Birth

CORBETT -- Feb. 27, at Maymount, Portadown, the wife of Samuel S. Corbett -- a daughter.

Marriages

BELL--M'QUOID -- Feb. 25, at Belmont Presbyterian Church, by Rev. D. D. Boyle, M.A., William Bell, 201, Woodstock Road, Belfast, to Mary (Minnie), eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M'Quoid, 81, Willowfield Street, Belfast.

CURRIE--WRAY -- Feb. 26, at Ballyshannon Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. J. Maginnis, Samuel, only son of Samuel Currie, sen., Ravenhill Avenue, Belfast, to Margaret Lipsett, fifth daughter of the late Frank and of Mrs. Wray, The Mall, Ballyshannon.

JOHNSTON--JONES -- Feb. 77, at the Parish Church, Farnworth, by the Rev. G. Williams, Vicar of Pool Quay, uncle of the bride, assisted by the Rev. C. W. W. Bramley, Vicar of Farnworth, and the Rev. H. E. Burgess, Vicar of Higher Walton, John Johnston, M.B., son of Thomas Johnston, Bloomfield, Belfast, to Florence Mabel, youngest daughter of the late Rev D. Jones, Rector of LLanfachreth, Anglesea. At home, Highcroft, Farnworth, April 2nd, 3rd, and 10th.

PORTER--MURRAY -- Feb. 11, 1919, at Central Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, New York, by the Rev. Dr. J. F. Carson, William Garrett Porter, to Tillie Murray, both of Belfast.

Deaths

LORD -- Feb. 22, at 29, Grange Road, Cantonbury, London (of pneumonia, following influenza), Tillie, the dearly-loved wife of Alfred Lord, late of The Grange, Truro, Cornwall. Interred in Kenwyn Churchyard, Truro, on February 28th.

STURGEON -- March 4, at her residence Union Lodge, Boardmills, Jane Thompson, elder daughter of the late Robert Sturgeon. Remains interred in the family burying-ground, First Boardmills, on Thursday afternoon, 6th inst. Deeply regretted by her sorrowing Sister and Brother.

LOGAN -- Feb. 28, at Knocknagulla, Whitehead, Frances Stephens, widow of Dr. Wm. Logan.

MARTIN -- March 3, 1919, at her residence, 8, Elimgrove Terrace, Cliftonville Road, Sophia Martin, late of Newtownhamilton.

MACDONALD -- Feb. 27 , (suddenly), at his father's residence, Mill Street, Comber, John Alexander ("wee Jack").

MOORE -- March 2, at Umgall, Annie, daughter of the late John Moore.

MURPHY -- Feb. 28, at her parents' residence, Lerryadd, Lurgan, Mary Jane Murphy, only daughter of Robert Murphy.

M'CULLAGH -- Feb. 28, at Bruslee, Ballyclare, Annie Gilmore, dearly-beloved wife of Robert M'Cullagh.

STEVENSON -- March 1, at Camphill, Whiteabbey (after a brief illness), Thomas Stevenson.

STEWART -- March 1, at Fortview, Lisnalinchy, Robert Stewart.

VAUGHAN -- March 1, at Old Warren, Lisburn, Wm. John, dearly-beloved husband of Susan Vaughan.

WATSON -- March 1, at his residence, Corcreeney, Waringstown, James Watson.

WILSON -- Feb. 26, at 176, Ravenhill Road, John B., third son of the late Johnston Wilson.

WILSON -- March 1, at her son-in-laws residence, Ballynagarrick, Margaret, relict of the late Samuel Wilson. Moyraverty.

In Memoriam

DOUGLAS -- In sweetest remembrance of our dearly-loved mother, Leta H. Douglas, who departed this life on the 6th March, 1917.
"One presence, which has made us know
 To God-like souls how deep our debt!
 We would not -- if we could -- forget!"
H. A. and J. A. K. DOUGLAS. Maine, Drumsurn, Co. Derry.

WALLACE -- In loving memory of Jane Annie, wife of Campbell Wallace, who died 2nd March, 1910.

Clippings

NEWS OF THE WEEK

IN BRIEF.

No Lady Lawyers for Ireland. -- Lord Buckmaster's Bill to admit women to practise as barristers and solicitors does not apply to Ireland.

A Monster Pig. -- A pig weighing within a few pounds of 6cwts. was purchased on Saturday in Cookstown market by Mr. Hugh Toban, Stewartstown, at the price of 130s per cwt.

Naval Losses. -- The naval losses of Allied and enemy Powers during the war are estimated in tonnage as follows:-- Great Britain, 550,000; Franc, 110,000; Italy, 76,000; Japan, 50,000; U.S.A., 17,000; Germany, 350,000; and Austria,65,000.

Belfast Jail Inquiry. -- The London correspondent of the "Irish Times" states that Judge Dodd's report on the Belfast Jail inquiry has been received in London, and that there is good reason to believe he finds the Sinn Fein charges unfounded.

Aquitania in Collision. -- The Aquitania, with Lord Reading on board, safely put into New York harbour, after having collided with the freight steamer Lord Dufferin, formerly owned by Messrs. Dixon, Belfast, which sank. The crew were taken an board the Aquitania.

Derry Labour Unionist Association. -- The City of Derry branch of the Ulster Labour Unionist Association have elected Sir Edward Carson hon. president, and Alderman Sir Robert N. Anderson, Mayor of Derry, chairman. The membership, it was stated, now reached close on a thousand.

Churchmen and the Pope. -- Bishop Weller, the head of the High Church party in the United States, announces that he has appointed a deputation of three prelates of the Protestant Episcopal Church to solicit the Pope's co-operation in bringing together the world's Christian Churches.

Irish Channel Tunnel Question. -- Sir M. Dockrell was informed by Mr. Bonar Law that the question of connecting Great Britain and Ireland by tunnel was one of those which would be considered in conjunction with any scheme for tunnelling the English Channel by the proposed Ministry of Ways and Communications.

Fish Prices. -- The Ministry of Food announces that since control prices of fish were suspended prices were slightly below recent control, with the exception of haddock, of which there is a short supply and large demand for smoking. If the result of de-control is to prejudice consumers a fresh schedule of maximum prices will be fixed. Herrings are plentiful and cheap.

Big Fall in Egg Prices. -- The price of eggs has fallen considerably during the past week at the provincial markets. At Abbeyleix the price was 1s to 1s 6d per doz., while at Roscrea, Letterkenny, Newry, Tyrone, and Midleton 2s was quoted. Other markets quoted as follows:-- Castledermot, 2s 3d; Enniscorthy, 2s 4d; Magherafelt, 2s 6d; Dungannon, 2s 9£d to 3s; Cookstown, 3s 6d; and Baltinglass, 3s 6d.

Ulster Reform Club. -- At the annual meeting it was reported that the membership had reached the highest point in its history. Mr. Adam Duffin, LL.B., was unanimously elected president, and Mr. R. J. M'Keown vice-president. Warm tributes were paid to the retiring president (Mr. Thomas M'Mullan) for his courtesy, ability, and hospitality, and to his enthusiastic and successful efforts in connection with the club during his year of office.

Exchequer Returns. -- Receipts April 1 to March 1, £748,455,530 (£93,594,470 short of the estimate), compared with £609,741,763 a year ago (increase £138,713,767). The week's receipts were £28,274,037, a decrease of £3,825,227 on the previous week, but with four weeks yet to run the estimate at the average receipts for the past three weeks would be exceeded by £40,000,000. Expenditure for the eleven months was £2,385,214,377, against £2,458,061,570.

Food Riots in Spanish Capital. -- Food riots in Madrid, when martial law was proclaimed, resulted in 268 arrests, 100 persons slightly injured, including twelve policemen, and 94 bakeries and 106 provision stores raided. Tranquility has since prevailed, but troops paraded the streets, and enormous queues were stationed all day outside the bakery shops, where the making of bread had been delayed by the destruction of a large quantity of material.

Aberdeen Estate Sale. -- Mr. H. B. Boret, of Billeter Square, London, has purchased the greater part of the Haddo House estates, Aberdeenshire, belonging to Lord Aberdeen. The purchase consists of 50,000 acres (600 holdings) with a gross rental of £28,000; and Lord Aberdeen retains Haddo House and 13,000 acres. The tenants are to be given an opportunity of becoming owners of their own holdings. Lord Aberdeen's two sons concur in a petition to break the entail.

Death of Ulster ex-High Sheriff. -- The death has occurred in London of Colonel the Honourable H. E. Maxwell, D.S.O., of Arley, Mount Nugent, County Cavan. Deceased was a son of the late Honourable Richard Maxwell, and a brother of the late Lord Farnham, Grand Master of the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast. He was a Deputy-Lieutenant of the County of Cavan, and filled the office of High Sheriff in 1910. He was a prominent Freemason, and was also actively associated with the Orange Order.

Whitehead Lady's Death. -- By the death of Mrs. Logan, widow of Dr. William Logan, and mother of Dr. Mary Logan, a well-known official of the Belfast Board of Guardians, the district of Whitehead has lost one of its oldest and most respected residents. Mrs. Logan was noted for her interest in every movement for the betterment of the social conditions of the people. During the past winter Mrs. Logan suffered a double bereavement by the loss of her two sons -- Dr. William Logan and Dr. John B. Logan.

Prevention of Intemperance. -- The monthly meeting of the Executive Committee of the Irish Association for the Prevention of Intemperance was held in Dublin -- Mr. Joseph Mooney, J.P., in the chair. During the month Mr. W. E. Johnston, a director of the Anti-Saloon League of the U.S.A., called on the secretary of the association, and informed him that the League hope shortly to be able to assist temperance associations in Ireland -- financially and with speakers -- in a campaign in favour of local option. It was agreed to give the League every possible assistance in the furtherance of this project.

Belfast Postmaster's Distinction. -- Mr. J. Lee, M.A., Postmaster, Belfast, since 1917, has been appointed Controller of the Central Telegraph Office, London. Mr. Lee, whose parents were natives of King's County, joined the Post Office as sorting clerk and telegraphist in 1883, and made rapid progress. He is the author of several works on telephony and telegraphy, and has frequently lectured in London on these subjects. He is one of the Editors of "The Telegraph and Telephone Journal," and has been on several official missions abroad. During his residence in Belfast he delivered a series of lectures on commercial subjects in the Queen's University, where he obtained the degree of Master of Commercial Science.

Belfast Rates. -- Belfast Budget for next year is £98,457 more than last year, which was then stated to be the high-water mark. The total rates for the year will be 8s 8d on the larger valuations and 8s 2d on smaller valuations, an increase of 7d in the £. For the coming year the valuation will be raised by £10,644, making the total £1,617,387. The Improvement Committee were responsible for £81,895 of the extra demands, and of this £35,000 was for streets and sewers, and £38,000 for the Cleansing Department. Cleansing services demand £60,000 for wages, and almost £50,000 for cartage. The total expenditure provided for is £827,674, representing an aggregate of £1 13s per head of the population. The Asylum demand showed a reduction of £3,000 on last year.

