH ACCIDENT.

A serious street accident occurred in Armagh on Thursday night.A pony and trap, which it is alleged, was being driven at a furious rate, ran into a man named John Hamilton, employed by the Urban Council to sweep the streets.Hamilton was knocked down and sustained serious injuries.He was removed to the County Infirmary, where Dr. Palmer, resident surgeon, saw him.It is feared that there are internal injuries, and very little hope is entertained as to his recovery.

FATAL RESULT.

The man John Hamilton, an employee of the Armagh Urban council, who was knocked down by a pony and trap belonging to Rev. Mr. Nelson, of Grange, last night, died in he County Infirmary to-day.William Taylor, the coachman, who was driving at the time of the occurrence, was arrested, and brought before Mr. N. L. Townsend, R. M., at the Police Barracks, who remanded him on bail.Coroner Pool has been communicated with, and an inquest will be held.

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MILITARY NOTES

The Inspector of Army Signalling made an inspection to-day (Friday) of the signallers of the 1st Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers and 32nd Brigade Royal Field Artillery (from Dundalk) at Newry.On Saturday he will inspect those of the 2nd Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment at Belfast, and 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers at Holywood.

It has been notified in Irish Command orders that officers who stable their private horses in barracks do so at their own risk, and that no claim for compensation will be entertained should such animals contract any contagious disease necessitating their destruction.

Captain R. J. Kentish, Royal Irish Fusiliers, will take up the adjutancy of the 1st Battalion at the Palace Barracks, Holywood, on 30th inst., when Brevet-Major P. Gould vacates it.Captain Kentish was with the Faugh-a-Ballaghs at Talana Hill, Lombard's Kop, Zilikats Nek, and other actions of the Boer War 1899 -- 1901

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THE INTERNATIONAL MERCANTILE MARINE COMPANY.

With respect to the insurance of the International Mercantile Marine Co. for 1905 the new terms provide that the Combine will still hold the larger share of its own insurance, although the proportion is not so great as heretofore.Underwriters have not paid a single claim on the 1903 and 1904 contracts, owing to the fact that such of the Combine's boats as have been totally lost were valued below the £200,000 limit, and consequently uninsured.In view of this fact underwriters have granted considerable concessions to the owners in respect to next year's contract, not only in the matter of premium but also in conceding to the Trust more favourable conditions.As before, the Combine will still retain the first £200,000 on some fifteen of the largest vessels, including the finest steamers of the White Star, International, and Atlantic Transport lines, but a departure has been made from the previous plan in sharing certain risks with underwriters on several of the next important steamers, though valued at less than £200,000.

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NEWTOWNARDS TECHNICAL COMMITTEE.

The monthly meeting of the above committee was held on Wednesday evening, under the presidency of Mr. David Orr, chairman. A letter was read from the Department of Agriculture stating that they regretted that they could not see their way to approve the proposed honorarium of £10 to be paid to the headmaster of the Technical School.

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THE FOG.

(continued from Page 5.)

BELFAST STEAMERS DELAYED.

SERIOUS INTERRUPTION OF TRAFFIC.

Belfast experienced some of the effects of the dense fog which is prevalent across the Channel, to-day, in the shape of serious dislocation of traffic.The fog in the city itself and on the river was nothing out of the ordinary, but the quay this forenoon presented an unusually deserted appearance.Up till noon none of the English steamers had arrived, having all been detained by the fog, which is reported to-day to be unusually thick in the North-West of England.On making inquiries at the shipping offices it was ascertained that the steamer from Barrow did not leave till 8.15 this morning, and she is expected this evening, provided no further delay is necessary.The Fleetwood steamer was also detained all night at Fleetwood, and at 9.40 a.m. she had not sailed.The Liverpool and Heysham boats managed to get away early this morning and are due in the afternoon.Messrs. Burns' steamers Dromedary and Magpie from Glasgow and Ardrossan respectively arrived at their usual time, the fog not being dense enough on the Scotch side to detain them.The s.s. Carrick from Ayr also reached port in good time.The English mail via Holyhead, which reaches Belfast by the morning mail from Kingston, was not sent on till the 9 a.m. train, and arrived in Belfast at 12.15 p.m. The mail was a heavy one, and the cause of the delay was that the fog detained the steamer on the way from Holyhead.

The delay in the English traffic has caused great inconvenience in Belfast.There was a big pressure owing to holiday traffic, and the passengers had to put up with the disorganisation of the services as best they could.

The first delivery of English mails in the city took place at half-past one.

The Heysham steamer arrived between two and three o'clock, and the Barrow steamer at 3.50.Both report the fog on the English coast is very thick.

The s.s. Caloric arrived in Liverpool to-day at 1 p.m.

CALORIC ARRIVES AT LIVERPOOL.

Owing to the dense fog the Belfast steamship Company's steamer Caloric, which left Belfast last night, did not arrive at Liverpool until a quarter past one this afternoon, when she landed her passengers at Princes Dock.

DAYLIGHT AGAIN IN LONDON.

At noon in London a fair breeze from the west sprung up, and the fog has almost disappeared.

TELEGRAPHIC DELAY.

The postal telegraph authorities give notice of probable delay to Yorkshire and the North, including Scotland, also to Ireland.

TWO FATALITIES.

A man named Cole, a storekeeper at Victoria Docks, London, was found in the Thames this morning.It is supposed the deceased fell into the river during the fog last night at Sheffield, and was drowned.

A steam collier reached Queenstown to-day from the Mersey, having succeeded in getting through the dense fog.

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NEW OCEAN LINER LEAVES BELFAST.

Messrs. Alfred Holt & Co.'s new steamer Telamon, built by Workman, Clarke & Co., Ltd., left Belfast to-day on her trial trip, after which she sailed for Glasgow to load for the Colonies.The Telamon is a steamer of 4,600 tons for the Ocean Line, of Liverpool, and will be engaged in the Australian trade.

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BELFAST CORPORATION COMMITTEES.

GAS AND ELECTRIC.

Councillor J. A. Doran, J.P., presided over a meeting of this committee held in the Town Hall to-day, and there were also present -- Councillors W. F. Coates, J. Craig, F. C. Johnston, J.P.; P. J. Magee, James O'Dempsey, John Thompson, J. P.; and William Walker.The usual monthly accounts were submitted, together with the accounts for wages for the week.A report was submitted together with the accounts for wages for the week.A report was submitted on the working of the stove warehouse.The committee decided to advertise for a stamping inspector charged with adjusting differences between the department and customers with reference to meter returns.

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THIS DAY'S SHIPPING

Wind.--S.W.

Arrived at Belfast on 23rd inst. -- The ss. City of Dresden (Owen), from Hamburg, with general cargo;sundry consignees: Messrs. J. C. Pinkerton and Co. agents.ss Turtle (Connolly), from Glasgow, with tar oil.Ss fairy Queen (Gordon), from Annalong, with granite.Mary M'Clelland, from Annalong, with potatoes.ss. Maggie Park (Mahood) from Ballyhalbert, with potatoes.The J and A. Coppock (Hughes), from Chester, with bricks and tiles.ss Kathleen, ss Lagan, and ss Greenisland, from Garston; ss Beaver, ss Empress, ss Irishman, from Glasgow;ss Eveleen, ss Brookside, ss Riverside, and ss Balmarino, from Ayr; ss Fairy Queen, from Girvan; ss Minnie Hinde, from Whitehaven; ss Saltoni, from Neath; ss Calchfaen, from Swansea -- all with coals.

Sailed from Belfast. -- ss City of Berlin (Connor), from Dublin;ss Cassel (Bennett), for Cardiff;ss Empress and ss W. M. Barkley for Garston;ss Topic, for Newport;ss Downshire, and ss Helen, for Whitehaven;ss Helen Craig, for Maryport;ss Greenisland, for Killough; ss Broughshane, for Glasgow;ss Glenariff, for Dublin.

Arrived -- At Rouen, on 20th inst., ss Curran (Mulholland), from Swansea.At La Pallice, on 19th inst.,ss Argus (Paterson), from Newport.

Sailed --From Madeira, on 20th inst.,ss Enterprise, for Londonderry.From Varna, on 19th inst., ss Fenmore (Austen), for Sulina.From Ardrossan, on 19th inst., ss Clonlee (Woods), for Troon.

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ALLEGED WIFE ASSAULT AT LISBURN.

On Thursday at Lisburn Petty Sessions, before Messrs. Hugh Mack, J. P.;T. D. Gibson, R. M.; and others, Nenny Bann summoned Henry Bann, her husband, for assault on the 15th inst.

Mr. W. G. Maginnes appeared for the complainant who said she had been married to the defendant about five months, he being her third husband.At the time of her last marriage she had £200 in the bank, and £10 in cash at home.She had now only £150, the defendant having got the rest, and at his request, after the marriage, she signed over her house and plot of land to him.On the 15th inst. He came home after midnight in a drunken state, and threw her out of bed, kicking her across the room, and threatening to cut her throat.She then went to the bed occupied by the children of her second husband.He then followed her, and pulled her out of it.At dinner time next day he struck her with a large cabbage, knocking her against the table.Owing to the beating he gave her she was prematurely confined on the 17th.Cross-examined by Mr. Allen -- her present husband (the defendant) was a widower when she married him.His four children and her three all lived in the same house.With regard to the money matter, she admitted that the defendant, who was a fowl dealer, had bought a pony and some pigs.The chairman said the magistrates would adjourn the case for fourteen days; meanwhile he would suggest that the defendant give back the money he had received, also the cottage and farm, and that he keep away from her till the next court.If he failed to comply with this arrangement he would receive the utmost punishment the court could inflict upon him, which might not be less than twelve months.His present bail of £10 and two sureties of £5 each would be continued.

Sir Henry Cotton and Sir W. Wedderburn arrived at Bombay this morning to attend the Indian National Congress.They were welcomed by a large gathering of natives.

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THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT BILL FOR BANGOR.

PLEBISCITE OF THE RATEPAYERS.

Great interest is at present being taken in the proposal of the Bangor Urban Council to get a Bill passed in the ensuing session of Parliament for the purpose of acquiring power of purchase by the Urban Council of lands for waterworks, gasworks, and street improvements, and to acquire the lands known as the Slopes, facing the sea, westward of Queen's Parade, and for extended borrowing powers.There is a strong opposition shown on the part of some of the ratepayers of the town against the promotion of the Bill, their contention being that three Provisional Orders will meet the objects intended, and be far cheaper to the ratepayers; whilst a section of the ratepayers are also opposed to various clauses in the proposed Bill, notably those relating to the purchase of land at Ballysallagh Major for water-works' extension, and the proposal to licence the boatmen.The promoters, however, meet these two latter objections by the report of Mr. Macassey, the engineer, whose report states it is absolutely necessary that the water scheme should be hastened on, and the fact that after April 1 next Ballyholme will be included in the council's area, thus necessitating a still larger supply of water required.With regard to the licensing of the boatmen the promoters point out that it will be to the boatmen's benefit to be licensed, and also point out that if they so desire the Council can at present compel the boats to be licensed, without additional powers being necessary.At the ratepayers' meeting, held in the Guild Hall, Bangor, on December 12, a majority of those present were opposed to the Bill, with the result that a plebescite was demanded on the part of the minority then present.In the interim the majority of councillors (14 out of the 15) have made a personal canvas on behalf of the Bill, and yesterday the necessary voting papers were duly delivered to the ratepayers interested, the issue being a plain affirmative or negative for or against the Bill.The papers are to be collected again on the 29th inst. when the promoters are hopeful by the result of their canvas they will have secured a majority.

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POLICE COURT POORBOX. -- Mr. M'Henry, chief clerk, begs to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of £1 from "Anonymous"(per Mr. Hodder, R.M.), in aid of the above fund.

