Category Archives: 1942.

1942 Fermanagh.

2-5-1942 ENNISKILLEN GROCER’S SUCCESSFUL APPEAL. Ernest Colvin, grocer, High St., Enniskillen, appealed at Enniskillen Quarter. Sessions on Thursday against a penalty of £50 imposed at Enniskillen Petty Sessions on a charge of knowingly harbouring seven sacks of coffee beans with intent to evade the prohibition of export thereon. Mr. J. Cooper, D.L., Crown Solicitor, said that after Colvin had been convicted they succeeded in arresting a man from the Free State named Keenan, .for whom, this coffee was, and he was fined £50. When the case same on against Keenan they had interviewed Mr. Colvin and his assistant, and got them to come and give evidence against Keenan. In view of this fact the Customs Authorities would agree to this penalty, being reduced to £25. Mr. E. C. Ferguson, D. L. (for Colvin) agreed to this course, and accordingly his Honour affirmed the conviction, but reduced the penalty to £25.

2-5-1942 WHISKEY SEIZURE BY FLORENCECOURT POLICE. Sergeant Ryan and Constable Redpath, Florencecourt, on Saturday evening stopped a car at Drumcarn, Belnaleck, Co. Fermanagh, and on searching it found 6 five naggin bottles of whiskey, four similar bottles of wine and two large bottles of gin, as well as a dozen egg cups, a quantity of tobacco and cigarettes, a showerproof coat and quantity of sweepstake tickets, all of which were seized, together with the car. The driver was taken into custody,, and on. Sunday afternoon was allowed out on £20 bail to appear at next Enniskillen Petty Sessions. Major Dickie, R.M., attended at the Barracks, on Sunday afternoon, and the car driver was ,present with his solicitor, but no court was held, the reason being that the magistrate could not discharge any judicial function on a Sunday, though he can sit as a magistrate. The case could only have been .proceeded with had the man sufficient money to pay any fine which, if he had been convicted, might have been imposed. Had the case been heard and a fine inflicted, the order would have been unenforceable, as the Court was held on Sunday.

2-5-1942 FIRE AT CASTLECOOLE. BUILDINGS DESTROYED. An outbreak of fire occurred on Saturday afternoon in outhouses at Castlecoole, Enniskillen, the residence of the Earl of Belmore. The Enniskillen Town Brigade and the Auxiliary Fire Service, both under Mr. James Donnelly, town surveyor, receiving notification at ten minutes to one, were on the spot before one clock a quick turn-out which probably saved extensive buildings because the fire had gained a firm hold on the solid buildings and was burning fiercely. The efforts of the Brigades were chiefly directed towards confining the outbreak. Until. 2.30 p. m, the battle with the flames continued, ending only when about forty yards of the buildings had been destroyed roof and floors being burned out. The A.F.S. Brigade was under the immediate command of Mr. Freddy Bleakley with Mr. J. Lusted, A.F.S. chief in attendance.

2-5-1942 PARTY VOTE ECHO. FARTAGH COTTAGE TENANCY. An echo of a recent Enniskillen Rural Council party vote on a cottage tenancy was heard at Derrygonnelly Petty Sessions, on Friday, when the Council was granted a decree for possession of a cottage at Fartagh, against Miss Mary Millar. Miss Millar’s father was the tenant until his death a few months ago. Miss Millar applied for the cottage, but it was granted to a Unionist by a party vote of the Rural Council. Miss Millar is a Catholic.

2-5-1942 SEIZED BICYCLE AT BELLEEK BARRIER. JUDGE RECOMMENDS RETURN ON PAYMENT OF DUTY. Are bicycles liable to purchase tax? Although, according to Mr, George Dixon, Surveyor of customs and Excise for County Fermanagh the tax is collected throughout Great Britain and the Six Counties on bicycles, Mr. R. A. Herbert, L.B. (Messrs. Maguire and Herbert, Enniskillen contended during the course of an appeal at Enniskillen Quarter Sessions on Monday, before Deputy Judge Ellison, K.C., that the wording of the Section of the Act governing the matter makes bicycles not liable.