Death of Captain Forth. -- The death has occurred at his residence, Knockbreda Park, of Captain Francis C. Forth, Principal of the Belfast Municipal Technical Institute. Captain Forth, who succumbed to a serious internal complaint, was Principal of the Institute since 1900, prior to which he occupied the position of vice-principal of the Manchester School of Technology. His services to the cause of science were fittingly acknowledged when he was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Science. He received a commission in the Royal Irish Rifles, with the rank of captain, in June, 1915, and held that position till December, 1917, when he retired to resume his civil duties. His death at the comparatively early age of fifty-eight years is deeply regretted by all classes of Belfast citizens.

Temperance Exhortations. -- The Irish Roman Catholic Bishops' Pastorals all exhort the practice of temperance, particularly during Lent. The disfiguring blot of insobriety, says Most Rev. Dr. O'Sullivan, "mars the otherwise stainless record of their virtues and their fidelity to the practices of their religion." Most Rev. Dr. Hoare says the Total Abstinence Society has achieved a great success, but Government restrictions and the increase in the price of drinks made its work comparatively easy. If they could not compete with America in banishing alcohol they could, at least, improve the present state of things. Temperance is advancing. Most Rev. Dr. O'Donnell says, "and we have good reason to expect that the record of advance that is disclosed when the Total Abstinence Federation of Ireland assembles in the autumn will be very gratifying." The experience gained by the enforced comparative sobriety of the fast few years is instructive. Most Rev. Dr. Morrisroe says, and he hopes it will be used with effect when the much-needed reformation of the drink regulations come to be accomplished.

New Year Honours. -- The issue of the Prime Minister's list of New Year Honours is still delayed, and it is understood that there is no chance of publication while the industrial trouble continues. The Prime Minister and all concerned are too busy to be able to devote attention to the matter of this list.

Belfast Dental Clinic. -- At the monthly meeting of the committee of the Belfast Dental Clinic for National School Children -- Mr. J. R. Bristow in the chair it was arranged that the Clinic should remain open for the treatment of children, notwithstanding the fact that the National schools are closed on account of the influenza epidemic.

Army Doctors and Nurses. -- Mr. Churchill stated in Parliament that the number of doctors in the army last November was 11,000 and of nurses 24,000, and that the numbers at present were, respectively, 9,300 and 20,000. Now that the fighting was over, he added, they did not want these medical men in the army when their services were so much required at home.

Belfast and Princess Pat. -- Belfast ladies have decided that the presentation to Lady Patricia Ramsay shall consist of an Irish silver hand-made tray, with engravings from the Book of Kells, three silver Celtic border salvers, and two silver potato rings, and also an illuminated scroll with the facsimile autographs of the committee and in script the names of the subscribers.

Huge Estimates. -- A White Paper publishes estimates showing the amounts to be voted on account for Civil Services and Revenue Departments for the year ending March 31, 1920. The total sum required on account is £210,310,000, £16,000,000 of which is for the Post Office and £19,000,060 for the Civil Demobilisation and Resettlement Departments, The total net estimate for the year is £495,634,834.

First Native Chinese Bishop. -- A communication was laid before the Synod of the Episcopal Church of Scotland at a meeting in the Chapter House of St. Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, from Bishop Norris, of North China, intimating the consecration of the first native Chinese bishop. The consecration took place at Shanghai in October last, and it was resolved to send the Synod's congratulations to the new bishop.

Evangeline. -- The home of Evangeline, at Grand-Pre, Nova Scotia, immortalised by Longfellow's poem of that name, has been purchased by the Canadian Pacific Railway, and will be maintained a® a public park. A statue of Evangeline, which was being sculptured by Louis Philippe Herbert at the time of his death, will be completed by his son and placed in the park, which is a stone's throw from Premier Borden's residence.

An Irish Labour Department. -- The organisation of the Ministry of Labour is being extended into an Irish department corresponding to those in England to deal with matters arising under the National Insurance (Unemployment) Acts, the Conciliation Act, the Wages (Temporary Regulation) Act, and the Trade Boards Acts. Mr. Gordon Campbell, son of the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, has been appointed secretary.

Architects and Housing. -- The council of the Ulster Society of Architects expressed disapproval of the proposal of the Institute of Irish Architects to hold a competition for designs of model houses in conjunction with the Local Government Board -- the latter providing the premiums -- on the ground that the institute is not conversant with the requirements of an industrial area such as Ulster; and decided to ask the Board to hold a separate competition for Ulster.

Ireland and Milk Commission. -- The Food Controller is considering, in conjunction with the Department, extension of inquiries of the Travelling Milk Commission to Ireland, Mr. Parker has informed Mr. Devlin. The Irish committee had already urged the Department to institute an inquiry into the decrease of milk production. If the Commission should visit Ireland, the addition of two or more Irish representatives with practical knowledge on the subject (one being entitled to speak for cooperative creameries) would be made.

Coal Prices. -- The Coal Commission at its first business sitting heard figures submitted by Mr. A. L. Dickinson, chartered accountant, who was advisor to the Coal Controller, regarding the price of coal in recent years and the estimated cost of the new wages conditions demanded by the miners. He said that the reduction of hours would mean an increase in the cost of coal of 2s 7d per ton above that for the quarter ending September, 1918, and that an increase of wages of 30 per cent, would mean an increase of 4s per ton, making a total of 6s 7d per ton.

Belfast Gentleman Honoured. -- The official announcement of the honour conferred upon Mr. R. Garrett Campbell, Coolgreaney, Fortwilliam Park, Belfast, will be received with pleasure in commercial circles in Belfast. The new Commander of the Order of the British Empire is a son of the late Mr. John Campbell, of Rathfern, Whiteabbey, and is a director of the firm of Henry Campbell & Co., Ltd., flax spinners and linen thread manufacturers. He is chairman of the Flax Spinners' Association, one of the Belfast representatives on the Flax Control Board, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

Rent Restriction Bill. -- Mr. Bonar Law informed Mr. Rowlands, in the House of Commons, that the Government have decided to introduce a Bill to prolong the Rents Restriction Act for one year from the termination of the war, and after the time that the present Act would have expired to allow rents to be raised by not more than 10 per cent. and the rate of mortgage interest to be increased by not more than ½ per cent. to a limit of 5 per cent. It had been decided to extend the operation of this Act to houses whose rateable value at the commencement of war did not exceed £55 in London. Replying to Sir Edward Carson, he said he thought the Bill would apply to Ireland, but he should not be committed.

Belfast Citizen's Death. -- We regret to announce the death of Mr. William Whyte Cleland, which took place yesterday at his residence, Osborne Park House, Belfast. The deceased, who was in his eighty-first year, founded the printing firm of Messrs. W. W. Cleland, Ltd., Cullingtree Factory, Belfast. Whilst not taking any prominent part in public life, Mr. Cleland was one of the most highly esteemed citizens, and was an outstanding figure in connection with the Congregational Church in Ireland. He was treasurer of the Irish Evangelical Society and secretary of the Congregational Ministers' Provident Fund. In 1901 he was elected Chairman of the Irish Congregational Union, and during a great number of years took a keen interest in Donegal Street Congregational Church, of which he had been deacon and treasurer for a very considerable period. He was one of the founders of the Belfast Benevolent Society of St. Andrew, and occupied the presidential chair in connection with that flourishing organisation some years ago.

Belfast Harbour Bill. -- This measure was read a second time in the House of Commons, a motion for its rejection being negatived by 176 votes to 52. Mr. Devlin, who opposed the measure, said the Harbour Commissioners should have taken cognisance of the spirit of democracy. The franchise of the Trust did not represent the people. Mr. Whitley, Chairman of Ways and Means, said this Bill was one of twenty similar Bills promoted by Dock and Harbour Boards to enable them to meet war conditions, in particular to meet the largely increased wages bills. Nineteen of the twenty Bills had passed their second reading without objection, including those of Dublin and Cork. It would be an action which the House of Commons would not wish to entertain, to discriminate in this case against a particular Harbour Board. Sir Edward Carson declined to go into the old question raised by Mr. Devlin, as it was purely a business Bill. He denied that the Board had power of co-option, and said its franchise was the most democratic of any Harbour Board in the United Kingdom. He declined to be drawn into a discussion on Nationalist, Sinn Feiner, Unionist, Catholic, or Protestant.

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

The death has occurred at the Manse, Ballynure, Moate, of the Rev. John Topping, B.A., L.R.C.P.E., L.R.C.S.E., minister of Moyvore Presbyterian Church. Deceased, who was 78 years of age, was a well-known member of the Athlone Presbytery.

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

THE LATE MR. J. B. DOAKE.

The funeral of the late Mr. James Baxter Doake, Glenlagan, Dromara, whose death has been so universally regretted, took place to the burying-ground at first Dromara Presbyterian Church, and was very largely attended. At the house an impressive service was conducted by the Rev. Josias Mitchell, B.A., Anahilt, and Rev. S. K. Jamison, First Dromara. Prior to the interment a service was held in the church. Rev. Mr. Mitchell, who delivered the address, said, that the deceased's goodness was of the highest type -- the goodness that serves. He lived few others. Selfishness was as foreign to his nature as snow in mid-summer. He delighted in doing good. He scattered flowers along his pathway. No appeal for any worthy object was ever made to him in vain. He never passed a needy fellow mortal by on the other side. He always acted the part of the good Samaritan. That big heart of his opened wide his purse, and none but God knew all the good he did. His sympathies were not of the narrow, bigoted order -- a loyal son of his own Church., he withheld not his help from sister Churches. He was a kind and considerate master. One of the best tests of a man is the relationship that exists between him and his servants. Apply this test, and Mr. Doake would not be found wanting. He was the counterpart of the good Centurion in the Goepel, who with an anxious heart appealed to Christ for the healing of his sick servant. If the same relationship existed to-day between employers and employed there would be no more ruinous strikes -- no more labour wars; and from many a home in Kinallen, and places far away, there went forth that day a heartfelt sigh that one of the best bo human friends was gone. The congregation in which he was a regular worshipper would greatly miss him, but his life and example would long live after him, and if imitated, only in part, by his fellow-worshippers, would make his sojourn among them an abiding benediction. He was a true patriot. Loyal to his God, he was ever loyal to his King and county. In the great war his flesh and blood suffered on the battlefield. His brave nephews gave evidence of possessing the honourable traditions of their race, and when one of them fell he bore the trial like a Christian brother, for he knew how noble a thing it was die for righteousness sake. Unable to take his stand in person with our fighting men abroad, he acted a soldier's part in the trenches at home. In the darkest periods of the war he never lost hope, and his confidence of victory cheered many a fainting heart. For our soldiers and sailors he devised liberal things, and every appeal for their help and comfort found in him a generous supporter.

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

QUA IBOE MISSIONARIES' DEATH.

Details have been received regarding the death in the European hospital at Calabar of Mr. W. C. Eakin, a native of Ballymoney, one of the Qua Iboe missionaries. Mr. Eakin was preaching at one of the out-stations in his district on Sabbath, 5th January, when he took suddenly ill. Fortunately another missionary, Mr. Nelson, was in the neighbourhood, and wired for Mr. Eakin's friend, Dr. Hitchcock, of the United Free Mission, at Itu. Dr. Hitchcock arrived on the Tuesday, riding over 60 miles on an ordinary bicycle. He did all he could for Mr. Eakin, and removed him to Calabar on the Wednesday, where an operation for appendicitis was performed by the Government doctor. Mr. Eakin seemed to do well for two days, but peritonitis set in, and he died, after a second operation, on the Saturday. His remains were interred adjacent to the grave of the late Mary Slessor, in the European Cemetery, overlooking the Calabar River. Rev. J. K. M'Gregor, of the United Free Mission, conducted the service, and the funeral was attended by the missionaries, Government officials, and other Europeans at Calabar.