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BELFAST NEW CITY HALL. -- As may be seen from an advertisement appearing elsewhere in our columns, the Corporation of Belfast invite tenders from local firms for the erection of a system of synchronised dials electric service lifts, in accordance with specifications and scheduale prepared by the architect, Mr. A. B. Thomas, 5 Queen Anne's Gate, Westminster.Copies of the particulars for tender may be obtained at the office of Sir Samuel Black, Town Clerk, or at the office of the architect on payment of a deposit of one guinea for each separate list, to be returned on receipt of bona fide tender.Tenders must be lodged at the Town Clerk's office before 10 a-m on Tuesday, 10th January.

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DEATH OF A PROMINENT BELFAST FREEMASON.

THE LATE MR. ROBERT M'CORMICK.

It is our sorrowful duty to announce the death of Mr. Robert M'Cormick, which occurred this morning at four o'clock, at his residence, 63 Duncairn Street, Belfast.The late gentleman held a responsible position with the old-established auctioneering firm of Messrs. Clarke & Son, Rosemary Street, during the lifetime of the late Mr. Sampson Clarke (son of the founder of the concern) and also during the entire period of Mr. Morris Clarke's proprietorship and until the latter's death, which occurred in the early part of the present year.So well were his services appreciated, that the late Mr. Morris Clarke bequeathed him the business.Until recently Mr. M'Cormick enjoyed robust health and rarely knew a day's illness, possessing a robust frame and a cheerful disposition.Lung trouble, however, set in about the time of Mr. Morris Clarke's death, which sad event affected him deeply, and his condition rapidly became worse.He received unremitting attention from Dr. Moore, Professor Robert Campbell, and Professor Sir William Whitla, while to the end he was tenderly looked after, not only by his family, but by prominent members of the Masonic Order, in which he himself held distinguished office.Mr. M'Cormick was a brother of the late Alderman Wm. M'Cormick; of Mr. Thos. M'Cormick, of the Water Office; and of Mr. John M'Cormick; and an uncle of Alderman John M'Cormick.Unlike other members of his family he did not take any active part in imperial or municipal politics, but he was none the less an earnest Conservative, Churchman, and Orangeman.His place of worship was St. George's, High Street, and during his illness he received repeated calls and every possible kindness from the Rev. Dr. Murphy of that church.As we have said, the late Mr. M'Cormick was a very prominent and esteemed member of the Masonic Order with which he has been connected for a quarter of a century.Initiated in Lodge 59, one of the oldest in the Masonic Province of Antrim, and one with which many of our leading public men have been identified.Mr. M'Cormick, from the first, was an enthusiast in the cause of the Order.He subsequently spent some years in the United States, and was an earnest student of the methods of the American brethren, whose work he always praised in the highest measure.Returning to Belfast, he once more joined lodge 59, and after passing through the various offices was promoted to the chair.From that time until quite recently he acted as secretary of the lodge.During all this time he had been attracting the attention of the brethren outside of 59 by his work in connection with the charities, and they showed their appreciation of his efforts by electing him in 1901 to the office of Provincial Senior Grand Deacon.Meanwhile in the higher degrees of the Order Mr. M'Cormick was doing excellent work.He was a member of R.A.C. 88, and had the high honour to be twice called upon to serve the office of M.E.K., the second time being for the year 1904.As a member of the Knight Templar Order he has acted for several years as Registrar of Preceptory 88, the largest Preceptory in Ireland.His removal causes an immense gap in the ranks of the Order, and the members of the Donegall Masonic Club will for long experience a sense of sadness in missing from their social circle a familiar and always welcome figure.On all hands, in fact, Mr. M'Cormick's loss is deeply felt and mourned.

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HARD CASE OF CRIMEAN VETERAN.

WAR OFFICE DECLINES TO ACT.

Mr. Geo. A. Doran, J. P., Belfast, writes us drawing attention to the grievous hardship suffered by James Martin, a Crimean veteran, who was sergeant in the Land Transport Corps during the siege of Sebastopol, and, during those historic operations received a wound which rendered him a cripple for life.Mr. Doran encloses a considerable amount of correspondence relating to the matter.From a letter written on 15th September last by Sergeant Martin to the Secretary of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, it appears that he is 75 years of age, a member of the Church of Ireland, and of the Black Knights of Malta.He claims an increase of pension in consequence of his wound.Under the War Office Circular issued to the Militia Staff in 1875, stating that all non-commissioned officers who had served on the permanent staff for a number of years, on arriving at the age of 60 would receive a halfpenny per day for each year of their service.Sergeant Martin claims that the Treasury owes him 71/2 d per day since 3rd March, 1890.He applied for this in 1896, but the Chelsea Commissioners marked his application "deferred."Mr. Martin states that, as his sworn declaration in reference to his wound was not considered sufficient, he had formerly asked to be examined before a board of military surgeons, but received no reply.A letter from the Assistant Secretary of Chelsea Royal Hospital, dated 23rd September last, informed Martin that the Commissioners of the Hospital had made their final decision regarding his claim to increased pension and no further application would be entertained.Mr. G. A. Doran then took the matter up, and, in reply to a letter of his, a War Office official stated that, after careful examination of the records relating to Mr. Martin's Crimean service, no reference could be found therein to his having been wounded or treated in hospital during the campaign.In the absence of corroborative evidence of his wound, the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital were unable to recommend an increase of pension in the case.

Sergeant Martin, however, explains the absence of his injury in the hospital records by the disorganised state of the Army Medical Department during those trying times.In a letter dated 6th inst., he states that, at the time of his being wounded, the regular surgeon, Dr. Harris, was unable to attend to his case on account of pressure of work, and the only medical attendance he had was that of an assistant, who was not a qualified doctor, his knowledge being limited to the dispensing of drugs.The latter advised the injured man not to go into the hospital, as all the cases being treated there at the time were infectious, and that his (Sergeant Martin's) wound was not serious, and would soon heal.He, therefore remained in his tent.The case was, however, entered in the small book carried by Martin, and also in his discharge, which latter also stated that he was unfit for further service, owing to suffering from phthisis.In 1896 Martin states that a military doctor at Victoria Barracks, Belfast, who saw his discharge, admitted the justice of the claim to pension from its date.The sergeant, in addition to his Crimean service, served 15 years on the staff of the Londonderry Light Infantry, in which he was colour-sergeant, hence his claim for 14 years' arrears of the special pension payable to non-commissioned officers of the militia, who have also served in the regulars, under the War Office Order of 1875.Mr. Martin's statement regarding the treatment of his wound will appear sufficiently convincing to those who have read accounts of the colossal blunders committed in the conduct of the medical and transport departments during the Crimean War; never the less the following letter has been received by Mr. Doran from the War Office:-

15th December, 1904.Dear Sir, -- In reply to your letter of the 7th inst., in regard to James Martin's application for an increase of pension, I am desired by Mr. Arnold-Forster to inform you that after looking into the matter personally he sees no reason to disagree with the decision arrived at by the Chelsea Commissioners, who have fully and repeatedly considered the case.He asks me to point out that the man's service was not sufficient to entitle him to any pension under the terms of his enlistment, and that he has already been granted a special campaign pension of 9d a day, under the recently sanctionedarrangement for Crimean and Mutiny veterans.As there appears to be no corroborative evidence, either in Mr. Martin's possession or among the records of this Department, of his alleged wound before Sebastopol, Mr. Arnold-Foster agrees with the Commissioners that it is impossible to give him the benefits of the higher scale sanctioned for wounded men. -- Yours faithfully,

ARTHUR E. TURNER.

Mr. Doran does not propose to let the matter rest, and intends to bring the case under the notice of his Majesty King Edward.

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"CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND HYMNS."

Rev. D. A. Taylor, M.A., D.D., delivered an interesting lecture in the Assembly Hall, May Street, Belfast, on Thursday evening to a large audience on the subject of "Christmas Hymns and Music."Rev. David Purves, M.A., presided.As a preliminary to the lecture, Dr. Taylor asked the audience to join in singing the Christmas hymn, "Hark, the herald angels sing."The lecturer then gave a resume of Church music from the earliest times, and stated that the earliest hymns in the language were translations from the Greek, giving as an example, No. 355 in the hymnary, "Hail, gladdening light," to Dr. Stainer's setting.Dr. Taylor proceeded to describe the music of the Latin and German Churches, giving as specimens the Latin Christmas hymn, "Of the Father's Love begotten," and Luther's German carol, "From Heaven above to Earth I come," both being rendered by the choir, who illustrated the lecture throughout in a manner that reflected great credit upon the members and the efficient training of the conductor.As examples of old English carols the choir sang "The Angel Gabriel" and "The Babe of Bethlehem.Coming to the Christmas music of modern times, the lecturer referred to the carol composed by Dean Farrar when at Harrow, entitled "In the Fields with their Flocks Abiding," which was sung as a solo by Mr. William Lindsay, the choir singing the chorus.Dr. Taylor spoke in an appreciative manner of the American carol, "O Little Town of Bethlehem," written by Phillips Brooks when on a visit to the Holy Land.The lecturer concluded by stating that the keynote of Christmas was charity, and that there was no better way of spending it than by giving gifts, but not expecting gifts.The musical illustrations were much enjoyed by those present, and a hearty vote of thanks was passed by acclamation to Mr.Moffett and his choir., and to the lecturer.Mrs. Moffett presided at the piano.A successful and enjoyable meeting concluded with the benediction, pronounced by the Rev. D. K. Mitchell.

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BELFAST RECORDER'S COURT.

The civil business of this Court was resumed to-day in the Crown Court of the Co. Antrim Courthouse, before his Honour Judge Fitzgibbon.

A HORSE KILLED.
BELFAST TRAMWAYS CO. v. LAVERTY.

The process in this case was brought by the Belfast Street Tramways Co. against Felix Laverty, 429 Ormeau Road, merchant, to recover £35, loss and damage sustained by plaintiffs by reason as alleged of the defendant, by himself or his servant, so carelessly, negligently, and recklessly driving a horse and van, his property, at Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, that same came into violent contact with a horse, the property of the plaintiffs, inflicting injuries from which the animal died.

Mr. George Hill Smith (instructed by Mr. Frank Kerr) appeared for the plaintiff company; and Mr. T. J. Campbell (instructed by Mr. Laverty) for the defendant.

The case for the plaintiffs was that on the 8th November last a trace-boy riding one of the company's horses was coming along the Newtownards Road from the tramway stables, Strandtown, on his own side of the road towards the Holywood Arches.When between 200 and 300 yards from the tramway stables the defendant's horse and van came out of an adjoining avenue.There was a mineral water van coming in the same direction as the trace-boy, and the driver of that vehicle was driving on the incoming line of rails, and the driver of defendant's van to avoid the mineral water van, instead of going to his own side of the road, turned and dashed into the right side.The traceboy shouted and turned the tram-horse to the footpath, but notwithstanding this the shaft of the defendants' van pierced the kindneys of the plaintiffs' animal, and it died.

The trace-boy stated that his horse was walking at the time of the accident.Defendant's driver had plenty of room on his own side of the road.

A points-boy named Donaghy, who witnessed the accident, said there was no light on defendant's van as far as he could see.

David Gibson, the driver of the mineral water van already mentioned, stated that when the accident occurred the trace-boy was not altogether on his right side of the road.The trace-horse was trotting.Laverty's van was on its right side.It was perhaps the trace-horse that struck the shaft of defendant's van.

Mr. Smith -- You made a statement of your evidence in this case? -- Yes.

And did you tell Inspector Montgomery in your employer's presence that the trace-boy was riding a horse which was walking along on the proper side of the road, near the footpath? -- No.

Witness added that he saw the light on Laverty's van twenty or thirty yards away.

Replying to Mr. Campbell, witness said there was nothing to prevent the trace-boy seeing the light in Laverty's van.The trace-boy had plenty of room on his own side.

Samuel Irvine, foreman at the company's stables, said the horse that was killed cost £30, and had been trained as a trace-horse for six months.

Evidence was given for the defence that the accident was due to the trace-boy, who, it was alleged, without warning came along at a rapid rate and dashed into the defendant's van.

