Birth

LYTTLE -- Feb. 22, at Norcelgwen, Kelvin Parade, Cliftonville, Belfast, the wife of R. C. Lyttle, of a daughter.

Marriage

BROWNE--GRAHAM -- Feb. 20, at St. Peter's Polish Church, by the father of the bridegroom, Captain Cyril Edward Browne, M.C., A.S.C., elder son of Rev. J. E. Browne, B.D., St. Mary's Vicarage, Belfast, to Elizabeth (Daisie) elder daughter of Mr. John Graham, Hillside, Donegall Park, Belfast.

Death

FRAME -- Feb. 17, at a Nursing Home, Liverpool, Robert, eldest son of the late Dr. James Frame, of Comber. Cremated at Liverpool.

(Page 5 - Received too late for classification.)

Marriage

SAVAGE--ROBB -- Feb. 27th, at Killead Presbyterian Church, by Rev. Dr. J. A. H. Irwin, Rowland Savage, second son of the late Mr. Rowland Savage, Woodleigh, Lisburn, to Isabel, younger daughter of John Robb, Carmeavy House, Muckamore.

Thanks for Sympathy

The Family of the late John Hanna desire to thank the many kind friends who sympathised with them in their recent sad bereavement, and especially to St. John's Masonic Lodge 811, Lisburn, for beautiful wreath. Hoping this will be accepted by all. Dublin Road, Lisburn.

In Memoriam

RAMSEY -- In loving memory of my beloved husband, Frederick W. H. Ramsey, who departed this life Feb. 25, 1916; also my dear children, Jane A. H. C. (Jennie), who died March 2, 1916, and Sarah E. M. (Sadie), who died March 4, 1915, and were interred in Lisburn Cemetery. Sadly missed and mourned by ELIZABETH K. RAMSEY, 6 Castle Street, Lisburn.

Clippings

SOME EXTRACTS FROM THE

RECORDS OF OLD LISBURN

AND THE MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- --

Edited by JAMES CARSON.

-- -- --

LXXII.

-- -- --

CASTLEROBIN, by R. R. Belshaw.

From "Lisburn Standard," Feb. 17, 1883.

(Continued.)

The second and last escape of the Earl of Antrim was one of thrilling interest -- a sort of miniature of the Royal fugitive. For the better security of the prisoner he was said to have been placed in charge of a "very godly officer" named Wallace, with whom was associated another called Gordon, who, it seems, though not so "truly Christian," was more obliging to the Earl in the way of planning his escape. He brought him the rope with which he let himself down the castle walls, where there was a servant ready to meet him. Both being well mounted, and having avoided the sentries, they made their way safely on to Glenarm Castle, where they remained a while. The alarm, however, was soon given, and they betook themselves once more to the beautiful glen, which was densely wooded. Being closely pursued by the Scotch troopers, the Earl changed clothes with his servant, who then rode on so as to attract their attention. In this way the Earl managed to escape once more, while the servant was taken back, to Carrickfergus, where he was hanged for his fidelity.

After wandering over the mountains for some time, in the month of October, without knowing where he was going, the Earl found himself early one morning under old Castlerobin. An account of this adventure has been written by an old soldier of Sir Hugh Clotworthy's regiment. We can well imagine the arrival of the Earl on the ancient road which winds past Castlerobin, over which the judges of assize were in the habit of travelling, bridle in hand, between Armagh, Carrickfergus, and Antrim, and which was equally well known to the famous outlaw, Redmond O'Hanlon. The grey dawn of the morning had just risen on the hills, and the mists of the mountain were rapidly passing away. The silence of night had given place to the song of the lark, the measured whistling of plover, and the distant lowing of cattle, whose mingled sounds came floating over the purple heather. In this condition of external nature, and on a crisp autumnal morning, the Earl was still wandering along, with the panorama of the ever-beautiful valley of the Lagan opening out before him, when he suddenly found himself beneath Castlerobin. The first person he met was a little withered old man, called in Irish a "scolloge," whose duties had called him forth at that early hour. The tongue of the Gael being common to both, they soon became fast friends, and the scolloge led him to a secret place where be might rest in safety; he then left him there while he went down to Lisnagarvey to buy some bread and beef. The Earl, having refreshed himself by this timely meal, was led to a hollow tree in the wood, where he slept until the following night, when his faithful friend returned and guided him safely to Charlemont, from whence he made his way to a relative who lived at Mellafont, in Meath.

The Earl was not ungrateful to his humble friend on the White mountain, but always made much of him, and gave him an ample pension for life. The officer (Captain Gordon) who connived at the Earl's escape left the garrison about the same time as his friend, and having made love to the Earl's sister Rose, they were married immediately after with the full consent of her noble brother. The captain got another company under the Earl of Leven, and returned to Scotland with his Irish bride, and the best wishes of all the Clandonnell.

In the vicinity of Castlerobin are the well-known Plover Plains, where in later times the Union Regiment of Volunteers, whose headquarters were at Lisburn, held some of their reviews. In after years all the yeomanry companies of the district -- infantry and cavalry, including Brookhill, Magheragall, Lisburn, &c. -- had a grand review there, which lasted two days, under Mr. Watson's command.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

SOME OLD CONWAY SETTLERS,
By R. R. Belshaw.

From "Lisburn Standard," Sept. 29, 1883.

The following list of names, without any reference to their present social position, will be found to include nearly all the original English families who came to Lisburn and the adjoining parishes in the 17th century. The bearers of them were mostly in Lord Conway's regiment and Rawdon's troop of horse, which served through the rebellion of 1641, and the Commonwealth, down to the Restoration. Sir Phelim O'Neill made their acquaintance once at Lisnagarvey, and met with a very warm reception. General Monroe, before he left his wig at Benburb, also paid them a visit while they were on duty at Glenavy. The "Irisshe Enemie," perhaps invited by some dwellers in the lake district, shortly after advanced to within a mile of the latter village, but they soon retired, like the King of France's men, who first marched up the hill -- and then came down again.

Lord Conway, writes on a Monday, in November, 1663, to his "dear brother," Major Rawdon, then in Dublin, stating that "he had raised the country that night to keep watch on all the ways through Killultagh into the County Antrim to arrest some conspirators who had been concerned in a plot to seize the Lord Lieutenant, and that he was afraid they might escape on the morrow, which was the market day." He also complains of the the duty as being "too much for one man."

In a quarter of century later we find that brave old stock the life and soul of a little army of 4,000 men who had rallied at Lisburn after the unfortunate Break of Dromore. This latter event was not so remarkable after all, when we consider the unarmed state of the multitude which had then been so hastily drawn together. Under the leadership of their old favourite, Sir Arthur Rawdon, who was then the only person excluded from mercy in one of Tyrconnell's proclamations, they retired to Coleraine. On arriving there, they were sent on duty to Moneymore. While thus engaged, Sir Arthur sank under the exposure to which he was subject, and was obliged to withdraw from all further active service. His regiment then moved on to Derry, where their next colonel was the gallant Gov. Baker. With him they gave material assistance during the well-known siege, and having helped to free their country from Home Rule, so called, brass money, and wooden shoes, the moat of them returned to their desolated homes, which were soon restored again by the industry of a free people, and others went off to the tune of "Lillibullero" to see King William safe over the water.

These all having fought a good fight, and another century having passed away, we find them again represented by their worthy grandsons in a published list of voters (in the writer's possession) who did their duty at the general election of 1790, when the old elements of rebellion were again coming to the front. Our Scottish friends, the "Macs," also appear numerously on this election roll -- such as M'Allister, M'Beth, M'Call, M'Cay, M'Clelland, M'Cluskey, M'Clean, M'Clure, M'Connell, M'Cullough, M'Cullom, M'Gill, M'Kee, M'Kinstry, M'Kenzie, M'Neight, M'Nab, M'Fadden, M'Waters, &c. As they do not, however, come under the list of the old Conway Settlers, we have only given a few of them. They are all now in very good company, and we do not expect to hear of their making any mistakes in the marking of their ballots at the next election.

With reference to the old stock of whom this article is written, and who spread themselves over from Lambeg to Glenavy, the selection has been made chiefly to illustrate the nomenclature of the times. The founders of these names have long since passed away, and the remains of many of them, for seven generations, have been sleeping in the dust which surrounds the Cathedral of Lisburn, that is itself the monument of their existence. Some of these ancient and Christian names are still borne by the grandsons of those who voted in 1790. As their enemies alleged they came in with the sword in one hand and the Bible in the other, we shall therefore take the liberty of giving them a Scriptural introduction to the reader.

Adam Blackburn, Abraham Service, Isaac Hodgen, Jacob Bannister, Israel Williams, Joseph Fulton, Benjamin Sheppard, Ephraim Cumming, Moses Cupples, Aaron Brown, Gabriel Taggart, Samuel English, Saul Lendrick, Jonathan Richardson, David Calderwood, Josias Campbell, Elias Hughes, Isaiah Greer, Jeremiah Smith, Ezekiel Davies, Jonas Morrow, Daniel Chesnut, and Nehemiah Craig.

Matthew Thompson, Mark Peel, Luke Johnston, John Robinson, James Alderdice, Andrew Cousins, Simon Nicholl, Peter Sharp, Thomas Courtney, Philip Chapman, Nathaniel Allen, Paul Waring, Silas Steen, Timothy Rusk, Nicholas Oakman, and Alexander Culbert.

Clotworthy Walkinshaw, Skeffington Bristow, Conway Blizard, Thomas Wethered, Richard Whiteside, John Belshaw, Ralph Jefferson, Ravenscroft, Marmion, Gaston, Warwick, Wyckliffe, Latimer, Ridley, Milton, Musgrave, Barnsley, Burleigh, Blakely, Watson, Wakefield, Younghusband, Wolfenden, Gayer, Spencer, Hull, Hyde, Walkington, Shillington, Twaddle, Telfair, Watchett, Mussen, Merritt, Wheeler, Workman, Walker, Greenfield, Sedgwick, Ramage, Garrett, Casement, Entwistle, Cinnamond, Boomer, Braithwaite, Balmen, Maze, Stevenson, Bell, Bunting, Bennett, Sefton, Rollins, Suffern, Frissel, Barron, Gamble, Haslem, Titterington, Fleming, Lyons, Langtry, Love, Fisher, Fowler, Hunter, Horn, Harper, Peacock, Phœnix, Henshaw, Bradshaw, Grimshaw, Fanshaw.

(Next week: Commodore Watson.)

==========================

CRUMLIN PETTY SESSIONS.

This monthly court was held on Monday -- Dr. Arthur Mussen, J.P., presiding.

Before the commencement of the business, Messrs. Daniel Tallon, Ballycairn, Aghalee; Patrick Peter Tallon, Aghagallon; and Frank M'Corry, Aghagallon, were sworn in (before Mr. James Roche, R.M.) as justices of the peace for the County Antrim.

A young woman named Mary Jane Crangle was summoned for having stolen a bicycle, the property of Miss Armstrong, Tullynewbane, from the chapel yard at Ballymacricket on the 3rd ult.; also with having obtained goods by means of a trick. Defendant pleaded guilty to both offences. She was an adopted child, and on the guardian guaranteeing to find security for her future good conduct the cases were adjourned for six months.

Mary Cooper, publican, Crumlin, was prosecuted for, on 2nd ult., having opened her premises at prohibited hours and making a sale. Mr. Anderson (Messrs. Moorhead & Wood, Belfast) appeared for the defence. The case was dismissed.

William Crangle, Lisburn, was fined 10s and costs for assaulting Samuel Elliott, a Jew, at Crumlin.

=========================

THE WAR

-- -- -- --

GERMANS ADVANCE IN RUSSIA.

-- -- -- --

ON THE PRETEXT OF "RESTORING ORDER."

-- -- -- --

There is little war news of outstanding importance this morning. Raids are reported from the Western front, but these must be looked upon as feelers on both sides.

The news from Russia is, as usual, meagre, but from the most reliable accounts it appears that the country is in a very bad way. The German army continues to advance into the interior on the pretext of "restoring order;" and the position of affairs has become so ominous that Japan has considered it necessary to sound America and the Entente Powers regarding military measures in Siberia. She is prepared to proceed alone if necessary, or in co-operation.

It is now officially reported that 153 persons, are missing from the torpedoed hospital ship Glenart Castle, which was sunk in the Bristol Channel on the 26th ult.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

KILLED IN ACTION.

Private Richard Fenning, Canadian Infantry, has been killed in action. He was the eldest son of Mr. Thomas Fenning, White Mountain, Lisburn.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

INNISKILLINGS' 6th V.C.

The V.C. has been awarded to Private J. Duffy, 6th Batt. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, third son of the late Mr. P. Duffy and Mrs. Duffy, Bonagee, Letterkenny. Private Duffy and another stretcher-bearer went to bring in a wounded comrade when the other stretcher-bearer was wounded. He returned for another man, but he was also killed. Private Duffy then went alone, under heavy fire, and got two wounded men in safely. This is the sixth Victoria Cross won by the Inniskillings in the war, and the third awarded inside the past seven weeks.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

THE CARE OF SOLDIERS' GRAVES.

H.R.H. the Prince of Wales presided the other day at the second meeting of the Imperial War Graves Commission, at which it was announced that the Government had undertaken to bear the cost of laying out, enclosing, planting, and maintaining British military cemeteries abroad and of providing suitable headstones for the graves wherever possible.

The Commission had under consideration a report from Lieut.-Colonel Sir Frederic Kenyon, who had been appointed adviser to the Commission, with regard to the laying out and architectural treatment of cemeteries. His chief, recommendations were:-- (a) That the principle of equality of treatment laid down by the Commission should be earned out by the erection over the graves of all officers and men in war cemeteries abroad of headstones of uniform size, but in each case distinctive as regards design of the regiment or other unit to which the officer or man belonged; (b) that in addition to the individual headstone there should be in each cemetery central memorials inscribed with some appropriate phrase or text; (c) that the constructional work in the cemeteries should be carried out under the general supervision of three principal architects -- Mr. Reginald Blomfield, Sir Edwin Lutyens, and Mr. Herbert Baker.

Sir Frederic Kenyon's proposals were generally approved, and it was agreed that with a view to arriving at an accurate estimate of the cost of carrying out the recommendations contained in the report the necessary authority should be obtained to proceed with the work in three selected cemeteries in France or Belgium which contain the graves of both British and Dominion soldiers.