A very tragic sequel occurred two days later, when Dr. Hitchcock succumbed from fever and exhaustion. He was buried beside Mr. Eakin on the Wednesday. Thus both the United Free Mission and the Qua Iboe Mission were bereft of two of their finest workers.

 

^ top of page

Deaths

HUNTER -- March 4, at her residence, Loughans, North Road, Bloomfield, Belfast, Mary Ann, dearly-beloved wife of Thomas Hunter. Funeral strictly private.

REYNOLDS -- March 33, at his residence, Drumafivey, Stranocum, Hugh W. H. Reynolds. Funeral to-morrow (Saturday) to the family burying-ground, Old Kilraughts. Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation. JOHN REYNOLDS.

BRATTEN -- March 9, at her sister's residence, 74, University Street, Elizabeth, daughter of the late James Bratten, of Carrickaloughran, Armagh.

CAMERON -- March 6, at Ballywalter, Jennie, the beloved wife of James Cameron.

CARMICHAEL -- March 10, at 36 and 38, Roden Street, Belfast, Thomas Carmichael, formerly of Rashee, Ballyclare.

CRAIG -- March 7, at Limepark, Armoy, Arthur Brooke Craig, J.P.

CURRY -- March 9, at Sheil's Institution, Dungannon, Anne, relict of the late Richard Curry.

FERGUSON -- March 7, at her daughter's residence, 55, North Street, Newtownards, Elizabeth, widow of the late Wm. Ferguson.

FORGRAVE -- March 3, at the residence of Mrs. Kennedy, Glenlaugh, James Forgrave, principal teacher of Bond's Glen N. School, aged 49 years.

LEWIS -- March 7, at Prospect House, Cookstown, Florence Amelia, beloved wife of S. A. Lewis.

LYTTLE -- March 10, at Maralin, Robert Lyttle, aged 85 years.

MARSHALL -- March 9, at his father's residence, Legane, Aughnacloy, Robert (Bertie), younger and dearly-loved son of T. C. W. Marshall, aged 16 years.

M'KAY -- March 7, at Giant's Causeway, Alex. M'Kay.

M'KAY -- March 10, at his residence, Dundonagh, Glasslough, Charles M'Kay, aged 85 years.

M'KNIGHT -- March 7, at Rockvale, Ballinderry, Margaret M'Knight.

WOODSIDE -- March 10, at Lismenary, Ballynure, Co. Antrim, Elizabeth Alexandra (Bessie), the loving daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth Woodside.

In Memoriam

DOUGLAS -- In loving remembrance of the Rev. Gawin Douglas, Loughbrickland, minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church for almost 52 years, who died the 15th of March, 1915, aged 83 years. Inserted by his loving daughter.A. J. I. BOGGS. Crieg, Loughbrickland.

JOHNSTON -- In loving memory of Robert Albert, third son of Robert Johnston, 49, Cedar Avenue, Belfast, who died suddenly at Lokoja, Nigeria, West Africa, 21st March, 1918. "Absent from the body, present with the Lord."

Clippings

NEWS OF THE WEEK

IN BRIEF.

Bank Dividend. -- The Northern Banking Company, Limited, announce that a dividend for the past half-year has been declared at the rate of 15 per cent. per annum on the "A" shares and 7½ per cent, per annum on the "B" shares of the company, less income tax.

Easter Train Fares. -- Mr. Bridgeman informed Sir Kingsley Wood in Parliament that he was afraid it would not be possible to give any cheap railway travelling facilities at Easter. The companies, however, would endeavour to meet the needs of the public by increasing their train service.

American Airmen's Fine Flight. -- Major Fleet and Captain White flew a battleplane, equipped with a 400 horse-power Liberty motor, from Dayton (Ohio) to Mineol (New York), a distance of 660 miles, in 27x minutes, actual flying time. They made one stop, at Newburg (New York), for minor repaira. The aviators encountered snow, wind, and fog, which took them a hundred miles off their course.

Pope and Near East. -- The Pope in a Secret Consistory delivered an allocation in which he referred to the solicitude of the Holy See for the welfare of the Near East and its efforts to alleviate suffering in Asia Minor, especially in Armenia, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. Referring to the Holy Land the Pope expressed the hope that the Paris Peace Conference might entrust its government to Christians.

Typhus Horrors. -- Suffering from hunger and disorder, Warsaw is now in the horrors of a typhus epidemic, and disinfectants and medicines are lacking. The underfed population is unable to resist the ravages of the disease, fuel is scarce, and provisions, which are also scarce, are at famine prices. A British eye-witness says Petrograd is even worse, and he thinks the overthrow of Lenin and Trotsky impossible.

Irish Egg-Laying Competition. -- White Wyandottes take the first three places in the list of forty-six groups of competitors for the first period of the seventh Irish egg-laying competition. A pen of twenty-seven laid 407 eggs from October 1 to December 31, the value of the eggs being £8 6s. The birds have surpassed all previous records in the number of eggs laid, and the total money reached, £221 15s 11d for 306 pullets in three months.

Workhouse Chaplains' Salaries. -- At the Newry Board of Guardians Mr. Bell moved an increase in the salaries of the Church of Ireland and Presbyterian chaplains of the Workhouse. He pointed out the increase of £40 granted at the last meeting to the Roman Catholic chaplain, whose salary was from £60 to £100. It was unanimously decided to grant an advance of £22 per annum, bringing the salaries of the Protestant chaplains up to £65 per annum.

East Antrim Election. -- Mr. Charles M. Legg, of Carrickfergus Urban Council, has decided to contest East Antrim at the forth-coming election. He is a Presbyterian in religion, and a Liberal in politics. Major M'Cormack, chairman of the Ulster Farmers Union, has withdrawn his candidature. Major W. Agnew Moore, D.S.O., Ballygally, is the official Unionist candidate, and Mr. Geo. B. Hanna, solicitor, Ballymena, is standing as as Independent Unionist.

British Shipping Losses. -- In the House of Commons Colonel Leslie Wilson said the total tonnage of enemy merchant vessels of 500 gross tons and over, excluding condemned vessels, was as follows:-- Detained, 216,709 gross tons; condemned, 150,836; awaiting adjudication, 10,565; making a total of 378,110 gross tons. Merchant vessels of all sizes under the British flag sunk by enemy action was 7,759,155 tons. This total included approximately 175,00 tons gross of enemy vessels.

National Debt Figures. -- Last year the National Debt, or gross liabilities, showed an increase of £1,857,450,838 on the figures for 1917 (£4,063,644,981). The unfunded debt was increased by additional War Loan accounts, 1916-17, as follows:-- 5 per cent. £8,595,371; 3 per cent. Exchequer bonds, £82,274,436; Treasury bills net, £523,471,009; War Scrip Certificates, £63,262,810; War Bonds, £659,368,320; other debt under Loan Acts, £709,301,875, the total increase under this head being £1,862,603,386.

A Belfast Inventor's Fate. -- Dr. Macnamara, in reply to Mr. M'Guffin (Shankill, Belfast) in Parliament as to an ingenious discovery by the late Chief Artificer Gibson, of Belfast, for raising sunken submarines, denied that he specially contributed to the raising of a submarine, as his device was not original, and no financial recognition could be given. He expressed regret that Gibson lost his life by the sinking of a submarine after collision, and said that, his widow and orphans would get the usual pensions as well as gratuity and prize money.

Irish Economic Regeneration. -- Steps are being taken, says the Central News, with the full approval and sympathy of the Lord Lieutenant and the Chief Secretary for Ireland, to establish non-political organisation, which will have for its object the economic reorganisation of Ireland within the Empire. Some of the projects which the promoters of the scheme have in mind are the possibility of creating great harbours on the West of Ireland, the development of the peat deposits as a source of spirit, dyes, gas, and fuel, and the regeneration of Irish agriculture on the basis of dairy-farming.

Channel Tunnel. -- In the House of Commons Mr. Bonar Law stated that he was in communication with the Prime Minister in Paris as to whether, in order to find employment for discharged soldiers, he would approach the French Government with a view to the immediate commencement of the Channel Tunnel. According to the "Daily Chronicle," Britain and France have agreed to go ahead with the Channel Tunnel scheme, work at both ends to be commenced without delay. Sir Francis Fox will have charge of the work, the cost of which is estimated at £20,000,000, and the construction will take from four to five years.

Church and Labour Problems. -- The Archbishops of York and Canterbury have issued a statement recommending that on Sabbath next special prayers should be offered in all the churches for a righteous settlement of the grave industrial problems now under consideration. Included in the statement are suggested forms of the ministers' call to prayer and of the special prayers themselves. The former implores Divine guidance for the leading men of the country who are endeavouring to solve the grave problems now confronting the country, and asks that the decisions which they may reach may promote the greater good of all the people.

Crossgar Disturbance. -- Exciting scenes were witnessed in Crossgar, County Down. A large crowd, armed with hurleys and accompanied by a pipers' band, were waiting to meet the night train on which a local "martyr" was to arrive on his release from jail. The crowd, having paraded Downpatrick Street, was approaching the corner of Killyleagh Street, when there was a collision with a body of police drawn across the end of that thoroughfare. A battle of batons, stones, and hurleys ensued, and a number of police, including a couple of sergeants, received injuries. Some windows were broken, including one in the police barracks.

King and Social Standards. -- Replying, at Buckingham Palace, to addresses from Convocation presented by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and a number of other bishops, the King said there was still much to do to bring the conditions in which the majority of the people of these islands worked and lived into harmony with their own desires, and with genuinely improved standards of health, education, and comfort, and to give the necessary opportunities for wholesome recreation, and he was sure that the vivified public spirit which followed the war would be reflected in the activities of Parliament, and of the Government departments and local authorities.

Miners' Wages. -- At the Coal Commission Mr. Hodges, in reply to Mr. Balfour, said, briefly, the offer of the Government to the miners was 1s a day increase, based on a sliding scale arrangement which the Government had apparently entered into with the railwaymen -- that for every four points increase in cost of living 1s per week would be granted. As there had been an increase of 20 per cent. in the cost of living since the miners got their last advance, they would get 5s per week. Mr. Balfour said the present miners' wages bill was £169 per person per annum, so that with a million men a 50 per cent. increase would mean an addition to the wages bill of £50,750,000, as against the Government's offer of £13,750,000; and the total wages bill would then be £219,700,000. Sir Daniel Macaulay Stevenson said it was an economic fact that unless our coal export was maintained food prices would go up, He anticipated in the future severe competition from Germany. English coal exporters before the war were subjected to German "dumping," which she was able to do because of the lower standard of life of her miners compared with ours. Mr. Smillie, representing the miners, said if the coal expert trade must live at the expense of the lives of our miners it ought to die.