His Honour held that the trace-boy had been guilty of contributory negligence, even if the defendant had been guilty of negligence, and dismissed the action on the merits.

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BELFAST POLICE COURTS.

CUSTODY
(Before Mr. F. G Hodder, R. M.)

"A GOOD FENIAN."

" I am a good Fenian," declared William Lowry to a crowd in the public street on Thursday night.Constable Cuming arrested him, and charged him with being drunk and riotous, for which offence he was fined 40s and costs.

ASSAULT.

Wm. Stewart, charged by Constagle Shaw with being drunk and disorderly on Thursday night, was fined 20s and costs.The prisoner, when under the influence of liquor, smashed a panel of the door of his sister's house, and then took off his coat and used offensive language in the street.On his way to the police office he kicked the constable, who arrested him several times.

LARCENY.

James Cassidy was accused of the larceny of a quantity of linen clippings, value 10s, from the premises of John H. Wilson, Queen Street.Detective Armstrong arrested the man when running away with the parcel containing the goods.Prisoner was committed for three months.

RETURNED FOR TRIAL.

Thomas Cowan was charged by Constable Walker with the larceny of three pairs of boots from the shop of Richard Shannon, Victoria Street.Prisoner admitted having taken one pair of boots, but declared that that was the limit of his offence.Returned to the Recorder's Court.

DETECTIVES COMPLIMENTED.

Sergeant P'Cusack charged William M'Kinley and William M'Cafferty on remand with breaking and entering the unoccupied house of Messrs. Cobain and Laird, Somerton Road, on the night of the 14th inst., and stealing therefrom 12 gas brackets, value £4.After evidence M'Kinley pleaded guilty, and M'Cafferty was discharged.Mr. Hodder, in sentencing M'Kinley to six months' imprisonment, said that when he was sentencing a prisoner it was not from any personal feeling towards him, but to act as a deterrent to others.He regarded this class of offence as the most serious that could be committed against the owners of house property.In this case the prisoner had taken £4 worth of property, and if he had succeeded in disposing of it, all he would have got would be a few paltry shillings.Sergeant Cusack and Constable M'Ilroy were deserving of the greatest credit; in fact, they deserved the thanks of the community in the case.District-Inspector Smith, D.I., thanked his Worship on behalf of the sergeant and constable concerned, and said he would have great pleasure in bringing his Worship's remarks before the Commissioner.Mr. A. A. Macaulay, solicitor, appeared for M'Cafferty.

Mr. Spiller prosecuted in the Custody Court to-day.

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CLIFTON PARK CENTRAL N.S.

An entertainment, presided over by Councillor D. H. Matthews, was given last night by the senior pupils of the above school in the Lecture Hall of Cliftonville Church.The following programme was gone through and much appreciated by a very large audience:- Part I. -- Pianoforte solo, "Soldier's Dream." Miss Kate Arrol; chorus, "Schneider's Band." Choir; solo, "Cuddle Doon." Miss B. Black; recitation. "A Mortifying Mistake." Miss F. Hobson; action song. "Girls versus Boys," choir; solo. "My Bike." Master Cecil Whyte; drill, "Dumb-bells,"class of girls; duet, "My Daddy's a Gentleman," Miss Evelyn M'Dowell and Miss Maggie Creighton;song, "Union Jack," class of boys;children's gavotte, Misses M. Hall, K. Arrol, M. Hobson, V. M'Dowell, Masters A. Husband, S. Arbuckle, J. M'Meekin, and W. Husband; action song, "The Sweeping Brush Brigade," class of girls.Part II -- Chorus, "What Game's best for Playing," choir; solo, "Santa Claus is Coming in the Morning,"Miss M. Creighton; dialogue, "The Quarrell," Miss M. M'Keown (as John) and Miss M. Creighton (as Joanna); action song, "The Hoop Song,"class of girls;solo and chorus, "A Sailor's Life," Master A. Husband; drill, clubs, class of boys; duet, 'Last Rose of Summer,' Miss E. Parkhill and Miss V. M'Dowell; solo, "Baby Mine," Miss Eve M'Dowell; chorus, "Hurrah, for the Sleigh Bells," choir; epilogue, Miss M. Hobson.The chairman congratulated the pupils on the splendid manner in which each had done their parts, and extended his congratulations to the principal of the school, Mr. A. P. Erskine, and to the other teachers who had so efficiently trained the pupils.On the motion of Mr. J. Alexander a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the chairman for presiding, and after singing the National Anthem a very enjoyable evening was terminated.

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AGNES STREET (BELFAST) CENTRAL NATIONAL SCHOOL.

The annual distribution of prizes to the pupils attending this school took place on Thursday evening in presence of a large audience.This school is a most successful one, and Mr. Charles Stewart is the principal of the senior department, and Miss M. M'Cutcheon, principle of the infant department.Rev. W. J. Baird, B.A., the manager, presided, and congratulated the teaching staff on their devotion to duty.

Mr. Stewart submitted his report, which contained the following:- "At the present time there are 277 pupils in the junior department, and 250 in the senior, making a total of 527 pupils on the school rolls. It is gratifying to be in a position to record that at the last annual inspection by his Majesty's inspector, Mr. J. A. O'Connell, M.A., the school in both departments was again awarded the highest marks for general progress during the year.That the teachers gave faithful attention to the moral and religious training of the young under their care may be seen from the report of Rev. J. R. Prenter, M. A., who conducted the last annual examination in religious knowledge.In the Vere Foster national writing competition the Agnes Street Central School is again well to the front, having secured twenty-seven money and book prizes and certificates, as well as a special prize of fifty shillings worth of books, which have been added to the school library for the use of the pupils.During the past six years the school has been awarded five special prizes at this annual writing competition, amounting to over £15, so that the pupils by their own industry and skill in penmanship have now secured a fairly extensive school library, which with some pride they look upon as their very own.Captain Cunningham then distributed over 150 prizes, and in a brief address congratulated the pupils and teachers upon the excellent record they had made during the year.Afterwards an entertaining programme was gone through, the items including pianoforte solos, choruses, action songs, recitations, drill displays, and a tug-of-war.The items were well rendered, and the National Anthem concluded the proceedings.

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SOLICITOR AND CLERK IN THE DOCK. -- A new and important feature of the case of a Bristol and Clerendon solicitor, Wm. Frederick Langworthy, who was charged at the instance of the Treasury with fradulently converting to his own use certain securities valued at £3,606 entrusted to him by Miss de Couray Hamilton, has just been disclosed.A man named Deacon, clerk of defendant, has been arrested, and Langworthy is now charged with receiving bonds, and converting them to the use of a person other than the one to whom they belonged.Both defendants were remanded and bail allowed.

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THE BELFAST TRAMWAYS CONVERSION.

LOCAL OR FOREIGN LABOUR?

ADVICE TO HOME CONTRACTORS.

A CHANCE FOR LOCAL INDUSTRY.

When it is stated that a Glasgow firm has actually proposed to bring its own dredgers over here, with a view to capturing the contract for the supply of local sand, we need make no apology for urging Belfast firms to bestir themselves, and by organisation and every other legitimate means see to it that they are not cut out, owing to the smarter business tactics of cross-Channel concerns.The representatives of the latter have for a long time been actively exerting themselves in every possible way to secure sub-contracts: they are going to work locally, and sparing neither time nor expense in the pursuit of their object.It is almost an open secret that a gentleman recently returned from America has largely underbid all the local contractors in respect of certain materials to be supplied.While most emphatically advocating the acceptance of local contracts and the employment of home labour, we cannot but feel that something more in the spirit of "hustle" may be expected from Belfast firms and Belfast workmen.In this commercial age the individual, and not less the body corporate will make a point of buying the best goods in the cheapest market, but we believe it will be very largely the fault of our own business men if they do not gain for themselves a very material portion of the work in connection with the tramways conversion.The principal contractors, Messrs. J. G. White & Co., Ltd., are, we understand, inclined to give preference to Belfast work where other considerations are equally balanced; and Mr. E. W. White, who represents them here, assures us that he will have the greatest pleasure in giving helpful advice to such intending sub-contractors as may see the wisdom of calling upon him at his offices, Ulster Buildings, Waring Street.Some 80,000 tons of square setts will be required, and we learn that a Belfast gentleman, who might have secured the sub-contract for the whole quantity, was unable to entertain the idea of tendering for so vast a quantity.In such cases there should most certainly be a combination of local manufacturers for the purpose of submitting a joint tender, and we would also remind those competing for this particular order that the setts should be sent in immediately to be passed by the Corporation.In the case of municipal paving, there was a strong outcry against importing setts from Wales or any other part of the United Kingdom, and Belfastmen must be up and doing now, if they are to secure the present contract for themselves.The tender for sand, already referred to, is in itself an enormous matter, and it will be to the lasting disgrace of the city if any "foreign" firm is allowed to outbid Belfast in this respect.The contract for cement has already, we hear, been given to a Belfast firm.Some of the largest requirements are the sand -- from 70,000 to 80,000 tons; the ground stone, approximating 70,000 tons; and the square setts, 800,000 tons; but there is also the important matter of labour to consider, and one that demands especial attention when distress is so prevalent and a providential chance presents itself of securing local work for probably 5,000 or 6,000 workmen.We earnestly advise Belfast labourers to lose not a moment in putting their representatives in touch with Mr. Fisher, who has full responsibility in the employment and dismissal of men, the making of sub-contracts, etc.Mr. White considers that most of the work can be efficiently done by Belfast labour, but our own citizens must be on the alert if they expect to oust the labourers who have the advantage of experience in similar undertakings across the Channel.Messrs. White and Co. will commence next week to organise labour; they profess themselves most anxious to employ local workmen exclusively, and to discourage the importation of navvies from other parts of the Kingdom, although the gangs of Southern Irishmen employed in London are commonly regarded as perhaps the finest navvies in the world.The contractors hope to give Belfast the finest tramway system in the universe, and it will not surprise us to see the cars running in all parts of the city some weeks before the stipulated date, i.e. -at the beginning of August instead of on October 1.

Once again we would impress upon our manufacturers and workmen the imperative importance of looking to their own interests without a moment's delay, and doing so in a manner worthy of Belfast's high commercial reputation.

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THE EX-CROWN PRINCESS.

CONDUCTED OUT OF SAXONY.
(Central News Telegram)

BERLIN, Friday. -- The Countess Montignoso, the divorced wife of the King of Saxony, left Leipsig this morning, and was conducted as far as the Austrian frontier by a police escort.The Countess intends to proceed to Florence.

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THE MOVING BOG.

MILE IN A DAY.

The "Daily Chronicle" Castlerea correspondent, telegraphing on Thursday with regard to the Castlerea bog slide, says: -- As for the bog itself, I walked over nearly eight miles of it this morning with a Local Government Board Inspector.Where Cloonshievers was there is at present a gang of men cutting through the main road to drain off the water, if possible, and save the situation.But from what I saw I know that theirs is a vain task.The whole morass is sweeping round in a big curve south from a point about five miles below Frenchpark over Cloonshievers, where it turns north.Soon, unless a miracle happens, it must reach Cloonard Bridge.Already it is threatening Peak Bridge.When that happens there will be a terrible tale to tell.The bog itself has become a vast sea within the last twelve hours.It has moved a mile or more.Even as one walks the mass shakes and shivers, for it is said that beneath is a huge lake.At one point a large quantity of water has accumulated.A little more pressure and the thing is done.

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LAYING DOWN THE LAW.

AN EXPOSITION OF THE MONROE DOCTRINE.
(Reuter's Agency.)