It was announced that regiments and other military, formations had been asked to send in their own suggestions for the design of headstones. These were now being received by the Commission, and it was decided that the offer of the Directors of the National Gallery and the Wallace Collection and Mr. Macdonald Gill to assist in the final selection should be accepted.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

AMERICANS ON WESTERN FRONT.

Mr. Baker, American Secretary for War, in his weekly review of the war situation, says that further American forces are taking an increasingly important part in the operations on the Western front, the presence of infantry in a very important section of the Chemin des Dames area being reported, and a number of successful scouting operations have been carried out. It is useful to note that our forces now in action in this -- one of the most active sectors of the entire French front -- acquitted themselves very creditably.

=========================

Our Silent Navy.

The navy has transported no less than 13,000,000 men across the Channel, with a loss through enemy action of only 2,720.

=========================

HOW MARGARINE IS MADE.

Margarine, when mode under proper conditions, as it is in this country, is a wholesome article of diet (says "The National Food Journal"). It contains nearly the same proportion of fat as butter, and is almost as well digested. In nourishing value, 102 parts of margarine as equivalent to 100 parts of butter. It is prepared from pure fats and oil derived partly from animal and partly from vegetable sources. These are melted and churned with a quantity of pasteurised milk, so as to break up the fat into fine particles. Immediately after churning the product is run into cooling tanks, where it solidifies, and presents the appearance of butter. It is then transferred to marble or slate tapped tables, where it is kneaded, salted, colouring matter added, and in some cases combined with a, certain proportion of butter up to 10 per cent. There is practically no difference between margarine and butter, except one of flavour.

 

^ top of page

Birth

O'SULLIVAN -- At The Hut, Newcastle, County Down, to Vera, wife of Colonel O'Sullivan, D.S.O., a son (Peter).

Marriage

LUNNEY--CREIGHTON -- February 15, 1918, at the Presbyterian Church, Dundalk, by the Rev. J. Moody, M.A., Corporal J. H. Lunney, Australian Imperial Forces, youngest son of the late James Lunney, of Castleblayney, to Amy, eldest daughter of Mr. Joseph Creighton, "Hemingway," Dundalk.

Death

CRAWFORD -- March 3, 1918, at her residence, Ballynacoy, Stoneyford, Martha Crawford.

In Memoriam

HARRISON -- In loving memory of my dear son, 8501 Private Albert Wesley Harrison, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, died of wounds received in action, 6th March, 1917.
     At the river's crystal brink
          Christ shall join each broken link;
     Father, in Thy gracious keeping,
          Leave we now my dear son sleeping.
-- Deeply regretted by his sorrowing Mother. MARGARET SPENCE, Hillhall, Lisburn.

Roll of Honour

NEWELL -- Killed in action, February 19, 1918, Lance-Corporal James Newell, No. 112322, Royal Engineers, dearly-beloved husband of A. M Newell, late of Tavanagh Street, Belfast, and son of William Newell, Low Road, Lisburn. Deeply regretted by his sorrowing Wife and little Son (Bob). 120 Gregg Street, Lisburn.

Clippings

SOME EXTRACTS FROM THE

RECORDS OF OLD LISBURN

AND THE MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- --

Edited by JAMES CARSON.

-- -- --

LXXIII.

-- -- --

MEMORIAL OF JAMES WATSON, BROOKHILL -- 1851.

The name of the author of this little volume of 100 pages is unknown. James Watson, known as the "Young Commodore," was the son of John Watson -- "Commodore Watson" -- and grandson of James Watson, who was buried in Magheragall Parish Churchyard in 1777, aged 77 years. Margaret, the daughter of James Watson, born 1700, married Robert Redman, who afterwards built the old, house at Springfield.

The Old Commodore.

John Watson, known as "Commodore Watson," or the "Old Commodore," entered the Royal Navy about the year 1747. Later he relinquished his commission and proceeded to India, where he again entered the naval service under the East India Company, in what was then known as the Bombay Navy. From 1748 till about 1772 he led an active and adventurous life, rendered the Company signal service, and was several times wounded. In 1766 he married a Miss Popham, of London. It was in Dublin their first-born, James, the "Young Commodore," was born. On their return to India James was left behind in Ireland. In India two other children were born. At length the desire of home turned the Commodore's thoughts towards Europe. His fine Arabian charger, the "Old Major," was shipped before him, and reached Brookhill without accident. Mrs. Watson proceeded on her journey, the Commodore to follow on his return from an expedition then on foot. He was, unfortunately, wounded in the arm by a ball, supposed to be poisoned. The surgeon proposed immediate amputation. This was declined by the Commodore, who is reported to have said -- "If I live, it shall live with me; and if I die, it will die with me." Death speedily ensued.

The Young Commodore.

On Captain Redman and his wife, Margaret Watson, fell the duty of watching over the child James. In Magheragall Parish Churchyard an inscription on a tomb records that Robert Redman, of Springfield, died in 1788, aged 68, and that Margaret, his wife, daughter of James Watson, of Brookhill, died in 1806, aged 78.

A considerable portion of the little volume is taken up with an account of the boy's youthful days; then as he advanced into manhood, his love of hunting, racing, and rural sports; as a magistrate, his Protestant loyalty, his connection with Blaris Camp, and his experiences in Antrim in 1798.

When in the coarse of events he took his place in the county at the head of his hounds the whole population continually cheered and welcomed him. No one was seen in the field who could match him as he followed and encouraged the chase. No figures were better known or more warmly welcomed on the Maze course than that of James Watson and his brother-in-law, Mr. Wakefield. The last race which Mr. Watson rode was upon the Maze course, October 12th, 1825. He ran for the County Cup on Violet, a great pet of his, at that time aged nearly twenty years. He was himself sixty years of age. At the finish of the race stooping down and placing his arms round the neck of the panting and successful animal, he said -- "You are old, and I am growing old, and we shall run no more. This is our last race." This may be said to have been his formal leave-taking of the course, although he hunted and followed the hounds to a few years before his death.

He was remarkably abstemious. Even on the longest day of sporting excitement he would not ordinarily take even one glass of wine before his dinner. The table was no idol of his. This was all the more remarkable considering the days and circumstances in which he was placed.

As a magistrate at Lisburn, Hillsborough, and Belfast, or wherever he was called upon to act, his advice was looked up to as sound and constitutional, and no man enjoyed in a higher degree the confidence of the public and his brother magistrates.

From the very outset of his career James Watson was a thorough Loyalist. He was captain of the BrookhilL Yeomanry. In the troublous days of 1798 frequent reviews of the Magheragall Cavalry and Brookhill Infantry took place under his command on the "Plover Plain," about a mile above Brookhill.

Blaris.

With Blaris Camp he was also is daily communication. On Blaris Moor strange scenes were not unfrequently exhibited. It was known that secret influences were at work among the Irish regiments, corrupting their principles and seducing them from their allegiance. The emissaries of disaffection endeavoured strenuously to sow there the evil seeds of discontent and treason. The knowledge of this obliged the authorities and commanders of regiments to be constantly on the alert. At length three privates of the Monaghan Militia, were detected in treasonable operations. They were tried in Belfast by court-martial. It was found that they belonged to the Society of "United Irishmen." They were sentenced to death. To render the fatal punishment more exemplary, they were ordered to be shot in the presence of their own regiment and of all the other troops encamped at Blaris. Accordingly, the unhappy criminals were marched to the spot where they were to meet their doom. As they drew near Blaris the Dead March in "Saul" was heard in the distance, announcing their approach. The regiments were formed nearly into a square, within which three coffins were placed. As the three unhappy militiamen, the prisoners, were brought forward, each of them took his place and knelt by his coffin. A firing party then advanced. At a signal, the fatal discharge took place. The three fell instantly. One of them, however, seemed to be [--?--] in agony. A sergeant stepped out from ranks and put his pistol to the ear of the wretched fellow. A shot was heard -- the smoke cleared off -- and the three bodies were prostrate, equally quiet, in death. The several regiments were then made to file past them. It was deplorable to mark their clothes saturated with blood, yet, from the inflammable nature of the wadding, partially in a blaze over the lifeless remains.

Such terrible events were the necessary attendants upon the frightful state of the country at that conjecture of affairs. The crisis it length arrived. The rebellion was openly proclaimed. In the South, alarming progress was made. Some portions of the North were only waiting for the watchword, smothering the flame for a little time, that it might, on the outbreak, burn the more fiercely. Much of the County of Antrim was in this state.

Antrim.

On the 7th of June, 1798, Captain Watson was summoned to Antrim to attend a county meeting of magistrates specially called for the consideration of the threatening aspect of the times. There was a large attendance. Earl O'Neill drove hurriedly from Dublin to be present, and arrived in sufficient time to lend his aid in the anxious deliberations. However, the die was unhappily cast. The rebels marched into Antrim while the magistrates were there assembled, and took complete possession of the town. They were attacked by the King's forces. Among these was a troop of the Magheragall Cavalry, under Lieutenant Garrett. Colonel Lumley, from Lisburn, with a party of the 22nd Dragoons, from Blaris Camp, had passed Brookhill on their hasty march to Antrim. The Colonel held a conversation with Captain Wakefield, in the absence at Antrim of Captain Watson, instructing him to forward to Lisburn all unnecessary arms that were at Brookhill or Springfield, lest they might fall into the hands of the rebels. Making his own way onward to Antrim, and taking Lieutenant Garrett and one troop along with him, he left Captain Wakefield, with the rest of his men, to keep charge of the home post.

As the fight proceeded in the streets of Antrim, Captain Watson was close to the Magheragall Cavalry. He was not far from Lord O'Neill when his Lordship was treacherously and savagely piked. At the Massereene Bridge, about the moment of Earl O'Neill's fall, Captain Watson and his party were closely hemmed in by the rebels. To escape from the deadly enclosure in which they found themselves, he and two or three others, who were well mounted, saw that there was on opening for escape but by leaping directly over the parapet of the bridge and into the river. Just as he was in the act of leaping, one of the rebels levelled a pike or gun at him, with an aim so close and sure that there appeared no nope of its missing him. In that instant another rebel shouted -- "Don't touch Watson! that's Watson!" and dashed up the gun or pike that was in his comrade's hand. Captain Watson and one of the troopers, a farmer in Magheragall, made good their desperate leap. A third who endeavoured to follow their example was pierced through and through with pikes, and fell dead into the water, awfully mangled.

On the Captain's gaining the bank, and riding across a field to reach another part of the town, he came full in front of a separate detachment of rebels. He subsequently declared that he then considered his life as not worth many minutes purchase. First he thought of turning and seeking safety in an opposite direction. Ultimately he determined to move forward. Whether the men recognised him and did not wish to do him injury, or whether they did not think it right to attack a gentleman who was not in a soldier's dress, he could not know. Howsoever it was, he was unquestioned and unchallenged, and permitted to pass them without remark.

Shortly after these momentary disasters Colonel Lumley caused a retreat to be sounded, to allow time for the reinforcements that were every instant expected. The corps of Magheragall Cavalry did not properly understand the signal, and remained exposed to the destructive assaults of the rebels. The Colonel observing this, and exclaiming -- "The poor fellows will be cut to pieces" -- galloped forward himself to lead them out of their perilous position. While engaged in this effort to save others he received a musket ball in the leg, near the foot, from the effects of which he never altogether recovered.

It was a source of great satisfaction to Captain Watson that, during all this terrible period of bloodshed and anarchy, no private causes of feud existed between himself and any of the infatuated people who were betrayed into disloyalty. While some of the gentry, magistrates residing not far from Brookhill, were obliged to brave the perils of private assassination, both day and night, it was his fortunate lot to be exempt from any such terror or peril. It was his great delight to afford hope to those guilty men who were alike dupes and victims. One of the most pleasing circumstances of this exciting period -- connected with Captain Watson -- was a result of the hazardous leap at Antrim. It is matter of history that M'Cracken in Belfast, and Harry Monro at Lisburn, and many others, forfeited their lives on account of their acts at or before the fights at Antrim or at Ballinahinch. The spectacle was but too common of men of respectability and intelligence executed and beheaded for their share in the rebellion. Necessity -- though sometimes but "the tyrant's plea" -- inevitably, in this case, urged the summary infliction of justice; but, in several instances, mercy tempered justice. A Mr. Mulholland, one of the most energetic rebel officers at the battle of Ballinahinch, was pardoned because he had interfered to save the life of a person who had been carried a prisoner into the camp, And when, shortly after the fights, some of the misguided men who had fought at Antrim were sentenced to death by a court-martial, one of the number claimed the protection of Captain Watson. It was the very man who, in the critical moment, had dashed away the murderous weapon directed at his breast. The Captain repaired to the place of his confinement, and was happy to recognise him as the preserver of his life. A representation of the facts being made to headquarters, the condemned rebel was at once set at liberty. Such incidents as these relieved to some extent the horrors of those days of terror and crime.

It is remarkable that, upon a subsequent occasion, long after the sound of rebellion was hushed, Mr. Watson was, a second time, in imminent risk of losing his life in Antrim. At a Corn Law riot there he and other gentlemen were violently assailed by the mob, and severely stoned. Passing down the street, with the late General Coulson, of Belfast, a huge stone -- which, it was supposed, was intended for the General -- struck Mr. Watson on the head and stretched him insensible on the ground. It was found that he had received a wound which was pronounced as likely to be mortal. After a lengthened, confinement at Antrim he was so far recovered as to be removed to Brookhill. His restoration from the consequences of the brutal assault was extremely tedious.

(To be Continued.)

=========================

DEATH OF MR. JOHN REDMOND.

A Pleasant Press Recollection.

The death of Mr. John Redmond, which took place in London on Wednesday morning from heart failure following an operation for cancer, has stirred the soul of the nation, and messages of sympathy have flowed in from all over the world, and from political colleagues and opponents alike, while the Press all over has commented in terms of the highest admiration of the distinguished Irishman's life and labours.

To see and hear Mr. John Redmond at his best one had to visit his own constituency -- Waterford City -- and we remember well being at a big meeting of his held in the theatre there a few weeks before the general election of 1906. Although the meeting was billed for eight o'clock, we, in common with the "small battalion" of Pressmen, had to take our seats at 6-30, so great was the crush. Thousands and thousands of people never got near the building at all; and, coming fresh from "the Black North" at the time, we could only compare the outside demonstration to an Ulster Twelfth July. In all our experience we never saw a public man given such a whole-hearted and affectionate reception. Now the (certainly then) idol of the Waterford people has gone, and the pleasant city, of which we have many happy remembrances, is to experience the turmoil of a Sinn Fein election fight, the result of which is in the lap of the gods.