Irish Centre Party. -- When Captain Stephen Gwynn, ex-M.P. for Galway, attended at Newry Town Hall to open the Irish Centre Party's campaign by a lecture on Federalism, there was opposition from portion of the large audience, and he had ultimately to desist. Cheers and boohs greeted Capt. Gwynn, and there were persistent interruptions as he went on to read his address. One interrupter inquired whether Ireland was a nation. "We will never have a nation," the Captain replied, "until we are united, and that is what we are out to accomplish." The lecturer then resumed and struggled about half way through his argument, being obliged in the long run to sit down, the "Soldier's Song" being sung as he did so. Rev. F. O'Hare, C.C., proposing a vote of thanks to Captain Gwynn, had a mixed reception "Hear me first and hoot me afterwards if you like," he said. The meeting, which had lasted about forty-five minutes, having terminated, the opposition party took possession of the platform, and held a meeting of their own.

Ulster Potato Crop. -- The secretary of the Ulster Farmers' Union has telegraphed as follows to the Prime Minister:-- "Would strongly urge the taking immediately of our large surplus crop of potatoes to supply the Continent with food. Every day they are in the fields they entail a very heavy loss, and our land is wanted to be cleared for ploughing. Please wire decision."

New Fellow of T.C.D. -- Dr. John Joly, F.R.S., has been elected a Fellow of T.C.D. by a vote of the Fellows, senior and junior. He has been Professor of Geology and Mineralogy in Dublin University since 1897. He is a vice-president of the R.D.S. The Royal Medal of the Royal Society was conferred on him in 1910, and the Boyle Medal of the R.D.S. in the following year.

Milk and Sugar Orders. -- The Order prohibiting the serving of milk as a separate beverage and limiting the quantity which may be used for other purposes at catering establishments is now revoked. The Ice Cream Restriction Order will be revoked from March 22, but the use of cream in the manufacture of ice cream will still be prohibited. Sugar will be allotted to manufacturers upon the scale of 100 per cent, of 1915 purchases.

Jutland Battle. -- It is now announced that H.M.S. Warspite was hit no fewer than twenty-eight times in the battle of Jutland. During the first part of the action her steering gear jammed, with the helm hard aport, causing the ship to turn circles. By going astern on one engine she was at one time closing the enemy, after which she was allowed to go on turning and then stop while the damage to the helm was made good. It was during this time that she sustained most of the hits.

Insurance on Irish Fat Cattle. -- On and after 16th inst. the Minister of Food will cease to refund insurance premiums in respect of policies taken out on Irish fat cattle and sheep, and will instead undertake the risk of losses at present covered by policies taken out with the various insurance companies, and after the date mentioned any claims by Irish vendors in respect of losses incurred during cross-Channel passage should be lodged with the chairman of the port to which the stock is consigned.

Irishmen in the New Honours. -- Mr. Justice Atkin, on whom a knighthood his been bestowed, was born at Brisbane, and his father, the late Mr. R. Atkin, Fernhiil, Cork, was a member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly. Mr. Patrick Quinn, retired superintendent, Scotland Yard, is the first police constable to rise to knighthood. Born in County Mayo, he joined the Criminal Investigation Department in 1883. In early days he watched the Fenian movement. In later years he guarded the personal safety of King and Queen and Royal visitors.

Valuable Services Recognised. -- The War Office has issued a long list of names which have been brought to the notice of the Secretary of State in connection with valuable services rendered during the war. The list includes the following:-- Ulster Volunteer Force Hospital, Belfast -- Lieutenant-General Sir George Richardson, K.C.B.; Sir Robert Liddell, D.L.; Dr. William Gibson, J.P.; Mr. Jas, Mackie, Mr. F. G. MaGuire, Miss E. Mulligan, Mr. Fred Rogers, Mr. R. Dawson Bates, O.B.E.; and Mr. W. Carson. Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast -- Sir Wm. Crawford, J.P.

Bolshevism in America. -- Overthrowing the American Government, through a bloody revolution and establishing a Bolshevik Republic, is the object of Independent Workers of the World, anarchists. Radical Socialists, and others who are perfecting an amalgamation for this purpose, according to Mr. H. Lamer, solicitor to the Post Office Department, who has sent a memorandum to the Propaganda Investigating Committee on the matter. He alleges he can produce mail matter since the armistice which discloses the facts, and refers particularly to the activity of dissatisfied foreigners.

Irish Reconstruction Grant. -- The Supply grant of £20,000 for Irish Development and Reconstruction was agreed to by Grand Committee of the House of Commons. Mr. Baldwin, for the Treasury, said it was proposed to provide a total of £250,000 to meet expenditure incurred on the recommendation of an Inter-Departmental Committee to provide employment on reproductive works of general utility for discharged soldiers and sailors in Ireland. Under the 1918-19 estimates £250,000 was allocated for Ireland. It was considered by the Irish Executive of very great importance that £20,000 of this should be expended in the current financial year.

Late Mr. A. Williamson. -- The remains of the late Mr. Arthur Williamson, M.A., principal of the Rathmines Technical Institute, who died suddenly, were removed from his late residence, 63, Grosvenor Road, Rathgar, Dublin, for interment in the family burial-ground in Lisburn Cemetery. There was a large and representative attendance (including many members of the Masonic Order, amongst whom the deceased was a prominent figure) at the house, where a short service was conducted by Rev. R. K. Hanna, B.A., of Adelaide Road Presbyterian Church, in the absence of the Rev. J. J. Macaulay, B.A., of Christ Church, Rathgar, of which congregation the late Mr. Williamson was a member.

Sinn Fein Prisoners. -- The Chief Secretary, replying to a deputation from the Dublin Corporation, states that the Government denies that any undertaking was given that lawfully convicted prisoners in Belfast should be moved to an internment camp or anywhere else, and be adds that the Government cannot entertain any representations accompanied by suggestions of reprisals. The Corporation adopted a ; report from committee, which states that they had received the Chief Secretary's denial with amazement, that they repudiated such a statement, and (Suggested that meetings should be held on St. Patrick's Day outside the Catholic churches throughout the country, after last Mass, so that the facts may be placed before the country.

Sinn Fein Scene. -- A disgraceful scene was witnessed in Dublin during the progress of the funeral procession accompanying the remains of the late Pierce M'Cann, Sinn Fein M.P. for East Tipperary, who died from pneumonia in Gloucester Prison, where he had been interned, with others, since last May. While the procession was passing Grattan Bridge, a motor bicycle and side car, containing two officers and a non-commissioned officer of the Royal Air Force, approached. The Sinn Feiners allege that the officers tried to break through the procession. At all events the motorists were set upon and very roughly handled. They succeeded in escaping, however, but the motor bicycle and side car were lifted bodily and thrown over the parapet into the Liffey.

Scene at Football Match. -- A section of the crowd at the Cliftonville football enclosure broke on to the field five minutes from time, and made rush for the players. The referee, Mr. W. Cowan (Belfast), recognising that it would be impossible to continue, abandoned the game. Prior to this, intense excitement prevailed. A section of the crowd sang the "Soldier's Song," and a bottle was thrown on the field. Stones were thrown and railings smashed. Police and stewards had to escort the referee to the pavilion, and the crowd soon dispersed, but not before some of the windows in the pavilion were smashed by stones. The presence of a large force of police prevented a more serious disturbance; but, as it was, the scene was disgraceful.

Investiture by the King. -- The King held in the ballroom at Buckingham Palace one of the largest of recent investitures, at which he bestowed close on 400 decorations, including seven V.C.'s. Rev Dr. Simms, Moderator-designate of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, received the insignia of a Companion of the Bath. Dr. Simms, who belongs to Newtownards, was Principal Chaplain to the British Armies in France throughout the war. Lieutenant Oscar Henderson. R.N., was invested with the insignia of a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order. This officer was awarded the decoration for gallantry during the memorable raid on Zeebrugge on the night of 22nd-23rd April, 1918. He is a son of the late Sir James Henderson, D.L., Belfast.

U.S.A. Soldiers and Police. -- A serious riot occurred in London as a result of a collision between American sailors and soldiers and the civil police, the injured numbering six Americans and one Australian stretcher case and five police. It seems that a policeman objected to a soldier's game of "shooting the dice" indulged in outside a hostel, and arguments led to blows, the policeman using his truncheon. A second constable arrived, and felled one of the assailants. Soon more police arrived, and were making arrests for gambling, and an American police corporal who disputed the right of the civil police to interfere was struck with a baton. An angry crowd of about 800, joined by Colonial soldiers, demanded the release of the men arrested, and marched with wrenched bits of railings and hoardings, some armed with bottles and i stones, to Bow Street, where the prisoners were taken, and tried to force an entrance, but were repelled by a force of about fifty policemen with batons. A fierce melee ensued, the sullen crowd remaining in the neighbourhood until induced by some American officers and Y.M.C.A. officers to go away.

Military Camp Riot. -- A serious disturbance occurred at the military camp at Kinmel, Worth Wales. Considerable damage was done to property, and five men were killed and twenty-one injured. The men concerned in the outbreak were Canadian troops, who had been sent to the camp to be demobilised and passed for embarkation. It is asserted that the cause of the trouble was that these men, most of whom are war casualties and have served in France for three years or more, expected daily to proceed to the port of embarkation; but they allege that these sailings have been postponed until other troops, who came to the war theatre later, have been sent home. The riot started suddenly with a cry, "Come on, Bolsheviks," which is said to have been raised by a Canadian soldier who is a Russian. Hundreds of men rushed from their huts, armed with ail kinds of weapons, and, ignoring the guard, commenced to destroy property. While the riots were at their height a brewer's dray reached the camp. The barrels were broached and the contents consumed. Many men were soon in a drunken sleep. The damage is estimated at not less than £30,000. Twelve civilians have beer arrested. During the looting £6,000 worth of tobacco and cigarettes were taken and divided.

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

Death of Rev. Samuel Patton.

The death occurred on Saturday in his 87th year of Rev. Samuel Patton, Waterside, Londonderry. A native of the city, deceased was ordained to the Eastern Reformed Presbyterian Church, Waterside, Londonderry, in 1859, where he laboured until the amalgamation of the church with that the Waterside Presbyterian Church some years ago, when he retired from the active duties of the ministry. He married a daughter of the late Mr. John Dunn, who pre-deceased him by many years. Deceased leaves four of a family -- Mr. Thomas Patton, barrister-at-law; Rev. John Patton, United Free Church of Scotland; Mrs. A. C. Campbell, and Miss Patton.

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

The Late Lieutenant David Paul.

Lieutenant David Paul, who was reported "missing" from 21st March last, is now known to have fallen on that date, having been surrounded with his company and fatally wounded by machine-gun fire. He was the eldest son of Mr. James Paul, Crew, County Derry. He received his early education at the Rainey School, Magherafelt. He took a full undergraduate course, and graduated at Lafayette College. He was captain of his college team, taking part in many inter-collegiate contests. He proceeded to Princeton for the study of theology, remaining there for two years. He decided to spend his final year in the Assembly's College, Belfast, and he was cordially received by the General Assembly. Immediately after his return to Ireland, in the early summer of 1916 he joined the Officers Training Corps at the University, and in due time received his commission, being posted to the 16th Royal Irish Rifles. Whilst at various training depots he rendered valued help to those responsible for the maintenance of Divine worship. In one of his early battles he was severely wounded, but he soon recovered. During his furlough in February of 1917 he married Miss May Smyth, of Kilrea, with whom, as well as with the father of the deceased officer, deep and widespread sympathy is felt.

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

Bible from the Battlefield.