The appeal was one brought by Terence McGowan, of Ross, Tullyrossmearn, Co. Fermanagh, against an order of Major Dickie, R. M., forfeiting a bicycle under the Customs Acts. When cross-examining Mr. Dixon, the Customs Surveyor, Mr. Herbert referred the witness to the Finance Act No. 2, 1940, which created the Purchase-Tax, and stated that the schedule set out goods that were chargeable with purchase-tax. In the first column (that setting out goods charged at the basic rate of one third were the words: Road Vehicles and Cycles (whether mechanically propelled or not) being vehicles and cycles constructed or adapted solely or mainly for the carriage of passengers.” Mr. Dixon said that was the Section, which gave authority to charge purchase tax on bicycles. Mr. Herbert — Who would be the passenger on a bicycle?—He is his own. passenger. It is being definitely charged and paid all over the United Kingdom. It is time it was questioned. Mr. Herbert said a passenger was already interpreted in law. This boy cycling on this bicycle could not be said to be a passenger. Judge Ellison said he did not think the language in the Section was very neat for the purpose.

Mr. Herbert — It is very far from neat. He further argued that a machine constructed for one person to ride did not make the machine one “constructed for the carriage of passengers.” His Honour held against Mr. Herbert who raised the paint because one of the taxes the appellant was stated to have failed to pay was his purchase tax. Giving evidence for the respondent,  Customs Officer George Forrest, Belleek, stated McGowan was cycling past the barrier there, not stopping, when witness called on him to stop, seeing that he was riding a new bicycle. McGowan in answer to witness’s questions said he belonged to Kiltyclogher, but produced a national registration, card with his address at Ross, Tullyrossmearn. He asked him to account for the fact that he had stated he was from Leitrim, while he was from Ross, and McGowan said he lived at both places off and on, and that he had been, living in the Six Counties for ten years. He said he had borrowed the bicycle from his brother in Kiltyclogher as his own had been stolen. He then offered to pay whatever was necessary. Witness seized the bicycle and an order for forfeiture was granted at the Petty Sessions. “There has not been one single instance,” said witness, “of where a bicycle has been smuggled and has been confirmed as having been smuggled into the Six Counties where the bicycle has not been stated to have been a borrowed bicycle although the bicycle has actually been new at the moment. In cross-examination by Mr. Herbert, witness said cyclists should stop, and go into the Customs hut if necessary.

Do you stop all cyclists? —I do if I am on the road. We all pass these huts and see what occurs?—Sometimes it is after five o’clock (when the Customs hut closes). George Dixon, Customs Surveyor at Enniskillen, stated a Customs duty of 30 per cent, ad valorem was chargeable on Eire-built machines unless satisfactory evidence was produced (a certificate of origin from the manufacturer) that the machine was Empire-made and that the cost of materials and labour involved reached a certain percentage. Mr. Herbert—Could it have been of anything but Empire origin in these days? –Witness stated he admitted the present circumstances, but still the certificate was necessary. Mr, Herbert—Playing with the law like a child, isn’t it?—No, it isn’t. Would you swear this is a foreign article?— I cannot swear it, but it is for the importer to displace the prima facie charge by providing evidence. Were these things drawn to the attention of’ the importer? —It is the importer’s duty, if he wishes to claim preference, to make a declaration that he claims preference.

Don’t you think it would only be fair before putting Customs duty into force that the attention of the importer should be drawn to the provisions? —Undoubtedly, if the citizen had come into the hut and stated he had imported it. Mr. Herbert—A sort of Please, sir, can I pass? Mr, Herbert said McGowan came from Kiltyclogher but had been staying with friends in Ross for some years off and on. This was the smallest thing he had ever come across in the Customs line The same sort of point was raised before where a solicitor in Donegal drove his, car up to the barrier and the Customs seized it as having been imported, but the car was subsequently returned. This boy came along a proper route at a proper time and his bicycle was seized. He had gone a hundred yards or two into Six- County territory. It was straining the law very far to say a certificate of origin was required. Why didn’t they tell him to go back? When he found out the position the boy offered to pay. Mr. Cooper said this was not the only case brought up at the same place. The snuggling of bicycles into the Six Counties was a wholesale business. Mr. Herbert—There is no evidence of that.

Judge Ellison said he should be inclined to confirm the order and say he thought this boy should be let off if he paid what he should pay. Mr. Cooper—-We will forward it to the Customs, and they will obey your Honour’s recommendation. Mr. Herbert said Major Dickie had stated that if the brother had appeared to say the bicycle belonged to him he would have given it back. Unfortunately the brother could not appear as he was engaged in munitions work in England. His Honour—I think Major Dickie’s view of that was the right one.