Mr. Redmond's remains will be conveyed to Ireland to-night for interment to-morrow in St. John's Churchyard, Wexford.

=========================

LISBURN PETTY SESSIONS.

WOMAN FINED FOR HARBOURING TWO ARMY DESERTERS.

INTERESTING SWEETMILK PROSECUTION.

This court was held yesterday, before Messrs. W. J. M Murray, J.P. (presiding); Alan Bell, R.M.; J. Milne Barbour, D.L., J.P.; Wm. Davis, J.P.; and Robt. Griffith, J.P.

Harboured Army Deserters.

District-Inspector Gregory prosecuted an elderly-looking woman named Euphemia Kerr, Handcock Street, Lisburn, for harbouring two army deserters and exchanging their uniform.

Sergeant Edgar said that he visited Mrs. Kerr's house on the 27th ult., and after cautioning her, he questioned her regarding two deserters. Mrs. Kerr said that two soldiers came to her house about 12 o'clock on the 21st February, and said Annie had sent them. (Annie was Mrs. Dignan, who lodges with her.) They said they were cold and hungry, and had lain out all night. They asked her to make them some tea, and she did so. They then asked could she give them some civilian clothes to put on instead of their uniforms. She gave them two suits belonging to her husband, who is working in Glasgow. The soldiers took their uniforms off and put the civilian clothes on. They gave her their uniforms and told her to keep them till they would call for them. The soldiers stayed all night, and lay on a bed she made for them in the kitchen. She did not know the soldiers, or ask their names. They said they were off the army and had done with the Germans. Sergeant Edgar then produced two full suits of uniform which Mrs. Kerr handed over to him.

Mr. Bell, R.M. -- Where are these soldiers?

District-Inspector Gregory said that the soldiers were deserters from Belfast. One had been arrested, and it was only after he went back to his unit that he told his commanding officer that he had left his uniform in a house about eight miles from Belfast.

On being asked had she anything to say for herself, Mrs. Kerr repeated what she had told the police sergeant, and added that if she had known that the soldiers were deserters she would not have allowed them into her house.

District-Inspector Gregory said the offence was a very serious one, but the woman was very poor and could not pay a big fine.

Their Worships fined defendant 21s, or a month.

Sweetmilk Prosecution.

Sergeant Rourke summoned John M'Court, Old Hillsborough Road, Lisburn, for selling on the 3rd January sweetmilk which was not of the nature, quality and substance demanded.

Mr. W. G. Maginess appeared for the defendant.

Sergeant Rourke gave evidence of purchasing and having the sample analysed. The analyst's report showed that the sample contained 7.15 per cent. of solids not fat, whereas genuine new milk should contain at least 8.5 per cent.

By Mr. Maginess -- He took samples out of two different cans. One of the samples was reported all right by the analyst.

Joseph M'Court, son of the defendant, said his father kept ten cows. The milk was all put together. No water was added, and he could not account for the difference of solids reported by the analyst.

Mr. Bell, R.M., said it was strange that the milk in one can was right and the other wrong.

Mr. Maginess emphasised the statement that the milk was sold as taken from the cows, and asked their Worships to impose a minimal fine if they considered a conviction necessary.

Their Worships fined defendant 40s and 14s costs.

Mr. Maginess said that his client was a poor man, and asked that the fine be reduced to 20s.

The Chairman -- We cannot alter the fine. The magistrates consider they have dealt very leniently in the matter.

Drunkenness.

Sergeant Rourke summoned William M'Gongal for drunkenness in Lisburn while in charge of a pony and spring cart. The sergeant said defendant was a dealing man, and had the loan of the pony. M'Gonigal's wife had been fined in the Town Court, and she was the cause of getting him into that trouble. First offence. Fined 10s and costs.

Dismissed on a Technical Point.

Lisburn Rural Council prosecuted David Belshaw, Knocknadona, for failing to comply with an order made by the sanitary authority requesting him to fill up a hole in the street near his house, and to level the street.

Mr. D. B. Simpson appeared for the complainants, and Mr. Maginess defended.

A technical point was raised as to the service of the notice by the sanitary authority, and the case was dismissed without prejudice.

Spirit Licence Application.

On the application of Mr. D. B. Simpson, Miss Elisabeth Hanna was granted an ad interim transfer of the publican's licence held by her father, the late John Hanna, Dublin Road, Lisburn. The police offered no objection.

=========================

THE WAR

-- -- -- --

RAIDING AND ARTILLERY ACTIVITY.

-- -- -- --

ANOTHER AIR RAID ON LONDON.

-- -- -- --

Raiding and artillery activity on both sides continues on the West, and German prisoners maintain that their big offensive is imminent.

In moving a vote of credit of £600,000,000 -- the largest single vote ever submitted in the House of Commons, Mr. Bonnar Law last night gave an optimistic review of the military situation; and view of the facts and figures quoted the general feeling is that everything is to be gained by "sticking it."

There was another air raid on London last night, but first reports would go to show that there was not much real damage done.

Last week's British shipping losses were 12 boats of over 1,600 tons and 6 under 1,600 tons. There were six unsuccessful attacks by submarine.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

A REMARKABLE ANO ROMANTIC CAREER.

Presbyterian Minister's Rapid Promotion in the Army.

Colonel James Reynolds M'Lean, Deputy Director-General of National Service, a brother of Mr. Norman M'Lean, town surveyor, Lisburn, has been entrusted with an important mission in Ireland, the details of which we are not allowed to publish at present. Colonel M'Lean was a Presbyterian minister in Cardiff when the war broke out. He volunteered, and was almost immediately appointed a recruiting lieutenant. His work proved remarkably successful, and he quickly rose to his present rank.

The London correspondent of the "Belfast News-Letter," commenting on the appointment, says:-- "Colonel W. Reynolds M'Lean, Deputy Director-General of National Service, who has been intimately associated with Sir Auckland Geddes since the formation of his department, has left for Ireland to undertake a new and important National Service duty there. Within the past four years Colonel M'Lean's career has been both remarkable and romantic. The outbreak of war found him minister of a Presbyterian Church in Cardiff, but a strong sense of patriotism led him at once to join the army, in which he was given an appointment as recruiting lieutenant. Promotion came to him rapidly, and when he had attained the rank of colonel the War Office claimed him for important work in connection with recruiting. Later, at Sir Auckland Geddes's request, he was transferred to the National Service Department, in the activities of which he has since played no inconsiderable part. Within recent weeks Colonel M'Lean has paid visits to both the French and Italian fronts. Further than that his mission to Ireland seems to foreshadow important developments in the administrative side of National Service, nothing definite can be said on the matter.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

KILLED IN ACTION.

Lance-Corporal James Newell, R.E., Lisburn.

Official intimation has been received by Mrs. Newell, 129 Gregg Street, Lisburn, of the death in action of her husband, Lance-Corporal James Newell, Royal Engineers. Deceased soldier was a son of Mr. William Newell, Low Road, and prior to volunteering was in the employment of Messrs. Spence & Johnston, Belfast. Lieut. A. J. Codding, writing to the bereaved wife, said:--

I much regret to inform you that your husband, Lance-Corporal Newell, was killed in action yesterday, the 19/2/18, by the explosion of a shell. The loss of this N.C.O. will be very much felt by the company, and more so by the section to which he belonged. He was always a very good soldier, and respected and admired alike by his officers and fellowmen. He never seemed to realise what fear was, and always stood by his post and carried on with his work, as becomes a true British soldier, regardless of any danger. I myself was quite near by and in fact had been talking to him two minutes before the fatality. He was buried this morning in an English cemetery quite near here, a chaplain officiating at the burial service, myself and a few of his comrades being present.

=========================

LISBURN TOWN COURT.

This court was held yesterday, before Messrs. W. J. M'Murray, J.P. (in the chair); Alan Bell, R.M.; J. M. Barbour, D.L.; Robert Griffith, J.P.; and W. Davis, J.P.

District-Inspector Gregory and Mr. T. J. English, C.P.S., were in attendance.

Constable Newman v. George Ferguson, drunkenness on 22nd ult.; fined in costs of court.

Sergeant Rourke v. Mary A. M'Gonigal, drunk on 2nd inst.; 10s and costs.

Samuel Redmond, Plantation, summoned George Allister, a neighbour, for, as alleged, behaving indecently towards him on the 18th ult. Redmond also charged Allister at the Petty Sessions Court with maliciously damaging his garden. Both cases were taken together.

Mr. W. G. Maginess appeared for the complainant, and Mr. D. B. Simpson defended.

After hearing evidence at some length, the Chairman announced that the magistrates were divided, and both cases were dismissed without prejudice.

=========================

A VOICE FROM THE TRENCHES.

"Fancy Socks" of the stay-at-homes,
      What are you going to do?
There are blanks, in the files of the blood-stained miles
      Of the trenches we hold for you.

"Fancy Socks" of the stay-at-homes,
      Gird on your manhood, do!
We'll fight for the lives of your sweet-hearts and wives,
      But why should we fight for you?

"Fancy Socks" of the stay-at-homes,
      Double out to the fighting line;
Dare you disgrace a fighting race?
      Dare you the job decline?

"Fancy Socks" of the stay-at-homes,
      To your brothers, oh, be true;
We'll fight for the fame of old Lisburn's name,
      But why should we die for you?

Sergeant JAMES KELLY (of 2 Ballinahinch Road, Lisburn), Mesopotamia.

 

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Birth

FORTESCUE -- March 12, at 15, Golf Terrace, Portrush, the wife of Arthur Fortescue, Lieutenant 3/8 Gurkha Rifles, of a daughter.

Forthcoming Marriage

A marriage has been arranged and will shortly take place between Captain Herbert B. Ward, Royal Irish Fusiliers, second son of Lieutenant-General the Honourable B. M. Ward, C.B., and Mrs. Ward, Staplecross, Christchurch, Hants, and grandson of the fourth Viscount Bangor, and Evelyn Annie, fourth daughter of the late Right Honourable Sir Daniel Dixon, Bart., D.L., M.P., and Annie Lady Dixon, of Killeen, Fortwilliam Park, Belfast.

Deaths

BLAKELY -- March 11th, at his residence, 6 Bridge Street, Lisburn, Samuel Blakely, Leather Merchant. -- Interred in family burying-ground, Lambeg Churchyard, on 13th inst. Inserted by his sorrowing Wife, MARGARET BLAKELY.

GREER -- March 11, 1918, at her brother's residence, Park View, Hillsborough, Mary, daughter of the late Samuel Brown. -- Interred in the family burying-ground, Anahilt, on the 14th inst.

Clippings

SOME EXTRACTS FROM THE

RECORDS OF OLD LISBURN

AND THE MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- --

Edited by JAMES CARSON.

-- -- --

LXXIV.

-- -- --

MEMORIAL OF JAMES WATSON -- BROOKHALL 1851

(Continued.)

Removal from Commission of the Peace.

The course of events now leads on to the period that was so full of interest to Mr. Watson and the country at large -- viz., the year 1845. Before July of that year the temporary Act prohibiting processions had expired. It was considered by a great number of loyal men that the usual Orange anniversary should be observed, with proper decorum, and the Protestant North.

Accordingly, a procession took place at Lisburn, headed by Mr. Watson. It was understood that he did not fully concur in the determination to walk on the 12th July. However, seeing that such a measure was decided upon, it was his aim to afford his countenance to it by his presence. He considered, besides, that his personal concurrence and it would tend to the promotion of harmony and peace.

Now ensued important matters which long occupied the attention of the whole Empire. On 18th July the Marquis of Clanricarde, in the House of Lords, commenced the series of discussions. He asked the Government -- "What course they intended to pursue with regard to Mr. Watson, a magistrate and deputy-lieutenant of the county of Antrim? It had been thought proper not to renew the Party Processions Act; and on the 23rd of June a meeting was held at Lisburn, attended by three hundred masters of Orange Lodges, and presided over by Mr. Watson -- a most respectable gentleman, and most popular in his neighbourhood, but whose conduct in his public and official capacity must not go unnoticed. Resolutions were passed at that meeting, and signed by him, to organise the Orange Institution in the county, and to meet on one of the July anniversaries, and to march in procession to the parish church. Now, magistrates were dismissed very unceremoniously in 1843 attending Repeal meetings, or subscribing to the Repeal Association. What he wanted to know was, whether the Government, after they had taken upon themselves the responsibility of doing away with the Act, had made any arrangement in its stead -- whether they had taken any steps to rebuke this gentleman from what he had done in reference to these proceedings, and had dismissed him from the commission of the peace?"

In a very short time public suspense was brought to an end. Anxious conjecture give place to painful certainty. It was officially announced that Mr. Watson had been formally, in the first instance, dismissed from the deputy lieutenancy, and, next, superseded in the commission of the peace. The effect of this announcement was singularly striking. Men of all parties united in questioning the propriety of the bold and ungracious step of the government.

A Roman Catholic and Repeal paper, called the "Newry Examiner," contained this language:--

"What was Mr. Watson's crime? He attended an Orange meeting and procession, organised proceedings, and appeared decorated with the insignia of the confederacy. Now, in all this there was nothing illegal. The Government had permitted the Processions Act to expire -- the Lord Lieutenant did not issue even an admonitory letter to discountenance the displays which were announced and expected. Within Mr. Watson's district everything passed off in a most orderly and quiet manner. There was neither offensive language nor violence of any kind employed. Mr. Watson is, therefore, declared unfit to continue a magistrate simply because he thinks fit to exercise a legal and constitutional right in the open day, and without the danger of injury to the peace of the country."

In Belfast and Lisburn especially, and in the adjacent districts, the Ministerial insult to Mr. Watson was the absorbing theme of conversation, and discussion. Where his name had been familiar on the lips of men as a household word, the slight which was mediated and cast upon him was received in silent indignation, or with an unrestrained expression of discontent and profound concern. The utmost length to which, it was conjectured, Government interference could venture, would be an official communication to Mr. Watson conveying a disapproval of what had been done under his sanction, and an expectation that there should be henceforward a conformity to the desires of the Queen's Government. An interference of this description from high quarters would not have been taken as trenching upon the union immunities of an individual or party. But when, instead of this, there was a harsh and summary visitation of the displeasure of the Government, without any word or sign of a cautionary nature, the natural love of fair play, common to all classes of the people, attached itself to the side of Mr. Watson.