Rev. John Macmillan, D.D., Dinanew House, Ravenhill Road, Belfast, has received from a demobilised soldier a New Testament, which was carried in the pocket of "F. J. Wakefield, 5th Battalion Rifle Brigade," on the day in which he fell in action, about two months before the signing of the armistice. Two machine gun bullets directly pierced the book, a third cut its way through the edge of it; all three entered the body of the bearer, and death, was instantaneous. The soldier who rescued the Testament and brought it from France was a comrade of deceased, and he thinks that some of Rifleman Wakefield's kindred may desire to prove their claim to its possession.

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

The Late Mr. Arthur B. Craig, J.P.

The death of Mr. A. B. Craig. J.P., which occurred at his residence* Limepark, Armoy, on the 7th inst. after a few days' illness, has caused widespread regret. The deceased conducted farming operations on an extensive scale, and took a leading part in all public movements for the welfare of the community. He was chairman of the Armoy Farmers' Union, a member of Ballymoney Rural District Council from its inception, and a magistrate for County Antrim. Deeply attached to the interests of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Craig acted for thirty-five years as teacher and superintendent of Armoy Sabbath school, discharging the duties with exemplary faithfulness. He was also a ruling elder in the congregation and clerk of session. He was a generous supporter, not only of schemes connected with his own church but of every good cause. His widow and family have the sincere sympathy of the community.

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

Defeat of Spartacists.

HEAVY TOLL OF CASUALTIES.

Berlin is again quiet, and Government troops guarding non-strikers and have occupied all public buildings, factories, and churches. Many Spartacists have been sentenced to death. Everywhere the Government troops appear to have got the upper hand, but plundering is not at an end.

In the fighting the Alexander platz was battered like a front line village in the war, and the Kaiserstrasse was strewn with dead and wounded. The official estimate of the killed is 300, and of the wounded 500.

According to one statement which is said to have much impressed the Council of Ten, there are two distinct Spartaeist factions -- one composed of adventurers under Bolshevist influence, and the other of intellectual Socialists. The people are indignant at not receiving food, while the wealthy obtain everything they want -- unlike the situation in Russia -- and for the masses it is really a question of life and death which may land the country into a formidable Bolshevist movement.

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

Lieutenant John W. Coulter, A.P.D., elder son of the Rev. D. S. Ker Coulter, Gilnahirk, has been promoted to the rank of captain, and is at present engaged in the work of demobilisation at Kinross, N. B. This is his third promotion within a short period. Captain Coulter, before joining the army, was a member of the city accountant's staff at the City HalL

 

^ top of page

Birth

HAY -- March 13, at the Manse, Donemana, Co. Tyrone, to the Rev. and Mrs. David Hay -- a son.

Marriage

BURNS--MATHEWS -- March 4, 1919, at Killeigh Church by the Rev. Canon Peacocke, Geashill, John Joseph Burns, Post Office, Mountmellick, to Annie, youngest daughter of Samuel Mathews, Gurteen, Killeigh, Tullamore.

Deaths

GREER -- March 16, at his residence, 2, Temple Terrace, Dalkey, Co. Dublin, Dr. J. Stirling Greer, son of the late Rev. Thomas Greer, Anahilt, Co. Down. Funeral strictly private. "For ever with the Lord."

MARTIN -- March 13, 1919, at her residence, Ballyivey, Isabella Clingan, wife of William Martin. Interred in Ballydown Burying-ground.

WEIR -- March 4, at 22, Westminster Street, Mary Jane (Minnie) Weir. Buried by her Minister, the Reverend Charles Davey, D.D., in the City Cemetery, on the 6th inst.

BELL -- March 15, at Ballystockart, Comber, Kathleen, dearly-beloved daughter of Thos. and Margaret Bell.

BOYD -- March 11, at her residence, 43, Ulsterville Avenue, Belfast, Ellen, widow of the late John Boyd, Killinchy, Co. Down. E. and A. BOYD.

BOYD -- March 13, at her residence, Beechvale, Dunadry, Mary, the beloved wife of Samuel Boyd.

CAMPBELL -- March 16, at Lisnalinchy, Ballyclare, Margaret Rebecca (Maggie), second daughter of James and Mary Jane Campbell, aged 22 years.

COLEMAN -- March 14, at Ballytweedy, Muckamore, Samuel Coleman, aged 78 years.

DANSKIN -- March 13, at 27, Holborn Avenue, Bangor, George, beloved husband of Isabella Danskin.

ENGLISH -- March 14, at his parents' residence, Ballymather, Crawford English.

FOREMAN -- March 10, at her residence, Rockrimmon, Boardmills, Ellen Rutherford, relict of the late Mr. William Foreman, aged 76.

GASTON -- March 15, at The Glen, Duneaney, Glarryford, Thomas Gaston.

GILMER -- March 1, John, eldest son of Samuel Gilmer, Rachee, Ballyclare.

HAYES -- March 16, at Elmside Villas, Saintfield Road, Lisburn, Thomas Hayes.

HOLMES -- March 16, at Aghalee, Ann, dearly-beloved wife of Thomas Wm. Holmes.

HUNTER -- March 15, at Gordonall, Greyabbey, John Hunter.

IRELAND -- March 13, at his father's residence, Quarterland, Dundrod, Robert, infant son of Thomas Ireland.

LONSDALE -- March 16, at Lynntara, Maralin, Elizabeth Jane (Jennie), third daughter of the late Robert Lonsdale.

LUSK -- March 15, at Reehill, Carnmoney, William, the dearly-beloved husband of Anna Bella Lusk.

MACAULEY -- March 13, at a Private Nursing Home, Christopher James Macaulay, late of Monaghan, aged 67 years.

MARSHALL -- March 14, at Upland, California, William F., eldest son of William and Elizabeth S. Marshall, Princeton Villa, Bangor. (By cable.)

MARTIN -- March 16, at Beechgrove, Lambeg, Lisburn, James, aged 20 years, son of John and Isabella Martin.

MILFORD -- March 13, at Main Street, Ballymoney, John, the beloved husband of Ellen Milford.

M'KEE -- Feb. 21, at New York (suddenly), Thos. M'Kee, fourth son of Wm. James M'Kee, Bentra, Ballycarry, Co. Antrim.

M'KEE -- March 17, at his uncle's residence, Ballygowan, Doagh, James M'Kee, late of Templepatrick.

SCOTT -- March 14, at her brother's residence, Drumhirk, Comber, Isabella, eldest daughter of the late John Scott.

In Memoriam

JOHNSTON -- In loving memory of Robert Albert, third son of Robert Johnston, 49, Cedar Avenue, Belfast, who died suddenly at Lokoja, Nigeria, West Africa, 21st March, 1918. "Absent from the body, present with, the Lord."

Clippings

Death of Dowager Lady Londonderry

We regret to announce the death of the Dowager Marchioness of Londonderry, which took place on Sabbath morning at 5, Carlton House Terrace, London, as the result of pneumonia, following influenza. Lady Londonderry was the elder daughter of the 19th Earl of Shrewsbury, and when, on the 2nd October, 1875, she became the wife of Viscount Castlereagh, she was recognised as one of the most handsome and accomplished ladies in the British peerage. Lord Castlereagh succeeded his father as sixth Marquis of Londonderry in 1884, and in his various interests and activities was ably supported by his talented wife. Perhaps the most notable period of their career was the three years, 1886 to 1889, during which Lord Londonderry represented the Sovereign in Ireland. As wife of the Viceroy, Lady Londonderry won golden opinions from all sections in the country, and her lavish generosity and personal kindness were experienced by every deserving case. Political and philanthropic movements occupied a large share of her time and attention, and one of the schemes with which she was most closely identified was the Royal Irish Industries Association, of which she was the foundress, and by which she was the means of raising large sums of money for the benefit of the people of this country. On the political side she spoke and laboured with special ardour on behalf of Ulster during the most critical years of the Home Rule struggle. Most of her work was done in committee, and those who came in contact with her never failed to be impressed by her great capacity, quickness of perception and decision, and her gift as an organiser. Lady Londonderry was for a long time President of the Ulster Women's Unionist Council, a position in which she never spared herself when there was work to be done. She was also a member of the first a Senate of the Queen's University, Belfast, and was President of the Newtownards's District Nursing Society.

The funeral took place yesterday at Wynyard, County Durham, the service in the private chapel being conducted by the Primate of all Ireland (Most Rev. Dr. Crozier), while memorial services were held in London and at Mountstewart.

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

NEWS OF THE WEEK

IN BRIEF.

Irish Shorthorn Championships. -- The Irish Shorthorn Breeders' Association have decided to offer three championship prizes of £10 each for competition at the summer shows in Dublin, Belfast, and Cork.

Newry Clerical Club. -- At a meeting of the Newry Presbyterian Clerical Club a resolution was adopted placing on record the deep sense of loss which the club had sustained by the death of the Rev. Alex. Stevenson, B.A., Warrenpoint.

T.C.D. Degrees. -- The Senate of the Dublin University have approved of graces for conferring the LL.D. degree (honoris causa) on the Lord Lieutenant (Viscount French) and Sir David Beatty, and the Senate approved to consider graces for additional honorary degrees in recognition of war services.

The Pope and Palestine. -- The Pope received in private audience, Cardinal Bourne on his return from British Eastern fronts, and kept him for a long time in conversation. His Holiness has issued a letter to all bishops exhorting them to do their utmost to collect funds for the missions in Palestine.

Bye-Election Result. -- At the West Leyton (London) Parliamentary bye-election, a recent Coalition-Unionist majority of 5,668 has been converted into a Liberal one of 2,019. The figures were -- A. E. Newbold (L.), 7,934; J. F. Mason (C.U.), 5,915. Mr. Newbold got only 5,288 votes at the General Election, against 10,950 recorded for the late Col. Wrightson (C.U.)

Aberdeen-Angus Record. -- At the show and sale of pure-bred shorthorn, Aberdeen-Angus, and Hereford bulls under the auspices of the Royal Dublin Society, a first-prize January yearling Aberdeen-Angus bull, the property of Mr. F. J. Robb, Castlereagh, Belfast, described as one of the best youngsters ever seen at Ballsbridge, was sold to Mr. J. White for 610 guineas, a record for the breed in Ireland, the previous highest being 275 guineas.

Irish Estimate. -- The estimate for the Irish National Health Insurance Commission for the ensuing year is £433,745, an increase of £62,735, due to higher wages and cost of travelling. Estimate of sickness, &c., benefits is £35,600. The estimate for public works and buildings is £271,700, an increase of £82,300, and for Irish railways, £100,340, an increase of £51,998. Amount required from Ireland in rates on Government property is £119,000, an increase of £80,000.

German Prisoners. -- It is learned authoritatively that German war prisoners, including military, naval, air force, and the unclassified detained in England and France on 12th inst. totalled 310,670. Of these 99,684 taken in military operations were in the British Isles and 197,614 similarly captured were in France. Of the airmen there were 152 (all in Britain) captured during military operations. As to naval operations there were 138 prisoners of various ratings and 14 airmen all detained in the United Kingdom.

Belfast's Burden. -- Should the Council of the Belfast Corporation sanction the findings of a committee which considered the question the ratepayers will find themselves burdened with an additional sum of about £30,000. The committee recommends increases of about £3,000 in the trading concerns (gas, electricity, tramways), of £6,000 in other departments, and £450 in the salaries of a group of principal officers. In addition the committee in reply to a demand of the labourers for an increase of 10s per week and a 47-hour week have recommended an increase of 5s and a lessening of the hours to 49, which it is estimated will require an additional expenditure of £20,000.