NEW YORK, Friday. -- Mr. Root, ex-Secretary of war, addressing the company at theNew England Society dinner, last night, referred with hearty approval to the recent meeting in favour of international arbitration held here, and went on to say:- The only relation that carries a possibility of war for this country is the declaration of, and adherence to, by the American people to the so-called Monroe Doctrine.There will be no frontal attack on it.The way in which a cause of war may arise will be, if at all, by a conflict of rights, the existence of rights on the part of foreign Powers against the American Republics, and the result of the enforcement of these rights coming into conflict with this doctrine which we assert for our safety and preservation.We do not undertake to say that the Republics of South and Central America are to be relieved of their international obligations, nor that the Powers of Europe shall not undertake to enforce their rights against these members of the sisterhood of nations.It is only when the enforcements of the rights comes to the point of taking possession of territory, that we say it is inconsistent with the peace and safety of the United States.We also say the American Republics are themselves to be just. It is always possible that the redress of injury and punishment of wrong may lead to the occupation of territory, and if we maintain this doctrine, which is vital to our national safety, at the same time that we say to the Powers "You shall not push your remedies for wrong against the Republics to the point of occupying their territory," we are bound to say that whenever that wrong cannot be otherwise redressed we ourselves will see it is redressed.Above all things, let us be just; let us do equity.Let us see that we ourselves and those we protect are just, and then our cause will be just.

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CHURCH UNION CONFERENCE.
(Reuter's Agency.)

TORONTO, Friday. --The joint Conference of representatives of the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational Churches, to devise a possible basis of union, has adjourned after three days' deliberation.Five standing sub-committees on doctrine, policy, ministry, administration, and law have been appointed for further consideration of the problems which were before the Conference.

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LATEST IN COMBINES.

A SMART BUSINESS WOMAN.
(Through Laffan's Agency.)

PHILADELPHIA, December 23. -- The consolidation of Messrs. Powers & Weightman and Messrs. Rosengarten & Sons, the biggest chemical firms in the States, and hitherto bitterest rivals, has been effected by Mrs. Walker, Mr. Weightman's daughter, who practically conducted the business when Mr. Weightman died.He left one hundred million dollars and the business to Mrs. Walker, who became the richest woman in the States.Mrs. Walker has two hobbies, the collecting of laces and Napoleonic relics.The consolidation effects a practical monopoly in the States of sulphate of quinine and morphia.

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FRANCE AND MOROCCO.

(Reuter's Agency.)

PARIS, Friday. -- A telegram published by the "Matin," from its Tangier correspondent, says that the disturbed state of Tangier has been much exaggerated by the English and Spanish newspapers, and protests against the hostile attitude towards France of certain foreign residents. The message adds -- The Sultan has refused to receive the French Leiut. Amis, who, with two non-commissioned officers, has come to reinforce the French Mission at Fez..M. Strenic Taillander has just notified to the Maghzen, which is the Sultan's Council of Ministers that according to the decision of his Government he will postpone his departure for Fez until further orders.In pursuance of the same decision M. Strenic Taillandeir has ordered the French Military Mission to leave Fez and proceed to Tangier.He also directs the French Vice-Consul to leave Fez within twelve days after the arrival of his letter with the few Frenchmen who form our little colony there.These twelve days are the minimum that can be accorded to foreigners to prepare for their departure.All this constitutes the overture to a crisis, for which the ignorant and reckless diplomacy of the Sultan had prepared us.It will find, we are sure, a rapid solution in a policy of coolness and resolution on our side and in a policy of reflexion on the side of the Sultan, and the Sultan can reflect when it is needful.

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BANN DRAINAGE QUESTION.

UNREDRESSED GRIEVANCES.

At a meeting of the Aghalee Rural Council on Thursday -- Mr. F. L. Turtle, J. P. (chairman) presiding -- a deputation representing the ratepayers of the district was received on the question of the Bann drainage.Mr. J. A. M'Donald spoke on behalf of the deputation, and said they were sorry the efforts of the Rural Council, owing to the apathetic attitude of the Council, had not been more successful.As the Council were aware, there was a great deal of distress and suffering at present among the people who had the misfortune to reside in the low-lying lands in that district.They had the previous day received demand notes signed by a Portadown solicitor, stating that if the amounts named were not received within one week legal proceedings for their recovery would be taken.The people in Aghalee and Aghadalgon had exercised great patience for many, many years.He was afraid the Drainage Trustees would have to exercise a little of the same virtue. (Applause.) Continuing, he said each year over £1,000 was raised in Counties Antrim and Londonderry for the upkeep of navigation in the Lower Bann that did not exist.The money expended on the alleged navigation of the Lower Bann should in future be spent in keeping the river in order, so as to increase its rate of flow.If they could induce the Government to carry out the reforms he had suggested the vexed Lough Neagh drainage question would be solved.The Council expressed their sympathy with the deputation, and the chairman assured them the Council would do everything they could to obtain remedy and redress of the grievances.They were entitled to justice, and in the end they would surely get it.

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DERBY SILK MILL BURNED.

On Thursday night a serious fire broke out in a silk mill at Derby, doing several thousand pounds damage.The fire originated near the engine-room, but its cause is unknown.Spreading with great rapidity, the flames soon enveloped the building, which was gutted in spite of the efforts of the fire brigade, which, however, succeeded in saving the Richmond Laundry adjoining.The mill belongs to MR. J. Bloor.

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THE SCOTCH CHURCH DIFFICULTY. -- The Royal Commission appointed to inquire into matters affecting the Free Church and the United Free Church, have announced that they will meet early in January.Merchants' Hall, Hanover Street, Edinburgh, will be the meeting place, and the public will be admitted as far as possible.The Free Church received possession of the extensive offices in Edinburgh yesterday.A stonemason was at once put to work to cut out the stone over the doorway bearing the name -- "United Free Church, 1900," the date of the union.All traces were obliterated.

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LATEST COMMERCIAL NEWS

LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE.

THURSDAY EVENING (after official hours). -- On the Stock Exchange the principle factor was the weather.Operators arrived in town two or three hours late, and expecting a similar experience in the evening, left earlier than usual.Fortunately, in some respects they had nothing to do, for markets were stagnant.Consols have dropped back slightly, and most Home Rails are easier, though the market shows considerable strength, considering the appalling weather.Foreign stocks were weak early, owing to a relapse in Russian Fours to 91 1/2.There was a subsequent recovery, but most Foreign stocks close lower.In the American Railway market prices were opened at parity, but soon gave way.There was a little recovery later, but not sufficient to wipe out the morning's decline, so that final prices show many losses of a dollar or more.Trunks were weak, for despite the good effect of yesterday's meeting, there were considerable realisations. Kaffir prices, which were weak all round, improved slightly towards the close, though business is on a very small scale.Goldfields were in demand, but Rhodesians were a weak market, Rhodesia Exploration and Lomagundas being on offer, as also were Copper shares.Nile Valleys gave way on the report.Westralians have not maintained yesterday's strength.West Africans were a shade better.

THE FOG AND BUSINESS. -- NEW YORK PROSPECTS.-"STATIST" CHEERFUL. -- GENERAL IMPROVEMENT PREDICTED. -- PARIS AN ADVERSE FACTOR.

LONDON, Friday 11-30 a.m. -The city is not wrapped in Stygian gloom, but the approaches to it are.Trains are greatly delayed, and business is again likely to be seriously interefered with.For the Stock Exchange, however, it is the eve of the holidays, and the inclination to do business will be lacking.

In recent years the outlook for stock markets at Christmas has generally been gloomy.Now the gloom is confined to the atmosphere, for on all sides a cheerful view is taken of the prospects of 1905.

The "Statist" is very cheerful, and occupies a good deal of space in predicting better things soon, not only in the South African market -- though on this point it is most emphatic -- but in markets generally.

The favourable view of Home Rails is repeated, and the "Statist" considers the prospect of better railway dividends have been increased by the new spirit of co-operation which is coming over the companies.

In regard to Americans, it points out that although in many cases present prices more than discount the present dividends, with a continuance of good trade in America an all-round advance in railway dividends is to be anticipated.

At the moment the principal adverse factor for the markets generally, we should say, is the possible attitude of Paris.

FRIDAY, 2.30 p.m. -- The fog has lifted, but there is no increase in the volume of business.Consols are dull.In Home Rails York Deferred are easy, but Mets and Great Centrals are only 1/8 to 1/4 lower on the collision and loss of life.In the Foreign market there is a moderate decline in Perus, but no other feature.Americans are opened at parity to over, and have remained there for there is absolutely no business.In Trunks also there is an absence of dealings, and a slight decline in 2nds is the only change.In the Mining market Northern Coppers remain weak.Prices generally are wonderfully firm in view of the fact that so many options are open, and must be declared before a quarter to three o'clock. Tintos are 1-16 lower.The Rio Exchange has risen to 13 1/2, but the Chilian Exchange is only 16 3/8.

The "New York Herald" states that a New York banking house is about to initiate proceedings in opposition to the proposed reorganisation of the Seaboard Air Line.

NOTICE.

The Stock Exchange will be closed to-morrow, the 24th, and Monday, 26th inst.

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JOHANNESBURG GOLDFIELDS.

The fifteenth ordinary general meeting of the shareholders in the Johannesburg Goldfields, Limited, was held at Winchester House, Old Broad Street, E.C. -- Lord Ernest W. Hamilton (the chairman of the company) presiding.

The Chairman, in the course of his remarks, said -- You will remember that we have 450,000 trees on our property, the oldest being twelve years and the youngest seven years, and any trees ranging from seven to twelve years give considerable scope for increase both in growth and value.Meanwhile the property is certainly not decreasing in value.This being so, it will at once be plain to you that the business of the company resolves itself mainly into, after all, a finance company, or what is sometimes called a trust company.These are conditions under which, of course, very considerable responsibility rests on the directors of the company, and I am glad to be able to inform you that since we met last the directors have succeeded in making a very substantial profit for the company out of what they have invested in mining and other shares.Government and Colonial stocks, at balance of cost, appear at £29,000 odd, compared with, last year, £32,000 odd, and mining shares this year at £71,000 odd, against £69,000 odd last year.A little further down you come to the item of £10,000 on deposit with the General Mining and Finance Corporation.This sum is on deposit under the terms of the arrangement in connection with the agreement concerning the Cinderella Deep shares.It is a matter altogether outside our control, and £10,000 is the maximum sum that can be required to be placed on deposit at any one time.It so happened that on June 30 that amount was on deposit; but since then it has been reduced.There is no profit and loss account, as it has not been the practice of this company to publish one, because of the very limited scope of these operations, I now beg to move -- "That the report and accounts for the year ended June 30, 1904, as submitted to this meeting, be received and adopted." (Applause.)

Mr. Carvill, M. P., seconded the motion.

Mr. R. E. Stevens asked what was the number of Cinderella Deep shares still held by the company, and also their present price.

The Chairman said they held about 29,000 shares, and they stood them in the £1 18s a share.The actual market price to-day was rather over £3.

A Shareholder -- 33-16 bid, sir.

Mr. Stevens said he was glad to hear that, as it was a very valuable asset.

The motion was then unanimously agreed to.

The Chairman proposed the re-election of the retiring director -- Mr. P. G. Hamilton Carvill -- which was seconded by Mr. Jacob Freudenthal, and carried unanimously.

Mr. Carvill, in thanking the shareholders for his re-election, expressed his entire concurrence with the chairman in reference to the investments in which they were engaged having been very well selected.He might, however, add that they had 37,000 invested, outside their holding in Cinderella Deep shares and in Consols, and that the market price of those securities to-day was £49,000.(Applause.)

The proceeding afterwards terminated.

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BELFAST LINEN TRADE REPORT

Extreme quietness has been the rule throughout the market, as is but usual the week before Xmas, and as the holidays will be followed by half-yearly balancing there is no prospect of any improvement till well into January.The tone of the market, however, continues good enough.While there is no anxiety shown by buyers to do business, on the other hand there is no forcing of sales by sellers, so that prices are well maintained.With regard to the course of values in the immediate future purchasers are looking for some concession, but as present rates are cut exceedingly fine it is difficult to see how any reduction can be made unless raw material makes a decided break.This is hardly likely, and, as a matter of fact, flax shows a hardening tendency.Prices paid this week at our home markets show an advance, with the demand appreciably brisker.Yarns continue to be bought in sorting-up fashion, but the demand is equal to the production, and with spinners still well foresold their position is one of considerable strength.Brown goods are featureless.A moderate demand for the season of the year is kept up, but there is nothing in the way of briskness.Finished linens for home consumption have been bought in driblets as wanted, and it will be three or four weeks before buying is resumed on any scale.Shipping trade is holding its own.States advices are fairly cheerful, and current business tends to increase.Colonial markets, especially Canada, are hopefully spoken of.The Continental markets are dullish.No change in the case of Cuba.

