Births

KNOX -- Nov. 26, at Cloneen, Earlswood Road, Belfast, the wife of S. C. Knox -- of a son.

M'MILLAN -- Dec. 2, at Balleney, Cregagh Park, Belfast, to Mr. and Mrs. J. Steen M'Millan -- a daughter.

Deaths

ADDISON -- Dec. 2, at her residence, Croffvale, Ballinderry, Jane, relict of the late John K. Addison, aged 81 years. Interment to-day (Friday), at one o'clock, in the family burying ground, Middlechurch, Ballinderry.

ADASON -- Nov. 28, at Banoge, Donacloney, Henry Adamson aged 80 years.

ALEXANDER -- Nov. 25, at Glenhill House, Poyntzpass, David Alexander, County Councillor.

BECK -- Dec. 1, at 33, Magdala Street, Sarah (Sally), eldest daughter of James M. Beck.

BUCHANAN -- Nov. 29, at her residence, 21, Cyprus Gardens, Bloomfield, Belfast, Ellinor H., widow of the late W. G. Buchanan.

CAMPBELL -- Nov. 27, at Island House, Lisburn, James B. Campbell eldest son of the late John Campbell, M.D. Lisburn.

CARLISLE -- Dec. 1, at Ballyutoag, Ligoniel, Thomas Carlisle.

COOKEW -- Nov. 30, at Farnham Terrace, Ormeau Road, Minnie, wife of John Cooke.

CRAIG -- Nov. 29, at Dunedin, Antrim Road, Sarah Orr (Sadie), wife of William Craig.

DALZELL -- Nov. 30, at Ballywitticock, Mary, relict of the late Hugh Dalzell.

DWYER -- Nov. 28, William, eldest son of E. L. Dwyer, Sprayfield Cottage, Whiteabbey.

ELGIN -- Nov. 30, at 24, Bridge Street, Ballymena, Mrs. Elizabeth Elgin, aged 82 years.

ELLIOTT -- Nov. 29, at Stoneyford, Lisburn, Ann Jane Elliott, wife of William Elliott.

FLETCHER -- Dec. 2, at 16, Eglantine Avenue, Trevor Fletcher, in his 82nd year.

FOREMAN -- Nov. 25, at Clogher, Lisburn, Thomas Foreman.

GAWN -- Nov. 27, at Ballytweedy House, Muckamore, Robert Gawn, aged 55 years.

GIBB -- Dec. 1, at 29, Rosewood Street, Belfast, Andrew, fifth son of the late Robert Gibb (formerly of Carnarney, Co. Antrim).

GILPIN -- Nov. 30, at 67, Castlereagh Street, Belfast, Captain William Gilpin, husband of Fanny Gilpin.

GOOD -- Nov. 28, at The Rectory, Belturbet, Christine Elizabeth, wife of Rev. B. F. Good.

HIND -- Nov. 26, at Governor's Place, Carrickfergus, Margaret, relict of the late Hugh S. Hind, Belfast.

HOLLYWOOD -- Nov. 26, at 31, Church Street, Holywood, Jane, widow of the late David Hollywood, of Knock.

HUMPHRIES -- Nov. 30, at Lake View, Derryadd, Lurgan, Thomas Humphries.

HUTCHENSON -- Nov. 26, at 18, Bridge Street, Banbridge, James Hutchison.

KELLY -- Nov. 28, at Ballymave, Magheragall, Lisburn, Hugh Kelly.

KNOX -- Dec. 2, at High Street, Ballymoney, Thomas Greer, youngest son of Jamas Knox, aged 38 years.

LAWTHER -- Dec. 3, at Ravenhill Terrace, Isabella, wife of Henry Lawther, and daughter of Pastor and Mrs. Hodge.

LOUGH -- Dec. 1, at 31, Salisbury Street, Francis Lough (late of Legnakelly, Clones).

MACARTNEY -- Nov. 30, at Cargycreevy, Bailie's Mills, Lisburn, Eliza, wife of Jas. Macartney.

MAWHINNEY -- Nov. 26, at 40, Powerscourt Street, Frances, wife of Arthur Mawhinney.

MURDIE -- Nov. 30, at 144, Cliftonpark Avenue, Mary A., widow of the late Bernard Murdie.

M'BRIDE -- Dec. 1, at 31, Fairview Street, Belfast, Daniel M'Bride, late of Kilgreel, Lyle Hill.

M'BRIDE -- December 1, 1914, at his residence, 31, Fairview Street, Belfast. Daniel M'Bride (late of Kilgreel, Lyle Hill). His remains will be removed from the above address, for interment in Umgall Burying-ground, via Antrim Rood, today (Friday), at 12 o'clock noon. Inserted by his sorrowing Family.

M'CARTNEY -- Nov. 25, at Ballyutoag, William John White M'Cartney.

M'GIFFIN -- Nov. 27, at Bay Ridge, Carrickfergus, John, son of the late Captain James M'Giffin.

SIMPSON -- Nov. 27, at his residence, Mayola, Cullybackey, James Simpson, M.D., R.U.I.

STALKER -- Nov. 26, 1914, Alexander Stalker, Newsagent and Tobacconist, of 87, Shankill Road, Belfast.

In Memoriam

MARTIN -- In sad but loving memory of Susanna Martin, Beech Hill, Newtownbreda, who died 1st December, 1913. Deeply regretted.
     A loving wife and mother,
          So good, so kind, and true;
     But we hope some day to meet her
          In that land we're journeying to.
Inserted by Husband and Family.

NESBITT -- In loving remembrance of John Nesbitt, who died at Derrynoyd, Draperstown, on the 2nd December, 1912, and was interred at Newbliss, Co. Monaghan.
"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."
Inserted by bis loving Wife and Family, 13, Victoria Gardens, Belfast.

SAMPSON -- In fond and loving memory of William John Sampson, who entered into rest at his late residence, Sunnyside, Drogheda, on the 26th November, 1912, and interred in First Lurgan Presbyterian Burying-Ground.
     "Safe in the arms of Jesus."
Inserted by his sorrowing Sister and Daughter.

Clippings

THE GALLANT COLD-STREAMS.

Earl of Cavan's Tribute.

A letter sent home by a Bolton soldier mentions a tribute paid to the splendid work of the Coldstream Guards by Brigadier-General the Earl of Cavan in the following communication to the officer commanding the regiment --

I should like to put on record the fact that for these last four weeks, October 26 to November 20, they have held their line intact under hardships and strain that it is impossible to describe. Since October 31st, when I was ordered off to protect the right of the British line with the Grenadier and Irish Guards the two battalions of the Cold-streams (second and third, with the first temporarily attached to the third) have been under Colonel Pereira, as Colonel Fielding was wounded. It is not too much to say that the whole safety of the line has depended on their staunchness, and truly worthily have they held it (their trenches being on a hill, full of water above their knees) for twenty-three days. The gale of about November 2nd cleared the wood in which they were of every particle of cover, the trees having been all pierced through by shrapnel and bullets. Hand grenades thrown at them were on one occasion, when they did not explode, picked up and hurled back again. They finally rejoined the brigade on the right flank of this part of the British line on November 17 in as good heart as the day they left England. I am more proud to be their brigadier than any words could possibly express, and I owe to them, undoubtedly, with, their comrades of the Grenadiers and the Irish Guards, the satisfaction of handing over our line to the French intact and unconquered.

(Signed)

CAVAN, Brigadier-General Commanding 4th Brigade.

November 20th.

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WILL OF THE LATE REV. DR. M'ILVEEN, BELFAST.

The Rev. John M'Ilveen, D.D., of 26, Elmwood Avenue, Belfast, minister of the Crescent Presbyterian Church, and Moderator of the General Assembly in 1908, who died on the 31st August last, left personal estate in the United Kingdom valued at £2,635 17s 7d. Probate of his will has been granted to his widow and his brothers, Mr. Wm. M'Ilveen and Mr. Arthur M'Ilveen, of Carryduff, County Down, farmer. The testator by his will made provision for his wife for life. In the disposition of the remainder are included bequests of £300 to the Crescent Presbyterian Church and £200 to the Old-Age Fund of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

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AN AGED SABBATH-SCHOOL SCHOLAR.

Probably the oldest scholar attending any Sabbath-school in connection with the Presbyterian Church was the late Mr. James Ford, of First Portadown, who for the last eight years attended the Bible-class regularly, never absenting himself unless prevented by illness. He died on Sabbath, 29th November, at the ripe old age of eighty-four, and it might almost be said of him that "his eye was not dim nor his natural force abated" as his memory and intellect were as good and keen as when he was twenty years of age. He walked two miles to school, and during the years 1911 and 1912 never missed a single Sabbath, and he was in his accustomed class till the 16th November last, and after eight days' illness he died in the full assurance of hope.

Rev. D. Dowling, M.A., and Rev. H. W. Parry B.A., officiated at the grave in Vinecash near Portadown.

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DEATH OF MR. JAMES A. GLENN, BELFAST.

A wide circle of friends in the city and the North of Ireland will learn with regret of the death of Mr. James Alexander Glenn, which occurred on Sunday at his residence, 2, Culloden, Ormeau Road, Belfast. The deceased had not enjoyed the beet of health for some weeks past, and, despite the best medical attention and the most careful nursing, he gradually got worse, and the end came as stated. Mr. Glenn, who was a native of Raphoe, County Donegal, had been connected with the Customs branch of the Civil Service since 1874, the earlier part of his career being spent mainly in and around Derry, but the last quarter of a century he spent in Belfast, where he proved a model official and made hosts of friends. His interests were, however, not confined solely to the duties of official life, and up to a few years ago he was a contributor to various magazines in prose and verse, three of his pieces being published in "Paul's Modern Irish Poets," which was issued in Belfast in 1894. Mr. Glenn married in August, 1897, Lilian, daughter of Mr. J. R. Alderdice, who resided in Cromwell Road, Belfast, and with his sorrowing widow and four children who survive him much sympathy will be felt in their sad bereavement. Mr. Glenn's funeral took place on Tuesday to the City Cemetery, and the large and representative attendance fully testified, if such were needed, to the esteem in which the deceased hod been held by all who knew him.

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THE LATE REV. W. J. PATTON, DROMARA.

On Sunday, 22nd ult., special memorial services were conducted in Second Dromara in connection with the erection of a tasteful marble tablet in memory of Rev. W. J. Patton, who was minister of the congregation for forty-two years. The monument, which has been placed in the vestibule, bears the inscription -- "Erected by the members of this congregation in affectionate memory of their minister, the Rev. William J. Patton; born 26th May, 1829; ordained here 29th June, 1853; fell asleep 31st January, 1895. 'He was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, and much people was added unto the Lord' (Acts ii. 24)."

The Rev. Alexander Hall, B.A, Drogheda, conducted the services, morning and evening. In the morning he preached an impressive sermon from Hebrews xii. 1-2 -- "Seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses. . . looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith." At the close of his sermon, Mr. Hall said he felt honoured by being asked to take part in the memorial services commemorating the life and work of that faithful servant of God, the Rev. W. J. Patton. He distinctly recollected that when he was a little boy the superintendent of the Sabbath-school once read to the assembled children an address by Mr. Patton, and some of the points of that address he remembered to that day. He also remembered as a student of divinity going to St. Enoch's Church, Belfast, and there listening to a powerful and persuasive Evangelical appeal by the plain country minister, who made no pretensions to scholarship or to eloquence, but who held a vast congregation spell-bound for nearly two hours by the simple preaching of the Gospel. As an earnest, affectionate, and persuasive evangelist Mr. Patton excelled, and by his preaching in various parts of Ulster and by his New Year addresses, which came annually for twenty-seven years, he had been the means of doing incalculable good. He had no doubt but that at the great day thousands would rise up to call him blessed. The words engraved on the marble stone on view that day were literally true in their application to the former minister of that church. "He was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, and much people were added unto the Lord." To this Mr. Hall added a few sentences of a letter he had recently received from a member of his own congregation, in Drogheda, a gentleman who had never seen or heard Mr. Patton, but who had been captivated by "Pardon and Assurance" and "How to Live the Christian Life" -- "Some years ago I got Mr. Patton's books, and they have been a source of help and guidance to me, primarily so because they experimentally enforce the plain Gospel -- the need of a personal Saviour, the futility of dependence on our own endeavours, the certainty of the Holy Spirit if asked in faith, the immeasurable resources of power that we can appropriate by an act of faith and will -- these are the great subjects of Mr. Patton's discourses. The Spurgeons, the Wesleys, and the Pattons put aside other subjects of preaching as not to bo compared with these central and life-giving hints. The next great spiritual revival will come, I believe, when the Church has once more opened her eyes to the importance of these elementary and essential doctrines of oar faith. I join with you in your grateful and graceful remembrance of the faithful witness for Christ who never neglected this teaching."

Mr. Hall regarded this as the "Voice from the Pew," and he had no doubt but that that voice expressed what was in the minds of thousands of thoughtful men and women all over the land to-day. They that turn many to righteousness, we are told, shall shine as the stars for ever and ever. And even for this life a faithful man's work is immortal. His work survives him and influences unborn generations. For

"Were a star quenched on high
For ages would its light
Still travelling downward from the sky
Shine on our mortal sight.
So when a good man dies
For years beyond our ken
The light he leaves behind him lies
Upon the path of men."

In the evening Mr. Hall preached to a large congregation on "The Good News from a Far Country," and on the following evening (Monday) he delivered his popular lecture on "The Valley of the Boyne; its Antiquities and Scenery."

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

DEATH OF DR. JAMES SIMPSON, CULLYBACKEY.

The death of Dr. James Simpson occurred at his residence Mayola, Cullybackey, on Friday morning. For some time the deceased gentleman had not been in the best of health. He was a son of Mr. Thomas Simpson, of Cullybackey. Dr. Simpson took his M.D. with honours in the Royal University of Ireland. He came to Cullybackey almost forty years ago, end built up an extensive and lucrative practice. He was possessed of a genial disposition, which made him a warm favourite with all. He married Miss Margaret Kernohan, sister of the well-known end popular Ballymena veterinary surgeons, Messrs. R. & J. Kernohan, Broughshane. He was medical adviser to the local constabulary in Cullybackey, and also the postal officials. He was a member of the Cuningham Memorial Church, Cullybackey. He is survived by his wife, his aged father, and his sister, who is married to Rev. Samuel Moffett. Ballymena.

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THE HIGH SHERIFFS.

Nominations for Ulster.

The "Dublin Gazette" on Tuesday contained the names of gentlemen returned by the Judges of Assize as eligible to serve the office of High Sheriff during the ensuing year. The following are the names for Ulster Counties:--

Antrim -- Mr. George Sturrock Reade, Firgrove, Muckamore; General Sir William Adair, K.C.B., D.L., Loughanmore, Dunadry; Mr. John Johnston Kirkpatrick, Kincraig, Belfast.

Armagh -- Mr. Robert Gray, F.R.C.P.I., Charlemont Place, Armagh; Mr. William James Allen, Linwinny House, Lurgan; Mr. William Byers, Mowhan House, Markethill.

Cavan -- Major John James Purdon, Cloverhill, Belturbet; Captain Mervyn Pratt, D.S.O., Cabra Castle, Kingscourt; Captain Edward Patrick Dorman Smith, Bellamont Forest, Cootehill.

Donegal -- Colonel James Alexander Lawrence Montgomery, St. Columba, Moville; Colonel Baptist John Barton, Greenfort, Port Salon; Mr. Cecil Robert Vesey Stoney, Oakfield Park, Raphoe.

Down -- Lieutenant-Colonel John Vesey Nugent, D.L., Portaferry House, Portaferry; Sir Robert John Kennedy, F.C.M.G, D.L., Cultra House, Craigavad; Mr. Robert Morris Liddell, Banogue House, Donacloney; Mr. Frank Workman, The Moat, Strandtown.

Fermanagh -- Mr. John A. Faith, South Summerland, Exeter; Mr. Stuart Joseph Verschoyle, Tullyclea House, Ballinamallard; Mr. Rowland J. Betty, Aughnacloy, County Tyrone.

