Births
MILLER -- August 18, at Pump Street, Derry, the wife of J. E. Miller, Esq., M.B., T.C.D., of a daughter.
MACFARLANE -- August 16, at 43 Eia Street, Belfast, Mrs. Macfarlane, of a daughter.
M'COMB -- August 19, at 55 Clifton Park Avenue, the wife of the Mr. Samuel M'Comb, of a son.
M'CALL -- August 9, at 28 Lexham Gardens, Kensington, London, the wife of R. A. M'Call, Q.C., of a son.
O'BYRNE -- August 14, At Doonin, Kilcar, the wife of Mr. James O'Byrne, of a daughter. daughter.
RAYMOND-BARKER -- August 16, at Eastwick, Ealing, the wife of Cecil S. Raymond Barker, of a son.
ROBERTSON -- August 16, at Pale, Merioneth, the wife of Sir Henry B. Robertson, of a daughter.
SMITH -- August 15, at Orlando Road, Clapham Common, the wife of Geo. W. Smith, of a daughter.
STANSBURY -- August 12, at 5, Roseleigh Avenue, Highbury Park, the wife of N. Noel Stansbury, of a son.
Marriages
BRADLEY--HILLIS -- August 3, at St. Patrick's R.C. Church, Belfast, by the Rev. J. O'Neill, C.C., Richard Bradley, of Talbot Place, Dublin, to Mary, only daughter of James Hillis.
DEVENNY--M'CLOSKEY -- August 20, at Cumber-Claudy Catholic Church, by the Very Rev. E. M'Kenna, P.P., Mr. Henry Devenny, Straidarron, Claudy, Co. Derry, to Matilda Jane, third daughter of the late Mr. James M'Closkey, N.T., Faughanvale, Co. Derry.
DEVINE--WARD -- August 11, at Strabane Roman Catholic Church, by the Rev. Father Campbell, C.C., of Leck, James, third son of the late Bernard Devine, of Knocknahorna, Glenmornan, to Betty, youngest daughter of Neal Ward, Owenreagh, Coramfrea.
GRIFFITHS--EASTON -- August 18, at the Parish Church, Hampstead, by the Rev. C. K. Shaw-Stewart, M.A., George Griffiths, Esq., J.P., of Gleddower, Fitzjohn's Avenue, third daughter of the late John Easton, Esq., and granddaughter of the late Charles Easton, Esq., of Coscombe Hall, Gloucestershire.
M'GINLEY--M'GINLEY -- August 16, at the Pro-Cathedral, Londonderry, by the Rev. William Sheridan, Adm., Bernard M'Ginley, Templedouglas, Letterkenny, to Susan (Shanna) M'Ginley, of Ambler Throne, Halifax, and fifth and youngest daughter of Michael M'Ginley, Breenagh, Glenswilly.
MORGAN--MAGAURAN -- August 13, in St. Patricks Cathedral Church, Cavan, by Rev. F. Teevan, Adm., assisted by Rev. J. Flood and Rev. J. M'Hugh, Edward, second eldest son of the late John Morgan, Crossdoney, Cavan, to Julia, eldest daughter of the late Peter Magauran, Creighan Cottage, Cavan.
M'CUAIG--ANDERSON -- August 19, at Donegall Pass Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. William Wallace, M.A., Duncan M'Cuaig, third son of Duncan M'Cuaig, Belfast, to Sarah Jane (Jeannie) Anderson, eldest daughter of William Anderson, Belfast.
SPENLOVE--STRONG -- August 19, at St. James's, Belfast, by the Rev. Richard Pring, B.A., assistant Curate of St. John's, S. Hackney, assisted by the Rev. L. A. Pooler, M.A, Rector of Hollymount and Minor Canon Down Cathedral, John Francis, son of late Captain John Francis Spenlove-Spenlove, R.A., to Clara Florence, daughter of late Henry Bostwick Strong, Esq., of Detroit, U.S.A.
WILBERFORCE--RAYNES -- August 13, at St. Mary's the Less, Cambridge, by the Rev. the Master of Clare College, the Rev. William Wilberforce, Vicar of Brodsworth, and the Rev. J. W. Hicks (Vicar), Lionel Robert Wilberforce, of Trinity College, eldest son of Edward Wilberforce Esq., a Master in the Supreme Court of Judicature, to Margaret, second daughter of the Rev. W. Raynes, Senior Tutor and Fellow of Clare College.
