The Witness - Friday, 1 March 1917
Birth
GIBSON -- February 22, 1918, at Maywood, Dundonald, Co. Down, to the Rev. J. H. R.
and Mrs. Gibson -- a son.
Deaths
BEATTIE -- February 23, at Waringstown, Bessie, dearly-beloved wife of Samuel J. Beattie.
BEST -- February 22, at her father's residence, Queen Street, Lurgan, Sara, third daughter of William Robert and Mary E. Best.
BOAL -- February 22, at Church Street, Antrim, Mary Jane, dearly-beloved wife of George Boal.
BULLICK -- February 21, at Roselea, Andersonstown, Isabella, widow of John Bullick, Bell's Grove, Crumlin.
COURTNEY -- February 24, at Rickamore, Sarah Courtney, aged 82 years.
COUSINS -- February 26, at Crumlin, County Antrim, Isaac Cousins.
DAVISON -- February 21 (suddenly), at Pound House, Crumlin, James Davison.
DORAN -- February 16, at his residence, Dunottar,. Malone Road, Belfast, Alderman George Augustas Doran, J.P., Belfast and County Down. (American, Canadian, and Australian papers please copy.)
FRAME -- February 17, at a Nursing Home, Liverpool, Egbert, eldest son of the late Dr. James Frame, of Comber.
LOVE -- February 21, at Irish Street, Downpatrick, Lizzie, wife of George Love.
MEGAHY -- February 20, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. M. E. Anderson, Colga House, Sligo, Eliza A. Megahy, formerly of Belfast, aged 93.
MILLIGEN -- February 24, at a Private Nursing Home, Albert M. Milligen, M.A. (Cantab.), Glenmore House, Lambeg, Co. Antrim.
M'CORD -- February 22, at The Knowes, Moorfields, James A., eldest son of the late David and Elizabeth M'Cord, Glenwherry.
M'INTYRE -- February 23, at Ballytresna, Randalstown, James G. M'Intyre.
PIRRIE -- February 24, at Ardville, Holywood, Co. Down, Jane Barbour, third daughter of the late William Pirrie, of Liverpool.
WILLIAMSON -- At Westonia, Western Australia, Arthur C. Williamson, youngest son of the late Rev. H. M. Williamson, D.D. of Fisherwick Place Church, Belfast.
In Memoriam
WALLACE -- In loving memory of Jane Annie, wife of Campbell Wallace, who died 2nd March, 1910.
Clippings
NEWS OF THE WEEK
A Royal warrant has been received by the secretary of the Queen's University of Belfast appointing Sir Alexander Dempsey a member of Senate, vice Councillor Patrick Dempsey, resigned.
Striking gains during 1917 for prohibition are reported by the New York Temperance Board. There are now 2,374 "dry" counties, against 615 "wet" counties, the gains during the year being 88.
All the German soldiers who were suspected of having taken part in a mutiny at Beoesloste Camp, when an officer was killed, have been sentenced to death, and shot, according to an Exchange Amsterdam message.
The Food Controller announces that it will probably be possible to allocate about 10,000 tons of sugar during the coming fruit season to enable private fruit-growers to make jam, without reducing the supplies to jam manufacturers who serve the urban population.
Rev. E. L. Macassey, brother of Sir Lyndon Macassey, well known in Belfast, and curate of Greenhill, Harrow, has been admitted to the Duchess of Rutland's Hospital, Arlington Street, Loudon, suffering from internal injuries received while serving as a chaplain in France.
The Air Ministry announces that from Feb. 1 to the 22nd 120 enemy machines were accounted for on the Western front, while only 28 British machines are missing; and the British airmen on the Italian front have destroyed 58 enemy machines, while their own losses were only 8.
In an appeal in the House of Commons to the men in the shipyards to put their backs into their work, Mr. Barnes said America was failing them in shipbuilding, and, therefore, it became more important than even munitions. Last month only less than half the estimated work was turned out in the shipyards.
Mr. Kellaway (Parliamentary Secretary, Munitions) announced, in the Commons, that during the past three weeks about 8,000 women munition workers had been dismissed or received notice of dismissal as the result of the termination of certain contracts. The Minister of Munitions regretted that a certain amount of hardship was inevitable, but everything that possibly could be done would be done to relieve it.
More than 100 lives are believed to have been lost in the wreck of the liner Florizel, of the New York, Newfoundland, and Halifax Steamship Company, which was driven ashore in a violent gale at Freshwater Point, seven miles north of Cape Race. A rescue steamer, after fierce battling with the breakers, was able to reach the scene of the disaster and remove forty survivors from the vessel before she was pounded to pieces.
Mr. Asquith, addressing Liberal agents, said that although the Commons could not claim to be in fresh and living contact with the constituencies, it would have been something like an act of national treason to force a General Election on an obsolete register and with millions of those best entitled to vote unavailable. The Liberal Party was not going to be cast aside or obliterated or to merge its identity in some embryonic combination.
The death occurred in London at the age of 82 of Earl Brassey, who will be best remembered, first as Civil Lord, and subsequently as Secretary to the Admiralty. He was a barrister, a one-time Liberal M.P. for Devonport and Hastings, a Lord-in-Waiting to Queen Victoria, Governor of Victoria, President Naval Architects' Institute, and London Chamber of Commerce. He gave his yacht to the Government as a hospital ship in 1916. Viscount Hythe is the heir.
At a special meeting of the Belfast (Women's) Branch of the Association of Secondary Teachers, the following resolution was passed unanimously:-- "That we, being profoundly dissatisfied with the rules governing the allocation of the so-called equivalent grant in aid of Irish secondary education, call upon the Government to authorise the establishment of a representative committee, to inquire into the position of secondary teachers in Ireland, with a view to reform in the matter of salaries, increments, and superannuation."
Major Lord, who has been in charge of the Salvation Army men's social work for Ulster for nearly five years, has been promoted brigadier. His latest venture, in which Mrs. Lord figured prominently, is the communal kitchen in Earl Street, which supplies daily several hundred men and women with a cooked midday meal at the price of the raw material. The Brigadier holds many honorary positions in the city, amongst which he is a probationer officer of the Police Court, and serves on the local Prince of Wales and Coal Funds. From his local institution in the city at least 270 men have joined the colours and are doing duty on all fronts.
Wild scenes in the Austrian Reichsrath followed the Premier's statement that the situation in the North-East had not substantially eased. The Czechs and Slavs shouted down all his sentences, and were only kept back from the Premier's seat by the broad shoulders of Deputy. As the Premier pounded the table the Czechs shouted -- "Lies!" "Treachery!" "Tell them that in Berlin." On a Czech Deputy saying -- "The Germans want to advance, but we protest," there arose a terrific tumult between Slavs and Germans. The Socialists intend asking for continued negotiations with Washington.
Mr. Bonar Law, in a speech at a War Bond meeting in London, said they had a rugged path before them; but there was no ground for discouragement or faintheartedness. But for Russia's collapse his hope that, the Victory Loan would be the last would have been realised. They had already raised in War Bonds an amount in excess of the total new money of the 4½per cent. Loan. All pacifist talk at home was but froth, and if they had an election on the plain issue whether they should go on with the war the result would astonish both themselves and their enemies. The greatest and most unforgivable crime would be to give way before the results which they set out to achieve had been attained.
The death has occurred of Sir Henry Blake, G.C.M.G., at his residence, Myrtle Grove, Youghal, County Cork. By his death the Unionists of Ireland lose one of their staunchest champions. Sir Henry, who was a member of the Irish Convention, had a most distinguished career in the service of his country. He was a district-inspector of the R.I.C., afterwards became a resident magistrate, and from 1884 to 1917 he acted as Governor of Bahamas, Jamaica, and Ceylon respectively. Sir Henry Blake's ripe experience and great administrative capacity obviously commended him for appointment as a member of the Irish Convention, in the deliberations of which his sound advice would have proved most valuable had the condition of his health permitted his constant attendance.
Mr. Fane Vernon, presiding in Belfast at the annual meeting of the Great Northern Railway Co. (Ireland), said cash receipts in 1917 exceeded those in 1916 by £97,096. Of traffic originating on their own system, not including soldiers and sailors, there was a decrease of 202,866 second and third class passengers, first class do. showing an increase. On the other hand, they carried about 30,000 more tons in goods and minerals, and 578 more waggons of live stock. All principal outgoings showed a great increase -- e.g., wages, coal, and materials. Cost of war bonuses to their employees in 1917 was £170,000, and will, if continued for the whole of 1918, cost about £300,000 for that year. Coal cost them £18,000 more than the previous year. Higher costs in all departments brought their increased expenditure to over £200,000.
Mr. Robert Crawford, J.P., and Mr. M. Lamont, representing Ballymena, attended at the Belfast City Hall and formally handed over to Mr. F. W. Moneypenny, M.V.O., O.B.E., a cheque for £5,000 as the outcome of their recent collection in Ballymena in aid of the County Antrim "Our Day" Fund. Mr. Crawford, in presenting the cheque, said over £6,000 had been realised in Ballymena and district, and other charities would benefit as a result of the collection. Mr. Moneypenny warmly thanked Mr. Crawford and Mr. Lamont for the splendid effort they and their committee had made on behalf of the County Antrim "Our Day" Fund, which had now, thanks to the generosity of the people of Ballymena and district, reached a total of over £13,000.
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The Witness - Friday, 8 March 1918
Deaths
GORDON -- March 2, 1918, at his residence, Islandreagh, Dunadry, Samuel B. Gordon. His remains were interred in the family burying-ground, Donegore, on Tuesday, 5th inst. Deeply regretted. ALICE M. G. DOUGLAS.; AGNES G. DOUGLAS.
AGNEW -- March 4, at 20, Southwell Road, Bangor, Elizabeth Emma (Bessie), third daughter of the late Samuel Agnew, Quay House, Moira.
BINGHAM -- March 6, at Derryboy, Crossgar, Hugh Bingham.
CRAIG -- March 6, at 447, Ormeau Road, Gavin Ralston, the beloved husband of Hannah Craig, and second son of the late John Craig, Bellarena, Co. Derry.
FRENCH -- March 4, at New Street, Randalstown, Mary, relict of late Charles French.
HANNA -- March 5, at Erin Crescent, Armagh, Portadown, James, the beloved husband of Agnes J. Hanna.
HOUSTON -- March 3, at Mullaghmossin, Magheramoune, Margaret, wife of Robert Houston.
JOHNSTON -- March 5, at Yew Cottage, Carnbane, Lisburn, Robert John, dearly-beloved husband of Mary Johnston.
LAVERY -- March 4, at the County Antrim Infirmary, Lisburn, John, dearly-beloved husband of Harriet Lavery, Bachelor's Walk.
LIGHTBODY -- March 2, at Tullyroan, Moy, Johnston Lightbody.
MOFFATT -- March 2, at Sunnyside, Dundonald, Nellie, youngest and dearly-loved daughter of Wm. M. Moffatt.