In all parts of the United Kingdom the magistracy very keenly felt the indignity which their office suffered in the case of Mr. Watson. Several magistrates of the highest standing saw that their independence was at stake, and therefore at once tendered their resignations of their office.

Besides the significant manifestations of the indignant feeling of many honourable minded members of the magisterial bench, there is to be recorded the strong, united testimony of magistrates and others -- a nearly countless host -- assembled at Lisburn on Thursday, Aug. 21, 1845. It had been resolved that a public opportunity should be afforded the whole community for giving proper expression to their sentiments with regard to Mr. Watson. The day which has been mentioned was fixed upon for this purpose. Certainly the grand result, in the magnificent array upon the occasion, must have even more than surpassed expectations of the most sanguine.

Shortly after one o'clock the immense procession, preceded by music, began to move toward the place of meeting, a suspicious field belonging to David Beatty, Esq., on the other side of the road from the Friends' Schoolhouse on the hill. At the upper end of the field a large platform was erected, filled with the ladies and with the persons who were to take a lead in the proceedings. About one hundred and eighty Orange Lodges were in the field -- from Belfast, Lisburn, Hillhall, Ballinderry, Maralin, Moira, Waringstown, Kilmore, Ballylough, Dromore, Dromara, Hillsborough, Ballinahinch, Newtownards, and various other districts. In addition to these, there was a vast concourse not at all connected with lodges. It was calculated that the number of persons at the meeting was at least fifty thousand.

On Friday, the 22nd August, Mr. Watson received another proof of the estimation in which the society held him. A grand entertainment was given to him in the Assembly Rooms, Lisburn, by nearly two hundred gentlemen. Thomas Johnson Smyth, Esq., J.P., D.L., presided.

In Belfast the Protestant people of all ranks were full of anxiety to express their sentiments in regard to the conduct of the Ministry towards Mr. Watson. Accordingly, on the evening of Thursday, the 4th September, a grand Protestant demonstration was held in the Music Hall in honour of the late victim of expediency politics.

A vast number of affectionate and complimentary addresses were presented to Mr. Watson. All parts of the kingdom appeared anxious in this manner to join in the universal tribute of approval and admiration of his principles. In many cases deputations waited personally upon him the Brookhill.

The Government, after not more than fifteen months had elapsed from the date of their hot and hasty displeasure, despatched to Brookhill overtures of reconciliation. An official tender, dated 2nd September, 1846, was authoritatively made to Mr. Watson of restoration to the high offices of which he had been so unceremoniously deprived. The offer was not accepted. It was courteously declined, but in such terms as showed a decision that was unalterable.

Death, 1850.

About midsummer in 1850 he was seized with the affection which ultimately resulted in death. It was understood by the multitude of anxious inquirers that he was not afflicted with any positive disease -- that he laboured chiefly under prostration of strength from the decay and breaking up of his physical system. But he lingered for a considerable time under the attack, hope began to be entertained by the community that he might yet rally. However, at length he sank. After an almost miraculous continuance of his life -- without food or nourishment for a great number of days -- he peacefully breathed his last on Tuesday, the 3rd of September, 1850.

Monday, the 9th of September, was fixed upon for the interment. In the "News-Letter" of September 10 a graphic narrative was published descriptive of the funeral pageant:--

"Yesterday all that was mortal of the late venerable and universally esteemed proprietor of Brookhill was deposited in its last resting place -- a vault in the Magheragall Churchyard. From an early hour in the morning the entire country for miles around the residence exhibited the tokens of preparation for the approach solemnity... From the mansion to the church the road was densely crowded with people -- to such an extent, indeed, that it was a considerable time before the procession could reach its destination. The whole scene was impressive to the last degree... At the church the crush was oppressive, but there was no interruption to the sacred harmony of the procedure. The churchyard was previously filled by groups of men and women, most respectively attired; and therein was prepared for the body a vault, adjoining that which is tenanted by the remains of Mr. Watson's grandfather. At the vestibule the body was received by the Rev. Mr. Courtenay and the Rev. Roberts Mussen. It was then brought inside the church, and after the beautiful and impressive service was concluded, it was carried to the vault in which it was deposited. It was nearly four o'clock in the afternoon before the ceremony was completed, after which the vast assemblage, numbering from 10,000 to 20,000 persons, retired to their homes."

At the patriarchal age of nearly eighty-eight years, Mr. Watson descended to the grave. His remains are laid side-by-side with those of his grandfather -- the ancient worthy inhabitant of Brookhill. Whatever monument may be raised to his memory from the devotion of public and attached adherents, there can be no doubt that his best memorial exists in the ardent and affectionate remembrance of those "troops of friends." As a man Mr. Watson was universally beloved. In the varied duties of his public and professional life he had no rival.

     "His life was gentle, and the elements
     So mixed in him, that nature might stand up
     And say to all the word -- this was a man."

(Next Week: The Wallace Collection.)

=========================

SALE OF LISBURN PROPERTY.

Application in Chancery Division.

In the Chancery Division, Dublin, on Monday -- before Mr. Justice Wylie -- Mr. Ellison (instructed by Mr. Hugh Mulholland) applied on behalf of Mrs. Elizabeth Stevenson and Mrs. Margaret Williamson for an order declaring them tenants for life of freehold premises at 36 and 38 Gregg Street, Lisburn, and of two fee-farm rents are £5 12s 5d and £4 10s respectively, issuing out of other houses in the same street, settled by the will dated 10th October, 1906, of David Graham, who died in 1907, and for an order appointing Mr. Isaac Graham, of Carrickfergus, bank manager, and Mr. David Lindsay, 2 Mount Royal, Portrush, bank inspector, trustees under the settlement for the purpose of a sale under the Settled Land Act, 1882.

Mr. Justice Wylie granted both orders, and allowed the applicants their costs out of proceeds of the sale.

=========================

THE WAR

-- -- -- --

DISTINCTIONS WON BY LOCAL SOLDIERS.

-- -- -- --

The war position is looking none too rosy for the Allies, the darkest hour was ever that before the dawn, and personally we feel we shall all wake up one morning to find things are much better than we expected.

Germany continues to overrun Russia, and with Odessa in his hands controls the main channel of Russian exports. The position is certainly ominous, but the change may be affected here sooner than we expect. Increased activity is reported from the Western front, where in the daily, almost hourly, air encounters our flyers have got the best of matters.

Hostile airships raided England two nights this week. Damage from a military point of view there was practically none, but several innocent people were slain.

The hospital ship Guildford Castle was attacked by a U-boat at the entrance of the Bristol Channel on the 10th inst. She succeeded, however, in reaching port.

The ships sunk last week by enemy submarines were 15 over 1,600 tons and 3 under 1,600 tons, as against 12 large ships and 6 small for the previous week.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

HEROIC DEEDS DESCRIBED.

Local Men Who Won the Military Cross.

The following statements of service have been published in the "London Gazette" in connection with the awards of the Military Cross previously announced in our columns:--

Captain Albert Edward Peel M'Connell, R.A.M.C., (Cherryvalley, Crumlin).

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of the evacuation of the wounded. Though heavily shelled, he kept his line perfectly clear. He superintended the evacuation personally, working for forty-five hours without ceasing under the most difficult and dangerous conditions, and by his example encouraged the men under him in every possible way. Later, he took two stretcher squads to the relief of batteries which were being heavily shelled.

Lieut. (Acting Captain) Walter Charter Boomer, Royal Irish Rifles (Lisburn).

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command in command of his company. When the assaulting troops were falling back he rallied them under very heavy fire, collected parties of other units, and reorganised the defence of the frontline.

Acting Captain Boomer is the only son of Mr. R. W. Boomer, Knockmore House. He has seen a lot of active service, and been wounded on three occasions.

Second-Lieut. W. J. Lyness, M.C., Royal Irish Rifles (Tullyard House, Moira), a bar to the Military Cross.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When visiting his outpost line he was fired on by the enemy of forty yards' range, whereupon he obtained a Lewis gun, stood up in full view of the enemy, and fired it from his shoulder until it jammed. He then rushed the enemy post with two bomber, and cleared them out. He had already led a successful attack on the two preceding nights, and it was entirely due to his initiative and personal courage, in spite of three days without sleep, that his posts were established and our position made secure.

18457 C.S.M. James Wilson Mearns, Royal Irish Rifles (Lisburn).

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in collecting stragglers of other units who had lost officers, and leading them forward again. He also displayed great initiative in dealing with enemy posts.

C.S.M. Mearns is a son of the late Mr. George Mearns, manager of Messrs. Robert Stewart & Sons' Mill, and of Mrs. Mearns, Bachelors' Walk. He was dangerously wounded in October, and his condition is still such that he has not yet been able to come home. Previous to the M.C. award he was mentioned in despatches. He is at present in hospital at Sheffield.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

OTHER AWARDS FOR HEROIC SERVICE.

254133 Corporal W. Holmes, Royal Engineers, Hillsborough, has been awarded a bar to his Military Medal (won earlier in the war) for conspicuous gallantry in the field; and

53352 Private D. Farnan, Dunmurry, has been awarded the Military Medal for good work under shellfire.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

TRANSFERRED TO TANK CORPS.

Temporary Second-Lieut. J. H. Cordner, Service Battalion R.I. Rifles, is transferred to the Tank Corps, 28th December, 1917, the seniority 19th December, 1916. -- From the "London Gazette."

=========================

THE DEATH OF MR. SAMUEL BLAKELY, LISBURN.

Widespread regret has been caused by the death of Mr. Samuel Blakely, leather merchant, Bridge Street, Lisburn, the sad event taking place, not unexpectedly, on Monday. Deceased was one of the oldest and most successful business men in town. He was of a quiet and reserved disposition, and took little interest in public affairs. He was an ardent Presbyterian, and by his death Sloan Street Church has lost one of its most generous adherents. The funeral took place on Wednesday to the family burying-ground, Lambeg. The cortege was very large, and was representative of the business and professional community. Prior to the funeral Rev. J. W. Gamble conducted the service at the house, and Mr. Gamble also conducted the committal service.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by the firm of William Ramsey, under the personal supervision of Mr. Robert Ramsey.

 

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Birth

MACKENZIE -- March 13, at Jubilee House, Church Street, Downpatrick, to Mr. and Mrs. K. A. Mackenzie -- a daughter.

Marriage

PARKE--SMITH -- March 18, 1918, at St. George's Church, Llandudno, N.W., by the Rev. K. Hughes, M.A., Rector, J. Cecil Parke, Captain Essex Regiment, youngest son of the late William Parke, J.P., Clones, County Monaghan, to Sibyl, only child of Harry Smith, Morwenna, Llandudno.

Deaths

ALLEN -- March 19, at 18 Market Square, Lisburn, Dorothy, dearly-beloved daughter of Thompson Alien, and was interred in Lisburn Cemetery on Thursday, 21st inst.

CAMPBELL -- March 15, at Maydone, Ealing, Emily Ormiston, wife of Rev. Canon Campbell, aged 79. -- Funeral at All Saints', Eglantine, to-day (Friday), at 3 p.m.

DICKSON -- March 19, at Antrim House, Antrim Street, Lisburn, Margaret, widow of the late Henry Dickson, and was interred in Lisburn Cemetery on Thursday, 2lst inst.

M'CORMICK -- March 20, at 4 Park Parade, Lisburn, Eliza Jane, widow of the late William James M'Cormick. -- Funeral to Lisburn Cemetery this (Friday) afternoon, at 3-30 o'clock. No flowers.

Clippings

SOME EXTRACTS FROM THE

RECORDS OF OLD LISBURN

AND THE MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- --

Edited by JAMES CARSON.

-- -- --

LXXV.

-- -- --

THE WALLACE COLLECTION.

Extracts from Article by Alfred S. Moore in "The Lady of the House," Christmas, 1917.

That the Wallace Collection must be for ever indissolubly associated with the Lisburn district of County Antrim, which, in the very great measure, made its existence at all possible, is beyond dispute. The Hertfords at various times acquired vast wealth by marriage [----?------?---?---] that in addition there was regularly the "tidy little surplus" derived in rents from the Irish estate. This domain comprises -- or did prior to the tenants purchasing the rights in the eighties -- one hundred square miles. Stretching from Dunmurry, on the outskirts of Belfast itself, too Crumlin, and from Moira to the banks of Lough Neagh, the rent-roll up to 1845 afforded an income of probably £75,000 a year.

To comprehend how the famous Wallace Collection, now the artistic palladium of the British nation, was evolved, it is essential that we go back some generations to learn what manner of people its creators were. This magnificent art collection is attributed to the late Richard Wallace, Bart., but he, in a great measure, only completed the task which his kinsmen, the Hertfords began and successfully carried through during the successive lifetimes. To trace its beginning we turn back through four generations of this family to the first Marquess of Hertford, who was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1765-6. The portraits of his daughters by Sir Joshua Reynolds might really be regarded as the nucleus of the present Collection, and that is our only interest in him. Concerning the second Marquess of Hertford, who succeeded to the title in 1794, it will suffice to state that his part in augmenting the assemblage of pictures was by two works in 1810 -- one of great importance being the "Nelly O'Brien" of Reynolds, the other Romney's "Mrs. Robinson" ("Perdita").

The Third Marquess and Maria Fagniani.

If ever a specimen of humanity earned the description of "A Character," the popular term synonymous with individuality, it was the Third Marquess of Hertford -- Baron Conway and Killultagh in the peerage of Ireland. Singularly enough, two offers have chosen to immortalise his personality for us in literature. Thus we have his portrait as the Marquis of Steyne in Thackeray's "Vanity Fair;" while he also fascinated Disraeli, and was the original of the Marquis of Monmouth in "Coningsby." There are phases in his character which, not to put too fine a point upon it, scarcely makes his biography, ideally pabulum for the ambitious Sunday school scholar. Born in 1777, he was eminently notorious for the splendour of his entertainments, his accomplishments, his wit -- and his dissipation. But if his career was romantic enough to merit the attention of romantists like Disraeli and Thackeray, what may be said of the mysterious atmosphere in which the lady who became his wife in 1798 lived and moved? Marryat's "Japhet in Search of a Father" was tame enough compared with any attempt to elucidate the paternity of Maria Fagniani. Even now, considerably over a century later, there is nothing approaching certitude of the problem. We are told that, "under the blessing of the law," she was the daughter of the Marchese and Marchesa Fagniani; yet two others, George Selwyn and the Duke of Queensbury ("Wicked old Q"), both also claimed a parental interest. But "the Marchesa," who had been a ballet dancer, kept the secret of the past securely. Whenever her parentage, little "Mie, Mie" was assuredly born under a lucky star, for if her mother was indifferent in affection, she had the compensation of no less than a pair of guardians who absolutely worshipped her, and were both immensely wealthy. When Selwyn died in 1801 he left £33,000 Maria, and the rest to "Old Q." Then when "Old Q" came to quit the scene, dying in the odour of iniquity in 1810, Maria -- who was now Marchioness of Hertford since 1798 -- have her bank account increased by still another £350,000, as well as his famous house opposite the Green Park in Piccadilly.