Deaths
ALDERDICE -- August 22, at 43 Chatsworth Street, Belfast, Joseph, infant son of George Alderdice.
BEGGIN -- At his residence, Coolnasilla, Newtownbutler, on 20th August, 1891, Thomas Beggin, aged 61 years.
BOYD -- August 20, killed by a cartwheel falling upon him, at his father's residence, Ballyhamage, Doagh, Alfred E. Kirkland, second son of Thomas and Jessie Boyd, aged 4 years and 9 months.
BOYD -- August 7, at "Belfast Cottage," Zwaartkop Valley, Robert Lyle Boyd, of Carnmoney, County Antrim, Ireland, aged 55 years.
BOND -- August 14, at Eye, Suffolk, Edgar Bond, solicitor, aged 75 years, last surviving son of the late Barnabas Bond, of Pulham, Hall, Norfolk.
CLENDINNING -- August 20, at 7, Mulhouse Street, Belfast, Jennie, the beloved daughter of James and Margaret Clendinning.
COYLE -- August 17, at her residence, 6 Abercorn Road, Derry, Catherine Roddy, relict of Henry Coyle.
CAREY -- August 23, at his residence, Raity Cottage, Toomebridge, John Carey, aged 90 years.
DAVIES -- August 11, at 11 Denmark Terrace, Brighton, Esther Agace, the beloved wife of the Rev. John Davies, aged 87 years.
DOUGHERTY -- August 24th, at his residence, 151 Cromac Street, Belfast, Thomas Dougherty.
FITZGERALD -- August 18, Henry Fitzgerald, late of 28 Sandy Row.
FERGUSSON -- August 15, at Brettonham Manor, Julia A., the wife of John Fergusson.
GODFREY -- August 20, at 32 Abercorn Road, Londonderry, Margaret, youngest daughter of the late Thomas Godfrey.
GRAY -- August 21, Thomas, third son of Alexander Gray, Shore Street, Donaghadee, aged 10 years.
GALLAGHER -- August 14, at her brother's residence, Diamond, Donegal, Jane Gallagher, relict of the late James Gallagher, formerly of County Down, aged 77 years.
GILLILAND -- August 18, at Cottown, Bangor, Sarah Eliza Gilliland.
GRANT -- August 16, at 37 Blackhall Street, Greenoch, John Grant, spirit merchant, formerly of Londonderry.
HARPER -- August 20, at the Belfast Royal Hospital, William John Martin Harper, aged 12 years.
HEALY -- August 19, at Nazareth House Ballynafeigh, Michael Healy.
HEGARTY -- August 13, at his residence, Maragha, James Hegarty, aged 70 years.
HEENAN -- August 18, at The Farm, Glenghanna, Bangor, David Heenan, aged 51 years.
JOHNSTON -- August 17, at 50 Maryville Street, Belfast, Annie, eldest daughter of Richard Johnston.
LECKEY -- August 20, at City Street, Sandy Row, Belfast, Francis Leckey.
M'GINLEY -- August 12, at 13 & 20 Peel Street, Belfast, James M'Ginley, aged 15 months.
M'KINNEY -- August 21, at 70 Shankhill Road, Belfast, Robert Hugh, infant son of James and Margaret M'Kinney, aged 9 months.
MORRISON -- August 19, at the residence of his mother, 18 Earl Street, Belfast, Hugh Rankin, eldest and fondly-loved son of the late Patrick Morrison, Bookkeeper.
O'NEILL -- August 24, at his late residence, 55 Crumlin Road, Christopher O'Neill, aged 61 years.
TOUGHER -- August 18, at Kernon, Gilford, Sarah, relict of the late James Tougher.
THOMPSON -- August 20, at 32 Osborne Street, Belfast, Mary Ann Thompson, aged 2 months.
Clippings
ULSTER NEWS.
LOUGH NEAGH RISING -- STEWARTSTOWN, TUESDAY EVENING. -- Owing to the heavy rains which prevail, the waters of Lough Neagh have risen to the height of four feet, which has been unparalleled during the past twenty years. The river Blackwater has overflown its banks, and large tracts of country have been covered by water, which is greatly to be deplored.
