Marriages

BAXLEY--JOHN -- Dec. 17, at Haslemere Parish Church, Surrey, Captain R. N. H. Bailey, Highland Light Infantry, son of Rev. W. H. Bailey, Clogher, Co. Tyrone, to Mary Gwladys, daughter of D. John, Narberth, South Wales.

MAXWELL--ENGLISH -- December 18, at Bannside Presbyterian Church, Banbridge, by the Rev. James Irwin, Joseph T. Maxwell, son of Alexander Maxwell, Bleary, Portadown, to Esther, eldest daughter of Thomas English, Ballylough, Laurencetown.

STRAIN--WEIR -- Dec. 18, 1918, at Newcastle Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. E. H. Williamson, B.A., Ballyroney, Robert John Strain, of Flush House, Ballyroney, Banbridge, to Edith M. G., youngest daughter of the late Wm. Weir and Mrs. Weir, Tierkelly, Ballyroney.

Deaths

BURTON -- Dec. 19, at his residence, Richmount, Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone, Archibald Burton, aged 83 years. Interred in the family burying-ground at Ballygawley, on Saturday, the 21st Dec.

HARRISON -- December 21, 1918, at her residence, Lurganearly, Castleblayney, Margaret Harrison, widow of late James Harrison, of Aughnagurgan, Co. Armagh. Interred in the family burying-ground, Tassagh Churchyard. Sadly missed by her sorrowing family.

BRYSON -- Dec. 29, at Bruslee, Ballyclare, James, the beloved husband of Margaret Jane Bryson.

FINLAY -- Dec. 31, 1918, at his residence, Willesden, Holywood, Co. Down, Alexander Finlay, aged 91 years. Funeral strictly private. No flowers.

FLEMING -- Dec. 29, at The Crescent, Ardglass, Co. Down, Annie Elliot, widow of the late John Fleming, Downpatrick, and daughter of the late Rev. Robert Fleming, Cavan.

HARVEY -- Dec. 20, at his residence, 27, Belmore Street, Enniskillen, James Harvey, Builder and Contractor, aged 76 years.

HUSTON -- Dec. 21, at Dublin, John Templeton, last surviving son of the late Wm. Huston, C.E., Macosquin, Coleraine, and nephew of the late Rev. Samuel Templeton, Terrydremond.

LOCKHART -- Dec. 30, at Lisbarnet, Comber, William, beloved husband of Christina Lockhart.

MACMILLAN -- Dec. 28, at her husband's residence, Main Street, Garvagh, Mary, beloved wife of David Macmillan.

M'KEEN -- Dec. 29, at 120, Raceview, Muckamore, John, dearly-beloved husband of Elizabeth M'Keen.

PATTON -- Dec. 29, at Carnanee, Templepatrick, Jennie A. Patton, youngest surviving daughter of the late Wm. Patton.

RIDDEL -- Dec. 29, at Beechmount, Belfast, Isabella, fourth daughter of the late John Riddel, of Beechmount.

YOUNG -- Dec. 18, at his residence, Knockgorm, Chichester Road, William A. Young, dearly-beloved husband of Caroline E. Young, and Principal of Clifton Street National School, Belfast.

In Memoriam

DICKSON -- In laying memory of Maggie Dickson, Ballymiscaw, Dundonald, who entered into rest January 3rd, 1918, and was interred in City Cemetery, Belfast.
Asleep in Jesus, blessed sleep,
From which none ever wakes to weep.
Ever remembered by her loving Mother, also her Brother and Sister, W. J. and SARA DICKSON.

Clippings

NEWS OF THE WEEK

IN BRIEF

New County Down Magistrate. -- Mr. Francis Adens Heron, of Maryfield, Holywood, County Down, has been appointed a Justice of the Peace for the County of Down. He is of an old and respectable County Down family.

Lady C. Hamilton Engaged. -- An engagement is announced between Captain Viscount Althorp, Life Guards, eldest son of Earl Spencer, K.G., and Lady Cynthia Hamilton, second daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn.

Tobacco Restrictions Withdrawn. -- Restrictions on the withdrawal of tobacco from bond ceased from Monday, and it is estimated that, given the necessary new machinery, the supply will equal the demand in 3 or 4 months' time.

Belfast Excise Duties. -- The Belfast Customs duties for 1918 total £3,970,475, and the Excise duties and local taxation £2,483,232. Other duties £3,175 16s 6d, making a total of £6,462,883, as compared with £4,177,567 in 1917; £4,436,571 in 1916, and £4,226,243 for 1915.

South African Casualties. -- The estimate of South African casualties in the war, including those in the rebellion and all fronts, gives 6,800 killed, of whom 4,360 were killed in Europe, and 11,500 wounded and gassed. Of 1,800 casualties in East Africa 1,200 were due to disease.

Big Advertising Scheme. -- The Irish Linen Corporation has entered into a contract to spend £30,000 a year for three years in America in pushing the linen trade. The contract has been placed with the "Dry Goods Economist," whose representative, Mr. Curtis, is in Belfast collecting data.

Big New York Function. -- The Carnival of Victory at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, New York, one of Society's first post-war revels, netted £10,000 for the French Milk Fund. Practically every New York social leader attended the affair, which is expected to be followed by a round of gaiety by the millionaire set

Brought Down First Zeppelin. -- Captain Leefe Robinson, V.C., who brought down the first Zeppelin in England, has died near Harrow, from influenza. He won the V.C. during a Zeppelin raid on September 3, 1916. Afterwards, in France, he fell into the hands of Germans, and only returned from captivity in December 14.

King Thanks Queen of Holland. -- The King has wired his Queen of Holland expressing his appreciation of the "kindness, sympathy, and consideration which offices and men of the British army received both in the administration of the scheme (of internment) and in their everyday intercourse with the people of your country."

Ex-Kasserin's Nervous Breakdown. -- The Ex-Kaiserin is suffering from grave nervous breakdown, according to a Vienna paper. She is suffering from delusions, imagining herself pursued by strange people, Several Ladies-in-Waiting have been dismissed for a slight inattention which drove her into an ungovernable temper.

An Eccentric Clergyman. -- Rev. John Walters, who has died at Galishiel's Poorhouse Hospital, at the age of 78, was an eccentric who lived a solitary life in a house of his own construction. He shared his living room with hens and ducks, and tried to keep a calf. He was a licentiate of the Church of Scotland, but never obtained a charge.

Revenue Returns. -- The revenue returns for April 1 last to December 31 show a total revenue for the nine months of £509,165,805, as against £400,650,303 for the corresponding period in the previous year -- a net increase of £108,515,502. Expenditure charged against revenue was £2,049,993,606, as against £2,029,435,062, an increase of £20,558,544.

Interesting to Soldiers. -- Mr. O. V. Greaves, of the Portadown Weaving Co., and Mt. W. R. Young, J.P., Galgorm Castle, Ballymena, have been appointed by the Ministry of Labour to interview in their respective districts officers and men of the professional and business type who are desirous of getting into touch with the Appointments Department of the Ministry.

Dastardly Outrage. -- The fine Celtic cross erected in 1904 at Connaught Avenue, Cork, as a memorial to officers and men killed in the Boer War has been partly blown up. The side of the monument facing the city was seriously damaged and other parts blown away. A hole had been bored under the name tablet, and in this the explosive was placed. No arrest has been made.

Dearer Butter and Potatoes. -- The maximum retail price of butter in Ireland next month will be 2s 8d per lb., and from February 1 until further notice 2s 9d per lb. During January and February the price to be paid to growers for potatoes (ex-portable surplus) by the Ministry of Food will be £7 a ton for bright soil produce, and £5 10s for those grown in the brack soil area or bog soil.

What France lost. -- In the course of the discussion in the French Chamber of Deputies on the Pensions Law, M Abrami, Under Secretary for Pensions, submitted the following statement of the French war losses up to November 1, 1918: -- Total of dead, missing, and prisoners of war, 42,600 officers, 1,789,000 men, of whom the dead number 31,300 officers and 1,040,000 men, and the missing 3,000 officers and 311,000 men.

Belfast Leads In Shipbuilding. -- The shipbuilding returns of the United Kingdom for 1918 show that Messrs. Harland and Wolff's Belfast yard heads the list with an output of fifteen vessels and 119,445 tons. Their Scottish yards top the list for the Clyde centre, the output for the three combined yards being 219,567 tons. Swan, Hunter, and Co. are second on the list with 82,214 tons, and Messrs. Workman Clark, and Co., Belfast, third with 69,370 tons.

Forty Hours Week. -- The Scottish Shipbuilding Unions, in opposition to the English 47-hours idea, have decided to agitate for a 40-hour week, apart from a demand by the Clyde District Committee of the Federated Trades to reject the 47-hours proposal in favour of a 44-hours week without loss of pay. The Welsh Miners' Executive urges the National Federation to insist on a 6-hour day as the only means of providing work for demobilised soldiers.

Agricultural Training for Soldiers. -- The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries have framed a scheme under which officers, W.O.'s, N.C.O.'s, and men with certain qualifications may be granted £125 a year to obtain practical agricultural experience and training on re-settlement in civil life. Scholarships up to £175 a year and other allowances will be provided for those with experience who may wish to become agricultural organisers, teachers, instructors, managers, &c.

Exchanging Pulpits. -- Dr. Woods, Bishop of Peterborough, in a letter protesting against the action of the Rev. E. S. O'Reilly, Vicar of Langthorpe, in exchanging pulpits with a Baptist minister, says -- "The Church of England has placed the responsibility regarding admission to her pulpits in the hands of bishops, and not of individual incumbents. This is part and parcel of that discipline which Mr. O'Reilly, in the solemn moment of his ordination, swore to observe."

German Colonists Want Republic. -- It is understood that German residents of S. W. Africa have forwarded to the local Administrator a petition for transmission to President Wilson, claiming permission to set up a Republic. The petitioners claim, that they constitute a majority of the white inhabitants. They also interpret the views and the wishes of the majority of the natives. The "Cape Times" describes the petition as a preposterous misapprehension of the Wilsonian doctrine of self-determination.

Repatriation of U.S. Forces. -- It is officially stated that the British furnished shipping for the conveyance of nearly 60 per cent. of the U.S. Army to Europe, and that since the signing of the armistice shipping for 45,000 has been offered to the United States, and 28,000 U.S. troops have actually embarked for home. It is hoped in January to carry from 30,000 to 40,000 U.S. troops with British tonnage, and to assist in future in every possible way in the repatriation of the U,S, forces. This is in addition to repatriating very large numbers of Dominion troops.

Dublin Fusiliers' Protest. -- The "Grimsby Telegraph" reports that during the performance at the Palace Theatre there of a sketch entitled "A German Shell," in which a Sinn Fein character is introduced, men of the Dublin Fusiliers indulged in such demonstrations of disapproval that the curtain had to be rung down, and that the soldiers afterwards marched down the street "full of song and victory." A local correspondent states that the Fusiliers objected to the dialogue, which reflected on Ireland's part in the war, the Irish character being shown in a false light.

Women and Domesticity. -- Miss Mary Frazer, the well-known publicist, claims the result of the elections in respect of women candidates as "a great moral victory." It was their programme of too much domesticity, she says, that was their undoing. "The woman in the home has had the vote largely thrust upon her, but undoubtedly she looks to it to deliver her from the somewhat overwhelming domesticity of the past. The idea of State-aid in this direction leaves her cold; she is essentially a manager and wishes to remain in control of her own affairs. . . . In future women will leave domesticities to parochial and borough councils."

The Problem of Ireland. -- Mr. T. P. O'Connor, speaking at Liverpool, said the Irish party was under a debt of gratitude to many Liberals for loyal and consistent support, but the debt had been paid, and in his opinion their whole forces and interest as Irishmen would drive them almost to a man in support of the Labour party at the next election. The present election was one of the most dishonest in English history. An honest patriotic Coalition would have finished not only the war, but the problems connected with the war before calling on the nation to approach the problems of peace. The Government had driven Ireland to a state of passionate and some of them thought unwise resentment, and the Government must take the responsibility of the situation.

Princess Engaged. -- The King and Queen have received the gratifying intelligence of the betrothal of her Royal Highness Princess Victoria Patricia of Connaught, their Majesties' cousin, to Commander the Hon. Alexander Ramsay, R.N., to which union the King has gladly given his consent. Tha Princess who is generally known as "Princess Pat," was born on March 17, 1886. She became exceedingly popular in Canada during the time her father was Governor-General, and she was instrumental in founding the regiment that became famous as Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. The Hon. Alexander Robert Maule Ramsay, D.S.O., who was born in 1881, was Flag Commander to Vice-Admiral de Robeck in Dardanelles Expedition, and is now on the staff at the Admiralty. He was A.D.C. to the Duke of Connaught in Canada. He is a brother of the Earl of Dalhousie.

Cured by Good News. -- Of 2,500 American soldiers suffering from shell-shock, all except 300 were well almost immediately on the news that the armistice was signed, according to Surgeon-General Ireland. The phenomenon is explained on purely medical grounds.

Mr. Wilson as a "Simler." -- President Wilson has expressed his genuine pleasure as having been elected as honourary member of the Ancient Order of Smilers in Paris. The Object of the Order is to spread the spirit of cheerfulness and good fellowship.

German Monks to Leave England. -- About 1 dozen unnaturalised German monks and lay brethren belonging to the Benedictine Community at the Abbey, Erdington, Birmingham, have, says the "London Sunday Express," received notice from the Home Office to leave England at once.