When the third Marquess of Hertford died in London in 1842 he was credited with the possession of nearly £2,000,000.

"Old Q" had left to his heir £150,000, two houses in Piccadilly, a villa at Richmond, fflc., while the Marchioness was to receive a further £350,000. It must be remembered, too, that, in addition to all the wealth through his wife, the Irish estate at Lisburn County Antrim, was rolling in well up to £75,000 a year probably.

The Marquess was anything but beloved by his County Antrim tenantry. His estate might have had more personal interest had it been situated in the Cannibal Islands out in the wide Pacific. During his lifetime he never set foot in Lisburn, and he never renewed a lease without imposing a swinging fine. In the "Northern Whig" Dr. Henry Montgomery exposed the oppression of the poor tenants with such poignant candour that "My Lord" entered an action for libel against the newspaper. But he pulled in his horns amazingly quick when Daniel O'Connell declared that he would accept the "Whig" brief at the Antrim Assizes "without any fee or reward." An apology -- decidedly more like a repetition of the label! -- was the finale of the case.

The artistic conscience was certainly exhibited in the personality of the third Marquess. Of the pictures in the Wallace Collection, he bought TiTian's "Perseus and Andromeda," a Van Dyck, Gainsborough's "Perdita," five large "Caralettos," and a host of Dutch works. After his death it was indeed a curiously strange menage in Paris, that quartette -- the mother, the brace of sons (one legitimate), and that indefatigable enigma usually called "M. Richard," and often as "Dick Jackson" -- the Sir Richard Wallace, Bart., of later days.

In the next of the line the instinct of the collector had become a positive obsession. To the disgust of his contemporaries,

The Fourth Marquess,

Richard Seymour-Conway (who was born in 1800), was a collector, and nothing else. It is true he was for a time captain in the Dragoons, and attached to the Embassies of Paris, and also at Constantinople for brief spells. But in the main he lived in Paris, where he was regarded as a very cranky, eccentric bachelor, for he never married. Albeit, I had almost forgotten he was an exception to the preceding Seymour's, for (as Earl of Yarmouth) he was actually M.P. for County Antrim for four years (1822-6), but perfectly harmless in that role. He only knew Lisburn by name and by his bank-book, and up to his forty-fifth year had never set foot in the town.

The Marquess hankered after a vacant Garter, and when Captain Meynell (then member of Parliament for Lisburn) approached Sir Robert Peel, that famous statesman said: "No; let him earn the honour by showing me he is no longer a detestable absentee landlord, the curse of Ireland." Some promise was probably given of repentance, and in October, 1845, the great man paid his first, and only, visit to the estate which gave him his immense income.

This fourth Marquess of Hertford, although he possessed four palatial mansions in London, besides Rugley, Sudbourne, and other places, made his home in Paris. He may be described as an impassioned art fanatic, for the gathering of pictures and objets d'art generally, expressed the Alpha and Omega of his existence. Albeit, there is this to be said of this expensive hobby, that it did no harm to others -- and I was actually made the nation its beneficiare. From 1842 to 1870 he was filling his rooms, No. 2 Rue Lafitte, Paris, to overflowing with his purchases. He disliked all publicity, and seldom appeared in the salesrooms. But he had his scouts, and his agent, Mr. S. Mawson, had full instructions and trust. Certainly the letters reproduced by Lord Redesdale, in his recent book, "Further Memories," give much insight into his keenness in the hunt. When he did happen to attend any of the Art Sales in London or Paris, it was Mawson who did the bidding. There was a semaphore code in the movement of the Marquess's hat. To any art critic anxious to glean something of the prices paid -- though the works must be now, in many cases, value for ten times more -- the perusal of Lord Redesdale's chapter must have vital interest.

In 1857 some idea was given of the collection by along to Manchester of 44 pictures. They filled the wall in that wonderful exhibition, and photographs of 30 pictures were published by Colnaghi in 1859. Undoubtedly, he may have paid too much for some Ary Scheffer's (£4,000), but such cannot be stated of Rembrandt bought in 1848 but £2,300, a Reynolds at £64, six other Rembrandts at £5,453, or a Van Dyck at £400. His trusty Lieutenant was "M. Richard," alias Dick Jackson, otherwise Richard Wallace -- for in his youth he bore all names.

This Dick Jackson, otherwise Richard Wallace, was the personage whom Lisburn people knew in the flesh up to 1890, as

Sir Richard Wallace.

He was M.P. for Lisburn from 1873 to 1885.

What was his relation to the Hertfords?

The "Dictionary of National Biography" gives one version of the origin of this great connoisseur. It is that Maria Fagniani was his mother, but of course the fourth Marquess was not his father. Why then did he lavish so much affection and wealth on him? The truth is rather that the Marquess was his father, but Maria Fagniani was not his mother. Lord Redesdale vouches data from people who were intimately acquainted with all the scandals of the early half of the nineteenth century. He makes it out that Richard, Lord Hertford, when a youth, was enamoured of a Scotch girl of humble birth, Agnes Wallace, afterward Jackson, and that she was the mother of Sir Richard Wallace.

Lord Esher confirms this statement by giving chapter and verse. "Wallace was the son of Lord Yarmouth by a girl, Agnes Jackson by name. She was a kind of fille du regiment of the 10th Hussars, and young Yarmouth made a home for her in Paris. There Wallace was born, and when Yarmouth parted from Jackson the child was placed with a concierge in the Rue de Clichy. There he ran wild until he was six years old. My grandfather, who had known Agnes Jackson and all about her short-lived associations with Lord Yarmouth, hunted up the boy, and finding he was smart child, showed him to Lady Hertford (Maria Fagniani). The latter adopted him, much against the inclination, at first, of her son."

Lord Hertford was at times very strict with his protégé, for he was born with prodigal tastes. Sir Richard Wallace used to tell how he picked up a lovely little gem, an engraved crystal tazza of Italian work, as an odd sort of rag-and-bone shop near the Temple. Some time after he was rather hard up, and, taking the curio to Lord Hertford, he asked him to buy it. "No," was the answer, "I won't have it; I will not encourage your extravagance. You must learn to be more economical." The youth sold the tazza to a dealer for 250 francs, and, happily, was able to buy it back again -- but the ten times that price and more.

So " Monsieur Richard" became Lord Hertford's shadow and agent, his representative at auctions and sales of art. It is one redeeming trait that, if the Marquess was cold and harsh to his tenantry in Ireland, he showed much kindly affection to Wallace, who reciprocated the feeling. Still, I can scarcely imagine that even Wallace anticipated in what whole-hearted and practical way this eccentric nobleman later showed his love for him.

Succeeding the funeral in Paris on that August afternoon in 1870, the reading of the will was the occasion of very much astonishment indeed. Thus the title and entailed estates passed to the elder son of the deceased Marquess's cousin, Sir George Seymour, G.C.B. The legacy looked imposing. There were broad acres in Warwickshire -- but unremunerative. The keeping up with the title itself was a great strain on a man not too wealthy, and then the great costly palace would require £2,000 a year for its upkeep. Where was the money to do so? But SIr George Seymour listend on, for there was surely more to follow. There was. It was the codicil, dated the June previous, to this effect:-- "To reward as much as I can Richard Wallace for all his care and attention to my dear mother, and likewise for his devotedness to me during a long and painful illness I had in Paris in 1840, and on all other occasions, I give all my unentailed property to the said Richard Wallace, now living at the Hotel des Bains, Boulogne." That "unentailed property" comprised not alone the priceless Collection, but the houses in Paris -- Bagatelle and No. 2 Rue Lafitte -- and the big estates in Lisburn vicinity. Richard Wallace was utterly unaware of his great fortune until that afternoon of the funeral. Can you wonder how the legitimate heir waxed wrath, and even entered a caveat, but unsuccessfully? Now, how would Wallace show himself?

Kind hearts are more than coronets. Compare the portraits of Sir Richard and the fourth Marquess and you will observe close resemblances. In general characteristics few gentlemen of kinder heart could be mentioned. In Paris, during the Exhibition there of 1871, he made his mansion at Bagatelle that ever-open resort of linen manufacturers and merchants and others from Belfast, Lisburn, and Ulster generally who exhibited. One of his earliest missions was to visit Lisburn, and he showed his interest in the townspeople and tenantry in general. The reign of terror and oppression so long imposed on the estate was at once changed. Dean Stannus, the old agent, was replaced by another, and tar-barrels burnt in rejoicing. The tenants had encouragement to buy out their farms and holdings, and instead of the bad old "fines" system they had the privilege of twenty years' purchase, even though others were willing to agree to the more extended twenty-five years. The progress of Lisburn was advanced by grants of sites in fee simple, so that the towns valuation, which was only £15,339 in 1874, became £23,650 in 1893. He built a residence for himself opposite the Castle Gardens, and it is now utilised as a splendid technical institute. Then in 1884 he given Lisburn its handsome Wallace Park of twenty-five acres, and the year previously built the handsome Courthouse, with its Corinthian pillars, beside the railway station.

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BREVITIES.

Greatest Battle Begun.

The long expected German offensive on the Western front has begun on a fifty-mile front. This is the biggest assault that has been made at any stage of the war on any part of the front, and we must expect hard and continuous fighting. Fortunately, the attack was expected, and the exact spot known some time ago.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

Death of Mrs. Campbell.

The remains of Mrs. Campbell, wife of the Rev. Canon Campbell, whose death at the advanced age of 79 to place at Maydore, Ealing, on this day week, were conveyed yesterday to Eglantine Church, Hillsborough, where they remained overnight, pending a special service this afternoon at three o'clock prior interment in the family burying-ground. Deceased lady was a daughter of the late Mr. Sinclair Mulholland, and sister of Miss Mary Filgate Mulholland, whose death, in her 87th year, took place on 17th September, 1917. She was a warm friend of the late Rev. Canon Pounden, and, with her husband, was a frequent and welcome visitor to the Lisburn Rectory.

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OUR ARMOURED CARS.

FINE WORK IN RUSSIA -- COMMANDER'S STORY.

Commander Locker-Lampson, under whom the British Armoured Car Division operated in Russia during the offensive of the summer of 1917 and the subsequent disastrous retreat, has returned to England, and the "Observer" contains the following interesting account of the deeds of this gallant band of British fighters:--

"The British cars led the way for the Russian infantry in the attack on Brzezany at the end of June, and when that movement collapsed and the Russian armies fell back in demoralisation before the enemy they were the last Allied units to retire from Austrian territory. The exploits of this division are vividly described in Commander Locker-Lampson's despatches. It was expressly transferred from Roumania to the scene of the coming offensive in the hope that the example of its discipline and courage might study the falling morale of the Russian infantry. It was attached to the corps in which the companies, nominally 250 strong, had been reduced to seventy-five or eighty each by desertion. Kerenski's proclamation, read in Army Orders, produced a strong emotional effect; 'whole audiences wept as though physically relaxed by what they heard, and I passed soldiers blubbering their way home in the dark.' But when the attack was ordered whole regiments refused to join it, their officers leaping over the parapet was mere handfuls in support, and dying to a man.

"At the given moment the British cars dashed out foremost (Kerenski himself among observers) and enfiladed the enemy trenches so successfully that the Russians were enabled to seize the first and second lines with only few losses. The British unit also manned mortars and machine guns in the trenches, and with the latter repelled a German counter-attacking battalion with great loss. A British petty officer, unable to contain himself at the poltroonery of the Russians in his vicinity, 'ran up to a platoon and forcibly hoisted a score of reluctant Russians over the parapet.' The battalions which did advance found their flanks unprotected through the desertion of neighbouring units, and so had to sustain an overwhelming fire and give up every yard that they had won. The 113th Regiment refused to advance for the purpose of filling the gap. 'It produced orders from the corps commander ordering it to advance only the next day, which it was quite willing to obey, but declined to follow the immediate command to advance from its own general. Mr. Kerenski, to whom the matter was referred, felt obliged to support the 113th Regiment in this refusal.'

A Dark Outlook.

"The failure of the attack darkened the outlook in every respect. Writing immediately afterwards, Commander Locker-Lampson says: 'All men who could be trusted to advance had been picked out weeks ahead and carefully grouped for duty in the front lines, and most are now dead or wounded, and cannot be replaced. After hope, excitement, stir, we are left with failure, reaction, and cowards to carry on.' The depression was enhanced by the blowing up of a vast munition dump at Kozova by enemy shells, a supply which would have sustained the army for a long period being thus destroyed.

"The Russian offensive having expired, it became a question of resistance to the Austro-German advance. The British cars were in request for the purpose of checking the threat to Tarnapol, and their commander directed them to hold onto till the arrival of enemy artillery should make further resistance useless. In some cases the Russian commanders, overwhelmed by the behaviour of their own troops, could offer no advice as to the tactics to be employed. Individual cars wrought havoc among the enemy infantry who had outstripped their guns. One 'threaded its way over the bare fields, and wiped out two companies.' Hundreds were killed by them on July 21 before their artillery came near enough to redress the balance, and meanwhile the advance had been checked for more than six hours.' As the Austrian shells fell, 'the Russian soldiers knelt down and prayed, overcome with fear,' then 'flung away their rifles, abandoned theirs maxims, and ran screaming over the fields. The officer strove in vain to hold them, and then died, firing ineffectual pistol shots against the Austrians. Two of our cars were now out of action, and their crews nearly all wounded. The other two mowed the advancing enemy down, slowly retreating as they fought, until a frightened company of Russians flung itself on to the Lieutenant Gawler's car (hoping thus to escape) and by sheer weight broke it down.' This experience was repeated in several instances. At one point a Russian officer, Baron Girard, but a handful of supporters, held back thousands of demoralised fugitives by physically and moral force, not one of them daring to offer resistance. On July 23 the Russian corps commander testified that the stand made by the British cars had delayed the enemy's advance over twenty hours. Next day the same tactics were renewed at the request of the officer commanding 34th Corps. 'He said how sorry he felt as a soldier to ask Englishmen to do what Russians would not do. Then he wept -- a most moving sight -- and the staff turned away, unable to control their emotions.'