HOUSE-BREAKING AT LIGONIEL. -- On Sunday morning news reached the Ligoniel Police Barrack that the spirit stores of Mr. J. J. O'Hare, of Main Street, Ligoniel, had been broken into during the morning. Sergeant Farrell proceeded to the house, and found the side door of the store, the upper half of which is ornamental plate glass, and a wire screen on the outside broken. Those who entered took 36 bottles of whisky and two of brandy. After seeing the house the police at once set to work. Constables Gibson and Vaughan came on one man lying at Emerson Row, who, by appearance, had taken too much liquor. They found two pint bottles of Bushmills and one of brandy on him, which he had failed to uncork; but there was beside him one which he had emptied. He was conveyed to the police barrack. At half-past two o'clock, yesterday, Mr. L. M. Ewart, J.P., attended at the Police Barrack, Ligoniel, where Sergeant Farrell charged Henry Murray, of Belfast, with breaking and entering the spirit stores of Mr. J. J. O'Hare on Saturday night or Sunday morning, August 23, and stealing therefrom whisky, brandy, and cash. Mr. O'Hare and his sons identified the bottles. Mr. Ewart remanded the accused for seven days.
THE PROPOSED LURGAN WATER SUPPLY. -- The Lurgan Town Commissioners have published the first official notice in reference to the now adopted scheme of supplying the town of Lurgan with a supply of water for domestic and other uses from Lough Neagh. The point (Astor's Bay) at which it is proposed to draw the supply is distant about two miles from the town, and, samples of the water from the bay having some time ago been submitted to Dr. Tiddy, the eminent London analyst, it has been pronounced suited for domestic purposes. The Board, acting as the urban sanitary authority, and given by the Public Health Act, 1878, give notice that they intend "provide the town with a supply of water proper and sufficient for public and private uses," and that for such purposes they, among other things, intend after the 1st November next, to erect two reservoirs -- one capable of containing 400,000 gallons of water or thereabouts, to be located at Gibson's Hill, in the townland of Corcreavey, County Down, and another reservoir capable of containing 100,000 gallons or upwards, to be erected on Morrow's Farm, Castor's Bay, in the townland of Clanrolla, County Armagh. It is not anticipated that any very serious, or at any rate insuperable objection to the contemplated scheme will be, or can be, raised.
FIRE NEAR CASTLEREAGH. -- On Friday night the office-houses of Mrs. Kennedy, situated in Lisnabreeny, were discovered to be on fire. A strong east wind was blowing at the time, and the danger to the dwelling-house was imminent. The fire was, however, confined to the buildings in which it originated. A number of pigs perished in the flames. It is stated that the fire was caused by a lamp setting fire to a strawloft on the second storey. The damage will amount to a considerable sum.
THE WEATHER AND THE CROPS IN SOUTH ARMAGH. -- The prospects of farmers in the southern division of County Armagh cannot be described as anything but gloomy, the heavy rains having had a most damaging effect on the crops. The hay crop, which at the best was but light, runs a great chance of being totally lost, owing to the continuous downpours of rain. The oat crop, which promised an average yield, is also suffering, a great deal of it having been beaten down by the heavy rain accompanied by wind. A large portion of the flax crop has been pulled, and is now undergoing the process of watering, in which farmers will experience considerable difficulty, owing to the weighty fall of rain. But by far the most serious matter is the presence of the blight on the potatoes. The disease is making rapid progress amongst the crop, which promised to be an exceedingly abundant one. As matters at present stand it is believed that unless there comes a sudden change to dry warm weather the outlook for the farmers in this locality will be of the most gloomy character.
LARNE PETTY SESSIONS -- TUESDAY. -- Before Messrs. Stewart Clark, J.P. (presiding); Hugh H. Smiley, J.P.; and David Nelson, J.P. Ann Campbell was charged by Head-Constable Diamond with cruelly ill-treating her child on the night of the 15th inst. James Haslett, Sergeant Brown, and Constable M'Govern were examined for the prosecution, their evidence going to show that the woman was so helplessly drunk on the night of the occurrence that she fell several times in the street, with the child in her arms. The Bench decided to impose a fine of 20s, or 14 days. Thomas Mullan summoned J. Murphy for assault and battery on the 11th August. It appeared that the plaintiff, who is a tenant of the defendant, called to see the latter, and paid him a year's rent. The plaintiff alleged that he was then violently assaulted by Murphy. Robert Aicken was called, and swore no assault was committed during the time he was in the room. Mary Robinson, domestic servant, gave corroborative evidence. The case was dismissed on its merits. Mr. Williams (of M'Neill & Williams, solicitors) appeared for the defendant in this case. The Court then adjourned.
