Births

KINGHAN -- July 28, at Crossmichael Manse, Scotland, to Captain D. H. and Mrs. Kinghan -- a son.

SIMPSON -- July 27, at Castlereagh, Belfast, the wife of Robert Simpson, of a daughter.

STUART -- July 25, to the Rev. H. C. and Mrs. Stuart, Donaghmore Manse, Ardaragh, Newry -- a son.

Deaths

SLOAN -- July 28, 1918, at her residence, Annahavil, Moneymore, Margaret, widow of Henry Sloan, aged 95 years. Interred in the family burying-ground, Lecumpher, on Tuesday afternoon. W. G. SLOAN.

BELL -- July 31, at Church Square Post Office, Banbridge, James Alexander, the dearly-beloved and only son of John and Maria A. Bell.

BOYLE -- July 27, at her daughter's residence, Macosquin, Coleraine, Ann Boyle.

CALDWELL -- July 31, at Ballyeasboro', Isabella Caldwell.

CAMERON -- July 29, at Tullygowan, Gracehill, Ellen, beloved wife of John Cameron.

CARR -- July 28, at Carr Bodge, Newcastle, Co. Down, Susan, wife of William Carr, and fifth daughter of the late James Douglas, Ballymena.

CRAWFORD -- July 27, at Ardmore, Cookstown, Joseph Crawford, late Principal of Mullaghmore N.S., County Armagh, second son of the late William Crawford, Clare, Cookstown.

DEVLIN -- July 31, at Moneymore, Gerald Augustus, infant son of James J. Devlin.

GILMORE -- July 31, Jackson Gilmore, cattle dealer, of 111, London Street, Fleetwood, and 8, Havelock Street, Belfast.

GIRVAN -- July 27, at Tynan, Co. Armagh, Jane, widow of John Girvan.

HOPPER -- July 28, 1918, at his residence, Lisglennon, Killala, Co. Mayo, Robert Hopper.

INGRAM -- July 26 (suddenly), Thos. Ingram, Anne Street, Enniskillen, aged 49 years.

IRWIN -- July 26, at Moira, Ann, dearly-beloved wife of Joseph Henry Irwin.

JOHNSTON -- July 30, at Seaview House, Carnlough, Letitia J. Johnston, relict of the late James Johnston, Holywood and Belfast.

KEENAN -- July 26, at her father's residence, Leitrim House, Castledawson, Maria A., eldest daughter of John Keenan, J.P., C.C.

KING -- July 28, at Castle Chester, Whitehead, Ivan Lindsay, the infant son of James and Jennie King.

LINDSAY -- July 30, at Drumdrinagh, Rathfriland, Holt Waring Lindsay.

MATCHETT -- July 31, at her residence, Derryanville, Portadown, Matilda, widow of the late James Matchett.

MATHERS -- July 31, at Glenvue, Mullahead, Tandragee, Seth Mathers, in his 88th year.

MAZE -- July 29, at 22, Antrim Street, Lisburn, Mary Jane, beloved wife of Richard Maze, carrier.

MORGAN -- July 29, at Castleavery, Newtownards, Robert James Morgan, flesher, High Street, Newtownards.

M'CLURE -- July 26, at 449, Park Avenue, New York, Grace, wife of Wm. C. M'Clune.

STEWART -- July 27, at his son's residence, Newtowncrommelin, James Stewart, aged 89 years.

STUART -- July 30, at her residence, Englishtown, Maze, Lisburn, Mary Stuart, in her 90th year.

THOMPSON -- July 25, at Andraid, Randalstown, Louisa Caroline, beloved wife of James Thompson, jun.

TODD -- July 26, at Mandeville, Foxrock (the residence of his brother-in-law), John Paul Todd, late of Hadden Road, Clontarf.

UREY -- July 27, at Ballydown Old Manse, Tullyear, Banbridge, Agnes Urey, relict of the late Robert Urey, Magherally.

WAITE -- July 26, at Derry Lodge, Lurgan, Elizabeth Jane, dearly-beloved wife of Wm. Waite

WALLACE -- July 27, at Carnlea, Ballymena, John, beloved husband of A. E. Wallace.

WATTERS -- July 28, George Waiters, Ivy Hill House, Lisburn.

WRIGHT -- July 29, at Springhill Cottage, Carnalea, Letitia Barbara Kennedy Wright, fourth daughter of the late Joseph. Wright, Clandeboye.

Clippings

NEWS OF THE WEEK

IN BRIEF.

In agreeing, in Parliament, to postpone the Vote for the Ministry of information, Mr. Bonar Law said the Government had never discussed the General Election, which Mr. Pringle fixed at November 2.

Work has been generally resumed in Birmingham and Coventry by the munitions workers on strike, and the Minister of Munitions accordingly announced the appointment of the promised Committee of Inquiry.

A flag day held sat Portrush in aid of the funds of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution resulted in £73 19s 4d being realised. The organiser was Mrs. M'Morris, who was assisted by a large number of Belfast ladies.

The number of pearls now received for the Red Cross Necklace is 3,214. The latest gifts include a pearl from Lady Garvagh and her son, Lord Garvagh -- "To the undying fame of the glorious Ulster contingent, France, 1916. No surrender."

The King received at Buckingham Palace the overseas delegates to the Imperial War Conference, and in replying to an address expressed his conviction that the Empire was founded on a rock of unity which no storm could shake.

A new world's record has been created at Mare Island, California. The destroyer Ward has been put into commission 70 days after the keel was laid down. Two years were formerly required to build a destroyer in the United States.

Mr. John Hodge, Minister of Pensions, at Manchester, declared himself opposed to the Labour party's war aims of no annexation and no indemnities. It would be monstrous that Germany should not pay an indemnity for the damage she had done to the world.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin has issued a writ for libel claiming £5,000 damages against the "Irish Times" for its comment in a leading article on 26th June On his conduct of the Dublin Mansion House conferences on the petition to President Wilson.

A Roumanian of high rank now in London is reported as saying that food conditions in Roumania are terrible. Already the country has lost by death, through the war, 800,000 people, or 11 per cent. of the population -- a figure that will be vastly increased by starvation.

A limited supply of shot-gun cartridges is, Sir Thomas W. Russell stated in Parliament, now available in Dublin, Belfast, and the county town of each county, for farmers who possess police permits to purchase it for the protection of crops from rooks and other pests.

Sir A. J. Horne and Sir William J. Smyly, Dublin; Sir John W. Byers, Belfast; and Professor Corby, Cork, have been elected by the Irish medical practitioners to act on the Central Midwives Board for Ireland. Seven other members are appointed by the Irish Local Government Board.

The "Daily News" lobby correspondent states that all the members of the Unionist party are being canvassed as to whether they are prepared to support Mr. Lloyd George as the leader of the Government after the end of the hostilities and during the reconstruction period. It is apparently an authoritative inquiry to gauge opinion in the party.

The committee on Production have made the following award in connection with applications for increased wages in the engineering, shipbuilding, and allied trades -- Men aged 18 and over, a further advance of 3s 6d a week; boys, youths, and apprentices under 18, 1s 9d a week. The advances are to be first paid on the pay day in week ending 10th August.

Mr. Balfour, speaking at the Serbian National War Aims meeting in London, said if this war did not end in the complete victory of the Allies every State dominated by Germany would be as Roumania now was. This was a war of two ideals, one from heaven and one from hell, striving for mastery, and on the result the fate of the world depended.

Oldham Street Scotch Church, Liverpool, collapsed, the roof falling in and destroying the entire building. The church, which was a large one, was built in 1793 by leading Scotsmen in Liverpool, including Sir John Gladstone, father of the late Mr. W. E. Gladstone, the promoters forming a joint stock company and raising subscriptions for the erection of the building.

The King has granted to Sir John M'Leavy Brown, C.M.G., Counsellor of the Chinese Legation in London, authority to wear the Insignia of the Second Class of the Order of the Excellent Crop, conferred by the President of the Republic of China in recognition of valuable services rendered by him. Sir John Brown is a graduate of Queen's University of Belfast.

The House of Lords have given their decision on an important point in shipping law relating to the respective rights of ship-owner and cargo owner in a case where a crew had quitted a vessel under threats from an enemy submarine and the vessel was afterwards picked up and brought into port. Their lordship found that in this case the contract to earn freight had not been put an end to.

The fifth report of the Select Committee on National Expenditure shows that the inquiry into the terms of remuneration paid to the Bank of England for services to the Government has resulted in the bank entering into a revised agreement with the Treasury for the remainder of the war period to secure a total reduction of £750,000 for the year 1917-18 and an equally large or larger reduction for the current year.

At a meeting of farmers held in the Courthouse, Stewartstown -- Rev. F. Ward presiding -- resolutions were adopted protesting against the continuance of the restrictions regarding the cultivation of land in time of peace against the present system of grading flax, and the raising of the charge for scutching, and in favour of potatoes being inspected before being removed from the grower, or before being mixed with others.

The Civil War Workers' Committee in their first interim report to the Minister of Reconstruction recommended that steps should be taken by the Government to assist munition and other workers discharged on the termination of hostilities to return to their former or other employment. The committee regard it as specially important that schemes such as housing and the reconstruction of roads should be fully prepared before the end of the war.

In the House of Commons Sir George Cave said the agreement with Germany regarding the exchange of prisoners provided for the repatriation of all combatant prisoners who had been 18 months in captivity and for all civilians to return home. The exchange included combatants and civilians interned in Holland. The agreement, which was to expire in August, 1919, had still to be ratified, and would not take effect unless ratified by both Governments.

Mr. Harris Croker, chemist, aged forty-nine, his wife, and their four children, were found dead in their house at Ilford. A letter written by Croker stated that his wife declared she was going mad; that he gave her and her children poison; and that he himself had taken prussic acid. The features of the women and children were unrecognisable owing to advanced decomposition. It is believed that the poor health of Mrs. Croker, due to neurasthenia, had unhinged the man's mind.

A new regulation states that only we Irish ports are to remain open to passengers crossing to Ireland from Great Britain -- viz., Belfast, Dublin, Derry, Larne, and Rosslare. The effect of the Order is that no passenger may travel by sea direct to either of the following among other places:-- Coleraine, Dundalk, Greenore, Drogheda, Newry, Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Killala, Ballina, Sligo. Exceptions are made in the case of members of the forces and those specially exempted by the Home Secretary.

The First Lord, of the Admiralty, Sir Eric Geddes, has concluded an inspection of naval establishments with a visit to the South of Ireland, where British and American ships are united under the command of Sir Lewis Bayly. The First Lord was accompanied by Mr. Franklin Roosevelt, Assistant Secretary of U.S. Navy, who in an interview said there was ho longer any possibility that German submarines could become a decisive factor in the situation. The submarine could never again constitute a menace to the food supply of the Allies in Europe nor interrupt the arrival of American troops.

Mr. T. Murphy, A.B., The Faythe, Wexford, has received Lloyd's silver medal and parchment, £25 from the Admiralty, and £25 from the Canadian Pacific Ocean Service Co., a diploma from the Shipping Controller, a testimonial from the National Seamen's and Firemen's Union, for his gallantry in saving fifty of the crew of a vessel that was torpedoed without warning. He picked up twenty-five of the survivors from the water after their boat had been smashed and brought all the fifty men ashore in his boat, after twelve hours at the helm in a stormy sea. He was presented with a gold watch and chain by the men he rescued.