25-4-1942. BELNALECK YOUTH’S LAPSE. A Belnaleck youth’s lapse led to his appearance at Enniskillen Petty Sessions on .Monday, before Major Dickie, R.M., charged with, larceny. The defendant was John Patrick Boyle, Toneyteague, and the articles concerned were a coat value £4, a silver watch value £4, a gold watch valued about £5, and the sum of 5/-. District Inspector Peacocke, who prosecuted, said that the silver watch, coat, and the sum of 5/- had been recovered. Constable Ewart gave evidence of a statement made by defendant, and, in reply to Mr. P. J. Flanagan, LL.B. (defending), said that defendant made a clean breast of the whole thing. Mr. Flanagan said that this had come as a complete surprise to defendant’s parents and everybody else, as heretofore defendant had borne an unblemished character. “He says he simply did not know what came over him,” said Mr. Flanagan, who added that defendant was prepared to make restitution for the gold watch that had not been recovered. His Worship bound over defendant for two years in his own bail of £10 and one surety of £10. He also ordered him to pay within three months the sum of £5 to Mrs. Cathcart, Belnaleck, the owner of the gold watch, and 31/6 costs of the prosecution.

25-4-1942. £2 FINES FOR BAD LORRY BRAKES. ENNISKILLEN COURT CASES. At Enniskillen Petty Sessions on Monday Thomas Coogan, Gortnacallon, Newtownbutler, was summoned, as owner, for permitting a motor lorry to be used with inefficient brakes.  James P. Connolly, Cloniston, Clones, was summoned as driver. Sergt. Sherrard said as a result of an accident he examined the motor lorry owned by Coogan and driven by Connolly. At 20 miles per hour Connolly was unable to stop the vehicle with the band brake before travelling 25 yards. The vehicle travelled a similar distance before being stopped by the footbrake. Constable Wilson, inspector of vehicles, said both brakes were defective on all wheels except the offside front. That was not due to the effects of the accident. Connolly did not appear. Coogan, in evidence, said the driver had full charge of the vehicle, and witness did not know that the brakes were defective. They had been adjusted a fortnight before. District-Inspector Peacocke—Can you say why Connolly is not here to-day?—I cannot; he was to be here. A fine of 40s was imposed on each summons. Sergt. Codd said both defendants were from the Twenty-Six Counties, and had temporary Six-County addresses.

25-4-1942. FRUITLESS SEARCH. TWO HOUR INCIDENT AT BELLEEK. A party of about thirty-six young men from the Enniskillen, district attended the great ceilidhe in O’Carroll’s Palais de Danse, Bundoran on Wednesday night of last week, to which parties came from the Six Counties. When the Enniskillen bus reached Belleek, just across the Border, in the Six Counties, on the return journey at about 4 a.m. they were met by a party of Enniskillen police under Head-Constable Thornton. The bus driver was ordered to proceed to the barracks. On arrival there, the dance patrons were taken into the barracks in groups of two and three at a time and were closely searched. Every particle of paper and article in the possession of each was taken out, placed on a table and examined thoroughly. The men had to take off their coats and these were gone through; several of the youths were made take off their boots and socks, which were minutely scrutinised. Three rooms at the barracks were engaged by the police party for the purpose and while the search proceeded three constables did duty with the young men in the bus whose turn had to come. In all the search took almost two hours and the bus did not .reach Enniskillen until after 8 a.m. An American who was on the bus, was not interfered with. The bus conveying the party from Belleek to the ceilidhe was also searched.

25-4-1942. A. O. H. DEVENISH DIVISION. The quarterly meeting, of the above Division was held in the A.O.H. Hall, Brollagh, on Sunday, 12th inst., the President occupying the chair. A vote of sympathy was passed to the relatives of the late Terence Keown, Larrigan, also to the relatives of the late James Reilly, Corrakeel. The motion was passed in silence.

 

Land League 1942 by Eamon Anderson.

25-4-1942. FOLK TALES OF FERMANAGH. BY EAMON ANDERSON. It is truly said that the history of Ireland is written in ballads. Before the days of writing, two thousand or more years ago, the old Gaelic bards of Ireland composed all historical happenings in verse which were committed to memory and handed down for countless generations. Irish historical poetry begun with Amergin, the son of Milesius, about fifteen centuries before Christ, and continued ever since, generation after generation, down to our own day. Some of the early Gaelic historical poems, such as the Táin Bó Cúailnge (Great Cattle Spoil of Cooley), amounted to hundreds of thousands of lines. No wonder that in the Gaelic Ireland of the past it took twenty years’ hard study for the Bardic Order. Not only had a man to be naturally a poet himself, but had also to commit to memory all the Gaelic poetry up to his own time. If we add to that all the ballads and songs that have been composed in English during the last century or so in every parish and corner of this island of ours, and got it all printed in books, it would fill the Fermanagh Co. Library.