SAD DROWNING ACCIDENT NEAR BALLYCASTLE. -- An inquest was held on Tuesday at Coolnagopag by Dr. Camac, coroner, and a jury, on the body of a young woman named Magaret M'Garry, aged twenty years, daughter of a small farmer residing at Coolnagopag, who was found drowned in a stream of water near her own house, on Saturday last. It appears that deceased was subject to epileptic fits, and in one of these fell into the stream, which resulted in such an untimely end. She was afterwards found by her aunt, Mary M'Glary, as above stated. After hearing the evidence of Mary M'Glary, Mary M'Mullan, and the medical evidence of Dr. M'Ilroy, the jury found that deceased came to her death by drowning while suffering from an epileptic fit.
POTATO BLIGHT IN ARMAGH UNION. -- The potato blight has made its appearance in several parts of the Armagh union.
CARRICKFERGUS PETTY SESSIONS. -- This fortnightly court of petty sessions was held on Tuesday, before Messrs. R. M'Murray and Austin Cornwall, J.P. Wm. Moffett, licensed publican, was summoned for having his licensed premises open for the sale of intoxicating drinks between five and six o'clock on the morning of the 27th July. Two men named Logan and M'Allister were also summoned for being on the premises. Constables Russell and Dunleary deposed to seeing Logan and M'Allister enter and leave the premises. The defendants denied that they were on the premises, and, the evidence being very contradictory, the cases were ultimately dismissed. George Bury, licensed publican, was summoned for having his licensed premises open for the sale of intoxicating drink in on Sunday 16th August. Constable M'Glinn deposed to seeing two men named Owens and Tipping enter the premises. For the defence, Mr. Bury admitted that he opened the door, but, finding that the parties were not travellers, he did not supply them with drink. The case against him was dismissed, but Owens and Tipping, who were summoned for being on the premises, were each fined in 2s 6d and costs. Mr. Arbuthnot, solicitor, defended in both cases.
COMMITTAL OF A DANGEROUS LUNATIC AT LARNE -- SUDDEN DEATH. -- On Monday last a special Court was held in the Courthouse, Larne -- before Mr. H. H. Smiley, J.P. (presiding), and Mr. David Nelson, J.P. -- when a farmer named James Owens, Ballysnodd, Larne, made a sworn information that his wife, Ellen Owens, was a dangerous lunatic; and on hearing the medical testimony of Dr. J. M. Killen, Main Street, the magistrates ordered that she be confined to Belfast in a covered vehicle, which had been procured by order of the magis -- trates, Acting-Sergeant Weatherhead and Constable Fitzgerald forming the escort. On the way to Belfast the woman took dangerously ill, and the constabulary deemed it prudent to take the woman into Mrs. Kane's public-house, on the Antrim Road, where she subsequently expired. An inquest will be held on the body to-day. Much sympathy is felt for the husband, he being left with five helpless children, one of which is only a few weeks old.
CONSTABULARY INTELLIGENCE. -- On Monday District-Inspector M'Kean, Rathmullan, County Donegal, arrived in Newry and took over the charge of the Newry district, vice District-Inspector Davies.
KILLULTAGH AND DERRYVOLGIE FARMING SOCIETY. -- At two o'clock on Tuesday a committee meeting of this society was held in the estate office, Lisburn, Mr. John Connor in the chair. The secretary (Mr. O. Henderson) submitted a financial statement in connection with the recent show. All the accounts were passed and signed by the chairman, after which the meeting concluded.
DEDICATION OF DONAGHADEE MASONIC HALL. -- On Tuesday the dedication of the new Masonic Hall, Donaghadee, took place.
NEWTOWARDS TOWN COMMISSIONERS. -- A special meeting was held on Monday evening -- Mr. Thomas Mayne, chairman, presiding. There were also present -- Messrs. A. Menown, J.P.; John Copeland, John Ramsey, John Potter, James A. Brown, Wm. Reid, James M'Kee, George Appenson, Samuel Roden, Samuel C. Kelly, and George Armstrong. The meeting was called to receive a report from the Gas Committee, in which they recommended some alterations in the specifications and materials to be used in the proposed new gas holder tank and new chimney of the gas works, and to give the Gas Committee Board powers should any further alterations be deemed necessary. During the course of the discussion which ensued, Mr. Reid stated that Newtownards gas is the cheapest in Ireland, except in Belfast, Dublin, and Cork. On the motion of Mr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Copeland, Board powers were granted to the committee for the purposes named by a majority of 7 against 5.