Londonderry -- Mr. James Stevenson, Knockan, Londonderry; Mr. Hugh Thom Barrie, M.P., Manor House, Coleraine; Colonel Hugh Thomas Lyle, D.S.O., D.L., Knocktarna, Coleraine.

Monaghan -- Mr. William Black, Ballyleck House, Monaghan; Mr. J. G. Irving Vance, Carrickreagh, Helen's Bay, County Down; Captain Mervyn James Hamilton, Carnacassa, Monaghan.

Tyrone -- Mr. Thomas Falls, Lislap, Omagh; Major William Arbuthnot Lennox-Conyngham, D.L., Springhill, Moneymore, County Londonderry; Lieutenant the Viscount Northland, Northland House, Dungannon.

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

THE LATE MR. M'NEILE M'CORMICK.

Grand Jury's Resolution.

At the Ulster Winter Assizes, before the Right Hon. Mr. Justice Dodd, when the Grand Jury had completed their consideration of the bills, Mr. Robert Thompson, M.P. (foreman), intimated to his lordship that they had passed the following resolution -- "That the members of the Grand Jury at the Ulster Winter Assizes, 1914, desire to place on record the great loss the community of Belfast and North of Ireland have sustained by the recent death of Mr. Hugh M'Neile M'Cormick, who for so many years ably and efficiently discharged the duties of the Clerk of the Crown and Peace in this court. His businesslike methods, the high intelligence which he brought to the discharge of his duties, and the invariable courtesy he always displayed made him an ideal public official, and his loss is deeply felt by every member of the community. The Grand Jury decree to express their deep sympathy with Mrs. M'Cormick and her family in their irreparable loss." Mr. Thompson added that he had moved, and Mr. Geo. S. Clark, D.L., had seconded the resolution.

His Lordship expressed gratification at the passing of the resolution, which he said he would have filed as part of the records of the Court.

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LOCAL AND PROVINCIAL.

Mr. James M'Cammon, M.A., son of Mr. H. W. M'Cammon, Portadown, is going to China to take up missionary work. He conducted the services in the Armagh Road Presbyterian Church on Sunday last.

Mr. James White, Bowling Street, Strabane, has been appointed to the commission of the peace for County Tyrone. Mr. White is a member of the Strabane Urban District Council, and his appointment is a very popular one in the district.

Mr. William John Moffatt, Drumaran, Gilford, who has three sons serving with the colours, has received a communication that the eldest, Robert, who is connected with the Scots Guards, is a prisoner of war in the hands of the enemy.

Mr. Samuel Montgomery, Moneymore, has received intimation of the death of his son, Private Thomas Montgomery, of the 2nd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Private Montgomery, who was a reservist, had been in Canada for several years, and returned home to rejoin his regiment.

Mr. Holt, chief inspector of fisheries, and Mr. Oliver, engineer to the Fisheries Branch of the Department of Agriculture, met at Annalong, and conferred with a deputation of the Down County Council respecting a plan to remove rocks at the Kilkeel Harbour entrance at a cost not exceeding £500.

On Monday afternoon the B (Donegal) Company of the 11th (U.V.F.) Inniskillings arrived in Enniskillen, and as both military barracks are full, they were quartered in the County Industrial Hall, the largest of its kind in Ireland. It is heated by hot water pipes, and the men, 240 in number, are very comfortable.

There was a crowded congregation in First Ballymena Presbyterian Church on Sunday evening, when the annual united service in connection with the Y.M.C.A. anniversary was held. The special preacher was Rev. Jas. Pyper, B.A. (formerly of Ahogill). A liberal response was made to a silver collection on behalf of the funds of the Y.M.C.A.

At a special meeting of the Londonderry Corporation an Tuesday there were three tenders received for the laying of pipes from Barngibbagh to Tamneymore Reservoir in connection with the Barngibbagh auxiliary water scheme. The figures were £1,305 14s, £992 3s 2d, and £935 17s 6d. The lowest tender was accepted, being that of Mr. John Colhoun, Strand Road, Londonderry.

On the 25th ult. Mr. J. F. Small. Coroner, held an inquest in Newry Workhouse on the body of a pensioner named Samuel M'Chesney, aged sixty-seven years, who died in the infirmary that morning from the effects of burns received in his own house in High Street, Newry. Dr. M'Crory deposed that death was due to exhaustion, following burns. The deceased must have taken a weak turn. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Under the auspices of the Ahoghill District Nursing Society a successful sale of work in aid of the National Relief Fund and the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families' Association was held last week at Lisnafillan House, Galgorm, the residence of Mrs. Gihon, who, with her daughter, is always ready to assist any good cause in the district.

Much regret will be occasioned by the announcement of the death of Mr. James Ritchie, who passed away at his residence, Killinchy, on Sunday. The deceased, who was a native of Killyleagh, and who was about sixty-three years of age, had been principal of Killinchy National School for a period of well over forty years, and retired recently on account of failing health.

The Local Government Board having declined to sanction a fresh election for a County Councillor for the Carrickmacross county electoral division, to fill the vacancy created by the disqualification of Mr. Michael Daley, J.P., in consequence of the recent election petition, the Monaghan County Council have co-opted Mr. James O'Neill, hotel proprietor, Carrickmacross, to fill the vacancy.

His Majesty the King has written Mrs. Wm. Clarke, of Banoge, Donacloney, thanking her for sending her five sons to join the 16th. Battalion R.I.R. It will be recollected that Mrs. Clarke sent with one of her sons to Major Leader, officer commanding the battalion, the message, "These are all the sons I have, but if I had five more I would gladly give them also to the service of my King and country."

The death took place on the 26th ult. of Mr. Edward M'Ivor, proprietor of an extensive shirt factory at Londonderry. Mr. M'Ivor served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Tillie & Henderson, afterwards becoming manager of Messrs. C. Bayer & Company's Londonderry factory. Fifteen years ago he commenced business on his own account, and had just completed an enlargement of his factory in Clarendon Street.

At an inquest into the death of Mr. David Carton, J.P., a large farmer, residing at Gortnavan, Claudy, near Derry, evidence was given that deceased, who was sixty years of age, left his house early on Sunday, and was not seen afterwards until the evening, when his body was found in the River Faughan, his clothes having been caught on some branches overhanging the river. The jury returned a verdict of death from drowning.

The following gentlemen have been appointed to the commission of the peace for County Tyrone -- Messrs. George Anderson, Tyrooney, Carrickmore; Patrick Treacy, Fecorry, Mountfield; Stephen M'Crory, Glenny, Sixmilecross; and Henry O'Gorman, Councillor, Dromore. The first three will adjudicate at Carrickmore Petty Sessions, and the last-named at Dromore. Mr. Anderson is a Unionist in politics, while the others take an active part in Nationalist affairs in the county.

The annual meeting of the Portrush District Nursing Association was held on the 25th ult. The report of the district nurse (Nurse Emma Ritchie) stated that the number of cases nursed during the year from November 1st, 1913, to October 31st, 1914, was eighty-six. Of these seventy-one were cured, eight died, four were sent to hospital and three were still on the books. The total number of visits paid was 2,088. The hon. treasurer (Mr. J. G. M'Morris) stated that there was a balance in hands of £51 6s 7d.

Included among the studentships, awarded as the result of the recent Moderatorship examinations which have been passed by the Board of Trinity College, there is the following -- Brooke Prize (Math.) -- Miss Jeanie Anderson matriculated in 1910 from Excelsior Academy, Banbridge, with first mathematical sizarship, and has since gained the highest honours in that subject. She has won the Townsend Memorial Prize, first-class senior exhibition scholarship, numerous first of first honours, the Lloyd Exhibition, the Michael Roberts Prize, and a catechetical premium.

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THE CASUALTY LISTS.

ULSTER NAMES.

The casualty lists issued by the War Office during the past week give the names of a number of Ulster men. Captain Lord Arthur John Hamilton (brother of the Duke of Aberoam), Irish Guards, Deputy-Master of his Majesty's Household, is included in the list of missing. Major C. R. Spedding, D.S.O., Royal Irish Rifles, son of the late Dr. Spedding, Antrim Road, Belfast, is unofficially reported to be a prisoner of war.

Information has been received that Secomd-Lieutenant P. MacDonagh, of the Royal West Kent Regiment, was killed in action in France last week. Deceased was the second son of Mrs. MacDonagh, Loughgall, County Armagh, who has received official notification of his death. He had been on the special reserve of officers of the West Kents since May last.

A telegram has been received from the War Office at the residence of his parents, Ardmore, near Derry City, announcing that Second-Lieutenant John Ross Smyth, of the 18th Royal Irish Regiment, has been killed in action at the front. No further details are given. Second Lieutenant Smyth, who was only about 18 years of age, went out to the fighting line a month ago. He is the only son of Lieutenant-Colonel Ross Smyth, J.P., O.C., the 10th Service Battalion Royal Innniskilling Fusiliers (Derry U.V.F.). Very sincere sympathy is felt in Derry for the gallant young officer's parents and other relatives.

One of the officers on board H.M.S. Bulwark when she foundered was Lieutenant Alexander C. Montagu, second son of Mr. R. A. C. Montagu, J.P., owner of the Cromore demesne, Portstewart, County Derry, and grandson of the late Lord Robert Montagu.

Lieutenant the Hon. G. R. Bingham, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, a son of Lord Clanmorris, is unofficially reported a prisoner of war. Born in 1894, he was educated at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and recently obtained his commission in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. One of his brothers, Captain the Honourable John Denis Yelverton Bingham, is serving with the 15th (the King's) Hussars and another brother, the Hon. Edward Barry Stewart Bingham, is a lieutenant in the Royal Navy.

The latest analysis of the casualty lists gives the loss of officers as follows--

Killed	. . .   . . .   . . .   . . .   . . . 994
Wounded	. . .   . . .   . . .   . . .   . . . 1,860
Missing or prisoners	. . .   . . .   . . .   . . .   . . . 754
Total	. . .   . . .   . . .   . . .   . . . 3,608

The Irish Regiments.
	K.	W.	M.	P.	Tl.
Connaught Rgrs.	18	17	4	5	44
Dublin Fusiliers	1	4	1	8	14
Munster Fslrs	10	2	4	8	24
Inniakilling Fslrs	8	21	1	1	31
Irish Fusiliers	3	10	1	2	16
Irish Guards	13	18	6	--	37
Irish Regiment	8	14	16	8	46
Irish Rifles	8	25	5	--	38
Leinster Regiment	4	10	3	--	17
N. Irish Horse	--	--	1	--	1
4th R. I. Drgns.	2	9	--	3	14
5th R. I. Lancers	2	6	--	1	9
Totals	77	137	41	36	291

THE LATE LIEUTENANT CRYMBLE.

Speaking at a meeting in connection with the reception of new students at the Queen's University of Belfast on Saturday, the Vice-Chancellor (Rev. Dr. Hamilton) paid a warm tribute to the memory of the late Lieutenant Cecil Reginald Crymble, the sad news of whose death has filled the members of the University with sorrow. After referring briefly to his career at Queen's since his entrance ten or eleven years ago, the Vice-Chancellor said that during all Lieutenant Crymble's student life he was ever found everything that a student ought to be. Not only was he at all times devoted to his studies, gaining honour after honour, scholarship after scholarship, and degree after degree, but he was one of those who did not believe that all a student's time should be spent at work. He was the life and soul of students' clubs and societies of all kinds, and had left behind him in the University a name and a memory which would not soon be forgotten. Now the flag floated at half-mast in his memory on the University tower, and he lay in a grave far from his native land. He died a soldier's death, and as Lord Macaulay said -- "How can man die better."

The Vice-Chancellor's words were heard in solemn silence, and at the close the students present stood reverently in memory of their old comrade.

NAVAL APPOINTMENT FOR WELL KNOWN QUEENSMAN.

Mr. A. Gray M'Kee, 8, Belgravia, Ulsterville Avenue, Belfast, son of the late Rev. James M'Kee, Newbliss, County Monaghan, and brother of the Rev. E. J. M'Kee. LL.D., Manorcunningham, has been appointed surgeon-probationer on his Majesty's torpedo boat destroyer flotilla. Surgeon-Probationer M'Kee is a well-known Queen's University man; also well-known in Rugby football circles, having played for both Queen's and North.

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ULSTER AMERICANS.

Mr. Harry Wilson Walter, of New York, has sent us, says the "Irish Times," a lively account of his researches in Ulster for records of the ancestry of the President of the United States. It has convinced us that, whether Ulster is, or is not, entitled to govern herself, she can justly claim to have governed the United States of America for the better part of a hundred years. President M'Kinley was of Ulster descent. Mr. Walker visited Ulster with ex-President Blaine many years ago, when the latter was inquiring into the history of his own ancestors. Two members of the Ulster family of Adams became Presidents of the United States. The family of Andrew Jackson hailed from Donegal, though Mr. Blaine's search for details about it among the graveyards of that county was not successful.

There is no doubt about the Ulster ancestry of President Wilson, but the place of the family's origin is in dispute, and Mr. Walker's mission was to settle the matter once for all. We regret to say that his object does not seem to have been attained. He arrived at Belfast in June of the present year, in the middle of Ulster's preparations for civil war. It was not a promising moment for the peaceful genealogist, but Mr. Walker found that it gave people "pleasure and relief" to escape from thoughts of "the impending conflict" by talking about the most distinguished member of the Wilson tribe. He had a natural preference for Downpatrick as the first home of the Wilsons because it pleased his patriotism to imagine that the President's inspiration "derived from the very atmosphere that matured Saint Patrick and Columbkill." In fact, he found a slab, bearing the name of Wilson, within one hundred feet of Saint Patrick's tomb, but there was no date, and he learnt nothing from it. At one moment he got a very promising clue from Newry, but found that his informants had confused President Wilson with Mr. Mitchel, the Mayor of New York.

He returned to the States without having settled the origin of the Wilson who left Ulster a hundred years ago for Steubenville, Ohio, but it is clear that his fancy still clings hopefully to Downpatrick. The number of prosperous Americans who are anxious to establish an Irish ancestry seems to be very large. Mr. Walker knew a man who "made a handsome living by looking up family records in the British Museum. He used to say that his best clients came from around Pittsburg and were of Ulster origin."

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

THE LATE MR. M'NEILE M'CORMICK.

Grand Jury's Resolution.

At the Ulster Winter Assizes, before the Right Hon. Mr. Justice Dodd, when the Grand Jury had completed their consideration of the bills, Mr. Robert Thompson, M.P. (foreman), intimated to his lordship that they had passed the following resolution --

"That the members of the Grand Jury at the Ulster Winter Assizes, 1914, desire to place on record the great loss the community of Belfast and North of Ireland have sustained by the recent death of Mr. Hugh M'Neile M'Cormick, who for so many years ably and efficiently discharged the duties of the Clerk of the Crown and Peace in this court; His businesslike methods, the high intelligence which he brought to the discharge of his duties, and the invariable courtesy he always displayed made him an ideal public official, and his loss is deeply felt by every member of the community. The Grand Jury desire to express their deep sympathy with Mrs. M'Cormick and her family in their irreparable loss." Mr. Thompson added that he had moved, and Mr. Geo. S. Clark, D.L., had seconded the resolution.

His Lordship expressed gratification at the passing of the resolution, which he said he would have filed as part of the records of the Court.

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

THE ULSTER DIVISION.

The appointment of Rev. Andrew Gibson as officiating Presbyterian clergyman for the troops of the Ulster Division at Lurgan, has been officially approved.

Lieutenant T. P. D. Seymour has been posted to the Special Service Squadron of the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons (Ulster Division) at Enniskillen.

With reference to the appointments of officers of the Indian Army to the Ulster Division, Captain J. Hardcastle, 46th Punjabis, has been posted to the 10th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (South Belfast Volunteers); Captain E. P. Grant, 25th Cavalry E.F., to the 6th Service Squadron Inniskilling Dragoons; and lieutenant H. W. Seton, 9th Gurkha Rifles, to the 9th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers (Armagh Volunteers). These officers have arrived in Belfast.

Mr. Hugh M'Cormick, rate collector, City Hall, Belfast, has received a commission in the 16th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (2nd County Down Battalion), at Lurgan.