So that is the reason that we know so much about the Ireland of the past from the earliest times down to our own day.

For some weeks past I have been writing about the Land League days which many, of our readers can remember. It would be interesting to know how many are alive to-day of the countless thousands who attended the great Land League meeting in Enniskillen on 2nd, of October, 1887. That meeting would have been almost forgotten to-day but for the ballad which Frank Maguire composed to commemorate it. I am going to publish that ballad here this week, and you will find that it describes the meeting far better than any dry prose history could do.’

I have mentioned Frank Maguire in these articles before. He was a fanner and lived his lifetime in the townland of Ruscaw, a mile north of Kinawley village, the next townland to Drumlish, where I was born myself. I never remember him, as he passed away before my time, but his songs and ballads are living still in this part of the country. When I was a child I thought that the few townlands around us were the most wonderful place’s in the world, and I have the same opinion yet! Ruscaw produced two of our parish bards, Frank Maguire and the old school master, Michael Maguire, In Teravally, a short half-mile away, lived Charley Farmer, another of our parish bards. In Drumbinnis lived two of our noted shanachies whom I have often quoted here, John Maguire and Owen Jones. Once I said to Mr. Cahir Healy, who, alas; is far from us to-day, “I think our parish of Kinawley is the best in Fermanagh for folklore and traditions, and bards and ballads.” “I agree with you,’’ said he. “and anyway, that is the right spirit for a person to have—to regard his own townland or parish as the hub and centre of the universe. If every townland would preserve its own traditions we would then be able to preserve those of all Ireland.”

So now here is Frank Maguire’s ballad on the Enniskillen Land League Meeting. The Dean mentioned chairman was the Very Rev. Dean Bermingham, then parish priest of Enniskillen.

“Bold Redmond” was Willie Redmond, then M.P. for North Fermanagh, who was then a fiery young patriot, even fiery enough at that time to please that most ardent Irish Nationalist, Seumas MacManus, the famous Irish writer, who was in Enniskillen at the time. To those of us who remember 1914 and later times and how the old Irish Parliamentary Party lost much of their early Nationalist enthusiasm, this will seem rather strange. But in later days they apparently forgot Parnell’s oft-repeated warnings. Parnell had only a limited belief in the efficiency of Parliamentary agitation. He was of the opinion that without a well-organised public opinion in Ireland his power in Parliament would be slight. He publicly stated that long association with the House of Commons would destroy the integrity of any Irish Party, and publicly advised the Irish people to keep a keen watch  on the conduct of their representatives in the British House of  Commons at all times. As I say, the Irish Party, and many of its people must have forgotten these warnings in later times, else they would never have agreed, even temporarily, to the so-called Home Rule Act of 1914, which merely empowered the Irish people to play at a “Parliament” in Dublin, whose enactments could be vetoed by either the British Lord Lieutenant or the British Parliament, or ruled illegal by the High Court of Justice, and, alas, providing that Ireland’s finances would remain chiefly in England’s hands, and also for the first time in history, agreeing to the partition of Ireland. We get an idea of how the Irish people advanced in the seven years after, when we consider that although Griffith and Collins “Treaty,’’ and “Free State” gave control over tariffs and finance, and many other great powers of all kinds, yet a civil war was fought against it. The Constitution of Eire, of recent times goes a long step further again and gives far-reaching powers, and yet the partition question cannot yet be solved.

So here now for the Land League Song.

 

ENNISKLILEN MONSTER             DEMONSTRATION.

 

Rejoice, ye sons of Erin, for old Ireland shall be free,

The bard’s inclined to tell his mind for all that he did see.

On the 2nd of October, right well I mind the date,

When our Members they came over, their minds for to relate.

 

That morning, as the bell did ring, to chapel we did go,

And fervently we all did Pray against the daring foe,

Returning from the altar, with a mark upon our brow,

Saying freedom for our country, where is coercion now.

 

With horse and foot we took the road,

each shepherd led his flock,

We arrived in Enniskillen at the hour of two o’clock

From Portora gates to Belmore Street was crowded with the throng,

No man to yield, but for the field in thousands we marched on.

 

For to make up their number, I might go through the count,

There is no rule in learning could tell the full amount.           ,

I saw the hand of Shane O’Neill on the green flag from Tyrone,

And the royal band of Fintona, they played us “Garryowen.”

 

At the Jail Square I rested there to take another view,

When Lowry, off the Monument, he asked me “Is that you?’

And are these the Derry Prentice Boys, or when did yous leave home?

I took you for another man, I thought you were Maglone.”