ALLEGED LARCENY OF A COW'S HEAD. -- A man named Robert Young, of Church Street, Newry, was on Monday, placed under from the shop of William Collins, victualler, North Street. The property, it is alleged, was found in the possession of the accused, who was remanded by Mr. Felix O'Hagan, J.P., in custody.
THE WEATHER AND THE CROPS IN GLENAVY. -- The almost continuous rain is telling in this district to a great extent. The farmers are quite despondent on account of the danger their crops are in owing to the unseasonable weather. The greater portion of the hay crop may be given up as wholly lost, particularly in the low lying districts, in the vicinity of Lough Neagh and around Portmore lake. The corn crop is in many instances quite ready for reaping, but a great quantity is so beaten down that the proper harvesting of it will be well nigh impossible. The slugs are playing havoc with the early varieties of the potato, and the late ones have only a poor chance to come to maturity for the want of heat. There has been a great mortality amongst young stock around here, and the farmers think that it is in consequence of the inclement weather to which they have been so much exposed.
THE LARNE AND STRANRAER ROUTE. -- Relative to the Larne and Stranraer mail route, it is stated that arrangements are made to have the letters assorted in the train between Dumfries and Stranraer, and again on the steamer between Stranraer and Larne.
SPECIAL COURT IN COAGH. -- On Monday a special court was held in Coagh, before Mr. Samuel E. Ekin, J.P., and Mr. James Duff, J.P., for the purpose of granting licences to game dealers. The proceedings were merely formal, and the Court adjourned in a short time.
BLIGHT IN EAST TYRONE. -- The long-dreaded blight is now beginning to affect the potato crops throughout the various districts in East Tyrone. During the dry weather the disease was confined to the tops, but the recent wet weather has caused it to spread to the tubers, many of which are rotten and blackened. It the present wet weather continues it must end disastrously for the potato crop.
SCHOOL EXCURSION AT BANARIDGE. -- On Saturday the pupils of the Church Street National Schools, with their friends, had their annual excursion to Scarva demesne.
EXCURSION FROM NEWRY TO BELFAST. -- An excursion, organised by the employes of the Dromlane Spinning Mill, Newry, came off on Saturday. Belfast was selected as the place of rendezvous. The unusual cheap fare was a great attraction, and, needless to say, was very largely availed of. The party numbered 460, and the special train left Newry at a quarter-past eight o'clock. On arrival in Belfast each one was left to enjoy himself according to his bent, and few of the interesting spots around the city were left unvisited. The time was necessarily short, but the weather proved favourable, and a pleasant day was spent by all.
MIRACULOUS ESCAPE AT BALLYMENA RAILWAY STATION. -- At the Ballymena Station of the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway, on Saturday evening last, a special train from Portrush arrived shortly after seven o'clock. It was noticed by those on the platform that a man had got down on the footboard of one of the carriages, between the train and the plattorm. The train was then in motion, and it was the prevailing opinion that he would be crushed to death before a stoppage could be effected. Mr. Thomas Rigby, station-master, and others, signalled at the engine driver to stop the train, and this the latter did in the quickest possible time. The man, whose name is Joseph Waters, was then extricated, and carried into one of the waiting-rooms, where he was carefully looked after. Dr. Robt. Currie was immediately summoned, and on examination found that the man had been badly bruised about the right leg, particularly above the knee, but, at the same time, was happily able to state that Waters was not seriously injured. After being medically treated, the man was able to be sent by the train leaving Ballymena at five minutes to eight to Belfast.
PORTADOWN PETTY SESSIONS. -- On Monday, before Messrs. W. J. Paul, J.P. (in the chair); John C. Fulton, J.P., W. J. Locke, J.P., Thomas Dawson, J.P., and T. D. Gibson, R.M., Mr. William Kilpatrick, linen manufacturer, summoned Thomas M'Creary and his wife Ann M'Creary for detaining in their possession yarns entrusted to them by the complainant to be woven into cloth. Mr. A. T. Farrell, solicitor, was for the complainant. Mr. Kilpatrick stated that the defendants had had the yarns in their possession for the past 15 months. The defendant, Thomas M'Creary, said his wife got the yarn and he knew nothing about it. He never knew yarn to be in the house from complainant until he got a summons from him on last Thursday. After some discussion, the defendant said he would return the yarns, and agreed to pay 10s costs to the complainant, and the case was withdrawn. The other cases were unimportant.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT COALISLAND. -- On Saturday night, in the townland of Brackaville, adjacent to Coalisland, a boy, aged about eight years, named Patrick Canavan, nearly lost his life. It appears that he was climbing to the top of a ditch, which is about five feet high, when he fell down, his head coming in contact with a sharp stone, cutting him to the bone. Blood flowed freely. The child is progressing favourably.
