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.