 

“We’re not the Derry Prentice Boys, nor yet from Sandy Row,

For our Parliament is landed in old Ireland once more.

We have the men of Ulster here, our cause for to maintain,

Our member is bold Redmond, and our chairman, is the Dean.”

 

North and South Fermanagh, they made a grand display.

With Kinawley and Kilskeery, and the boys from Lisnaskea.

From Maguiresbridge to Monaghan, and Tempo in the glen,

With Montiagh lads and Macken men, who fought their way and won.

 

We had Belleek and Bellashanny, and the men from sweet Roslea,

With Mullaghdun and Arney like an army in array,

And noble Enniskillen, with good order and command,

Their cry was “No coercion, but freedom for our land.”

 

And now a few words about the song to explain certain points in it. “Maglone” was “Barney Maglone,” a beloved Enniskillen poet of those days who used to write in the Fermanagh vernacular. His real name was Wilson, and I don’t think he was entirely nationalist in politics, in fact he did not express any opinion on politics. At any rate, when making verses he used to go and stand and ‘chat’ with the statute of Sir Lowry Cole on the top of the monument on the Forthill to gain inspiration. So, according to Frank’s imagination in this ballad Sir Lowry mistook Frank for “Barney Maglone,” and the immense procession for the “Derry Prentice Boys” who were paying a visit to the town of Enniskillen. And a very ghostly visit it would be for, like Sir .Lowry himself, the Prentice Boys had departed this life. They closed the gates of “Derry against King James’s Army in 1685, which is generally considered one of the brave deeds of Irish history, but, unfortunately, on the wrong side! Not that Irish Nationalists ever thought much of King James, and always considered him an old coward anyway, who ran away from the Boyne,, and from Ireland. It was really for Ireland, and not for King James, that the Irish were fighting in that war, and it’s the gallant Patrick Sarsfield was the real hero of it, a man who was admired for his bravery even by those who were fighting against him. Probably Sir Lowry, or his statue, or his ghost, as in life he belonged to the unnational and aristocratic party, would much rather see the Derry ’Prentice Boys marching the town in ghostly array, than a great demonstration of people standing for what he would consider the “preposterous” idea of a free Ireland, and the still more “preposterous” idea of “The Land for the People,” and not for the landlords!”

Belashanny is spelt the old way here, as in the ballad, instead of Ballyshannon, which is a modern corruption. “Bela-shanny” is the phonetic pronunciation of the old Gaelic name of the place (Beal atha na Seannach). Bands and banners from all over the place mentioned, and a lot more attended the meeting.

Up till recent years we had the old Land League banner preserved in Kinawley inscribed “Kinawley to the Front. Away with Landlordism.” We carried it in all processions up to 1917, when we changed it for the Tricolour. But the same three colours were also on the old banner, only fixed in a different way— a white cross on a green background, yellow shamrocks and a white fringe. Also a life-size picture of Charles Stewart Parnell.  As1 said before, there must be many people still in Fermanagh and neighbouring counties who attended the great Enniskillen demonstration of 1887. Seumas MacManus admired this ballad so much that he has included it in his latest book, “The Rocky Road to Dublin,’’ which is the author’s own life story.

But there are a great many other local ballads of the Land League days which never have yet been in print which I must publish in these columns so that they will live in future ages.

And now a word about Frank Maguire, the composer. Like many of the old generation, he got little or no schooling, and only “met the scholars,” as they used to say. He only got into the second standard at a hedge school. But my uncle Joe used to write down all his verses, and also the verses of old Master Michael Maguire. So Seumas MacManus christened him “Secretary Joe” in the poem which he made commemorating old Master Maguire—

“His songs shall be recorded By Secretary Joe.”

Frank Maguire was a great humourist. At that time there was a family in this district called the “Quaker Crawfords.” Whether some of the family in times gone by belonged to the religious persuasion called Quakers I know not, but at any rate they were never called anything only the Quakers. Frank used to “kailey” in it, and was very “great” in it. They had a big farm of land, and often sold a lot of meadows. They were not satisfied with how auctions were going one summer, so Frank said to them, “If yiz give me the sale of your meadows I will get you the best price in the country.” “But sure you are no auctioneer. ” “No matter.” says Frank, “I can be an auctioneer for wan day anyhow, and I’ll bring Joe Anderson to write down the bids.” So the auction was advertised by word of mouth from mountain to lough, and the whole country gathered in hundreds to see the fun of the thing. Frank started to auction the plots with hammer and all, like a real auctioneer, and Joe with notebook and pencil took down the ‘bids.’ Any advance on thirty bob for this plot. Any advance. Come on now, and don’t be like beggar men. Give the landlord’s rent of it itself.” And so on. Carried away by the fun, many men bought meadows that day and gave a good price for them, that did not want hay at all. The end of it was that the meadows fetched far more than any auctioneer could get, and that auction is talked of to this day. There was a man in the country at that time nicknamed “Pat the Moat,” and he was very fond of taking near-cuts, even tramping across fields of crop and vegetables. Going daily to work one summer he had made a regular “pad-road” across the middle of Frank’s field of corn so Frank met him one day on the road and gave him this warning in verse—