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THE LONDON STOCK MARKETS.

The following is from the article on the Money Market dated Thursday evening in the "Times" of to-day: -- "There was hardly any business on the Stock Exchange.There would not have been much in any case, probably, but any slight disposition to enter into transactions was checked by the continuance of the fog, which delayed the arrival of letters, and interfered with the ordinary work of the city in other ways.The tone was dull in all departments, and though the last prices were not the lowest touched, as a rule, they show a decline in most cases.Several of the leading markets were affected by special causes.Home Railway stocks were depressed by the weather, which is of a kind not merely to reduce gross traffic, but to increase working expenses.The Paris Bourse was again in a gloomy humour this morning, owing to the weakness of Russian Bonds, and American Railroad issues suffered from the prospect of serious endeavours being made by the Executive of the United States to obtain more power over 'corporations,' as public companies are called in America.The approach of the holidays also led to realisations, but, on the whole, the feeling throughout the House was cheerful, especially at the close, and contrasted favourably with the state of mind prevailing at Christmas in recent years."

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SAD AFFAIR NEAR STRABANE.

SERVANT GIRL ASPHYXIATED.

A servant girl named Bridget M'Glynn, in the employment of a farmer named George Devine, has come by her death under circumstances of a sad nature.She brought to her bedroom a bucketful of lighted coal for the purpose of keeping the room warm.In the morning as she was not up at the accustomed hour, Devine knocked at the door of her room, which was bolted on the inside.Getting no response he then, assisted by some of the other inmates, forced the door, when the unfortunate occupant as found lying in the middle of the room lifeless.She had apparently, after being some time in bed, felt the effect of the fumes arising from the bucket, and attempted to get to the door, but was so far overcome that she was unable to do so, and falling to the floor, had been smothered.She was aged twenty-four, and a native of Donegal.An inquest was held before Mr. E. Gallagher, J. P., district coroner, and a verdict of death from asphyxia caused by coal fumes, was returned.

Several Paris newspapers seem to be abandoning the suicide in favour of the murder theory in the Syvveton case.

At the recent examinations of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in Dublin, Mr. J. D. Taylor, Emyvale, County Moneghan was successful.

 

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Belfast Telegraph - Saturday, 24 December, 1904

Births

STARK -- December 18th, at 131 Springfield Road, the wife of W. J. Stark, of a son.

Marriages

DICKSON-ANDREWS -- December 21, at Seymour Street Methodist Church, Lisburn, by the Rev. William Corrigan, William John, second son of Robert Dickson, of Sion Mills, Co. Tyrone, to Mary Isabella (Minnie), only daughter of George Andrews, of Millbrook, Lisburn.

GIBSON -- HALL. -- December 21st, at May Street Presbyterian Church, by Rev. Dr. Lynd, D.D., Thomas Gibson, eldest son of Samuel Gibson, Belfast, to Annie S. Hall, only daughter of the late Francis B. Hall, of Donaghadee.

Deaths

HOOD -- December 23rd, at her father's residence, Maze, Lisburn, Agnes Hood.The remains of my beloved daughter will be removed for interment in the family burying-ground, Hillsborough, on to-morrow (Sunday) afternoon, at half-past one o'clock.
EDWARD HOOD.

KENNEDY -- December 24th, at her residence, 77 Sloan Street, Lisburn, Margaret Jane (Maggie), dearly beloved and only daughter of Andrew and Ann Kennedy.Her remains will be removed for interment in New Cemetery, Lisburn, on Monday afternoon, at three o'clock.Friends will please accept this intimation.
ANDREW & ANN KENNEDY.

LEWIS -- December 24th, at her husband's residence, 26 Bridge Street, Hildon, Lisburn, Sarah Lewis.The remains of my beloved wife will be removed for interment in the family burying-ground, Hill-Hall, on Monday afternoon at one o'clock. Friends will please accept this intimation.
EDWARD LEWIS..

M'CORMICK -- 23rd December, at 68 Antrim Road, Robert M'Cormick (Clarke & Son).Funeral private.
MATTHEW ANDERSON M'CORMICK.

M'MEEKIN -- 23rd December, at his residence, 18 Barrow Street, William, the dearly beloved husband of Mary M'Meekin.His remains will be removed for interment in Mallusk Burying-ground, on to-morrow (Sunday) afternoon, at two o'clock. Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation.
MARY M'MEEKIN

M'PHERSON -- At 31 Ardgowan Street, Agnes, the dearly beloved daughter of Robert and Edith M'Pherson.Funeral to-morrow (Sunday) at two o'clock for Knock Burying-ground.
R. M'PHERSON.

REID -- 23rd December, 1904, at her residence, 19 Outram Street, Belfast, Elizabeth (Lizzie), the eldest and dearly loved daughter of Alexander and Mary Reid.Her remains will be removed from the above address for interment in the City Cemetery, on to-morrow (Sunday) afternoon, at two o'clock. Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation."Safe in the arms of Jesus."
ALEXANDER & MARY REID.

SANDERSON -- December 24th, at 64 Epworth Street, David Alexander, infant son of Charles and Harriett Sanderson, aged 13 months.The remains of our dearly beloved child will be removed for interment in the City Cemetery on to-morrow (Sunday) afternoon at two o'clock. Friends will please accept this intimation.
CHARLES & HARRIETT SANDERSON.

THOMPSON -- December 23, at 19 Oldpark Road, John Henry Thompson.Funeral to-morrow (Sunday) afternoon, at two o'clock, for interment in the City Cemetery. Friends will please accept this intimation.
ELLEN THOMPSON.

WATT -- December 23rd, 1904, at his residence, 4 Leeds Street, John Watt, the beloved husband of Elizabeth Watt.His remains will be removed for interment on to-morrow (Sunday) afternoon, at half-past two o'clock, in City Cemetery. Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation. Gone to be with Jesus.
ELIZABETH WATT.

In Memoriam

BOOTH -- In sad and loving memory of our dear mother, Annie Booth, who passed away after a brief illness, 26th December, 1905, and was interred in the City Cemetery.
"Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away."
Inserted by her loving Husband and Family. 19 Crossley Street.

MOORE -- In sad and loving remembrance of our dear mother, Sarah Jane, the dearly beloved wife of the late John Moore, who departed this life on the 25th December, 1901, and was interred in the City Cemetery.
"Gone, but not forgotten."
Inserted by her loving Son, GEORGE WELLINGTON MOORE.

SHANNON -- In fond and loving remembrance of our dear daughter, Sarah, who departed this life on the 26th December, 1902, and was interred in the family burying-ground, Grandshaw.
It was hard to part, my daughter dear,
But God, who knoweth best,
Held wide his loving arms and said
"Come unto Me and rest."
Inserted by her loving Father and Mother, Brothers, and Sisters.

SMILLIE -- In loving memory of our dear mother, Sarah Smillie, who departed this life on 25th December, 1903, and was interred in the City Cemetery. Deeply regretted,
Inserted by her loving Family.

TODD -- In sad but loving remembrance of our dear father, Richard Todd, late Farrier-Sergeant 13th Hussars and Royal Military College, Sandhurst, who died Xmas morning, 1903, and was interred in the City Cemetery.
"O, grave, where is thy victory?"
C.K. & J. WELDON.

WIGSTON -- In fond and loving memory of my dear husband, Samuel J. (Sam), who departed this life on 25th December, 1903, and was interred in the City Cemetery.
How I miss the hand so gentle,
How I miss the look so kind,
How I miss the voice so cheery,
That bespoke the happy mind.
And the ear that always listened,
And the heart that always cared,
And admitted all my sorrow,
And my gladness always shared.
"They miss him most who loved him best."
Inserted by his loving Wife and Family. 11 Rosebank Street.

Clippings

TOBACCO MACHINES.

MR. SOLOMON IN COURT.

ANTICIPATED BY AN INGENIOUS AMERICAN.

JUDGMENT FOR £300 AND COSTS.

Mr. Frederick Solomon, of Southport, formerly of Belfast, and well-known in this city, has been defendant in action brought against him in Liverpool by the Atlas Engineering Co., Ltd.The plaintiff company claimed for a balance of £26814s 10d for work done and material supplied to the defendant.The latter had invented a new mechanical process of cutting tobacco, and had, so the plaintiffs alleged, arranged with them to produce three machines the work to be experimental, to be done as cheaply as possible, and to be carried out without regard to any time limit.Defendant paid various sums of money as the work progressed.In July of last year he sustained injuries in the Waterloo railway accident, and in the following month, after sending plaintiffs a cheque for £30 he went to France to repair his health, and since then he had paid nothing further towards the cost of the work continued by the plaintiffs in his (defendant's) interests.At the last assizes defendant obtained damages from the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Co., and it was then stated by his counsel that his tobacco-cutting invention had been anticipated by an ingenious American.The defence was that the work had not been carried out according to contract in a workmanlike manner, and had not been completed within a definite time.One of the machines, whilst not entirely satisfactory, was, in the main, in accordance with the contract, and defendant was willing to accept that machine, and in consideration thereof would allow plaintiffs £80.

Mr. Overend Evans was counsel for the plaintiffs, and Mr. Greer appeared for the defendant.

Further evidence was given on behalf of the plaintiffs to show that the work, having regard to its experimental character, had been satisfactorily done, and had not been over-charged for.

Mr. Greer, for the defence, said that his client was still in a position to have his patent granted.Counsel submitted that his client had been grossly over-charged, and he ought not to have to pay anything for the second machine because it had not been constructed with reasonable mechanical skill.

The defendant, Frederick Solomon, gave evidence, and explained in what respects the machinery failed to give him satisfaction.He said that the plaintiffs' manager (Mr. Pollitt), on one occasion, admitted having committed a mechanical error.

Witness, replying to questions from Mr. Evans, said he made the first statement in regard to the invention about May, 1903, and since then he had it protected.He had not filed his final specification yet.In his statement of claim on the occasion of the hearing of the action against the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company, it was alleged that he had suffered from loss of memory in consequence of the accident.

Mr. Evans -- I suggest that probably your memory as to conversations which took place between you and Mr. Pollitt is even now playing you false? -- That is quite possible, but it is not likely that I should forget the exact object of my machine.

W. Martin Davy, consulting engineer, estimated the total cost of constructing two machines, such as had been turned out by the plaintiffs, at £162 11s 10d. as against £370 charged by the plaintiffs.The £162 would include 15 guineas for drawings and designing, and 10 per cent. as remuneration to Mr. Pollitt.He considered that £73 for the first machine and £89 11s 10d for the second machine were ample allowances for the making of the machines.Plaintiffs had charged decidedly too many hours for the work.

Mr. Pollitt, recalled, said the charges made to the defendant were the same as those made to any other customers.

His Lordship gave judgment for the plaintiffs for £300, less £125 already paid them by the defendant, with costs.

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THE FOG

[beginning of article missing]

BELFAST WRAPPED IN MIST.

The fog fiend, which has held England in its grip for the past two days, reached Belfast to-day, and from an early hour the city was wrapped in a thick mist.Business was carried on with the aid of gas and electricity right up till the afternoon, and though the fog was thick it was not sufficiently dense to interfere much with the street traffic in the principal thoroughfares.In the vicinity of the docks there was some dislocation of traffic, apart from the non-arrival of some of the cross-Channel steamers, and it was impossible to see many yards down the river.