New English Bishop. -- The King has approved the appointment of the Rev. Ernest Harold Pearce Sub-Dean of Westminster, Assistant Chaplain-General to the Forces, and Chaplain to his Majesty, to the Bishopric of Worcester, Vacant by the preferment of the Right Rev. H. W. Yeatman Biggs to the new Diocese of Coventry.

Shipbuilding Record. -- Messrs Harland & Wolff have delivered from their Govan yard the standard ship War Jasmine, of the "A" cargo-carrying type 8,200 tons dead-weight, 5,263 tons gross. The keel was laid July 29, and the ship launched December 17. This is a record for the United Kingdom, being the shortest time taken by any builder for a standard ship.

New City Magistrate. -- It will be gratifying to his many friends and the citizens generally to learn that Captain S. W. Allworthy, R.A.M.C., has been appointed to the Commission of the Peace for the city of Belfast, Captain Allworthy, who as Alderman in the City Council, represents Dock Ward, it very popular, and has since the outbreak of war in 1914 been doing most valuable work.

Ireland's Mineral Output. -- The output in 1917 of coal in Ireland, 35,646 tons, was raised as to 61,742 tons in Kilkenny; 14,156 tons in Queen's County; 12,487 in Roscommon; 4,403 in Tipperary. The price was £1 a ton at the mines. In Antrim 54,533 tons of iron ore were produced, valued as £14,266. In Sligo 16 tons of zinc ore were produced, from which 5 tons of zinc were smelted.

Influenza in Belfast. -- Councillor Stirling complained at a meeting of Belfast Corporation, that the members had not been called together until December 7th to make notifiable a disease which which had been raging all over the country and all over the world for months before. Influenza, so-called, was killing not its thousands but its millions. He alleged that the public health authorities in Belfast had shown negligence.

Where Columbus was Born. -- Genoese journals state that President Wilson has expressed a desire to halt at that port during his coming visit to Italy for the purpose of making a pilgrimage to the house where Christopher Columbus was born, also to the tomb of Mazzini, whom the President regards as the great precursor of his ideals. The Genoa Municipality is preparing a sumptuously bound edition of the works of the famous Italian patriot fro presentation to Mr. Wilson on the occasion.

Handsome Recognition. -- Mr. Bruce Ismay, son of the founder of the White Star Line, has made a gift of £25,000 to the Mercantile Marine Service Association, Liverpool, to mark his admiration of the splendid and gallant manner in which officers and men of all ranks in the British mercantile marine have carried on throughout the war. The principal object of the fund is to assist by grants of pensions necessitous masters and seamen who served on British ships during the war.

Prominent Orangeman's Death. -- By the death of Mr. John Boyd, which took place at 16, Chambers Street, a familiar figure in Orange circles in Belfast has been removed. He was a native of Aughnacloy, and had been in Belfast since the early sixties. He retired from business a good number of years ago, and took an active interest in the administration of the Poor-law Board, of which for a time he was a member. In politics he was a staunch Unionist, and for a long period was connected with the old Conservative Association.

Dangerous Condition of Belfast Streets. -- Belfast Corporation Improvement Committee are proposing a big scheme of improvement for their streets, which are described as in a very bad condition as a result of economy during the war. At a meeting of the Committee, Alderman Byrne said the streets were never in a worse state tha at present. It was almost a danger to go out at night. The Lord Mayor said they should make every advantage of the money allocated by the Road Board for improvement, and authorise the Committee to act in this direction.

Chaplain's Self-Sacrificing Offer. -- Rev. H. Gordon Peile, formerly assistant chaplain of Singapore Cathedral, who will take up the appointment of vicar of South Acton on leaving the Army, went through the Singapore Mutiny with the local Volunteers, and was mentioned in despatches. Having served as chaplain to the Singapore garrison, he has, since 1916, been senior chaplain at Wimbledon Camp. He offered to go as a voluntary prisoner of war to Germany to minister to British soldiers there, but no arrangement of the kind could he made.

Belfast and Education Reform. -- Belfast Corporation gave liberty for the co-option of seven outside members to the Special Committee on Primary Education, the Council's representation being fifteen members. It was explained that the Council, as the taxing authority, must remain in charge as the final authority, following the precedent of the English Bill. Provision would be made for sub-committees for administrative purposes. Lord Mayor Johnston said names sent forward for co-option would be carefully considered.

A Momentous Anniversary. -- Preaching at Westminster Abbey the Dean said that it was 863 years ago that the Abbey was consecrated. Of all the anniversaries since that day he doubted whether any had been more momentous than the present one. The faith of the country had been upheld throughout the centuries, but we were entering upon the New Year with grave misgivings and great uncertainties. It was not blind chance that had brought the war to an end. That the side of righteousness had again and again prevailed against the enormous arts of hellish war was due to some unseen power for good in the world.

Ulster Family Tragedy. -- A pitiful story is revealed in the fate of five members of a family named Ringland, residing near Crossgar, Co Down, who have succumbed to the influenza. The five victims were children of a garden labourer. The first to pass away was a youth of sixteen, who died on the 21st December; the following day a sister, aged six, died, and during the next seven days three others passed away. Christmas day was a sorrowful one for the unfortunate family, because on that day a fine youth of nineteen succumbed to the prevailing malady. Just as his funeral was leaving the house on Boxing Day, James, an infant of three, passed away. The fifth victim was a seventeen year old girl, Jenny, who died on Sabbath.

Death of Miss I. Riddel. -- Her many friends will deeply regret to hear of the death of Miss Isabella Riddel, who passed away, after a brief illness, at her residence, Beechmount, Belfast. The deceased lady, who was the fourth daughter of the late Mr. John Riddel, was noted for her large-hearted generosity, and befriended innumerable local institutions. She was keenly interested in the higher education of women, and, in conjunction with her sister, Miss Eliza Riddel, she founded and endowed the splendidly equipped Riddel Hall, off the Stranmillis Road, as a hostel for women students at Queen's University. She contributed generously to the Better Equipment Fund of the University, of which her cousin, Mr. Henry Musgrave, D.L., has been such a munificent benefactor, and also assisted many other educational institutions. Ulster Unionism had in her a very staunch friend, as had also the Ladies' Work Depot in Chichester Street. Miss Riddel was a member of Rosemary Street Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church.

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Proposed War Memorial Hostel.

Sir, -- I read with interest the article in last week's "Witness" on the suggested "War Memorial Hostel." That there is an urgent need for suitable accommodation for our Presbyterian young women no one who is familiar with the facts can deny; that our women folk have suffered and served during the war we acknowledge with pride and gratitude; but surely our Church will pause before it irrevocably commits itself to a girls' hostel only as a war memorial. After all, our boys did the fighting, and there is also a great need for a young men's hostel, for our Presbyterian youths who come from country districts to this city. The writer of the article, in his appropriate allusion to the younger son of the parable, seems to me somewhat to miss the point, as he quite ignores the needs of the younger sons (and elder sons, for that matter), and gives all his sympathy to the daughters! If we are to have hostels, let us also have a men's hostel, worked in conjunction with the Central Presbyterian Association and the Commission of Assembly on Work in Belfast, if possible, and let whoever is in charge of that all too seldom heard of organisation, the Presbyterian Women's Union, "get busy," as our canadian cousins say, and let them have a hand in the girls' hostel. But do not let us become faddy, or feminine, and, above all, let us not multiply new organisations and starve existing ones.

A PRACTICAL PRESBYTERIAN.

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DEATH OF MR. ALEXANDER FINLAY

A wide circle of friends will regret to learn of the death of this well-known manufacturer, which took place at Willesden, Holywood, shortly before midnight on Tuesday. The deceased, who had entered his 92nd year, had enjoyed fairly satisfactory health up till quite recently, was head of Messrs. Alexander Finlay, Ltd., soap, candle, and glycerine manufacturers, 1 Victoria Square, Belfast. Son of the late Mr. Alexander Finlay, and grandson of the founder of the concern with which he has had such a long and worthy connection, he was born at Collin, and educated at the Belfast Royal Academical Institution. In May, 1840, at the age of twelve years, he went to British Guiana, where an uncle of his had gone to reside, and there he first became acquainted with business life. Eight years later, after a varied experience familiarising him with the conditions prevailing among a considerable negro population on sugar, coffee, and cotton plantations, he returned home, and, on the journey, was nearly lost in a tornado off the Azores. His disposition to travel led him in 1892 to visit Madeira, the Canary Islands, and Capetown. On the tour, with which business was combined, he travelled a great many miles of territory in South Africa. Apart from the work of his own firm, which, in developing to its present proportions, made ever-increasing demands upon his time and energy, the deceased found numerous other directions in which to be of service to the community. As a member of the Belfast Chamber of Commerce, a life governor of the Royal Victoria Hospital, a director of the Holywood Gas Works Company, Ltd.; a member of the Committee of the Ulster Banking Company, Ltd.; and a vice-president of the Ulster Rifle Association he performed a constant round of activities, and had the esteem and confidence of all his colleagues. Among the recreations which interested him most were rifle shooting, athletics, and gardening. A staunch Unionist, he always manifested a keen interest in the fight against Home Rule. At Holywood he was a member of Bangor Road Presbyterian Church, and, as long as health, permitted, regularly attended the services there. He was married over sixty years ago to Miss Matilda Jane Irwin Carson, a sister of the late Mr. Wm. Carson, J.P., Clerk of the Peace for Belfast -- they only recently celebrated their diamond wedding. He is survived by his widow and a daughter, also four sons -- Mr. Alexander Herbert Finlay, Mr. Robert H. F. Finlay, and Mr. Archibald Finlay, who are directors in the firm, and Mr. John Finlay, an electrical engineer. The funeral will be of a private character.

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DEATH OF MR. ARCHIBALD BURTON, BALLYGAWLEY.

On the 18th ult. well-known gentleman passed away peacefully after a brief illness. Deceased had reached the age of 83, and was widely known and greatly respected. The funeral took place on the following Saturday to the family burying-ground attached to Ballygawley Presbyterian Church, A brief service was conducted in the house by the Rev. Richard Park, B.A., deceased's minister, and the Rev. James Tolland, Ormiston Church, Belfast. In the course of an impressive touching address, Mr. Park referred to the great loss that the deceased's removal would be to the district in which he lived the church in which he served, and the home in which he was so loved and honoured. The deceased was an outstanding man in the district, and took a great interest in everything that tended to the good of his fellow-men and the welfare of his native land. He was greatly respected by all classes and creeds, and admired by all who knew him for his consistent Christian life. On the 20th April, 1880, he was ordained to the office of the eldership in Ballygawley Presbyterian Church, and during the long period of almost thirty-nine years he was never once absent from a communion service, and very seldom absent from the ordinary service. He loved the house of God and everything that made for the good of the congregation had his whole-hearted support. He had a very high ideal of what an elder should be, and by his life and conduct always tried to magnify his office and make it honourable. In the session he acted as clerk, and was always agreeable to work with and loyal to his minister. He took a deep interest in the courts of the Church, and always attended the meetings of the General Assembly as the representative elder. But while his loss will be felt in the district in which he lived and the church in which he served, it will be felt most of all in the home where he was so much loved and honoured. Few fathers have been loved by their children as the deceased was. Everything that love could suggest was done for him by his wife and children, and they were a great comfort to him in his old age. The late Mr. Burton leaves a widow and six children to mourn his loss. One of his sons (Mr. Edward Burton) is session clerk in Ormiston Presbyterian Church, Belfast. The service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. Richard Park, B.A., and the Rev. Thomas M'Kinney, M.A., Glenhoy.

 

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Roll of Honour

LONG -- Killed in action, in France, Oct. 5, 1918, John A. Long, Lieutenant, 58th Infantry, American Expeditionary Force, son the late John A. Long, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A., and grandson of the late Rev. Andrew Long, M.A., Monreagh, Londonderry.

Deaths

SLOAN -- January 7, 1919, at his residence, Boyle, William John Sloan, aged 82 years. Funeral twelve noon today (Friday). No flowers.

ANDERSON -- Jan. 3 (very suddenly), John Andersen, J.P., Gulladuff House, Moville, Donegal.

BAILEY -- Dec. 26, in London, Edward Wm. Bailey, late D.I., R.I.C., aged 69 years.

CLARKE -- Jan. 4, at the Hospital, Downpatrick, James Alexander Clarke.

CLOTWORTHY -- Jan. 5, at 35, Upper Baggot Street, Dublin, Anna Maria Clotworthy, widow of the late Samuel Clotworthy, of Belfast, and Knock, Co. Down.

DAVISON -- Sept. 3, at Temuka, New Zealand, William Robert, eldest son of the late Wm. John Davison, Crosshill, Crumlin, and beloved brother of Annie J. and Lucy I. Davison, Victoria Avenue, Newtownards, and 20, Oakland Avenue, Belfast.

HAWTHORNE -- January 4, 1919, at her residence, Legananny, Loughbrickland, County Down, Sarah, beloved wife of Hugh Hawthorne. Interred Loughbrickland Presbyterian Meeting-House Green.

LEWIS -- Jan. 4, at Courthill, Ballyrobin, Co. Antrim, Thomas, the beloved husband of Jaine Lewis.

LINDSAY -- Jan. 6, at Tullynakill, Comber, William Farrell Lindsay, aged 91 years.