"The commander of the British cars had to keep a constant eye upon the timely withdrawal of his own base camps and stores. 'We felt confident always of making the good fight with the armoured cars at the front, but we could not risk our transport or stores near the enemy for fear of the Russian soldiers, who could not be trusted.' He was repeatedly asked by the Russian authorities to assist in defence against armed looters, but had to refuse to use arms against Russians. Before the end of July only two cars were left in running order, but others were patched up and sent into action again. One German prisoner stated that 'the British cars seemed everywhere,' and that on one day alone they were responsible for 700 casualties. The same crews fought for sixteen days and nights without interruption. By remaining to the last and fighting to the end they enabled many Russian guns and infantry to escape which could not otherwise have got away. They were the latest troops away from the Kuropatkin front, from Podgaitse, from the Tarnopol road, and from Buczacz to the frontier town of Gusiatyn; and when they crossed the frontier they were the last Allied troops to fight on Austro-German territory.'"

Two Lisburn men -- Mr. Stanley Boyd, Greenwood, and Mr. William Allen, late of Mayfield, both members of 'Garvey Hockey Club -- served under Commander Locker-Lampson throughout the operations described above.

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SALE OF A MOTOR CYCLE.

Lisburn Man Appeals Against a Decision of Judge Craig.

At County Antrim Assizes on Monday, before the Right Hon. Mr. Justice Dodd, Alex. Black, Lisburn, appealed against the decision of his Honour Judge Craig awarding £2 damages in an action brought by Wm. Anderson, chauffeur, Lurgan, to recover £3 damages for breach of guarantee of a motor cycle. In a second case arising out of the same transaction Robert Charles Stewart, auctioneer, Donegall Street, Belfast, appealed against, a dismiss on the merits of an action brought by him against Black to recover £2 17s 3d auctioneer's commission on the sale of the machine.

Mr. H. M. Thompson (instructed by Mr. Norman Wilson) appeared for the two plaintiffs, and Mr. W. Beattie (instructed by Mr. D. B. Simpson) for Black.

Mr. Stewart said Black left the motor at his auction rooms for sale, paying the entrance fee of 5s, and agreeing to the terms of 7½ per cent. commission on sale. The machine was not sold at the auction, but Anderson saw it in the rooms and afterwards bought it. Anderson said he paid £42 10s for the machine, but he afterwards found it would not climb hills. It had a defective cylinder. He had lost £13 on the sale of the machine.

Black claimed that he had sold the machine to Anderson privately, and not through the auctioneer. He gave Anderson a fair trail of the machine.

His Lordship said both claims were very moderate; in fact, he thought Anderson should have claimed £13 which he had lost on the machine. He increased the decree to £3 in the first case, and in Mr. Stewart's case he reversed the dismiss and gave a decree for the full amount claimed.

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OBITUARY.

DEATH AND FUNERAL OF MISS DOROTHY ALLEN.

Very deep and sincere sympathy is felt for Mr. Thompson Allen and Mrs. Allen, Llewellyn Avenue and Market Square, Lisburn, on the death of their only daughter Dorothy, which took place in the Co. Antrim Infirmary on Tuesday, following a second operation necessitated by appendicitis. Deceased, who was only fourteen years and nine months, was a charming little girl, and was beloved by all who knew her; and by none will she be missed so much outside her own home than by her schoolfellows in the William Foote Memorial and the Lisburn Intermediate Schools.

The funeral, which took place at eleven o'clock yesterday morning from Market Square, was of very large dimensions, many coming long distance to be present. Although a wish had been expressed that there should be no flowers, several friends of the deceased could not restrain themselves, and beautiful wreaths were sent by the pupils and teachers of the Intermediate School, Christian Endeavour, and pupils of Day School (William Foote Memorial School); Rev. George and Mrs. Thompson, Miss Dora Thompson, Mr. and the Misses Gracey; her cousins, Stella, Millar, and Gwenn (Allen); Mr. George Allen, Hillsborough; Mr. J. M. Smyth, Willeston, Chester; and Mrs. Wright, Blundellsands, Liverpool. Prior to the funeral Rev. Geo. Thompson and Rev. C. R. Roddie held a service in the house; while Rev. Pierce Martin (in the absence of Rev. E. W. Young) and Rev. George Thompson conducted the burial service.

In the course of a beautiful address at the graveside Rev. Mr. Martin spoke of his association with deceased during his ministry in Lisburn. There were three things that would always stand out prominently before him:-- Her connection with the Bible class held every Friday evening, of which she was a devoted member; her regular attendance in the sanctuary -- she seemed to love the means of grace; and her welcome when he paid a pastoral visit at her home. They had called her Dorothy, which signified "the gift of God." God had now taken back His gift. The light of her presence in the home had been quenched; the music of her voice had been silenced. There were many mysteries of life which we could never understand, and this was one of them. It was hard to understand the providence of God had cut such a beautiful and promising life short, but it was a comfort to know that God made no mistakes. He had taken her to Himself for a wise purpose.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by the firm of William Ramsey, under the personal supervision of Mr. Robert Ramsey.

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LISBURN TITLE JURISDICITION CASE.

At County Antrim Assizes, before the Right Hon. Mr. Justice Dodd, an appeal was brought against a decree for £5 and costs in a title jurisdiction case, the plaintiff being John M'Gurnaghan, near Lisburn, and the defendant Elizabeth Harbinson, of the same place.

Mr. A. H. Hates, K.C., and Mr. J. E. M'Kenn (instructed by Mr. Joseph Allen) appeared for the former, and Mr. J. M. Whitaker, K.C. (instructed by Mr. W. G. Maginess), represented the latter.

The matter in dispute was a right-of-way claimed through a gap in a hedge, used by foot passengers, for carts or other vehicles, which would pass over plaintiff's yard. Evidence having been heard, his Lordship reversed the decision of the Court below, and dismissed the case on the merits.

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THE WAR

-- -- -- --

BIGGEST BATTLE BEGUN.

-- -- -- --

GERMANS ATTACK ON FIFTY-MILE FRONT.

-- -- -- --

The long-expected German offensive has been opened on the Western front by a fierce bombardment and a powerful infantry attack on the British line from the Oise to the Searpe, over 50 miles.

In certain places the enemy, who suffered heavy losses, penetrated into British battle positions, and the desperate struggle is now raging. Captured maps show that on no part of the long front has the enemy attained his objectives.

The French have broken up three attacks in the sector of Hurlus, and have checked attempted surprise attacks east of Suippe. Belgians report that their coast was bombarded by enemy vessels near La Panne.

The Germans' latest report merely says that, they "have penetrated into portions of the English positions." The Austro-Hungarian artillery took part in the battle.

The Austrians report considerably revived fighting activity in Venetia. It is known that the Austrians are now strongly massed on the Italian front.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

GERMANS SUFFER IN NAVAL ENGAGEMENT.

Two German torpedo vessels and one German destroyer were sunk in an engagement which British and French destroyers had with enemy vessels off Dunkirk yesterday, and it is probable that two other enemy destroyers were lost. No Allied vessels were sunk. Ostend was successfully bombarded yesterday by British monitors.

-- -- --

President Wilson has authorised the taking over of Dutch merchant shipping in American ports. England has taken those in her own ports.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

MILITARY MEDAL AWARDS.

23879 Gunner (A Bombardier) J. Bell, R.F.A., Lisburn, and 50545 Private R. Buchanan, North Staffords, Lisburn, have been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous service in action.

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BELFASTMAN'S WAR INVENTION.

The U.V.F. artificial arm is the name given to a remarkable contrivance designed by Mr. F. G. MaGuire, chairman of the U.V.F. Hospital Limbless Committee. It can be fitted to the stump of an amputated arm, and enables its possessor to grip and manipulate tools of all kinds. It is expected to prove a great boon to maimed soldiers.

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HUSBAND AND WIFE DIE TOGETHER

Eugene Short, aged 73, a retired coachman, formerly in the service of Lieut.-Col. M. J. C. Longfield, D.L., Castlemary, Midleton, died in a hospital in Cork. His wife, Bridget Short, aged 72, died almost at the same hour in Midleton Hospital. Both were East Cork old age pensioners, and their remains were borne in two hearses to Cloyne and buried in the one grave.

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A TOO MODEST PRESS.

Assault Case at Assizes.

The Right Hon. Mr. Justice Dodd, at Belfast Assizes on Monday, ordered the court to be cleared during the hearing of a case against a man named Martin Lawther, who was charged with committing an assault upon a girl aged thirteen. In doing so his Lordship took occasion to remark that upon this point there appeared to exist some misapprehension regarding the position of the Press. The clearance of the court did not apply to bona-fide representatives of newspapers and news agencies. It seemed to him there had been to much deference to modesty on the part of the Press in Belfast, and that it should he made clear that Press representatives were entitled to be present. The public was entitled to know what the judge was doing and what his sentence was in case of conviction, while it was due to the accused that an honourable acquittal should also be made known.

Prisoner was found guilty, and in consideration of the fact that he had good army service and had been wounded, and that the girl had not suffered any serious injury, his Lordship said he would only impose sentence of one month in the second division.

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LISBURN MAN'S SUDDEN DEATH.

COLLAPSED FROM HEART FAILURE ON PUBLIC STREET.

A painful sensation was caused in Lisburn on Tuesday evening by the sudden death in Bow Street of Mr. Robert Tubman, Young Street. Deceased had attended his work as usual during the day, and was returning home in the evening after going to Causeway End for some cabbage plants for his garden, when he collapsed in Bow Street and never spoke again.

The body was removed to the County Antrim Infirmary, and an inquest was held there on Wednesday by Dr. Arthur Mussen, J.P., coroner for the district. Mr. C. K. Lindsay was foreman of the jury, and Head-Constable Goold represented the police.

James M'Birney, spinning master, Hillhall Road, nephew of the deceased, said that his uncle was about fifty years of age. He was a tenter in Mr. Skillen's factory, and resided with his wife at Young Street. Deceased was a healthy man, and so far as witness knew was never heard to complain. At about 6-20 on Tuesday night witness accompanied him to a Mr. Thompson's, at Causeway End, where they obtained some cabbage plants. On the way home, when approaching Kirkwood's corner, at about 7-50, deceased without any warning fell to the ground, and never spoke again. Witness stooped to lift him, and he just gave two gasps.

Dr. D. C. Campbell, J.P., said that a few minutes before eight o'clock Constable Newman reported to him that a man was lying on the footpath in Bow Street, either dead or dying. He at once went to the place, and found deceased lying on his back with his head towards the road. Life was extinct. He examined the body, which was that of a well-nourished, muscular, well-cared-for man. There were no marks of violence, and, in his opinion, death was due to syncope from a diseased heart.

The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

The Coroner said he was sure they all felt sorry at the sad occurrence, and for the widow, to whom it must have been a great shock. It was, however, some consolation that deceased did not die without someone being near him, which, owing to the condition of his heart, might have happened anywhere. It was a mercy he did not die by the wayside and no one at hand. It might interest the jury to know that most of the inquests he attended now were connected with sudden deaths. There was hardly ever a case of violence in that part of the county in which he officiated. He thought that was a very creditable statement that he was able to make.

The inquiry then concluded.

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LISBURN PETTY SESSIONS.

-- -- -- --

CHARGING TOO MUCH FOR BUTTER.

-- -- -- --

LISBURN GROCER FINED.

-- -- -- --

SIX MONTHS FOR CHILD NEGLECT.

-- -- -- --

This court was held yesterday, before Mr. William M'llroy J.P. (presiding), and Mr. John M'Gonnell, J.P.

Food Prosecutions.

District-Inspector Gregory prosecuted James Thompson, grocer, Bow Street, Lisburn, for selling butter at a price in excess of the maximum retail price, and for failing to keep accurate records of purchases and sales in butter.

Mr. Maginess appeared for defendant.

District-Inspector Gregory said there were three charges against defendant -- (1) for selling butter in excess of the maximum price on the 9th February, (2) a similar charge in respect of the 15th February, and (3) for failing to keep records. After their Worships had heard the evidence he would press for a severe penalty, as in his opinion, those were the worst cases that had come before the Court yet.

Mr. Maginess offered no objection to all three cases being taken together, and this course was adopted.

Mrs. Crilly, Grove Place, said she dealt for her groceries with Mr. Thompson. On Saturday, 8th February, she purchased 1lb. of butter from him (it was newones to get a pound), and paid 2s 8d for It. On the 15th February she purchased ½lb., and paid at the rate of 2s 10d for it. She could not read, but the receipts produced were given her by Mr. Thompson at the time the purchases were made. The first butter was from a slab; but she could not tell what the last was from, it was so bad. You would have thought by the smell that it had been seven years in a herring barrel. (Laughter.)

District-Inspector Gregory said that the receipts (now put in) showed that the woman was charged at he rate of 9d a pound too much in one case, and at the rate of 4d a pound too much in the other.

Sergeant Rourke said that, following the complaint made by Mrs. Crilly, he visited Thompson's shop, and asked him had he any butter for sale. Defendant said not, and had no price list exhibited. Witness then asked defendant had he any records of sales of butter made from the 1st February, and he replied not -- that he never kept any. He said that the butter was just left in the shop by the farmers. "I pointed out these two sales to him," added the sergeant, "but he offered no explanation. He said he had no records, and that he was not in a habit of keeping creamery butter for some time."

Mr. Maginess, for the defence, said that Mr. Thompson did not appear, and the reason was because he could not, being engaged on a special jury case at the assises. He could only plead guilty on Thompson's behalf, who, if their Worships knew all, was more sinned against than sinning. It was hard for the shopkeepers to get any stuff for their customers at all now, and it was very difficult to keep things going. He would ask them to deal as fairly as they could with defendant, and not impose a severe penalty. He had told defendant that he would have to keep records in future or there would be trouble.

The Chairman said that defendant was one of the leading merchants is the town, and if he got off, smaller shopkeepers would follow his pattern.