Mr. F. W. Martin, 109, Wellesley Avenue, son of Mr. Fred Martin, house agent and valuer, Clifton Street, has been appointed to a commission in the 8th Service Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, and ordered to report himself for duty at the Staff College, Camberley.

In addition to buildings in Ravenhill Avenue, Annadale Hall has been taken for the accommodation of troops of the Divisional Train A.S.C., Ulster Division.

BELFAST U.V.F. NEW COMMANDER.

Brigadier-General Edward Hogarth-Molesworth, C.B., a member of a family long associated with Ireland, has been appointed Commander of the Belfast Division, Ulster Volunteer Force, in succession to Captain W. L. Down, R.N., who has joined the senior service. A son of the late Major Edward Nassau Molesworth and Mary Anne, daughter of Mr. John Hunt, Ballyduff House, Tipperary, Brigadier-General Molesworth was born on 2nd May, 1854, and entered the army in 1872. He retired in 1911. The new commander of the Belfast Division is a relative of Viscount Molesworth, of Swords, Dublin.

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

ULSTER WINTER ASSIZES.

DECREASE IN CRIME.

Mr. Justice Dodd, opening the Ulster Winter Assizes in Belfast on Tuesday, informed the Grand Jury, of which Mr. Robt. Thompson, D.L., M.P., was foreman, that there were fifty-two cases to be investigated. In all the Ulster counties he was glad to report a decrease in crime. Perhaps they might allow him to say that there might be an under current of public and civic duty in the decrease of crime. It might be one of the results of the war in which they happen to be engaged that there was a higher sense of duty in the community than before, and indeed he thought that was so. He did not remember in his life such a strong sense of personal duty pervading every class of society throughout the length and breadth of the country. Of course, there were exceptions, but as a general rule be thought it was remarkable that such a sense of duty was exhibited. His Lordship alluded in sympathetic terms to the deaths of Capt. the Hon. Arthur O'Neill, M.P., and Mr. H. M'Neile M'Cormick, Clerk of the Crown and Peace, and paid a high tribute to the worth, of these gentlemen.

The Grand Jury subsequently passed a resolution placing on record the great public services rendered by the late Mr. M'Cormick.

The High Sheriff (Alderman John Tyrrell, J.P.) entertained the Judge, the Grand Jury, the principal Court officials, and prominent citizens to luncheon in the dining-room of the Courthouse. Reference was made to the death of Mr. M'Cormick and the great assistance rendered by the Under-Sheriff in the work of the Sheriff's Office and the well-deserved promotion of Mr. Geo. Hill Smith to the Inner Bar. In concluding, the High Sheriff said that his year of office was now almost at a close, and he desired to return his sincere thanks to the members of the Corporation for the high honour they had conferred upon him.

THE CRIMINAL BUSINESS.

On Tuesday John Conlon, postman, Portadown, was ordered six months' imprisonment for stealing a cheque for £23 7s 3d, which was in course of postal transmission.

George Hegarty, of the tramp class, was sent to jail for six months for the larceny of £1 7s from an old man named John Gillespie at Tullyconnell, County Donegal.

On Wednesday William Armstrong pleaded guilty to a charge of malicious damage by breaking a plate-glass window at Derry on 2nd October, and also to a charge of being an habitual drunkard. Prisoner asked to be sent to a home, stating that he was the son of a bank manager. He was sent to the Ennis Home for Inebriates for three years.

On Thursday Charles Murphy, a milk cart driver residing at Bridge End, about five miles outside of Londonderry, was tried for the manslaughter of a little girl named Rose Vaughan Archibald, (aged two years and three months, by knocking her down and running over her, causing fatal injuries, on the 18th July. Dr. Walsh, K.C., and Mr. A. E. Wood (instructed by Dr. Todd, Londonderry), prosecuted, and Mr. J. Weir Johnston, B.L. (instructed by Messrs. Babington & Calwell), defended.

It was alleged that the accused was under the influence of drink at the time, and that he could have pulled his horse up if he had used care.

The defence was a denial of being under the influence of drink, and that the accident could not have been avoided.

The jury, after disagreeing, and being put back, found a verdict of guilty, with a recommendation to mercy, and his Lordship allowed the prisoner out in his own recognisances in £10.

Samuel Pickering, jun., for burning hay on the 15th Sept, near Dungiven, County Derry, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment.

Bernard Mullan, jun., for an assault on 21st August, in Derry County, was bound over in his own recognisances and allowed out.

Hugh Reid, charged with indecent assault in County Tyrone, was sent to a Borstal institution for three years.

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

DEATH OF LORD ERNE.

GRAND MASTER OF IRISH ORANGEMEN.

HEIR TO TITLE A PRISONER OF WAR.

It is with sincere regret that we announce the death of the Earl of Erne, K.P., which occurred on Wednesday after several weeks' illness, at Crom Castle, Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh. The deceased nobleman was the fourth earl, succeeding to the title in 1885 on the death of his father. The title was taken from Lough Erne, and was created in 1789, tire first holder being Abraham Crichton, great-great-grandfather of the late peer. Born in Dublin on 16th Oct., 1839, he was the eldest son of the third Earl and Selina Griselda, second daughter of the Rev. Charles C. Beresford. He was educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford, where he took the degree of M.A., and as Viscount Crichton he represented Enniskillen in the Conservative interest in the House of Commons from 1876 to 1880, and Fermanagh from 1880 to 1885. He was a Lord of the Treasury from 1876 to 1880, and occupied the important position of Conservative Whip from 1876 to 1885. In 1870 he married Lady Florence Mary Cole, daughter of the third Earl of Enniskillen, and by the marriage there were four sons and two daughters -- Viscount Henry Wm. Crichton, M.V.O., D.S.O.; Hon. George Arthur Charles Crichton, late major Coldstream Guards, and now Assistant Comptroller of the Lord Chamberlain's Department; Hon. Arthur Crichton, late lieutenant 3rd Battalion Gordon Highlanders; Hon James A. Crichton, late captain Rifle Brigade; Lady E. Ward and Lady Hugh Grosvenor respectively. The hear to the title is Viscount Crichton, a major in the Royal Horse Guards, who is at present a prisoner of war in Germany. The new Earl, who is a distinguished soldier, served in the South African War as A.D.C. to Major General Brocklehurst, and received the D.S.O. medal for gallantry. He is an extra Equerry to his Majesty the King, whom, as A.D.C., he accompanied on his Colonial tour when Prince of Wales. He was born in 1872, and was married in 1905 to Lady Mary Cavendish Grosvenor, daughter of the first Duke of Westminster. On the outbreak of the present war he proceeded with his regiment to the front, and a few weeks ago was captured by the Germans. It is interesting to mention that Viscount Crichton is the second nobleman during the present week who has inherited an earldom while a prisoner of war, Viscount Dalrymple, who was also captured by the Germans, having yesterday succeeded to the title of his late father, the Earl of Stair. The late Lord Erne, who was an extensive Irish landlord, had the honour of a Knighthood of St. Patrick conferred upon him in 1889, and three years later he was appointed a member of the Irish Privy Council. Since 1886 he has been his Majesty's Lieutenant for County Fermanagh, and for many years he has presided with ability over the affairs of the County Fermanagh County Council. His London residence was at 21, Knightsbridge, and he was a member of the Carlton Club. In religion he was an Episcopalian.

The death of Lord Erne will be a distinct loss to Irish Unionism. Throughout his life he was a staunch Conservative, and in him the anti-Horne Rule campaigns had no more enthusiastic supporter. A leading member of the Ulster Unionist Council, he threw his whole heart and soul into the labours of that organisation to defeat the nefarious proposals of the Government to place the country under a Parliament in College Green, Dublin; and Ulster loyalists were under a deep debt of gratitude to him for his strenuous exertions on behalf of their cause. Not only in County Fermanagh, but in Belfast (particularly on the occasion of the great Ulster Convention at the Plains, and at recent Ulster Hall demonstrations), he frequently addressed meetings had eloquently outlined the policy that Unionists should adopt to prevent the establishment of an Irish Parliament, and across the Channel his weighty influence was used in season and out of season on the side of the Ulster Loyalist. The Orange Institution will also be the poorer by his death. He was a powerful advocate of the principles for which this organisation stood, and in recognition of his valuable services on their behalf the Orangemen of Ireland in December, 1886, elected him to the highest office in their power -- Imperial Grand-Master -- a position which he held up to the present with conspicuous ability, and with great advantage to the Order. He was also Imperial Grand Master of the British Dominions, so that practically wherever Orangeism flourishes his was a household name. The late Earl was beloved by all who knew him, and the news of his demise will cause world-wide regret. His was of a most unassuming disposition, and amongst his tenantry was recognised as a model landlord.

During the day sympathetic messages were received at Crom Castle from Unionist leaders expressing the severe loss Ulster Unionism had sustained by Lord Erne's death, and condoling with the family in their sad bereavement.

 

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Birth

M'ROBERT -- Nov. 27, 1914, at The Murray Lodge, Killybegs, the wife of J. M'F. M'Robert, Ulster Bank, Ltd., of a daughter.

Marriage

BYERS--PRATT -- Dec. 2, 1914, at Billis Parish Church, by the Rev. W. T. Stewart, rector, Joseph Byers, Gartnabragher, Ballyjamesduff, to Kate E. Pratt, daughter of the late Robert Pratt, Stragh, Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan.

Deaths

ALEXANDER -- Dec. 4, 1914, at Infirmary, Antrim, Margaret Alexander, or MacElchinor, formerly of Donegore, aged 104 years. Interred in Antrim New Cemetery, on Monday, the 7th inst., at twelve o'clock noon.

DICKEY -- Dec. 6, at her residence, Risdale, Donaghadee Road, Bangor, Agnes, beloved wife of Joseph Dickey. Her remains were interred in City Cemetery, Belfast, on Tuesday, 8th December.

HASLETT -- Dec. 5, at 36, Rosemount Gardens, Belfast, Margaret, widow of the late Samuel Haslett, Dundonald, and daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Coulter, Gilnahirk. Interred on Monday, the 7th inst., in Gilnahirk Burying-ground.

MORRISON -- Nov. 23, at his residence, Lawrence Hill, Londonderry, Samuel Morrison, Solicitor. Interred in Londonderry Cemetery, Nov. 25.

M'KNIGHT -- Dec. 8, at Roundhay, Somerton Road, Belfast, Mary Elizabeth, the dearly-beloved wife of R. W. M'Knight, M.P.S.I., and youngest daughter of the late David Brown, Kensington, Windsor Avenue, Belfast. Funeral private.

M'WILLIAM -- December 9, 1914, at his residence, Lenaderg Cottage, Banbridge, Frederick George M'William, Solicitor. Interment in family burying-ground, Old Meeting-house Green, Banbridge, this (Friday) afternoon, 11th inst., at 2 o'clock.

BOYD -- Dec. 8, at Cloughinduff, Sarah Jane, wife of James Boyd.

BROWNE -- Dec. 5, at the residence of his brother, Ballynenagh House, Moneymore, Rev. William Browne, Senior Minister, Legacurry, Lisburn.

BUCHANAN -- Dec. 5, at 8, Rosetta Cottages, Ormeau Road, Belfast, Mary Buchanan.

CALDERWOOD -- Dec. 8, at Hillhead, Craigs, Alexander, husband of Mary Calderwood.

CRAWFORD -- Dec. 4, at the Belfast Charitable Institution, Samuel Crawford.

CRAWFORD -- Dec. 6, 1914, at his brother's residence, Rosnagalla, Newbuildings, Londonderry, David Crawford, licentiate of the Irish Presbyterian Church.

CROTHERS -- Dec. 7, at Donard View House, Banbridge, Thomas Crothers.

DAVIDSON -- Dec. 6, at Brookville, Carragullin, Killinchy, Alice, relict of the late John Davidson.

DICKSON -- Dec. 3, at 41, Elgin Street, Belfast, Margaret (Greta) Dickson, aged 17.

GUY -- Dec. 5 (after a painful illness, borne patiently by Christian fortitude), Elizabeth Guy, Liverpool House, Irvinestown, County Fermanagh, aged 60 years. "Safe in the arms of Jesus."

JAMISON -- Dec. 6, at 22, Bryansburn Road, Bangor, Eliza, widow of the late Joseph Jamison.

KERR -- Dec. 7, at Myrtlefield Park, Belfast, Mary, eldest daughter of Frank Kerr.

KIRKPATRICK -- Dec. 4, at 43, Willowfield Street, Hugh Kirkpatrick.

LOCKHART -- Dec. S, at 35, Landscape Terrace, Edward, youngest son of the late Isaac Lockhart.

MAIRS -- Dec. 5, at Alnwick, Robert Mairs, M.R.C.V.S., younger son of Rev. J. S. Mairs, Dunloy.

MATHERS -- Dec. 4, at Sunnymead, Coleraine, Sarah, daughter of the late James Mathers.

MELVILLE -- Dec. 4, at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Wm. Melville, 29, Bentinck Street, husband of Mary Melville.

MITCHELL -- Dec. 5, at Royal Victoria Hospital, Thomas Mitchell, husband of Esther Mitchell.

M'KAY -- Dec. 3, at Railway House, Cookstown, Gladys, daughter of the late Thomas Kay, aged 2½ years.

M'WILLIAMS -- Dec. 9, at Lenaderg Cottage, Banbridge, Frederick George M'William, Solicitor.

NELSON -- Dec. 6, at Burnside, Kilwaughter, Wm. Nelson.

NUGENT -- Dec. 5, at Portaferry House, Co. Down, Lieutenant-Colonel John Vesey Nugent, late 51st Regiment (King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry), aged 77 years.

REANTEY -- Dec. 3, at Corona, Ravenhill Park, Robert Algie, infant son of Robert Reaney.

SULLIVAN -- Dec. 9, Katie, wife of Harry Sullivan, 48, Haypark Avenue, Belfast.

THOMPSON -- Dec. 3, at Lady Brook House, Dunmurry, Ellen, wife of John Thompson.

THOMPSON -- Dec. 7, at Ardmore Galwally, Newtownbreda, Robert R. Thompson.

WADDELL -- At sea, on ss. Derbyshire, Dr. Wm. Rutherford Waddell, seventh son of the late Rev. Hugh Waddell, of Tokio, Japan.

Clippings

ULSTER AND THE WAR.

COMPLETING THE DIVISION

2,000 MEN WANTED BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

When the War Office sanctioned the establishment of three infantry brigades from the Ulster Volunteer Force in the new recruiting scheme, it was not known how the men would respond, but their loyalty has now been proven to such an extent that the three brigades (12,000 men) were completed in a short time. It was then suggested, as recruits were coming in daily, that a division comprising 16,860 men exclusive of artillery should be established, and the Headquarters Staff willingly undertook to raise the necessary men to establish the division, and on the 28th November 14,611 was the total strength of the Ulster Volunteers who had joined the Army. It will thus be seen that over 2,000 men are still required, and the wish has been earnestly expressed that the various units might be filled up before Christmas, so that at the beginning of the New Year the entire division may be fully equipped, and may be enabled to enter upon training as a whole without further delay. Practically everyone now knows how to enlist. Men desirous of joining the Army can have choice of regiment and choice of trade. All they have to do is to go to the nearest commanding-officer of the Ulster Volunteer Force unit and obtain the necessary voucher to any part of the province, or they can obtain a warrant from any police station. Within the course of the next few weeks every man will be comfortably housed either in substantial barracks or in the new huts now rapidly nearing completion. The clothing department is at present in a position to fit out men immediately on joining, while it is satisfactory to be officially informed that the difficulties that presented themselves with regard to separation allowances have been overcome.