LONG -- January 7, 1919, at Enagh, Mary Maud, dearly-beloved wife of Robert S. Long. Funeral private.

M'CLUGHAN -- Nov. 28 (suddenly), at Duval, Saskatchewan, Canada, Maria S., dearly-beloved wife of John M'Clughan, and daughter of the late Robert Connoly and Mrs. Connoly, Knockcairn, Crumlin, Co. Antrim.

M'LEAN -- Jan. 2, at De-Burgh, Sandown Road, Knock, Gilbert, youngest son of the late George M. M'Lean and Mrs. M'Lean.

M'MEEKAN -- Jan. 5, at Farnham Park, Bangor, John M'Meekan.

REDMOND -- Jan. 2, at Belfast Bank House, Magherafelt, Rose, the dearly-beloved wife of Mitchell B. Redmond.

ROSS -- Jan. 6 (suddenly), it his father-in-law's residence, Oakvale, Dublin Road, Lisburn, Samuel Ross, cycle and motor agent, Castle Street, Lisburn.

SULLIVAN -- Jan. 4, 1919, at Queen Street, Lurgan, Elizabeth, relict of the late William Sullivan.

WHITE -- Dec. 25, 1918, at his residence, Anadrumond, Castleblayney, Joseph White, in his 75th year. Deeply regretted by his sorrowing wife and family.

WILSON -- Jan. 3, at Ballylesson, Ann Jane, dearly-beloved wife of John Wilson.

WISNOM -- Nov. 20, at San Mateo, California, Robert Wisnom, dearly-beloved husband of Sarah Wisnom, and third son of the late Jas. Wisnom, of Red Hall, Ballycarry, aged 73 years and 10 months.

Clippings

NEWS OF THE WEEK

IN BRIEF

Newspapers for Foreign Postage. -- It is officially intimated that newspapers for countries abroad may be sent direct, and not, as heretofore, through the medium of the publisher or newsdealer.

President Receives His Salary. -- President Wilson had his first pay day outside the limits of the United States. A Treasury warrant for 6,250 dollars (£1,260) was drawn to the President's order. This is the first Presidential cheque ever sent abroad.

£30,000 Salary. -- Mr. Edsel Ford, aged 24, son of Mr. Henry Ford, has been elected President of the Ford Motor Co., at a salary of £30,000 a year, in succession to his father, who is retiring from actual direction of the company, which represents an investment of 50 millions.

The Surrendered Submarines. -- The allies are sharing out the surrendered U-boats, which so far number 114. There are more to come. Fifteen are going to France, ten to Italy, seven to Japan, and four to the United States. The last are now on their way across the Atlantic.

Sir E. Carson's Leadership. -- The Ulster Unionist Labour Association have congratulated Sir E. Carson on the return of the official Unionist candidates in Belfast, expressing the view that it represents the implicit confidence which the loyal democracy of the province has in his leadership.

Sugar Supply Possibilities. -- The Food Ministry does not know when sugar rationing will end. At the end of this month the allowance will be raised to ¾lb. per head, but what would happen subsequently the Sugar Commission are unable to promise. There are fairly large stocks, but the withdrawal of rationing will depend largely on the delivery of Java supplies.

Food Orders to be Relaxed. -- Mr. Clynes, entertained in London by the staff of the Ministry of Food, stated that the Food Council had decided not to print any more ration books, and that there ought to be a very early relaxation of many of the irritating food regulations. While regretting the derision of the Labour Conference, he intended to respect it, and leave the Government.

Great Northern Railway Appointment. -- The position of goods agent for Belfast in the Great Northern Railway Company, rendered vacant by the death of Mr. Thomas Ballentine, has been filled by the appointment of Mr. James Moore. For the past five years Mr. Moore has been stationmaster in Dundalk, and he has acted as relief stationmaster in most of the important towns on the line.

Butter Supplies. -- Inquiries in the proper quarter enable the statement to be made that in regard to the supply of butter in Ireland at present the situation is better than it was this time last year. The supply is limited, and some people find it difficult to obtain even a moderate ration, but still there will be enough to go round, even though the price is a stiff one, until the spring arrives, when it is hoped that everyone can have as much as he or she requires.

Labour's Hopes. -- Mr. J. Maxton, presiding at an I.L.P Scottish Conference in Edinburgh, claimed that the Party and Labour had made a great advance since 1910. Then the Scottish I.L.P. candidate polled 1,500 votes, as against 17,000 now, while the total Labour poll had risen from 23,000 to 320,000. Mr. Ramsay Macdonald declared that Labour at the next election must challenge practically every constituency, and he believed that after that election they would not be the Opposition but the Government.

Urban Council Chairman's Resignation. -- At the Ballyclare Urban Council a letter was read from the chairman (Dr. H. A. Logan, J.P.), tendering his resignation of that position and as a member of the council. The members present expressed regret at the loss of Dr. Logan, who had been a most efficient chairman and a member of the Board for fifteen years. The clerk said there were some difficulties in the way of accepting the resignation owing to war regulation. The matter was held over until the next meeting.

Irish Education. -- Mr. T. W. Brown, K.C., M.P., presiding at the annual meeting of the Bangor Technical School, said they were about to have a great change in the educational system of the country when even that fine building would be too small for the students. But that great reform in educational matters which was coming closer, they all hoped, would not come alone. They would have reforms in social matters also. A system of compulsory continuation classes for technical instruction would undoubtedly be set up in Ireland in the next few years.

India and Self-Determination. -- At the Indian National Congress at Delhi, 10,000 delegates and visitors being present, Mahomed Aghal Khan, a prominent Moslem leader, said that. if disaffected Ireland could claim the right of self-determination loyal India could not be denied it. Hon. P. M. Malaviya (presiding) offered loyal greetings to King George, and said India's representation at the Pence Conference should be mote numerous. He repudiated the insulting suggestion that Indians were unfit to govern themselves, and trusted that India would have self-determination.

America's Naval Record. -- Mr. Daniels told the United States Congress that all the capital ships in the future American Navy would be electrically-driven, ensuring their, superiority over the vessels of other nations. The New Mexico, the first electrically-driven Dreadnought and the most powerful naval vessel afloat, was built to develop 26,000 h.p., and had actually developed 31,000. The electric driving would save 25 per cent. of the fuel, and it would give the vessel as much speed astern as forward. To cripple the New Mexico a torpedo would have to destroy all four propeller shafts.

Mystery of British Prisoners. -- According to the latest official figures, the "Evening News" says that the astounding disclosure is made that there are 15,000 British prisoners of war in Germany of whom the War Office has no trace. With the exception of a few hospital cases, there are 110 British prisoners of war in Turkish hands. The Inter-Departmental Committee on Prisoners, after detailing the efforts to trace prisoners posted as missing, says that when all possible methods of inquiry have been exhausted, there may, unfortunately, still be considerable numbers of men whose fate will never be known, the conditions of modern warfare making this inevitable.

England's Omen. -- Rev. Dr. Horton, at a prayer-meeting at the Mansion House, London, declared that the armistice seemed to be a startling and marvellous answer to the prayers of Christian people that right might win and militarism be discredited. Adolph Deissanan, the most brilliant and possibly the most Christian of German theologians to-day, made the extraordinary statement, that the victory of Germany in 1870 was the beginning of her ruin, and he added that England would be victorious in the present war and that that would be the beginning of her ruin. That statement, said Dr. Horton, must make them pause and inquire how they might avert the omen.

Irish Universities Grants. -- The claims of Irish Universities and other educational bodies for increased grants were urged upon the Chief Secretary at Dublin Castle by a representative deputation. Amongst those who spoke on behalf of the objects of the deputation were -- Dr. Joly, Professor Dixon, and Professor Purser, representing Dublin University; Dr. Coffey, the National University; Sir Bertram Windle, University College, Cork, Dr. Anderson, University College, Galway; Rev. Dr. Hamilton and Professor R. Henry, Queen's University, Belfast; Sir Arthur Chance, Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland; and Sir Andrew Horne, Royal College of Physicians, Ireland.

Ulster Sheriffs. -- The following gentlemen have been appointed to the office of High Sheriff in the Ulster counties -- Antrim, Mr. Wm. Robert Young, Galgorm Castle, Ballymena.; Armagh, Mr. John Johnston, Fallowfield, Lurgan; Cavan, Mr. Francis Lucas Clements Scott, The Rocks, Crossdoney; Donegal, Mr. Richard Louis Crankshaw, Dunlewy, Gweedore; Down, Major Clarence Craig, Tyrella, Clough; Fermanagh, Mr. Henry King Leslie, Rockcorry, County Monaghan; Londonderry. Mr. Archibald Fitzpatrick Cooke, Government House, Londonderry; Monaghan, Mr. William Martin Hilden, Monaghan; Tyrone, Mr. Thomas MacGregor Greer, Sea Park, Greenisland, County Antrim.

Drapery Prices. -- No fall in drapery prices may be expected for some months. There is a shortage of raw material as well as of manufactured articles. Linens are not likely to come down for 12 months; cottons may be easier after the beginning of May; there is no probability of a reduction in woollens, as the Government has purchased this and next year's Australian wool clip. Silks, except Japanese, are likely to be high during the next six months. Sports coats, jerseys, scarves, will probably be higher. Hosiery will be high in price. There will be no fall in leather and skins, so that gloves will remain dear. The only bright spots are in Jap silks and American and Jap hosiery. These forecasts are from the Drapers' Chamber of Trade.

Memorial to Portadown Soldiers. -- At the monthly meeting of the Portadown Technical Committee a discussion took place on the question of a war memorial. Mr. R. Anderson, J.P., mentioned that a town meeting would shortly be called to consider what form the memorial, should take. Mr. G. Gregory said he believed there would be opposition to the building of a technical school on the ground that the Government or local authority, or both combined, should do so. Mr. W. B. Jamison, principal of the school, said a new school would cost £10,000. The Chairman (Mr. W. M. Clow, J.P.), said if they erected a school he thought they should put the names of all the soldiers in the vestibule, or a marble plate with the names of those killed, and also erect a memorial-window. They should also allocate a part of the building for a billiard and reading room.

Anti-Conscription Funds. -- In the Roman Catholic churches in Cork a letter was read from the Rev. Dr. Cohalan, asking the subscribers to the Anti-Conscription Fund to leave him the money to form the nucleus of a fund of £200,000 for the building of a new cathedral for the diocese. Arrangements will be made to have a special memorial of the anti-conscription money in the new cathedral, and annual masses would be said for subscribers and their families, living or dead. Any subscriber would get back the money if they wished it. Speaking at a meeting to call for the release of the Sinn Fein prisoners, in Cork, Mr. J. J. Walsh, M.P., said Cork had already a decent Cathedral, and if they wanted another they were willling to erect it in due time. Where was the use of Cathedrals for Irishmen if the Irish race could mot be saved to pray in them? When that was done they would build cathedrals and everything else. This conscription money must form the subject of dissuasion by an Irish Parliament, and it would be needed and demanded to fight England's propaganda.

World's Altitude Record. -- At Martlesham, near Ipswich, Captain. A. Lang and Lieut. Blowes, R.A.F., broke the world's record altitude biplane record by attaining 30,500ft., the time taken being 66mins 15secs.

Woman Worker's Record. -- During fourteen years Ellen Murray, of Ballymagreehan, has not lost an hour's work in Messrs. Murland's Mill at Annaborough, and this year she again received a special bonus.

Public Meetings. -- The suspension of the Proclamation of July 4th, 1918, requiring permits for public meetings in Ireland, which was announced for the period of the general election, is to be continued for the present.

"Publichouse Loafers" in Parliament. -- Mr. Ramsay Macdonald, speaking in Rutherglen, Glasgow, said, there were more scoundrels in Parliament than were ever elected before. Several were little more than publichouse loafers.

Epidemic's Life and Debt Toll. -- According to life insurance reports, 120,242 lives were lost through influenza and pneumonia, with claims amounting to £10,500,000 -- figures which will probably be doubled when the full returns are made.

Oldest V.C. Dead. -- Lieut.-General Sir James Hills Johnes, V.C., the Indian Mutiny veteran, died in Carmarthen, following influenza, in his 86th year. He was present at the storming of Delhi and at Lucknow, and later was Military Governor of Kabul.

Lower Shipping Rates. -- The United States Shipping Board has announced reductions of 25 to 30 per cent, in freight rates from Atlantic ports to South America, Asia, Japan, Australia, and Africa, to he effective from January and February loading.

Compulsory Marriages. -- By a law to be enforced within Zinovieff's territory, including Petrograd, every woman between 18 and 45 is obliged to accept a husband assigned to her, and children will be no longer under family control, but will be brought up by the Soviets.

Plea for Conscientious Objectors. -- A memorial, signed by Literary and University men, Labour leaders, clergy and numerous others, hae been forwarded to Mr. Lloyd George, by Lord Parmoor and others, urging the release of the 1,500 conscientious objectors in prison.

New J.P. -- The commission of the peace for the Co. of Down has been conferred upon Mr. James Alex. M'Connell, of Downpatrick, who was conducting agent for Mr. D. D. Reid, the successful Parliamentary candidate in East Down. He is secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Down.

Famine-Stricken Europe. -- In a message through the State Department President Wilson asks Congress to appropriate £20,000,000 in relief of the famine sufferers in Europe. It is understood that the money is wanted chiefly to enable food to be sent to sections of Western Russia, Poland, and Austria-Hungary.