The death is announced of Lieut.-Colonel James Moorhead, Indian Medical Service (retired), at Brightland's, Chabton Close Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth. Deceased, who was sixty-six years of age, was a son of the late Mr. Thomas Moorhead, of Smithboro', Monaghan, and was educated at the Monaghan Diocesan School, Queen's College, Galway, and Queen's College, Belfast. He also studied at the old Royal Hospital, Belfast, and entered the Indian Medical Service in 1876, taking first place in the examination. He held several important appointments in India, and returned to England after twenty years' service abroad, retiring in 1898 with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He resided at Dunelin, Malone Road, Belfast, from 1897 till 1902, and was for a period Lecturer in Tropical Medicine, Queen's College. He married Miss Harriette Rentoul, daughter of the late Rev. Alexander Rentoul, M.A., D.D., of Manorcunningham, County Donegal, and is survived by that lady.

London teachers' dispute has been ended by the concession of a war bonus of 15s a week.

The heat during the past week on the Balkan front has been almost tropical, over 100 degrees being registered in the shade.

At an open-air investiture held by the King at Buckingham Palace, Private James Duffy, of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, received the V.C.

When returning from the Serbian front King Alexander had a narrow escape, the Royal train being bombed by enemy aviators. A bomb just missed the engine.

An Imperial Bureau has now been set up, the duties of which will consist of collecting information regarding the mineral resources and metal requirements of the Empire.

Mr. S. Little, chief clerk in the head office at Enniskillen of the Sligo, Leitrim, and Northern Counties Railway, has been appointed general manager of the railway.

When the war is over the Prince of Wales is to pay a visit to the Dominions. The announcement was made by the King at Buckingham Palace to the Oversea members of the Imperial War Conference.

Mr. Baker (the U.S. Secretary for the Army) states that the U.S. transportation overseas in July was expected to reach 300,000 men, and that the total number of men sent to France amounted to 1,500,000.

A Reuter's Newark (N.J.) telegram says that an attempt to blow up a machinery plant near there has been frustrated by the arrest of three men described as Germans. One was caught in the act of igniting a bomb.

President Wilson's ideal of a League of Nations was neither a ridiculous nor an unpatriotic proposal, said Sir John Simon at Walthamstow. So long as any nation held the devil's doctrine of force there was no room for such a League. He saw no sign of Germany accepting anything of the sort.

German prisoners captured by New Zealanders on the British front said they were afraid to accept the cigarettes offered them, and that they had been told the New Zealanders, who were cannibals, were in the habit of offering cigarettes to their captives and then handing them over to their cooks.

The Paris "Matin" publishes an account of a remarkable operation performed by Surgeon-Major Du Vergey, who succeeded in extracting a bullet which had entered the right venticle of the heart of a wounded soldier. The operation was completely successful, and the patient has now entirely recovered.

A War Office telegram received in Canterbury, stated that Major Bennett Goldney, M.P. for that city and hon. assistant Military Attache at Paris, has died at Brest as a result of a motor accident. He was six times Mayor of Canterbury, and was for a short time Ulster King-at-Arms, in succession to Sir Arthur Vicars.

Judge Molony, at Belfast City Assises, imposed sentences ranging from one to three months, with hard labour, on a number of men convicted of stealing flour while working as carters; other prisoners were convicted of receiving the flour knowing it to have been stolen. It was urged by their counsel that prisoners yielded to the desire to get a bag of white flour, and because of the prevalent belief that war bread is injurious to health.

Mr. J. T. Donovan, M.P., speaking in Portaferry, at a meeting under the auspices of the U.I.L. and A.O.H., said the last two years of Sinn Fein propaganda in Ireland had resulted in restoring the Irish ascendancy party to its present position of unbridled power. Ireland's condition, to-day, thanks to the folly of a set of revolutionary patriots, was only comparable to the degrading position she occupied after the rebellions of 1798 and 1803. Sinn Fein, instead of freeing Ireland, had almost blasted their national fortunes. '

It was announced by the Duke of Connaught, at a London Mansion House meeting, that the King has decided to devote the silver wedding gift from the City of London, amounting to £53,000, to the fund for helping disabled soldiers and sailors to establish themselves in civil life, and that his Majesty is also personally subscribing £25,000.

Thousands of specially devised rifles for sending propaganda over the enemy's lines are in use in Allied armies, according to J.Kidney, director of the Franco-American Committee of Public Information. For greater distances small ballons made of cloth are used by means of a mechanical device to drop a quarter of a lb. of documents at 15 minutes' intervals. Their radius in a 25-mile wind would be Hamburg, Berlin, Vienna, and Trieste.

The London "Daily Express" quotes from a German paper an account of the Czar's death. He was wakened at five o'clock, and told to dress, then taken to a room, where he was in formed of the Red Guards' decision. He was allowed two hours to prepare for death. He asked for a priest; the request was granted. After the interview he wrote several letters. At nine o'clock an escort, took the condemned man to the place of execution. He was made to lean against a post, and raised his hands, and appeared to attempt to speak, but the rifles rang out, and "Nicholas the Last" fell dead.

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

Captain Fryatts End.

Mr. William Hartnell, who was first officer of the G.E.R. steamer Brussels at the time of her capture by the Germans in 1916, and who is now interned in Holland, has made a lengthy report throwing additional light on the execution of Captain Fryatt. Saturday was the second anniversary of that outrage.

Captain Fryatt's conduct, says, this informant, who was himself present*at the so-called trial at Bruges, was manly right up to the last. He was very much distressed towards the end, "not so much because of the verdict, but of the unfair and cowardly manner in which everything wag done ... There was not a German present at the trial who could face him."

Mr. Hartnell relates how at 6-30 in the evening he and Captain Fryatt were informed that the latter would be shot at seven p.m. "The last twenty-five minutes spent with him were very appalling," he writes. "At 6-55 p.m. I wished him good-bye, and promised I would deliver his last messages, which were many, and returned to my cell.

"Punctually at seven p.m., a very short distance from the prison walls a band commenced to play, and poor Fryatt was no more."

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

The Late Mr. S. M'Elhinney, Derry

At the close of his sermon in Great James St. Presbyterian Church, Derry, on Sabbath morning, Rev. Dr. Jas. Thompson, in the course of a touching reference to the death of Mr. Samuel M'Elhinney, said -- Since last we met here Mr. M'Elhinney, one of our oldest members and our oldest elder, has fallen on sleep. It would be no exaggeration to say that his heart was in his church. For a number of years he was the only surviving elder of those who were holding office when I was inducted as minister of this charge. The unswerving loyalty which he had given to my predecessor he did not withhold from me. Through all my years of ministry here he was always sympathetic, kindly, thoughtful, and anxious to help in any way that lay in his power. The Church and all that the Church stands for had a prominent place in the thoughts and affections. For the advancement of Christ's cause he freely gave of his time and means and effort. As he was a man of retiring disposition he did not seek the notice or recognition of the public, but all who came into contact with him were impressed by his courtesy, gentleness, and geniality. Mr M'Elhinney was a man of ability. When he was at his best he was a gifted and impressive speaker, possessing as he did much fervour of spirit and no small aptitude for appropriate and graceful language. Many a time he took charge of the prayer meetmg in my absence, and I always knew that on such occasions my place was well filled. He was one of the many who received quickening at the time of the '59 Revival, and all through his life he was in deep sympathy with evangelistic effort. Many an address, Scriptural, elevating, stimulating, he gave, while his prayers were characterised by rare spirituality and fervour. His work as clerk of kirk session for a considerable number of years, as elder for a very long period, and his practical interest in Sabbath-school work will be held, as it deserves to be, in long and grateful remembrance.

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

Sweet Pea Day in Belfast.

The annual Sweet Pea Day, on behalf of the the Cripples' Institutes, will be held in Belfast on Friday next, when it is hoped that all those who helped in former years to make this effort a success will again rally to the help of those who are caring for the cripple children of Ireland. We understand that, in addition to the sale of sweet pea, artificial flowers, and specially designed flags in the streets, there will be a stall erected in front of the City Hall by kind permission of the Lord Mayor, for the sale of sweet pea &c. The Countess of Clanwilliam is acting as president of this stall, and Mrs. W. H. M'Laughlin as the honorary secretary. Either of these ladies will be very glad of offers of help of any kind so as to make it a success.

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

Military Funeral in Belfast

The funeral took place with military honours of Lieut. Frank Leslie Hanna, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, who died at the officers' hospital, Palace Barracks, Holywood, of illness contracted on active service. The firing party and guard of honour were drawn from the Hampshire Regiment, and the cortege included a number of deceased's brother officers from the hospital. Before the remains were removed a brief service was conducted by Rev. Dr. Purves and Rev. R. J. Morrell, the latter also officiating at the graveside. The place of interment was Knockbreda. Messrs. Melville & Co., Ltd., carried out funeral arrangements.

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

In Memory of Islandmagee Heroes

GIFT OF £1,000 TO U.V.F. HOSPITAL.

Sir Robert Liddell, D.L., has received through Mr. W. L. Skelton, solicitor, Belfast, a cheque for £1,000 from Mr. Robert T. Arthurs, 94, Hope Street, Glasgow, in aid of the funds of this hospital, to perpetuate the memory of the Islandmagee soldiers and sailors who have fallen. Mr. Arthurs is a native, of Islandmagee, a neighbourhood which has sent many sailors and soldiers. Needless to say, Mr. Arthurs' gift is greatly appreciated.

 

^ top of page

Deaths

FRAZER -- August 1, at R.I.C. Barrack, Bailieboro', Thomas, youngest son of Head-Constable T. Fraser. His remains were removed from above address for interment in City Cemetery, Belfast, on 3rd inst.

THOMPSON -- August, 3, 1918, at his residence, Bertha House, the Right Honourable Robert Thompson, P.C., D.L., M.P. Funeral private.

YOUNG -- August 1, at 158, Dunluce Avenue, Barbara Louisa (Louie), youngest and dearly-loved daughter of the late Robert Young. Interred in the family burying-ground, Drumquin, Co. Tyrone, on Saturday afternoon. Very deeply regretted. "And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying." -- Rev. 21:4.

ARMOUR -- August 4, at Crostagherty, Ballymoney, Isabella Armour, aged 82.

CARSE -- August 4, at the Royal Victoria Hospital, William Walter Carse, eldest son of the late Rev. William Carse, B.A.

CRAIG -- August 5, William Nicholas, only son of the late W. J. Craig, of Ballymena, and of Mrs. Craig, 21, Springfield, Sale.

DOAK -- August 3, at Osborne Cottages, Lisburn Road, Belfast, Richard Doak.

DOBBIN -- August 3, at 20, Donaghadee Road, Bangor, Jane, relict of the late William Dobbin.

EKIN -- August 3, at Rockspring, Moneymore, William Ekin, J.P., aged 82 years.

ELDER -- August 1, at Ballydonnelly, Rasharkin, Margaret Jane, beloved wife of James Elder.

GARDNER -- August 5, at Magheraban, Glenwherry, Thomas Gardner, aged 83 years.

GRAHAM -- July 31, at her niece's residence, Cockhill Road, Maze, Annie Graham, aged 93 years.

MONTGOMERY -- August 4, at his father's residence, Ballynabernice, David, eldest son of Alexander and Elizabeth Montgomery.

MOORE -- August 7, at Downpatrick, Edmond Moore, late permanent-way inspector B. & C.D. Railway.

M'ALLISTER -- August 2, at North Street, Carrickfergus, Alexander M'Allister.

M'LEAN -- July 31, at her father's residence, Kilsampson, Caledon, Co. Tyrone, Isabel, the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. M'Lean, late of Mountstewart, Co. Down.

M'ROBERT -- August 8, at Mourne View, Ballynahinch, Henry M'Robert, aged 63.

PATTON -- August 2, Charlotte J., second daughter of the late Robert Best, Hill Street, Lurgan.

In Memoriam

ALLEN -- In loving memory of my dear son, Paul, who fell asleep 8th August, 1917.
    You left us quickly, my darling son,
       But then fib was God's will
    To take you from this wicked world
       To go and dwell with Him.
Lovingly remembered by his Mother, Brothers, and Sisters. 59, Bray Street, Belfast.