The English mails were again late in reaching Belfast, and the interruption caused a considerable amount of extra work at the Post Office, which is busy enough at this season of the year without being subjected to unforeseen delays.The mails via Larne and Stranraer arrived an hour and a quarter earlier than those via Holyhead and Dublin, the fog having caused greater delay in the Holyhead route than the Stranraer.The deliveries were commenced as early as possible, and shortly after noon most of the English letters were out.It might be added that the first passengers to arrive at Belfast from England on Friday morning were those who travelled via Stranraer and Larne.Although the trains from the South arrived at Stranraer about three hours behind time, a quick transfer was made, and the turbine steamer Princess Maud, as usual, made the passage from Stranraer to Larne under two hours.The Midland Railway (Northern Counties Committee), with commendable promptitude, ran the mails by a special train all the way to Londonderry, so that the delay occasioned through the fog on the English side was minimised.The Northern short sea route, however, is generally singularly free from fogs, and as a result a large number of excursionists availed themselves last evening by crossing over via Larne and Stranraer.

CROSS-CHANNEL TRAFFIC.

The s.s. Magic, which left Belfast almost half an hour after midnight, arrived at Liverpool Landing-Stage this morning at 10.30; while the Optic, sailing from the latter port about twelve o'clock, berthed at Donegall Quay about 10-15 a.m.Both steamers experienced a very dense fog.

The Barrow steamer arrived at six o'clock this morning, her usual hour, not having experienced the fog.The Heysham steamer, Antrim, had not arrived here at 1-30.

The Fleetwood steamer could not leave on her passage for Belfast till seven o'clock this morning, and will not arrive until late in the afternoon.

SKATING STOPPED.

Skating in the Lincolnshire Fens was stopped this morning owing to a break up of the frost.

THE FOG

continued from page 5

THE SCENE AT LIVERPOOL.

The lifting of the fog in the Mersey Channel during the night released about twenty vessels which were at anchor off the port, and up to mid-day the capacity of the Liverpool Landing Stage was taxed to its utmost in giving them the necessary accommodation.The most important of the fog-bound steamers was the Oceanic, which disembarked passengers after a detention of 40 hours, there being about sixteen hundred on board.The Cunard liner Saxonia, from Boston, also had a large passenger list.Having been practically shut out from the world for three days since leaving Queenstown, the people on both steamers were eager for the news.The time of waiting during the fog was passed as pleasantly as possible with concerts and other amusements.All on board recognised the wisdom of a waiting policy, and the officers made them comfortable and happy.

ARRIVAL AT SOUTHAMPTON.

The Cape liner Briton arrived off Southampton shortly before noon.The American liner Philadelphia, which left Southampton to-day, had among her passengers Mr. Forbes Robertson and members of his theatrical company.Many friends saw them off, and wished them Christmas greetings.Mr. Robertson expects to return to England in April.

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BELFAST POLICE COURTS.

CUSTODY

The magistrates in this Court to-day were F.G. Hodder, R.M. (presiding), R.M. Young, and A. Crawford.

SMART DETECTION OF BURGLARY.

A charge of breaking and entering and stealing a number of bottles of whiskey from the premises of Messers. M'Guigan, Falls Road, was preferred against Joseph Harvey.The evidence of Constable Sorohan was to the effect that when passing the house he heard a noise, and on entering found prisoner, who said he was an employe in the house.Some bottles of whiskey were found in prisoner's possession.Prisoner's explanation to the magistrates was that when passing the house a man invited him inside.Prisoner was returned for trial to the Recorder's Court, and Constable Sorohan was warmly complimented both by Mr. Hodder and by Mr. Spiller, who prosecuted in the case, for the smart way in which he had detected the case.

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VICTORIA PARK BACTERIA BEDS.

MEETING OF PROTEST.

The General [C]ommittees of Victoria and Pottinger Wards in connection with the Belfast Conservative Association met on Friday night in Ballymacarrett Orange Hall regarding the proposal to make bacteria beds in Victoria Park.The attendance included -- Alderman Dr. King-Kerr, J.P., and Councilors Dr. Browne, Robert Thompson, and John Watson.Councillor Coates sent a letter of apology.

Mr. H.T. Henderson, who presided, explained the object of the meeting, and called on Alderman Dr. King-Kerr, who said that the sewerage of Lower Sydenham had been in a very bad state for many years back.After a considerable amount of thought and trouble plans were made for the combined sewerage of the Knock and Sydenham districts, and on paper they showed miles and miles of sewers all terminating near Sydenham Station.He did not know who drew those plans, but he did not hold Mr. Cutler responsible for them.At any rate an application was made to the Local Government Board, who sent Mr. Cowan to hold an inquiry.It was thought that everything under these circumstances was going right, but a hitch came when they found that it was not possible to obtain either of the two places mentioned as suitable for outlets.In one case the price asked was too exorbitant, and in the other they would not be allowed to touch the property.Could one imagine a scheme exhibiting so little business capacity, so little intelligence, and so little foresight?It was thought that the Victoria Park would remove the difficulty, and accordingly the proposal came before a special meeting of the Corporation on Wednesday last.That was the first he heard of the matter, and he need hardly say that he felt very much surprised.In committee he said if only an acre of the park was required, and if it was the portion lying close to Sydenham Station, and would not interfere with the use of the park, he would not raise any serious objection.But when the special meeting of the Corporation took place he was given to understand that five acres were wanted.In consequence of this he asked that the matter be allowed to stand over for forty-eight hours until the representatives of those two wards saw what was best to be done in the case to avoid injury to the park.There was a majority present, however, and the result was that they were beaten and laughed at.The position he, in common with the other representatives from Victoria and Pottinger Wards, was put into on the occasion was a very humiliating one, and if they thought they could get a man to carry more weight with reference to the matter before the Corporation he was willing to res[i]gn.He thought they should resent such treatment, and that they should make their influence felt not only in those wards, but in all the other wards of the city (Applause.)

Councillor Robert Thompson said Captain Ker was afraid that the bacteria beds might interfere with the letting value of his property, and, therefore, he had come to the conclusion not to give the Corporation any part of his land whatever.The scheme had proceeded so far that they were ready to make application to the Local Government Board for funds to have it carried into effect, and when the difficulty arose the surveyor thought the only way to get out of it was to secure a small space of ground that belonged to Sir Thomas M'Clure at Sydenham Station, a triangular-shaped piece belonging to the Harbour Commissioners, and about an acre and a half of Victoria Park.Those who had property at that portion of the park had the power of objecting to the beds being within a certain distance of their dwellings, and in the event of their doing so it was very probable that the bacteria beds would have to be placed beyond the present embankment.

Mr. Robert Davis -- If the bacteria beds were placed there would there be any smell?

Councillor Thompson -- There will not be any smell.In case the beds are placed outside the embankment it will be necessary to have a right-of-way to them through that corner of the park, and the expenditure will be something like £11,000 or £12,000.There will be no danger from the beds, as nice walks can be made round them.In the present circumstances something will have to be done.Lower Sydenham is in a terrible condition, and it is a wonder there is not a plague in it before now.

Councillor John Watson said the proposal came upon him as a great surprise.He believed that the five acres of the park proposed to be taken was only a compromise.They would ultimately try to take as much of it as would be necessary to carry out a scheme for the sewerage of the whole district.He did not go on exactly the same lines in the matter as Alderman Dr. King-Kerr.Alderman Dr. King-Kerr would agree to giving an acre of the park; but he would not give away an inch of it. [Ht] was once in Duncrue Street, and, contrary to Councillor Thompson's experience of bacteria beds, he did not enjoy the smell.They were prepared to wait two or three years for the sewerage of Lower Sydenham before they would see Victoria Park destroyed. (Applause.)

After further discussion, Mr. Joseph Wilson proposed -- "That it be an instruction from this meeting to the members of the City Council for Pottinger and Victoria Wards to have a requisition proposed and presented to the Lord Mayor to call a special meeting of City Council to rescind the resolution passed at the last special meeting taking a portion of the Victoria Park for bacteria beds."He considered it a lamentable thing that Belfast was so badly provided for in respect of breathing spaces.

Mr. John M'Cormick seconded the resolution, which was supported by Mr. T.J.B. Matheson, and carried.

Arrangements were then made for a deputation to wait on the Corporation, and impress upon it the earnest feeling entertained by those residing in those two wards against any interference with Victoria Park.

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COAL REPORT

Greenhill Bros. Says: -- Prices of coal in this port continue unchanged.At the moment the supply is fairly good, especially in view of the fog, which has prevailed in many of the shipping ports during the past few days, and by which the loading of vessels has been delayed.During the present week trade is expected to be more or less irregular throughout England, owing to the Christmas holidays, and next week in Scotland occasioned by the holidays of the New Year, which appear now to extend over a longer period than formerly.

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NEWTOWNARDS BOARD OF GUARDIANS.

The weekly meeting of the above Board was held to-day (Saturday) -- Mr. Geo. Dickson, J. P., (chairman) presiding.592 persons were reported on the outdoor relief list at a cost for the week of £51 12s 6d.Mr. James Black, superintendent of First Bangor Presbyterian Church Sabbath-school, wrote that the teachers of the school wished again to send Christmas gifts and greetings to the children of the Workhouse on Monday next.It was resolved to grant the request with thanks to the donors -- Sir James Haslett, M.P., wrote acknowledging receipt of the resolution of the Guardians re the reduction of the police force in Ireland.The other business was routine.

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CONCERT AT GREENCASTLE.

A very enjoyable concert was given on Friday night in the Whitehouse National Schools, Greencastle -- Rev. R. Barron, Whitehouse, presiding.The pupils provided an attractive programme, assisted by the following: --Miss Hamilton, Mr. Falconer, Mr. W. M'Crum, Misses Holding, Mr. R. Smith, Miss Walker, Miss Falconer, Miss R. Prince, Miss May Hamilton, Miss Elliot, Miss J. Prince, Miss Blair, and Miss E. Prince.The proceeds were in aid of the schools.

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BELFAST CORPORATION COMMITTEES.

WORKS.

The Sub-Works Committee of Belfast Corporation met in the Town Hall this forenoon, Councillor Jas. N. M'Cammond presiding.The other members present were -- Councilors Fras, Curley and John Watson.The Superintendent of Works(Mr. H. F. Gullan) submitted tenders for supply of 50,000 and 30,000 compressed square bricks, and the tender of the Skigoniel Brick Co., Ltd., being the lowest in each case was accepted.Other business of a routine nature relating to Greencastle and Sydenham drainage were also dealt with.

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GREENCASTLE NOTES

About seven o'clock on Friday evening a man walked along the Shore Road maliciously breaking the glass in the street lamps with a stick.The Greencastle police are endeavouring to discover his identity.

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CLIFTON STREET NATIONAL SCHOOL.

The annual concert in connection with this school took place in the schoolroom, on Thursday evening.Sir James H. Haslett, M.P., occupied the chair.The attendance of parents and friends of the pupils was large.The programme was provided entirely by the pupils of the school, and consisted of solos, action songs, choruses, recitations, and displays of drill.It was executed throughout in such a manner as to gain the highest commendation of all present.The manager (Rev. Samuel Thompson, M.A.), stated that the school continued to flourish, and was in a very satisfactory state, both as regards attendance and inspectors' reports.He also thanked Mr. J. I. Ellison, who was present, for his kindness in giving a medal for competition in the school.Mr. James Jackson moved, and Mr. Young seconded, a vote of thanks to Sir Jas.Haslett for presiding.Sir James congratulated very warmly the teaching staff, which consists of Mr. W. A. Young (principal), Miss Jane Tripp, Miss A. W. Henderson, Mr. William M'Adam, Miss W. M. Henderson, and Miss J. W. L. Wright, on the excellence of the programme, and said that such an exhibition of training must be very gratifying to the parents of the children attending the school.

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BALLYSILLAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, LITERARY SOCIETY.