The present strength of the varions units and the men still required to complete the division is as under --

		Establish- ment	Strength	Men Still Wanted
Infantry		13,911	12,864	1,031
Cyclist Company		290	--	290
Cavalry		165	200	--
R.A.M.C		706	609	97
Royal Engineers --
	Bricklayers	48	27	21
	Carpenters and joiners	80	37	43
	Clerks	10	10	--
	Harness makers	7	--	7
	Coopers	4	2	2
	Masons	24	10	14
	Draughtsmen	4	4	--
	Electricians	4	4	--
	Engine-drivers	8	8	--
	Fitters & turners	16	39	--
	Blacksmiths, &c.	30	18	12
	Surveyors	4	--	4
	Tailors	8	6	2
	Labourers	20	8	12
	Wheelwrights	10	2	8
	Shoeing and carriage smiths	4	2	2
	Harness-makers	1	--	1
	Telegraphist line	26	--	26
	Telegraphist office	18	4	14
	Blacksmiths, &c.	3	2	1
	Signallers	60	37	22
	Shoeing and carriage smiths	2	--	2
	Drivers (field)	114	39	75
	Drivers (signal)	44	--	44
Army Service Corps --
	Wheelers	19	8	14
	Saddlers	14	3	11
	Farriers	15	1	14
	Motor drivers	4	--	4
	Drivers (horse)	370	140	230
	--unreadable--			20
	--unreadable--

LADY CARSON IN LURGAN

Recruits Inspected at Brownlow House.

On Friday afternoon the 16th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (2nd County Down Battalion, Ulster Volunteers), at present in course of formation at Brownlow House, Lurgan, was favoured with a visit, from Lady Carson, wife of the esteemed leader of the Irish Unionist party. Accompanied by Lieutenant-Colonel Craig, Assistant-Adjutant and Quartermaster-General of the Ulster Division, and Mrs. Craig, Lady Carson motored from Belfast, and on arrival found the officers and men of the new battalion numbering 335, drawn up on parade on the gravel drive fronting the mansion. As the visit was purely informal, there was no demonstration, and the townspeople were not aware of her presence in their midst. Having been received with the general salute, Lady Carson inspected the battalion, on whose soldierly bearing she subsequently congratulated the commanding officer, Major John Leader. The other officers on parade were -- Captain and Adjutant W. J. Allen, J.P.; Captains R. Gardiner and W. Collins, Lieutenant and Quartermaster A. Forsythe, Lieutenant R. W. Lacey, Second-Lieutenants F. H. Shepherd, T. J. White, G. Barton, S. Platt, E. Somerfield, J. S. Elliott, H. L. Dickson, A. Green, and N. M'Keown, and Sergeant-Major J. Bell. Lady Carson, along with Lieutenant-Colonel and Mrs. Craig, Mrs. Leader (wife of the commanding officer), Mrs. W. J. Allen, Mrs. J. Simpson (Scarva), and Miss Allen were subsequently entertained to luncheon by Major Leader and the officers of the battalion. Afterwards her ladyship was escorted through the several apartments in the barracks, and later in the evening she left for Belfast.

Sir Edward Carson will not be able to inspect the new battalion next week, but he hopes to be in a position to do so during the following week.

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IRISH SEA DISASTER

EXPLOSION AND FIRE.

THIRTY-FOUR LIVES LOST.

The steamship Vedra was making her way to Barrow Docks on Monday when she went ashore on the coast of Walney Island. Distress signals were sent up, and the Fleetwood and Barrow lifeboats hurried to the scene. The captain and crew remained on board, refusing to leave the ship, as they believed she could be refloated. A tug was requisitioned for this purpose, but without avail.

During the night the vessel's bulkheads were strained, and the benzine appears to have got into the engine-room. Then the awful conflagration began. It was at once seen that no efforts could subdue the fire, and the burning oil escaped into the sea.

The crew's escape was cut off, and rescue work was rendered almost impossible. The men appear to have jumped from the doomed ship, but only into the flaming sea, and the whole crew of thirty-six perished excepting two, a third man just being out of reach of the rescuers. Huge flames and large volumes of smoke issued from the vessel, which was still burning fiercely late this afternoon.

The Vedra had a cargo of 4,900 tons of oil, and a similar ship with a like cargo reached the port of Barrow in safety. The two survivors of the Vedra were badly burned, and lie in North Lonsdale Hospital in a critical condition.

BELFAST MAN LOST

DESPERATE FIGHT FOR LIFE.

James Dixon, fourth engineer, of South Shields, one of the two survivors of the ill-fated oil steamer Vedra, interviewed to-day by the Press Association's Barrow correspondent, remarked upon the alarming suddenness of the outbreak, stating that after the first explosion the men had scarcely time to realise what had happened before they were enveloped by furious tongues of fire.

Along with the second steward, a mess room steward named Harper, and the third engineer, M'Gibbon, of Belfast, he was in the chart room when the explosion occurred, and on running oat to ascertain the cause they found their exit by the usual door cut off, as the flames were already raging furiously round it.

The men then rushed down into the saloon and endeavoured to get out that way, but it was no use, the fire being everywhere. Returning by the way they had descended they came to the conclusion that the only hope of saving their lives was to make a dash for the proper exit.

Breaking through the flames the men were terribly scorched, all the hair on their heads being burnt off, and their bodies were also badly injured.

"When we got up on to the deck," proceeded Dixon, "we saw the sailors jumping overboard. They would be either drowned or burned to death, as the waves were in flames through great quantities of oil pouring overboard. Second-Engineer Fred M'Laughlin and followed Chief Engineer Evans, and the three of us got round by the funnel, which afforded some slight protection.

"Afterwards we scrambled to the poop of the vessel. The tugboat Furness was in sight, and we hailed her. There was also a lifeboat in the vicinity, but it was difficult for her to come near in view of the tempestuous sea and the flames on the water, which produced an indescribable spectacle. The Furness did come close in, which showed great courage and skill on the part of her skipper, Captain Hill.

"Between the three of us on the poop there were only two lifebelts, and the chief engineer handed them to M'Laughlin and myself. I jumped overboard first, and M'Laughlin followed, and we were picked up by the Furness. A lifebelt was thrown to the chief engineer from the tug, but he was so exhausted that he could not hold on to the line. Chief-Engineer Evans then in desperation leapt overboard, only to be dashed by a wave against the vessel and killed." Dixon added that the whole of the crew were British, Captain Brewster, of Whitby, being in command.

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FAMINE ON AILSA CRAIG.

LIFEBOAT TO THE RESCUE.

A THRILLING STORY.

On Monday evening a beacon fire was observed on Ailsa Craig, which is the signal to the mainland for medical assistance. There are at present fifty people on the islet. Captain Archibald Girvan, accompanied by Dr. Gordon Valentine, panel doctor for the island under the National Insurance Commissioners, with a couple of boatmen, put to sea in the motor smack Glenorchard. The seas were rolling very high, and they were heading against a fierce gale. After going out about four miles they had to return to Girvan Harbour, as the boat was in danger of being swamped.

A message by carrier pigeon was expected in the morning, but as none arrived a telephonic message was sent to the Insurance Commissioners, Edinburgh, for permission to launch a lifeboat. This was promptly granted, and at eleven o'clock yesterday morning an attempt was made at launching. The boat is launched by means of a double rope attached to a buoy some distance from the beach. The rope, however, broke, and the launchers had to wade out in icy cold water, with high waves submerging them often to the shoulders. The boat was finally got off with considerable difficulty. A crew of fifteen, with Dr. Valentine and Captain Girvan, set out for the island.

After three hours battling with the waves, and against a south-westerly gale, the boat reached Ailsa Craig in safety, when it was found that one of the quarry men was seriously ill with pleurisy. That, however, was not the chief trouble, as the islanders were in a state bordering on famine, due to the delay of the provision boat, which comes direct fron the headquarters of Ailsa Craig Granite Quarries at Irvine, and is nearly a fortnight overdue. The quarrymen were very indignant that the lifeboat carried no food, as their stock of flour was exhausted, and they were contemplating shooting some of the goats on the island, of which there is a big herd. The doctor states that the trip and the attempted one on the previous night were the most trying experiences of his life. The gale was blowing like a tornado, and huge waves lashed against the boat, which required to do a good deal of tacking to reach the island. It returned about five o'clock.

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BIGGEST MAN IN THE ARMY

The Ulster Volunteer Force has the honour of having in, its ranks the biggest man in the whole British Army -- Sergeant J. Bryan Stewart, of the 11th (U.V.F.) Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Thirty-two years of age, he is 6ft. 1½in. in height, chest, 43-45inches; and weighs 24st. Though of such great stature he is an international water polo player, an old 'Varsity Rugby man, a keen motorist, and a sports enthusiast. Sergeant Stewart is an Enniskillen man, and has two brothers in the army, one a veterinary surgeon, Lieutenant Charles Stewart, serving at the front, and another, Lieutenant Jack Stewart, in Kitchener's Army.

Few regiments could beat the record of the 11th Inniskillings in the stature of their men. The A and B Companies, which are all drawn from Donegal and Fermanagh, have several men over 6ft., some giants of 6ft. 3in. being in the ranks, and clothing contractors have had great difficulty in clothing these men. The regiment could easily furnish a Royal guard of honour of men 6ft. and over. The average height of the men of these companies is about 5ft. 10in.

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CO. ANTRIM INFIRMARY,

Accommodation for Wounded Soldiers.

At the adjourned quarterly meeting of the Antrim County Council, held on Tuesday at County Courthouse, Belfast -- Mr. J. S. F. M'Cance, B.L., J.P. (chairman), presiding -- the report of the Finance and Law Committee, which was submitted and passed, contained the following -- A letter dated 13th November, from the Committee of Management of the County Infirmary, Lisburn, was laid before us. The Infirmary Committee stated they had under consideration the question of affording accommodation for the reception of wounded soldiers, and had passed a resolution that, subject to the approval of the Local Government Board and the County Council, arrangements be made for the reception of sixteen of these soldiers. They would be received as paying patients, and charged full cost of maintenance. We approve of the action of the County Infirmary Committee in offering these sixteen [-- ? --] beds for wounded soldiers, and recommend the County Council to undertake to provide any additional cost which might be incurred over and above the amount received from the Government for the maintenance of these patients.

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BEQUESTS TO DERRY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.

Miss Margaret Watt, of Cable Villa, Lecky Road, Londonderry, who died on September 10th, left, a large estate of rent and personal property. The trustees are Dr. M'Caul, J.P.; Mr. J. R. Hastings, J.P.; and Mr. Andrew Johnston, J.P. The following are the leading bequests in accordance with a will prepared fourteen years ago -- £100 a year to First Derry Presbyterian Church. £50 a year to Second, Third, and Fourth Derry, and to the two Presbyterian churches of Waterside. £50 a year to Derry Cathedral. £50 a year to Christ Church. £30 a year to the Methodist church on East Wall (now Carlisle Road). £50 a year to All Saints' Church. £50 a year to Claremont Church. £3 a year to the Sabbath ! j schools of all before-mentioned churches. £20 a year to the Roman Catholic Bishop of Derry for the Roman Catholic poor of Derry. £20 a year to the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Institute of Ulster. £20 a year to Derry City Mission. £4 a year to each of the ministers of First, Second, Third, and Fourth Derry, and of Waterside Presbyterian churches, and £4 a year each to the incumbents of the Cathedral, Christ Church, and All Saints, and £4 a year to the minister of the Methodist Church, such sums to be spent by each on the poor of each congregation. £12 a year to First Derry, to be applied in providing prizes for the Sabbath-school, to be called "The Miss Margaret Watt Fund," and the prizes to be known as "The Miss Margaret Watt Prizes." In addition there is a large residue to be allocated to weak congregations in connection with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

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DEATH OF MRS. HASLETT.

A GILNAHIRK MINISTRY RECALLED.

On Saturday morning last the death took place, at Rosemount Gardens, Belfast, of Mrs. Haslett, widow of the late Samuel Haslett, of Vionville, Dundonald, and daughter, and only surviving member of the family, of the late Rev. Dr. Coulter, who spent a long and fruitful ministry in the congregation of Gilnahirk. Deceased had arrived at the age of seventy-nine, and verily she came to the grave "like as a shock of corn cometh in his season." Taking full advantage of the training received in a Godly home she, while yet young, devoted her many gifts and graces to the welfare of the Church of her fathers and of her affections, and took a veritable pride in promoting the highest interests of the congregation to which her distinguished father so whole-heartedly dedicated his life. Shortly after her father's death the congregation of Gilnahirk passed through a critical period. The continuance of its existence as a separate charge was seriously threatened. Encouraged, however, and warmly supported, by Mrs. Haslett and a few kindred spirits, the congregation banded themselves together and successfully weathered the storm; and no one was more delighted with the result than deceased. Toward the strengthening of the renewed life of the congregation Mrs. Haslett wrought with, if possible, more than her wonted enthusiasm. The warm welcome she extended to the minister who was called to break the Bread of Life among them, and the hearty sympathy and generous help she gave to everything that tended toward the welfare of the congregation were beyond all praise, and will ever be cherished by him as one of his happiest remembrances. The place of interment was Gilnahirk Burying-ground. Deceased leaves behind her to mourn the removal of a loving and beloved mother one son and two married and two unmarried daughters, to all of whom the congregation, by whom she was so deeply and so worthily respected, and wide circle of friends, would respectfully tender their sympathy. The services in connection with the funeral, which took place on Monday, were conducted by the Moderator of the General Assembly (the Right Rev. Dr. Bingham), Rev. James Pyper, and Rev. D. S. Ker Coulter.

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NOTES FROM ABROAD

LIFE IN THE CELLARS OF RHEIMS

By REV. JOHN A. BAIN, M.A.

"Le Christiamsme," quoting from another French paper, gives an account, written by a Roman Catholic, of life in the cellars of Rheims, to which the inhabitants are driven by the bombardment of the city by the Germans. "But what we value more than these material comforts is the companions we find in these cellars. Our cellar is next to that of the Protestant pastor and his wife, whose house, involved in the fire that burned the church, has been completely burned down, without their being able to save anything. Their two sons are with the army; the elder disappeared in a cavalry charge; they have not been able to get any information about him; in spite of these terrible experiences their grave serenity, their activity in the service of others has won our admiration. Other Protestant families have gathered there; families which, in spite of their large means, have been, reduced to-day, like, the poor people of the slums, to seek shelter here, their houses existing no longer, or being too much exposed to the bombs.

"We recognise there one of the nurses of our hospital, a fervent Catholic, an excellent person to whom every one is obliged, so much has she placed at the service of all her skill and her enthusiasm. Then a group of young people, young girls and children; families from the neighbourhood of Rheims obliged to leave their districts on the arrival of the Germans, and who expect on their return to find all their property gone.

"We easily become acquainted with one another in these cellars, where there is nothing to do but chat while knitting, or to render continually small services. Besides, being so near to one another, we feel quickly like being one family. Protestants and Catholics live on a very good understanding. Sometimes the pastor says aloud a prayer, to which the Catholics listen religiously; and when on our side we gather together to recite our Rosary or the Litany of the Saints, the Protestants lower their voices so as not to disturb our prayers.

"On Sunday, as the Protestant church is no longer in existence, the pastor holds the service in the crypt. The whole Protestant colony is present seated in a circle on boxes for benches. And these prayers aloud, these religious songs in this cellar, lit with torches, long like church candles, carry the mind back to the distant times of the catacombs, Catholic or Protestants, we pray very well in our cellars."

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LOCAL AND PROVINCIAL.

Mr. James Venard, Mill Row, Tandragee, has at present five sons in the army.

The induction of the Rev. W. E. R. Scott, A.M., as rector of Ardtrea, took place at a [-?-] service held in the parish church on Tuesday.

An old woman named Bridget Connolly was found burned to death in a house in which she lived alone at Corcaghan near Monaghan, on Monday. She was subject to epileptic fits.

Mrs. Steele, of Barrack Street, Newry, has [?] sons serving in the army, and her husband, who saw several years' active service abroad and has a medal, has rejoined the colours as a sergeant in the R.G.A.

It is understood that the military authorities are presently negotiating for the acquirement of the whole of Omagh Workhouse and Infirmary for the purpose of quartering about [?00] troops therein during the winter.

Regret will be felt at the death of Lieutenant-Colonel John Vesey Nugent, D.L., of Portaferry House, County Down. The deceased, who passed away on Sunday, was in his seventy-eighth year, and was the landlord of the town of Portaferry.

On the 1st inst. a man named George [Holland], a large farmer residing near Richmond, was admitted to the County Infirmary suffering from the effects of an internal injury caused by the kick of a horse, which he received in a stable at Moore & Robinson's yard.