Teachers' Bonus -- At the meeting of the Board of National Education, a communication was submitted from the Treasury agreeing with the Commissioners' proposal protecting the teachers against loss of position or salary in cases where the school attendance has bean affected by the influenza epidemic. The award of the Arbitration and Conciliation Board in regard to the increase war bonus for teachers as from January 1st was submitted. A further bonus at the rate of £12 per annum is granted to teachers of all grades and to junior assistant mistresses. It was decided to increase the amount of the premiums payable under the Carlisle and Blake scheme from £5 to £7 10s.

Air Force. -- In his statement dealing with the estimated expenditure for the Air Service in the coming year of £65,500,000, made in the House of Commons, General Seely said if the war had continued the force would have cost over £200,000,000, They started the war, he said, with six squadrons and finished with about 200, while their expenditure grew from £1,000,000 to £200,000,000. When the armistice was signed they were building 4,000 aeroplanes a month. During the war just under 8,000 enemy machines were shot down by British pilots in all theatres of war, and 2,800 of theirs were missing. That meant, probably, 40,000 or 50,000 desparate battles in the air. Approximately their peace requirements had been fixed at 54,000 men, and they would require 102 squadrons.

Shipyard Manager's Death. -- The many friends of Mr. Thomas William Lyttle, who was for several years general manager of Messrs. Workman, Clark, & Co.'s shipyards, will regret to learn of his death, which occurred at his residence, Lorraine, Waterloo Gardens, Belfast. A son of the late Mr. Wm. Lyttle, of Donacloney, Lurgan, the deceased was born in 1864, and after being educated at Lurgan College came to Belfast to take up a position as an articled pupil with the firm of Messrs. Harland & Wolff, Ltd. He served his time under the late Sir Edward Harland, Bart., M.P., and was eventually appointed manager of the North Yard. After a period of about twenty years' service with Messrs. Harland & Wolff Mr. Lyttle, in 1899, relinquished the last-mentioned post to enter the employment of Messrs. Workman, Clark, & Co., Ltd.

Travellers' Victory Dinner. -- The North and West of Ireland Commercial Travellers' Association held a victory dinner in Thompsons' Restaurant. Acknowledging the toast of the organisation, proposed bv Mr. Alex. M'Monagle, the President (Mr. Thos. W. Gibson) said they were very proud of the fact that twenty of their members had been serving their King and country during the war, and that three of them had won distinctions. The members of the association had subscribed the sum of £227 on behalf of war funds, and the money had been handed over to the prisoners of war work in connection with the Ulster Women's Gift Fund. Their association had been in existence for about forty-five years, and its principal objects were -- firstly, the protection of the interests of commercial travellers in all matters connected with railway and hotel charges, and, secondly, benevolent work. The matter first mentioned had, they would all agree, been very well looked after by their committee, and they were entitled to be even more gratified at the benevolent part of their work, which, begun as far hack as 1877, had developed steadily. Forty-three years ago they subscribed in the first year of the fund a total of £15. Latterly the amount had been between £200 and £300, and the total sum contributed in the whole period was about £9,000.

Postal Facilities. -- Mr. Illingworth writes, in answer to a question by Mr. Harry Hope, that arrangements are now in hand for the improvement where circumstance permit of postal services which have been curtailed as a result of war conditions. It is the intention to abolish midday closing at all the larger offices, and to increase in the larger towns the number of postal deliveries.

World's Biggest Warship. -- The biggest and most powerful warship in the world, H.M.S. Wood, is being built on the Clyde. Her length is 900ft., or 1ft. less than the Aquitania, the largest British liner, and her speed will be 32 knots, to touch 35 knots under favourable conditions. She will be mine and torpedo-proof, her hull being surrounded by a "blister" or outer cushion, and there will be a steel-armoured well inside the vessel.

Chair of Agriculture. -- Major M'Cormack, president of the Ulster Farmers' Union, stated at Ballymoney that to render available for the sons of farmers the scholarships in Queen's University, Belfast, the £10,000 bequeathed for the purpose by Mr. Gibson, a Chair of Agriculture should be endowed at the University, and that would take £20,000, exclusive of the cost of running a farm. He was able to state that they were not far from the time when the Government would supply the money.

New York Drug Victims. -- Dr. Copeland, Commissioner of Public Health, New York, states there are now over 200,000 victims of the drug habit in that city, and he calculated that the number may increase three or fourfold within a year. He proposes to establish a bureau of drug control, and urges registration, photographing, and finger-printing of victims, abolition of the sale of habit-forming narcotics by private drug stores, and the substitution of an official medical agency as the sale dispenser of drugs.

Death of Urban Councillor. -- The death has occurred at his residence, 44, Castle Street, Lisburn, of Mr. George Wilson, who belonged to an old local family. He had a long connection with the conduct of the public affairs of the town, being one of the oldest representatives at the Town Commissioners and Urban Council, in the proceedings of which he always took an intelligent and prominent part. He was a Presbyterian, and one of the leading members of First Lisburn Church. In politics he was a Liberal Unionist. He was on ardent chess player. He leaves a widow and nine of a family, several of whom are married.

Private Members' Ballot. -- The ballot for precedence in the introduction of private Bills and motions in Parliament has not favoured the Ulster Unionists, Mr. Coote (10th) and Mr. M'Guffin (17th) being the highest placed in the list. There is always the possibility, however, of some of the more fortunate members falling to exercise their privilege, and with this in view Mr. Coote has put down a motion committing the House to the view that local option as set up in Scotland by the Act of 1913 ought to have general application throughout the United Kingdom. In the same hope Mr. M'Guffin proposes to give notice of a Bill to establish a better system of public education in Belfast.

Linen Trade Problem. -- The ceasing of Government contracts for aeroplane linen at the end of March will leave forty million yards on hand, which have cost £7,000,000, and 40,000 women and girls in the Ulster factories will be affected. Cost price of the surplus linen is stated at between 3s 6d to 4s a yard, and unless it is sold at these prices the taxpayer will be mulcted in loss. Colonel Cleaver, of Robinson & Cleaver, said this class of linen is unsuited for dresses or household lines, being brown in colour and of too heavy a weft. It might, be thought, be used for dusters; otherwise it was practically useless, not worth 6d a yard. There is such a scarcity of linen articles, the colonel added, that sheets which sold in 1914 at 35s now made £8 a pair.

Ulster M.P.'s and Health Bill. -- Major O'Neill, Sir Wm. Whitla, Mr. Moles, and Mr. M'Guffin, M.P.'s, have given notice of an amendment to Mr. Macpherson's new clause applying the Bill to Ireland to move that the Act shall apply as to England and Wales, with the substitution of an Irish Board of Health for the Minister, that the Chief Secretary be substituted for the Secretary of State, and the Irish Local Government Board and Insurance Commissioners for the corresponding English bodies. They further propose that the Irish Board of Health shall follow the constitution of the Chief Secretary's proposed Advisory Committee, except that the number of medical members is put at one, and the membership, other than ex-officios, is restricted to six.

Britain's Financial Burden. -- The country's vast financial burden was the subject of debate in the House of Commons. Mr. G. Lambert called attention to the fact that the estimates for the year amounted to £1,150,000,000. If they added £380,000,000 for debt charge it would mean that the Chancellor would have to budget for far over £1,500,000,000. Sir F. Banbury declared that Ministers, instead of retrenching, were increasing expenditure. The unemployment donation -- costing £1,300,000 weekly -- he characterised as "a premium on idleness." Mr. Austen Chamberlain, Chancellor of the Exchequer, admitted the gravity of the situation, but deprecated the view that the present estimates were estimates for a normal year. The present burden could only be met by increased production, increased, efficiency, and a greater export trade. That being so, he trusted that they might not have the whole industrial community plunged into strife when, in the highest interests of the State and of every individual, all parties ought to be co-operating to improve their efficiency and increase production.

M.P.'s Escape from Prison. -- Considerable sensation was created in Dublin when it became known that Mr R. C. Bartons, the Sinn Fein member of Parliament for East Wicklow, bad escaped from Mountjoy Prison, where he had been detained since his arrest some time ago in connection with a speech which he delivered in the County Wicklow. Mr. Barton held a commission in the Army at the time of the Rebellion in 1916, but became identified with the Sinn Fein movement. The circumstances under which the escape was effected are mysterious. The cell that Mr. Barton occupied was found to be empty. A dummy figure, it is stated, had been placed in the bed, and a letter was found addressed to the Governor in which Mr. Barton stated that owing to the discomfort of the place he felt compelled to leave. He asked that his luggage should be kept safe until he sent for it. A serach of the grounds disclosed nothing that would give any clue as to how the escape was effected. It os understood that Mr. Barrton is the first prisoner who succeeded in escaping from Mountjoy Prison.

Butter Export. -- It will, is was stated in Parliament, be necessary to continue the restrictions on the export of butter from Ireland all next season.

Ulster Farmers' Union. -- The two latest members who hare joined the Ulster Farmers' Union are the Earl of Erne and Captain Sir Basil Brooke, Bart., M.C.

Belfast Water Board. -- Mr. James Miskimmin has been elected chairman of this Trust in succession to Mr. John Courtney. The new vice-chairman is Mr. John Dowling.

A Handsome Gift. -- A gift has been made of a set of portraits of all past presidents since its foundation in 1888 to the Institute of Chartered Accountants by the president, Mr. Stewart Blacker Quin.

Only Lady Auctioneer. -- When Mr. Justice Kenny asked at Tyrone Assizes for the auctioneer concerned in a case, counsel said the auctioneer was a lady, and she refused to come to court. She was the only lady auctioneer in the country.

Jews and Palestine. -- Sir A. Mond has forwarded to Mr. Israel Cohen a cheque for £5,000, being the first instalment of the donation of £25,000 he has promised in five annual instalments to the Jewish National Fund for the purchase of land in Palestine.

Peace Before Christmas. -- Mr. Churchill told Colonel P. Williams in the House of Commons that he believed peace would be signed before the end of the year; but when asked would it come before the autumn he shook his head as though he did not know.

Levy on Cattle. -- The charge of 11s 4d a cwt. levied on cattle sold in markets from September 9 and the end of last month, realised £3,449,939, the Food Controller stated in Parliament. The charge, now reduced to 2s 4d, is not paid by farmers, but by butchers, and covers cost of distribution, transport, insurance, and increase on prices paid to farmers for live stock since December 1, &c.

County Official's Death. -- The death took place in the County Infirmary, Downpatrick, of Mr. Robert MacIlwaine, secretary of Down County Council. The deceased, who succumbed after a brief illness, was very widely known and highly esteemed. He held the position of County Secretary since the passing of the Local Government Act. Quite recently he attained his golden jubilee in the county service, and was the recipient of a handsome presentation of plate by the county officials.

Belfast Harbour Elections. -- Nominations were received for the vacancy on the Belfast Harbour Board, caused by the retirement of seven members on the expiration of their term of office. These members are Messrs. Andrew Gibson, William J. Jackson, J.P.; D. C. Kemp, T. W. M'Mullan, Henry Seaver, John Sinclair, and W. E. Williames, J.P. All are eligible for re-election and they were duly nominated, together with Mr. W. M'Calla and Mr. T. S. Wilson, both of whom are connected with the shipping trade. The polling takes place next Thursday.