M'FARLAND -- March 2, at the residence of Mr. James Crymble, Rosemount Cottage, Dunmurry, Mary M'Farland, late of Stewartstown.
PATERSON -- March 2, at Glasgow, in his 77th year, John Paterson, linen manufacturer, of 57, Cochrane Street, Glasgow, and 20, Bedford Street, Belfast.
PATTERSON -- March 3, at 32, High Street, Holywood, Elizabeth, widow of the late George Patterson, aged 89 years.
PRICE -- March 3, at Baligan, Eliza Price.
RUSK -- March 3, at a Private Nursing Home, John, eldest son of the late John Rusk, Edenderry, Ballysillan, Belfast.
TEMPEST -- March 3, at Douglas Place, Dundalk, William Tempest, aged 82.
TODD -- March 3, at West Street, Carrickfergus, William John Todd.
WALLACE -- March 2, at Ballygrainey, Craigavad, Eleanor, relict of the late David A. Wallace.
WILKINS -- February 28 (suddenly), at Coalisland, Mary E. Wilkins, beloved wife of Robert Wilkins.
WILSON -- March 1 (suddenly), at Stratherin, Carrickfergus, Agnes Evelyn, daughter of the late David Parkhill Wilson, Derraghrin, Glenavy.
WOODS -- March 3, 1918, at the Hospital, Purdysburn, John, eldest son of James Woods, Cluntagh, Crossgar.
In Memoriam
DOUGLAS -- In cherished memory of Letitia Hanna (Leta), wife of James Douglas, Maine, Drumsurn, Co. Derry, who departed this life on the 6th of March, 1917, and whose mortal remains were, by request, interred in her parents' grave in Draperstown Presbyterian Cemetery, on the 8th of March. No "In Memoriam" cards.
"Death, like a friend's voice from a distant field
Approaching through the darkness, call"
"Nor blame we Death, because he bare
The use of virtue out of earth;
We know transplanted human worth
Will bloom to profit, otherwhere."
Inserted by her Children.
Clippings
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Ulster's Our Day contributions to the Red Cross reached £46,449 in 1917.
A ewe belonging to Mr. Finn, farmer, Campile, New Ross, gave birth to five lambs. All are alive.
The death is announced of Most Rev. Dr. Prendergast, 40 years Archbishop of Philadelphia, who was a native of Clonmel.
No fresh taxes are proposed in the Indian Budget. The surplus of income over revenue for 1917-18 is £5,750,000, due to a favourable monsoon.
The Cunard Company have sent £200 to the Sailors' Society, Derry, in recognition of the hospitality extended to the crew of a torpedoed Cunarder.
The cost of the war to the United States is now nearly one thousand million dollars monthly. The expenditure in February was £200,000,000.
At a fat cattle sale last week the record price of £73, or 85s per cwt., was paid to Mr. John A. Nesbitt, of Woodgrange, Downpatrick, for a three-year-old bull.
By an Order in Council summer time will come into force from two o'clock in the morning of Sunday, 24th March, until two o'clock in the morning of Monday, 30th September.
A sum of £11,119 was realised for 47½ tons of flax in Armagh market, averaging 29s 6d per stone. The value of the season's flax sold in this market so far is stated at £160,281.
Mr. John Dooley, Drummiller, County Down, was savagely attacked by a bull, which he was returning to its stall, and, before being rescued, had his arm fractured in two places.
Mr. Hayes Fisher states 'that at least 10 per cent, of the young blind people in Great Britain owed their condition to their having suffered from ophthalmia neonatorum, a preventable disease.
The Foreign Office has received a telegram announcing the safe arrival at Helsingfors of the staff of the British Embassy at Petrograd. There is no information as to how many are included in the party.
The National Education Commissioners have ordered the abolition at the end of the present school year of the present system in respect of books, asking Divisional Inspectors to recommend books for the Board's approval.
The Germans are now using women's combings for the making of articles necessary for the war, such as felting-boards, machine-belting, stuffing box rings, &c., and beech leaves and chicory are used as tobacco substitutes.
Mr. Clynes in Parliament said that it was essential to reserve for human consumption all fit wheat and barley, but it was hoped to enable hen poultry hatched since Jan. 1st, 1916, to receive a ration of dry food not exceeding 1oz. a day.
A telegram from The Hague announces that some small naval vessels came to grief six miles off the coast of Vlieland by running on mines. In German attempts to save the crews one boat got into the surf and capsized, and five men were landed on the southern point of Vlieland.
The three years' strike in the Munster Warehouse, Tralee, has been settled by the Most Rev. Dr. O'Sullivan, the arbitrator in the dispute, who has given to the employees the option of adopting the "living-in" or "living-out" system.
Lieut. the Hon. G. R. B. Bingham, brother of Lord Clanmorris, is among those released from Germany and interned in Holland. One of his brothers, Commander Hon. E. B. S. Bingham, won the V.C. in the Jutland Battle, and is still a prisoner.
Mr. Clynes, in the Parliamentary Papers, states that the number of standard barrels of beer brewed for home consumption in 1913 was 35,250,700, and in 1917 16,133,800. The total number of bulk barrels brewed in 1913 was 37,499,500, and in 1917 21,336,600.
It was stated that James Lillis, who at Belfast was sent to jail for six months for neglecting his wife and children, had given only £3 towards their maintenance during the past four years. His wife said he earned good wages, but spent most of it on drink.
It was stated at a meeting of Belfast Food Control Sub-Committee that farmers were using bread-stuffs for the feeding of pigs as being the cheapest pig-food available, and that this practice should be stopped, and the farmers made to observe the Food Orders.
The President of the Local Governt Board states that the last day of the qualifying period under the Franchise Act will be April 15, and the first register will come into force on Oct. 1. The "Daily Chronicle" understands from this that the General Election cannot be expected before autumn.
At Toronto, Mr. Wm. J. Bryan was refused a hearing for a speech favouring prohibition in the Massey Hall by returned soldiers and elements opposed to prohibition. The disturbance was so intense that the meeting had to be adjourned. Previously Mr. Bryan was accorded a sympathetic hearing in the Metropolitan Church.
A German official report circulates a story of alleged unrest and riots in Great Britain due to food scarcity and the calling up of workers. In Leith and Edinburgh, it says, excited crowds came into conflict with troops, and in London women and boys took part in riots, food shops being looted, and fifty people being wounded by troops clearing the streets.
Belfast Corporation have agreed that the City Surveyor is to have charge of engineering work now controlled by the Works Committee, to amalgamate the street and house-cleaning departments, and to transfer charge of the tramways permanent way to the tramway department. Councillor Dr. Allworthy was appointed Alderman for Dock Ward, in place of the late Alderman Geo. A. Doran, J.P.
The Bishop of Willesden, in an address at St. Andrew Undershaft, said that the clergy told him they were afraid to say that the collections in their churches' were for church expenses, because the people thought that object of no importance. But it was very important, and instead of the churches being maintained by the offerings in church, he would like to see the Canadian system introduced whereby each parishioner promised to pay a weekly amount.
The Anglican Bishop of Birmingham tells his clergy he would adopt nine-tenths of Cardinal Bourne's programme as to social life, and says that Catholics, Anglicans, and Dissenters who refuse to co-operate with one another in furtherance of Christian ideals will be guilty of a crime against God. "In my own diocese," the letter adds, "I have known no more useful adviser than the Catholic Archbishop, unless it be the representatives of the various Free Churches."
Mr. W. J. M. M'Caw, M.P., addressing delegates of the West Down Unionist Association, having referred to the Convention, said they stood now where they had always stood, and no argument put forward recently had caused them to change their views. They claimed to remain under British Government as a bedrock principle, and so long as that was recognised they were willing to discuss any form of Irish settlement, and he hoped the Convention would bear that condition in mind.
Speaking at a meeting in London, at which M. Thomas, ex-Minister of Munitions in France, delivered an address, Mr. Winston Churchill said the task that lay before us in the closing period of the war and after would tax all the energies of this country and France. The leaders of democracy had to rescue the prestige of their principles from the ghastly futility and inanities of the Russian revolution, and to show that social justice and enfranchisement were not incompatible with a love of home and country and readiness to perish in their defence.
With reference to the Ministry of Munitions Order dated 28th Feb., 1918, taking possession of all re-scutched tow of the 1917 crop or the crops of previous years, grown in Ireland, notice is given that such re-scutched tow will only be bought in lots of not less than one ton through scutch mill owners or growers of flax, in Ireland. Such owners and growers should communicate as soon as possible with the Administrator of the Flax Supplies Committee, 44, Chichester Street, Belfast, who will instruct them as to the arrangements made for delivery, grading, and payment.
St. Stephen's House, Oxford, has become for the time of the war a Serbian Theological College. There are now eleven students, whose main course of study will consist in preparation for the degree of Bachelor of Letters. Their direct religious training is the responsibility of a priest of their own Church, Dr. Janie, formerly a professor in St. Sava's College, Belgrade. Every care will be taken that no religious influence is brought to bear upon them incongruous with their traditional belief and customs, and religious services, according to the Eastern Orthodox rite, are constantly provided.
In a statement on the subject of the London and Home Counties rationing scheme, Lord Rhondda said:-- "It is too early to express a definite opinion as to the success of our experiment in the compulsory rationing of meat, butter, and margarine. So far as is known, however, the great bulk of the population of nearly ten millions affected by the scheme have been able under it to secure their fair share of supplies, and a marked improvement has already been effected in the distribution of meat. The experience of the first week encourages me to hope that by the 25th inst. we shall have established a system that will work satisfactorily over the whole of the United Kingdom."
During January German aviators dropped 1,482 bombs behind the British lines. British airmen in the same period dropped 7,653 bombs in German areas.
Damage estimated at £10,000 was caused by fire at Glasgow, the premises of Paton & Duncan, Ltd., oilskin manufacturers, on the bank of the Forth and Clyde Canal, being completely burned out.
The death of Mr. Wm. Tempest, J.P., occurred at his residence, Douglas Place, Dundalk, at the advanced age of 81 years. The late Mr. Tempest was the founder of the Dundealgan Press, and was one of the oldest master printers in Ireland.
The Cotton Control Board at Manchester announce that on and after March 18th the cotton mills spinning American cotton, except those engaged on Government work, will be restricted to the use of 50 per cent. of their machinery, this being a reduction of 10 per cent.
The United States War Department announces the establishment of a large ordnance base in France, the construction of which will cost twenty-five million dollars. This base will comprise twenty large storehouses, twelve workshops, and a hundred smaller shops and magazines.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Food it is announced that Sir Arthur Yapp having resigned his position as Director of the Food Economy Division, the functions hitherto exercised by that department shall be re-allocated to the Food Survey Board, under the chairmanship of Lieut.-Col. Weigall, M.P.