Admiral's Daughter Weds Gunner. -- A hospital romance has ended in the marriage at Wigan of Gunner A. Hulme, Runcorn (a widower with two children) and Miss C. Churchill, daughter of the late Vice-Admiral Churchill. Hulme was seriously wounded in France, and was nursed by Miss Churchill.

Died in Russian Prison. -- It is reported from Petrograd that Mr. Darcy, former President of the Russo-French Chamber of Commerce, has died in a Russian prison, after four months' imprisonment, as the result of treatment at the hands of Bolsheviks. He received nothing but soup twice or three times a week.

What the War Cost Norway. -- The Norwegian Naval Committee's statistics concerning the losses of Norway's commercial shipping through the war show in all 829 ships of 1,240,000 gross tons were lost. The value of the insurance on above ships amounts to about 1,000,000,000 kroner. The total number of lives lost was 1,155.

The Last Member Elected. -- It was only on Friday that the result of the last election for the new Parliament was announced -- viz., Kennington, postponed owing to the death of Colonel Lucas, whose place was taken by his wife. The figures were -- Mr. H. G. Purchase (C.L.), 4,705; Mrs. Lucas (C.L.), 3,573; Mr. W. Glennie (Lab.), 2,817.

Lady as Justice of the Peace. -- Ballymoney Guardians passed a resolution that the Lord Chancellor be asked to appoint their Chairman, Miss Hamilton, to the Commission of the Peace. Miss Hamilton thanked the Guardians for the compliment, but thought it would be better to authorise the clerk not to forward the resolution.

£1,000,000 as a Wedding Gift. -- The Honourable Herman Alfred Stem, eldest son and heir of the late Lord Michelham (whose death took place on Tuesday), was married on Saturday at All Saints', Knightsbridge, to Miss Beatrice Capel, sister of Captain Arthur Capel. The bride received a wedding present of £1,000,000 from Lord Michelham.

Belfast and a 44 Hours' Week. -- Belfast shipyard workers, in mass meeting, rejected a resolution recommending a ballot for or against a 47 hours' week, and decided to press for one of 44 hours. A resolution in favour of ceasing work next Saturday week was carried with practical unanimity if in the meantime the 44 hours' week is not conceded.

Tonga's War Work. -- Queen Salote Tubou, of Tonga, who recently came to the throne on the death of King George Tubou II., takes a sympathetic interest in the work of the Over-Seas Club and Patriotic League, of which there is a flourishing branch at Nukualofa. The Tongan Government have just voted £500 to purchase a motor ambulance for presentation to the British Government.

Death of Count Hertling. -- Count Hertling, the German ex-Chancellor, died after six days' illness, according to a telegram from Ruhpolding, Upper Bavaria. The late Count Hertling has been for years the leading Catholic layman in Germany. He owed his Parliamentary prominence mainly to his solid academic attainments, and he was born in 1843 at Darmstadt. In private life he was a man of mild and amiable demeanour.

Ministers' Re-Election. -- It is understood, according to "The Times" Parliamentary correspondent, that the Government have under consideration the introduction of legislation for the repeal of the statute under which M.P.'s have to seek re-election on appointment to an office of profit under the Crown. Many attempts of the kind have been made in the past, but they have invariably failed, though temporary relief was granted during certain periods of the war.

Demand for Prisoners' Release. -- About seventy public meetings were held in different parts of Ireland, and the following resolution was adopted:-- "The Irish people are assembled to voice a Nation's demand for the release from English prisons of Irishmen and Irishwomen who have been imprisoned by the military Government of England because they dared to declare for Ireland the right that her people should self-determine the sovereignty under which they wished to live."

Belfast Built Ships Lost. -- During the war over 600,000 tons of shipping built in Belfast were lost by the action of mines and enemy submarines. Nine White Star liners -- the Afric, Arabic, Cevric, Cymric, Britannic, Delphic, Justicia, Laurentic, and Cedric -- a total of 165,000 tons are included in the number. The largest of these was the Britannic, which was one of the biggest vessels in the world. It was lost in Greek waters when proceeding to Salonika as an hospital ship.

The Aliens Question. -- The British Empire Union proposes, if suitable arrangements can be made, to hold a series of mass meetings prior to the assembling of Parliament in order to press on the Government the necessity for drastic reforms in the naturalisation and immigration laws and for a general revision of all laws relating to aliens. The meetings will be held in London, Swansea, Cardiff, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Belfast.

Ballymena Show Prizes. -- At the monthly meeting of the Executive Committee of the County Antrim Agricultural Association, at Ballymena, a letter was read from the Ayrshire Cattle Herd Book Society stating that their council had agreed to offer two silver medals. The chairman reported that Major G. T. Cavendish Clark, The Steeple, Antrim, had offered a silver cup for agricultural horses at the forthcoming show, and that he was anxious that it should he offered for young agricultural horses the property of farmers in the district.

Death of Bishop Lefroy. -- The Right Rev. George Alfred Lefroy, Bishop of Calcutta and Metropolitan of India, died in Calcutta on New Year's day. Deceased, a son of the Very Rev. Jeffrey Lefroy. Dean of Dromore, and grandson of Chief Justice Lefroy, was born in August, 1854. Educated at Marlborough and Trinity College, Cambridge, he was ordained in 1879, and the same year joined the Cambridge Mission in Delhi. In 1891 he became head of the mission, a position, he occupied until his preferment as Bishop of Lahore in 1899. He had been Bishop of Calcutta since 1913.

Russia's Enormous Casualties. -- Lieut.-Colonel Roustam Bex, writing in the London "Daily Express," says that the Russian casualties have been systematically under-estimated. He calculates that the total was 12,500,000. In the battle of Lodz whole divisions were annihilated, the 1st Army Corps losing 41,000 out of 46,000 men, while 300,000 men were stated to be killed in the rush into Prussia. The enormous Russian losses were mainly due to the lack of arms. In 1915 the Russians were without rifles, and the Germans slaughtered them without receiving a single shot in return. Even in 1918, though they continued to fight, a heavy toll was taken of the half-armed Russians. The Slavs, taken together, during the war, have lost a total of 15,000,000 killed and wounded.

Irish Linen Trade Campaign. -- Mr. W. H. Webb, J.P., presided at a meeting of the Ulster linen manufacturers in Belfast, at which the Council of the Linen Corporation reported progress in regard to arrangements for the campaign to be launched in the United States, and to hear an address from Mr. Taylor, of New York, who is to conduct it. It was mentioned that an organisation staff would be needed on this side, developing into a department lor looking after the markets -- quite a new method here, said Mr. Webb, but quite on both German and American lines. Mr. Taylor announced that the first contract under the scheme had been signed; and it was also announced that a Trade Mark would be registered. Toronto advices suggest that Canada will be Ireland's keenest competitor for the control of the United States linen market.

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DEATH OF MR. R. W. CORRY, J.P.

A Prominent Presbyterian.

It is with sincere regret that we record the death of Mr. Robert W. Corry, J.P., which occurred on Friday at his residence, Benvue, Windsor Park. Though of an unassuming and retiring disposition, Mr. Corry was prominently identified with the public life of this city during the greater part of his busy and successful career, and during many years rendered very valuable services to his fellow-citizens not only in responsible civic offices, but also in connection with a number of important philanthropic movements, and as a leading layman of the Presbyterian Church, to which he was devotedly attached. Mr. Corry, who was 85 years of age, was chairman of Messrs, J. P. Corry & Co., Ltd., the well-known shipping and timber firm founded by his brother, the late Sir Jas. Porter Corry, Bart. He was for many years associated with the Belfast Corporation and the Belfast Harbour Trust, and in both Boards his experience and great business ability were fully recognised by constituents and colleagues. The deceased was a very prominent member of the Presbyterian Church, and was closely associated with the administration of many of its institutions and benefactions. He was a trustee of the Commutation Fund of the General Assemby, and, like his brother, one of the original members of the Sustentation Fund Committee. To this fund he was until the last a very generous subscriber. He was also a trustee of the Belfast Presbyterian College, treasurer of the City Mission (in which he always took a deep interest), a governor of the Presbyterian Orphan Society, and president of the Society for Orphans of Ministers and Missionaries. The foreign missions of the Assemby also found in him an earnest and generous friend. With Elmwood congregation Mr. Carry's close connection has continued ever since its establishment more than fifty years ago. He was associated with his father, the late Mr. John Corry, and his brother, the late Sir James, in the founding of the congregation and the building of the handsome church of which his father was the architect. For the last half-century the deceased was an elder of Elmwood; and the superintendent of its Sabbath-school. In everything connected with the congregation he took the deepest interest, and in spite of the weight of years that interest continued until his death. Mr. Corry's sympathy with philanthropic movements was by no means confined to Church organisations. Every local movement of a beneficent nature received his generous support, and to most of the public institutions he was a liberal subscriber. He was a trustee of the Y.M.C.A. and of Campbell College and treasurer for many years of the Sailors' Home. He held the Commission of the Peace for the County of Antrim. Mr. Corry was a convinced Unionist, and strongly attached to the cause, but took no active part in political matters. Socially, he was greatly admired for his kindly disposition and integrity. He married, secondly, Miss Pinkerton, of Paisley, who predeceased him about two years ago, and is survived by four daughters and three sons, the latter being Mr. James W. Corry, who is now the sole representative of the name in the firm of Messrs. J. P. Corry & Co.; Captain R. P. Corry, of Messrs. Fiddes, Todd, & Corry, Ltd.; and Mr. F. P. Corry, of the Ulster Motor Works. Sincere sympathy will be extended to the members of the family in their bereavement.

The funeral took place on Monday to the City Cemetery. Although it was announced that the funeral would be private, there was a large attendance of deceased's personal friends and business associates, including ministers and representative laymen of the Presbyterian Church, governors of Campbell College, members of the Y.M.C.A. and of the committee of the Sailors' Home, and various hospitals and charitable institutions. Rev. Dr. Purves, minister of Elmwood Church, conducted a short service at the house.

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DEATH OF DR. KYLE KNOX.

We regret to announce the death of Mr. Robert Kyle Knox, J.P., LL.D., which occurred at his residence, 1, College Gardens. The deceased, who occupied an important position in the banking, commercial, academic, and literary life of the city, was in his 83rd year. A son of the late Rev. Wm. Knox, of Donaghendry, Co. Tyrone, he graduated in Trinity College, Dunlin, taking his degree as 1st Senior Moderator in English Literature, Political Economy, History, and Law. The earlier period of his career was spent in Coleraine, where he had a prosperous practice as a solicitor, but the main part of his life was spent in banking affairs, and since 1876 he was continuously associated with the Northern Banking Co., Ltd., of which he was chairman of directors. He enjoyed a widespread reputation for his sound knowledge and intimate experience of tanking law and financial practice. He rendered services that were invaluable in legal and financial matters to the Belfast Chamber of Commerce, of which he had been a member since 1879, and the presidential chair of which he occupied with distinction and success in 1897. As a mark of the great appreciation of the Chamber for his services he was elected an honorary member in June, 1917, on which occasion he was a guest of the members at a complimentary luncheon, where glowing tributes were paid to his abilities and highly useful work in behalf of the commercial community. The deceased gentleman took a keen and practical interest in the welfare of the Queen's University. He was a member of the original Senate and also of the present Senate. Dr. Knox was vice-chairman of the Governors of the Campbell College; and he was closely identified for many years with the Linen Hall Library. Deceased was a devoted son of the Episcopal Church. He leaves two sons and four daughters to mourn his loss.

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Rev. David Dowling, M.A., who was engaged for the past eight months in Y.M.C.A. work among prisoners of war in Switzerland, has returned to Armagh, and resumed his duties as minister of First Armagh congregation.

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DEATH OF MRS. R. S. LONG, LOUGH ENAGH.

News of the death on Tuesday morning of Mrs. R. S. Long, Lough Enagh Villa, Waterside, will come as a painful surprise to a large circle of friends and acquaintances who knew her before her marriage as Miss Swan, daughter of Mr. Thomas Swan, J.P., Buncrana, and since her marriage as wife of Mr. R. S. Long, of Lough Enagh. Though naturally of a vigorous constitution, an attack of influenza seriously weakened her, and made her a prey to that treacherous disease. Everyone who knew Mrs. Long mourns her death, as that of a good friend, a kind and helpful neighbour, and a high-principled, Christian lady. Sincerest sympathy will go out to her husband, her father, her four little boys, and her other relations. The funeral was private.

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THE LATE MR. ALEXANDER FINLAY.

The funeral took place on the 3rd inst., at Holywood, of the late Mr. Alexander Finlay, principal of the firm of Alexander Finlay, Ltd. Following upon a brief, but impressive service at the deceased's late residence, Willesden, a representative cortege proceeded to Holywood Cemetery, where the interment took place, Rev. J. R. Woodburn officiating both in the house and at the graveside. The chief mourners were -- Messrs. Alexander Herbert, Robert Hugh Forsythe, and Archibald Henry Finlay (sons); Messrs. Alexander Hugh and Robert Noel Finlay (grandsons); and Messrs. William H. and John Carson (nephews). Dr. Donnan and Mr. J. C. M'Dowell, and a few intimate friends were also present. The staff and workers of Alexander Finlay, Ltd., were represented by Messrs. John A. Burnside, John M'Henry, Thomas Beatty, Robert Dunlop, Wm. J. Graham, Herbert Dalzell, Albert Boyd, James Burnside, Joseph Parkhill, William Bruce, John Sloan, David Miller, David M'Dowell, and John M'Ilwrath, and they sent a handsome wreath of immortelles. There were also wreaths from the deceased's widow, his son, Archie, and his daughter; from Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Finlay, and Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Finlay; and also from his nieces, Mrs. Mitchell and the Misses Clarke. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Melville & Co., Ltd., Townsend Street, Belfast.