A most successful sacred concert, the proceeds of which will be devoted to the Congregational Poor Relief Fund, was given on Friday evening under the auspices of the above society, in the church.The Rev. John Gailey, B.A., was the chairman.The following contributed to the programme: -- The choir, Miss Lillie Hewton, L.I.S.M., Mr. Wm. Nicholl, Mr. Thos. Stewart (challenge gold medallist), Miss Alice Wilson, Miss Dickey, Miss Maggie Cuddy, Miss Hewton.The choruses were rendered by a choir of 60 voices, under the leadership of Mr. John Hadden.Rev. John Gailey, B.A., conveyed thanks to the performers for the able manner in which they had carried through the programme.Special mention was made of Mr. Hadden in the vote of thanks for the great pains he had taken in training the choir.

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THE PROPOSED RE-BUILDING OF LARNE POST OFFICE.

There was a special meeting of the Larne Urban District Council held on Friday -- Mr. P. Picken (vice-chairman) presiding -- in connection with the proposed rebuilding of the Post Office.A resolution was unanimously passed, on the motion of Mr. Chas. O'Boyle, seconded by Mr. W.S. Beggs, which contained the following:--

"That, having heard the reply of the Postmaster-General, received through Col. M'Calmont, M.P. for the division, regarding the resolution of the Council in favour of rebuilding the Post Office, the Council expresses surprise that a matter of such public importance should not have received more careful consideration than the letter seems to convey.From the communication of Lord Stanley it seems to be taken for granted that Larne has reached a point beyond which it cannot improve.Such, however, is not the opinion of the Council or those closely associated with the town.Unlike most other Irish towns, Larne has not the painful relief of a dwindling population; happily it has an increasing one.How any official could assure the Postmaster-General 'that the accommodation for the public is adequate, and likely to remain so until the lease ends, which is not till 1930.' being 26 years from this date, is beyon{g} the comprehension of the Council."The resolution further requested the Postmaster-General not to submit to the shelving of the question in any way.

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ST. SIMON'S NATIONAL SCHOOL, BELFAST.

A grand concert was given by the pupils of the above school, Donegall Road, on Friday.The Very Rev. the Dean of St. Anne's (manager) presided.The following programme was performed by the pupils: -- Song, "Street Cries," junior children; musical drill, infant boys; speech, "The Candidate," Master Tom Dougall; Japanese parasol drill and song, junior girls; Dialogue, "Blundering Barney," Messrs. M'Vey, Dougall, and Marks; marching drill song, infant children; dumbbell drill, junior boys; musical dialogue, Misses Orr, Wicklow, Lyons, Master J. Campbell, and chorus; sword drill, senior boys; Japanese fan song, senior girls; hoop drill, junior children; dolly song, infant girls; solo, "Uncle John," Miss R. Bradshaw; coon song, "Nellie Bly," senior boys.At the conclusion of the concert the prizes were distributed by Mrs. J. J. Robinson.The Dean complimented Mr. R. Jefferson and his teachers, Misses Brownlee, Patterson, Purdy, and Bradshaw, on the excellence of the entertainment.

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BALLYMENA NOTES

On Friday evening a lecture, entitled "To the West; to the Land of the West," was delivered in High Kirk Presbyterian Church by Rev. J. M. M'Ilwrath, B.A., Belfast.There was a large attendance, and the lecture, which was of an interesting character, was illustrated with lime-light views, by Mr. W. Dornan.
The new railway station at Ballymena, which is one of the finest, if not the finest, on the Midland Company's line, has now been completed, and is universally admired.Although only finished, yet the hands of vandals have already been traced in some of the buildings.
A Christmas carol service was held in St. Patrick's Church on Friday evening.The music was rendered by the children's choir in an excellent manner.Rev. H. G. Austin, M.A., assisted.The offertory was on behalf of the Ballymena District Nursing Association.

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BALLYNAHINCH NOTES

A serious accident occurred to a farmer named Douglas whilst he was going home from Ballynahinch on Friday afternoon.It would appear that he had been getting into the cart, and the horse moved forward suddenly, causing him to fall.The injured man was at once conveyed to the infirmary at Downpatrick.

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POLICE COURT POOR-BOX. -- Mr. M'Henry, chief clerk, begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of £1 from "B" in [a]id of the above fund.

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BALLYMENA FLAX MARKET.

There were exhibited for sale in this market to-day 15 tons of medium to good quality flax, which changed hands at prices ranging from 5s6dto 8s per stone.

There was a large attendance of buyers and a fairly brisk demand.

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WAGES ON THE WEAR.

DECISION OF ARBITRATION COURT.

The Arbitration Court sitting at Sunderland to consider the demand by the Wear employers for reducing the wages of Wear drillers and joiners, decided that the drillers' wages be reduced by 5 per cent. on piece and the joiners 1/- on time rates.The employers had demanded a reduction of 5 per cent. on piece and 1/- on time for the drillers, and 1/6 reduction on the joiners.The men are satisfied with the decision, as all the other societies had accepted the reduction without arbitration.

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INCOMPETENT JURORS.
(Router's Agency)

PRETORIA, Friday. --A proclamation has been issued establishing a special criminal court for Swaziland, in place of trial by jury, owing to the lack of competent jurors.

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BIG AMERICAN FIRE.
(Router's Agency)

SIOUX CITY (Iowa), Saturday. -- Two solid blocks in the heart of the business section of the town have been destroyed by a fire, which started last evening in Pelletier's Store, which was crowded with Christmas shoppers at the time.The latter escaped, though with great difficulty, but a fireman was killed subsequently.The damage is estimated at a million dollars (£200,000).

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TRIAL TRIP IN BELFAST LOUGH

The s.s. Regina, built to the order of a Havana firm, left Belfast this morning on her trial trip, after which she proceeded to Ardrossan to bunker before sailing for Cuba.She is a steamer of 1,300 tons gross, and has been constructed principally for the carrying of molasses in bulk.Her duties will be to visit various ports in Cuba and take in molasses, which will subsequently be trans-shipped to the United States.The Regina is the first vessel built under the Cuban flag since the island won its independence from Spain.The builders were Messrs. Workman, Clark, & Co., Ltd.

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60 DAYS TO MEND HIS WAYS.
(Reuter's Agency.)

NEW YORK, Saturday. -- The Washington correspondent of the "Sun" says the state Department confirms the advices that Senor Castro, President of Venezuela, had planted guns at La Guayra and Puerto Cabello.A number of incidents show that President Castro has reason to fear action by the United States, which would force him to meet his obligations.

The "World's" Washington correspondent says President Castro will be given sixty days in which to mend his ways, failing which a fleet of American warships will be sent to Venezuela to make a demonstration.If that is not sufficient several ports and customs houses will probably be seized and held till the dispute is satisfactorily [--- ? ---]

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NOTED BELFAST MERCHANT DEAD.

MR. R.W. MURRAY, J.P., PASSES AWAY.

We regret to announce the death of Mr. R.W. Murray, J.P., one of the principals of the Belfast tobacco firm of Murray, Sons & Co., Ltd., which took place at his residence, Inniskeen, Newcastle, County Down.

The deceased gentleman was at the office yesterday and transacted business, but complained of some slight indisposition, going home in the afternoon.

This afternoon the sad news reached town that he had passed away about half-past one.Mr. Murray was formerly a member of the Belfast Harbour Board, and his unexpected death will be sincerely regretted in Belfast.He leaves a widow surviving him, but no family.

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THE ORANGE INSTITUTION

APPRENTICE BOYS OF DERRY.

A social meeting, under the auspices of the Amalgamated Committee Belfast Branch Clubs, was held on Friday evening in the Windsor Café, Bridge Street, Belfast, in celebration of the 216th anniversary of the closing of the gates of Derry.There was a very large company present.The proceedings were presided over by Br. W.J. Callen, D.M. No. 7.

After supper letters of apology were read from Brs. Dr. G. St. George (Lisburn), W. Cross, S. R. Grier, S. M'Clure, W. Darous and T. Johnston.

The following programme was then rendered -- Pianoforte solo, Master David Corkin; song, "Holy City," Miss N. Compbell; song, "Thistle, Rose, and Shamrock," Br. S. Calvert; song, "The Girl of My Heart," Br. D. Prentice; recitation, "The Breaking of the Boom," Br. A. Harkness; song "Flight of Ages," Br. R.T. Mahood; recitation, "Inkerman," Br. R. Scott; song, Miss H. Corkin; song, "Oh Promise Me," Br. R.T. Mahood.

During an interval a presentation of a valuable gold watch was made to Br. J. Sayers as a mark of appreciation of his fourteen years' membership of the Apprentice Boys, and of his services as secretary to the Amalgamated Committee of the Belfast Branch Clubs during the past six years.The presentation was made by the Worshipful Master, who referred to the high esteem in which Br. Sayers was held by those present.Br. Sayers, in reply, thanked them for the splendid recognition of his slight services he had rendered, and gave in detail his connection with the clubs, their origin, and the good work performed by them in keeping up the anniversary which they had met there that evening to celebrate.During the evening speeches were made by Brs. Drennan (Apprentice Boys' Club) Macartney (Mitchelburn), and Hutchinson (Murray).At an advanced hour a most enjoyable function terminated with the singing of the National Anthem.

SHIPWRIGHTS' LOYAL ORANGE LODGE No. 1593.

The annual soiree and ball in connection with the above lodge was held in the Orange Hall, Clifton Street, on Friday evening.There was a very satisfactory attendance, and shortly after eight o'clock tea was provided, the following ladies presiding at the various tea tables:- Mrs. Baird, Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Graham, Mrs. Rainey, Mrs. Faulkner, Mrs. Craig, Miss Milligan, Miss Stewart, and Miss Simpson.

Stewards -- Br. Hull, Br. Field, Br. Sherman, Br. Faulkner, Br. Curry, and Br. Robb.After an enjoyable repast, the proceedings were presided over by the esteemed Worshipful Master, Br. James Baird, who was assisted by the District Master, Br. Robert Armstrong, and the officers of the lodge.The Chairman, who was well received said in a few words that he desired to extend a hearty welcome to the members and friends of 1593.The lodge during the past twelve months had grown in popularity, and a good number of new members had been added to the roll, and he was pleased to state that they have since taken a lively interest in the lodge. (Applause.)In response to the sentiment of No. 1 District, Br. Armstrong said that he desired to return thanks for the kind invitation to be present at another annual function of the lodge.Since last they met he could not fail to notice that the ranks of 1593 had increased by leaps and bounds, which was due to the untiring efforts of the officers of the lodge.Under such conditions, he must congratulate the Worshipful Master and members on the strong way the lodge had been carried on during the year.As regards the district over which he had the honour to preside as Master, he was also pleased to say that there were over 2,000 members, who were good and true to the principles of Orangeism.He did not desire to occupy their time, but would conclude by thanking them for the good attendance and wished them all a happy Christmas. (Applause.)A musical programme was then gone through with much appreciation by the following -- Miss Warnick, Messrs. M'Caughey, Ritchie, Webb, Johnston, Robinson, Boal, Howard, Morton, and Bell.Dancing was then proceeded with, Br. Steel acting as M.C., while the music was supplied by Mrs. Gurnett.During the evening letters of apology were read from Colonel Wallace, Grand Master, and Captain Smiley.At intervals refreshments were served round by the stewards, and dancing was kept up until an advanced hour in the morning, when the proceedings terminated with the singing of the National Anthem.

BALLYSILLAN JUVENILE L.O.L. No. 1.

The annual reunion of the above lodge was held on Friday evening in the Ligoniel Orange Hall.There was a very large attendance.The chair was occupied by Br. M'Burney, who, in the course of his speech, extended to those present a hearty welcome.Tea was served in excellent style by the following ladies Miss M'Ginty, Miss Lowry, Miss Luney, Miss Crothers, Miss Taggart, and Miss Campbell, assisted by the following stewards -- Messrs. Creelly, Stewart, Tyrrell, Crothers, Shaw, and Smith. Afterwards a splendid programme was entered upon, the following taking part -- Miss Flaherty, Miss M'Cann, Messrs. Shaw, Boal, Creely, M'Burney, Hamilton, M'Fall, Adams, Quigley, Br. Armstrong (M'Comb Memorial L.O.L.) Br. Creely gave a gramaphone selection which was much appreciated.Games and dancing were indulged in until the early hours of the morning, when the proceedings terminated with the singing of God Save the King.