Nils Ovensen, an engineer of a Norwegian ship sunk off the Irish coast, has been landed at an Irish port, and, so far as known, he is the sole survivor of a crew of 78. The ship, he says, went down "like a stone." He clung to a raft, and was rescued in about 24 hours, after suffering terrible hardships. He is very weak.
Mr. Allen, executive officer, told Belfast Food Control Sub-Committee that prior to the war Ireland was consuming bread at the rate of 8lbs. per head per week. The authorities considered 3lbs. enough for sedentary workers, but the I.F.C.C. would be satisfied if they could reduce consumption to 4½lbs., as at present the rate was up to 9lbs.
£189,000, says a White Paper, are required for the year ended March 31, 1919, for expenditure on Irish public buildings, parks, and works, and for maintenance of the Shannon drainage works. This is a net increase of £19,740 on the like expenditure of the present year. £9,450 is the estimate for grants to build and enlarge National schools.
The House of Commons unanimously voted the grant of £25,000 to Lady Maude, as recommended by the King. Mr. Lloyd George, in moving it, described the late General Sir Stanley Maude's services as distinguished, far-reaching, and permanent in their effects, notably in Mesopotamia where he restored British prestige after the Army had suffered a series of severe reverses.
At the close of the Coleraine Urban Council meeting the chairman and members proceeded to the Anderson Park, where the ceremony of planting three oak trees in commemoration of the glorious advance made by the Ulster Division on the Somme on 1st July, 1916. The attendance included Lieutenant J. W. Shannon (Coleraine), who took part in the memorable advance, was wounded and taken prisoner.
A marble bust of the Right Hon. Sir Edward Carson is to he executed by Mr. John Tweed, the eminent sculptor, and placed in the City Hall, Belfast. The Lord Mayor, (Mr. James Johnston, J.P.) is acting as honorary treasurer of the fund, and a large number of subscriptions have already been received. Mr. Tweed has agreed to execute the bust for £500, and to present the fee to the Ulster Red Cross Fund.
Polish speakers at a meeting of Poles living in Holland stated that Polish workers, forced by hunger at home to seek employment in Germany, were at Krupps' during the winter, when they refused to work bound to stakes, while cold water was poured over them. At Mulheim they were placed close to ovens till their clothes caught fire, while others were forced to crawl on their knees over ground covered by broken glass.
Mr. Arthur Henderson, M.P., speaking at East Ham, said the time had come for the Allies to restate their war aims, which should be consistent with the high ideals with which we entered the war. The policy of conciliation adopted by the British Labour movement did not mean a patched-up peace, but the destruction of militarism everywhere. It meant that the enemy must comply with the indispensable conditions that would make such a peace permanent.
The first register of the Representation of the People Act will come into force on October 1, remaining till March 15, 1919. The registration and qualifying period dates are -- End of qualifying period, April 15; publication of list, June 15; last day for objections, June 29; last day for claims, July 5; publication of objections, July 8; publication of claimants' list, July 26; publication of objections to claimants, as soon as practicable after July 20; register in force, October 1.
With a month's revenue still to come in, Exchequer receipts are £609,747,700, within £29,000,000 of the total estimate for the whole year. In the corresponding period the receipts were £494,479,000, or £115,268,700 less. The increase for the year was estimated at £65,172,000, and this has now been exceeded by £50,096,700. Last week's receipts amounted to nearly £23,000,000, property and income tax producing £15,500,000. The expenditure is £2,459,065,170, an increase of £493,588,650.
At a temperance meeting in Rostrevor a resolution expressing sympathy with the Ulster Temperance Council's present effort was adopted on the motion of the Rev. J. Jameson, Methodist minister, seconded by Rev. T. W. E. Drury, M.A. (vicar), who said that he believed if the Government had had the courage to adept a policy of prohibition for the war the country would have found such an extraordinary benefit by it that it would have voluntarily continued the policy afterwards.
Lord Jellicoe, speakings at the Imperial Service Guild at Liverpool, advocated greater stringency in the use of lights on merchant vessels. There was, he said, serious risk, especially in the Channel. His plea for the prohibition of all lights was met by the argument that it was against the Board of Trade regulations. Steaming without lights should be given every possible encouragement in order to guard against submarine attack. The spirit shown by the mercantile marine was going to take this country to victory.
Miss Anne Martin, of Nevada, has announced her candidature for the United States Senate. The first woman to stand for the Upper House is the Vice-Chairman of the National Women's Party, and has been for four years the leader in the fight for national enfranchisement of women. Miss Martin, who is 42 years of age, was Professor of History at the University of Nevada, where she taught constitutional history. In a public statement she declares that the crucial problems which the nation faces are problems in the solution of which justice demands that women should have a voice.
The detailed financial statement for the period April-December, 1917, in connection with the Hilden Convalescent Hospital, Galwally, Belfast -- the first institution of its kind to be established in Ireland -- makes very interesting reading particularly in view of the excellence of the work which is being done at the institution. Established by the Ulster Joint Voluntary Aid Committee of the British Red Cross Society and the Order of St. John, with General Sir Wm. Adair, K.C.B. as chairmen of a representative Committee of Management, and Dr. John Macintosh as honorary medical superintendent, the hospital was opened in the first week of April last, and has performed consistently and increasingly good service. The number of beds available has risen from 51 to 132. The Army allowance in respect of these patients amounted to £4,081 16s, as compared with a total cost, of maintenance and administration o£ £5,022 Os 6£d, giving a total average cost per patient per day of 3s 8.5d, and fixing the average total cost of each patient at £7 17s 8d.
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Interesting Belfast Wedding.
An interesting ceremony took place on Wednesday in Macrory Memorial Church, Duncairn Gardens, when Miss Eileen Alice Northey, daughter of Rev. J. Northey, was married to Rev. Joseph Wasson, of Second Kilrea, son of Mr. Samuel Wasson, Ardenlee Avenue, Belfast. The officiating clergymen were the Rev. Joseph Northey, Rev. John Pollock (St. Enoch's), and Rev. D. D. Boyle (M'Quiston Memorial). The bride was given away by her uncle, Mr. William B. Cairns, Ballina, while her bridesmaid was Miss Kathleen Northey, B.Sc. (sister). The groom was attended by Mr. James Craig, B.A., as best man. A reception was subsequently held at Moshphir, Cavehill Road, the residence of Rev. Mr. Northey.
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Death of Mr. A. M. Campbell.
Sincere regret will be occasioned by the announcement of the death of Mr. A. M. Campbell, which took place at his residence, Arlington, Martinez Avenue, Belfast. Deceased, who was a son of the late Mr. William Campbell, a well-known teacher in the city, and who had attained to a ripe old age, was connected for over sixty years with the extensive firm of Messrs. A. Finlay, Ltd., soap, candle, and glycerine manufacturers, Victoria Square, acting for a considerable portion of that time as manager. When he had completed fifty years' service in the employment of Messrs. Finlay he and Mrs. Campbell were made the recipients of valuable presentations. Every respect was paid to his memory not only by the members of the firm but also by the employees, the works being closed until after the funeral. The late Mr. Campbell, who was in religion a staunch Presbyterian and in politics a sound Unionist, was always held in high esteem by a wide circle of friends.
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The Witness - Friday, 15 March 1918
Birth
MORRISON -- March 8, at Tirnoney, Maghera, to Mr. and Mrs. James Morrison -- a daughter.
Marriages
BLACK--LAING -- March 6, 1918, at Ballyconnell Presbyterian Church, by Rev. James M'Clean, Carrigallen, assisted by Rev. Hugh Jamison, Ballybay, and Rev. James Clyde, Ballyconnell, Rev. J. H. Black, B.A., of Carlow, to Louisa Evelyn, youngest daughter of William Laing, Esq., and the late Mrs. Laing, Hillview, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan.
WASSON--NORTHEY -- March 6, 1918, at Macrory Memorial Church, by Rev. J. Northey, Assisted by Rev. J. Pollock and Rev. D. D. Boyle, M.A., Rev. Joseph Wasson, Kilrea, to Eileen Alice Northey. At home, Tuesday, 26th March.
Deaths
EAKIN -- March 9, Samuel Eakin, J.P., of Cordrummonds, Donaghmoyne, Carrickmacross, in his 92nd year. Interred at Broomfield Presbyterian Church, on the 11th March.
GILMORE -- March 9, 1918, at her parents' residence, Tullycore, Killinchy, Evaline, the dearly-beloved daughter of William and Elizabeth Gilmore. Interred in Killinchy Churchyard, March 12th. WILLIAM and ELIZABETH GILMORE.
ANDERSON -- March 11, at 16, Victoria Avenue, Newtownards, Jane Anderson (late of Granshaw, Bangor).
BLAKELY -- March 11, at 6, Bridge Street, Lisburn, Samuel Blakely (leather merchant).
CAMPBELL -- March 12, at the residence of his son-in-law, Thomas Watt, Station View, Ballyclare, William Campbell, late of Ballyhenry, Carnmoney.
CARLISLE -- March 8, at Saintfield, Jane Carlisle.
DOBBIN -- March 11, at the residence of her son-in-law (Mr. J. M. Finnegan), 23, Botanic Avenue, Belfast, Marianne Ringland, widow of the late Rev. Alexander Dobbin, Boardmills.
FENTON -- March 10, at 21, Hamilton Road, Bangor, Jane Fenton, late of Castlederg.
GRAHAM -- At her mother's residence, Ballyreagh, Portrush, Rachel, second daughter of the late Wm. J. Archibald, and beloved wife of James Graham (late of Philadelphia), aged 29 years.
GREER -- March 11, at her brother's residence, Park View, Hillsborough, Mary, daughter of the late Samuel Brown.
HILL -- March 9, at 93, Malone Avenue, Belfast, Charles A. Hill, only son of R. G. Hill, Brookmount.
JOHNS -- March 11, at 2, Knowle Road, Bristol, Harry French Johns, younger son of the late T. Digby Johns, Rosebrook, Carrickfergus.
JOHNSTON -- March 8, at Magheradroll, Ballynahinch, William Johnston.
MACK -- March 7, at 31, Station Road, Larne, William Mack, ex-Head-Constable R.I.C.
MOORE -- March 9, at 62, Princetown Road, Bangor, Patrick Moore, aged 85 years, the dearly-beloved husband of Margaret Moore.
M'BRIDE -- March 9, at Denegarth, Hydepark, Belfast, Hal, dearly-beloved and only son of H. W. and M. L. M'Bride, in his 16th year.
M'FARLAND -- March 9, at Ballygan, James M'Farland.
M'ILGORM -- March 10, at Hillview Farm, Islandmagee, Samuel, dearly-beloved husband of Isabella M'Ilgorm.
M'KEE -- March 10, at Dromore, Co. Down, Francis M'Kee, M.B., F.R.C.S.
In Memoriam
DOUGLAS -- In loving remembrance of Rev. Gawin Douglas, Loughbrickland, minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church for almost fifty-two years, who died March 15, 1915, aged 83 years. Inserted by his loving Daughter, ANNIE J. I. BOGGS.