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DEATH OF MR. J. M'MEEKAN, J.P., BANGOR.

After a lingering illness Mr. John. M'Meekan, J.P., chairman of the Bangor Urban District Council, died on Sabbath at his residence, Farnham Road, Bangor. Mr. M'Meekan had been in failing health for some considerable time, his breakdown, it is believed, having been accelerated by his persistent attendance, while in indifferent health, at the sittings of the Irish Convention, on which he was one of the two chairmen chosen to represent the urban districts of Ulster. Mr. M'Meekan, who was born at Bangor and educated at the Bangor Endowed School and the Assembly's College, was 67 years of age, and during his long municipal life spent in the service of his native town he was no lees than twenty-two times elected chairman of the Urban Council, his first appointment to the position in the township having been made thirty-seven years ago. He was a whole-hearted and enthusiastic Bangorian, and was ever in the forefront of all the great improvements which have made Bangor so popular. A man of fine personality and address he was proudly acclaimed by his fellow-citizens as their leader in all public matters. He took a deep interest in education, and to him is largely due the finely-equipped grammar school which is such a valuable asset to Bangor. He was the first chairman of the Library and Technical Instruction Committee. In his activities he did not neglect the encouragement of healthy recreation, taking an active part in the formation of the Golf Club, and being chosen as its first president. He was an expert bowler, and had been president of the Bangor Club, in which he took an active interest to the very last. In politics he was an uncompromising Unionist, being chairman of the Bangor branch of the Unionist' Association, and even as recently as the General Election took a deep interest in the return of Mr. T. W. Brown for North Down. Deceased was of a deeply religious turn of mind, and had been engaged in Sabbath-school work all his life. He was a total abstainer, and was chairman of the Bangor War-Time Prohibition Council. Mr. M'Meekan was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, in which and in all the Protestant Churches touching references were made to his noble life and to the invaluable services he had rendered to his native town. He leaves a widow and daughter to mourn his loss. Mrs. M'Meekan is the daughter of the late Captain Pollock, Bangor, and sister of Mr. H. M. Pollock, J.P., chairman of Belfast Harbour Board and President of the Belfast Chamber of Commerce.

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DEATH OF REV. J. B. WYLIE.

It is with feelings of sincere regret that we chronicle the death of the Rev. J. B. Wylie, senior minister of the Macrory Memorial Presbyterian Church, Belfast, which took place on Wednesday morning at his residence Glenburn, Holywood, in the 79th year of his age, and the 57th year of his ministry. The late reverend gentleman, who was one of the best known and most eminently respected ministers of the Presbyterian Church, was a native of Ballyclare district, where his father, the late Mr. W. A. Wylie, of Rushvale, had substantial interests in the linen business, and in agriculture. The deceased entered business as a youth, but coming under the influences of the 1859 Revival his bent turned towards the ministry, and he entered on theological studies at Hackney College, London. His first call was to the Congregational Church at Cork, where he was ordained on the 15th April, 1862, and in June, 1865, he became minister of the Congregational Church, Kingstown. In June, 1873, he was received by the General Assembly as a minister without charge, and on 30th March, in the following year, was installed in Great George's Street Congregation (now the Macrory Memorial Church), Belfast, in succession to Rev. J. S. Hamilton, who had removed to New York. He obtained leave to retire from active duty in 1891, and on the 4th April, 1892, Rev. Joseph Northey was appointed his assistant and successor.

The late Mr. Wylie possessed a striking personality. He was a man of liberal views, wide vision, and acute intellect; a shrewd observer of the signs of the times, and one who saw further than his own generation. While an able and active preacher, he excelled in debate, being gifted with the legal mind that was seldom at fault on a point of order. He was a splendid platform man, and there were few that the General Assembly listened to with keener delight, having more than a touch of the orator's fire in his delivery. He took a prominent part in the Assembly's business, especially in connection with the temperance question, and was a frequent contributor to the Press on this subject. He was convener of the Assembly's Temperance Committee from 1884 till 1891.

A wide circle of relatives is bereaved by the lamented death of Mr. Wylie. He is survived by his widow, who was Miss M'Bride, of Windsor, and a family of four daughters and three sons, the latter being Rev. S. B. Wylie, Presbyterian minister at Newcastle, Delaware, U.S.A.; Mr. H. G. Wylie, vice-president of the Mexican Petroleum Co., Mexico; and Mr. J. O. Wylie, of Messrs. M'Fadden & Wylie, Belfast. Deceased was one of a distinguished band of brothers, two of whom, Rev. Wm. Wylie, Newry, and Rev. Dr. R. B. Wylie, Coleraine, are retired ministers of the Presbyterian Church. Other brothers are Mr. Justice Wylie, of the Irish High Court, and Dr. M. Wylie, Crown Solicitor of County Down. The funeral will be private.

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TRIBUTE TO ARMY CHAPLAINS.

Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, Commander-in-Chief of the British Armies on the Western Front, in his despatch, pays a tribute to Rev. John Morrow Simms, C.B., C.M.G., Principal Chaplain, who is a son of the late Mr. John Simms, of Scrabo Isles, Newtownards, and whose name has been mentioned in connection with neat year's Moderatorship of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Sir Douglas Haig states -- Under the direction of the Principal Chaplain, the Rev. J. M. Simms, and the Deputy Chaplain-General, the Right Rev. Bishop Gwynne, the clergy of all denominations ministering to the army have earned the admiration and affection of all ranks. I desire once more to express, on behalf of all officers and men, my profound appreciation of their unfailing devotion and self-sacrifice.

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DEATH OF MR. F. W. M'CULLY, DERRY

The announcement of the death of Mr. Frederick W. M'Cully, eldest son of Alderman Thomas M'Cully, J.P., and Mrs. M'Cully, Beech Grove, Derry, will be read with deep regret. A principal of the firm of Thomas M'Cully & Co., pharmaceutical chemists and grocery and hardware merchants, Victoria Road, the deceased was held in high esteem in business and other circles in Derry and district. First Glendermott Presbyterian Church lose a valued and deeply-respected member by his death, and the community one of the finest of its young business men. Mr. M'Cully was taken ill about a fortnight ago, and passed away at his residence Seaview, Derry, a victim of the pneumonia epidemic. With the widow and two children, his parents, and brother and sisters there will be the sincerest sympathy in their great sorrow.

 

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Birth

LYONS -- January 7, 1919, at Ballenon Manse, Poyntzpass, to Rev. R. N. Lyons and Mrs. Lyons -- a daughter.

Deaths

MARTIN -- Jan. 7, 1919, at Mooreland Farm, Loughries, John Martin. The remains of my beloved son were interred in the family burying-ground, Ballyblack, on Friday, 10th inst. WILLIAM MARTIN.

ANDERSON -- Jan. 13, at Pakenham Place, Belfast, Ellen, widow of Wm. Anderson, Granshaw, and daughter of the late Wm. Crickard, Newtownards.

BANGOR -- Jan. 11, at Beechwood, Killiney, Co. Dublin, Elizabeth, Dowager Viscountess Bangor, widow of Henry, 5th Viscount Bangor, in her 91st year.

DAVIS -- Jan. 15, at Knocknashane, Lurgan, Andrew, dearly-beloved husband of Sarah Jane Davis.

FOSTER -- Jan. 11, Mary, the beloved wife of John Foster, Ballymulderg, Magherafelt.

HATRICK -- Jan. 13, at his daughter's residence, Lorelei, Bangor, John Hatrick, aged 85 years.

HOWE -- Jan. 13, at his residence, 22, Millbrook Road, Lisburn, William, dearly-beloved husband of Fanny Howe.

HULL -- Jan. 14, at Christies Hill, Crumlin, Lizzie, relict of the late James Hull.

JOHNSTON -- Jan. 12, at Ballybay, Donaghadee, Samuel Johnston.

KEANE -- Jan. 11, at Sale, Manchester, Wm. Fleming, aged 47, eldest son of the late Fleming Keane and Mrs. Keane, formerly of Belfast.

KING -- Jan. 11, at Etwall, Lansdowne Road, Dublin (the residence off her son-in-law. Judge Johnston), Eliza Anne, widow of the late Wm. King, Esq., Belfast.

KIRKWOOD -- Jan. 15, at Marlboro' Place, Lisburn Road, Alexander Kirkwood, in his 73rd year.

MAGEE -- Jan. 11, at his residence, Carrickmannon, James, the dearly-beloved brother of Andrew and Agnes Magee.

MANDERSON -- Dec. 15 (from pneumonia, following influenza), at Omaha, Nebraska, John Mackenzie, second son of the late Rev. Daniel Manderson, Minterburn, Caledon, Co. Tyrone.

MILLER -- Jan. 15, at High Street, Holywood, Catherine Lyle, dearly-loved infant daughter of Cassie and William Miller.

MILLS -- Nov. 15, at Auckland, New Zealand, Reginald Chambers, son of the late Lieut. George W. Mills, H.M. Indian Army.

M'CLEMENTS -- Jan. 15, at Ballygowan, Banbridge, Robert M'Clements.

M'NEICE -- Jan. 12, at The Cottage, Lisnatrunk Dam, Hillhall, Lisburn, Anna, relict of the late John M'Neice.

NELSON -- Jan. 12, at Rorysglen, Kilwaughter, Robert Nelson.

WARDEN -- Jan 11, at his residence, Cunningburn, Newtownards, John, beloved husband of Martha Warden.

WEATHERUP -- Jan. 13, at Ballyvernstown, Larne, Margaret, relict of the late William Weatherup.

In Memoriam

MARTIN -- In loving memory. At Edinburgh, on the 16th of January, 1908, Mary Batten Millar Martin, of Eglintoun, Tayport, Fife, widow of the Rev. James Martin, Belfast. F. P. H.; J. C. M.

Clippings

NEWS OF THE WEEK

IN BRIEF

Record Shipyard's Pay. -- Harland & Wolff's largest pay was on the day the works closed for the Christmas holidays, the sum being £93,000, exclusive of staff holidays.

A Record Cabbage Crop. -- An East Kent farmer has grown a crop of cabbages covering several acres and weighing from 35 to 40 lb. each, the aggregate weight per acre being 245,0001b. This is probably a record for the whole country.

Mr. Roosevelt's Will. -- The total value of the late Mr Roosevelt's estate is estimated at £100,000. A sum of £12,000 is to be divided among his children, and the balance goes to the widow for life, and then reverts to the children.

Entertained by Viceroy. -- The Lord Mayor of Belfast (Sir James Johnston), Lieutenant-General Sir Charles Kavanagh, Sir Henry M'Laughlin, and Captain Stephen Gwynn had the honour to be invited to lunch with the Lord Lieutenant at the Viceregal Lodge, Dublin, last Friday.

Y.C.V.'s Distinction. -- Lieut.-General G. C. C. MacDonagh has informed the Lord Mayor of Belfast that the R. I. Rifles battalion, formed of the Young Citizen Volunteers, had won one V.C. (Private M'Fadzean), two D.S.O.'s, thirteen M.C.'s, two D.O.M.'s, and thirty-eight M.M.'s.

Best Bull at Chicago Show. -- A Corkman, Mr. W. Hartnett, of Waukesha, Wis., brother of Mr. M. Hartnett, cattle dealer, Blackpool, has won the purple riband of the Chicago Cattle Show for a two-year-old shorthorn bull; Lord Rhybon, imported last summer.

Ulster Protestants and Education. -- Rt. Rev. Dr. D'Arcy, in a letter to "The Times," says that the movement for educational reform in Ulster began among the Protestant clerical managers, and that there is no antagonism between Protestant clergy and laity in that province as to the lines such reform should follow.

Position of "the Irish Party." -- What is left of the Irish Party will, according to the London correspondent of the "Yorkshire Post," vote under the Labour Party leadership, arranging by means of a consultative committee for Labour support for Home Rule and a "toeing of the fine" whenever there is the slightest chance of embarrassing the Government.

Warships for Sale. -- The Admiralty is preparing a catalogue for the sale of 200 ships of war; about 400 launches, built in America, and used as submarine chasers. Colonial Governments to have the first opportunity of purchase of these; the balloons that floated over London during the war period; millions of pounds worth of stores, and £2,000,000 worth of mahogany.

Civic Compliment. -- The portraits of Sir Crawford and Lady M'Cullagh will be unveiled and presented in the City Hall this afternoon. The ceremony will mark a pleasing recognition by the citizens of Sir Crawford and Lady M'Cullagh's great services as Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress in the first strenuous and anxious years of the war which has now terminated in a glorious victory for the Allies.

Maximum Corn Prices. -- The English Board of Agriculture have made an Order that the minimum prices for 1919 crops of wheat, rye, oats, and barley will not be less than the maximum prices for last year. Wheat was 75s 6d per qr., and oats, before October 1, 47s 6d per qr., rising to 49s for Dec., and barley 67s per qr. Extra prices are allowed for grain of good quality purchased for milling for human consumption.