Clippings

NEWS OF THE WEEK

IN BRIEF.

A Rorqual whale, 25ft. long and weighing thirteen tons, has been captured on the east coast of Scotland twelve miles off Arbroath.

The Rev. H. Turner, late of Great Victoria Street Baptist Church, Belfast, has been inducted to the pastorate or Inverkeithing Baptist Church.

Mr. and Mrs. John Sinclair, of Windsor Park, Belfast, have sent a donation of £500 to the Ulster Women's Gift Fund for Prisoners of War.

Captain Stephen Gwynn, M.P., speaking at Ballymena, said he did not think there was anything greatly to choose between what Catholic Ireland and Protestant Ireland had done in recruiting. Catholic Belfast had done as well as Protestant Belfast.

General Foch has been made a Marshal of France, just as was Joffre, victor in the first battle of the Marne. Up to then the rank had for long been in abeyance. General Petain has received the Military Medal, a great distinction in the case of an officer.

Ninety-two great troopships are being built in America, one-fourth of which are to be completed before the end of 1918, and all before the end of 1919. When all are completed it will be possible to move 500,000 men to France monthly in America's own ships.

The Scottish Command Orders note the appointment of the Rev. John F. Andison and the Rev. John F. Miller to officiate to the Presbyterian patients in Robroyston War Hospital and of the Rev. Norman MacLeod to be officiating clergyman to the Presbyterian troops stationed at West Barns, Dunbar.

The Government, Mr. Bonar Law said in Parliament, were not prepared to adopt the suggestion of legislation making it compulsory for any elected M.P. to present himself and take the oath of allegiance within two months of his election, failing which he should automatically cease to be M.P.

The Sugar Director corrects statements to the effect that sugar is no longer scarce, this statement being based upon the fact that in most cases stocks of sugar in shops are, by the deliberate intention of the Ministry of Food, sufficiently large to prevent dislocation in the event of delay in receipt of retailers' regular consignments.

The King has been pleased to approve the appointment of the Right Hon. Thomas Francis Molony, K.C., to be Lord Chief Justice in Ireland; the Right Hon. James O'Connor, K.C., to be a Judge of H.M. Court Appeal in Ireland; Sir William P. Byrne, K.C.V.O., C.B., and Sir Plunkett Dunbar Barton to be members of the Privy Council in Ireland.

Mr. Hughes, Prime Minister of Australia, addressing a gathering of business men in London, replied to the recent expressions of opinion by the Radical Council, whose politics, he said, were mean and petty and of the parish pump order. Whatever their future trade policy was to be, they must organise and work in alliance, as they were endeavouring to do in Australia.

By a vote of 23 to 15, in Committee stage of the English Education Bill, the House of Lords rejected an amendment by Viscount Midleton providing that local authorities might arrange for the military training of young persons. Lord Lansdowne said if the War Office and Education Board co-operated they could get all the military training that was desired under the Bill as it stood.

Mr. Shortt, Irish Chief Secretary, speaking at Newcastle-on-Tyne, said French's "contemptible little army" saved Europe, as French was going to save Ireland to-day. Britain had produced an amateur army in a few months that had proved better than the German professional army drown from generations of fighting men of forty or fifty years, and America was doing the same.

Lance-Corporal Joseph Dowling, formerly of the Connaught Rangers, who is now known as "the man in the Tower," has been informed that the sentence of death by shooting, pronounced upon him by the court-martial which found him guilty on all charges of aiding the enemy, has been commuted by the King, acting on the recommendation of his advisers, to penal servitude for life.

The Rome correspondent of the "Catholic Times" says -- "Among the documents laid before the Irish bishops at their recent meeting at Maynooth was, it is understood, one sent to their lordships from the Vatican. This, I am informed on excellent authority, was a list of the names of twenty-six priest's in Ireland and of the utterances attributed to them on the conscription question."

There is substantial authority for the statement that Mr. Hugh Barrie, M.P., is to be the successor of Sir T. W. Russell, M.P., as Vice-President of the Department, says the Athlone correspondent of the "Irish Independent." The Northern Unionist members of Parliament are, he adds, supporting this appointment, and are strongly opposed to the return of Sir Horace Plunkett to his old position.

Sir Robert Borden, speaking in London as the guest of the Canada Club and the Canadian Association, pointed out that Great Britain and the United States, through their command of national resources and raw materials, could place restrictions on Germany against which she would struggle in vain. She must be made clearly to understand that that power would be exercised relentlessly and mercilessly against her if she remained unregenerate and unrepentant.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sir J. Leslie, Captain Gwynn, M.P., and Major Montgomery, D.S.O., the last named being organiser for the Recruiting Council in Belfast, Down, and Antrim, visited Newry, and addressed a meeting, at which Mr. Wm. Johnson, solicitor, presided. Sir J. Leslie strongly recommended universal support to the Recruiting Council's scheme, and Captain Gwynn declared that Ireland, including Ulster, had not done its duty by the Irish Divisions. If Belfast, Antrim, and Down found its quota, there would be no conscription in that area -- he stated that positively -- and the quotas from Belfast and Dublin would be large.

In reply to questions in Parliament, Mr. Shortt repeated that steps were in progress to secure the surrender of arms throughout the entire of Ireland, but he declined to say anything specially about the Ulster rifles, and, amidst prolonged Nationalist cheers, Edward Carson said that no request for the surrender of them had ever been made to him. "I was not previously aware," Mr. Shortt confessed, "that the right hon. gentleman was in control of them," but when Mr. Dillon asked him if be realised how utterly unfit he was to govern Ireland, there was no answer.

If the war lasts till next March the British net public obligation, will probably be £6,000,000,000, Lord Inchcape stated in the House of Lords, in calling attention to the deplorable effect of present taxation on professional men and people with fixed incomes. On that debt interest and sinking fund would amount to about £330,000,000 a year. Assuming that the war was ended by March or earlier, he calculated that, the national expenditure would not be much under £700,000,000 a year. Direct taxation had reached its limit. They had lost 8,000,000 tons of shipping.

"We must and shall continue to fight until the enemy's will to destruction is broken," says the Kaiser in his proclamation to his Army and Navy. "The American armies and numerical superiority do not frighten us. It is the spirit which brings a decision. Prussian and German history teaches that, as well as the course which the campaign has hitherto taken. Ever ready for battle, the High Sea forces, with untiring work, guard the road for the submarines to the open sea, and, in union with the defenders of the coast, safeguard for them the resources of their strength."

Messrs. F. Meehan and J. P. Boland further asked in Parliament as to the Ulster rifles, but Mr. Shortt again refused a general statement. Mr. Meehan suggested consulting Sir Edward Carson, but be said he had nothing to do with it. Mr. Flavin and Mr. Devlin also tried in vain to get further information, the latter on a point of order saying, "This very important, and we are coming to the end of the session." The Speaker said that his question as to the Ulster Provisional Government's offer of the rifles should be put on the notice paper. Mr. Shortt subsequently stated that, as far as he could ascertain the Ulster Volunteers had 50,000 rifles and eleven machine guns.

The Prime minister, replying to a deputation of some 200 heads of manufacturing firms, who urged the importance of an early declaration of the Government's after-war trade policy agreed that the constant Government interference in business which was essential in time of war must disappear when peace came, but pointed out several directions in which control must continue until the transition period had passed. He was confident that when the Government came to make their statement of policy they would be quite satisfied. It was a chief concern of the Government that the great industries of the country should be developed and strengthened.

A scathing report on the expenditure and administration of the Ministry of Information and Propaganda Bureau was issued by the Select Committee on National Expenditure. Mr. Donald reports that no effort was made to check extravagance in book buying, and much of the information sent as Press articles was without interest or value. Sir Ernest Shackleton confirmed this criticism. Mr. Stavert, of the Accounting Department, estimated the expenditure for the current year at between £1,800,000 and £1,900,000, and thought it would increase, but Lord Beaverbrook hopes by economies to reduce it to £i,200,000. The Committee held the position to be "quite irregular." The Ministry have entertained extensively -- an instance being a visit of a party of gentlemen to Dublin, when £31 of public money was spent in two days on drinks, and £5 on cigars.

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

The Late Mr. John M'Elhinney, Derry

At the close of the morning service in Carlisle Road Presbyterian Church, Derry, on Sabbath, the Rev. H. M'Kinty said -- During the past week one of the faithful and devoted members of our congregation passed away in the person of John M'Elhinney, one who was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. This was clearly manifested by the large funeral and the many floral tributes sent in loving remembrance. During the years of enfeebled health he was a patient sufferer. No one ever heard him complain. Early in life he committed himself into God's keeping, and his whole life bore witness to the strength of his faith in Him whose grace was always sufficient. As a member of the choir he was never absent from his place on the Sabbath day when his health would permit. As a member of committee he was an earnest worker and untiring in his labours to promote the welfare of the congregation. During the recent installation of the electric light and other improvements his assistance was invaluable! His health did not permit him to teach in the Sabbath school, but it did not prevent him from taking a deep interest in the young. He encouraged them in their attendance at both church and Sabbath school by presenting a gold medal for those who did not miss a single day during the year. To-day he rests from his labours and his works follow him. Our prayers and sympathy go out to his parents and friends in their time of sorrow that God would comfort their hearts and sustain them by grace.

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

Miss Emily Moore Hamilton, has been appointed to the headquarters staff in London of the Women's Royal Air Force as assistant commandant.

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

REMEMBRANCE DAY.

Special Intercessory Services.

PREMIER'S CHEERY MESSAGE

On Sabbath, the fourth anniversary of Great Britain's entry into the war, special sermons were preached in all the Protestant Churches in the United Kingdom. The King and Queen attended at St. Margaret's, Westminster, and the congregation included the Premier, the Lord Chancellor, the Speaker, and representatives of the Dominions and Allied countries, and members and officers of both Houses of Parliament. The Archbishop of Canterbury, who preached, said that four years had enhanced the glory, the imperishable dignity, and the deeds of heroic sacrifice at which they proudly and thankfully marvelled: but they had taught them, too, in plain prose war's unspeakable hatefulness.

There was a note of thanksgiving in the service as well as of supplication. Prayer was offered for those who fight by land or sea or in the air -- that they may be bold and steady in danger, patient in reverse, and merciful in victory;" "for those at home who labour for the supply of food and of munitions of war -- that they may serve cheerfully and faithfully in the country's need;" for the women of our nation and Empire, for the wounded and sick and prisoners of war. But the order of service went on to render thanks "for the spirit of sacrifice and devotion in which our people have maintained the war," "for the zeal of the nations of the Empire in the common cause," "for the harmony between ourselves and our Allies," "for the powerful and timely aid of the United States of America," and "for the success already granted to our arms." These words and the appropriate responses fitted with a natural simplicity into the Anglican form of service. All is not gloom in these days, and with the encouraging news from France fresh in the minds of the congregation the note of thanksgiving gave expression to deep feelings.

Mr. Massey, Premier of Kew Zealand, presided at a London Y.M.C.A. united service, at which Americans, Australians, Canadians, and New Zealanders were present. Mr. J. Waldorf Astor, M.P., presided at a similar service at Kingsway. Between 4,000 and 5,000 persons attended a special service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor. In Hyde Park 20,000 persons took part in a commemoration service, and witnessed the blessing by the Bishop of London of flowers on a shrine which had been erected in memory of the fallen.

 

^ top of page

Births

BROWN -- August 6, 1918, at Alpha House, Cootehill, Co. Cavan, to Mr. and Mrs. S. R. Brown -- a daughter.

CAMPBELL -- August 9, at Lawnbank, Ballysillan, to Lieut. William Campbell, D.S.C., R.N.R., and Mrs. Wm. Campbell -- a son.