Riots in Cairo. -- An agitation started by the adherents of Zaghlul Pasha and the other Nationalist leaders who have been deported to Malta has led to fatal riots in Cairo, The movement began with a strike by the pupils in the higher schools and of some of the Azhar students. Street demonstrations followed, and the mob took to wrecking, and pillage. To restore order the police, reinforced by British troops, were obliged to fire on the mob, several of whom were killed or injured. The next day there was more looting, and the mob was again fired upon. The authorities are taking energetic measures to restore order.

Farm Labourers' Wages. -- a special meeting of delegates from County Down, together with the executive of the Ulster Farmers' Union, was held in the Central Hall, Rosemary Street, to consider a letter from the Workers' Union asking, on behalf of the agricultural labourers, 50s a week for a 49-hour week, with overtime at time and a half rate, to come into force on 1st April. A letter was also received from the Derry branch dealing with a demand by the agricultural labourers connected with the National Amalgamated Union of Labour for 50s a week for a 44-hour week. It was resolved that a telephone message be sent to the Workers' Union that their demands were submitted to the executive of the Ulster Farmers' Union, and that the result arrived at should be sent to the various branches for further consideration, and after their views have been received the result will be sent to the Workers' Union on or before 1st April.

Gallant Co. Down Officer. -- Captain R. L. Vere Doake, M.C., 7th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, attached 2nd Battalion, who has been appointed a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, in recognition of his gallantry and devotion to duty in the field, is a son of Mr. Richard Baxter Doake, Surrey (late of London), and Glen Lagan, Dromara, County Down. He won the Military Cross in 1918, and the President of the French Republic has conferred upon him the Croix de Guerre for distinguished services. This gallant officer recently spent a few days of his furlough with his County Down relatives in the neighbourhood of Dromara and Banbridge. It may be recalled that his younger brother, Major S. Henry Doake, D.S.O., Royal Artillery, fell in action in March, 1918, after serving continuously with his guns since Mons. Major Doake did not live to receive the insignia of the D.S.O., which was recently handed by the King to his sister, Mrs. Violet Jackson, who at the same time was decorated by his Majesty with the O.B.E., in recognition of her services in France and in London, under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A.

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

Death of Mr. Alfred Fisher.

We regret to announce the death of Mr. Alfred Fisher, Dunowen, Cliftonville Road, Belfast, which occurred on Tuesday from pleurisy, following influenza. Mr. Fisher, who is survived by a widow and four young children, had been manager of Messrs. Lindsay, Thompson, & Co.'s, Prospect Mill, Belfast, for the past twelve years, and had altogether about twenty-seven years' service with the firm. He was promoted to that responsible position on the death of his father, Mr. John Fisher, Hartington Villa, who for many years occupied the same post, and also took a great interest in Y.M.C.A. work and the Brown Street schools. The late Mr. Fisher served his apprenticeship in the mill, and was beloved by both employers and employed. He was a member of Duncairn Presbyterian Church, and served on the committee. He was also associated with Duncairn Unionist Association and club, and was a son-in-law of Mr. Samuel Mateer, of Messrs. James A Thompson & Co., Belfast.

 

^ top of page

Roll of Honour

BINGHAM -- March 10, at No. 1 Casualty Clearing Station, France, of acute gastritis, Captain J. W. Bingham, M.B., R.A.M.C., son of the late Henry Bingham, M.D., Mountpottinger, and Mrs. Bingham, 3, Ulsterville Avenue, and beloved husband of Alison Bingham.

Birth

DUNN -- March 26, at Maze Manse, Hillsborough, to Rev. T. and Mrs. Dunn -- a son.

Marriage

M'GOWAN--M'KENNON -- March 21, 1919, at Armoy Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. A. E. Crawford, M.A., Armoy, John M'Gowan, Canonfeogue, Stranocum, second son of Robert M'Gowan, Esq., Balleney, Armoy, to Eveline May, youngest daughter of Thomas M'Kennon, Esq., Bush View, Armoy.

Deaths

DAVEY -- March 26 (suddenly), at 17, Wellington Park, Reverend Charles Davey, D.D., minister of Fisherwick Church. Funeral to City Cemetery to-day (Friday), after service in the Church, beginning at 11-30 a.m. No flowers.

M'GIFFERT -- March 27, at his residence, Rathcunningham, Killyleagh, John M'Giffert, dearly-beloved husband of Bessie G. M'Giffert. His remains will be removed for interment in family burial-place, First Killyleagh, to-morrow (Saturday), March 29, at 3 o'clock. ROBERT M'GIFFERT.

ASTON -- March 22, at Main Street, Gilford, James Aston, dearly-beloved husband of Agnes Jane Aston.

BLAIN -- March 24, at Killylea Manse, Co. Armagh, Rev. David John Blain, M.A., minister of Knappagh.

BOLE -- March 24, in a Private Nursing Home, Belfast, James Bole, Orritor, Cookstown.

BOYD -- March 20 (suddenly, of heart failure, at his father's residence, Lisnataylor, Killead, William John, eldest and dearly-beloved son of W. R. M. Boyd. Deeply regretted.

BOYD -- March 21, at her sister's residence, Cloncolmec, Dunmurry, Mary King Boyd, dutiful and devoted daughter of the late Gage and Mary Boyd, Lismoyle, Kilrea.

BOYES -- March 22, at Drumbane House, Moira, Isaac M'Quillan Boyes.

BRINKMAN -- March 25, at Sunnyside, Ballymaghten, Moira, Richard, only son of the late John Brinkman.

BROWN -- March 25, at The Terrace, Kells, Ballymena, Charlotte, daughter of the late Robert Brown, Kildrum, Ballymena.

CAMPBELL -- March 23, at Canneyreagh, Donaghadee, Sarah, widow of the late Hugh Campbell, aged 77 years.

COLVIN -- March 22, at her residence, Ballygowan, Drumbeg, Ellen, widow of the late Samuel Colvin.

DONALDSON -- March 20, at The Hollow, Killylea, John Donaldson, the beloved husband of Margaret Donaldson.

GAILEY -- March 20, 1919, at her residence, Bayview Terrace, Londonderry, Margaret Elizabeth, widow of the late William Gailey.

GIBSON -- March 22, at Southend Cottage, Cookstown, Thomas Mervyn, third son of Thomas Gibson, aged 15 years.

GILCHRIST -- March 23, at Barnamaghery, Crossbar, Mary Jane, relict of the late John Gilchrist, aged 89 years.

GRAHAM -- March 21, at his parents' residence, The Brae, Glenwherry, James, only son of Josias and Margaret Graham.

GRIMASON -- March 23, at 40, Portmore Street, Portadown, Rachel, relict of the late John Grimason.

HANNA -- March 25, at Ashgrove, Lissue, Lisburn, Henrietta, beloved wife of John James Hanna, formerly Home Missionary of the Moravian Church.

HOBSON -- March 22, at Greenfield House, Kilmore, Richhill, James Hobson, J.P., in his 91st year.

INNIS -- March 21, at her residence, 25, Millbrook Road, Lisburn, Mary, widow of the late William Innis.

IRVINE -- March 25, at Gortnore, King's Road, Whitehead, David, the beloved husband of Maria Irvine, late of Glebe View, Anahilt, Hillsborough.

KEITH -- March 21, at Ballywhisken, Millisle, Henry Keith.

LUTTON -- March 24, at Baltylum, Portadown, Eliza, eldest daughter of the late Robert and Letitia Lutton.

MANN -- March 22, at Gilnahirk, Jane Hill, dearly-beloved wife of David Mann.

MORROW -- March 20, 1919, at Rockville, Ballyjamesduff, Margaret Evans (Peggy), dearly-loved infant daughter of John and Dolly Morrow, aged 8½ months. "For of such is the kingdom of heaven."

PORRITT -- March 22, at Red Hall, Carl Aitken Porritt, son of the late W. J. Porritt, Red Hall. Ballycarry.

REID -- March 25, Rev. William Reid, minister 1st Moneymore Presbyterian Church.

ROBINSON -- March 20, at Aughalughan House, Randalstown, Ellen H. S. Robinson.

SCOTT -- March 21, at her son's residence, Cable Road, Whitehead, Mary, the beloved mother of David R. Scott.

SHAW -- March 22, at Creevy, Lisburn, Jane Shaw.

WALLACE -- March 24, at Ballinahone, Margaret Young, beloved wife of William Wallace.

WARING -- March 20, at Lisnacree, Co. Down, Captain Holt Waring, late Resident Magistrate, aged 83 years.

WILLIS -- March 20, at Ardmore, Banbridge, after a brief illness, Wm. Willis, beloved husband of Emily Willis.

WILSON -- March 21, at Clogher, Ballymena, Sarah, dearly-beloved wife of Robert Wilson.

WOLSEY -- March 23, at 8, Queen's Street, Portadown, Mary, widow of the late Samuel Wolsey, Lisavague.

Thanks

Mrs. LAVERTY and Family wish to return their sincere thanks to all those who by telegrams and letters sympathised with them in their recent sad bereavement, and hope this acknowledgment will be accepted by all. Moss View, Poyntzpass.

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

NEWS OF THE WEEK

IN BRIEF.

Town Fined £50,000. -- The London "Daily Express" Amsterdam correspondent says the "Freie Presse" states that the British military authorities have inflicted a fine of £50,000 on the town of Solingen in consequence of the local Spartacists circulating Bolshevik pamphlets printed in English amongst British troops.

The Kaiser's Private Fortune. -- Mr. Bonar Law in Parliament told Mr. Bottomley, who wants the Kaiser's private fortune earmarked for the cost of the war, that every possible source of payment will be taken into consideration. If the German Government had sent him a million marks he should, he told Mr. W. Thorne, like to have the money.

Echoes of Air Raids. -- The many railways that suffered during the air raids on London include the big termini of St. Pancras, Waterloo, and Liverpool Street, according to details now published. Sixteen persons were killed and others injured in the first raid on Liverpool Street Station. The Midland Grand Hotel, St. Pancras, and other buildings were demolished.

Belfast University Graduates. -- At the spring graduation ceremony in Belfast University, the following awards were presented -- M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O. degrees -- Geo. D. F. M'Fadden and Henry Poston, with second class honours. Pass -- John Barron, Thos. G. Campbell, Jean Clarke, Thos. Dickey, Chas. W. A. Emery, John W. Gaston, Michael G. Klernans. Diploma in Public Health -- Sinclair Miller.

Death Sentence in Belfast. -- Dr. Nathaniel Osborne M'Connell, a well-known Belfast practitioner, was found guilty and sentenced to death by Mr. Justice Dodd, at Belfast Assizes, for the murder of Mary Jane Reid, aged 26, who died as the result of an illegal operation he had performed upon her. The jury strongly recommended the accused to mercy, and his Lordship intimated that he would forward this to the Lord Lieutenant.

Flax Crop. -- The estimated average yield per statute acre of the flax crop in Ireland in 1918 was 17.5 stones, as compared with 22.8 stones in 1917, and 25.4 stones in 1916. The average annual production during the ten years 1908-17 was 29.0 stones The extent in 1918 amounted to 143,355 acres, as against 107,705 acres in 1917 and 91,454 acres in 1916. The total produce of the crop for 1918 is estimated at 15,703 tons, as against 15,362 tons in 1917 and 14,492 tons in 1916.