O Clatty Moat, you’re nothing loath, your habits to maintain,

Marchin’ o’er me cornfield, and comin’ back again.

But if you do not stop it, and from it don’t refrain,

I’ll meet you on some evenin’ and tramp you in a drain.

Frank had many original sayings. There was a woman in the countryside who had a lot of style and polish, but very little real good breeding, Frank’s comment on her was: “In spite of Art, Nature will appear.”

He once took the contract of opening a drain, in the village which served the barrack and other houses. He had to carry the drain along the edge of a field, and the owner of the field came like a lion and objected to the right-of-way of the water that way. The row rose higher and higher, and at last a villager named Paddy Flynn came on the scene. Frank saluted him in this way:—

“Paddy Flynn yon are welcome in,

In dignity and glory

To join our force, yon are not loath,

to drive away this Tory!’’

Paddy Flynn, by the way, was father of the late Mr. John Flynn, of Enniskillen. In this country the words “wit” and ‘sense’ are often used as to mean the same thing. Frank, however, used to distinguish between them by saying, “The want of wit is as bad as the want of sense!” By “sense” he correctly meant one of the five senses, i.e., hearing, sight, etc. What he meant to convey was that the want of wit. i.e. foolishness, was as bad a failure as to be blind, or deaf, or dumb, There are many more articles to be written about our parish bards, and many songs of their’s which will be published at a future date.

Fermanagh Herald 1942.

24-10-1942. BAD ENNISKILLEN “BLACK-OUT” COURT CASES. “I had a letter from the A.R.P. authorities, saying the black-out in Enniskillen is no use, and we will have to take  sterner measures,” said Head Constable Poots at Enniskillen Petty Sessions on Monday, when a number .of householders were summoned for blackout offences. Major Dickie, R.M., inquired what the A.R.P. authorities exactly meant. Head Constable Poots said the A.R.P. authorities complained of lights from buildings, and particularly lights from the rear of buildings. The black-out at the rear of buildings was very bad. That had necessitated him putting extra men on duty at night to inspect the rear of premises to locate the lights. It was a very difficult job sometimes. The result of this tightening-up of the regulations would result in there being far more of these prosecutions for the next Court. In the cases before the Court the following decisions were announced: — Mary Heslin, The Brook, .Probation of Offenders Act; Mary McCaffrey, 2 Militia Barracks; 10/6 and costs; Margaret Dooris, 11 Eden St., 10/- and costs; Alfred Dickson, 6 Abbey St., 5/- and costs; Michael Byrne, Old Bonded Stores, 5/- and costs; George P. Haggins; 25 Strand St., 5/- and costs. Constables W. R. Allen and W. H. Walker were the complainants, and Mr. P. J. Flanagan, solicitor, represented two of the defendants.

24-10-1942. NO INTEREST. COMPLAINT AGAINST SCHOOL ATTENDANCE COMMITTEES. Mr. C. McKeown complained at Fermanagh Regional Education Committee on Friday that some school attendance committees were taking no interest in the attendance of the children at school. He asked when did the Roslea attendance committee meet? The secretary (Mr. Maguire); said he could not say. It was some time since he had a report. He knew of a number of cases in which sub-committees did not seem to take an interest in the school attendance in their districts. He had from time to time received reports that it had been practically impossible to obtain a quorum therefore there was no means of dealing with school attendance. Mr. McKeown said the Act was practically 50 years in existence, making attendance compulsory, yet they had districts in Fermanagh that were taking practically no interest in it. There should be some remedy. It was very discreditable in these days. Lord Belmore—We appoint these committees. We should put off those that do not attend.

24-10-1942. CHEAP MILK FOR ALL SCHOOL CHILDREN. MINISTRY’S CIRCULAR TO FERMANAGH COMMITTEE. A circular letter from the Ministry of Education informed Fermanagh Regional Committee on Friday that schools—primary, secondary, junior commercial, junior and technical—can obtain milk for children at the .rate of one-third of a pint per day, the child to bear half of the cost. Milk would .be supplied to the schools by any local supplier at Is per .gallon and the remainder of the cost would be paid for by the Ministry of Agriculture.