Marriages

HENEY--WARNOCK -- August 6, at the residence of the bride's mother, by the Rev. Thomas Heney, Mosside, assisted by the Rev. John Heney, Portadown (brothers of the bridegroom), and the Rev. T. E. Culbert, Bovevagh, the Rev. James T. Heney, Banagher, youngest son of the late James Heney and Mrs. Heney, Dunadry and Aghadowey, to Mabel Gilmore, second daughter of the late Samuel Warnock and Mrs. Warnock, Straidarran, Co. Londonderry.

HENNING--M'ILROY -- August 5, 1918, at Malone Presbyterian Church, Belfast, by Rev. R. T. Megaw, LL.D., William J. Henning, Glencarran, Larne, younger son of the late William Henning and Mrs. Henning, Carnew, Dromara, Co. Down, to Helene Alexandra, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. M'Ilroy, Belgravia Avenue, Belfast.

Deaths

MALSEED -- August, 3, at a Nursing Home, Belfast, Fanny, eldest daughter of James Malseed, Tullybeg. Interred in family burying-ground, Tully, Co. Donegal.

BELL -- August 11 (suddenly), at 7, Salisbury Gardens, Antrim Road, Belfast, Agnes, widow of the late Francis Bell, formerly of 55, Falls Road, Belfast, and 70, Southwell Road, Bangor.

BETTY -- August 1, at Sydney, N.S.W., Australia, Ellen, wife of George G. Betty, and eldest daughter of the late Robert P. MacMaster, Balnamore, Ballymoney.

BOYD -- August 12, at Bencran, Whitehead, Janie, the dearly-loved wife of Thomas Blair Boyd.

BROWN -- August 10, at 31, Agincourt Avenue, Robert John Brown, F.A.I. (of Thomas Fisher & Co., 28, Arthur Street).

CHAMBERS -- August 11, at Ballynagarrick, Gilford, Joshua Chambers.

CLARKE -- July 7 (suddenly), from influenza, Alice Margaret, eldest and dearly-beloved daughter of Thomas Clarke, Victoria N. Schools, Irvinestown. "Simply to Thy cross I cling." Gone into the blue with Jesus.

COUSE -- August 13, at Banoge, Donacloney, Henry, youngest son of George Couse, aged 21 years.

DOUGLAS -- August 13, At Marine Villa, Newcastle, Co. Down, George Douglas.

LAWTHER -- August 7, at Ballymurphy, Anahilt, Hillsborough, William, younger and dearly-loved son of James Lawther, M.R.C.V.S., and Mrs. Lawther (formerly of Ballynahinch).

MAGOWAN -- August 8, at Lisleen, Moneyrea, Margaret Ann Magowan.

MILLER -- August 8, at Orlock, the residence of her father, John Aird, May, dearly-loved wife of Lieut. R. Stewart Miller.

M'ASKIE -- August 9, at her son's residence, Creevy, Castlederg, Matilda, the beloved wife of the late William M'Askie, aged 91 years.

M'MURRAY -- August 11, at Fortview, Dromore, Co. Down, Mary, widow of the late Edmund M'Murray, of Dromore.

REILLY -- August 7, 1918, at her father's residence, 68, Oldpark Road, Olive, dearly-beloved daughter of George and Maggie Reilly.

SMYRELL -- July 12, at his late residence, 6,022, Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Robert Ernest, second son of late George Smyrell, Ballymaconolly, Kilrea.

TRAILL -- August 12, at Lissa Villa, Whitehead, Elinor M'Neilly, aged 97 years, widow of the late William Traill, Belfast.

WEIR -- August 13, at Knocknamuckley, Portadown, Elizabeth, widow of the late James Weir.

In Memoriam

STEWART -- In loving memory of Joseph, Second-Lieutenant Royal Dublin Fusiliers, killed in action 16th August, 1917 (Interred at Frezenberg, Flanders), eldest son of Robert and Essie M. Stewart, Flour Mills, Coalisland.

Clippings

NEWS OF THE WEEK

IN BRIEF.

An aeroplane flew from London to Cairo, 2,900 miles.

Horseflesh is now included in the dietary of German prisoners.

According to the "Tageblaat" a new peace offensive is emanating from Munich.

For a small farm of about thirteen acres in Derry, near Ballybay, County Monaghan, the sum of £1,380 has been paid at a public sale.

According to a Melbourne telegram 4,000 persons are idle as a result of a strike of 600 members of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers.

The decision of the Prussian Foreign Minister to admit no Jewish labourers from the East to Germany causes great Jewish resentment.

The Dungannon Rural Council, with one dissentient, agreed to present an address to his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant on his forthcoming visit.

Belfast Food Committee has fixed the following milk prices from Monday next -- Producers', 1s 10d per gallon; wholesalers', 2s 1d; retailers', 2s 4d.

A new type of unsinkable ship has been designed by a Frenchman, and contracts for ten of these vessels have been let by the French Government to an American yard.

It has been intimated in the House of Commons that the Government are not yet prepared to meet the claim put forward by the paper-promoted teachers in Ireland.

It is officially announced that arrangements have been made for giving leave to 6,000 soldiers a week from France, 1,000 a week from Italy, and 1,700 a week from Salonica.

The report of the Inspector of Mines for 1917 states that the output from Irish quarries was 982,279 tons. In the quarries only four accidents occurred during the year, one being fatal.

Lieutenant Lowenhardt, Germany's second Richthofen, who had fifty victim's to his credit, was shot through the heart by a British airman While leading Richthofen's old squadron in a fight over the Somme.

As a result of the continued prevalence of the influenza epidemic in Gilford and district, it has been found necessary to prolong the originally-arranged summer holidays in the schools for another week.

A soldier named Bratton has been arrested and remanded on the charge of stabbing with a penknife a labourer named M'Ardle at Rathfriland during an altercation. The man is reported in a critical condition.

At the weekly meeting of the Belfast Board of Guardians a resolution was passed heartily congratulating the Lord Mayor (Sir James Johnston) on the honour recently conferred upon him by the Lord Lieutenant.

The United States War Department states that plans are complete for the building of a great gun relining plant in France, costing 30,000,000 dollars, which is said to compare in size with the Krupp works at Essen.

When a conscientious objector, who was charged as an absentee at Brentford, was handed over to a military escort, he slipped off his boot and threw it at the chairman of the magistrates. The missile missed its mark.

In official circles it is stated that the new lists of voters will be completed in time for a General Election in November. If it should be decided to have one, then the last Saturday in the month (November 30) could be the polling day.

The Dundalk-born pugilist, Tom Sharkey, is (says an American exchange) going to France in the uniform of the Y.M.C.A. The paper says he has been "spoiling for a part in the big shindy." since his saloon in Los Angeles proved a financial failure.

The Chief Secretary intimated in the House of Commons that the Ministry of Munitions would provide a sum estimated at £7,500 to cover the expense of the flaxseed sowing work this year; but no special fund had been provided for the growing.

Mr. P. C. Cowan, chief engineering Inspector of the Local Government Board, in a report to the Chief Secretary for Ireland on the housing-question in Dublin, says sanitary and comfortable houses are required for 30,000 families to meet requirements.

His Excellency Lord French, in a letter to the Lord Mayor, has expressed his gratification of his welcome in Belfast and at the perfection of the deaths of the arrangements, and at the loyalty and devotion to the Crown manifested by the citizens.

Owing to war conditions the Bishop of Wakefield (Dr. Eden) finds it necessary to leave his palace, Bishopsgarth, Wakefield, and take a smaller house just outside Wakefield. His income is given officially as £3,000, on which income tax is this year £962.

Reuter learns that an inter-Alled labour and social conference will be held in the Central Hall, Westminster, in September, at the instigation of Mr. Sam Compere, president of the American Federation of Labour, who is shortly coming to this country.

The Local Government Board have sanctioned Dr. Clarke, Lisburn, to act as locum tenes for Dr. Munce, medical officer of Drumbeg Dispensary, on condition that the Board of Guardians do not in future appoint a doctor for temporary service who is of military age.

The Exchequer returns just published show receipts tor the period April 1st to August 10th amounted to £247,987,142 and expenditure to £1,017,147,757. In the corresponding period last year the receipts were £182,363,707 and the expenditure £987,723,850.

At the meeting of Lisburn Guardians the resolution granting Dr. Patton, Saintfield Dispensary, leave to join the Naval Medical Service, but refusing to continue his salary during his absence, was rescinded by 23 votes to 13, and a motion was carried allowing him half salary.

Mr. Jas. Harvey, who has through age retired from the clerkship of the Banbridge markets, has received a retiring allowance of £52 a year. As the Town Clerk, Mr. Wm. M'Cormac, has died, the Council decided to amalgamate the office of Town Clerk and Market Clerk.

The Press Association learns that the Labour party is taking immediate action on the question of women's rights to become M.P.'s. At the coming National Conference of Women a demand will be made on the Government to pass a Bill enabling women to sit in Parliament.

From the report read at the annual meeting of the Ballymoney Urban and Rural Joint Technical Instruction Committee -- Mr. W. C. Pollock presiding -- the principal, Mr. Petticrew, B.A., B.Sc., announced that the session was the most prosperous in the history of the scheme.

The Admiralty announces -- One of H.M. destroyers, which had been seriously damaged by collision, was torpedoed and sunk by an enemy submarine in the Mediterranean in the 6th inst. Two officers and five men lost their lives owing to the collision. The next-of-kin have bern informed.

The Select Committee on National Expenditure in their eighth report states that the sums advanced during the war by the United Kingdom to the Allies amounted to the end of June to £1,400,000,000 -- more than twice the total sum added to the National Debt during the Napoleonic wars.

The Press Association says -- News has come to hand that Captain Schdwieger, commander of the submarine that sank the Lusitania, has been drowned. It is known that the submarine which Schdwieger commanded when the Lusitania was put down has since been wrecked.

Judge Harvey has opened an inquiry in Melbourne as to whether the seven interned members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood are to remain interned. It was stated that the men had been, through John Devoy, U.S.A., in communication with the Easter Week leaders in Dublin.

It is estimated that the three prairie provinces of Canada hare sown on increase of 2,500,000 acres, of which 2,000,000 acres are of wheat. The increased crop which Canada expects to harvest this season would feed 4,000,000 people for twelve months, and the increase may prove much greater.

Women cannot sit in Parliament as the law stands at present, but it is understood that a Bill will be introduced at the earliest moment enabling them to take seats if elected. The House of Commons, in all probability, would pass such a Bill, but whether the House of Lords would follow the example is uncertain.

Nearly a million men and women have, it is said, signed a monster petition which will be received personally by the Prime Minister on Saturday week next, asking that in regard to "enemy" aliens the policy of "intern them all" should be carried out. The document, when pieced together, will be over two miles in length.

There are signs in the news from Russia, especially in news filtered through German sources, remarks the "Daily Mail," that the rule of the Bolsheviks under Lenin and Trotsky is cracking. Also there are rumours that these two heads of the Russian Government are preparing to seek safety with the Germans.

The death of Mrs. M'Caw, wife of the member for West Down, Mr. W. J. MacGeagh M'Caw, is announced. She had been ill for some time, and great sympathy is felt for Mr. M'Caw and his family -- two sons and two daughters. Mr. M'Caw is son of the Rev. Henry M'Caw, an Ulster Presbyterian minister, who had settled and, died in England.

Mr. C. Dunleavy, acting as substitute schoolmaster in Derry Workhouse, having protested against the reinstatement of the regular schoolmaster on his discharge from the army on the ground that he (Mr. Dunleavy) had been appointed for the duration of the war, the Local Government Board have intimated that the appointment was merely for the term of the regular schoolmaster's absence.