Mr. Michael Gavin, Mullasillogad, Fintona, County Tyrone, has been appointed to the Commission of the Peace to adjudicate in the Fintona Petty Sessions district. Mr. Gavin has been a member of Omagh Board of Guardians and District Council for the last sixteen years.

On Sunday afternoon an outbreak of fire was discovered on the premises in Church Street, Ballymena, occupied by the Ballymena and Harryville Co-operative Society and owned by Mr. Henry M'Neilly. Considerable damage was done by fire and water, but this was stated to be covered by insurance.

At the weekly meeting of Lurgan Board of Guardians on Thursday a letter was received from the Local Government Board assenting to the Guardians' proposal to purchase twenty-four beds, thirty mattresses, and sixty pillows for the accommodation of sick and wounded soldiers, without advertising for tenders.

A very successful concert was held in the Town Hall, Kilrea, the proceeds being in aid of the Belgian refugees and to buy comforts for our soldiers at the front. The various musical items were supplied by Mrs. A. J. Cunningham; Mr. Macormick, Derry, the Misses Cochrane. Rev. J. Cole; Messrs. B. O'Kane and J. Stewart, Ballymoney; Misses Kidd and Barry, Kilrea.

The heavy floods occasioned by the almost incessant rain of the past few weeks have responsible for much damage in the Richhill district Whole tracts of country are lying several feet under water, houses in some cases being flooded. On Saturday afternoon about forty feet of wall on the bridge spanning the River Tall, at Bally?eaney, Richhill, fell into the water.

A fire broke out on Monday in the top storey of Mr. James O'Neill's house in King Street, Newry. The Fire Brigade was soon in attendance, and the fire was extinguished with a hand pump. The damage done, it is estimated, will amount to £40.

An old woman named Margaret Corr, apparently about eighty years of age, was found dead in her house in the townland of Corr, near Coalisland, on Saturday afternoon. The Coroner was communicated with, but did not consider an inquest necessary.

A special meeting of the Derry City magistrates was held on Monday to elect a petty sessions clerk in succession to Mr. George J. Scott, who capably filled the office for over forty years. Mr. Harry Scott, acting clerk of petty sessions, was unanimously appointed.

At the weekly meeting of Dungannon Urban Council, the War Office wrote in reply to the request of the Urban Council for two German guns for public ornament that the request would be considered at the conclusion of the war, when the trophies would be distributed.

When it became known in Antrim that about 150 men of the North Irish Horse were under orders for active service, a committee was formed of the ladies of the town and district, and the men were entertained at a social meeting which was held in the Protestant Hall on Monday evening. Miss Clarke, The Steeple, Antrim, presided.

The City of Derry Grand Orange Lodge, at a specially convened meeting on Monday night, passed the following resolution -- "That we, the officers and members of the City of Derry Grand Orange Lodge, beg to tender to the Dowager Lady Erne and the members of her Ladyship's family our heartfelt sympathy on the great loss they have sustained by the death of the Right Honourable the Earl of Erne, K.P., H.M.L., the M.W. the Imperial Grand Master of the Orange Institution."

At a meeting, of Tyrone County Council the Council had before them important recommendations made by the Tuberculosis Committee, in which they were urged to borrow the sum of £1,360 for the ejection of a residence for the tuberculosis officer at the new sanatorium, but recommended to abandon their former proposal to erect a pavilion in connection with the sanatorium to contain fifty-six beds, and only proceed with the erection of a building for twenty-eight beds. The scheme was agreed to.

Mr. James Venard, Mill Row, Tandragee, has at present five sons in the army. Two of them -- James and Joseph -- were on the army prior to the outbreak of war, and the others -- Edward, Abram, and William -- have since joined the Ulster Division of Lord Kitchener's Army. Mr. William Totten, Market Street, Tandragee, has three sons -- Samuel, Henry, and William -- on the army, and he himself has now joined the 2nd County Down Battalion now being formed at Brownlow House, Lurgan.

On the 3rd. inst. a very extensive fire broke out at the flax and saw mills of Mr. A. P. Campbell, auctioneer, Donemana, and the buildings with all the machinery and plant erected therin were completely demolished, as was also a large quantity of flax stored on the premises, the property of the farmers of the surrounding district. The mills, which were lit up with electric light, had only been opened by Mr. Campbell a few years back, and proved to be a great benefit to the inhabitants of Donemana, as a large number of hands were engaged. How the fire originated is not known. The flax in the mill was insured, and it is understood that portion of the premises was also covered by insurance.

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DEATH OF MR. ROBERT R. THOMPSON.

The death to took place on Monday morning, at his residence, Ardmore, Galwally Park, Newtownbreda, of Mr. Robert R. Thompson, who was well known in local business and commercial circles. The deceased, who was seventy years of age, was a native of County Down. For nearly half a century he was in the employment of Messrs. Riddell & Sons, Ltd., ironmongers, Ann Street, and his services in an important capacity were ultimately recognised by his appointment as managing director of the firm. Of great industry and marked ability, he devoted the whole of his attention to the business with which he was so prominently identified, and never aspired to any position in public life. He was, however, an earnest and ardent worker in connection with the May Street Presbyterian Church, and only a week ago he assisted in the packing and despatch of a number of Christmas gifts to soldiers belonging to that congregation who are now serving at the front. In politics he was a staunch Unionist.

The remains of the deceased were laid to rest on Wednesday in Newtownbreda Churchyard, and the funeral was very largely attended. The chief mourners were -- Messrs. Robert S., John C., Arthur W. and Fred R. Thompson (sons), R. C. Blakely (son-in-law), Bob and Herbie Blakely (grandsons), Alfred F. and Edwin C. Blakely, Wm. and John M'Cormick (nephews). Rev. W. Patterson, D.D., and Rev. W. P. Carmody, rector of Knockbreda, officiated.

The funeral arrangements were efficiently carried out by Messrs. Melville & Co., Belfast.

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DEATH OF MRS. GUY, IRVINE TOWN.

We regret to record the death this week of one of Irvinestown's most respected citizens. Mrs. Guy passed away peacefully on Saturday morning last, 5th inst., after a long and painful illness. Symptoms of sciatica were evident early in June, and from that to the closing days of her life she scarcely had any relief from the intense pain suffered thereby. Her sufferings were borne with true Christian fortitude, and when death came she was ready, and her oft-expressed wish fulfilled, which was to enter more fully into the immediate presence of her Saviour. The greatest sympathy is felt for her sons, Mr. Joseph Guy, who did all that love could suggest for her comfort and restoration, and Mr. Francis Henry Guy, who resides in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Her remains were laid to rest in Lisnarick Burying-ground on Monday. Brief services were held in the home by the Rev. A. Duff, and in the Parish Church by the Rev. W. J. Nicholson, M.A.; the latter also officiated at the grave. The chief mourners were -- Mr. Joseph Guy (son), Mr. Henry F. Keys (brother), Messrs. Wm. F. Keys, Henry Keys, Francis Keys, and Wm. Irvine Keys (nephews). The funeral was large and representative, and on all sides were evidences of sorrow and grief at the removal of one who was so much esteemed and beloved. It was fitting that the service in the Episcopal Church should close with the hymn, "Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast."

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DEATH OF REV. W. BROWNE.

We regret to announce the death of Rev. William Browne, senior minister of Legacurry Presbyterian Church, which occurred on Saturday at the residence of his brother, Ballynenagh, Moneymore. Deceased was brought up in connection with the congregation of Saltersland, and his studies preparatory to entering college were pursued at the Belfast Academy. He was licensed by the Presbytery of Magherafelt on the 3rd May, 1864, and on the 31st May, 1866, he was ordained in Legacurry by the Presbytery of Belfast, with which the congregation was at that time connected. For forty-one years he continued to discharge the duties of a quiet and uneventful pastorate; and in 1907 the Assembly granted him leave to retire from active duty. He availed himself at once of this permission, and on 28th August of that year Rev. A. F. Moody, M.A., B.D., was installed as assistant and successor. The present minister is Rev. T. J. K. Rankin, M.A., ordained on the 27th July, 1910.

Throughout his long ministry Mr. Browne was a thoughtful preacher, and maintained a familiar acquaintance with the Hebrew Bible. He was a man of kindly and genial instinct, brotherly, and obliging. His brethren honoured him by calling him to occupy the Moderator's chair at the meeting of the Synod of Belfast in 1910. He took little public part in the proceedings of the General Assembly; but his name will be remembered in connection with a scheme to secure for licentiates greater facilities for preaching on trial. When the Assembly 1902 constituted the Committee on Licentiates and Vacant Congregations, Mr. Browne was placed in charge as convener and he continued to act in this capacity until a rearrangement of work led to the dissolution of the committee. Mr. Browne never married, but he devoted much care to the training of two nephews, both of whom are at present labouring in the Church of Scotland. His removal makes the ninth death in the Irish Presbyterian ministry since last Assembly.

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DEATH OF MR. GEORGE VANCE, WHITEHEAD.

A wide circle of friends will learn with regret of the death which took place on Wednesday evening of Mr. George Vance Whitehead, and much sympathy will be felt over the sad occurrence with his mother and other relatives. Mr. Vance in his early life was associated with a Belfast shipping firm, but about thirteen years ago, recognising the possibilities that lay in the growth of Whitehead, he decided to commence business there, and he soon succeeded in establishing a sound connection in the popular seaside resort. He always took a leading part in furthering the interests of the place, and a few years ago initiated a movement for establishing a Recreation Society for the purpose of catering for summer visitors, and as honorary secretary he rendered valuable service. He was closely identified with St. Patrick's Church, of which Rev. J. Hamilton Bennett, A.B., is vicar, and as an office-bearer in the congregation he took a keen interest in its welfare. A strong Unionist in politics, he devoted much time to registration work in the constituency of First Antrim; and as hon secretary of the Whitehead Ulster Volunteer Force he carried out his duties in a most efficient manner. He was closely identified with the Orange and Black Institutions in Whitehead, and was also a member of the Masonic Order.

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ULSTER WINTER ASSIZES.

TOWN AND COUNTRY CASES

The Right Hon. Mr. Justice Dodd during the week continued the business of the Ulster Winter Assizes in the County Courthouse, Crumlin Road, Belfast, and concluded the cases on Thursday.

On Saturday Christopher Russell, of Mountnorris, County Armagh, pleaded guilty to an indictment of having maliciously wounded John Cochrane, a resident of the same locality, on the 13th November, 1914, and was fined £10, which was immediately paid.

Thomas Benson was charged with maliciously shooting at Rose Anne Tennyson at Annamore, County Armagh, on 15th August, and inflicting grievous bodily harm. There was a second count in the indictment charging him with inflicting grievous bodily harm. He was found not guilty, and discharged.

At the sitting of the Court on Monday a Belfast woman named Catherine Toman, who had previously pleaded guilty to larceny, was found guilty of being an habitual drunkard, and was sent to Ennis Home for Inebriates for three years.

The Crown entered a nolli prosequi in the Belfast Suffragette cases. The charges were respectively against Dorothy Evans and Madge Muir, who were indicted separately and jointly for being in possession of explosives to injure property on 3rd April, 1914, at Belfast, and on a second charge of being in possession of dangerous things to set fire on the 3rd April, 1914, at Belfast. Dorothy Evans was also indicted, with Miss Carson, Joan Wickham, and Lilian Madge, with causing an explosion on 1st August, 1914, in the County of Antrim. Madge Muir and Mary Larmour were also charged with arson on 3rd June, 1914, at Belfast.

During Tuesday's proceedings Mary Moyland, a native of Cork, was found guilty of stealing on October 28th a purse and 6s in money, the property of Susan Fullenough, married woman, Bradbury Place, Belfast.

His Lordship said that since 1889 the prisoner had practically lived in jail. She received five years' penal servitude in Cork in 1907, but her licence was forfeited. He could not save the prisoner from herself, he could only save the public from her. She would be sentenced to five years' penal servitude.

On Thursday Daniel Kelly, who pleaded to receiving money by pretending he was a Belgian refugee at Ballymoney, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment.

Wm. Mulvanney, who pleaded guilty to larceny at Armagh, was ordered three years' Penal servitude.

Charles Lavery, convicted of wounding his wife in a street off the Old Lodge Road, was sentenced to five months' imprisonment from 15th August. Prisoner's wife was paralysed as a result of a severe stab on the bade of the neck. The Judge said he was giving prisoner a chance to reform.

A man named Joseph Loughran, who was found guilty of assaulting Police Constable Calsey, who has since died, had a bad record for stealing and assaults and other offences, his Lordship said he was satisfied Casey was a dying man -- dying from tuberculosis -- at the time of the assault, and the law did not require him to take into account his death. Prisoner had been in custody since 19th October, and under all the circumstances a sentence of four months would be sufficient.

Patrick Rafferty, who had pleaded guilty to robbery of 17s 6d from an old man named Foy was sent to prison for three years' penal servitude. He had fourteen convictions, and nine minor offences on the books against him.

This concluded the business.

DEPARTURE OF THE JUDGE

The Right Hon. Mr. Justice Dodd left the city yesterday per the 5 o'clock mail train for Dublin, and was accorded a military guard of honour drawn from the 5th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles. His Lordship was accompanied to the station by the High Sheriff (Alderman John Tyrrell, J.P.) and the Sub-Sheriff (Mr. Jos Quail).

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BELFAST SPY CASES.

TWO TRIALS AT THE ASSIZES

At the Ulster Winter Assizes in the Belfast County Courthouse on Wednesday before the Right Hon. Mr. Justice Dodds -- Paul George Wentzell was charged with the having approached Orlock Signal Station, County Down, with objects prejudicial to the interests of the State, and with having obtained documents which might be useful to the enemy. Accused, who had served in the German Army, came to Ireland in connection with working the working of a mine. The company failed a year and a half ago, but the prisoner remained in the district and lived mysterious with no business of any description. Evidence was given of the finding of sketch and documents in accused's house after his arrest, as well as an electric flash-lamp.

The accused, addressing the jury, denied he had ever served in the German army adding that he had been rejected because of a deformity to his figure. The sketches found were in connection with experimental works at the lead mines, near Newtownards.

Accused was found not guilty, and was discharged, but the following day was removed to alien internment camp at Tullamore.

In another spy ease under the Official Secrets Act, on Thursday, George [Hople?] a native of Cheshire and in business as a window-cleaner, at 51, Donnybrook Street, Belfast, was found not guilty of communicating information to a man named Blackburn, who at Liverpool Assizes, last October was ordered two years' imprisonment. The defence was that the letter containing information was sent by another person, who used prisoner's name and address to get him into bother. He was discharged.

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TOMMY ATKINS AS PATIENT.

"We were enjoying the peaceful calm of a Sunday afternoon," writes a correspondent in the "Nursing Mirror," "when the message was flashed through the building, 'Wounded soldiers on their way from Southampton will arrive tonight.' Fortunately we had been preparing for some days, so there was no need for wild agitation, but everyone was busily employed for the rest of the day. We filled hot bottles and put them in the beds, brought a plentiful supply of hot water and basins into each ward, spread mackintoshes and draw-sheets in preparation for stretcher cases, and arranged plates and mugs for cocoa and bread and butter.

"They were brought in, one by one, into the central hall, some on crutches, a few painfully walking, but the majority on stretchers. All the necessary formalities were carried out like clockwork. One clerk entered the name, number, regiment, and address of the patient in the register; a second filled up the bed paper; a third handed the patients their hospital kit, and then they were passed by the doctors and sent to their defined ward.

"Poor fellows, how glad they were to be in bed once more! 'It's fine being here, sister, after them, trenches,' said one battered wreck gratefully; 'I feel as if I have been taken out of hell and pitched smack into heaven, bang among the angels.' And then came the one demand, a cigarette -- everyone wanted a cigarette. Even the supper which we took round later, though very welcome, was quite a secondary consideration. They wanted to smoke, and, above all, they wanted to sleep. For the first few days they slept incessantly. We roused them up for food and to attend to their dressings, and then they turned over and went to sleep again, too tired even to talk."