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NEWS OF THE WEEK
The high price of 3,700 guineas was paid for a championship shorthorn bull. Everlasting, at Penrith.
The death has occurred of the once famous Koepenick captain, the shoemaker, Voight, who in 1900 made the whole world laugh at the Germans, and came near to killing German militarism by ridicule.
Sir Edward Carson has received the following cablegram:-- "Ontario West. -- Grand Orangemen, representing 760 lodges, 10,000 members, overseas desire to assure you that we will stand with Ulster. -- F. Fitzgerald, W.M."
Lena Guilbert Ford and her crippled son, to whom she was devoted, were killed in the recent air raid on London. Mrs. Ford was the authoress of the songs "Keep the Home Fires Burning" and "When God Gave You to Me."
The death has just taken place at his residence hear Ballyhay of a man named James Duffy, who was said to be well over 100 years of age. In early life deceased had assisted his father, who was a teacher in one of the the well-known "Hedge Schools."
The body of one of the officers of the hospital ship Glenart Castle, torpedoed in the Bristol Channel, shows that he had sustained two gunshot wounds -- one in the neck and one in the thigh. It is suggested that the Germans attacked the boats of the escaping crew.
Mr. Clynes told Major Newman, in Parliament, that he had no information that a Central Food Committee had been established by the Irish Republican party to prevent export of food from Ireland; he had no information pointing to imminent food shortage in Ireland.
Mr. Bonar Law writes:-- "I am sorry to learn that a rumour is being circulated that the Government will repudiate the national debt, or confiscate investments. Such a suggestion is unthinkable, and I am certain no British Government would ever contemplate such an action."
At the County Tyrone Assizes, the Grand Jury passed a resolution placing on record their opinion that the disgraceful condition of the country outside Ulster at the present time is entirely due to the neglect of the most elementary obligations of government by the present Irish Administration.
Mr. A. M. Carlisle (of Messrs. Harland & Wolff) writes in "The Times" expressing his belief that unless the Government at once removes its control of shipbuilding and other great industries, it will "kill what, in the past, has been the success of all great achievements -- individuality and personal enterprise."
Mr. John Dillon, M.P., on the position of migratory labourers in England, wrote to a correspondent:-- "My advice to you is not to register, and if any pressure is put on you and you are compelled to register, give your Irish address and state that you are only temporarily in England, having been brought there by the Labour Exchange."
Rev. John M'Ilwaine, formerly of St. Andrew's Cathedral, Glasgow, and who had volunteered for service about a year ago, was one of the victims of the sinking of the hospital ship Glenart Castle. He had been chaplain to the Dublin Fusiliers at Aldershot, and had been invalided home some time ago from France, where he had been gassed.
Irish pig-killings during the week ended 7th inst. were only 6,725, compared with 20,538 in the corresponding week of 1917; Irish pig exports were 2,166, as against 6,027. For 1918 (up to 7th inst.) compared with the corresponding period of 1917 the pig-killings were 107,684 as against 228,384, the exports being 63,662 and 65,944 respectively.
The death has taken place of the Rev. Irvine Johnston, a well-known Irish Methodist minister. Deceased, who was in his eighty-ninth year, was a native of Drumquin, County Tyrone, and entered the ministry in 1855. After a strenuous ministry of forty-seven years, he became a supernumerary and went to Bangor, where he had ever since resided.
The death has occurred in London, in her eighty-second year, of Lady Russell of Killowen, widow of Lord Russell of Killowen. Lady Russell, who had been in failing health for some months, was a sister of Clara and Rosa Mulholland (Lady Gilbert) the well-known Irish writers. Lady Russell was the eldest daughter of Dr. Joseph Mulholland, Belfast.
Mr. Roberts, Minister of Labour, presiding at a dinner in London. under the auspices of the Industrial League, said industrial Germany was never more united. Militarism there was never more confident in victory, and never more buoyed up with the hope of territorial extension and the exaction of indemnities. All that made it imperative we should preserve unity at home.
Mr. John Rourke Massey Leach, of 6, Campden House Terrace, Kensington, has left the residue of his estate, valued at over £20,000, "to the Chief Scout, General Sir R. Baden-Powell, for the Boy Scout movement in England and Ireland, a movement which promises to make the boys of England and Ireland in the next generation more manly than those of the present."
A Bill whose object is to divert alcohol from human consumption to industrial uses has been favourably received in the French Chamber. The Bill provides for the abolition of the privilege of distillers and their compensation, the creation of a State monopoly in alcohol for commercial use, an increase in the duties on drink, and the doubling of the licence duty paid by retailers. A reduction of twenty-two million gallons was anticipated.
A number of arrests at Dundalk in connection with charges of illegal drilling was followed by a menacing demonstration, the Republican section of the crowd making an attempt to close on the barrack gates, and being only repulsed by the pressure of a baton charge on the part of the police. Two persons were slightly injured. It is expected that the earlier closing of licensed houses as ordered by the competent military authority will have a salutary effect.
At the monthly meeting of the Belfast and District Branch of the Irish Principal Teachers' Union, the following officers were unanimously elected for the year ending 31st March, 1919 -- Chairman, Mr. W. Parr; vice-chairman, Mr. W. Haslett; treasurer, Mr. J. A. Fitzsimons, B.A.; secretaries. Miss O'Donoghue and Mr. J. Rodgers, B.A. The entire committee were re-elected, with the addition of Messrs. T. H. Matthews and D. F. Moore to fill two vacant places.
With regard to the coming blow on the Western Front, Mr. Bonar Law, in a speech in Parliament, assured the House of the ability of the Allies to defeat any attack, and declared his confidence in our power to break Prussian militarism and secure that guarantee of peace for which we entered the war. But that success depended largely on the unity of the people at home and on their determination to hang on to the end.
Conscription for Ireland is urged by Lord Ebury, father-in-law of Lord Wimborne, in a letter to the "Morning Post." He states that many who thought any modification of the Union inconsistent with the true interests of Ireland, the safety of Great Britain, and the welfare of the Empire, had been silent out of consideration for those who deprecated any reference to the recruiting problem, while the Convention was in active existence.
Mr. Darrell Figgis, speaking at Meath Hill, said that Mr. Lloyd George's emphasis on the necessity of continuing the Irish representation at Westminster was a fine justification of Sinn Fein policy, for so long as Ireland was represented there England could proclaim that both countries were one nation, not two. That was what Mr. Lloyd George meant, and Ireland could not clear her position to herself or to the world until she withdrew.
A telegram from Ennis, County Clare, states that much police and military activity prevails in the districts between Clare and Galway. In the course of a search for arms and ammunition at Ballindereen a quantity of ammunition was discovered concealed in a garden. The police arrested a man and his two sons in connection with the matter. Isolated attempts at drilling by Irish Volunteers in different parts of Clare on Sunday were suppressed by the military. No untoward incident occurred.
Mr. Bonar Law, in submitting to Parliament the new Vote of Credit for £600,000,000, explained that it would carry on the war until the end of June, taking the daily rate of expenditure at £6,750,000 a day. The last Vote has been disbursed at the rate of £6,120,000 a day up to February 9, and the average for the year has been £6,557,000. At the end of the financial year, March 31, it is estimated the National Debt will be £5,900,000,000, of which £1,600,000,000 represents loans to Allies and Dominions.
In the debate in Parliament on the relations of the Government with the Press, the Prime Minister stated that Lord Rothermere and Lord Beaverbrook were the only newspaper owners holding Ministerial appointments, Lord Northcliffe's post being in a different category. On appointment these two Ministers gave up all direction of their newspapers, in consonance with the rule applying to company directors. Such appointments were common in other Allied countries, and both the noble lords were eminently fitted for their posts.
Sir E. Carson, addressing a war aims meeting at Dover, asked what room there was now for people who said the Germans only wanted an honourable peace? Why, the whole history of the German methods might be learned in five minutes by tracing out their dealings with Russia. Replying to a vote of thanks. Sir Edward said it certainly had been a kind of Nemesis he supposed to his antecedent history that when he had nothing but the war in his mind he should ! have left the Cabinet, on a matter unconnected with the war. However, there it was.
Opening County Down Assizes at Downpatrick, Mr. Justice Dodd stated that there were 1,401 cases of drunkenness in 1916, and in 1917 the total had fallen to 983, a decrease of 418. The police reported to him that the county was absolutely quiet and law-abiding. He was jealous for them and their reputation and standing in the county. They had the reputation of being hard-headed business men, and it was not inconsistent with that that they should have a genuine love for what was good, honourable, and pure. They loved their land not less, but with a love greater than any county in Ireland, and they followed the King and his movements with a loyalty that could not be shaken or surpassed.
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Death of Mr. S. Eakin, J.P.
On Saturday there passed away to his rest and his reward one of the oldest residents in County Monaghan in the person of Mr. Samuel Eakin, J.P., of Cordrummonds, Donaghmoyne, Carrackmacross. Born in Nov., 1826, he had well entered into his ninety-second year. Throughout his long life he was privileged to enjoy remarkably good health. He was an extensive and successful farmer, and one who was not slow in adopting the most up-to-date methods in agriculture. For many years he was a ruling eider in the congregation of Broomfield, and a very liberal contributor to its funds; indeed, he was a generous supporter of any deserving religious or charitable cause. He was unusually well versed in the Scriptures; and held clear and decided views of Christian truth and doctrine. He is survived by three sons and one daughter; the flatter is resident in Canada; one of his sons holds a good position in the Customs and Excise, London; the other two are extensive farmers in the Donaghmoyne district. The funeral to the family burying-ground, Broomfield Presbyterian Church, was largely attended by all classes and creeds.
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Death of Second-Lieut W. Brown, Cootehill.
Preaching in Cootehill Church on Sabbath from the words, "Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them unto the end" (John xiii. 1), Rev. W. M. Henry referred to the sad and greatly-lamented death of Willie Brown, son of the senior elder, Mr. Samuel Brown, merchant, Cootehill. This fine young officer was killed in action on the 1st of the present month. He was one of the most interesting and lovable boys and young men ever brought up in any family. As a boy in the elementary school, he was a great favourite with all the pupils, and when attending the Royal School in Dungannon he gained the goodwill and esteem of all the teachers and scholars. Almost from the very beginning of this terrible war he earnestly considered it to be his duty to do what he could for his King and country. He joined the Royal Irish Fusiliers, and subsequently went to the front with the Ulster Division in 1915, serving for a number of months as interpreter to his battalion. In November, 1916, he was selected for a commission, and was trained as a cadet unit at Cambridge, and afterwards gazetted to the Royal Munster Fusiliers in March, 1917. On returning to France in April of same year he was attached to the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, and only a few weeks ago was transferred with his battalion to the Ulster Division, in which he was second lieutenant. His captain, men, and chaplain all have spoken of him in the very highest terms, and the congregation as a whole desired to express their deep sympathy with his father, mother, brothers, and sisters, and all his family connection in this their time of deep sorrow and sad bereavement.