24-10-1942. BAZAAR GOODS SEIZED. SEQUEL AT LISNASKEA COURT. At Lisnaskea Petty Sessions on Thursday, before Major Dickie, R.M., Nellie McGovern, Derrynanny, was summoned for having, on 14th April, knowingly harboured 13 men’s shirts, 20 pairs of assorted ladies’ dress material, six pieces of artificial silk, five children’s frocks, one child’s blouse, one pair of silk stockings, and one lady’s nightdress, imported from the Twenty-Six Counties into the Six Counties. Mr. Jas. Cooper, Crown Solicitor, prosecuted and Mr. Baldwin Murphy, solicitor, defended.

Sergt. Kirkpatrick told of the finding of the goods in a tin trunk at defendant’s house, which, he searched following information received. In a statement to him, defendant said she was President of the Women’s Committee in connection with the Catholic bazaar in Newtownbutler, and following the bazaar on 17th March, she brought the goods in question to her house as they had not been sold. These goods had been given as gifts to raise funds for the new church. Cross-examined, witness said that at first defendant told him she had no goods of the kind he was inquiring about in the house, but later said she had stuff belonging to the bazaar. She told him the committee meetings in Drumlone School had not been very well attended. Reginald Allen said the shirts were of Japanese manufacture, the importation of which had been, prohibited in the Six Counties since Japan’s entry into the war. Mrs. McGovern, in evidence, said she was President of the Catholic Bazaar Committee, and the goods in question had been gathered into the trunk at different times. Before the box came to her it had been in Drumlone School, where the committee meetings had not been well attended. His Honour said he was prepared to grant defendant a dismiss on the harbouring summons, but he must make the order for forfeiture.

24-10-1942. WALLPAPER AND WOOL. Edward Whelan and his wife, Mary Whelan, Lisnaskea, were summoned for knowingly, harbouring 13 rolls of wallpaper and 32 ozs. of wool imported from, the Twenty-Six Counties into the Six Counties. Mr. A. Herbert, solicitor, defended. Sergt. Kirkpatrick gave evidence of the seizure at defendants’ house, and said Mr. Whelan denied all responsibility. In all he found 121 ozs. of wool, but only seized 32 ozs. Mrs. Whelan said she got the wool from various drapers in Lisnaskea and Enniskillen. Mrs. Whelan said she brought the wallpaper in a suitcase from the Twenty-Six Counties about a year ago and was not examined by the Customs’ official on the train. It only cost 13/-. The wool, had been obtained in Six-County shops. His Worship said the Customs must prove the intent to evade payment of Customs duty as mentioned in the summons. Mr. Cooper said these prohibited goods had been bought in the Twenty-Six Counties and brought across the Border. His Worship – But if she was not aware they were dutiable? Mr. Cooper cited the case of a London cabby who was held liable for a man he had taken in his cab at London docks. His Worship said that since Mr. Cooper had introduced his cab he must convict as regards the wallpaper. He imposed a fine of £3 saying she might have been fined £100,

24-10-1942. NEWTOWNBUTLER COURT CASES. TURF-STEALING CHARGE. MOTORIST SAYS FINE “1S A BIT SEVERE.” At Newtownbutler Court, before Major Dickie, R.M., Thomas McCarney, labourer, Clonagun, Newtownbutler, was charged with the larceny of a quantity of turf, the property of Thomas Storey, Clontivern. Thos. Storey, in evidence, stated he had bog at Clonagun and discovered some of his turf being stolen. On the night of Sept. 27th he went to his bog and put a private mark on some of the turf which he had in clamps. On Sept. 28th he found some of the turf missing. He reported the matter to the police at Newtownbutler, and later accompanied Const. Ferguson to Carney’s house, where they found half a bag of turf in the kitchen. He picked out some of the turf (produced) which had his mark on them. Const. Ferguson corroborated. Defendant, in evidence, stated he was going to work and there was no turf in the house. If he had not taken the turf his wife and children would have no fire until he came back. District Inspector Smyth said there was an epidemic of turf-stealing in the district. This man had five horse loads stolen. Major Dickie—I will have to start sending people to prison, for these offences. He imposed a fine of 40/s and said if I there had been anything against defendant before he would have put on a much heavier penalty.