Mr. Lupton, in the Northern Court, Dublin, dealing with a number of men charged as army absentees, said that in future unregistered men who came before him would be sentenced to six months in prison with a fine in addition. People who visited race meetings said that the crowd's now attending them were such as had never been seen before. It was contrary to common sense that anyone who came to Ireland to break the law deliberately should be in a better position than people who observed the law.

Mr. J. Lockington, who has been Postmaster of Colchester since February, 1914, has been promoted to the more important position of Postmaster of Sunderland, and will, it is understood, take up his new appointment in the course of a fortnight. Previous to coming to Colchester Mr. Lockington held the Postmasterships of Portadown and Waterford. His departure will be deeply regretted throughout East Essex, where he has won the high esteem of all who have come into contact with him, whether socially or officially.

At a special meeting of Omagh Guardians on Saturday, Mr. George Murnaghan, J.P., who presided, said the doctors had refused to accept the £25 per year increase offered by the Board. Mr. W. E. Neely, J.P., said the doctors' demands were unreasonable, Mr. Patrick M'Aleer proposed and Mr. Bernard M'Aleer seconded that no further increase be given, Mr. Daniel M'Nulty, J.P., proposed, and Mr. Michael Reid seconded, that £15 travelling expenses be allowed until the end of the war. This amendment, which was stated to be the last word on the subject, was carried by 27 votes to 13.

Kerensky, who has been kept under the strictest observation by the Soviets, has suddenly disappeared, and is probably already abroad.

The steamer Hector arrived at Gravesend on the 8th inst. with four members of the crew suffering from what is regarded as bubonic plague.

At Newport (Mon.) Alfred James, a riveter, was summoned for not paying his income tax. It was stated that James earned £56 in four weeks.

Mr. G. N. Barnes, speaking in London on Saturday afternoon, said there were indications that this year's British harvest, would be the best on record.

The French Government has lodged a protest with the Chinese Government against the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Vatican.

Shipworkers in many cities of the United States have voluntarily given up Saturday half-holidays, guaranteed them in their contracts with the employers.

Reuter's Agency is informed that the British Government proposes to co-operate with America in supplying relief for the civilian population in Siberia and Russia.

A sum of £3,900 in £1 shares has been subscribed by farmers and others to establish co-operative corn and flour mills at Enniskillen, the total capital required being £5,000.

Asserting that the coal shortage presents the chief danger, President Wilson appeals to the miners to save the nation suffering, and to assure the continuance of war work.

It was stated at Castlederg Guardians that there were only seventeen inmates in the house, for whose accommodation there were twelve officials, aggregate salaries being roughly £320 per year.

The London "Daily Express" lobby correspondent learns that the names of children of five years and babies of five months have been put on the new Parliamentary register in Great Britain.

The "Matin" states that a report is spread in Germany that a Republican movement has made its appearance in Bulgaria, and that King Ferdinand displayed prudence in leaving for Mannheim.

Lord Anderson stated in Edinburgh that there were now 44 uninterned alien enemies in Scotland -- 324 men and 320 women. Of the men 208 were Germans, 107 Austrians or Hungarians, and nine Turks.

A young man named Breen was found dead in the barn of his father's house at Croon, near Mayobridge, with the top of his skull blown off, and a rifle at his side. His manner has been peculiar of late.

A Rome report to the "Petit Parisien" statues that Admiral von Capelle, German Secretary for the navy, has been compelled to resign owing to attacks for not having prevented American troops crossing the Atlantic.

Following important communications with Sir Robert Borden, the Canadian Government has authorised the mobilisation of a special force of about 4,000 men for service in Siberia, with a base at Vladivostok.

Mrs. Margaret Ryan, wife of a farmer, was found by her daughter outside her kitchen door at Kilcornan, near Cullen (Tipp.), lying in a pool of blood, her throat being gashed. The wound was stitched, and she lies in a critical condition.

"Laymen should not interfere in ecclesiastical matters," was the comment of Mr. J. Kennedy, J.P., on a resolution, adopted by the Tobercurry Rural District Council respectfully asking Most. Rev. Dr. Coyne to reinstate Father O'Flanagan,

A notice has been issued on behalf of the labourers of Limavady and district demanding a wage of 33s per week of six days, otherwise they will cease work on the 17th inst. The notice was issued by the secretary of the local branch of a labour union.

The London "Globe" says -- The military are going to assist Irish farmers to save the crops. Owing to the scarcity of local labour, it says, a scheme is being prepared by which soldiers can be allowed under certain conditions to assist harvesting.

Lord Pirrie, the Controller-General of Merchant Shipping, in an interview, said we could not expect an improvement in the output of ships until more skilled men were brought back from the front; but the military situation did not permit of that at present.

An attempt has been made xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx morning to cut the main pipe by which the water supply for Carlow town is conveyed from Killeshin. The perpetrators of the outrage ran on the approach of the caretaker, but a hole had been bored and a considerable leakage resulted.

On Saturday night a fire broke out in the drapery establishment of Mr. John Moody, Market Street, Tandragee. A plentiful supply of water was available, and the fire was confined to the shop, where most of the stock was destroyed. The damage is partially covered by insurance.

Referring to a Berlin telegram contradicting the British estimate of German submarine losses, it is stated that the Admiralty are in possession of definite evidence of the loss, since the outbreak of war, of more than 150 enemy submarines. This evidence will in due course be published.

At Toome on Monday Ballymena Rural Council summoned Rose M'Cann, of Ardnaglass, for keeping her dwelling-house in an unsanitary condition. An order was made compelling the defendant to put the house in proper sanitary condition, costs to the amount of £2 18s 6d being allowed.

Replying to a deputation which waited upon him at Dublin Castle, Mr. Shortt showed familiarity with the facts as to the advantages of Galway harbour for transatlantic traffic, expressed his sympathy in respect of the proposals laid before him, and promised to bring the project before the Reconstruction Commission.

The ceremony of laying the foundation stones of the Hebrew University of Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, took place on Wednesday, July 24, Dr. Weizmann, in the course of an address, said it was fitting that Great Britain aided by her Allies, in the midst of tribulation and sorrow, should stand sponsor to the Hebrew University.

Baroness Helene Gingold writes to the London Press saying that as dog's hair is being requisitioned for soldiers' comforts, it would be "noble self-sacrifice" in men to offer their beards for the same cause. She says that Mme. Flammarion, wife of the astronomer, used to stuff cushions with hair grown on her husband's chin.

At a meeting of Armagh Guardians twenty-eight vaccination defaulters were reported in Armagh, three in Blackwatertown, and three in Markethill Dispensary district. It was decided to serve the usual notices. A lengthy circular was received from the Irish Medical Association with regard to the salaries of dispensary doctors.

The Belfast Corporation, at a special meeting in committee decided to confer the freedom of the city upon Field-Marshal his Excellency Viscount French of Ypres, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. At the same meeting the Lord Mayor (Alderman Sir James Johnston) received cordial congratulation on his recent honour of knighthood.

Private George Douglas, Australian Expeditionary Force, a native of Auckland, New Zealand, on active service in France, is now spending a few days' leave with his cousin, Mr. Robert Douglas, J.P., Limavady. Private Douglas is a nephew of the Right Honourable William Ferguson Massey, Prime Minister of New Zealand, a distinguished native of Limavady.

The Government having promised to compulsorily arbitrate in the dispute between the farmers and labourers, the strike in East Down is practically at an end, the men having reformed to work on Saturday. Several thousands had participated in the movement, which if prolonged would have attended with disastrous consequences in the present crisis.

At the monthly meeting of the council of the Ballymena Farmers' Union on Saturday, it was posed on the motion of Dr. Robert Love, J.P., that a resolution be forwarded to the Area Administrative Officer, Dublin, and to the Central Union, Belfast, asking that the allowance for shrinkage in the hay crop for each month should be up to date of delivery to the Government.

At a meeting of Coleraine Harbour Board on Monday it was intimated that a deputation had interviewed the Shipping and Coal Controller, and explained to him the great falling of in shipping and the serious diminution, along with greater cost of coal to the inhabitants. The reply was that he would Help them as much as he could in getting the town its proportionate supply.

At the Ballymena Guardians' meeting on Saturday the Master (Mr. J. Leckey) reported that on 8th inst. a number of ladies gave the school children and the aged and infirm people in the house and infirmary, about fifty in all, a tea in the field adjoining the Waveney Hospital. On the motion of Mrs. Barr, the best thanks of the Board were returned to the ladies for their kindness.

The steady depreciation of the Austrian crown, says the "Times," is contemplated in Vienna with growing alarm. On the Berlin market the crown has sunk 40 per cent, below its pre-war value, while in neutral capitals the depreciation represents over 50 per cent. The Austrian note issue, which has been increased at the rate of a milliar [sic] crowns a month for the last year, now stands at £1,000,000,000.

A meeting of the ladies of Londonderry was held on Tuesday in the Guildhall for the purpose of inaugurating a local Guild of the British and Foreign Sailors' Society. The Mayoress (Lady Anderson) presided over a large and representative gathering. Her Grace the Duchess of Abercorn was appointed president. The Mayoress (Lady Anderson) was appointed chairman; Mrs. Corscaden, Richmond, hon. treasurer; and Miss M'Granahan (recently appointed organising secretary for Ireland), hon. secretary.

The French Government, according to a Reuter's telegram from Pekin, has lodged a protest with the Chinese Government against the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Vatican on the ground that they are incompatible with the Franco-Chinese Treaty, which provides for French protection of Catholic organisations in China; and well-informed quarters in Pekin regard the appointment of a Papal Nuncio to China as a German political move engineered by von Hintze, himself a Catholic.

Mr. J. H. Williams presided at the annual meeting of the Tyrone Teachers' Association, in Omagh, on Saturday, and was re-elected president, with Mr. J. Acheson vice-president, and Mr. P. M'Donald secretary and treasurer. On the motion of Mr. Solomon Morris, seconded by Mr. D Irvine, Dungannon, resolutions were passed demanding an initial salary of £150, with a maximum of £350, with £70 to £100 for junior assistant masters, and pensions based on the new scale of salaries. The demand was renewed for war bonuses on civil service terms. A demand was also made for a grant of £20 per year for each school for heating and cleaning purposes.

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

Ulster and the War.

It was officially announced on Tuesday that the names of the undermentioned have been brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War for valuable services rendered in connection with the war, and that, when applicable, an entry will be made in the records of service of officers and other ranks:--

Major E. W. Atkinson, D.S.O., Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, son of the late Mr. Edward Atkinson, Ashfield, Moynalty, County Meath and nephew of Lord Atkinson, who was M.P. for North Derry, 1895-1905. Major Atkinson won the D.S.O. on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915.

Major Adam P. Jenkins, Royal Irish Rifles, of 9, Seymour Street, Lisburn. This well-known officer was wounded in the head and taken prisoner by the Germans at the opening of the battle of the Somme on 1st, July, 1916, and was repatriated in Sept., 1917. His son, Second-Lieutenant G.P. Jenkins, R.F.A., was killed on action last year.

Captain W. P. MacArthur, D.S.O., M.D., R.A.M.C., only son of Mr. J. P. MacArthur, Windsor Park, Belfast. Captain MacArthur has seen a good deal of service in France. He was awarded the D.S.O. and mentioned in despatches in 1916, and was wounded in the summer of that year.

Captain John Patrick, Army Ordnance Department (Captain, Royal Irish Rifles) of Dunminning, Glarryford. This well-known officer is a Deputy-Lieutenant for the County of Antrim, and a member of the Antrim County Council and of the Ulster Club. His only son, Lieutenant John Patrick, M.C., R.F.A., was decorated last year, for gallantry in the field.