Colossal Insurance. -- Over four million American soldiers had taken out insurance for £7,600,000,000 with the United States Insurance Bureau when the armistice was signed. If all the claims for death and disability were paid in one sum, instead of instalments, the amount would be £160,000,000, against which £34,000,000 had been paid as premiums, leaving a deficit of £126,000,000.

Railway Nationalisation. -- Headed by Mr. J. H. Thomas, M.P., a deputation of railwayman interviewed Mr. Lloyd George with regard to the nationalisation of railways, and placed before him certain proposals affecting the position of railwaymen. The Premier assured them that the whole subject would be held over for the present, and that I he would meet them again before any step was taken.

Forty-sixth Irish V.C. -- Amongst the latest recipients of the V.C. is Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, D.S.O., S.W.B., a member of a well-known County Cork family, and a brother of Mr. L. Johnson, J.P., Bandon. This is the forty-sixth V.C. granted to Irishmen in the war. Mr. J. Danagher, of the Connaught Rangers, and a native of Limerick, who won the V.C. in the first Boer war, has died at Portsmouth.

Health of Lurgan. -- In his monthly report to the Lurgan Urban Council, Dr. Samuel Agnew stated that the renewed outbreak of influenza during December accounted for twelve deaths, but during the latter half of the month there had been a very marked reduction in the number of cases. In fact the severity of the epidemic appeared to have passed, and the few cases now met with were not notable either for their virulence or infectiveness.

Death of Sir D. M. Wallace. -- The death has occurred, at Symington, of Sir Donald MacKenzie Wallace, 73, distinguished savant, traveller, and publicist. He first came into prominence by his volumes on Russia in 1877. He was afterwards correspondent of "The Times" at St. Petersburg, Berlin, and Constantinople, was private secretary to Lord Dufferin when Viceroy of India, and became director of the foreign department of "The Times" in 1831.

Sinn Fein Prison Revolt. -- Serious disturbances have taken place at Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, where a number of Sinn Fein prisoners, now receiving ordinary jail treatment, are claiming to be treated as political offenders. Their claim for a change in their conditions not having been met, the prisoners revolted, breaking windows and otherwise damaging their cells. The prison justices decided to ask the authorities to define clearly the meaning of "politcal offender."

Irish Chair of Agriculture. -- A new statute of University College, Dublin, creates a Chair of Agriculture at £600 a year, of which the County Borough Councils will contribute £300. Stipends of professorships and lectureships will be increased to the following amounts:-- Professorships -- History, £600; Theory and Practice of Education, £500; Botany, £450; Modem Irish History, £350; Italian and Spanish, £400; Welsh, £350. Lectureships -- Physics, £400; Pure Mathematics, £400; Irish Language, £400.

U.S. Liquor Prohibition. -- The United States will go teetotal on July 1 next. The experiment, theoretically, says a London "Express" contributor, "is to continue only until President Wilson formally announces that the entire American Army is demobilised; but it is generally believed that permanent prohibition will be established by constitutional amendment before the temporary condition of enforced national sobriety is ended. Hotel men, therefore, are preparing to meet the situation as a permanent one."

Bulgarian Atrocity. -- A Serbian message through official sources states that the Bulgarians inflicted terrible mental torture on the wife of a Serbian officer who had opposed their propaganda. She was arrested with her five children. After she was condemned to death the Bulgarians led her out on three different occasions for execution, and flogged her until she became unconscious. A number of Serbian priests and schoolmasters were shot before her eyes. She was afterwards imprisoned in irons, and was finally released after the armistice.

The Kaiser's Fortune. -- Mr. H. Patrick Devitte, the London "Daily Express" correspondent at Geneva, says:-- A Swiss banker informs me that the private fortune of the ex-Kaiser, which is mostly in gold, and amounts to nearly £1,000,000, was safely placed in neutral banks in 1915. The Swiss banks hold a large proportion of the money. This total of £1,000,000 does not include the private fortunes of other members of the Hohenzollern family, which have also been deposited abroad. The Hapsburgs also sent large sums away to foreign banks at various times during the war.

Floods in Italy. -- Disastrous, floods have inundated vast regions in Northern and Central Italy. The great torrential rivers of the Venetian plains, as also the Po, Arno, and the Tiber, burst their banks, laying hundreds of miles of country ten to twenty feet deep in water, and causing immense destruction of dwellings, crops, and cattle. In Tuscany scores of villages have been submerged. The Tiber has risen over 50 feet above the normal, deluging the whole Roman Campagna and the immediate suburbs of Rome. Damage to the extent of many million lire is also reported from Liguria, the Italian Riviera district, and rivers in parts of Piedmont. There has been considerable loss of human life.

Irish Unionists and Sinn Fein. -- The report to be presented to the annual meeting of the Irish Unionist Alliance this month refers to the existing political situation, and declares its gravity is "to be seen in the utter downfall of the old Nationalist Party and the uprise of another movement, which aims at nothing short of an Irish Republic and a complete break with all Imperial relations and traditions. It is a time beyond precedent for Irish Unionists to stand shoulder to shoulder, and to be prepared, when the opportunity comes, to show to the Empire the peril that would lie in granting, under any pretext, Home Rule to a dissatisfied Ireland" -- a procedure that, it is added, "would be little short of madness."

Derry's Fighting Men. -- An interesting lecture was given in the Londonderry Y.M.C.A. lecture hall, on "Derry's Fighting Men in France," by Captain J. G. Paton, M.C., Chaplain to the 10th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Derry Regiment, Ulster Division). The Mayor (Alderman Sir Robert Anderson) presided. Captain Paton said throughout the whole campaign the Derry men showed they were made of the right stuff. Illustrating the devotion and courage of the men of the battalion. Captain Paton related how two platoons were directed to a certain object. On the day they had to part at the junction of the ways, but when this point was reached only one man of each platoon was left. Faithful to the end, the men parted at the pre-arranged spot, and continued their advance alone.

Noted Judge's Death. -- The Right Hon. Sir Andrew Marshall Porter, Bart., whose death is announced at Dublin, was the eldest son of the late Rev. J. Scott Porter, of Belfast, and was born 27th June, 1837. He entered Queen's College, Belfast, in 1853, and having pursued a distinguished university course, was called to the Irish Bar in 1860. He was returned to Parliament for one of the divisions of County Londonderry, in 1881, and was appointed Solicitor-General for Ireland in the same year, succeeding to the Attorney-Generalship in 1883. The degrees of M.A. and LL.D., honoris causa, were conferred upon him in 1882, and in 1889 the University of Dublin conferred upon this great lawyer the honorary degree of LL.D. It fell to his lot, while Solicitor-General, to prosecute on behalf of the Crown in the trial of the Phoenix Park murderers. In 1883 he was promoted to be Master of the Rolls. The honour of a baronetcy of the United Kingdom was conferred on him by his Majesty King Edward VII. in 1902. He retired owing to failing health in 1906.

Resignation from the Government. -- Mr. S. Walsh, the re-appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the English L.G.B.. has informed the Prime Minister that he can't continue in office.

Prince George Confirmed. -- The Confirmation of Prince George, the fourth son of the King, took place at Sandringham Church, the service being conducted by the Archbishop of York.

Princess Pat's. Wedding. -- The wedding of H.R.H. Princess Patricia of Connaught with Commander the Hon. Alexander Ramsay, R.N., will take place at Westminster Abbey on Thursday, February 27th.

Paris-London Aerial Service. -- The London "Evening News" understands that a regular aerial service will be flown between Paris and London while the Peace Conference is sitting, to expedite the travelling of delegates or personnel.

The Richest Woman's Will. -- The estate of Miss Emily Charlotte Talbot, Penrice Castle, and Margam Park, Glamorgan, reputed to have been the richest woman in the United Kingdom, has been sworn at £2,000,000. Her will consists of more than 27,000 words.

Irish Demobilisation. -- Lord French has appointed Sir Henry M'Laughlin, K.B.E., to be Director-General of Demobilisation and Re-Employment of Sailors and Soldiers for Ireland; and has associated with him in the work his colleague of the Irish Recruiting Council.

Ex-Chancellor's Thanks and Appeal. -- Mr. Bonar Law, in retiring from the Chancellorship of the Exchequer, has issued a letter of thanks to the nation for the response to his appeals for money during the war, which made victory possible, and urges an investment in War Bonds.

Chevrons for Discharged Soldiers. -- An order has been issued by the United States War Department directing that each soldier honourably discharged may wear two scarlet chevrons on the left sleeve, of the same size and shape as those prescribed for service abroad, in recognition of his service.

More Ships. -- The Shipping Controller intimates that from 1st March, except in special cases, British ships will be released from requisition, and owners are to make arrangements for employment of those ships, subject to the Controller's approval of charters-and necessary licenses for voyages. The power of requisition is held in reserve should necessity arise.

Orange Hall Raided. -- It is reported that the Orange Hall at Adavoyle, Co. Armagh, was raided by six men wearing masks and otherwise disguised, two of whom pointed revolvers at the caretaker, a man named Donnelly, while the others ransacked the place, and, after pulling down a Union Jack, decamped with two swords, two guns, and, a bayonet. No arrests have been made.

The Ulster Division. -- Orders of the Day issued to the 36th (Ulster) Division in connection with the fighting in Flanders in October last, contain congratulatory messages from General Foch on the splendid fighting qualities, dash, and initiative displayed by all ranks, and the admirable leadership of the various commanders. Major-General Coffin, V.C., D.S.O., commanded the Division.

The Clogher Valley Railway. -- The receipts of the Clogher Valley Railway Company for the past year amounted to £9,369 6s 9d, and the expenditure to £8,873 10s 4d, and a sum of £3,084 15s is now due in payment of the guaranteed dividend on the fully-paid up capital of £123,310. The County District of Enniskillen (No. 1 Rural) is liable to contribute £27 6s 9d, and the County District of Lishasken £403 16s 4d.

Women Drink Methylated Spirits. -- The annual report of the Liverpool Licensing Justices states that the drinking of methylated spirits by women has greatly increased. The Head-Constable had reported this to the Liquor Control Board, who replied that they had no power to increase the restrictions on the sale and supply of this spirit. The Justices deplore the terrible effects and recommend drastic measures.

Lady Mayoress at Home. -- To a large company of guests the Lady Mayoress was at home in her handsome residence, Belvoir Park. Sir James and Lady Johnston and their daughter, Mrs. Osborne Gallaher, received their visiting friends. Tea was dispensed during the afternoon, and a musical programme was given by Miss Alicette Gregg, Miss Fitzsimmons, and Miss Meta Montgomery, while Mrs. Nixon was a most efficient accompanist.

Government of Ireland. -- Sir Horace Plunkett, speaking at an Irish Fellowship Club, Liverpool, strongly protested against any scheme for the future government of Ireland which involved partition. It was the duty of the Government to propose a statesmanlike scheme which would set up at once in Ireland a Parliament for a united country in accordance with the terms of Mr. Lloyd George's letter on February 25 last year to the Irish Convention.

Back from Turkey. -- Lieut.-Colonel Alex. Moore, brother of Mr. Justice Moore, was with General Townshend's force when it surrendered at Kut-el-Amara. On the armistice with Turkey he, with other prisoners, was marched 100 miles to the nearest railhead. At Salonica Colonel Moore was sent to hospital suffering from fever and pneumonia. He has now reached England. His son, Captain Alex. Moore, was wounded and gassed in France, and is now in Egypt.

Toll of German Raids. -- An official return of airship and aeroplane raids over Great Britain, and bombardments of the coast, with the resulting casualties, has been issued. Between December 24, 1914, and June 17, 1918, there were 51 airship raids and 57 aeroplane raids, and the bombardments from the sea by war vessels, from December 16, 1914, to February 15, 1918, numbered 12, or altogether 120 attacks. The total casualties were -- Killed, 1,570; injured, 4,041; total, 5,611.

President Wilson and Ireland. -- Mr. Wilson has, through his private secretary, written to Mr. Fawsitt, secretary of the Cork public meeting which invited the President to visit Ireland, acknowledging his kind letter, and thanking him and the citizens of his community for the cordiality which the resolution expressed. "He wishes me," the letter added, "to express his regret that the demands upon his time have been so great that it was impossible for him to accept your invitation to visit Ireland."

44-Hour Week. -- Following a street parade of Belfast shipbuilding and engineering workers, a ballot was taken on 47 v. 44 hour week, with the result -- For forty-four hours, and in favour of drastic action, 20,225; for forty-four hours and against drastic action, 558; for accepting the employers' offer of forty-seven hours, 1,184. At a meeting held later a resolution was passed instructing the Federation Secretary to notify Harland and Wolff and Workman, Clark, & Co., that unless a definite promise of a 44-hour week be intimated not later than Monday, January 27, work will cease as from Saturday, 25th, at noon.

Singular Shooting Accident. -- A Belfast court-martial acquitted Acting-Sergt. A. J. Hodge, Northumberland Fusiliers, of, as had been alleged, prejudicing discipline by dismissing Private Manning from his sentry post at Carrickfergus Castle without satisfying himself that his rifle was unloaded, with the result that, when it was being unloaded in the guardroom, it went off. and the bullet going through the ceiling, struck Lieut. G. Wilson, Ordnance Corps, who was in a room above, in the right elbow, and the forearm had to be amputated. The defence was that it was quite in order for rifles to be loaded and unloaded in the guardroom.