SUICIDE NEAR AUGNACLOY, CO. TYRONE. -- A shocking case of suicide was reported at Ballygawley last week from a district called Brantry, Aughnacloy, County Tyrone. From the information to hand it appears that on Tuesday evening, in the locality mentioned, a farmer and butter-buyer named Smart committed suicide by drowning himself in a dam used for the steeping of flax, in close proximity to his dwelling-house. The deceased was, it is alleged, a member of the Salvationist body, and latterly became quite strange in his manner. He entertained some very curious notions with reference to religious matters in particular, and recently he was regarded as exceedingly devout, so that it is believed the rash act was perpetrated while deceased laboured under some religious hallucination. The police at Aughnacloy were apprised of the melancholy occurrence and hurried to the district, where they found the facts to be as reported. An inquest was held on the body by Mr. Malone, and a verdict in accordance with the testimony returned.
A WARNING TO FARMERS. -- A few days ago a cow, the property of Mr. J. M'Clelland, who resides in the townland of Whitetown, which is situated about two miles from Stewartstown, began to manifest symptoms of illness, and died in a few hours. On investigation it was found the animal when grazing had eaten a vegetable called by the name of "blue-pocket," which killed the beast. It is to be hoped that this lesson will not be lost on farmers.
SERIOUS ASSAULT ON A POLICEMAN AT DOWNPATRICK. -- Last week a special Court of Petty Sessions was held in the police barracks, Downpatrick, before Captain L'Estrange, when a powerful-looking man named William M'Cabe, a tailor by trade, and hailing from Castlewellan, was brought up in custody, charged with three offences -- viz., drunk and disorderly, assaulting a constable, and malicious injury to the uniform of a Constable. From the information of Constable John J. Curland, it appeared that on the previous evening he was on town duty, and observed the prisoner M'Cabe annoying some men that were working in Irish Street. The constable ordered M'Cabe to go home, but he refused to do so, and was then arrested on a charge of being drunk and disorderly. M'Cabe then became most violent, and resisted arrest in every possible way by throwing himself on the ground. While on the ground he caught hold of the constable by the leg of the trousers, which he tore. He then got to his feet and caught him by the shoulder-knot of the tunic, and tore it down to the waist, and would not go to the barracks until assistance arrived. The contract price of the uniform injured was £1 9 5d. Captain L'Estrange said that for the malicious injury he would fine the prisoner 1s and £1 9s 5d costs, or in default 14 days' imprisonment. For the assault on the constable he would be imprisoned for one month with hard labour, and for being drunk and disorderly 24 hours' imprisonment. The prisoner was afterwards escorted to Belfast Jail.
LISBURN PETTY SESSIONS. -- Last weak the magistrates present were: Messrs. R. Stannus, J.P. (in the chair); T. D. Gibson, R.M.; John D. Barbour, D.L., J.P.; John Rogers, J.P.; R. H. Bland, J.P, and James A. Mack, J.P. The Great Northern Railway Company prosecuted James Hall, Dunmurry, for that he did, on the 15th of August, commit a breach of the company's bye-laws by causing an obstruction at the Lisburn Railway Station; also for assaulting the stationmaster, Mr. Mercer Rice. Mr. Joseph Allen, solicitor (instructed by Mr. W. Young), appeared on behalf of the railway company. The defendant was not professionally represented. After hearing evidence, the Chairman, after consultation, said the Bench had carefully considered the case, also the kind request of Mr. Rice, and had decided to fine Hill in the sum of £1 and costs for each offence, or in default of one month'a imprisonment. Constable Wm. Smith also charged the defendant with drunkenness on the same date, and a further fine of 5s was imposed. A man of respectable appearance, named Frederick A. Montgomery, merchant tailor and outfitter, Belfast, summoned Wm. Costley, Sarah Costley, and a man named Thomas Daly for assaulting him on the 15th of August. There was also a cross-case of the defendants against the complainant for a similar offence on same date at same time and place. Mr. Joseph Allen, solicitor (Messrs. Charley & Allen), appeared for complainant, and Mr. George B. Wilkins for the defendants. It appeared from the evidence of complainant that he carried on business on the credit system, and had a number of travellers working for the firm. On the date in question he personally visited the Costley's, who lived in Low Road, and obtained some money from them. While in their house he observed a man named Daly sitting at dinner, whose people were indebted to him. He sought their address from