Colonel C. C. Perceval, Royal Engineers, son of the the General John Maxwell Perceval, C.B., of Dillon House, Downpatrick, and brother of Mr. Richard D. Perceval, J.P., Kary Hill, Downpatrick: Major-General E. M. Perceval, C.B, D.S.O., and Brigadier-General C. J. Perceval, C.M.G., D.S.O.

Red Cross and Order of St. John

An official communique, issued on Wednesday night, stated that the names of the undermentioned have been brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War by the chairman of the Joint War Committee of the British Red Cross Society and Order of St. John of Jerusalem in England for valuable services rendered in connection with the establishment, organisation, and maintenance of hospitals --

Mrs. A. Archdale, County Fermanagh; Lady Arnott, County Dublin, widow of the late Sir John Arnott, Bart.; Mrs. M. Barton, County Fermanagh; Mrs. V. Brassey, Cottesbrooke Hall Hospital, Northamptonshire, wife of Captain R. B. Brassey, and daughter of the late Mr A. H. Lowry Corry, of the County Fermanagh family of which the Earl of Belmore is the head; Mr. E. J. Charley, J.P., of Seymour Hill, Dunmurry, a member of the Ulster Joint Committee, and a former High Sheriff of the County of Antrim; Mrs. A. Cooke, Caw, Londonderry, a member of the Committee of the Ulster Centre, St. John Ambulance Association, and wife of Mr. T. F. Cooke, D.L.; Lady J. Crichton, Southampton Division, Hampshire, wife of Colonel Sir Henry Crichton, K.C.B.; Lady Dunleath, Ballywalter Park Hospital, County Down; Mrs. S. Gilliland, Londonderry; Mrs. M. H. Herdman, V.A.D. Hospital, Strabane; Miss A. Johnstone, of the Municipal Technical Institute, Belfast, a V.A.D. commandant; Mrs. A. H. Macafee, a member of the Committee of the Ulster Centre, St. John Ambulance Association, and wife of Rev. A. Macafee, minister of First Presbyterian Church, Omagh; Dr. John Macintosh, Duncairn Gardens Belfast, medical superintendent of the Hilden Convalescent Hospital; Miss M. R. Simpson, Prospect, Ballymena, a member of the Committee of the Ulster Centre, St. John Ambulance Association; Mrs. N. Swiney, Cloghaneely, Antrim Road, Belfast; Mrs. G. Todd, County Fermanagh.

Second Bar to Military Cross.

Major Samuel M'Causland, D.S.O., M.C., R.A.M.C., brother of Mrs. Gourley, Carnshanna, Raphoe, Co. Donegal, has been awarded a second bar to the Military Cross for most conspicuous bravery under exceptionally dangerous circumstances. Major M'Causland, who is a native of Raphoe district, was educated at Queen's College, Galway, and Trinity College, Dublin. His brother, Lieut. Joseph M'Causland, R.A.M.C., has seen much act!ve service in France, and has been gassed, but is now fully recovered and is again serving at the front.

THE ROLL OF HONOUR.

Captain Wm. Percival Vint, M.G.C. killed in action on 5th August, was a son of the late Mr. Wm. Vint, Belfast, and Mrs. Vint, 14, Keetery Grove, Loudon, S.W.4, and a grandson of the late Mr. Jonathan Vint, Willowfield, Belfast.

Second-Lieut. J. Colville M'Kinney, Royal Irish Rifles, wounded, is the younger son of Dr. D. J. M'Kinney, Lisburn Road, Belfast. He was wounded by a hand grenade on the 6th inst., sustaining injuries to the right arm, leg, shoulder, and neck, and is at present in a private hospital in London. Lieut. M'Kinney, who was educated at Dungannon Royal School, enlisted three years ago in the Rifles at the age of 18, received cadet training in England, and was then posted to the Rifles, with whom has seen considerable service. He was wounded three days after his 21st birthday. His brother, Lieut. T. E. M'Kinney, now of the Tank Corps, has served with the Ulster Division since its formation.

Second-Lieut. J. A. F. Bill, Royal Irish Rifles, previously reported wounded and missing on 16th August, is now officially presumed to have been killed in action on that date. He was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. S. A. Bill, of Qua Iboe, Nigeria, West Africa.

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

The Late Mr. John Nelson.

The news of the death of the late Mr. John Nelson, which took place on Saturday last at his residence 34, Ashgrove Park, Belfast, was received with deep regret by his numerous friends in the city. The late Mr. Nelson was a member of the Executive Committee of the Irish Temperance League for some years, and for the past fourteen years was assistant secretary. He was a prominent and devoted member of the Baptist Church, and also a member of long standing of the Belfast City Y.M.C.A. For the period of about ten years he was hon. secretary, and afterwards president, of the Y.M.C.A. Literary Society, and amongst his numerous activities was also prominent Christian worker. On receipt of news of his death Mr. W. J. M'Combe writes from Hull -- "When I think of him and his helpfulness and good spirit and power of friendship I am greatly stirred. He was one of the best." At the funeral which took place on Monday last to the City Cemetery, a most representative attendance was present, including representatives from the Irish Temperance League, City Y.M.C.A., Baptist Church, and the general public. We offer to his widow and daughter and his other friends our sincere sympathy.

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

Mr. Littledale, K.C., Dead.

The dearth is announced at 9, Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin of Mr. R. Wm. Whaley Littledale, K.C., aged 55, after a prolonged illness. Mr. Littledale was called to the Bar in 1887, and practised in the N.E. Circuit. He was later appointed Crown Counsel for Co. Louth. He was chairman of the General Munitions Tribunal for Belfast and North-East Ireland under the Munitions of War Acts. He was appointed K.C. in 1906, and King's Advocate in 1915. Some short time ago he was made Registrar in Chancery.

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

Died While Singing.

A verdict of death from natural causes was returned by the Shoreditch jury in the case of Margt. Williams (19), the daughter of a dairyman, of Shepherdess Walk. The evidence showed that the girl, who was very popular among her friends as a vocalist, had been invited to sing at a party given by a neighbour. She had concluded the first verse of a song, and the company were about to join in the chorus when she gave a shriek and fell to the floor. Death was attributed to cerebral hemorrhage, and the Coroner (Dr. Wynn Westcott) remarked that it very unusual in a girl of nineteen who was otherwise in perfect health. The strain of singing might have caused a blood vessel of the brain to snap.

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

RANDOM READINGS.

CLINGING TO THEIR HOME.

In his book, "Twenty-two Months Under Fire," Brigadier-General Page Croft tells of an old Belgian farmer and his wife who clung with the persistence of madness to their battered farm. "The little wrinkled old woman gave us huge bowls of steaming coffee. . . Suddenly crash, crash, crash, tiles flew, and the house shook, but all the old lady said was, 'Bon, bon, shrapnel, shrapnel.' . . . So this wonderful old lady could express pleasure that only shrapnel was crashing on her home and not high explosives."

THE KING OF SPACE.

An albatross in a storm is a wonderful sight. No matter how furious the gale, no matter how fierce the hurricane squalls of Cape Horn, the great bird soars up against the blast, grim and serene. Then wheeling, be comes sweeping down on the wings of the gale at a speed so tremendous that it cannot be less than eighty or ninety miles an hour, when, describing a low but immense circle, with the tip of his lee-wing just brushing the top of the giant waves, he again takes his flight upward against the storm. No living creature conveys the idea of boundless freedom so perfectly as the King of Space, the wandering albatross.

A GINGERBREAD BAROMETER.

It has taken a clever Frenchman to discover a kind of barometer which is nothing more nor less than the figure of a general made of gingerbread. He buys one every year, and takes it home and hangs it by a string on a nail. Gingerbread, as everyone knows, is easily affected by changes in the atmosphere. The slightest moisture renders it soft, while in dry weather it grows hard and tough. Every morning, on going out, the Frenchman asks his servant, "What does the general say?" and the man applies his thumb to the gingerbread figure. Perhaps he may reply, "The general feels soft. He would advise your taking an umbrella," On the other hand, if the gingerbread is hard and unyielding to the touch, it is safe to go forth in one's best attire, umbrellaless and confident. The Frenchman declares that the general has never yet proved unworthy of the confidence placed in him, and would advise all whose purse will not allow them to purchase a barometer or aneroid, to see what the local baker can do for them in the gingerbread line.

FIGHTING THE CAMPHOR.

There are few things which demand a heavier toll of lives than camphor. The reason for this is that the mountainous parts of the Island of Formosa, from which the world gets most of its camphor, are inhabited by headhunting savages whom the successive invaders of the island have been unable to subdue. These savages are alive to the value of the camphor trees, and fiercely oppose all attempts to get possession of the forests. Their hostility makes the gathering of camphor a most hazardous occupation, and one in which a loaded rifle is the most indispensable tool. Since the Japanese took the island after their successful campaign against China in the nineties, they have been carrying on a carefully-conceived plan of gradual penetration of the valuable camphor regions. They make paths six feet in width through the virgin forests. At intervals of every 12Q yards stands a guardhouse, and every fourth or fifth guardhouse is a small fort entrenched and defended by barbed wire xxxxxxxxx , machine guns, and all the resources of Western military science are employed, and the limits are pushed gradually forward.

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

Belfast Air Force Depot.

The reception depot for Ulster in connection with the Royal Air Force, which has been established at 54, Royal Avenue, was opened last week in the presence of a large arr attendance by the Lord Mayor (Sir James Johnston, J.P.) For this branch of his Majesty's service applicants between 17 and 50 who are medically fit are eligible, excellent. When recruits are passed by the medical officer they are sent on to Blandford, in Dorsetshire, where they are tested for their trades and assigned to the respective units. The commanding officer for the province of Ulster is Captain A. E. Irvin, R.A.F., whilst the staff at the depot includes Capt. Tait, R.A.F., and Captain Greer, medical officer in charge. A procession of Navymen, with the band of the Somerset Light Infantry, escorted the Lord Mayor from the City Hall to the depot and a squadron of aeroplanes in battle formation flew over the city about the same time, the display being watched with the keenest curiosity and interest.

The Lord Mayor, in opening the depot, said it was their duty to co-operate in every way with the authorities, who were anxious that voluntary effort should be the medium of securing recruits rather than that conscription should be enforced. Therefore, he hoped sincerely that as many as possible would go to the help of the Royal Air Service. (Applause.)

Captain Irvin said the idea of the air force coming to Ireland originated from the fact that the authorities were absolutely convinced that Irish sentiment would be specially responsible to the principles of the corps, and that the young men of the country would readily fall into line to make this separate arm of the service a complete success. (Applause.) Personally he felt quite convinced that they would do extra ordinary well in Ireland generally. What they wanted was the help of North, South, East, and West in the struggle. It was no time for indulging in contrasts. It was a time for individual and collective duty.

 

^ top of page

Roll of Honour

GAILEY -- August 11, 1918, died of wounds and effects of shell gas, received in action, Sergeant J. L. Gailey, R.A.M.C, second son of Rev. A. Gailey, Lucan, Dublin, aged 21.

Marriages

MALSEED--STUART -- August 15, at Waterside Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. John Stuart, LL.D. (father of the bride); assisted by the Rev. R. W. Malseed, B.D., Kirtle (brother of the bridegroom); the Rev. Professor W. A. Curtis, D.D., D.Litt., Edinburgh, and the Rev. Leslie Rankin (brothers-in-law); Captain Malseed, M.C., R.A.M.C., attached King's Liverpool Regiment, son of the late Robert Malseed, and Mrs. Malseed, Edendale, Londonderry, to Eileen, daughter of the Rev. xxxx and Mrs. Stuart, Clifton Manse, Londonderry.