Demand for Penny Postage. -- London Chamber of Commerce have decided to forward a memorandum to the authorities concerned in favour of an early return to the postal and telegraphic conditions which were enjoyed before the war. First in importance they place penny postage, and they contend that the arguments in favour of the increased postal charges are no longer tenable. The Council of the Chamber urge also the introduction of penny postage with France, complete freedom of cable communication as in pre-war times, unrestricted use of cable codes other than those now officially authorised, and of registered telegraphic addresses, and the resumption of deferred and week-end cable rates.

Belfast Union Finances. -- At a meeting of the Belfast Board of Guardians, Mr. R. H. Wilson (Clerk) presented the estimate and demand for the financial year commencing 1st April, 1919. He stated that in the last estimate the expenditure was £116,673, the receipts £3,900, leaving a net expenditure of £112,673. The actual expenditure for the year ending March next would be £113,516, the receipts £5,251, leaving a net expenditure of £108,265, or a saving of £4,408 on the year's working. The total liabilities for the period under estimate would be £121,697; the credit balance to commence the year would be £5,550, which, with £4,375 receipts estimated, made a total means of £9,925, leaving the amount of the demand £111,772, which was am increase of £5,987 over that of last year.

T.W.'S Valedictory. -- In the course of a farewell address to the staff of the Department of Agriculture in Dublin, Sir Thomas W. Russell said he had that morning received a letter from Mr. Hugh T. Barrie announcing his appointment as Vice-President. Things were arranged in a curious way these days. It was, however, only a question of etiquette. Continuing, Sir Thomas said times ahead threatened to be times of great difficulty and danger. The great work of tillage might be in danger. In these circumstances it would require no ordinary ability and courage* on the part of the staff to preserve the Department's work. Although he was leaving the Department he was not going out of public life altogether. The Department would have in him a staunch friend.

Belfast Education. -- A meeting of the Special Education Committee appointed by the Belfast Corporation for the purpose of considering the question of taking steps to secure a reform in the system of primary education in the city was held in the City Hall. The Lord Mayor (Alderman Sir James Johnston) presided. Statements were made by Mr. H. M. Pollock, J.P., and Mr. Adam Duffin, LL.D., regarding the scheme formulated at the conference of various organisations held recently in the rooms of the Chamber of Commerce, and the heads of a Parliamentary Bill were submitted for the committee's consideration. Copies of the draft were banded round, and it was decided to adjourn the meeting for a week in order that the members might have an opportunity of studying the proposals in detail.

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THE LATE MR, JOHN M'MEEKAN, J.P.

An in memoriam service in connection with the death of Mr. John M'Meekan, J.P., chairman of the Bangor Urban District Council, was held in Trinity Presbyterian Church, Bangor, on Sabbath morning. There was a large congregation, the seats in front of the choir loft being occupied by the members of the Council and their officials. Rev. R. J. Morrell, who conducted the service, in his address said that the position of honour and influence filled by their deceased friend was reached and retained by sheer ability and unwearied, unselfish devotion to duty. No one could have any dealings with him without recognising that he was a man of sound mind, and strong will, and well-balanced judgment, who could take a statesmanlike view of things, and deal firmly and fairly with men and matters. In him justice and truth and righteousness ever found a champion, and he scorned and hated everything that was not strictly straight and honourable, but withal he was the kindliest and friendliest of men, who often did good by stealth, without letting his right hand know what his left hand was after. Speaking of deceased as a Christian, only those who knew him intimately knew how devout he was, how he read and studied God's Word, and how he cultivated the spirit of prayer.

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BEQUESTS TO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Mr. Joseph Crawford, of Ardmore, Loy Hill, Cookstown, retired teacher, who died on 27th July last, by his will, dated 21st June last, left his estate to his wife for life, then to Emily Connolly for life, and then £100 each to the First Presbyterian Church, Cookstown; Orritor Presbyterian Church, Dr. Barnardo's Homes, the Hospital for the Limbless, the Presbyterian Orphan Society, the Presbyterian Old Age Fund, and the Shankill Road Presbyterian Mission Fund; and £50 each to the Belfast Institutions for the Deaf and Dumb and for the Blind, and the ultimate residue to the mission funds of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

 

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Marriages

BLACKWOOD--M'CULLAGH -- Jan. 16, at Ballinderry Parish Church, by the Rev. J. W. Minchin, M.A., Rector of the Parish, David Blackwood, Armagh, third son of Mr. George and Mrs. Blackwood, Altnamackin, Castleblayney, to May, eldest daughter of Mr. W. J. and Mrs. M'Cullagh, Upper Ballinderry, Co. Antrim.

BROWNE--EWING -- Jan. 15, at Springbank, Portsoy, Scotland, by Rev. G. A. M. Dickson, B.D., Fordyce, assisted by Rev. D. A. Anderson, B.D., Rothiemay, and Rev. Alex. Jack, M.A., Towie (uncle of the bride), Rev. Wm. Browne, B.A., B.D., minister of Trinity Parish Church, Aberdeen, and minister-elect of Tingwall Parish Church (son of John Browne. Esq., Ballynenagh House, Moneymore, and nephew of the late Rev. Wm. Browne, Legacurry, Lisburn), to Annie, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Ewing, Springbank, Portsoy.

Deaths

REID -- Jan. 14, 1919, at her mother's residence, 161, Hillman Street, Sara, the dearly-loved daughter of Jane and the late John Reid, Lough Road, Lurgan. Her remains were interred in Newmills burying-ground on Thursday, 16th Jan. Deeply regretted. JANE REID.

STOOPS -- Jan. 18, William James Stoops, B.A., son of William Stoops, Rosemount Gardens, Belfast (recently of Newry). Interred in the family burying-ground in Clarkesbridge.

ADAIR -- Jan. 20, at Knockdarragh, Cultra, William Thomas, son of the late Hugh A. Adair and Mrs. Adair, Marino.

ARLOW -- Jan. 18, at the residence of his nephew, Tullyhenan, Banbridge, John Arlow, in his 95th year.

BELL -- Jan. 20, at Glenconway, Glenavy, Catherine, relict of the late Meredith Bell.

BERRY -- Jan. 16, at Garretross, Maralin, Sarah, widow of the late James Berry.

BLACK -- Jan. 17, at the residence of her niece (Mrs. R. J. M'Afee, Boghill), Sarah, third daughter of the late Robert Black, Dundooan.

CLARKE -- Jan. 16, at Moira, Henrietta Winifred (Winnie), fourth daughter of William and Annie Clarke, aged 11 years and 7 months.

FERGUSON -- Jan. 16, at No. 2, Kathleen Villas, Whitehead, Samuel Haye Ferguson, in his 83rd year.

GIBNEY -- Jan. 19, at his brother's residence, Marieville, Annalong, Alexander Gibney.

GRAHAM -- Jan. 17, at his residence, Cargycroy, Lisburn, Thomas Graham.

GRAHAM -- Jan. 15, at 35, Salisbury Terrace, Aberdeen, Mary Drummond, widow of Robt. Graham, Belfast, in her 76th year.

GRAY -- Jan. 16, 1919, at the Sisters' Hospital, Q.U.I.M.N.S.R., London, Emily, eldest daughter of Mrs. Gray and the late James Gray, Minterburn, Caledon.

HAWTHORNE -- Jan. 19, at Granshaw, Bangor, Jane Arabella, relict of the late Robert Hawthorne.

HOLDEN -- Jan. 20, at 7, Belfast Road, Bangor, Charles, the dearly-beloved husband of Harriett Holden.

IRVINE -- Jan. 20, at Aughnamullan, Nutt's Corner, Robert Irvine.

LEWIS -- Jan. 19, at his residence, Drumawhey, Robert Lewis, aged 84 years.

M'CARTER -- January 7, 1919, at the residence of her son-in-law (W. C. Gordon), Kilfennan, Londonderry, Elizabeth J., widow of the late George M'Carter, Esq., T.C., Ardvilla, Victoria Park, Londonderry.

ORR -- Jan. 17, at Altvie, Belfast Road, Lisburn, Rebecca, widow of the late William Orr.

PAUL -- Jan. 20, at 15, Church Street, Coleraine, Joseph Paul.

STEVENSON -- Jan. 18, at Sandbank, Derrytresna, Joseph, dearly beloved husband of Jane Stevenson.

WATSON -- January 16, 1919, at his residence, Drumderrig, Boyle, the Rev. John Watson, B.A., senior minister of Boyle Presbyterian Church, aged 79 years.

In Memoriam

MONTGOMERY -- In loving memory of the late Rev. Robert Montgomery, the founder of Great Victoria Street Presbyterian Church, Manse, and Schools, and for 37 years the faithful and beloved minister of the congregation. M. MONTGOMERY, London.

REID -- In sad and loving memory of our dear Mother, Elizabeth Reid, who departed this life on 23rd January, 1916, and was interred in Seaford burying-ground.
   O, how we miss the hand so gentle,
      How we miss the look so kind.
   How we miss the voice so cheery
      That bespoke the happy mind.
   And the ear that always listened.
      The heart that always cared.
   And admitted all our sorrows,
      Our gladness always shared,
Ever remembered by her loving Family.

Clippings

NEWS OF THE WEEK

IN BRIEF

Moslem Holy City Surrenders. -- The holy city of Medina has capitulated, to King Hussein, King of the Hedjaz Arabs, under the terms of the armistice with Turkey. The King's representative, on entering the city, was warmly received, and offered prayer at the Tomb of the Prophet.

Sisters' Burnt to Death. -- A little cottage occupied by nonagenarian sisters named Bridget and Rose Brittain, at Moygall, Bellaghy, was burnt to the ground, the remains of the sisters being found in the ashes, they having, apparently, been unable, through shock and frailty, to escape from the flames.

Cattle Feeding Stuffs. -- The Food Controller is removing many of the restrictions on distribution of cattle feeding stuffs in view of the large quantities available. Farmers desiring priority certificates to obtain supplies of oil cakes and meals for cows in milk, &c., should apply to the Live Stock Commission for their area.

His Last Song. -- Sergt.-Major Sudworth, of a Scottish regiment stationed at Strabane, dropped dead at Strabane Pallidrome. He was one of the artistes at a concert organised by the Y.M.C.A., and had rendered several items. Before the close he responded to an encore, and, when finished, was observed to reel off the stage. He died immediately.

Belfast M.P. Honoured. -- The literary staffs of the "Belfast Evening Telegraph" entertained their colleague, Mr. T. Moles, at a complimentary dinner, and presented him with an attache case to mark his election as first M.P. for the Ormeau Division. A handsome bouquet was presented to Mrs. Moles. Mr. R. H. H. Baird, J.P., managing director, presided.

Ship Repairing and Refitting. -- Replying to Mr. B. Tillett, M.P., Lord Pirrie, as Controller of merchant shipping, denies having given permission for vessels to be sent out of the United Kingdom for repairs and outfitting. On the contrary, he has urged shipowners to bring their ships from abroad for repair and refitting, for which large numbers of men will soon be available.

Tyrone Magistrate Dead. -- The death is announced of Mr. Robert S. Clements, J.P., Killadray, Beragh, a gentleman well known in the public life of County Tyrone. He was a very prominent farmer, and was by far the oldest member of the Omagh Board of Guardians, having a seat on that Board for almost fifty years. He was a magistrate for almost forty years.

The indemnity. -- "The 'Berliner Zetung am Mittah' reports that, in conversation with the Minister of Railways of South Germany at Ulum, Herr Erzeburger stated that Marshal Foch would regard as a satisfactory indemnity for the damage caused in Belgium and North France, a total payment of £1,500,000,000, and for other damages £1,000,000,000. As a guarantee for payment, the Allies would demand control of the German railways and forests."

Child Labour. -- Speaking at a Teachers' Conference in Belfast, Mr. R. C. Ferguson, dealing with child labour, said the position in Ireland is very different from England and Scotland. The number of children under 14 -- full time and half-time -- in Ireland was 64,000, in Scotland 37,000, and in England it was considerably less, in proportion to population. There was not a good word to be said for the present half-time system. in Belfast the number was about 2,500, and public opinion should demand complete extinction.

Police Attacked. -- While on patrol duty at the Three Rock Mountain, in the neighbourhood of Dublin, Sergeant Lawson and Constable Jones, of the Royal Irish Constabulary, came upon a number of men engaged in drilling, who attacked them. They bound the sergeants arms together with his suspenders, and relieved him of his revolver, belt, and baton. They then turned to Constable Jones and handcuffed him with the handcuffs they found in his pouch, and carried off his revolver, belt, and baton.

Sir F. E. Smith's "Surprise." -- Sir F. E. Smith, the new Lord Chancellor of England, speaking at Liverpool, said his appointment came to him as a profound surprise. The Premier had offered him the Attorney-Generalship without a Cabinet seat, or the Lord Chancellorship with a Cabinet seat; but he took the latter, as he was not prepared to be excluded from contributing to the great decision of the next few months. He recalled the fact that 90 years ago his grandfather went to Birkenhead with a bundle on his back.

Death of English Minister. -- The death has occurred, in his 80th year, of Rev. Robert Cowan, minister emeritus of Warrior Square Presbyterian Church, St. Leonard-on-Sea. Mr. Cowan was a County Antrim man, and was ordained in 1873. His first charge was at Clonakilty, County Cork, and after five years he went to England, where he spent the rest of his life. His resignation from Warrior Square, eleven years ago, was due to ill-health, but he recovered considerably after a rest, and took charge at Kempton, which he was holding when he died.