The writer goes on to describe how thoroughly those who recovered enjoyed their convalescence. "They laughed and whistled and sang their favourite marching songs, above all 'Tipperary.' Even the Germans seemed to have picked up this popular ditty and we were told that on one occasion, when the two trenches were quite close together, the English overheard the Germans trying to sing it. They joined in, and during the intervals between the firing on each other friend and foe sang in unison 'It's a long, long way to Tipperary.'"

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THE ORIGIN OF THE CAROL.

These are days when a great deal of attention is paid to the singing of carols. They were always popular, and a Christmas number without some sentimental picture of the old-time waits would indeed be regarded as an arid and uninteresting production. Since time immemorial, bands of singers have raised their voices in carols at this time of the year. But of late, as the practice of singing all round the parishes has been less and less observed, an attempt has been made on the other hand to put the matter on a truer musical basis, and several of our ablest musicians and composers have taken the old carols in hand, have rescued them from old documents or revived them before they have passed from the ken of the few people to whom they have been transmitted from past generations orally, have given them more up-to-date settings, and thus enriched the resources of choirs and congregations everywhere. Thus at Christmas we are so frequently charmed not only by strangely sweet old melodies, but by the quaint verses which so strikingly illustrate the ideas of our pious forefathers.

Carol-singing found its way into Christian observance from the saturnalias of pagan peoples, and in various forms has been, as we all know, a continued practice until to-day. The older carols of this country have a great deal in common with folk-song, and, as perused of a representative collection will show, they contain much in the way of old legend.

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VICTORIA CROSSES

For Indian Troops.

A supplement to the "London Gazette" issued on Monday might, contains the following announcement.

His Majesty the King-Emperor has been graciously pleased to approve of the grant of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned soldiers of the Indian Army for conspicuous bravery while serving with the Indian Army Corps, British Expeditionary Force --

Naik Darwan Sing Negi, 1st Battalion 39th Garhwal Rifles, for great gallantry on the night of the 23rd-24th November near Festubert, France, when the regiment was engaged in retaking and clearing the enemy out of our trenches, and, although wounded in two places, in the head and also in the arm, being one of the first to push round each successive traverse in face of severe fire from bombs and rifles at the closest range.

Sepoy Khudadad, 129th Duke of Connaught's Own Baluchis -- On 31st October, at Hollebeke, Belgium, the British officer in charge of the gun detachment having been wounded, and the other gun being put out of action by a shell, Sepoy Khudadad, though himself wounded, remained working his gun until all the other five men of the gun detachment had been killed.

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GIFTS FROM AGHADOWEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The first consignment of gifts for soldiers at the front was forwarded some time ago to the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. The parcel consisted of 205 packets of chocolate, 100 pairs of socks, mufflers, shirts, pyjama suits, helmets, bandages, belts, and cigarettes, and a few days ago Miss Martha Thompson received a letter of acknowledgment from the colonel in command of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, British Expeditionary Force, thanking her and the members of Aghadowey Presbyterian Church for gifts duly and gratefully received. The ladies of Aghadowey are still busily engaged working for another consignment, which they hope to forward about Christmas or the New Year. All who desire to send some gift, however small it may be, to our soldiers who are suffering go much in the trenches this cold weather, and yet so heroically fighting our battles, can have a share in this good work by sending contributions in work, chocolate, cigarettes, or money to Miss M. Thompson, Cullycapple, Aghadowey.

 

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Marriage

MACBETH--STEWART -- Dec. 8, 1914 (by special licence), at the bride's residence, Willowdene, Ballyclare, by Rev. R. M. Legate, Rev W. J. Guy Macbeth, B.A., Ballyclare, to Ellen, only daughter of W. J. and Mary Stewart, Willowdene, Ballyclare.

Deaths

GIBSON -- Dec. 16, 1914 (suddenly), at his residence, Hilltown House, Knockbracken, Alexander, the dearly-beloved husband of Susan Gibson. Funeral to-morrow (Saturday) morning, at eleven o'clock, to Castlereagh Burying-ground. Friends will please accept this intimation. Deeply regretted.

NICHOLSON -- Dec. 7, 1914, at her residence, Ros-na-Kil, Belmont Church Road, Belfast, Rebecca, widow of late Alexander Nicholson, late of Ballyknock, Hillsborough. Interred in family burying-ground, Moira, on Wednesday, 9th December.

AIKIN -- Dec. 13, at Charlemont Street, Moy, William James, second son of the late Jackson Aikin.

BEBE -- Dec. 9, at Park View, Gilford, Mrs. Esther Bebe, Tandragee.

COLLINS -- Dec. 13, 1914, at his residence, 40, Woodvale Road, William H. Collins, Police Court Missionary, father of Isabel S. Collins.
ISABEL S. COLLINS.

CORRY -- Dec. 13, at Saul, Anne Jane, relict of the late William Corry.

CRAIG -- Dec. 10, at Castlecourt, Bushmills, Ellen Wallace, widow of the late Johnston Craig.

CROZIER -- Dec. 13, at The Palace, Armagh, Mervyn Pakenham, youngest son of Archbishop of Armagh.

CULLEN -- Dec. 13, at Kinedar, Southwell Road, Bangor, Connolly Ottley Crawford Cullen.

DAVIS -- Dec. 11, 1914, at 16, Antrim Road, Robert Davis.

DONALDSON -- Dec. 13, at Hillcrest, Woodvale Road, William, husband of Jane Donaldson.

EMERSON -- Dec. 12, at Tiev-tara, Lurgyvallon, Armagh, Elizabeth Isabella, wife of Henry A. Emerson, Merchant, Armagh.

GILCHRIST -- Dec. 15, at Knocknashane House, Lurgan, John Gilchrist.

GLASS -- Dec. 11, at Gortfadd, Portglenone, John Glass, aged 79 years.

GRAHAM -- Dec. 11, at Tullyherim, Monaghan, Edward Graham, sen.

GREY -- Dec. 14, at Salisbury, Antrim Road, Belfast, Bessie, widow of Henry Cooke Grey.

HOY -- Dec. 16, at Summerhill, Stranmillis, Belfast, Jane, wife of David Hoy.

JOHNSTON -- Dec. 13, at Drumads, Coagh, Annie Johnston.

JOHNSTON -- Dec. 14, at Fourscore, Glenavy, Sarah, widow of the late Thomas Johnston.

LAUDER -- Dec. 14, at Fredrick Place, Lurgan, James Lauder, aged 73 years.

LEITH -- Dec. 10, at Union Place, Dungannon, Kathleen, elder and dearly-beloved daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Leith.

LONSDALE -- Dec. 15, at 44, Queen's Street, Lurgan, Robert George Lonsdale.

MONTGOMERY -- Dec. 9, Sallie, wife of Dr. Alex. Montgomery.

MOORE -- Dec. 9, at 20, Wellwood Street, James Moore, late of Ballyhone, Carnmoney, husband of Ann Moore.

MULLAN -- Dec. 15, at Strathmullan, Dungannon, Mary Elizabeth, widow of the late John Mullen.

M'BRIDE -- Dec. 10, at Scotch Street, Armagh, James Cuming M'Bride, Civil Engineer, in his 67th year.

M'CLUNE -- Dec. 15, at 46, Sandymount Street, Elizabeth McCune, sister of David M'Clune, formerly of Holywood.

McDOWELL -- December 11, 1914, at his residence, Glendara, Cliftonville Circus, John M'Dowell, aged 66 years.

M'KEAG -- Dec. 11, at 62, Donegall Pass, Jane M'Keag, aged 86.

M'KEOWN -- Dec. 10, at Ballyblagh, Stewartstown, Thomas M'Keown, aged 64.

M'MASTER -- Dec. 12, at Duffhill House, Carrickfergus, William M'Master, aged 76 years.

PORTER -- Dec. 16, at Killeen, Fortwilliam Park, Susan, wife of the late Robert Porter.

REYNOLDS -- Dec. 15, at Cliff Ash, Adelaide Park, Belfast, Sarah Jane, wife of Charles Reynolds.

ROBINSON -- Dec. 11, at 16, Donegall Road, Ann Robinson, relict of the late John Robinson.

ROLLINS -- Dec. 10, at 30, Posnett Street, Jane Rollins.

SEED -- Dec. 15, at Ballygilbert House, Eleanor Ann, wife of Moses Seed, in her 66th year.

WHITTLA -- Dec. 12, at Primrose Cottage, Bangor, Esther Anne Whittla, in her 76th year.

YOUNG -- Dec. 16, at 65, Woodvale Road, James Young.

In Memoriam

NICHOLSON -- In loving memory of Samuel Nicholson, who died 16th December, 1913.

Clippings

DEATH OF PORTADOWN NEWSPAPER PROPRIETOR.

Mr. John Young, M.A., proprietor of the "Portadown News," died at his residence in Thomas Street, Portadown., on Saturday morning, after a protracted illness. The deceased, who was a native of Donoughmore, Newry, was a distinguished student of the old Queen's University, in which he graduated in 1868 with gold medal in mathematical science. Afterwards he was appointed headmaster of the Commercial and Mathematical Schools of the Londonderry Academy, a post which he held for seventeen years. Some twenty-four years ago, he resigned that position and purchased the interests of Mrs. Sarah Farrell in the "Portadown News" and general printing works. Mr. Young was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder. He took a deep interest in Sabbath-school work, and was for many years superintendent of the West Street Mission School. He was a staunch Unionist in politics.

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DEATH OF MR. J. LOWERY, ENNISKILLEN

The funereal of Mr. James Lowery, head of the firm of Messrs. T. Johnston & Co., Enniskillen, took place on Monday. The deceased was for more than a quarter of a century senior elder of the Enniskillen Presbyterian congregation, and was superintendent of the Sabbath-school, and there was a large congregation at the special memorial service which, prior to the interment, was held in the church by Rev. A. J. Jenkins, Belfast, assisted by Rev. D. J. Boyle, Lisbellaw, and Rev. R. Smyth, Maguiresbridge. The deceased was sixty-eight years of age, and belonged originally to the Raphoe district of County Donegal.

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DEATH OF MR. ROBERT DOUGLAS, LIMAVADY.

A wide circle of friends will learn with regret of the death, which occurred with great suddenness on Monday evening, of Mr. Robert Douglas, an extensive farmer, resident, at Farloe, near Limavady. The deceased, who was unmarried, was 62 years old, and resided alone. On Monday evening he appears to have become seriously ill when alone, and was evidently making his way to a neighbouring house for assistance when he collapsed on the roadside. His call for help was heard, and he was removed to his residence; but death occurred almost immediately, heart failure, it is believed, being the cause. The deceased was widely known and esteemed throughout the Roe Valley. In politics he was a staunch Unionist. A respected member of Ballykelly Presbyterian congregation, he was a liberal contributor to all the funds of the church. An inquest was not considered necessary.

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DEATH OF MR. WM. M'MASTER, CARRICKFERGUS.

By the death of Mr. Wm. M'Master, Duff's Hill, Carrickfergus, the County of Antrim loses one of its best land valuers and farmers. Since the passing of the Land Act of 1881 Mr. M'Master had been a prominent figure in the Land Courts, and his services as a valuer and agricultural expert were eagerly sought after by solicitors and others. In politics Mr. M'Master was a Unionist, but he had a wide circle of acquaintances amongst farmers generally in the surrounding districts between Larne and Antrim. In religion he was a Presbyterian, and was a monitor of First Carrickfergus Church, of which his brother, Mr. James M'Master, is one of the elders. The deceased, who was seventy-six years of age, leaves a widow and family of four sons and three daughters. Two of the former are in Belfast banks; another is an engineer, and lately returned from Australia to Duff's Hill; and the fourth is engaged as a farmer at Islandmagee. His three daughters are all married -- one to Mr. John Read, of Marshalltown, a well-known farmer; another to a Scots gentleman, and the third resides in New York. With the bereaved relatives general sympathy is felt, and this was amply demonstrated by the large and representative attendance at the funeral on Monday and the long lime of carriages and other vehicles that were seen in the cortege. Rev. Alexander Cuthbert, M.A., with Rev. S. M. Shaw, B.A., officiated at the services in the house and at the graveside at Kilroot.

 

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Marriage

MAGILL--HALL -- Dec. 16, 1914, at Mayview, Knock (the residence of Mrs. Boyd, aunt of the bride), by the Rev. W. J. Lowe, D.D., assisted by the Rev. W. Magill (brother of the bridegroom), the Rev. J. A. Magill, B.A., Bailieborough, County Cavan, to Henrietta Hall, daughter of Alexander Hall, Drumeague, Bailieborough.

Deaths

HERON -- Dec. 20, 1914, at his daughter's residence, 217, Roden Street, William Heron, late of Lisburn. Interred in the City Cemetery. "Peace, perfect peace." AGNES CREELMAN.

JAMISON -- Nov. 24, 1914, at Pretoria West Kopjies Hospital, Transvaal, South Africa (after a long illness), John, youngest son of the late James Jamison, Gortagharn, Randalstown. Interred in Pretoria Cemetery.

YOUNG -- Dec. 12, 1914, at his residence, Thomas Street, Portadown, John Young, M.A. Interred in the City Cemetery, Londonderry, on Monday, December 14.

ANDERSON -- Dec. 20, at 2, Victoria Terrace, Whitehead, Edmond Anderson.

ARMSTRONG -- Dec. 18, at Ballymena, George Bruce, youngest son of Dr. J. Armstrong.

ARNOLD -- Dec. 16, at 42, William Street, Newtownards, Jane, widow of the late Samuel Arnold.

BOWMAN -- Dec. 20, at Hunterville, Whitehead, Margaret Annie Brodie Bowman, daughter of the late Rev. Samuel Bowman, Wesleyan Minister.

BROWN -- Dec. 18, at Tullymore, Killinchy, Alexander Brown.

CORRY -- Dec. 21, at 15, College Square North, Belfast, Sarah Jane Templeton, wife of Joseph Corry.

COULTER -- Dec. 19, at 18, Wellington Park, Belfast, George Coulter.

CROZIER -- Dec. 19, at 103, Woodstock Bead, David Jellie (Davy), youngest son of Francis Crozier.

GIBSON -- Dec. 16, at Hilltown House, Knockbracken, Alexander husband of Susan Gibson.

GRAHAM -- Dec. 20, at Benvista House, Dundrum, Co. Down, Mary, wife of Thomas H. Graham.

GRIMASON -- Dec. 20, at Duncairn Gardens, Margaret Grimason.

HILL -- Dec. 17, at 111, Liverpool Road, Birkdale, England, Sarah, widow of the late John Hill, of Bushmills, aged 92 years.

KANE -- Dec. 17, at his residence, Ballyhenry House, Myrne, James Kane, aged 83 years.

LOCKE -- Dec. 19, at Armature, Greenisland, Jane Greer, wife of S. Locke.

LOWRY -- Dec. 12, 1914, at 5, High Street, Enniskillen, James Lowry.

MacNEICE -- Dec. 18, Elizabeth Margaret, wife of Rev. Frederick MacNeice, Rector of Carrickfergus.

MILLS -- Dec. 22, at 3, Woodland Avenue, Cliftonville, Belfast, Vincent Hope, son of the late Lieutenant George Watson Mills, H.M. Indian Army. F. A. C. MILLS.

MORELL -- Dec. 17, at Cumry Lodge, Ballybay, the Rev. James Morell, B.A.

M'AFEE -- At Groomsport, County Down, Elizabeth M'Afee, widow of the late John M'Afee.

M'CRACKEN -- Dec. 20, at 11, Parkend Street, Belfast, Georgina, daughter of the late John William M'Cracken.

M'WHINNEY -- Dec. 19, at 41, South Street, Newtownards, Adam M'Whinney.

NEILL -- Dec. 21, at Ashfield, Silverstream, Greenisland, Jane, relict of the late Abram J. Neill.

ORR -- Dec. 17, at Rathmore, Antrim, James C. Orr, aged 31 years.

ROWAN -- Dec. 21, at 92, Rugby Avenue, Charlotte, wife of William Rowan.

SHANNON -- Dec. 17, at Kingscourt, John Shannon.

SMITH -- Dec. 18, at 302, Springfield Road, Belfast, James Rew Smith.

STUART -- Dec. 19, at Enniskillen, Andrew Stuart, Manager Ulster Bank.