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Death of Mr. John Wilkinson.
We regret to announce the death of Mr. John Wilkinson, which occurred on Sabbath at his residence, Mountpleasant, Stranmillis Road. The deceased, who was seventy-four years of age, was well known and highly respected in commercial circles, and was chairman of directors of the firm of Wilkinson & Turtle, Ltd., manufacturers, Alfred Street. Mr. Wilkinson was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, and for over thirteen years was clerk of session in the Fisherwick congregation. For many years also he was a member of the committee of the Young Men's Christian Association. He did not take a prominent part in public affairs, but was keenly interested in everything affecting the welfare of the city and province, and was a staunch supporter df the Unionist cause. Deep sympathy will he felt for his widow and family.
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Funeral of Mr. A. Jamison.
The funeral of Mr. Alexander Jamison, Florenceville Terrace, Ormeau Road, took place on Saturday to the family burying-ground at Knockbreda, and the large attendance of mourners was a striking testimony to the esteem in which deceased was held. In the cortege were included representatives of the session of Newtonbreda Church, with which he was officially connected for many years, and of the Ulidia Clothing Company, of which he was director and secretary. The service at the graveside was conducted by Rev. Dr. Workman and Rev. J. Somerville Wilson, B.A., B.D. The funeral arrangements were admirably carried out by Messrs. Melville & Co.. Ltd.
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Death of Dr. F. M'Kee, J.P., Dromore
The death occurred on Sabbath at his residence, Dromore, of Dr. Francis M'Kee, J.P. A son of the late Mr. Samuel M'Kee, of Ballymurphy, Annahilt, the deceased was educated at the Ballynahinch Intermediate School and Queen's College, Belfast, and graduated at the old Royal University in 1889, taking the degrees of M.B., B.Ch., and B.A.O. About eight years ago he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Iceland. After graduating Dr. M'Kee did duty in a London hospital, and also served as medical officer on an ocean liner. He subsequently set up in practice at Dromore, where his ability and courtesy were highly appreciated. He was granted a commission in the Royal Army Medical Corps in June, 1915, and served with his Majesty's forces for a period of about two years. When returning home from Egypt the ship on which he was a passenger was torpedoed, and Dr. M'Kee was in the water for a considerable time before being rescued. The exposure to which he was subjected on that occasion seriously affected his health, and he never completely regained his strength. The deceased was a magistrate for County Down. He did not take any active part in politics, but was a staunch Unionist, whilst in religion he was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was connected with the Independent Order of Foresters, and was medical officer to Court Laganvale, 2040.
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The Witness - Friday, 22 March 1918
Marriage
TROTTER--WRIGHT -- March 12, Minterburn Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. S. D. M'Kee, B.A., George Brown Trotter, third son of the late William Trotter and Mrs. Trotter, Minterburn, to Maria Louisa Wright, fourth and youngest daughter of the late Samuel Wright, Ballyboy, Caledon, Co. Tyrone.
Deaths
DOWNING -- March 16, at Newcastle, Co. Down, Mary Clements Downing, relict of the late Alexander Downing, Belfast. Funeral strictly private.
M'CORMICK -- March 20, at 4, Park Parade, Lisburn, Eliza Jane, widow of the late William James M'Cormick. Funeral to Lisburn Cemetery this (Friday) afternoon, at 3-30 o'clock. No flowers.
DODD -- March 20, at Bangor Cottage Hospital, Jane, relict of the late Samuel Dodd, and youngest daughter of the late Thos. Hanna, Ballyfothery, Donaghadee.
FULTON -- March 15, at Kilnock, John Fulton, formerly of Cranfield.
FUTTIT -- March 20, at his late residence, Bagthorpe, Holywood, James Butler Futtit, only eon of the late Robert Futtit, Worksop, Notts.
GREER -- At her mother's residence, Downshire Road, Holywood, Jeannie (Cissie), wife of David Boal Greer, and only daughter of late Robert Taylor, Master of Lurgan Union.
JOHNSTON -- March 17, at Cumber, Ballynahinch, Susan, wife of the late Wm. Johnston.
MACAULEY -- March 16, at The Heugh, Islandmagee, Samuel, the beloved husband of Lizzie Macauley.
MALLON -- February 28 (suddenly), at 119th Street, Third Avenue, New York City, Anna Windrim, beloved wife of the late Thomas Mallon, formerly of Belfast.
MAYNE -- March 20, at their father's residence, The Bridge, Doagh, Edith and Eleanor Henrietta, aged 2½ and 1½ years.
M'CUTCHEON -- March 18, at Portavo, Donaghadee, Sarah M'Cutcheon.
QUIGLEY -- March 15, at 48, Morningside Drive, Edinburgh, John Quigley, late travelling secretary, Drummond's Tract Depot, Stirling.
SCOTT -- March 16,, at the residence of her brother, James Scott, 109, Royal Avenue, Belfast, Annie, third daughter of the late Archy Scott, Larkhill Cottage, Stranocum, Co. Antrim.
In Memoriam
FINLAY -- In loving memory of William Finlay, who departed this life on the 22nd March, 1916, and was interred in the City Cemetery. Ever remembered by his sorrowing Daughter and Son-in-Law. JENNIE and JAMES R. GRAINGER, 28, Lothair Avenue, Belfast.
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RANDOM READINGS.
TALLEST MAN IN THE ARMY.
For many years (says a writer in the "Evening Standard") Major Oswald Ames, of the 2nd Life Guards, held the distinction of being the tallest man in the army. I believe his exact height was 6ft. 6in., and, as everybody knows, he rode at the head of the Diamond Jubilee procession. Later he was easily surpassed by a private in the Grenadiers, who stood 6ft. 8in. Now all records have again gone by the board, as I understand that the son of the late lamented General Stanley Maude is exactly 6ft. 10in. He is in the R.H.A.
MODIFYING THE TUNE.
Sir Frederick Bridge, who has just passed the 73rd milestone of a life devoted to music, is noted for his wit as well as his learning. One of his stories (the "Daily Chronicle" says) concerns the new Wesleyan Hymn Book, in connection with which he acted as adviser to the editorial committee. The committee submitted to him a tune thought to be of Handelian derivation, but which he declared would make Handel turn in his grave every time it was sung. The committee, however, were not to be denied, and submitted the tune once more, suggesting that it might be marked pianissimo, "so as not to disturb Handel."
THE QUESTION OF FUEL.
On every hand we see the substitution of machinery and artificial motive power for animal and man power. There will, therefore, be plenty of openings in the future for young, bright mechanical engineers working in this direction. There is, however, one obstacle to further advance, in the increasing price of the fuel necessary to work machinery. Coal and oil are going up, and are strictly limited in quantity. We can take coal out of a mine, but we can never put it back. We can draw oil from subterranean reservoirs, but we can never refill them again. We are spendthrifts in the matter of fuel, and are using our capital for our running expenses. In relation to coal and oil, the world's annual consumption has become so enormous that we are now actually within measurable distance of the end of the supply. What shall we do when we have no more coal or oil? Apart from water power (which is strictly limited) and tidal and wave power (which we have not yet learned to utilise), and the employment of the sun's rays directly as a source of power, we have little left, excepting wood, and it takes at least twenty-five years to grow a crop of trees. -- From "Work for the Inventor" in the "Woman's Magazine."
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The Late Mr. John Wilkinson.
Rev. Robert Davey, B.A., Dunmurry, occupying the pulpit of Fisherwick Presbyterian Church on Sabbath, said it was fitting that a few words should be said before they separated about their dear friend, Mr. John Wilkinson, who received his home call during the week. Mr. Wilkinson was recognised as a man of uprightness and integrity of character, whose desire ever was to do justly by all men. His relation to that congregation was life-long. Mr. Wilkinson's, father took one of the first sittings let in Fisherwick, and deceased was therefore born in connection with that church, and was baptised by Rev. Dr. Morgan. Proceeding, Mr. Davey referred to the different offices held by Mr. Wilkinson, both in the church and the Sabbath-school, also to the different movements which he had assisted, and in conclusion said their friend's end was full of hope and peace and his reward certain. They sympathised with his bereaved wife and family, and especially in the double sorrow through which they were passing. Lieut. David Stanley Wilkinson, taking his share in the great conflict, received his summons to the world beyond only a few months ago.
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Military Funeral in Belfast.
The funeral of Lance-Sergeant William J. Keith, late of the Y.C.V.'s, took place on Monday, when the remains were removed from his parents' residence, 1, Pottinger Street, Belfast, and interred in the City Cemetery. A detachment of the Royal Irish Rifles and the Depot Band were in attendance. The chief mourners were Messrs. William J. Keith (father), Thos. and Samuel Keith (brothers), Joseph Heap (brother-in-law), Andrew and Samuel Keith and Samuel Carmichael (uncles), and Samuel Carmichael, jun. (cousin). Rev. D. D. Boyle (M'Quiston Memorial) conducted the service at the house and also officiated at the graveside. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Melville & Co., Ltd., Belfast.
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Death of Rev. James Scott, B.A.
We regret to announce the death of Rev. James Scott, B.A., which took place at The Manse, Bannside, Banbridge, in his seventy-fifth year, after a short illness. Although advanced in years, the announcement of his death caused surprise to many, he having conducted service twice on the previous Sabbath. Deceased was brought up in the congregation of Mountnorris, under the ministry of Rev. W. H. M'Ewen, and was educated at Queen's College and Assembly's College, Belfast. In 1866 he graduated B.A. in the Queen's University of Ireland. On 4th May, 1869, he was licensed by the Presbytery of Newry, and on 28th September in that year he was ordained in Glenarm as assistant and successor to Rev. Hugh Waddell, and it is interesting to relate that he was the last member of the General Assembly to receive the Regium Donum grant. On 12th October, 1880, he was installed in Bannside Church, Banbridge, in succession to Rev. George Wilson, who had gone to London. Throughout his ministry Mr. Scott was well known as a preacher, his sermons being carefully prepared and displaying much literary grace. He married a Miss Hill, of Glenarm, who survives him. One of his daughters is the wife of Rev. W. H. Sloane, Ballymena, and one of his brothers is Mr. Thomas Scott, J.P., Greenisland, well known in the local tea trade. The funeral took place on Wednesday to the New Cemetery, Banbridge, and was largely attended. Previous to the removal of the remains a short service was held in the Manse, at which Revs. J. B. Lusk and Thomas Boyd officiated. On arrival at the church a service was conducted by the Revs. D. M. M'Connell, J. D. Martin, John Kyle, and J. B. Lusk, and an appropriate address was delivered by the Rev. Thomas Boyd. At the graveside the service was conducted by Revs. John Kyle and Thomas Boyd.
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NEWS OF THE WEEK
IN BRIEF.
Mr. John Courtney has been elected chairman of Belfast Water Commissioners for the second year in succession.