Daly, and almost immediately a row occurred, in which the Costleys and Daly took part in assaulting him. Costley struck him on the cheek, and he had a tooth broken, lips cut, and his hat torn. He gave no provocation whatever, and when he got outside of the house he was obliged to defend himself as best he could. The evidence for the defence was somewhat different. Wm. Costley (in reply to Mr. Wilkins) said that on the day mentioned complainant entered his house and obtained a payment from him, which was then entered in a book. The man Daly was a lodger with witness. Complainant recognised Daly, and asked him for the address of his relatives, which the latter gave. Complainant then said to Daly that he should pay the debt if he was a decent fellow, and if not, he was a rogue. Daly then asked witness to put complainant out, as he (Daly) was only a lodger, and was paying his way. Witness asked complainant to leave, but the latter refused, and caught witness by the throat, and pushed him across the kitchen and tore his shirt. A woman named Jefferson came in, and complainant went out and pulled witness after him. Blows were exchanged, and complainant said he would beat them all, one after the other. In cross-examination complainant denied the allegations. Their Worships retired to consider their decision, and after a few minutes' absence returned. The Chairman said the magistrates considered there had been provocation on both sides, and they had agreed to dismiss the cases. The other cases possessed no feature of public interest, and the Court rose shortly after two o'clock.
HARVEST PROSPECTS IN BANGOR DISTRICT. -- From present appearances the harvest in this important portion of the Ards promises to be, in the matter of yield and quality, equal of last year. The crops are fast ripening and in a short time, should the present genial sunshine continue, harvesting operations will be general all over the district. In some places flax is being pulled, but as a rule the crop is not ripe enough. Wheat and oats are ready for the sickle; and both crops look to have well-filled ears. Turnips and mangold will be about an average crop; but the hay crop has been light and short. There is no sign of "blight" in the potato crop is this district. -- Cor.
SAD BURNING ACCIDENT NEAR POMEROY -- STEWARTSTOWN, SATURDAY. -- Yesterday evening Mr. John Malone, coroner, heldan inquest in the townland of Drumshambo, touching the death of a girl named Mary M'Nally. It appeared that deceased resided alone in the townland of Drumshambo, and when going to put out the fire on last Saturday night before retiring to bed she was seized with an epileptic fit, and falling on the fire, had her arm frightfully burned. Suspicion was aroused amongst the neighbours next morning on not seeing the girl without doors. On breaking open the door they found the unfortunate girl lying postrate by the fireside, and unable to speak. The poor girl lingered up to Thursday and expired. The jury found a verdict that deceased "died from the effects of burns received while labouring under an epileptic fit."
THE LOUGH NEAGH FISHERIES. -- Salmon and trout netting continues fairly good, especially off the mouths of the rivers which enter Lough Neagh from the Tyrone shore. Pike, perch, eel, and bream fishing is also prime, heavy takes being made. The pollen fishing is doing much better than was expected in the earlier part of the season.
ROYAL IRISH CONSTABULARY. -- The following transfers have been ordered in the County Tyrone, dating from the 1st proximo:-- Sergeant John Tipping from Aughnacloy to Stewartstown; Sergeant Matthew Price from Stewartstown to Moy; Sergeant Robert Elliott from Newtownstewart to Caledon. Mounted-constables Kelly and Kensalla have returned to their station at Omagh from the depot, where they have been for re-mounts. A number of recruits have left the county from the depot, and have been transferred to the several stations where vacancies have existed.
SALE OF A PUBLIC-HOUSE IN BALLYMONEY. -- Mr. James O'Kane, auctioneer, Ballymoney, set up for sale on Friday, 21st inst., the public-house in the Main Street. After a spirited competition, Mr. Thomas Lennox, of Liverpool, was declared the purchaser, at £140 and five per cent. auction fees.
REGISTRATION IN COUNTY DOWN. -- The following is the present state of the register of voters in the four Parliamentary divisions of County Down, and the work to be done at the ensuing Revision Courts:-- South Down -- Number on present registry, 9,674 claims; lodged, 909; objections lodged, 1,384. The number of claims and objections received are about equal as between Unionists and Nationalists. East Down -- Present registry, 8,981; claims, 443; objections, 276. North Down -- Present registry, 9,368; claims, 32; objections, 22. West Down -- Present registry, 10,960; claims, 353; objections, 54.