SMYTH -- Dec. 16, at Milltown House, Banbridge, John Smyth, in his 86th year.

WATSON -- Dec. 20, at Chestnut Vale, Ballyhamra, Hillsborough, Isabella, relict of the late Richard Watson.

Clippings

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT.

Medals far Valour in the Field.

The medal for distinguished conduct in the field has been awarded to the undermentioned for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty whilst serving with the Expeditionary Force --

Chittenden, Bandsman B., Dublin Fusiliers; Doherty, Pte. J., Royal Irish; Fernie, Pte. N., Royal Irish; Munns, Cpl. S. M. A., Irish Guards; Glynn, Pte. M., Irish Guards; Ivens, Lce.-Cpl. C., 2nd Connaughts; M'Goldrick, Lce.-Sgt. P., Irish Guards; Moore, Sgt. A., Inniskillings; O'Connor, Pte. J., Royal Irish Rifles; Plunkett, Sgt.-Major J. F., Royal Irish; Riordan, Lce.-Cpl. M., Irish Guards; Russell, Pte. W. G., Irish Guards.

Baillie, Cpl. J., Life Guards; Ball, Pte. C., Coldstream Guards; Bennett, Pte. J. B. A., 20th Hussars; Burns, Pte. A., R.A.M.C.; Burns, Pte. J., Cheshires; Cairns, Pte. W., Scottish Rifles; Chance, Pte. J. W., Lincs.; Clarke, Sgt. J., R.F.A.; Cole, Lce.-Cpl. F., R.E.; Cooney, Pte. W., Grenadiers; Cox, Sgt.-Major A., R.F.A.; Duffy, Sgt. G. S., S Wales Borderers; Fleming, Cpl. J., 1st Life Gds.; Fox, Sgt. J. A. J., Coldstreams; Gallacher, Sgt. J., Royal Scots; Hall, Lce.-Cpl. J., Coldstreams; Hines, Sgt. H. W., R.F.A ; Holmes, Bombr. T. H., R.F.A.

Jackson, Gunner F., R.F.A.; M'Carthy, Pte. F., Cheshires; Mears, Pte. R., R.A.M.C.; Murphy, Bombr. J., R.F.A.; Reilly, Farrier-Sgt. C., R.F.A.; Richardson, Cpl. T. W., R.F.A.; Rogers, Sgt. D. L., Seaforths; Taylor, Sgt. E. G., R.E.; Taylor, Sgt. W., Berks; Theobald, L.-Cpl. A., Berks; Waldron, Trumpeter S. F. G., R.F.A.; Warren, Cpl. A., Horse Gds.; Wright, Sq.-Sgt.-Major W., 6th Dragoons; Young, Pte. T., Wilts.

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FIRST NAVAL V.C. OF THE WAR.

LIEUTENANT HOLBROOK, R.N., DECORATED.

The "London Gazette" Tuesday contained the following announcements:--

His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the grant of the V.C. to Lieutenant Norman Douglas Holbrook, Royal Navy, for the conspicuous act of bravery specified below.

For most conspicuous bravery on 13th Dec., when in command of the submarine B11 entered the Dardanelles notwithstanding the very difficult current, dived his vessel under five rows of mines, and torpedoed the Turkish battleship Messudiyeh, which was guarding the minefield. Lieutenant Holbrook succeeded in bringing the B11 safely back although assailed by gunfire and torpedo boats, having been submerged on one occasion for nine hours.

His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the grant of the Victoria Cross to Second Lieutenant James Leach and to No. 9016, Sergeant John Hogan, 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment, for their conspicuous bravery specified below.

For conspicuous bravery near Festubert on 29th October when after their trench had been taken by the Germans, and after two attempts at recapture had failed, they voluntarily decided on the afternoon of the same day to recover the trenches themselves, and working from traverse to traverse at close quarters, with great bravery, they gradually succeeded in regaining possession, killing eight of the enemy, wounding two, and making sixteen prisoners.

The King has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointment to the Distinguished Service Order in respect of the undermentioned officer who was second in command of submarine B11, which torpedoed the Turkish battleship Messudiyeh in the Dardanelles on December 13th.

Lieutenant Sydney Thornhill Winn.

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OBITUARY.

REV. JAMES MORELL, B.A., BALLYBAY.

We regret to announce the death of the Rev. James Morell, B.A., minister of the Second Presbyterian Church, Ballybay, which took place at his residence, Cumry Lodge, Ballybay, an Thursday of last week. For some years he had not been in good health, but latterly his condition became more serious, and the end was not unexpected. Deceased was a member of a family long and honourably associated with the ministry of the Irish Presbyterian Church. His great-grand-uncle, Rev. Samuel Morell, Tullylish, when in his twenty-eighth year of his age, was shot by the Hearts of Oak on 6th March, 1772, while standing at a window in the house of his friend, Sir Richard Johnston, of Gilford. His grandfather, Rev. James Morell, was minister of the Ballybay congregation from 1799 to 1831. Of this man's sons James, who still survives, entered the service of the National Board of Education, in which he attained high rank. Another son, Charles Lucas, became minister of First Dungannon Church. On the death of the Rev. James Morell in 1831 the congregation split into two parts, one section calling as their minister Mr. Wm. Gibson, afterwards of Rosemary Street, Belfast, and subsequently professor in the Assembly's College. The other section built a church, and called Mr. John Harris Morell, son of the late minister of Ballybay. When in 1884 he retired from active duty he was succeeded by his son, whose death is now recorded.

Deceased was educated at Queen's College, Belfast, and Assembly's College, and graduated in the Queen's University of Ireland in 1869. His first charge was Glenwherry, in which be was ordained by a commission of Assembly on March 3rd, 1874. On 16th March, 1881, he was installed in Third Rathfriland, and on 20th November, 1884, was called to become assistant and successor to his father in Second Ballybay. In 1895 he was chosen as Moderator of the Synod of Armagh and Monaghan. Mr. Morell was am interested observer of the work of the General Assembly, though he did not take a prominent part in its proceedings, and he was reckoned by many to be one of the foremost preachers in the Church. By his brethren of the various districts in which he laboured he was greatly respected for his wisdom in council and his readiness to give all the help in his power. During his ministry in Ballybay an extensive renovation of the church was carried out, and only last year a fine organ was installed at a cost of over £500. Mr. Morell was thrice married. By his first wife he leaves a daughter, to whom, with his widow, daughter of the late Rev. Thos. Black, of Armaghbrague, and the other relatives much sympathy will be tendered. The only member of the Morrell family now on the roll of the General Assembly is his cousin, Rev. Charlies L. Morell, B.A., senior minister of Drumkeen Church.

<snip>

After the singing of Paraphrase lxvi., "How bright these glorious spirits shine," the coffin was removed to the graveyard while the sadly impressive Dead March in "Saul" was being played. The Rev. J. Thompson, B.A., B.D., Clontibret, led in prayer at the graveside. The chief mourners were -- Mr. J. H. Morell (brother), Ballinahinch; Mr. Wm. M'William (brother-in-law), Monaghan; Rev. J. Moorhead, B.A. (brother-in-law), Loughaghrey; Mr. Russell M'William (nephew), Monaghan; and Mr. James Morell (cousin), Belfast.

<snip>

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MR. JAMES LOWRY, ENNISKILLEN.

Enniskillen was shocked on the 12th inst. to learn that Mr. James Lowry (of Messrs. Johnston & Co.), High Street, had suddenly passed away, at the age of sixty four years. Mr. Lowry stood very high in public esteem. His character was so well described by the Rev. Mr. Jenkins that we pass over it here, giving the words of Mr. Jenkins below. Much as Mr. Lowry will be missed in commercial and private circles, he will be chiefly missed in the Presbyterian Church, of which he had been for twenty-seven years an ordained elder. He was church treasurer, secretary of the Congregational Committee, the beloved superintendent of the Sabbath-school and co-operator in every good work. Mild and unobtrusive, modest and unassuming, yet he was always reliable, ever at hand when needed, helpful, sympathetic, and sure. As the Rev. A. J. Jenkins truly said in the Presbyterian Church on Sabbath morning -- "Known, respected esteemed, and loved, James Lowry has passed through the veil of the mysterious Unknown, and his place in our midst shall know him no more. His memory will be ever green in our hearts end minds, and the sweet and gracious influences of his character must abide. A devoted family will miss a loving father and his wise counsel. The Church will miss one of its most devoted servants and elder. The Sabbath-school has lost a faithful, earnest, and fatherly superintendent, courteous, gentle, and easily accessible. Businessmen will grieve at the loss sustained of a man of honour, integrity, and uprightness, and a wide circle of friends will mourn the gap in their own narrowing circle, by the departure, the exodus of one who was ever true."

Mr. Lowry, son of the late Mr. Andrew Lowry, Raphoe, had been in business in Derry when he was summoned to Enniskillen to be manager of the concern which he conducted with great success for a long a period, and in which he won universal esteem. Though not one who took, part in public life, Mr. Lowry had his work in the Church. He was an elder of the Presbyterian Church, having been ordained in September, 1867, and in the Sabbath-school, he took the greatest interest, being its superintendent for many years. Many of his old pupils will learn of his death as the loss of a sincere personal friend and guide.

So the church where he had worshipped but three Sundays previous, and into the building he had been greatly instrumental in having built, the late Mr Lowry was borne on the following Monday afternoon previous to interment. The Congregational Committee acted as bearers, the relatives and immediate friends following. As the coffin was borne up the aisle the congregation stood, and the organist played the opening passage Beethoven's funeral march. The service in the church was most impressive and becoming. The pulpit had been draped in black from the previous day. The coffin was carried at the various stages by members of the committee, and the order of service was fittingly arranged by Rev. A. J. Jenkins. The choir broke down all differences in the presence of death and members of the choir of the parish church and of the Methodist Church combined with the congregational choir to render favourite hymns of the deceased, and in which the large congregation joined. It was noticeable the catholicity and representative character of the congregation, for Mr. Lowry was highly respected and that the concourse followed the hearse from the church to the cemetery.

The Rev. A. J. Jenkins, who conducted the proceedings both at the church, and the graveside, delivered an impressive and eloquent address, free from commonplaces, lifting the audience to the level of his thoughts when he pointed out that the grave of our Lord was in a garden, and uttered in becoming and dignified language thoughts of his deceased friend, and the loss sustained by the congregation and by the community. The Scripture lesson in the burial service was read by the Rev. D. J. Boyle, Lisbellaw, and the prayer was offered up by the Rev. J. Smyth, Maguiresbridge. After the playing of the Dead March in "Saul," and the benediction, the remains were transferred to the New Cemetery, where the committal ceremony took place.

The chief mourners were -- Messrs. Thomas H. Johnston (son), Wm. A. Lowry, Andrew Lowry (Raphoe) (brothers), Andrew Lowry (nephew), Wm. J. Stewart (Glasgow) (grandson), Rev. J. Meek (Ballinderry), Robert Stewart (Glasgow) (sons-in-law), Thomas Hamilton, Thomas Hamilton, jun. (Raphoe) (cousins). The wreaths were very beautiful, and come from -- Caroline and Harriet, Tom and Minnie, Emily and all at Ballinderry Manse, Maria and Stewart family, Sabbath-school teachers and scholars, Mr. and Mrs. Whaley and family, Mr. and Mrs. Trimble and family, Mr. and Mrs. Calvert, Mrs Lamie, Mr. Lyons, and Mr. Lally.

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MR. A. STUART, ULSTER BANK.

The death of Mr. A. Stuart, for many years manager of the Enniskillen branch of the Ulster Bank, which occurred on the 19th inst., at the age of sixty-eight years, has caused deep regret in the district. On the previous Monday the deceased, as a member of the Congregational Committee, helped to carry into the Presbyterian Church the remains of the late Mr. James Lowery, but afterwards he collapsed, and had to be conveyed home by motor. Last year Mr. Stuart lost his second son, Tom, who was also in the bank's service, and his elder son Jack sailed for India but a few days ago, while one of his daughters is an army nurse at the front.

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MR. JOHN LAMBERTON, AUGHILL

By the death of Mr. John Lamberton, which took place at his residence, Aughill, on Saturday morning, there has passed away a very worthy member of the County Derry farming community. An upright, industrious, God-fearing man, of a kindly disposition and obliging manner, gifted with sound common sense in exceptional degree, Mr. Lamberton enjoyed in abundant measure the friendship and respect of his neighbours and of a wide circle of friends. A staunch Presbyterian, Mr. Lamberton had been for over thirty years a Sabbath-school teacher, and his services as such were highly valued. He was also an elder of Gortnessy Presbyterian Church. In politics he was a convinced Unionist. He brought up and gave an excellent education to a large family, of whom six sons -- all men of fine physique -- and two daughters are living. Several of the sons have attained distinction in various careers. One of them, Robert William Lamberton, holds under the Siamese Government the influential position of Assistant Director-General of Customs. Another son, Houston Gamble Lamberton, is Inspector of the Siamese Customs, and has 600 men in his charge. Both have been stationed for over fifteen years in Bangkok, and enjoy the full confidence of the Government they ably serve. A third son, Wills Lamberton, holds a responsible post in New York; the fourth, Wallace Lamberton, formerly served in the Navy and French Consular Department, and is now living in Australia. The other two sons, Lyle and Albert Lamberton, have remained in Ireland. Mrs. Alexander Gilfillan, Ballinamoor, is a daughter of the late Mr. Lamberton, and his other daughter is Mrs. Eakin, of Texas, U.S.A. With the bereaved widow, a lady of the most estimable character, and the other members of the family sympathy will be sincere and widespread.

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MR. EDWARD ANDERSON, WHITEHEAD.

On Saturday night, while a number of gentleman were walking from the promenade to the railway station, Whitehead, one of the, party -- Mr. Edward Anderson, Victoria Terrace, Whitehead -- collapsed and immediately became unconscious. He was carried to his residence, where, after being medically treated, he became semi-conscious, but he died on Sunday forenoon. The deceased had lived many years at Whitehead, and up to about a year ago was employed in business in Belfast, as a stockbroker's clerk. A native of Scotland, he had been associated with various shipping interests, and had travelled extensively in various, parts of the world. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and was unmarried. He was apparently in his usual robust health on Saturday, and the intimation of his sudden demise caused great regret in Whitehead, where he was highly popular.

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THE LATE MR. J. YOUNG, M.A., PORTADOWN

REFERENCE BY REV. DR. MACAULAY.

Preaching at morning service in the First Presbyterian Church, Portadown, on Sabbath, 13th inst., Rev. Dr. Macaulay made a sympathetic reference to the late Mr. J. Young, M.A., proprietor of the "Portadown News." He said -- The news of the death of Mr. John Young, though not unexpected, has been heard by us with deep sorrow of heart, for many of us feel that we have lost a dear and beloved friend, and all of us feel that our congregation has suffered an irreparable loss. For almost a quarter of a century he was an elder of this church, and one of its most devoted, earnest, and efficient workers. It was always a pleasure to co-operate with him, he was so kindly, and so free from anything like self-seeking or personal vanity. For many years he managed the local branch of the Presbyterian Orphan Society, and we know how painstaking he was, how interested in the young people on the list, and how encouraging to the collectors. As superintendent of West Street Sabbath-school, he was always in his place while his health permitted, and inspired his teachers with his own quiet enthusiasm and love of the work. It was my privilege to become acquainted with Mr. Young early in life. He and I entered college together, and were fellow-students during all our undergraduate course. He was the most brilliant mathematical scholar of his year. He gained the senior scholarship in that subject, and a gold medal and first honours with both his B.A. and M.A. degrees. After leaving college he was appointed Mathematical Master of the Londonderry Academical Institution. My first ministerial charge was in the Derry district, and ere I was long in Stranorlar Mr. Young and I met again, and our friendship was renewed. Then the providence of God directed me to Portadown, and, some years after I was settled here, it was my joy to learn that Mr. Young had purchased the "Portadown News," and would henceforth be a resident in the town and a helper with me in the work of God in this church. In the ease with which he was able to change from one profession to another, we have an evidence of his ability and versatility of mind, and it may be said of him that he gained distinction all along the line. As a teacher he held a high position for scholarship and efficiency. As a journalist he soon gained the respect and admiration of the community amongst whom he worked by his masterly grasp of public questions, his sagacity, sterling uprightness, and geniality of disposition. He knew his own mind, but respected the views of others. He shaped his own course without attacking those who differed from him. He bore no man malice, but had the courage of his convictions, and steadfastly upheld that which he believed to be right. An admirable trait in his character was his breadth of sympathy. While he loved his own church and was one of its most devoted members, he had no feeling but that of goodwill towards all other churches and denominations. Every worthy cause found a friend in him, and he was ever ready to respond to an appeal for help. His kindly smile and gentle manner will long be remembered. The influence of his life and character will not soon pass away. But to know him in private, to share his confidence and friendship was a privilege that was reserved for few, and they only could appreciate the greatness and goodness of the man, his loftiness of purpose, his singleness of aim, his devotion to the highest ideals of life. Even when he was physically feeble his mind was as clear and strong as ever. It was delightful to witness the patience and cheerful resignation to the will of God with which he bore his long and trying illness. He died as he lived, humbly trusting in his blessed Saviour. And now that he has passed into his rest and reward, let us thank God for so helpful a life lived in our midst, and let us strive so to live that we shall leave behind us a luminous memory that will serve to brighten the way for others. Our prayerful sympathy goes out to the members of his family who have lost one who was a loving husband, a tender father, a loyal friend, and, above all, a true follower of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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BELFAST SALVATION ARMY OFFICER HONOURED.