Sir Samuel MacCaughey, member of the N.S.W. Legislative Council, and a native of Ballymena, has given £10,000 to the Australian Red Cross.
Sir George Alexander, the celebrated actor-manager of St. James's Theatre, London, has died in his sixtieth year. He was noted for his great benevolence.
Lady Haig, wife of Sir Douglas Haig, has given birth to a son at Eastcott, Kingston-on-Thames. This is their first son. Their two daughters were born in 1907 and 1908.
There is every likelihood of a bad attack of caterpillars on fruit trees this year, says ' the Board of Agriculture, and growers should keep a sharp lookout for them just as the buds are opening. A nicotine and soap wash is advocated.
It was suggested in a question in Parliament that the liquor trade profits in 1917 had increased by £50,000,000, despite the decreased output and consumption, but Mr. Bonar Law professed to have no data as to the net profits.
Mr. Clynes stated in Parliament that tea could not be sold at 2s 6d without loss at present, but Lord Rhondda was considering the purchase of a cheaper tea after May, and the profits allowed the trade were being further investigated.
Civil war has broken out in Turkestan. In fierce battles between adherents of the Soviet and the natives over 20,000 casualties are reported. Large supplies of cotton wool were destroyed by fire, the belligerents using it as material for barricades.
The Board of Trade returns show that the February imports increased by £28,106,145, as compared with February, 1917, and exports by £1,811,995. Imports of raw materials and articles manufactured increased by £15,019,700, and food, drink, and tobacco were, roughly, £4,489,652.
A Czech referring in the Reichsrath to the fact that Prague was without potatoes a German caused a tumult by calling out, "Why didn't you Czechs deliver supplies? You are Allies of England, and want to starve us out." A hand-to-hand fight ensued, and the meeting was suspended.
Mr. Bonar Law stated in Parliament that after careful consideration it had been decided not to place a number of German prisoner officers of superior rank on all hospital ships in order to safeguard British wounded and medical and nursing staffs; it was impossible to give reasons.
The Food Controller has fixed the price of pigs at 21s per score live weight and 28s dead weight. The former fixed prices were 18s per score live weight and 25s dead weight (including offals). There is also to be a free sale in pigs up to a live weight of 80lbs., and the slaughter of any pig under 112lbs. is prohibited.
Meetings of the Supreme War Council, as well as important political conferences, under the presidency of the Prime Minister, were held at 10, Downing Street. The conferences were attended by the Prime Ministers of Great Britain, France, and Italy, as well as by other Ministers and their military and other expert advisers.
An inquest was held at Ennis into the death of John Ryan, who was fatally wounded by the police on February 24 on the occasion of a cattle drive at Castlefergus. The jury found that Ryan died as the result of wounds caused by a bullet fired by the police, but disagreed as to whether the police were justified in firing upon the crowd.
Mr. Robert Smillie, President of the British Miners' Federation, speaking at Uddington, said he believed within ten years there would be a Labour Government in power. He denied he was in favour of strikes, but, if workers wanted to make progress, they must be prepared to take drastic measures when required.
The Food Ministry announces that arrangements for increased rations to manual workers have been arranged in accordance with the advice of experts who agree that a brain worker does not need more food when working than when not working. The increased ration is for bacon only, as extra fat is what manual workers need.
The U.V.F. artificial arm is the name given to a remarkable contrivance designed by Mr. F. G. MaGuire, chairman of the U.V.F. Hospital Limbless Committee. It can be fitted to the stump of an amputated arm, and enables its possessor to grip and manipulate tools of all kinds. It is expected to prove a great boon to maimed soldiers.
News has just reached Washington from "a Pacific port" of the launching of Faith, the largest concrete ship in the world. The vessel has a displacement of 9,700 tons. So successful has this type been found, particularly from the standpoint of speedy construction, that a number of others are building, and will be launched in the next few months.
Dr. Henry Scott Holland, D.D., who has died, was Regius Professor of Divinity and Canon of Christ Church at Oxford since 1910, and was one of the best known figures in the Anglican Church, being author of many works on Church history and an advocate of Church reform. He was formerly Precentor of St. Paul's, London, and previously Canon at Truro.
Eugene Short, aged 73, a retired coachman, formerly in the service of Lieut. Col. M. J. 0. Longfield, D.L., Castlemary, Midleton, died in a hospital in Cork. His wife, Bridget Short, aged 72, died almost at the same hour in Midleton Hospital. Both were East Cork old age pensioners, and their remains were borne in two hearses to Cloyne, and buried in the one grave.
Captain Tupper speaking in London, said that the German Government was issuing fresh orders to sink all ships in such a way as to leave no trace. Last week a steamer left a port, and no trace remained except a small lifeboat, the gunwale of which was riddled with shot. In the bottom of the boat was the body of a fireman with thirty-seven bullet wounds.
As a result of steps taken at Cork by young men to prevent young girts travelling to Queenstown, police armed with carbines drove the crowd into the railway station yard. Stones were thrown and revolver shots fired, and it is stated that Constable Sullivan was hit by a spent bullet. A baton charge followed, several persons, including two policemen, being injured.
A meeting of Belfast and North of Ireland Butchers decided to defer execution of the Food Controllers' forms as to fortnightly returns pending approval of a maximum price for cattle. Mr. Bircher said Belfast was going to be put under absolute control, with fixed prices, and it would be impossible to fix the minimum at 75s per cwt., because they had io dead meat market,.
The following are the numbers of matriculated students at the Irish Universities since the outbreak of war:-- National University -- 415 in 1914; 1,515 in 1915; 1,558 in 1916; 1,686 n 1917. T.C.D. -- 1,285 (including 211 women) in 1914; 937 (93 women) in 1915; 797 (186 women) in 1916; 732 (198 women) in 1917. Queen's, Belfast -- 514 (138 women) in 1914; 584 (171 women) in 1915; 567 (190 women) in 1916; 643 (203 women) in 1917.
Mr. James Hope, in the Parliamentary papers, states that since the war began 438 British officers and 3,870 other ranks are known to have been captured by the Turks. Of these 32 officers and 274 other ranks have seen repatriated or escaped, 14 officers and 1,113 other ranks have died, and 392 officers and 2,183 other ranks are still in prison camp. These figures are exclusive of one officer and 635 other ranks of the Kut garrison who have never been traced.
Mr. D. J. Owen, secretary of the Harbour Board, has received nominations for the seven retiring members of the Board. Mr. W. E. Williames, J.P., who declared the nominations, said the new members would officially come into office on 10th March. The retiring members, who were all re-elected, were -- The Right Honourable Robert Thompson, D.L., M.P.; Messrs. James M'Connell, J.P.; R.E. Herdman, J.P.; H. Hutton, J.P.; R.B. Fair, G.F. Inglis, J.P.; and R.A. Mitchell.
More than seventy delegates representing branches of an Irish society known for some years as the Self-Help Association, but now as the "Whole Ireland Society of Great Britain," attended a St. Patrick's meeting at Islington. The chief object of the organisation is stated to be to promote the demand for an Irish Parliament, with full legislative powers. The secretary said they had promisee of fifty candidates (nineteen of them Protestants) for the General Election, who would provide their own expenses.
The death has occurred at Greystones of Sir Andrew Newton-Brady, who was one of the stipendiary magistrates in Belfast from 1908, when he succeeded the late Mr. F. G. Hodder, R.M., until 1914, when he retired. Sir Andrew was a member of the Church of Ireland, and was identified with St. John's Church, Malone, during his residence in Belfast. He received his knighthood in 1911, this recognition being unique in one respect, inasmuch as it was the first time such an honour was bestowed upon a Resident Magistrate during his tenure of office.
Mr. Asquith, addressing the annual council of the Women's Liberal Federation in London, described the Russian peace treaty as having been extorted by force and intimidation, and as violating both in letter and spirit every ideal the Powers have ever professed to entertain or pursue. It was an object lesson for the world of what a victorious Germany would seek to impose on those she had vanquished. We were fighting and would continue to fight to maintain the equal rights of great and small peoples, to restore what had been wrongfully taken away, and to place the peace of the world beyond the jeopardy of ambitions and rivalries, and selfish mischief-making interests and forces.
The English Education Bill was read a second time in the House of Commons, a rejection motion having been negatived without a division. In the course of the debate Sir Phillip Magnus described the Bill as far surpassing any previous education measure. Mr. O'Grady was glad the half-time system was abolished. General Hickman doubted the wisdom of a moribund Parliament carrying a measure of such importance, and Sir John D. Rees held that the democracy should have a chance of voting on it. Mr. H. Lewis said it would cost the Exchequer £850,000 to bring the grant for elementary education up to 50 per cent, of the expenditure, and in the case of higher education £265,000. Mr. Butcher urged better remuneration to secure better teachers.
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Death of Rev. S. D. M'Connell, M.A., B.D.
The death has occurred very suddenly of Rev. S. D. M'Connell, at Pollokshaws Manse, Glasgow. He was a son of the late Rev. Wn M'Connell, Gortnessy. He entered Magee College in 1875, obtaining the Jamison Bursary, In the following year he matriculated in Queen's College, Belfast. In the Queen's University of Ireland he graduated B.A. in 1879 and M.A. in 1880, in both cases with honours in ancient classics. His theological course was taken at Assembly's College, Belfast; Magee College (where be obtained the Dill Bursary in theology), and at Edinburgh University, from which be received the degree of B.D. During his college course he gave much of his time to teaching, among his appointments being that of tutor in modern languages in Derry Academical Institution, Victoria High School, Derry, and Magee College. He was licensed by the Glendermott Presbytery on 6th May, 1884, and four years later was ordained in the parish of [--------------]
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Ulster Minister Killed in France.
REV. W. A. WILSON, COLERAINE.
It is with feelings of profound sorrow we record the death in France of the Rev. W. A. Wilson, M.A., the popular and gifted minister of New Row Church, Coleraine. News of the sad event reached Belfast yesterday, the telegram intimating that he had been killed in a motor accident. The late Mr. Wilson, who was a son of the Rev. A. J. Wilson, D.D., senior minister of Malone Presbyterian Church, Belfast, and the respected Clerk of the Belfast Presbytery, was rendering excellent service as a Y.M.C.A. worker amongst the troops, and so acceptable was his work to the military and Y.M.C.A. authorities that he was specially requested to return to the front for second and third terms. His brother, Rev. George Wilson, Ballygawley, is similarly engaged in France. Deceased had a brilliant career at Queen's College, Belfast; Assembly's College, and New College, Edinburgh. He obtained the degrees of B.A. and M.A. at the Royal University of Ireland, and on the completion of his course was licensed by the Belfast Presbytery in May, 1894. On 31st March, 1896, he was ordained minister of New Row congregation in succession to the late Rev. Robert Wallace. An able and faithful minister, he discharged his duties with outstanding success, and was highly revered in Coleraine. Deep sympathy will be felt for his widow and family, and with the sorrowing relatives in Belfast in the great bereavement they have sustained.