AGRICULTURAL PROSPECTS IN STEWARTSTOWN. -- The crops in the Stewartstown district, so far as appearances tend, look remarkably well. Taking the several crops collectively, there is no cause for alarm as to the prospect of a bad harvest, but, on the contrary, general cause for rejoicing in this part of East Tyrone.
THE "SHOWING" OF HORSES IN BALLYMENA. -- At the Ballymena Town Court on Friday, the Chairman (Mr. S. J. M'Cartney, J.P.) said that it was the custom on Craigbilly fair mornings for parties to "show" their horses in Linenhall Street, and the vicinity of it, in Ballymena, and he considered that the practice was really a dangerous one, and interfered with the convenience of the public. Head-Constable Gregg said that the people exhibiting their horses on the public street on such occasions considered they had a right to do so, and the police had trouble keening Ballymoney Street clear on Ballymena fair days. The Chairman said he would bring the matter before the Town Commissioners, and try and have it remedied in some way or other.
EXTRAORDINARY HAIL SHOWER IN ARMAGH. -- Our Armagh correspondent writes -- One of the most extraordinary hail showers ever experienced here fell on Friday shortly before half-past twelve o'clock. The weather during the forenoon was fine and even warm, and up to the time the shower commenced the sun was shining. Suddenly, and as if a cloud had burst overhead, a shower of rain and hailstones, the latter being unusually large, came down in a dense volume, flooding the streets and many of the houses in less than two minutes. The shower did not last more than five minutes, but during the time several of the street sewers were choked, and some of the roads were covered with water to the depth of two feet. It is not known here yet whether the shower fell over a wide area, but great fears are entertained for the safety of the oat and wheat crops in this district.
APPOINTMENT OF AN ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL FOR THE BELFAST DISTRICT. -- Colonel Haly, of the Suffolk Regiment, has been ordered to take over the position of Assistant Adjutant-General of the Belfast District. When he takes over the appointment, the berth now held by Captain Foster -- viz., that of assistant adjutant-general -- will be abolished. It has been in existence only since 1887, and previously the chief staff officer of the general commanding at Belfast had the status of brigade-major. A further change is also announced. The two squadrons of the 9th Lancers now stationed in Belfast are under orders to rejoin headquarters next month. They will be replaced by one squadron from Dundalk (120 strong), one troop to be stationed at Victoria Barracks, and the other at the Tram Depôt, Willowbank. Major B. Gough will still remain at Belfast in command of the detachment.
THE MAGISTRACY. -- On the recommendation of Mr. J. Blakiston Houston, V.L., Mr. Andw. M'Cammond, of Nutgrove, Seaforde, has been appointed a Justice of the Peace for the County Down. Mr. M'Cammond was sworn in as magistrate before the Right Hon. Colonel W. B. Forde, P.C., at Nutgrove, on Tuesday. His appointment has been hailed with the greatest satisfaction by all classes and creeds in the district.
THUNDERSTORM IN MONAGHAN. -- Last week an exceptionally severe thunderstorm broke over Monaghan and its vicinity. The thunderstorm was accompanied by a very destructive downpour hailstones. All the low-lying lands in the district are flooded.
THE ALLEGED LARCENY CASE AT STEWARTSTOWN. -- Last Sunday afternoon information reached Stewartstown to the effect that a large sum of money had been stolen from a safe, the property of Mrs. Eliza Gartland, of Aughamullan. A man named Kilpatrick was arrested by the Coalisland police in connection with the theft, and conveyed to Stewartstown yesterday, where he was brought before Hugh O'Neill, Esq., J.P., and remanded to the next petty sessions at Stewartstown.
NEARLY A CENTENARIAN. -- Last week there passed over to the great majority, at the advanced age of 92 years, Eliza Little, who resided in the townland of Gortganis, which lies adjacent to the town of Coalisland. Up to her demise she was in full possession of all her faculties, and could relate with well-defined clearness events of nearly ninety years ago.
THE LISBURN LEPROSY CASE. -- The apartments prepared at the rere of the Lisburn workhouse for the man John Evans, the unfortunate man afflicted with leprosy, are now ready, and he has been given to understand that he is to enter into their occupation to-day (Saturday). It now remains to be seen whether the man and his mother will avail themselves of the thoughtful provision of the guardians.