District-Inspector Gregory said that their Worships could impose a penalty up to £100. Ha would not press for a heavy penalty if those were ordinary cases. The reason he pressed that case was because Thompson never kept any butter in his shop. He kept it in premises outside altogether, and made no record of his sales. It was a very bad case.

The Chairman said the magistrates had carefully considered the cases. They were very serious cases. Defendant would be fined 40s for the case of the 9th February, 40s for the case on the 15th February, and 40s for not keeping records.

District-Inspector Gregory asked that Mrs. Crilly be allowed something for losing her day in coming to court.

Mr. Maginess asked that their Worships make a fine of 40s to cover all three cases 20s costs.

Their Worships altered the fine in the case of the third sommons to 30s and 11s costs, 10s of the latter amount to go to Mrs. Crilly.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

District-Inspector Gregory prosecuted Margaret Green, Market Street, for attempting to impose a condition in connection with the sale of sugar.

Mrs. Alice Dogherty, Chapel Hill, who was called to give evidence, said that her husband and she were lodging with defendant when the sugar cards came out. She gave Mrs. Green as the name of the retailer from whom she wished to purchase sugar. Sometime afterwards her husband and she went to live in Chapel Hill. On the 7th inst. she went to Mrs. Green's for half a pound of sugar, but Mrs. Green told her she could not give her any unless she took a quantity of tea. She reported the matter to the police.

By Mr. Maginess (who appeared for the defence) -- She did not have to leave Mrs. Green owing to quarrelling between herself and her husband. Mrs. Green sent her her sugar card after she left. Mrs. Green did not tell her she had no sugar, and to go to the police if she was not satisfied.

Mr. Maginess said that according to law his client could not be called to give evidence. She informed him that she had no sugar when Mrs. Dogherty called, and before their Worships could convict her it would have to be proved that she had sugar to give. Dogherty and her husband had been asked to leave Mrs. Green's, and now Dogherty thought she could get a charge against her. When Mrs. Green sent Dogherty the sugar card the latter should have had it transferred to some other shopkeeper. There would have been no difficulty about that.

District-Inspector Gregory said that indeed there was a difficulty, and added that if their Worships believed Dogherty's evidence they must convict.

The Chairman -- We have decided to fine Mrs. Green 1s and costs.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

District-Inspector Gregory summoned James Archer, grocer, for having sold bread at a price over that allowed by the Order.

Mr. Joseph Lockhart, solicitor, appeared for the defence.

It appeared that a little girl named Hannah Small purchased two 1lb. loaves, for which she was charged 9½d.

Mr. Lockhart said he admitted that a technical offence was committed.

Mr. Gregory pointed out that the ½d was charged for the paper in which the loaves were wrapped. He did not ask for a heavy penalty. He knew there were many instances in which a charge could be made for the wrapping. If the customer asked for the goods to be wrapped up the seller was entitled to make the charge; but poor people did not want to have to pay for that.

Mr. Lockhart said that the child had come for the bread some time after the shop was shut. His client had an evening paper, not opened, and which cost a penny, and part of that paper was used to wrap up the bread for the child.

Mr. Gregory -- He was not entitled to charge even for a penny paper. I think the mother of the child is entitled to some compensation for the loss of time in leaving her work to attend here.

Mrs. Small said she would lose 5s.

Their Worships fined defendant 1s, and allowed 2s 6d compensation.

Mr. Gregory (to Mrs. Small) -- If you are refused bread after this prosecution, let me know, and I'll see you get it before anybody else.

Child Neglect.

Inspector Smith, N.S.P.C.C., prosecuted Mrs. Mary Adams, Brookhill, for neglecting her five children, aged 13, 11, 10, 6, and 3 years.

Mr. Maginess (for Mr. Joseph Allen) prosecuted.

From the evidence of Inspector Smith it appeared that the defendant, who was the wife of a soldier, was drawing 34s a week separation allowance money from the army, and in addition had 5s 6d per week from Messrs. Barbour. The woman had been given every chance. She had got three months for neglecting her children on a previous occasion, but it was no use. The children were ill-fed, not anything like sufficiently clad, and there were no home comforts whatever, although the defendant had only to pay 2s a week for a nice little house, at Brookhill. He had seen the eldest boy walking the whole way into Lisburn for a stone of coal. Defendant, who had nothing to say, was sentenced to six months imprisonment.

Dublin Road Assault Case.

Joshua Heasley, 10 Ballynahinch Road, summoned Henry Leckey, a neighbour, for assaulting him on the Dublin Road on the 9th inst. Leckey brought a similar charge against Heasley.

Mr. W. G. Maginess appeared for Heasley, and Mr. Joseph Allen for Leckey.

Joshua Heasley, replying to Mr. Maginess, said he knew a Miss Corken, who had resided with the defendant, who was her uncle. On the 9th inst. he (complainant) was in company with Miss Corken, also Robert Brownlee and Bella Maxwell. As they were proceeding along the Dublin Road they saw defendant, who was sitting on the seat at the gate leading into the grounds of Miss Stannus. After they passed him he rose from the seat and crossed to the opposite side of the road. Suspecting that he intended making trouble, they turned back. Defendant then walked as far as Hanna's public house, where he turned and came up to where they were opposite the road leading to Smithfield. He called Miss Corkin all sorts of filthy names, and also abused complainant, struck him on the face, and came at him the second time. He had given defendant no provocation whatever.

To Mr. Allen -- He struck Leckey in self-defence, and happened to have a cigarette case in his hand at the time. Miss Corken has been visiting at his house frequently during the past four months, and defendant and her grandmother objected to that. Defendant was a married man, whose wife lived in Dromore. When defendant met them opposite the Grain Market he addressed his remarks to Miss Corken. Complainant knew that defendant was anxious that Miss Corken should discontinue visiting his house.

Ellen Jane Corken, Robert Brownlee, and Isabella Maxwell gave, corroborative evidence of the assault on Heasley.

Henry Leckey was then examined by Mr. Allen, to whom he said he was employed as a labourer at Queen's Island, Belfast. He was a married man, and had a wife and three children. His wife, by mutual arrangement, resided at Dromore, and had charge of one of the children. On the evening in question he left the house at 7 o'clock, going for a walk round by the Old Hillsborough Road. When he sat down on the seat at Miss Stannus's place he saw some parties passing, but did not know who they were. They turned back, and had stopped at the Grain Market corner. He walked down to Hanna's. He then returned, never dreaming who the parties were. When he recognised his niece he spoke to her, saying: "This is a nice way you are up at the hospital." She had left the house earlier to go and ess a girl in the Workhouse Hospital. She told him to go and mind his own business, and called his wife bad names. He then said to Heasley: "This is a nice way you are keeping this going on." Heasley muttered something in reply. He saw Heasley pulling his hand out of his pocket, as if getting ready to go at him. Heasley got hit first. Miss Corken got hold of him (Leckey), while Heasley went behind him and "took a Judas at him." The others then went to Smithfield Barrack, while he got his wound dressed at the Infirmary and afterwards reported the matter to the police, at Largymore.

To Mr. Maginess -- The reason he sat down on the seat was to fill his pipe. He was not watching the other parties.

Their Worships fined Leckey 5s and costs, and dismissed the cross-case.

Police Cases.

Constable Newman v. James M'Leavy, cycling without a light on 7th inst.; 1s and costs.

Constable Kelly v. James Friars, drunk on 5th inst.; 5s and costs.

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LISBURN TOWN COURT.

This court was held yesterday, before Mr. William M'Ilroy. J.P. (presiding), and Mr. John M'Gonnell, J.P.

District-Inspector Gregory and Mr. T. J. English, C.P.S., were in attendance.

Sergeant Edgar summoned James M'Clean, Bradbury's Buildings, for drunkenness and disorderly conduct on the public street on the 9th inst. The sergeant said defendant defied arrest, with the result that they had to handcuff him to get him to the barracks. Defendant was discharged from the army (Labour Battalion) some time ago. A large crowd gathered, and threw stones at the police as they were taking defendant to the barracks. Defendant was fined 10s and costs.

Constable Bradshaw charged Mary M'Gonnigal, Piper Hill, with drunkenness on the 9th inst. Defendant made use of filthy language, and a large crowd gathered about her. Defendant, who had been fined on several previous occasions, was fined 20s and costs, or fourteen days.

Constable M'Donald summoned Robert Frazer, Chapel Hill, for drunkenness on the 12th inst. The constable said that defendant was a discharged soldier. He was a quiet man, and never was charged before. A fine of 5s and costs was imposed.

Constable Newman summoned Esther M'Grath, Antrim Place, for drunkenness and disorderly conduct on the 9th inst. The policeman said that defendant's conduct was very bad, and she used very filthy language. He got her home. Fourth offence. Fined 20s and costs.

Mr. Joseph Allen (for Mr. Wellington Young) conducted the prosecutions.

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LlSBURN NONAGENARIAN'S DEATH.

There passed away at Antrim House, Antrim Street, on Tuesday, Mrs. Margaret Dickson, relict of the Late Mr. Henry Dickson, at the advanced age of 90 years. During her long life she enjoyed the best of health, and it was only a few days before her death that she found it necessary to have the assistance and attention of a doctor. She was much respected in the town, and her death is greatly regretted.

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DEATH SENTENCE AT DERRY.

At Derry Assizes, Frank M'Namee (40), an ex-soldier, was found guilty of the murder of his wife, aged 21, and Mr. Justice Madden sentenced him to death. The evidence showed that accused, having seen his wife with a sailor, threatened to kill her, and that he afterwards stabbed her with a scissors in the heart, and said he would "swing for her." The defence was that M'Namee had been drinking, and that there was no premeditation. April 17 was fixed for the date of execution.

 

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Birth

CHAPMAN -- March 14, at Fernleigh, Bawnmore Road, Belfast, the wife of A. Chapman, of a daughter.

Marriage

FOSTER--WATSON -- March 18th, at Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, Belfast, by Rev. Charles Davey, D.D., Samuel R. Foster, M.C., Captain R.A.M.C., elder son of John Foster, William Street, Londonderry, to Jean Murray, only child of David Watson, 83 University Street, Belfast.

Death

SILCOCK -- March 26, at Market Square, Lisburn, James Silcock, senior; and was interred in Balmoral Friends' Burying-ground, Thursday, 28th inst.

Roll of Honour

LYNESS -- Died of wounds received in action on March 23, 1918, Sergt. Matthew Lyness, Royal Irish Rifles, youngest and dearly-beloved son of Mrs. Lyness, Millbrook Road, Lisburn. Deeply mourned by his sorrowing Mother and Brothers.

Clippings

OBITUARY.

DEATH OF MR. JAMES SILCOCK.

The death, at a ripe old age, took place on Tuesday last of Mr. James Silcock, of Market Square, Lisburn. Deceased had been growing frailer of late, still he was able to be out and about occasionally up to a few weeks ago. Early in life he entered the grocery business, and he was not afraid to move about in order to gain experience. He filled appointments in Lurgan, Belfast, Dublin, England, and even went to the United States for a spell. More than half a century ago he commenced business on his own behalf in Lisburn, and very soon built up one of the most lucrative and flourishing houses in town. He was naturally of a quiet and retiring disposition, and never took part or sought prominence in public affairs. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and always lived up to the high principles of that body.

At the funeral, which took place to the Friends' Burying-ground, Balmoral, yesterday, we had the pleasure of a chat with a Lisburn business man for whom we entertain a very high regard. As an old Lisburn man, and a trade rival as well as great friend of the late Mr. Silcock, he could not help referring to the passing of deceased, and his remarks made a deep impression on us; so much so, indeed, that we repeat them, here:-- "I have known James Silcock," he said, "since 1872. He was a man who was an example to every person in the trade that came in contact with him. I know no man who was more straightforward. I never knew a man so free from trade jealousy. I never yet knew a man whose word could be more relied upon than James Silcock. They called him one of the old school. I wish we had more of them." What finer tribute than that could be paid to a departed friend? The late Mr. Silcock leaves to mourn his loss three sons (one of whom is in America) and two daughters, with whom every sympathy is felt.

The funeral arrangements were carried out in a satisfactory manner by Messrs. Jellie & Fullerton, under the personal supervision of Mr. Samuel Fullerton.

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CONJUROR SHOT ON STAGE.

An inquest was opened at Wood Green, North London, on William Elsworth Robinson, known professionally as Ching Ling Soo, who was shot on the stage. The evidence showed that the illusionist used to have two guns fired towards him, and he would produce two bullets, pretending to have caught them, substituting a pair marked by the audience. The marked bullets were never actually fired, said the widow of deceased. Medical evidence was given that two bullets went through him.

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CHARGE AGAINST AN OFFICER.

Temporary Captain M'Call, Gordons, pleaded not guilty at a Westminster court-martial to a charge of drunkenness, striking Captain R. Corbett, A.P.M., and an escort. Dr. C. H. Dunn said accused was drunk that night at 10 o'clock. Captain Corbett, A.P.M., said at the Alhambra Theatre he got two attendants to assist him to take accused to the entrance hall, and whilst waiting for a taxi M'Call caught him by the throat and struck him. Sergeant-Major Pritchard declared that he had twice to break M'Call's grip on Captain Corbett's throat. Several officers, including Major Lord Lascelles, obstructed Captain Corbett. Lord Lascelles denied that he obstructed.

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BIG GUNS BOMBARD DUNKIRK.

The Germans are now reported to have been for several days bombarding Dunkirk with a long-range gun. So far five victims are reported, and but slight material damage. The Kaiser, in congratulating the Krupp firm on the success of the gun which shelled Paris, says it has added a new page of fame to its history, and calls it an achievement of German science and labour.

=========================

THE WAR.

-- -- -- --

GHASTLY FIGHTING ON 55-MILE FRONT.

-- -- -- --

APPALLING ENEMY LOSSES.

-- -- -- --

OUR CASUALTIES ALSO HEAVY.

-- -- -- --

This has been an anxious week, and we have anxious days before us; but we cannot help feeling that our gallant fighting men will come out on top in the end. We have every justification for this faith. After a week of the most ghastly and terrible fighting the world has ever seen, the Germans have not been able to achieve their boasted object -- the smashing up of the British armies. True, ground has been yielded; but a heavy toll in German lives has been exacted for it, and our forces still stand "four square." The news this morning does not certainly make cheerful reading, but our army chiefs are no fools, and it may be that before next week more stimulating tidings will be forthcoming from the Western front. Our losses have been tremendously heavy. That could only be expected in view of the hundreds of thousands of troops engaged; but it is safe to say that they are nothing compared to those suffered by the attacking armies. It is stated from an authoritative source that up to Tuesday night 500,000 Germans had been put out of action and 56 of their divisions smashed to pieces. The R.F.C. estimate that our flying boys alone have made at least 50,000 casualties in enemy concentrations of reserves behind the German advanced lines.