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Funeral of the Late Mrs. Dobbin, Boardmills.
The remains of the late Mrs. Dobbin (widow of the late Rev. Alexander Dobbin), of Boardmills, were removed last week from the residence of her son-in-law (Mr. J. M. Finnegan), 23, Botanic Avenue, Belfast, for interment in Second Boardmills Burying-ground. The chief mourners were Mr. Leonard Dobbin (Hadfield, Derby), Mr. R. R. Dobbin (sons); Mr. J. M. Finnegan (son-in-law). Masters Tom Finnegan and Jim Smyth (grandsons), and Lieut. Dickson and Mr. John M'Caughey (relatives). Amongst others present were -- The Vice-Chancellor of the University (Rev. Dr. Hamilton), Professor Hamill, Professor Leitch. Revs. D. S. Coulter, R. W. Dodds, Dr. Gordon, R. W. Hamilton (Lisburn), W. K. M'Lernon (Ballygowan), Dr. Park (who conducted the service at the house), T. A. Smyth, and C. M. Young; Dr. Adair, Dr. Deans, Messrs. Dalzell Davis, Robert Diamond, George Diamond, William Dunn, Charles Gaw, Sewell Jones, Henry Montgomery, James M'Gaughey, Tom Smyth, and Robert Wallace. On arrival of the funeral cortege at Boardmills a service was held in the church, which was attended by members of the congregation and friends. Rev. C. M. Young (Bloomfield) presided, and was assisted by Revs. John Moody (Boardmills), Josias Mitchell (Annahilt), and R. W. Dodds (Belfast). Mr. Young, in the course of his remarks, said that as a wife and minister's wife, and as a mother and neighbour and friend, the late Mrs. Dobbin had few equals, and no superiors. Many in that district would "rise up and call her blessed" for her work in the Sabbath-school and for the widow and orphan and for every charitable and missionary cause. In many respects her last days were even her best days, for she was devotedly nursed and cared for in the home of one of her daughters, and though she had her share of suffering she was nevertheless cheerful and contented, for she ever "knew in Whom she had believed." The coffin was reverently borne from the church by Messrs. J. Innes (elder), Samuel Graham, Samuel Dunn, and Joseph Dunn. Revs. R. M'Elney (Downpatrick) and Murray (Cargycreevy) officiated at the graveside.
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The Witness - Friday, 29 March 1918
Roll of Honour
BURNSIDE -- March 21, killed in action, Second-Lieutenant E. E. Burnside, aged 19 years, elder son of Ingram Burnside, Norham, Bladon Drive, Belfast.
Marriages
BUCHANAN--STUART -- March 20, at her mother's residence, Alexandra Terrace, Enniskillen, by special licence, by Rev. John Stuart, M.A., LL.D., Waterside, Londonderry, uncle of the bride, Thomas Alexander Osborne Buchanan, L.R.C.P. and S.I., Clogher, eldest son of W. J. Buchanan, Dromore, Co. Tyrone, to Ellen Elizabeth Howe (Nellie), daughter of the late Andrew Stuart, Ulster Bank, Enniskillen.
COCHRANE--CROSBY -- March 14, at First Saintfield Presbyterian Church, by Rev. Stewart Dickson, David, elder son of James Cochrane, Cherryvalley House, Comber, to Anna M., second daughter of Henry S. Crosby, Brookmount, Saintfield.
ORMSBY--O'NEILL -- March 25, at Malone Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. T. A. Smyth, M.A., LL.B., Lieutenant Nicholson Ormsby, 20th Royal Irish Rifles, son of Mrs. Ormsby, Rosse's Point, Sligo, to Fannie, only daughter of Charles O'Neill, M.D., J.P., and Mrs. O'Neill, 6, College Square East, Belfast.
Deaths
MOORE -- March 27, 1918, at Ardlui, Adelaida Park, Belfast, Mary Evelyn, widow of Rev. D. R. Moore, Killinchy. Funeral strictly private. No flowers.
ARMSTRONG -- March 10, at Williamstown, Victoria, Hugh Warrin, eldest son of the late Clotworthy Dobbin Armstrong, Belfast.
BAXTER -- March 26, at Osmond House, Ballymoney, John Baxter, J.P., Co.C.
BROWN -- March 23 (suddenly), at Abbey Street, Bangor, Edward Brown, late of Fort Hill.
BUNTING -- March 21, at Drumlin, Donacloney, Joseph Bunting, in his 95th year.
GILLILAND -- March 24, at Pound Street, Larne, James, the dearly-beloved husband of Ann Jane Gilliland.
GLYNN -- March 20, at the Richmond Hospital, Dublin, Henrietta, fifth daughter of the late Richard Glynn, Fuller's Court, Ballytore, Co, Kildare.
HULL -- March 24 (very suddenly), at The Nook, Molesworth Road, Cookstown, Harriet Harvey Hull.
HULL -- March 26, at Ballynadrentagh, Killead, James M'Neilly Hull.
JEFFREY -- March 26, at Glenfaba, College Avenue, Bangor, Catherine, daughter of the late Joseph Jeffrey, Eden, Carrickfergus.
MINNIS -- March 23, at Tullynagee, Elizabeth Minnis, relict of the late Thomas Minnie.
MORRISON -- March 27 (suddenly), at Brookvale, Millisle, the residence of his uncle (John Hall), William, third son of James Morrison, Whitechurch, Ballywalter.
MORTIMER -- March 21, at his residence, West Street, Portadown, Joseph Mortimer, R.O.
MULHOLLAND -- March 22, at the residence of his sister, Mrs. Dobbin, 20, Donaghadee Road, Bangor, John H. Mulholland, of Belfast.
M'MURTRY -- March 22, at his residence, 168, Seacliffe Road, Bangor, William J., the dearly-beloved husband of Catherine M'Murtry, and fourth son of the late Wm. M'Murtry, Ballynure, County Antrim.
ORR -- March 21, at his son's residence, Castlegore, Moorfields, William Orr.
PARKINSON-CUMINE- -- March 25, at Killough, Katherine Parkinson-Cumine, second daughter of the late Rev. Wm. Parkinson, M.A.
PEEL -- March 23, at 56, Upper English Street, Armagh, Joshua E. Peel, Solicitor.
PRIESTLY -- March 25, at 37, Downshire Road, Holywood, Eliza Priestly, widow of the late Robert Priestly.
SCOTT -- March 24, at his father's residence, Drumadreen, Limavady, Alexander Scott, beloved husband of M. A. Scott, 12, Thorndale Avenue.
SILCOCK -- March 26, at Market Square, Lisburn, James Silcock, senior.
TURNER -- March 22, at Levaghery, Portadown, Anna Mary, the beloved wife of Wm. Turner.
Clippings
NEWS OF THE WEEK
IN BRIEF.
Captain W. A. Redmond (Nationalist) has been elected M.P. for Waterford City by 1,242 votes to 764 for Dr. White (Sinn Fein).
Major the Rev. John Fitzgibbon, S.J., son of Mr. John Fitzgibbon, M.P., Castlerea, has been awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallant conduct while on active service as chaplain to the forces at the front.
Lord Rhondda has decided that cottagers and others who feed pigs shall be entitled to use the first pig in any year for themselves outside the Rationing Order. No decision has yet been reached regarding subsequent pigs killed.
Mr. L. Ginnell, M.P., was charged in the Dublin Police Courts with having used language calculated to incite to cattle-driving, and ordered to enter into bail in £500 and find two sureties of £1,000 each or go to jail for six months.
Shippers now have liberty to forward Irish lambs to Great Britain for slaughter, or for sale for slaughter in carcase form for sale as dead meat; the prohibition against sale of meat from lambs born in the British Islands having been removed.
Mr. Edward J. Graham, M.P. for North King's County, has died in Dublin. Mr. Graham, who was an Independent Nationalist, had a majority of only seventy-nine over the Nationalist party candidate at the last election. The Sinn Feiners are strong in the constituency.
Lady Carson has been presented by the directors of the British and Foreign Sailors' Society with an illuminated address in recognition of her services on behalf of the society's flag days. Lady Carson's help assisted in securing several thousands of pounds for the society.
For the year ended November 20, 1916, there were twelve savings banks in Ireland, with 55,894 depositors and a total of £2,563,356. The total invested with the National Debt Commissioners (excluding separate surplus funds of £22,517) was £2,542,455; and the balance in hand £32,498.
The Roman Catholic Archbishop Mannix, speaking in Melbourne, said that the late Mr. Redmond had placed his confidence in those who had betrayed him. The Archbishop went on to make a violent attack on the British Government, and declared that Ireland's opportunity would come.
The death has occurred of the Rev. Douglas Scott, M.A., of Aghalee. He was the sixth son of the late Wm. Scott, M.D., of "The Bawn," Aughnacloy, Co. Tyrone, and was educated at Wesley College and Trinity College, Dublin, and was ordained for the Curacy of Kilkeel in 1896, and appointed Rector of Aghalee in 1906.
A further postponement has taken place in connection with the All-Ireland deputation to Mr. Duke in support of the Irish teachers' claims. The Lord Mayor of Dublin got a message from the Chief Secretary stating that he would be unable to meet the deputation as arranged. Mr. Duke has been hurriedly summoned to London.
Giving evidence at Monaghan Petty Sessions against a man for not burying four carcases. Constable Reynolds said the defendant's two sisters were living in a byre with two partly-starved cattle. District-Inspector Richardson said the case had been reported to the sanitary authority, adding that he understood the cattle died of starvation.
Lord Leverholme, who presided at the annual meeting at Port Sunlight of Lever Brothers, said they were studying the applicability of the principle of a six-hours working day to each individual department. Not, however, until they had completed this preliminary investigation would it be wise to change from a shift of eight hours to two shifts of six hours.
Mr. Churchill, speaking to American journalists who visited Birmingham munition area, said everything could be replaced as fast as it could be carried to the spot. The time lost in strikes for the last six months was much less than a fourth of one per cent., and the army was getting an ever-increasing supply for its needs. He asked workpeople to give up their Easter holidays.
At a mass meeting of railwaymen held in Belfast, resolutions were passed requesting the National Executive of the N.U.R. to immediately open up negotiations with the Irish Railway Executive for a further increase in the war wage on the same condition as the railwaymen of Great Britain, demanding State ownership of the railways, and that a system of weekly payments be established.
The death has taken place of Mr. Joshua E. Peel, senior member of the firm of Joshua E. Peel & Son, solicitors, Armagh. Mr. Peel was a staunch Unionist, and since its formation, acted as solicitor for the Mid-Armagh Constitutional Association, and also for the several Parliamentary representatives selected by that association. He was a member of the Methodist Church, in which he took an active interest.
An interesting and enjoyable concert was held at Rev. Thomas Haslett's Manse, Ballymena, the proceeds being in aid of the Red Cross and other war charities. The programme was ably taken part in by Miss Pearl Gilmour, Miss M. Haslett, Miss A. Carson, Miss J. Carsron, Miss K. Crothers, and Miss R. Martin. Miss Haslett presided at the piano, and a goodly sum was raised in aid of these deserving objects.