WILLIAMSON--MOORE -- August 14, at New Presbyterian Church, Coleraine, by the Rev. A. Lyle Harrison, B.A., Fortwilliam, Belfast, assisted by Rev. Dr. MacDermott, Belmont, and Rev. William Moore, B.A., Sligo (brother of the bride), the Rev. Ernest Hamilton Williamson, B.A., Ballyroney, Co. Down, son of the late Mr. John Williamson, of Skeagh, Bailieborough. to Redwig Angelika Reichenbach (Heda), B.A., the daughter of Mr. William Moore and Mrs. Moore, Hopefield Avenue, Belfast, formerly of Moorfield, Cullybackey.

Deaths

VANCE -- August 19, at her residence, Granshaw Manse, Comber, Elisa Matilda, widow of the Rev. Isaac Vance, D.D., in her 64th year. Interred in the Churchyard attached to Granshaw Presbyterian Church, on Thursday, 22nd inst.

BAMBER -- August 17 (suddenly), at Galgorm Parks, Ballymena, Samuel Bamber.

LORIMER -- August 15, at Edenvale, Glenavy, James Lorimer, aged 84 years.

MOORE -- June 19, at 2, Leafield Villas, Marais Road, Sea Point, Capetown, James Moore (chemist), formerly of 35, Cooke Street, Belfast.

M'CLEOD -- August 18, at her residence, Castleavery, Newtownards, Margaret M'Cleod.

M'CUNE -- August 17, Grace, the dearly beloved wife of Robt. M'Cune, Market Street, Tanderagee.

MACMILLAN -- August 20, at her residence, The Square, Donegal, Martha M'Lean, wife of W. J. Macmillan, and daughter of the late Rev. Walter Buchan, Boveedy, Kilrea.

RANKIN -- August 19 (suddenly), at his residence, Crassnamuckley, Newtownards, Jas. Rankin.

RUSK -- August 18, at Dahlia Lodge, Andersonstown, Maggie, the dearly-beloved wife of John Rusk.

SAUNDERSON -- August 15, at his residence, Caldhane, Nathaniel Saunderson.

SCHARFF -- August 15 (after a short illness), in Dublin, Alice, wife of R. F. Scharff, P.H.B.Sc., and youngest daughter of the late Lucius O. Hutton, Dublin.

SHIILLINGTON -- August 17, at Eskragh, Dungannon, John Shillington, aged 84.

SLOAN -- August 20, at The Dairy, Straid, Ballynure, Jane, the beloved wife of James M. Sloan.

SMITH -- August 20, at Derramore, Bessbrook, William Smith, dearly-beloved husband of Ruth Smith.

Clippings

NEWS OF THE WEEK.

IN BRIEF.

Canada's wheat yield in estimated at 233 million bushels.

President Poincare on Sunday visited Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, and conferred the Medal Militaire upon him.

The "Berliner Tagoblatt" says that Crown Prince Rupprecht has arrived at Munich from the Western front for a short stay.

Fourteen Sinn Fein prisoners were removed from Mountjoy to Belfast Jail on Saturday morning under military and police escort.

The Bread and Flour Trade Association, Liverpool, has passed a resolution urging the Ministry of Food to increase the price of bread or reduce the price of flour.

A sale of flags in Portrush in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution has realised £52 16s 5d. The sale was organised by Mrs. M'Morris, Belfast Bank House.

Mr. John Lockington, formerly chief clerk in Londonderry Post Office, and recently postmaster of Portadown and Waterford, has been appointed postmaster of Sunderland.

Mr. Adam M'Meek in, of Cogry, has been sworn in a magistrate for County Antrim. Mr. M'Meekin, as the owner of Cogry Spinning Mill, is a very extensive employer of labour.

The Derry Corporation has co-opted Mr. James Hamilton (U.) a Councillor, in room of Councillor T. G. Bible, co-opted Alderman nor place of the late Alderman Sir Wm. M'Learn.

Mr. Edmund White, in an address at King's College, said Germany had lost the dominion of the gas mantle market. The world, he added, used 400,000,000 gas mantles annually.

Lord Northcliffe, speaking at a luncheon in London, estimated that they had had 900,000 killed, and that last year their total casualties in killed, wounded, and missing were over 800,000.

It is stated that cattle were driven at night on to the heavy oats crop of Messrs. Arthur & George Gentleman, Mountcoal, Listowel, and it was almost totally destroyed. A claim for £200 is being lodged.

At Belfast Police Court a man who said he "absolutely refused to answer any questions put to him by any constable of the English Government, whose law he declined to recognise," was handed over to the military as an absentee.

A Frankfurt telegram says that Houston Stewart Chamberlain, the British renegade and German tool, has been fined the maximum penalty of 1,500 marks (£75) for libelling a German newspaper. He has been libelling England since he became a traitor.

A considerable quantity of meadow owned by Mr. R. W. Smyth, J.P., ex-High Sheriff, Portlick Castle, Athlone, after being auctioned, was found, when machines were put in to cut it, spiked and useless. Mr. Smyth refused to sign the anti-conscription pledge.

A preliminary estimate of the yield per acre of autumn wheat for Canada is 15½ bushels, as against 21½ bushels in the past two years. This roughly gives a total yield of five million bushels odd as against fifteen millions last year and seventeen millions in 1916.

A Reuter's telegram from Stockholm states that, according to news received from Finland, which, however, cannot be verified, Trotsky is reported to have arrived on Tuesday last at Helsingfors. It is believed that Lenin is on a German ship in Helsingfors Harbour, or at Reval.

A message of encouragement recently sent to Sir Douglas Haig and the British troops at the front by the Sunday-schools of the United Kingdom, together with his reply of thanks, was published by the Commander-in-Chief, as a special order of the day, and thus brought to the notice of all ranks.

The report of the County Antrim Joint Committee for Technical Instruction shows an adverse balance of £16 12s 4d on the year's working. The total number of students enrolled during the year was 1,005. The committee regret that the state of their funds do not permit of further extension of rural instruction.

The "Berliner Tageblatt" mentioned that there are already five candidates in the field for the Throne of Poland -- namely, Prince August Wilhelm of Prussia, the Kaiser's fourth son; a Prince of Saxony, a Prince of Wurtemberg, the Archduke Carl Stephan of Austria, and Prince Cyril, the second son of the King of Bulgaria,

It is stated from Moscow that the late Czar's diaries, extending over a period of thirty-six years, will be published in thirty-six parts. The diaries for the year 1905 to 1917 will be published first. On the day of the Czar's accession to the Throne appears this entry:-- "All around are treachery, cowardice, and deception."

Ballymoney Guardians approved a draft agreement for the letting -- subject to the Local Government Board sanction -- of the body of the Workhouse to Messrs. Douglas & Steen, Belfast, for an embroidery factory, at a rent of £75 a year for five years, with the option of a further tenancy of nineteen years at £125 a year.

One remarkable consequence of the Easter week rebellion is brought out in the Criminal and Civil Statistics of Ireland for 1916, only now issued. The number of persons killed during the rebellion consisted of 116 military, 16 police, and 318 civilians, and the numbers wounded were 368 military, 29 police, and 2,217 civilians.

A further and supplemental scale of costs and charges to be paid to counsel and attorneys in Civil Bill Courts during the war and for six months after, provides for an increase of 25 per cent. to the existing scale. The new scale was published in the "Dublin Gazette" of Aug. 13, and comes into immediate operation. The rule of May 7 last is annulled.

The "Osserratore Romano," Rome, publishes the text of the Pope's letter to Irish bishops. It explains that it is a reply to the letter from the bishops thanking him for the decree of beatification of Oliver Plunket, the publication of the new code of canon law, and for all he has done for the sufferers by war. The latter, in fact, deals almost entirely with such matters.

A "Times" war telegram from The Hague on Saturday says:-- One result of the various air raids on Cologne is that several factories, put out of work either by direct hits or damage to feeding railways, are still not working, while the three factories of Wahn, Westhoven, and Trotsburgh have been removed to new premises outside the city, and at a considerable distance from each other.

The "Tagliche Rundschau" asserts, says The Hague correspondent of the "Daily Mail," that the German Government will make the following demands on Holland when economic negotiations are resumed with the new Cabinet -- 50,000 cows or oxen, 5,000 three-year-old horses, 4,400 one-year-old horses, 5,000 tons butter, 10,000 tons cheese, 2,000,000 eggs, 3,000 tons fowls, 10,000 tons sugar, arid 100,000, cow, calf, and horse hides.

Flax-pulling is now in full swing throughout North Down. The crop is a pretty heavy one all round, and a fair yield is anticipated, despite much criticism of the seed supply, &c. The scarcity of labour, of course, is handicapping the process of pulling and steeping the crop, and many farmers will be further handicapped by a limited supply of steeping water. In at least one instance a portion of a field of flax was mown by a reaper with fairly good results, the flax having been long in the fibre and comparatively free from weeds.

The trial of 101 leaders of the Industrial Workers of the World Society ended on Saturday in Chicago. All defendants were found guilty. The I.W.W.S., it was declared by the Chief Prosecutor, was a government within a Government, and was ruled by a swivel-chain king, Wm. B. Haywood, general secretary and treasurer, from his headquarters in Chicago. Included in the mass of evidence were instructions for bringing about railroad congestion, the wreckage of sawmills, destruction of fruit orchards, and the ruining of grain.

At a meeting of Moneymore Farmers' Union to consider the question of ordering seeds, manures, &c for next season, it was pointed out that the purchases could he made through the local Cooperative Agricultural Fruit Growers' Society, which has power to deal in any commodity. A considerable amount of share capital was provided, and it was decided to arrange for a canvass of the farmers with a view to getting more. The question of establishing a co-operative scutch mill was also discussed, but further consideration of this matter was deferred.

At a special Court in Lurgan Private Patrick M'Keown, Portadown, who was charged with being an absentee from the Labour Corps, said he was absent because he was to be married that day. He was remanded in custody, but the police intimated that they would facilitate the marriage in every way if the arrangements had been completed. Shortly afterwards the soldier, accompanied by a sergeant and a constable, proceeded to the chapel, where the marriage ceremony was duly performed. M'Keown, who was allowed to walk with his bride to her father's house, was afterwards conveyed to Belfast.

Owing to the continued increase in the cost of production, the Gas Committee of the Belfast Corporation have decided to recommend that the price of gas for domestic purposes should be advanced from 3s 6d per 1,000 cubic feet to 3s 6d, and for power purposes from 3s 1d to 3s 4d. These prices are subject to a discount of 20 per cent. for prompt payment, so that the net charges will be 3s and 2s 8d respectively. The recommendation will come before the Council for confirmation at their next monthly meeting, and it is proposed to give effect to the increase immediately afterwards.

Three new members were co-opted on Moira Rural District Council at the monthly meeting, which was held in Lurgan under the presidency of the chairman (Mr. George Baillie). The new members are -- Mr. George Savage, for the Ballyleney division, in the room of the late Mr. Thomas Lyness, of Lismain, Moira; Mr. Frank Copeland, Blackscull House, Dromore, in the room of Mr. Wm. Calvert; and Mr. James Allen, Gortnamoney, in the room of the late Mr. W. G. Kerr, Moira. The co-option of a Councillor for the Waringstown division, in the room of the late Mr. M'Cullough, was adjourned till next monthly meeting.

Mr. Hugh T. Barrie, M.P. for North Derry, and Mrs. Barrie entertained over 2,000 relatives of soldiers and sailors of Coleraine and district in the grounds of the Manor House on Thursday afternoon and evening. All were provided with tea. Afterwards sports for valuable prizes presented by Mrs. Barrie were held. The band of the 9th Lancers and the local pierrot troupe, "The What Nots," contributed greatly to the enjoyment of all present. A large and influential party was entertained at Mr. Barrie's residence. Mrs. Barrie distributed the prices. Thanks were appropriately tendered to the generous host and hostess.