Churchill's One-Clause Bill. -- The text of Mr. Churchill's One-Clause Bill, making provision for the maintenance of such forces of the Crown as may be required to meet exigencies arising before April 30th, 1920, has been issued. The Bill provides that the competent authority may retain any men if consistently with the public service they cannot be released when their discharge is due up to April 20, 1920, but they must not be detained after three months from that date.

Plunkett and Partition. -- Sir Horace Plunkett, speaking at New York on the conclusion of a seven weeks' tour in the United States, said that the time was ripe to solve the problem of self-government for Ireland, which must be settled "in Ireland and nowhere else." He was opposed to any partition of Ireland, although he indicated that he was not ready to offer a personal solution of the problem. He declared that his investigations in America related to the urgency rather than to the manner of the settlement.

Country's Finances. -- The financial conditions of the country was the subject of a resolution moved by Lord Faringdon in the House of Lords, to the effect that the strictest economy in all directions was called for. The burden the nation was being called upon to bear was, he said, fast becoming insupportable, and disaster could only be averted by at once providing remedies and a pruning policy to the very root of the bureaucratic evil. The nation was standing on the brink of a precipice. A huge Budget would hamper industry, prevent trade revival, and prevent any fall in the prices of necessities. War time prodigals must be prepared to put up with a husky time.

Belfast Professor's Retirement. -- Sir William Whitla, M.P., has intimated his intention of retiring from the position of Professor of Materia Medica and Therapeutics in Queen's University, but his resignation, which will be much regretted by his colleagues and the students under his care, will not take effect until the summer vacation. Sir William feels that he ought to devote as much time as possible to his Parliamentary duties, especially in view of the fact that at the present time considerable attention is being given to legislation relating to social reform. He has filled the Chair of Materia Medica since 1890, and by his researches and scholarship he has conferred lustre on his beloved alma mater, and made a notable contribution to the discoveries connected with the relief of human suffering and the combating of disease.

National Education. -- Mr. Wm. Parr has been appointed a Commissioner of National Education in Ireland in the room of the late Mr. Richard Bagwell D.L. Mr. Parr is the well-known principal of St Mark's National School, Ballysillan, Belfast, and chairman of the Principal Teachers' Association. Apart from his work as a teacher, Mr. Parr has taken an active part in every movement that had for its object the welfare of the district of Ballysillan. He has filled the position of honorary treasurer of the Ligoniel Working Men's Club for many years, and during the war he acted as local secretary of the Sailors' and Soldiers' Families' Association as well as the Garden Plots Association. He is also an office-bearer of St. Mark's Parish Church, Ballysillan, and is a member of the Masonic Order. His appointment as a Commissioner of National Education will necessitate his resignation of the principalship of St. Mark's.

National Teachers' Residences. -- Except in the case of model schools, residences for National teachers are not, Mr. Macpherson informed Major O'Neill in Parliament, provided entirely from State sources, nor are grants in lieu made. For about 1,340 schools residences for principals have been provided with State assistance, either by grants in aid (about eighty) and by loans (about 1,260). In the latter case half of the rent charge in repayment is provided from the Exchequer and the other defrayed from local sources. The Commissioners have no precise information as to the many cases in which the local moiety is defrayed by the teacher. Loans have been paid off about 160 houses. Including those entirely provided from local sources, there are residences available for principals of about 2,300 ordinary schools, about half being free of rent. There are some 5,200 ordinary schools not yet provided with residences.

Control Of Capital Issues. -- The Chancellor of the Exchequer stated in Parliament that control would not be any longer justified over the distribution of capital for domestic purposes, but the restrictions on investments abroad, except under licence, would not be removed.

Oatmeal 50 per Cent. Higher than Flour. -- A Government statement was promised in Parliament regarding the price of oatmeal, which is said to be 50 per cent. higher than flour in Scotland, and when Sir E. Carson asked would the statement apply to Ireland, where the price of oatmeal was causing general discontent, Mr. M'Curdy said he would inquire.

Belfast Seamen Honoured. -- Silver cups have been awarded by the Canadian Government to Captain Arthur Unwin, First-Officer Hunter Roberts, an engineer, an apprentice, and two gunners on the ss. Lord Erne, of Belfast, in recognition of their services in rescuing the crew of the ss. Percesien, of Quebec, in the North Atlantic Ocean, on 9th February, 1918.

New Field Gun. -- It is claimed for a new field gun of the 18-pound pattern, designed and constructed by British engineers, that it is superior to all existing models, and excels the famous French 75. It is said to be lighter, handier, and steadier than the guns at present in use, to have an increased range of not leas than 3,000 yards, and to be capable of firing twenty-eight shots per minute.

Ulster Plane for Atlantic Flight. -- The "Morning Post" states that most successful trails have taken place at Harland & Wolff's aerodrome Aldergrove, County Antrim, of a super-Handley-Page machine, which will participate in the trans-Atlantic flight. It is probable that the machine will for the flight from Aldergrove, which, it is added is likely to be the centre for an aerial postal vice to Great Britain.

The Budget. -- It is understood, says the "Daily Mail," that Mr. Austen Chamberlain, in his forthcoming Budget, will raise the duty on beer, spirits, and wine. The first war Budget increased the beer duty from 7s 6d per barrel to 23s. In 1916 it was raised to 24s. It is now 50s. In the brewing world it is believed that about 10s per barrel is to be added. Before the war the duty on whisky was 14s 9d per gallon; it is now 30s, or practically 5s a bottle. It is believed that the new Budget will add 10s to the duty. It is rumoured also that the duty on wine will be raised 5s.

British War Graves. -- The text of the agreement between the British and French Governments respecting the British war graves in France has just been issued. The agreement recognises the Imperial War Graves Commission as the sole British authority charged with the care and upkeep of British graves in France. Provision has been made for the grouping together of all isolated graves in military cemeteries. Bodies buried in cemeteries or military graves shall not be exhumed for transport to the United Kingdom or to another part of the British Empire without the approval of the Imperial War Graves Commission.

Guards' Parade. -- Ten thousand of the rank and file of the various Guards Battalions -- Grenadiers, Coldstreams, Scotch, Irish, and Welsh -- marched through the streets of London on Saturday. The members of the Pipers' Band of the Irish Guards were dressed in saffron coloured kilts, and as they played lively Irish music they evoked enthusiasm. In spite of a recent accident in the hunting field, Lord Cavan showed himself what he is, a fine leader at the head of his troops. After the march every man in the Household Cavalry and the Guards Division was handed a message from the King, expressing his high appreciation of their war records.

Honorary T.C.D. Degrees. -- The Senate of T.C.D. have conferred honorary degrees on past members of the University for distinguished services rendered in the war as follows:-- Hon. M.D. -- Major-General Sir J. M. Irwin, D.M.S., 3rd Army; Major-General H. N. Thompson, D.M.S., 1st Army; Major-General W. T. Swan, D.M.S., Palestine; Major-General J. J. Gerrard, D.M.S., 5th Army; Major-General F. R. Newland, D.M.S., Italy; Major-General J. J. Russell, D.D.M.S., Rouen (Irish Command). Hon. LL.D. -- Brigadier-General R. C. Jellicoe, Director of Labour; Brigadier-General F. W. B. Gray, Indian Army; and Sir Henry Wilson, Chief of Staff to Commander-in-Chief, B.E.F. Hon. Sc.D. -- Sir Lyndon Macassey.

Presentation to Sir F. Moneypenny. -- At the Belfast City Hall Sir F. Moneypenny, M.V.O., City Chamberlain, was presented with a handsome motor car by the Lord Mayor, ex-Lord Mayors, High Sheriff, ex-High Sheriffs, and a few personal friends to mark the occasion of his receiving a knighthood. The Lord Mayor (Mr. J. C. White) presided, and in asking Sir Frederick to accept the gift, paid high tribute to his services, not only to the city, but to the various Lord Mayors and Sheriffs. Sir James Johnston, Sir Crawford M'Cullagh, Sir P. O'Connell, Sir J. Byers, and Mr. R. M. Gaffikin spoke in similar strain. Sir Frederick returned thanks. The Lady Mayoress afterwards entertained those present -- who included the wives of the donors -- to tea.

Cereal Crop Prices. -- "I understand," says the Parliamentary correspondent of the "Daily Chronicle," "that the Government have decided to fix prices for the cereal crops of 1920 on a basis approximating to those in operation for the current year. The agricultural M.P.'s have been pressing the Government for an extension of the arrangement made for 1919 on the ground that the farmers are in a state of great uncertainty in regard to the preparation of the land for the coming season. Lord Ernie has been sympathetic, but the question of a continued subsidy lies in the hands of the Cabinet. Now, apparently, the President of the Board of Agriculture has received sanction to a new scale for 1920, which is likely to conciliate, if not to satisfy, the producers of the corn crops of the country in the coming year."

Belfast and Transport Bill. -- "They did not want glorified officials sitting in Dublin Castle to administer the affairs of Belfast harbour, brushing aside the efficient business men who had brought the (Harbour) Trust to its present satisfactory position." These were the views expressed by Alderman Tyrrell at the Belfast Corporation, in support of a resolution of protest against the provisions relating to harbours and docks in the Ways and Communications Bill. Sir C. M'Cullagh, who moved the resolution, which was adopted, said the citizens had spent 23 millions on the harbour, which was now one of the finest and cheapest ports in the United Kingdom. It was of great importance that nothing should occur to interfere with the progress of the Trust.

Belfast Housing Scheme. -- Belfast Corporation considered the serious shortage of houses in the city, and adopted a draft scheme for the immediate provision of 1,500 houses out of a total of 5,000 required. The Chief Secretary for Ireland suggested that the Corporation should raise the money and build the houses, letting them at a reasonable rent, and the Government would make up the difference between the reasonable and the economic rents. The Corporation, however, objected to this method, and suggested that the Government should advance the money at a low rate of interest on the same conditions as in the Irish Labourers Acts -- viz., from 2 to 3 per cent. They also advocated the extension of the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act by authorising the Corporation to advance tenants 95 per cent. of the purchase money and also the raising of the amount which could be advanced to £1,000. It was stated that if money could be obtained at 3 per cent. there would be no difficulty in providing all the houses required.

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

Military Funeral in Belfast.

The funeral took place with military honours on Saturday afternoon of Lance-Corporal W. B. Morrow, 150th Field Company, R.E., Ulster Division, who succumbed to pneumonia at his residence, 2, Walmer Street, Ormeau Road, on the previous Thursday. He was the eldest son of Mr. John Morrow, 47, Rushfield Avenue, Belfast, formerly of Killyleagh, and before joining the Ulster Division he was a joiner in the employment of Messrs. Harland & Wolff, Ltd. While on active service he was wounded, but was enabled to resume his military duties. A pathetic incident was the arrival of the deceased's demobilisation papers an hour after his death. His brother, Private John Bennett Morrow, who was also connected with the Ulster Division, fell in action on 1st July, 1916. Rev. J. A. Duke, B.A., conducted the services in the house and at the graveside in Dundonald Cemetery. There was a profuse display of wreaths, sent by numerous friends, and the large attendance at the funeral testified to the high esteem in which the deceased soldier and his relatives were held. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Melville & Co., Limited.

 

^ top of page