The Irish Solicitor-General, answering Mr. W. A. Lindsay, M.P., South Belfast, said that resolutions on the subject of placing enemy aliens at least ten miles from the coast had been received from the Urban District Councils of Bangor and Donaghadee. There are eighty-eight alien enemies in the maritime counties of Ulster. They are all under the supervision of the police in accordance with the Aliens Restriction Order.
The Board of Agriculture's report on agricultural statistics for 1917 says that the acreage under arable culture increased, taking the United Kingdom as a whole, in that year by 249,000 acres, of which about four-fifths was in England and Wales. In the last three years the total acreage under white corn crops increased by about 1,000,000 acres, the extent of land put under corn in 1917 having increased by about 800,000 acres.
Mr. Justice Ross, in the Chancery Division, granted an application for an order transferring to chambers for the settlement of a scheme of administration of the trust created under the will of John White, who died at Fall River, Mass., leaving £6,536 to the Methodist Church in Ireland, directing that it should be used in missionary revival work in Ulster, "not forgetting Charlemont." The money had been paid over to the Methodist Church.
Dr. T. H. Brownrigg, medical officer of health of the Moira dispensary district, reported to Moira Rural Council that a man in the district had his premises in a deplorable state of filth and ruin. Three goats occupied the bedroom with the owner, the roof was partly off the house, and the man himself was ill and nearly blind. The house was unfit for human habitation. The Council left the case in the hands of the sub-sanitary officer for the district.
Lord Pirrie, replying to a telegram from the Belfast employees of Harland & Wolff, congratulating him on his appointment as Controller of Mercantile Shipbuilding, and pledging him continued earnest endeavour to strengthen his hands in the great task he has undertaken, says-- "The assurance that can rely still further on your willingness and enthusiasm makes me feel more than ever confident that the output of ships will be increased to the desired extent, and menace to the country overcome."
An impromptu meeting of wounded soldiers was held in Leeds to protest against the engineers' strike, which has thrown 1,000 munition workers out of employment, and an army chaplain characterised the strike as damnable and contemptible. When the strikers met subsequently a deputation of wounded soldiers attended to ask them to return to work, but were refused admission. Subsequently, however, it was decided to resume work, and work through the holidays to make up for lost time.
Mr. Williams characterised the Nationalists as "a parcel of humbugs," when the Cork Corporation co-opted Mr. Fielding (N) by eighteen votes to three given for Mr. T. Andrews (U.), proposed by Mr. Williams, who declared that the Irish party had won South Armagh by the Unionist vote, and looked for Unionist aid in Waterford and Tyrone, while South Dublin, a Unionist seat, was handed over to them. It was now time for Nationalists to practise the conciliation they preached by co-opting a Unionist.
Three thousand citizens at a meeting in the Town Hall of Melbourne protested against the display of disloyal flags at the St. Patrick's Day procession and the general attitude of Monsignor Mannix, who was described as an arch-traitor. When the organist played the National Anthem some present did not rise. They were ejected with some force. The leaders of the meeting went in a deputation to ask Mr. Hughes to denounce Sinn Feinism. Mr. Hushes said this matter must and shall be settled, and promised immediate consideration.
Captain M'Nicholl and ten of a crew of a steamship which had been sunk reached a North-East Irish coast town in two of the ship's boats. In an interview the captain said the shots were fired at the vessel before she sank, and when the crew were taking to the boats they were under a perfect deluge of shots. Luckily none of them were struck. They reached land after eighteen hours' strenuous rowing. The submarine took off the mate, and he was made sign the log-book. The commander, who spoke English fluently, apologised for having sunk the vessel.
A notice issued by the Irish Railway Executive Committee states that owing to the fact that the Government requires the Irish railway companies to effect a large saving in the quantities of coal consumed by them they cannot undertake to supplement their ordinary train services during the, Easter holidays. The public should therefore refrain from making arrangements for these holidays which will involve a train journey. It is possible that in the near future much greater restrictions than the mere discontinuance of the running of supplementary trains on holidays will have to be adopted.
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The Late Rev. W. A. Wilson.
Speaking at the afternoon service on Sabbath in the Assembly Hall the Right Rev. the Moderator of the General Assembly (Rev. Dr. Irwin) said they had heard with deep regret of the death, owing to a motor accident, in France, of the Rev. W. A. Wilson, Coleraine. Mr. Wilson had done valuable work in France under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A. He was a very able preacher and a most devoted servant of Jesus Christ and His Church. They all profoundly sympathised with his widow and his son, and with his venerable father and the other sorrowing relatives.
Memorial services were held on Sabbath last in New Row Church, Coleraine, where the late Mr. Wilson had laboured so successfully for over twenty years. Rev. Dr. Geo. Thompson, Belfast, conducted the morning service, and preached impressively to a large and representative congregation. In the course of his remarks, Dr. Thompson paid a tribute to the self-sacrificing and patriotic spirit which had led the late Mr. Wilson to forego the comforts of home life in order that he might place his cultivated capacities and his genial personality at the disposal of our brave lads who were standing between us and the Prussian despotism. Concluding, Dr. Thompson said they offered their tender sympathy to the widow and children, his father, brothers, and sisters. At the close of the service the congregation remained standing while Miss Lynn (organist) played the Dead March in "Saul."
The service in the evening brought out an assemblage which was unique in some features, and filled the church to overflowing. Not only the sessions of the three Presbyterian congregations, but the clergy and select vestries of St. Patrick's and Killowen Parish Churches and the office-bearers of the Methodist, Congregational, and Baptist Churches were present in the front central pews, which had been reserved for them, officers of the 2nd Coleraine Company Boys' Brigade acting as marshals. Rev. T. C. Stuart, Macosquin (Moderator of Coleraine Presbytery), offered the opening prayer; Rev. W. J. M'Farland, Terrace Row Presbyterian Church, read the 90th Psalm; Rev. G. W. D. Rea, First Coleraine, led in prayer, and Rev. Frank W. Cole, M.A., senior curate of St. Patrick's, read the latter portion of 1st Corinthians xv., and the closing exercises were conducted by Rev. David H. Dewar, Ballywatt Presbyterian Church. Am impressive address was delivered by Rev. J. G. Keeps, B.A., Second Dunboe Church, and Clerk of Presbytery. The musical service, under the direction of Miss Lynn (organist), included Psalm 23, Paraphrase 66, and the hymns, "The sands of time," "Sleep thy last sleep," and "Sleep on, beloved." At the close Miss Lynn rendered impressively the Dead March in "Saul," the congregation standing.
A telegram received in Coleraine stated that the late Mr. Wilson was buried in France on Friday with full military honours.
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Death of Mr. John Baxter, J.P., Ballymoney.
We regret to announce the death of Mr. John Baxter, J.P., Co.C., which occurred at his residence, Osmond House, Ballymoney, on Tuesday. The late Mr. Baxter, who was in failing health for some time past, had attained the age of sixty-eight years. Despite the best medical skill and attention he developed heart trouble, which unfortunately proved fatal. The deceased was a native of Tattykeel, near Cookstown, and served his apprenticeship with his uncle, Mr. James Beattie, of Ballymena. He started business for himself in the year 1874 as a chemist, druggist, and grocer in Church Street, Ballymoney, in the business life of the town he played a leading part. On the passing of the Local Government Act he was returned as the representative of the Ballymoney Polling District at the County Council. This position he held unchallenged up till his death. A devoted member of the First Ballymoney Presbyterian Church, of which he was a member of session, he subscribed liberally to all missions and charitable work in connection with the Church. In the year 1906 he was appointed to a Commission of the Peace for County Antrim.
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Military Wedding in Belfast.
Malone Presbyterian Church was on Monday the scene of a very pretty wedding ceremony, when the marriage took place of Miss Fanny O'Neill, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Charles O'Neill, J.P., College Square East, with Lieut. N. Ormsby, of the 20th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles. Rev. T. A. Smyth, M.A.. LL.B., officiated, and the bride was given away by her father, the bridesmaids being Miss Annie Shanks and Miss Fanny Blake, and the best man Lieut. Niblock, a brother officer in the bridegroom. The bride looked charming in a gown of ivory satin, daintily trimmed with gold and white embroidery. She carried a spray bouquet of choice flowers. Her mother wore a dove-coloured gabardine costume, and the bridesmaids, wore crepe de chene, and carried bouquets. The bride's travelling costume was of dove-coloured gabardine, following a reception held in the Kensington Hotel, the happy couple left for the holiday tour via Dublin.
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The Roll of Honour.
Captain Robert Gerald M'Elney, M.C,, R.A.M.C., killed in action, was the eldest son of Rev. Robert M'Elney, M.A., Presbyterian minister, Downpatrick. He was born in 1892, and entered Campbell College, Belfast, in 1903, studying there until 1910, when be passed on to Queen's University, Belfast, where he took science and medical scholarships, and at Edinburgh University. After taking his degree in 1915 he entered the R.A.M.C., and in the following year was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in leading stretcher parties and working in the open under heavy fire continuously for thirty-four hours.
Second-Lieutenant E. E. Burnside, Royal Irish Rifles, killed in action on the 21st inst., was in his twentieth year, and was the elder son of Mr. Ingram Burnside, Norham, Bladon Drive, Belfast. He was educated at the Royal Academical Institution, and obtained an entrance scholarship into Queen's University in October, 1916. He was a member of the University O.T.C., and took first place in various courses. After four months' training at Fermoy, where he passed with distinction, he was appointed to a commission in the Royal Irish Rifles (Pioneers), and after a short period in Newtownards he went out to the front in December last. He was a keen soldier, popular at school, at college, and in his battalion. In his last letter home he was looking forward to his first leave next month. The deceased officer was a nephew of Mr. J. B. O'Neill and Mr. E. E. O'Neill.
Major William A. Montgomery, D.S.O., Knockdene Park, Royal Irish Rifles, wounded in the thigh and now in hospital at London, is a son of Mr. Harford Montgomery, Malone Park, Belfast, the well-known fine loss assessor. Before the war Major Montgomery was identified with the U.V.F., from which he obtained a commission in the West Belfast Regiment, with which he won the D.S.O. at Thiepval on 1st July, 1916.
Captain Edward C.. T. Emerson, M.B., R.A.M.C., wounded in the head by a bomb, is a son of Mr. Edward Emerson, J.P., Enderley, Knock, Belfast.
Lieut. C. R. W. M'Cammond, Royal Irish Rifles, son of Lieut.-Colonel W. E> C. M'Cammond, officer commanding 3rd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, wounded, and suffering from gas poisoning.
Second-Lieut. J. M. Hunter, Leinster Regiment, wounded in the left leg, is a son of Dr. John A. Hunter, 6 Stranmillis Road. Belfast.
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