The report by Sir Douglas Haig last Sunday that a new type of giant aeroplane had been brought down naturally caused a good deal of curiosity on the part of the general public, to whom multiple-engined aeroplanes are still a novelty. This machine was shot down during the night of the 9th inst. behind the British front, and as is clear from its high power was deigned to carry a considerable weight of bombs. Unfortunately the machine came down in flames. It is probable, however, that the machine was a modification of the multiple-engined bombers which the Germans have for some time been using for night raid purposes.

A third meatless day per week has been introduced in Vienna.

Farmers in Herts have conceded the payment of £12 to workers for the harvest month. This represents 25 per cent. increase over last year's payment.

The military and police have taken into custody a number of young men who were employed at Sharpies' hobby-horses, Bundoran, for, as alleged, evading the Military Service Act.

The French police believe that they have unearthed a new form of German defeatist propaganda in France directed especially against America.

After a recent double launching at a United States Emergency Fleet Corporation shipyard in New Jersey medals were presented to eighty-seven workmen.

At the monthly meeting of the Derry Asylum Committee Mr. Hugh T. Barrie, D.L., M.P., was re-elected chairman and Sir John B. Johnston vice-chairman.

Mm Sheehy-Sheffington has arrived at Kingstown from England, and proceeded to her own home, having received on Friday last a permit to reside in Ireland.

Mr. Newton D. Baker, U.S., Secretary for War, says:-- The total number of American troops now overseas and in training in the United States amounts to 2,500,000.

John Ollsen, alleged to be an escaped German prisoner or a German spy, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment at Glasgow on Saturday for failing to register as an alien.

The British and Foreign Sailors' Society has just received a postal order, 7s 6d, from "an old lady within a week of ninety," as a thank-offering for the comfort of oranges and lemons.

The semi-official "Norddeutsche Allgemine Zeitung" says that the question as to whether Prince Lichnowsky shall be arraigned before the Criminal Court has not yet been decided by the Public Prosecutor.

The "Daily Chronicle" says:-- In Ireland there is a big boom in recruiting for the navy. The number of recruits presenting for enlistment in Cork in one day exceeds the weekly average for the past two years.

The Scottish Miners' Conference in Edinburgh concluded on Saturday with a private sitting, when a resolution was adopted that the necessary steps be taken to apply for a 50 per cent. increase on the present rate of wages.

The "Intransigeant" says that although the harvest has not yet been gathered in everywhere, the total corn production of France can be estimated at fifty million quintals, an increase of 75 per cent. on last year's production.

A deputation representing 200,000 Austrian State employees has presented a demand to the Government for an increase of the present war bonus of 50 per cent., on the ground that the cost of living in Austria in 1918 was 100 to 300 per cent. higher than in 1917.

Six American Congressmen -- Messrs. Randall, California; Mays, Utah; Welling, Utah; Jones, Texas; Aswell, Louisiana; and Barkley, Kentucky -- have arrived in London on their way to the front. The delegation will investigate the American effort in Europe, and then return to Washington.

Mr. James M'Greavy, auctioneer, has just sold by public auction for Mr. Hugh M'Cusker, at Beconnell, near Lurgan, twelve stacks of turf at the high price of £43 10s. Some of the stacks realised £3 16s each. In normal times about £2 per stack would be considered a good average price for these.

Nearly 450 repatriated British prisoners of war, the majority coming direct from Germany, were landed at Boston on Sunday afternoon. One hundred and forty were cot cases, and others included military and merchant service officers. Two special trains left for London during the evening.

A special Court was held, at Newtownbutler on Saturday, before Mr. Walker, R.M., when five men from Ballyconnell, County Cavan, were charged with taking part in an unlawful assembly at Wattlebridge, County Fermanagh, on Sunday, 23rd June. The five prisoners were remanded for trial at Enniskillen.

Senator Humber, formerly Editor and proprietor of "Le Journal," Paris, has been in prison for some months on a charge of trafficking with the enemy. The military authorities now desire to obtain the leave of the Senate to change the indictment to the more serious one of entering into communication with the enemy.

A feature of the visit of his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant (Viscount French) to Londonderry will be an inspection by him of discharged Derry soldiers and sailors. Many of the soldiers were amongst "the old contemptibles" who served under his Excellency in the early days of the war. The Mayor will entertain these heroes on the occasion.

A cable despatch from Washington says -- Various reports coming from German sources indicate that Germany expects after the war to again supply quantities of potash in America and Europe. The opinion here is that Germany will have a rude awakening, as the United Stated is becoming able to supply its potash seeds from home sources.

Meetings of Durham miners were held all over the North-Eastern portion of the county on Sunday. Various suggestions were put forward for increasing the output, and these will be laid before a meeting of the Miners' Association at Durham. In South Shields district the colliers were unanimous against the employment of female labour anywhere about the pits.

Never before has such a large number of ministers from the United States been invited to these shores. British pulpits are vacant by the score, owing to the demands for military chaplaincies and to the fact that this is the month when ministers of all denominations take their holidays. The American Y.M.C.A. are busy arranging the interchange of pulpits.

On Friday evening a meeting of discharged soldiers and sailors was held in the Protestant Hall, Ballymena, for the purpose of inaugurating a branch of the Irish Federation of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers in that town. The chair was occupied by Mr. James Clarke, solicitor, and there was a large attendance. It was unanimously decided to form a branch of the federation.

There were six cases at Enniskillen Petty Sessions in which motorists going on the Lough Derg pilgrimage from Ballinamore, County Leitrim, were charged with the illegal use of petrol. Mr. B. Jones, for the defendants, admitted a technical offence, but pointed out that to go by rail and back would take 4½ days. The Crown did not press for a heavy penalty, and a fine of 1s and costs was inflicted in each case.

A telegram from Washington to The Hague says that, according to an official arrangement, 2,000,000 tons of sugar of the 1918 crop in the Dutch East Indies can now be disposed of, and that forty Dutch steamers lying idle in the Dutch East Indian ports will be put into service. The products of sugar, tobacco, rubber, copra (dried flesh of the cocoanut), and coffee crop's will now be transported.

An exciting affair is reported from Derrybeg, Gweedore, County Donegal. The police arrested an Irish Guardsman for desertion, and took him to the barracks. At night, a crowd of 300 surrounded the barracks. Shots were fired and stones were thrown. The police fired three revolver shots, and the crowd dispersed. Next morning the prisoner was handed over to a military detachment stationed in the district, and he was removed to prison under a strong military and police guard.

At Coalisland Revision Court, Mr. Barry Meglaughlin, on behalf of the Unionists, objected to a number of claims on the ground that in the column headed "Are you a British subject?" in the requisition forms the claimants had written "Irish subject." Mr. Meglaughlin contended that im the absence of a definite statement that they were British subjects they must be treated as aliens, but the registration officer held that the entries were sufficient, and admitted the claims.

Mr. John Russell, Auctioneer, Newtownards, offered for sale on the 15th inst. a farm situate in the townland of Scrabo, Newtownards, containing 21 acres, the property of Mr. Nathaniel Ferguson, and put it down to Mr. Jas. M'Kee for £1,200. On the 17th he offered a farm, described as lot 1, situate in the townland of Ballywilliam, Comber, containing 14 acres, the property of Mr. Samuel Cleland, and put it down to Mr. Dunwoody for £640. Lot 2, in the same townland containing 11 acres, was sold to Mr. S. Thompson for £600. Mr. T. C. G. Mackintosh and Mr. Alex. Stewart, solicitors, had carriage of sale.

An interesting military wedding took place on Thursday, 15th inst. in Waterside Presbyterian Church, Londonderry, when Captain Alfred Malseed, M.C., R.A.M.C., attached King's Liverpool Regiment, and Miss Eileen Stuart, daughter of the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Stuart, Clifton Manse, Londonderry, were the contracting partners. The marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. Dr. Stuart, pastor Waterside Presbyterian Church, father of the bride, assisted by Rev. Robert W. Malseed, B.D., Kartle, brother of the bridegroom; Rev. Professor W. A. Curtis, D.D., D.Litt., Edinburgh, and Rev. Leslie Rankin, Londonderry, brother-in-law.

A sad tragedy occurred on Thursday of last week at Ballystrudder, Islandmagee, the victim, being a boy named Willie M'Crae, aged 14 years. It appears that accompanied by his brother Robert, aged 12 years, he left home at Cloughfin, Islandmagee, during the day in order to pay a visit to his grandfather and grandmother, Mr. and Mrs. Picken. During his grandmother's absence from the kitchen the younger boy obtained possession of a gun above the fireplace, and unfortunately, while handling it, pulled the trigger, with the result that the bullet struck Willie on the head. Tbe poor lad expired expired immediately. The lads whose father has for some years resided in America, were the only children of their mother.

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

Captain J. M. M'Alery, Royal Air Force, officially reported wounded, is a son of the late Rev. John M'Alery, B.A., Ballycarry, and Mrs. J. O. Campbell, Moyallen, Annadale, Belfast. He was a company commander in the U.V.F., and, joining the Ulster Division in 1914, was appointed to the 8th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (East Belfast Regiment), of which he was for a time adjutant. He was afterwards seconded from his regiment to the Royal Flying Corps. He has been wounded -- fortunately not seriously -- in the leg.

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

Death of Miss M. C. Young (Newington).

Preaching in Newington Church on last Sabbath morning, Rev. T. M. Johnstone made the following reference to the death of Miss Margaret C. Young, who recently succumbed to illness contracted while nursing with the Expeditionary Force in France.:-- "At an age in life when most young people are thinking simply of their own pursuits and pastimes, Miss Young was gathering around her in Newingtown a little circle to study the problem of Christian missions. What she accomplished in this way among the girls of her own age is full of promise, though the extent of it the future can alone reveal. The intelligent interest she took in missionary activities of all kinds leads us to think that if she had been spared to return the Church of Christ would have heard more of her iin the future and would have benefitted by her services in wider and more distant fields. Just at the time when she was giving herself whole-heartedly to the work of the Girls' Auxiliary, there came the deplorable outbreak of war, with reports of all its attendant distress and suffering. In Miss Young's case, these reports fell not upon hardened ears. Consequently no one who knew her, and was acquainted with her great and unselfish interests in life, were surprised when she offered herself for service with the Voluntary Aid Detachment, serving in the hospitals placed among the war-strewn areas of France. With that work, during the past three years, she remained, zealously and industriously associated, availing herself only twice during that trying period of the rest and recuperation afforded by the visitation of home and friends. Her attendance upon the suffering was no casual or perfunctory affair. Instead, it was rendered with all that wealth of love and buoyancy of spirit in which her young life was so abundant. Her courage for a girl was utterly remarkable. The dangers either of ward or environment had for her no terror sufficient to deter her from the discharge of what, in a sense, we might regard as her self-imposed, but what really were her God-given duties. Though far away from us, and hourly employed in the Christlike work of tending the sick, she never forgot to forward her offerings for the support of the propoganda of the Church and works of philanthropy in which she was not interested. Last week's papers pathetically report her last contribution to the Ulster Women's Gift Fund for the relief of our prisoners of war in Germany."

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

Rev. W. H. Hutchinson, B.A., C.F., officially reported gassed, is the Presbyterian minister of Cuningham Memorial Church, Cullybackey. He volunteered early in the way, serving as a despatch rider at the front for two years. In February, 1917, he accepted a chaplaincy, and returned to active service. Mr. Hutchison was ordained in 1910, and is one of the best known members of the Ballymena Presbytery. He is unmarried, and resided with his sister in Cullybackey. The first notification was that he had been wounded and gassed, but later news shows that the rev. gentleman has been gassed, and that his eyes have been affected. Mr. Hutchison is a native of Belfast, and prior to accepting the call to Cullybackey, in 1910, was assistant to Rev. Charles Davey at Fisherwick Church.

 

^ top of page