Mr. Philip Gibbs, writing to the "London Daily Telegraph" yesterday, said: "No praise is too high for these English, Scottish, and Irish battalions of the 21st, 51st, l4th, 17th, 36th (Ulster), 47th, 63rd, 18th, and other glorious divisions of ours who, without rest or sleep, for several days and nights kept back this human avalanche. But our gunners also are beyond all words of praise and gratitude because of their unfailing endeavours. Many of their guns were overwhelmed a week ago in the wild storm of fire flung over our lines, but those who escaped from this monstrous bombardment have kept their batteries in action ever since."

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

HEAVY FIGHTING ON 55-MILE FRONT.

The latest official message from Sir Douglas Haig states that heavy fighting took place yesterday along the whole British line from south of the Somme to north-east of Arras -- some 55 miles. The enemy yesterday morning opened a new attack north and south of the Scarpe, delivering at the same time a series of blows along our line to the Somme. East of Arras the Germans forced their way through our outpost line, but in fierce fighting in our battle positions were everywhere repulsed with heavy losses. Attacks at other points also failed, while south of the Somme our line was substantially maintained.

On the French front the enemy have taken Montdidier, but an attempt to extend their gains in the region west and south of the town was met by a counter-attack by our Allies, who drove them back l¼ miles on a front of 7½ miles. Further to the south-east the French have pushed back the Germans nearly two miles on a front of 6¼ miles.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

A MESOPOTAMIAN VICTORY.

An entire Turkish force north-west of Hit (Mesopotamia) was captured or destroyed by British troops, 3,000 prisoners made, and the enemy's main positions north of Khan Bagbdadieh carried by assault.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

PREMIER AND AMERICA.

Mr. Lloyd George has sent an urgent appeal to the United States, saying it is vital to send reinforcements, men and ships, across the Atlantic in the shortest possible time.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

DIED OF WOUNDS.

Sergeant Matthew Lynass, R.I.R., Lisburn.

Lance-Corporal Dominic Marnell, Royal Irish Fusiliers, Lisburn.

WOUNDED.

Captain Thomas Malcomson, Manchester Regiment, Lisburn.

-- -- -- --

Sergeant Matthew Lynass, R.I.R., youngest son of Mrs. Lynass, Millbrook Road, Lisburn, has died of wounds received in action on Saturday. He was badly wounded in the chest and legs at the opening of the German offensive, and succumbed in hospital. Prior to the war deceased was on the staff of the York Street Flax Spinning Co., Belfast. He enlisted in the South Antrim Battalion of the Rifles, but had been transferred to another battalion recently. He was home on leave about a month ago.

Lance-Corporal Dominic Marnell, Royal Irish Fusiliers, has died from wounds received in action on the 18th inst. He was the third son of the late Wm. Marnell, and grandson of the late Constable John Marnell, R.I.C., Lisburn. He resided with his grandmother, Mrs. Marnell, at Ava Street, Lisburn. He was employed in Messrs. Barbours, Hilden, prior to the war.

-- -- -- --

CAPTAIN THOMAS MALCOMSON.

Mr. Thomas Malcomson, manager of the Ulster Bank, Lisburn, received a wire from the War Office on Monday stating that his eldest son, Captain Thomas Malcomson, Manchester Regiment, had been wounded -- gunshot wounds in the back. Yesterday morning in a letter, came from Captain Malcomson himself. He naturally made light of his injuries, which he stated consisted of shrapnel wounds to the shoulder. He added that he was in hospital in France, and the shrapnel had been removed, and that he hoped to rejoin his battalion in the course of a few days. Captain Malcomson received his commission in July, 1915, and has seen much hard service at the front. His brother, Lieut. N. D. Malcomson, enlisted as a private at the outbreak of the war in the Royal Irish Rifles (Pioneer Battalion, Ulster Division), and went to the front with the Ulster Division in October, 1915. He was accidentally injured in France some months ago. He is at present undergoing a special course of instruction in the home command.

=========================

DUNMURRY MAN ESCAPES FROM GERMANY.

Corporal Alex. M'Greevey, Royal Irish Rifles, who was wounded and taken prisoner at Mons, has escaped from Germany, and after many vicissitudes arrived in England.

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SOME EXTRACTS FROM THE

RECORDS OF OLD LISBURN

AND THE MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- --

Edited by JAMES CARSON.

-- -- --

LXXVI.

-- -- --

THE WALLACE COLLECTION.

Extracts from Article by Alfred S. Moore in "The Lady of the House," Christmas, 1917.

(Continued.)

To Paris Sir Richard Wallace, as he became in 1871, was, in sooth, a veritable angel. He endowed the Hertford British Hospital, and not alone provided a multitude of ambulances during the Franco-Prussian War, but also donated 100,000 francs for the sufferers by the bombardment. When this large-minded and generous man died in 1890, he left everything to his wife, a French lady, Mlle. Castlenau. One son was born of the union, and though he entered the French army and is long since dead, he made the life of his father miserable. Sir Richard, in one of his sad moods, once remarked that it irked him "to think how people should look upon him as one of the happiest of men, when, in truth, he was one of the most wretched. The sympathy of a good son was his soul's sorrow, for such he never had." That son was so ungrateful as to cast up his father's paternity as his precedent for his wild depravities. As for Lady Wallace, she lived the quietest of lives amid those great treasures in Hertford House, London, seeing only a few intimate friends. Her companion and intimate secretary was

Sir John Murray Scott, Bart.

Who was Sir John Murray Scott, Bart.? He also must be included in the romance of the great Wallace Collection, for it was mainly through his advice that it passed into England's keeping. He was the grandson of a distinguished physician, who was a great personal friend of Sir Richard Wallace's. Shortly after the death of the fourth Marquess, Sir Richard happened to say that he was badly in need of a secretary. Mr. Murray asked if his grandson, a young barrister just called, might be suitable. His probation proved his worth, and so he continued first the fides Achates of Sir Richard, and, on his decease, similarly of Lady Wallace. In fact, when Lady Wallace desired to make her will she was anxious to bequeath to him all her whole property in gratitude for the devotion with which he had managed her affairs and cared for her interests. Sir John Scott -- for he was honoured with a baronetcy -- persuaded her that it would be a good thing if she would, at any rate, leave the contents of Hertford House to the nation. Moreover, that for him to inherit the entire fortune there might be some suspicion of undue influence. Lady Wallace took his advice -- and so England acquired the Wallace Collection.

Now, one must give here a tribute to the late Sir John Murray Scott, Bart. It is true he became the heir to a very great fortune, and it may be recalled that only a few years ago (July, 1913) the sequel of a sensational cause celebre was to give Lady Sackville some priceless objets d'art which she claimed she was entitled to from Sir John's estates. However, it must never be forgotten that Sir John Scott might easily have inherited all the valuable Collection -- computed to-day as worth nearly 15 millions sterling -- but his generosity made the sacrifice.

The late Sir John Murray Scott, Bart. -- who died suddenly in the midst of the great Collection itself at Hertford House, Manchester Square, London, on January 17th, 1912 -- continued to show the interest in Lisburn which his friend and employer had begun. On favourable terms the water and market rights, so zealously guarded by the Hertfords, as well as the Courthouse, Assembly Rooms, and Estate Office (the latter now used as the Town Hall) were acquired by Lisburn Urban Council. Some years afterwards Sir John Murray Scott presented the Castle Gardens, a very interesting historical site containing a bowling green and monument to Sir Richard Walace, to the town.

Though it is possible a new generation "which knew not Joseph" may, in time, forget the indebtedness of the British nation to Lisburn for its magnificent contribution to its Art, it may also be mentioned that the town has a host of other memories. Here it was that Louis Crommelin, the father of the great Irish linen industry, lived and laboured. John Nicholson, of Indian fame, called Lisburn his home. Harry Monro, the rebel leader at Ballynahinch, was executed in the Market Square. Jeremy Taylor sojourned in Lisburn and the neighbourhood during probably the most brilliant period of his life. Here for a time resided Lady Morgan; and Lisburn also gave the world the actor Master Betty, "the infant Roscius," whose meteoric career in the beginning of the nineteenth century electrified the annals of British drama.

Additional Notes.

Sir John Edward Arthur Murray Scott, Bart., was born at Bolougne-sur-Mer in 1847, was the eldest son of Dr. John Scott (his mother being a daughter of George Murray, D.L., of Chichester), and a grandson of Vice-Admiral Sir George Murray, K.C.B., captain of the fleet to Lord Nelson. He was educated at Marlborough College, at Paris, and in Germany, and was called to the Bar in 1869. From 1871 to 1890 he acted as private secretary to Sir Richard Wallace, Bart., MP., and died January 17th, 1912.

Sir Richard Wallace built the Castle House, in Castle Street, Lisburn, in 1880, at a cost of some £20,000. The work was carried out by James Vernon & Son, local contractors. Sir Richard only resided in it for a very short time, a few months in all. Sir John Murray Scott, although he visited Lisburn on several occasions, never resided in the Castle House, the valuable contents of which were removed to London. The Courthouse, Railway Street, was built in 1883 at a cost of about £4,000.

The Castle House was acquired from the Murray Scott trustees by the Lisburn Urban Council in 1914, at a cost of £2,000, free of all encumbrances, for the purpose, of forming a Technical School. The school has proved an unqualified success. The first Committee of Management consisted of Thomas Sinclair (chairman), James Carson (vice-chairman), Harold Barbour, J. B. Campbell, Edward Donaghy, F. Duncan, Robert Griffith, James A. Hanna, Wm. M'Ilroy, W. J. M'Murray. James M'Nally. Principal -- Cecil Webb.

The Sackville Case.

In July, 1913, there came before the courts in London the extraordinary case of Lady Sackville versus D. Malcolm Scott, the residuary legatee under Sir John Murray Scott's will. The defence was that the bequests to Lady Sackville were wrongfully obtained, or in the alternative that the deceased executed a codicil whereby he revoked the bequests to Lady Sackville and gave her greatly reduced benefits. There was a will dated 1900 and five codicils. Lady Sackville's claim was estimated at about £500,000, including cash and valuable art objects, pictures, and plate. Counsel, in opening the case on behalf of the Scott family, disclosed an extraordinary state of affairs. Sir John had evidently fallen entirely under the influence of her Ladyship, a smart and brilliant woman. A few extracts from the opening will be illuminating:--

Sir John wrote Lady Sackville -- "Your love of spending is your second life. You used to say that you could live on £200 a year in a cottage." With the money the lady received from Sir John in his lifetime, said counsel, she could have bought 400 cottages. In another letter one of the Scott family writes -- "I hear the locusts have arrived in Connaught Place." And when Lady Sackville was told while there by one of Sir John's sisters that the servants called her (Lady Sackville) the earthquake, Lady Sackville became very annoyed, and said that Miss Murray Scott, who communicated this information, had insulted her. There was a great disturbance in the house, and the sisters, went away for a time. When they returned later (this being in 1910) they found that Lady Sackville had taken herself bag and baggage to the Ritz Hotel. Sir John then said to his sisters, "I won't subject you to any more Billingsgate. She is mad. Let her stay at the Ritz."

Having obtained a little fleeting liberty, this unfortunate gentleman seemed to have been delighted for a short time at being master in his own house, but later correspondence was resumed, and up to April of 1910 the lady had £38,000. Counsel quoted further letters and conversations, in one of which it was alleged that Sir John spoke of Lady Sackville as a "revengeful devil." In a letter from Lady Sackville to Sir John she said in reference to what had taken place, "I hope you are thoroughly ashamed of your big fat self and are duly remorseful."

Coming to 1911, counsel said there was a letter which marked a rather new phase It showed the extraordinary lengths to which this gentleman was prepared to go in his generosity. Lady Sackville by this time had became more certain of her control over him. As the correspondence proceeded it became apparent that she was satisfied that she could really do with this man exactly what she liked. There were references to a shop which Lady Sackville was interested in for charitable purposes in connection with which she asked for loan of a thousand, and which, blaming her for her unbusinesslike conduct, he said -- "Do you think I have a thousand or more, kicking about doing nothing, naughty girl." Next he wrote -- "My dear old Jose, -- You are a curious creature, deserving of smacking."

He declared that he never could be angry with her, and after a quotation from Meredith finished up by saying he enclosed a cheque for a thousand.

Referring to Lady Sackville's letter to Sir John, counsel described her as a very clever woman, thoroughly familiar with the psychology of this man. She invariably addressed him as "My Dear Seery" or "My Good Seery." She referred on one occasion to his efforts to keep the picture "The Mill" for the nation, and concluded -- "I hope you will write me a nice, kind letter, and be a good Seery." In March, 1911, Sir John wrote to her that he could not put up with the manner in which she was treating him, adding -- "It would be a terrible thing for you if I were to die suddenly, and you were to find all your hopes shattered." Counsel had no doubt this meant that if the quarrel were persisted in, and he died suddenly, the consequences might be very disagreeable for her. He might alter his will, or had done so.

To further show Lady Sackville's influence, counsel mentioned that in May, 1911, Sir Jobs had consented to lend his sisters two beautiful necklaces to wear at Court. But Lady Sackville disapproved, and the young ladies had to go without the jewels. There was a curious incident on July 10. Major Arbuthnot went to dinner at Connaught Place. Opening the door of the library by mistake, he saw Lady Sackville and her daughter, the former just rising from a writing-table and appearing to shut a drawer. They afterwards both left the house in a hurried and unusual manner. When Sir John was told of this it was obvious he did not know these ladies had been in the house at all, for the perspiration broke out on his brow, and, speaking in French, he claimed, "My God! my God! it is incredible!"

However, the conclusion of the case was a verdict, with costs, in favour of the Sackvilles, the jury finding that the will of October 26, 1900, and five codicils, were duly executed; that the bequests to Lord and Lady Sackville were not obtained by undue influence of either Lord or Lady Sackville were not obtained by fraud of Lady Sackville.

Next Week: Seymour -- Wallace Litigation.

 

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