National Teachers' War Bonus. -- The Treasury having refused to grant an increased war bonus to Irish teachers on Civil Service basis, the executive of the I.N.T.O. have now placed this claim before the Conciliation and Arbitration Board for Government Employees. The reason given for the refusal is that the Treasury are not satisfied that there has been an increase in the cost of living in Ireland since 1st July last sufficient to justify any increase. The Central Executive are arranging to hold the annual Congress in Dublin this year instead of in Belfast, as originally intended.

Antrim Safe from Home Rule. -- Addressing the North End Unionist Club, Ballymena, Major O'Neill, M.P., referring to the Home Rule Act still on the Statute Book, said from the legal point of view it was a serious matter for them in Ulster, but there was no earthly chance of it ever being put into operation in that part of Ireland. Whether it was put into operation in the Sinn Fein portions of the country or not, they in that part of the country would be in a position of absolute security that they had not been in since this wretched question was introduced by Mr. Asquith in 1912.

Disputes in December. -- According to the "Labour Gazette" published by the Ministry of Labour, the number of trade disputes beginning in December was 51, and the total number of workpeople involved in all disputes in progress was about 150,000 (including 100,000 cotton spinners, piece, cardroom, &c., workers in Lancashire and Cheshire, who ceased work for nine days) as compared with 55,000 in the previous month and 77,000 in December, 1917. The estimated aggregate duration of all trade disputes during the month was 1,174.000 days as compared with 251,500 days in November, 1918, and 258,000 day's in December, 1917.

Linen Manufacturer's Death. -- The death of Mr. Frederick Septimus Herdman took place at his residence, The Drift, Belfast. Deceased, who was a son of the late Mr. John Herdman, was a member of a family which for many years has been closely identified with the linen trade in Ulster. For over twenty years Mr. Herdman was connected with the Brookfield Linen Co., and for the past number of years has been chairman of the company. He did not take an active part in public life, but was a prominent member of the Belfast Chamber of Commerce, and an expert upon all matters relating to the spinning end of the linen Industry.

Death of Mr. A. A. Richardson. -- The announcement of the death of Mr. Alexander Airth Richardson, Aberdelghy, Lambeg, County Antrim, and Buncrana Castle, County Donegal, will be learned with regret by a wide circle of friends in the province. The deceased gentleman, who had reached the ripe old age of 84 years, was extensively engaged as a linen manufacturer and bleacher. He leaves a widow, four sons, and three daughters. One of his sons is Mr. H. Stephens Richardson, who has been so prominently identified for years with the leading movements in the province for the promotion of the temperance cause, and another is the Rev. Oswald Richardson, rector of Ballyward, Banbridge.

Big Irish Paper Company Proposals. -- At a meeting of the shareholders of the North of Ireland Paper Mills, held in Manchester, proposals to capitalise £60,000 of undivided profits and increase the share capital of the company from £100,000 to £200,000 were unanimously approved. The £5 shares are to be sub-divided into shares of £1 each, and shareholders are to receive as bonus three £1 shares fully paid-up for every £5 share held. The chairman of the company (Mr. J. H. Pilling) said the consent of the Treasury had been obtained. One shareholder had demurred to the increased burden on the company by the capitalisation of the undivided profits, but the management thought they could bear the burden easily.

The Red Cross. -- Addressing a sale at Queen's University, Colonel Thomas Sinclair, C.B., gave some interesting particulars of the work of the Red Cross distributing centres at the front, and showed how necessary and useful were the articles sent out by the Red Cross to the hospitals and ambulance units at the front. It was not possible to obtain many of these things from the army authorities, but the speed and regularity with which they were supplied by the Red Cross was extremely meritorious, and proved how excellently and efficiently the society was managed. The number of lives and limbs saved by these appliances was very great, and although the outlay of nearly £4,000,008 a year seemed a very large sum, he could assure them that it was by no means squandered.

United States and Prohibition. -- The Legislatures of thirty-six States, the necessary three-fourths in the Union, have ratified the prohibition amendment to the Federal Constitution, submitted under a recent Act of Congress. Under the terms of the Act national prohibition will begin in a year's time, but many think that the United States will start on a permanent "bone dry" basis on July 1st next when the War Prohibition Law forbidding the manufacture and sale of alcoholic drinks pending demobilisation becomes effective. The effect of the law will be the wiping out of 230 distilleries, 902 breweries, and more than 300,000 saloons and wholesale liquor establishments. Persons engaged in the industry will suffer a loss of £14,000,000 a year. The step will strike away a revenue to the Government estimated at a minimum of £200,000,000.

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DEATH OF REV. JOHN WATSON.

Rev. John Watson, B.A., retired minister at Boyle, passed away on 16th instant in the eightieth year of his age and the fifty-third year of his ministry. He was a fellow-student of the Rev. President Leitch, D.D., and, like him, was brought up in the congregation of First Ardstraw (now Ardstraw). The deceased clergyman was an ex-Moderator of the Synod of Dublin, and for many years acted as Clerk of the Connaught Presbytery.

The funeral took place on Monday last, the remains being interred at Assylinn, Boyle. A brief service was conducted at deceased's residence, Drumderrig, Boyle, by Rev. J. H. Boyd. The route taken by the funeral was past the Church, where the cortege halted for a few minutes while the choir sang a favourite hymn of the deceased, "For ever with the Lord." The service at the grave was conducted by the Rev. H. M. Knox, Ballymote; Rev. J. H. Boyd, and Rev. William Stuart, who delivered an impressive and eloquent address. On Sabbath last the Rev. J. H. Boyd preached a memorial sermon in Boyle Presbyterian Church, which was filled with a sympathetic congregation.

 

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Marriages

BARBOUR--ELLIOTT -- Jan. 22, at Kingsmills Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. Meeke (senior minister of Kingsmills) assisted by Rev. Wm. Elliott, Ballinasloe (uncle of the bride), Samuel Barbour, second son of Wm. Barbour, The Mills, Mountnorris, to Sarah (Sadie), second daughter of David Elliott, Drumheriff, Whitecross.

HARRISON--WILEY -- Jan. 15, 1919, at Second Ballybay Presbyterian Church, by Rev. H. A. MacKenzie, B.A. (minister in charge), James, fourth and youngest son of the late Hugh Harrison, "Churchill," Castleblayney, to Annie, eldest daughter of William Wiley, Ballidian, Ballybay.

Deaths

SIMPSON -- January 27, 1919, at "Greenmount," Cabragh, Dungannon, Sarah Matilda, youngest daughter of Hugh M'F. Simpson, J.P. Interred at Clonaneese on 29th inst. "For ever with the Lord."

THOMSON -- January 29, at 42, Wellington Park, Belfast, Jeanie, younger daughter of James Thomson. Funeral to-morrow, Saturday 2 p.m., to City Cemetery.

RAMSAY -- Jan. 22, 1919, at his residence, Lisbunney, Claudy, John Ramsay. Interred in the New Cemetery, Upper Cumber.

BROWN -- Jan. 25, at The Lodge, Clones, Elizabeth, wife of the late James Brown, aged 84 years.

CHURCH -- Jan. 25, at The Hill, Ballyworkan, Portadown, Mary Ann, the beloved wife of John Church.

CLARKE -- January 16, 1919, at Milltown, Altnamackin, Castleblayney, Anne Eliza, widow of the late Samuel Clarke.

GUINNESS -- Jan. 21, at Homefield, Bealings, Suffolk, Ellen, widow of Arthur Hart Guinness.

HENDERSON -- Jan. 25, at his father's residence, Mount Ida, Banbridge, A. Walker Craig Henderson, eldest son of A. W. Henderson.

HILL -- Jan. 24, at his mother's residence, Upper Kilcoan, Islandmagee, Allan Alfred, the younger and dearly-loved son of the late Hugh Boyle Hill and Mrs. Gilmour Campbell, aged 14 years.

LARMOUR -- Jan. 26, at Joymount, Carrickfergus, Wm. Larmour.

MACKENZIE -- Jan. 25, at her son's residence, Buncrana, Ormeau Road, Maria, dearly-beloved wife of Andrew Mackenzie, Waringstown.

M'CALMONT -- Jan. 25, at New Row, Glenarm, Elizabeth, wife of the late Alexander M'Calmont.

M'KNIGHT -- January 28, 1919, at his residence, 40, Cliftonville Avenue, Alexander (of W. & A. M'Knight, 59, York, Street), youngest son of the late Thomas and Margaret M'Knight. M. and E. M'KNIGHT.

SMILEY- -- Jan. 25, at Whitespots, Newtownards, Alexander Smiley, aged 80 years.

SMYTH -- Jan. 24, Isabella, youngest daughter of the late John Smyth, Duneira, Larne.

TAYLOR -- Jan. 26, suddenly, at Springvale, Doagh, Frank Taylor.

TRENCH -- Jan. 23, at the Umbra, Magilligan, Co. Londonderry, Jessie Maria, widow of Henry Bloomfield Trench, formerly of Cangort Park, Shinrone, King's County.

WILSON -- Jan. 25, at The Beeches, Cloughmills, John Wilson, J.P.

Clippings

THE LATE REV. ROBERT BLACK.

Ministerial Tribute.

Preaching in Sinclair Seamen's Church, Rev. Samuel Cochrane, B.A. paid a high tribute to his beloved colleague, Rev. Robert Black, whose death took place at Ballykelly unexpectedly.

Mr. Black, he said, was a bountiful gift of God to our Church. He was great as a preacher. His sermons were masterpieces. The subject was well chosen and interesting, the treatment attractive and persuasive, the line of thought laboriously conceived and logically constructed, and, as we listened to the thrilling eloquence which was a marked feature of the presentation of the message, we felt that every sentence and phrase and word was the expression of a soul true to the highest obligation of God and man, and in touch with the needs of the human heart and with the spirit of all goodness. To him preaching was a passion and a pain, an intense joy and an acute agony. And all too soon and suddenly, so we feel, he has been consumed by the fire of God on the altar of moral earnestness. Never again shall these walls echo to his thrilling voice with pathetic, passionate, persuasive appeal, summoning to a life of faith, of hope, of love to God and man. We cherish with profound gratitude and affectionate reverence the memory of his rich thought, practical sympathy, and sacrificial zeal; and that must be a power in our lives. And Mr. Black was great as a friend. When first we met his heart he laid bare, and mine responded. A lover of the beautiful in Nature and Art, in poetry and prose, possessed of talents of a very high order, the most unassuming of men, of a deeply sensitive and sympathetic disposition, a man in understanding and a child in heart, his companionship was an inspiration to lift life to pure, noble, and heroic heights. No man hungered more for friendship, kindness, and sympathy, and he was swift to make adequately grateful recognition. He had a wonderful fund of merriment, a rich sense of humour, gifts and graces which were known only to his most intimate companions. To-night we mourn -- you, the loss of a great preacher, and I, of a valued companion. Amidst our heavy sorrow and deep regret we thank God for His gift to us, for the inestimably precious life that has passed within the veil, a life so unfailing in sympathy, so merciful in judgment, so abounding in labour, and so Christlike in spirit, for remembrance of a splendid heritage and the inspiration of a good life. There is a broken-hearted woman bereft of a passionately devoted husband; there are two fine lads, under nine years, and a dear, sweet little girl of four years, bereft of a loving father. Our hearts go out in sympathy to the widow and the fatherless.

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THE LATE REV. JOHN WATSON.

A Minister's Appreciation.

Preaching in Boyle Presbyterian Church at a memorial service in connection with the death ol the Rev. John Watson, the senior minister, Rev. J. H. Boyd said that Mr. Watson was ordained as minister in charge of that congregation on the 12th November, 1866, in succession to the Rev. David M'Kee, a man who was in personal and pulpit gifts a king amongst men, and he carried on the work, so nobly begun, with conspicuous success. During the long period of his ministry he discharged the duties of his office with a grace, a faithfulness, and power of which the history of that congregation was the enduring monument. With what diligence he went out and in among them commending by his presence the Gospel he preached. They all knew how he encouraged them in their duties, how he cheered them in their afflictions, how he helped the young in their inexperience, how he warned the erring, how he brought God's sunshine into sick rooms, how he glided in and out of their homes and bore their griefs and carried their sorrows. He was a true under shepherd of the Divine Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. And all this he did in the simplest human way without self-seeking or parade but spontaneously, because he loved his work, and dutifully because Christ had taught him tenderness and humility, and had set him the example to go about continually doing good. For forty-five years he nobly filled an adorned that pulpit until physical weakness compelled him to retire from the active duties of the ministry. Nothing but an intense desire for the welfare of the Church led him to take that step. Since then he took the deepest interest in all the work of the congregation. He (Mr. Boyd) would always regard it as one of the greatest privileges of his life that he was permitted to succeed Mr. Watson in the ministry in that place, and enjoy that Christian warmth, love, and loyalty which he created, and which, under the blessing of God, he trusted, would continue to remain amongst them. Very much of the successful ministry of their revered pastor was due very largely to the strong and gentle spirit of her who now in widowhood mourned over the loss of her loving husband. She possessed the invaluable secret of making a happy home, and out of that home her husband came bright and radiant strong for his work. His ideals of life were also hers. His work was hers. As she shared in his labours, their prayer was that she might share in his triumphs. To her and the members of her family they would offer their heartfelt sympathy, and they would commend them to the God of all comfort.

 

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