Staff Captain William Lord, the officer in charge of the Salvation Army social work in the North of Ireland has been promoted to the rank of major. He is also a probationer officer for the petty sessions district of Belfast, and the army's representative on the Lord Mayor's Committee of the Prince of Wales' Relief Fund and the Coal Relief Fund. It is interesting to learn that in Belfast alone the social work finds work for unemployed men in collecting and sorting some fifteen tons of waste paper each week, while at their working men's hotel in Waring Street they sleep each week some two thousand men and supply over six thousand cheap meals ranging from a halfpenny to three-pence. The major claims that considerably over one hundred men who lodged or worked with them have either been called up or joined Lord Kitchener's Army.

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CLERGYMAN'S SONS AT THE FRONT.

The Rev. S. Marcus Dill, D.D., Alloway, Ayr, ex-Moderator of the Church of Scotland, formerly of First Presbyterian Church, Ballymena, has three sons at the front, and his eldest daughter is an army nurse. One of his sons came home wounded, but he has made a good recovery, and is ready to return again to France.

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LOCAL AND PROVINCIAL

Mr. Patrick Mohan, Johnstown House, Clones, has been appointed a magistrate for the County Fermanagh. Mr. Mohan is an extensive cattle-dealer, and widely known in Fermanagh and Monaghan.

The children of Broomhedge Methodist Sunday-school, near Lisburn, have willingly consented to the money devoted to the purchase of their Christmas prizes being banded over to one of the war relief funds.

At Derry Petty Sessions the Chairman (Mr. William Austin) proposed a resolution placing on record the magistrates sense of the loss which the city will sustain by the retirement of District-Inspector M'Hugh from the R.I.C.

Clones Guardians last week decided that the usual Christmas extras be provided for the patients and the inmates, fowl to be substituted for beef or mutton. Mr. Gordon remarked that turkeys were cheaper than beef this year.

At the annual distribution of prizes in connection with Coleraine Technical School on the evening of 17th inst., Mr. David Hardman, M.Sc. (principal), read the annual report, which was very satisfactory. Mrs. Carson distributed the prizes.

A patriotic concert and variety entertainment for the provision of comforts for the soldiers at the front was held in Moyola Park Schoolroom, Castledawson, on Friday evening. The function was organised by Mrs. J. A. Clark, Gravesend House.

On 17th inst. the remains of the lato Mr. Mervyn Pakenham Crozier, youngest son of his Grace the Lord Primate, were removed from the Palace for interment in the grounds of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh. A special service was held in the Cathedral.

What proved a most successful and enjoyable "patriotic tea" in aid of the Prince of Wales' Fund was given in the High Street lecture hall, Lurgan, on the evening of the 17th inst. by the Ladies' High School Branch of the Children's League of Pity, under the direction of their talented principal, Miss Fraser.

On Saturday Dr. Wallace, Coroner for the northern division of the county, held an inquest at Irish Street, Downpatrick, on the remains of Thomas Russell, compositor, who had committed suicide that morning. The jury found that death was due to hemorrhage from a wound in the throat, self-inflicted.

Mrs. M'Gahey, of Londonderry, has six sons -- all Ulster Volunteers -- serving in the army. Five of them are serving in the Inniskilling Fusiliers with the Ulster Division and the sixth with the Canadians on Salisbury Plain. The eldest son is himself the father of nine children and the second son of five.

At Ballymoney Petty Sessions on Monday Mr. J. M'Elderry (chairman) referred in feeling terms to the death of Mr. Thomas G. Knox, who had acted as reporter there for many years. On behalf of the Bench he expressed sincere sympathy with the deceased's relatives in the loss of one who was universally esteemed.

The annual meeting and distribution of prizes in connection with Ballyclare Technical School took place on the 18th inst. Mr. George Fletcher, Under-Secretary of the Department of Technical instruction, delivered an interesting address, and Mrs. Campbell, of Castle Upton, distributed the prizes and certificates.

On the night of the 18th inst. an aeroplane, or aerial machine of some sort, passed over Clones in a north-easterly direction. The night being very dark, it was impossible to distinguish anything but a brilliant red light, which seemed to descend as it came over the town, then circle round, rise again, and increase in speed as it proceeded on its way.

By direction of the Local Government Board, a special meeting of the Dungannon Board of Guardians was held on Saturday with regard to Miss Mary Mitchell, fever hospital wardsmaid, who had been suspended. The local Government Board wrote directing the Guardians to dismiss her, under Article 40 of the General Regulations. It was unanimously decided to dismiss Miss Mitchell.

At Magherafelt Rural Council meeting, under the presidency of the chairman, Mr. C. O'Hara, J.P., the clerk submitted the auditors report, which was of a satisfactory nature. The Chairman -- There are no surcharges? The Clerk -- No; that is the fifty-eighth without a surcharge. Mr. Davison -- It is a good job for the chairman. The Clerk -- It is that.

An interesting function took place in Lurgan on the 18th inst., when Captain W. J. Allen, J.P., Linwinny House, was presented by the members of Lurgan District L.O.L. No. 6 with an infantry sword and dress and service scabbards, a pair of silver spurs, and a bracelet watch; on the occasion of his receiving his commission, in the 16th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (2nd County Down Volunteers)

The death took place at her residence, Ardmore, Newry, on Friday, of Miss Anna Thomson, elder daughter of the late Mr. Henry Thomson, of Downshire House, Newry -- a gentleman who was the founder of the well-known firm of Henry Thomson & Co. The deceased lady, who had reached a good old age, lived a quiet life. Her kindly disposition endeared her to all with whom, she came in contact, and her death is widely regretted.

Dr. Coey Bigger and Dr. Brian O'Brien, Local Government medical inspectors, have been investigating the cause of the outbreak of scarlatina and diphtheria in Dunmurry and conferred with the District Councillors representing Malone and Derriaghy -- namely Messrs. H. M. Barbour, Isaac Sloan, Alex. Kirkwood and Thomas Murdoch; also Dr. Gaussen, medical officer Dunmurry dispensary district, and Mr. J. Kirkwood, sanitary sub officer.

Rev. John Linahan, Methodist minister has accepted a cordial invitation to remain a fourth year at Portadown, and Rev. W. Parkhill, of Bangor, has accepted a similar invitation to succeed Mr. Linahan in Portadown in 1917.

On Sunday night Newry and district was visited with a heavy snowstorm, and telegraph and telephone wires were broken down in all directions. In fact, so far as telephonic communication was concerned, the town was all but isolated.

On Friday evening a young man named M'Gonagle, whilst engaged with a motor outside Messrs. J. W. Buchanan's motor and cycle works in Strabane, was knocked down by a railway cart, the wheel of which went over his legs and caused severe injuries.

The death occurred at Hunterville, Whitehead, on Sunday, of Miss Margaret A. B. Bowman, daughter of the late Rev. Samuel Bowman, Wesleyan minister. The deceased lady had not been in robust health for some time past, and had been medically treated for heart affection.

Three more Ballymena Academy old boys have recently received commissions in the R.A.M.C. -- Dr. John Clarke, son of Mr. Wm. Clarke, High Street; Dr. J. Spence, son of Mr. R. Spence, Ahoghill; and Dr. H. W. Wier, son of Mr. John Wier, J.P., Liscoon, Ballymena.

On Friday evening last the members of Harryville Unionist Club, Ballykeel L.O.L. and Ballymena and Harryville Total Abstinence L.O.L. held a most successful social. Mr. Robert Craig said he was glad to be able to tell them that the hall was opened free of debt.

The circumstances connected with the death of a respectable farmer named Wm. Robinson, of Annagh, Beragh, were related at an inquest held on Monday by Mr. A. C. Leitch, Coroner. Dr. Leitch, Beragh, said death was due to heart failure. The jury returned a verdict in accordance.

It was officially reported on Monday that Private Wm. Armstrong, of the Black Watch, had been killed on the 29th October. The deceased's parents reside at The Bally, a short distance from Ballymena. The deceased was a carpenter, and worked in the Queen's Island. He leaves a wife and two children.

A meeting of the General Committee of the North Armagh Unionist Association was held in the Portadown Town Hall on Monday under the presidency of Dr. George Dougan, J.P. Dr. Dougan was unanimously re-elected president for the ensuing year, and Mr. W. H. Wright was again chosen as hon. secretary and treasurer.

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DEATH OF A BELFAST JOURNALIST.

We regret to announce the death of Mr. Vincent Hope Mills, which occurred on Tuesday evening at the residence of his unde, 3, Woodland Avenue, Cliftonville. The deceased, who was a son of the late Lieutenant Geo. Watson Mills, his Majesty's Indian Army, and a nephew of the late Mr. W. J. C. Mills, solicitor (Messrs. Harper & Mills) was a promising young journalist. He started his professional career on "The Ulster Echo," and afterwards joined the reporting staff of the "Evening Telegraph," with which he was connected at the time of his death. He was a good descriptive writer, and his articles under the nom-de-plume of "Vidi" were always entertaining. Of a bright and genial disposition he was held in high esteem by all who knew him, and the news of his death has created profound sorrow among his professional colleagues. The utmost sympathy will be extended, to his relatives in their sad bereavement.

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INTERESTING WEDDING IN BELFAST.

ARMSTRONG--DILL.

A wedding of considerable interest took place on Tuesday in St. John's Church, Malone, the contracting parties being Miss Hester Anna Mary Dill, eldest daughter of Sir Samuel and Lady Dill, Montpelier, Belfast, and Mr. Claude Blakely Armstrong, eldest son of the late Rev. James Blakely Armstrong, and Mrs. Armstrong, Wellington Road, Dublin. There was a large and fashionable attendance at the ceremony. The bridegroom and best man, Mr. Arthur Craig (Royal Dublin Fusiliers), arrived early, and a little before the hour fixed for the ceremony the officiating clergy, Rev. Richard Seaver, B.D., rector of St. John's; Rev. Moore Morrow, rector of Billy, Bushmills (uncle of the bridegroom), and Rev. Reginald Morrow, canon of Chelmsford (uncle of the bridegroom), took up their places in the chancel, a little time afterwards the organ pealed out the opening bars of the familiar hymn, "The King of Love My Shepherd is," and this signalised to the guests the arrival of the bridal party, which passed down the aisle preceded by the choir. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a gown of white satin and silver tissue arranged with the new long sleeves of union. The court train of white satin was edged with silver cord and adorned at the corner with a knot of orange blossom. Over the gleaming gown the veil of old Limerick lace, lent by the bridegroom's mother, fell in soft folds. The train-bearers were Miss Doris Plunkett and Master P. Stanley, and the three brides-maids were Miss Sylvia Dill (sister of the bride) and the Misses Olive and Gladys Armstrong (sisters of the bridegroom).

Subsequently a reception was held at the residence of the bride's father and mother, at which over two hundred guests, including The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. Crawford M'Cullagh), were present, and one and all offered their congratulations to the bride and bridegroom. The honeymoon is being spent in Cornwall.

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DEATH OF MR. JAMES KANE, BALLYHENRY, MYROE.

We regret to record the death of Mr. Jas. Kane, Myroe, which took place at his residence on the 17th inst. He was the second son of the late Mr. George Kane, Broglasgow, Limavady. His ancestors were long resident in the district of Magilligan, and were always highly esteemed and regarded. He was born in Magilligan in the early part of the nineteenth century, and lived there during more than half his life. He was a member of the local Presbyterian Church, where he was ordained a ruling elder, and performed acceptably the duties of that office for several years in that piece. In 1877 he removed to the neighbourhood of Randalstown, County Antrim, where he continued to maintain his earlier characteristics of life. He became a member of the congregations First Randalstown, and was in due course installed to the eldership there. In 1893 he returned to his native county, and since that time resided in the home where he died. During his latter years he was member of Myroe Presbyterian Church, where he was again installed a member of the kirk session. He always took a lively interest in everything pertaining to true religion and godliness. He was a Liberal Unionist in politics.

On 19th inst. the remains of the deceased were removed for interment in Magilligan Presbyterian Church Burying-ground. A very large concourse of sympathetic mourners followed in the funeral cortege. Previous to the removal of the remains a short religious service was held in the house. Rev. S. Huston read suitable portions of Scripture, and Rev. H. M'I. Butler, a life-long friend of the Kane family, delivered a short address of appreciation of the departed, and of sympathy with the bereaved. At the graveside Rev. Mr. Butler read a portion of Scripture, and gave a brief beautiful practical address. Rev. S. Huston concluded with prayer. The chief mourners were -- Rev. Geo. Kane and Mr. Wm. Kane (sons), Messrs. Joseph White and Jacob Whyte (sons-in-law), Masters Jim Carson and Norris Whyte (grandsons), Mr. Francis Henderson (brother-in-law), Messrs. Geo. Kane, Geo. Swann, Saml. Swann, William John Seann [sic], Robert Swann, John Thompson, Alex. Butter, and Francis H. Mitchell (nephews), Rev. H. M'I. Butler, Thomas Carson, George Henderson, W. J. Carson., W. T. Hill, Thos. Davison, Joseph Thompson, and Wm. Thompson (relatives).

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THE LATE CAPTAIN T. M'C. PHILLIPS, R.A.M.C.

We have already referred in out columns to the death of this officer, which took place on 4th November from wounds received in battle. Since then letters have been received from Major E. C. Hayes, officer commanding 21st Field Ambulance, and Lieut.Colonel J. G. M'Naught, officer in charge of No. 4 Clearing Hospital, giving particulars of the sad event. He was attached to Major Hayes' ambulance, and had a dressing station established in a cottage near to the firing line. This cottage came under shell fire on the morning of the 3rd November, and Captain Phillips and Lieutenant Richardson who were in occupation had to leave it, but no sooner had they done so than they were both struck by a shell, which killed Richardson and mortally wounded Capt Phillips. In addition the same shell wounded about fifteen other men of the R.A.M.C. Captain Phillips was then brought to an hospital in Ypres, and seemed well and cheery considering the nature of his wounds but the next day, as the hospital in Ypres was being shelled, he had to be removed with others to a clearing hospital at Popperinghe, about seven miles away, where he was placed under the care of Colonel M'Naught but at this time he was unconscious and only survived a very short time. His remains were buried in the local cemetery at Popperinghe, and the spot is marked by a wooden cross. Major Hayes, in writing of his death, states that it was a great loss in the unit on account of his reliability an# efficiency.

It was thought fitting, by a few of Captain Phillips' friends in Belfast, that something in memory of him should be sent to the ambulance with which he was connected, and accordingly a box of comforts for the officers and men of the ambulance was recently despatched, for which a letter of grateful acknowledgment, on behalf of himself and brother officers and men, has just been received from Major Hayes.

It should have been stated that Captain Phillips was a son of the late Rev. J. G. Phillips, of Damascus, in which city he was born.

 

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