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Head Constable M'Keon

HEAD-CONSTABLE M'KEON RETIRING.

THE OFFICER WHO ARRESTED FEE.

STRIKING INCIDENTS IN HIS CAREER.

Head-Constable M'Keon, whose smart arrest of the Clones murderer, Joseph Fee, and conspicuous ability in working up the case, have brought his name into prominence throughout the kingdom, is, it is stated, about to retire from the force, after a lengthened and distinguished career.According to the Monaghan "Northern Standard," he joined the R.I.C. in 1872, and spent his earlier period of service in Derry city, being stationed there for seven years.His first experience as a detective arose in connection with a smart arrest made by him of a man named Hughes from a description in the "Hue and Cry."Hughes was on the run for a considerable time on a charge of manslaughter.The police made every possible effort to capture him, and for some time their energies were fruitless.It was due, however, to the quickness of Head-Constable M'Keon's (then a sub-constable) eye that his arrest was affected.Mr. M'Keon, in company with an acting-sergeant, was returning off escort duty and at Antrim Junction as the Belfast train steamed in alongside the Derry train a man in the former, the escort being in the latter train, suddenly moved from his seat at the window.Mr. M'Keon was struck with the mysterious suddenness of the man's movement, and suspecting something was wrong, went immediately to the compartment, and owing to the movements and evasive answers given by Hughes, he placed him under arrest as answering the description in the "Hue and Cry" of Hughes charged with manslaughter, and for which offence he was convicted at the following assizes.This arrest was considered in police circles a very smart one.The head-constable soon afterwards was engaged in getting evidence in the case of the old man Dripps, who poisoned his wife in South Derry, and for which offence he (Dripps) was sentenced to death, but subsequently reprieved owing to his old age.

During

A DESPERATE PARTY RIOT

Which broke out in Derry city in March, 1878, the head-constable (who was then on the detective force) in company with Detective Farry and Fawcett, were attacked by a crowd of some six or eight hundred people who fired several shots at each other.The detectives were knocked down and badly handled, the head-constable being dragged along the street for some 30 yards.He, however, held on to his prisoner from whom he wrenched a loaded revolver, one chamber of which he (the prisoner) was after discharging into the opposite crowd.They subsequently made several arrests and seized a number of revolvers, and identified a number of the ringleaders who were convicted.During another riot in the same city, and during which several places of worship were damaged, the head constable identified 75 of the rioters.In the early eighties, when the land war broke out in Kerry, Head-Constable M'Keon was transferred there.Moonlighting and outrages of every description known to the law were the order of the day down South.The head constable was engaged in the investigation of several noted murder cases in that county.On one occasion at a country chapel -- the Curragh, near Castleisland -- three constables and himself were attacked by the congregation when escorting a caretaker to Mass. Stones were hurled at them, but despite the violence of the attacking crowd they drew their swords and saved their charge from receiving injury.Numerous arrests followed, ending in conviction.In the case of the discovery of a very important Crown witness named Moloney, Head-Constable M'Keon displayed great tact.Moloney was to give evidence against several persons for moonlighting and other offences, but he was skilfully abducted away on the eve of the trial.Captain Massey, R.M., with 50 soldiers and a large number of police searched the surrounding country for him, but without effect.The head constable pursued his search, and discovered that Moloney used to be conveyed in a barrel on a cart from place to place under the very eyes of the police, and finally he located him

CONCEALED IN HIS BARREL

under a large quantity of hay in a shed.Soon afterwards the head constable left for London on detective duty, and was connected whilst there in the prosecution and conviction of a man named Walsh for importing arms, &c., to Ireland.Whilst in Kerry he brought several burglars and other marauders to justice.

He was transferred to Limerick in 1884 and here too he displayed great pluck and detective ability.Almost one of his first cases in Limerick was in connection with a midnight raid made on two caretakers near the Limerick Junction.He and his party of four men turned out with loaded arms and surrounded the gang, arresting 13 of them and compelling them to march before them to the local barrack; the remainder, some 30 or 40, fled.Those arrested were armed with different weapons, and they were all convicted at the following Limerick Assizes.The Press generally at the time commented largely on the bravery of Head-Constable M'Keon (then sergeant) and his party.It is interesting to note that he and his party were boycotted during the Tipperary disturbance.To him, too, is due the credit of breaking up the gang who were endeavouring to boycot the fair which was held in the old town, he and one of his men having captured two of the principals posting up the boycotting notices, for which offence they got long terms of imprisonment at Cork Winter Assizes.Cattle raiding from evicted farms was a very numerous class of offence in Limerick.The Head-Constable discovered a large number of the cattle and prosecuted the raiders, which had the effect of breaking up this gang, many of whom fled for America.During his pursuit of offenders in the Tipperary mountains (where owing to the facilities afforded, almost all offenders in that part of the country fled) he captured three stills, etc., in full swing, and also a large quantity of the "creature."His exertions in running to earth John Kennedy for the murder of young Connell, after 17 days' pursuit in the Glen of Aberlow, and through the

FASTNESSES OF TIPPERARY MOUNTAINS

were in every sense most praiseworthy.The police of the country were all on the look-out for the murderer, but after many a weary search it fell to Head-Constable M'Keon's lot to capture him concealed under a bed tick in a farmhouse in the Glen.It is said that two magpies directed the Head-Constable for ten miles till they reached the house and then disappeared.Kennedy got twenty years at Cork Assizes for the offence of which he was found guilty.Another notable capture was that of a tramp from Nenagh who stabbed a boy named Hayes, near the Limerick Junction.The tramp had over two hours start of the Head, but by the aid of his footprints he traced him through several villages in the Tipperary Mountains, and finally came on him at midnight in a lodging-house in the village of Kilcommon, where he was about to put up for the night, with some ten or twelve other tramps, and was just after shaving off his side whiskers.The Head had pursued him for 24 miles before effecting his capture.He was convicted at Limerick Assizes.Being stationed in the district of the 3 and 4 year olds in Limerick, he had several cases of manslaughter to contend with.No winter or other assizes passed during his time in Limerick at which he was not the principal actor in numerous important cases of crime, and was almost on every occasion

COMPLIMENTED BY THE PRESIDING JUDGE.

He was subsequently transferred to Kildare, where he had a number of important cases to contend with, amongst them being that of the Rev. Mr. Cotton convicted of cruelty to children, and a case of infanticide in which the mother who killed her child got a long term of imprisonment.He had numerous important cases in Lurgan, and his action in connection with the Annalore murder case, near Clones, some few years ago, the Clones rape case, where two men got ten years each and in that of the present murder case speak for themselves.It is believed that he has received more favourable records for good police duties than any other member of the R.I.C., and is also the possessor of the King's medal and two silver medals from Belfast and Dublin Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.Though firm in matters of discipline, Head-Constable M'Keon is no martinet, and though of long service is yet an active man.He has within the last few weeks been the cause of tracing the burglar who broke into the house of Mr. W. N. Ferguson, Clones, and through his exertions all the property taken has been recovered.It is hoped by Head-Constable M'Keon's many friends that he will be spared many long years to enjoy his retirement from the force of which he has been such a capable and efficient officer.

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MILITARY NOTES

The undermentioned officers have been placed on duty with drafts from Ireland, and will embark about January 20:Second Lieutenant G.T.E. Keith, 1st Battalion Royal Lancashire Regiment, with the draft from Holywood for the 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Fusillers.Rawal Pindi; Second Lieutenant H.W.O'C. Hewitt, West Yorkshire Regiment, with the drafts from Belfast for the 1st Battalion, Quetta

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TELEGRAMS IN BRIEF

All the Cardinals at present in Rome went this morning to the Vatican, where they were collectively received by the Pope.

The King has appointed Mr. Ernest Page, K.C. to be Recorder of Carlisle, in the place of Mr. Alexander Henry, deceased.

The German Emperor has thanked the Spanish Government for his appointment to the honorary command of the Numancia Regiment.

Mr. H. Belloc, the author, is lying dangerously ill in London suffering from pneumonia and pleurisy.He is, however, slightly better than he was yesterday.

The International Iron and Steel Company has been incorporated at Washington.The capital is given as a hundred million dollars.No other details have been made public. -- Laffan.

Probate has been granted of the will of Mr. Frederick George Lloyd, formerly proprietor of the "Daily Chronicle" paper mills.The estate is valued at £99,000 gross, with £83,000 net personality.

The United States Immigration Bureau has received information about a plot to get China-men into the States via Liverpool and Canada.A similar scheme was worked some years ago, but was broken up.

The King of Portugal has been pleased to confer the Order of Padroeiba do Reino (Patroness of the Kingdom) upon Mr. J. Morris, superintendent of the line Great Western Railway, Paddington Station, London.

The Canadian Customs officers have seized the yacht Mischief, a once famous racing craft, on suspicion of being engaged in smuggling liquors from St. Pierre to Cape Breton.The Mischief has been compelled to put into Glace Bay in distress.

Prince Leopold of Battenberg has arrived in Cairo, and is staying at the Hotel D'Angleterre.

A telegram of Friday's date from Benuinif, Algeria, states that a band of armed malefactors captured a convoy of camels on the 20th at Teniet El Asamy.

At the Spanish Council of Ministers on Friday the Hispano-American Arbitration Treaty was signed, and it was declared that the Government would continue the negotiations begun with a view to the conclusion of other treaties of the same kind as those concluded by France.

The High Sheriff of Essex has received a notification from the Home Secretary stating that the execution of the sentence of death on William Hoffman for the murder of Ellen Walden at Leytonstone, has been respited until the further notification of his Majesty's pleasure.

Letters from Adrianople speak of the intolerable situation that prevails among the Bulgarians of the Vilayet owing to the oppressive and vexatious attitude of the troops who are quartered in the villages and the destruction of Bulgarian property which gives rise to fears of fresh disturbances.

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THIS DAY'S SHIPPING

Wind -- Easterly.

Arrived at Belfast on 24th inst.:-- The ss Sentinel (Thompson), from Aisley, come to load; the Campeltown (M'Lean), from Campeltown, with grains; the ss Spartan, from Glasgow; the ss Burnbrae and the ss Helen Craig, from Maryport; the ss Eveleen and the ss Kathleen, from Ayre; the ss Parkmore from Troon; the ss Tryst, from Newport; and the ss Lagan, from Ardrossan -- all with coals.

Sailed from Belfast:-- The ss City of Dresden (Owens), for Swansea; the new ss Talamon, for Glasgow; the ss Aranci, for Chester; the ss Beaver, for Creetown; the ss Balmarino, for Workington; the ss Brookside, for Coleraine; the ss Nugget, for Liverpool; the ss Spartan, for Glenarm; the ss Calchfaen and the ss Saltom, for Harrington; the ss Riverside, for Newry; the ss Irishman, for Glasgow; the ss Triton, for Carnlough; the ss Turtle and the ss Lagan, for Ardrossan; and the ss Minnie Hinde, for Whitehaven.

Sailed -- From Cardiff, on the 24th inst., the ss Lord Iveagh, of Belfast (Minister), for Baltimore; from Baltimore, on the 23rd inst., the ss Lord Charlemont, of Belfast (Ferris) for Cardiff and Dublin; from Charleston, 22nd inst., ss Lord Ormonde, of Belfast (Aiken) for Baltimore; from La Plata, on 9th inst., ss Pendower,for Belfast; from Penarth, on 20th inst., the ss Glynn (Napier), for St. Malo; from Havre, on 20th inst., the ss Alacrity (M'Alister) for Newport.

Arrived -- At Swansea, on 21st inst., the ss Lionel (Larsen), from Britonferry.

 

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