DRUNK IN CHARGE. John McCarroll, hackney owner, Lisnaskea, was charged with being drunk in charge of a motor car on October 1.1th. Defendant admitted the offence. Sergt. A. Blevins, Newtownbutler, gave evidence, and Dr. James Dolan, Newtownbutler, stated he examined defendant, who was so far under the influence of drink as to be incapable of driving a car. Defendant told the Court he had been driving some soldiers and had some drink, but did not think he was incapable of driving. Major Dickie said there was a minimum penalty in these cases. He imposed a fine of £5, with £2 12s 6d, costs, and suspended defendant’s licence for 12 months. He fixed sureties in the event of an appeal. Defendant—I will appeal the case. Major Dickie—But you admit the offence. Defendant—I think that is a bit severe. Major Dickie—But that is the minimum penalty. Defendant—I don’t think I was incapable of driving. Major Dickie—No judge can impose a smaller penalty. If you appeal, I am afraid it would be a waste of time and money. Defendant said he was not in the habit of taking drink, and had driven all over the world. District Inspector Smyth, said it was much too dangerous to have people driving while under the influence of drink. Major Dickie said he would allow defendant to drive until his appeal was heard, but he did not know whether the appeal was wise or not.

24-10-1942. APPELLANT WAS DEAD. NEWTOWNBUTLER CASE UNUSUAL SITUATION. An unusual situation arose at Enniskillen Quarter Sessions on Wednesday when an appeal case was called in which Hugh Connolly, of Derrysteaton Island, appealed, against a £12 fine for harbouring 10 cwts. of sulphate of ammonia. Mr, V. G. Patterson, solicitor, who had represented Connolly at the Petty Sessions hearing, said the appellant was dead. He had been dead ten days at his island home before being found. Judge Ellison said perhaps the case could be adjourned. Mr. J. Cooper (for the respondent Customs authorities) —I don’t know how you can adjourn the case of a dead man. Judge—There must be some means of correcting an obvious error. Mr. Cooper—Nothing can happen – just strike out the appeal. Judge—If the fine is not paid he cannot be imprisoned which was the alternative. Could the £12 not be levied by distress on his property irrespective of his, death? Mr. Cooper -You cannot levy it on the goods of a dead man. We would not attempt to do it anyhow. Mr. Patterson—If they don’t do that and don’t attempt to follow Mr. Connolly, nothing further will happen. A constable of police from the locality said the dead man had no stock. A brother-in-law was looking after the farm, but nobody was living on it. Mr. Cooper said it would be different if Mr. Patterson said he was going to take out probate and continue the appeal, but he simply came and said he had no instructions. Mr. Patterson—The man was ten days dead before he was found. Judge—Could the Crown not claim it was a creditor? Mr. Patterson said he thought not in this case. The matter was adjourned.

24-10-1942. ENNISKILLEN MARKET, ENNISKILLEN, Tuesday—Pork, 45 carcases; potatoes, 4s 3d per cwt.; straw, 4s per cwt.; hens, 1s to Is 3d per lb.; chickens. Is 4d to Is 6d per lb.; rabbits, 7d to 8d per lb.

24-10-1942. DERRYLIN BURGLARY.“The monotony of their present service got on their nerves and they decided to desert with the intention of joining the Air Force from ‘Eire’ ” said Mr. E. Ferguson at Enniskillen Criminal Sessions on Friday when he was defending two soldiers of the Royal Engineers, Gerard Fitzgerald and Leslie Fuller, who pleaded guilty to having on 11th August, 1942, broken and entered the dwelling house at Cloghan of Dr. S. J. McQuaid, M.O.H., Derrylin, and stolen two gent’s shirts, two pullovers, one gent’s sports jacket, one pair gent’s trousers, one gent’s lounge jacket and two pairs of gent’s socks, the property of Dr. McQuaid.

Mr. J. Cooper, Crown Solicitor, said there were no convictions of any sort against Fitzgerald, Fuller was convicted on 21st August, 1935, for attempted housebreaking and larceny at Wealdstone Juvenile Court and put under a rule of bail. On 2nd July, 1936, at Middlesex Quarter Sessions he was sent to Borstal for three years. He was later convicted of being an Army deserter. Mr. Ferguson said both accused belonged to the Royal Engineers. Fitzgerald was 21 years of age in July last and before the war was an aircraft worker at Bristol. He joined the Army at 17, although, he was in a reserved service. Fuller was 23 years of age and had been in the Army since the outbreak of war. Although the pair had made repeated applications to get away from the Royal Engineers because of their peacetime occupations, one being an aircraft worker and the other a plumber, they had been refused. They applied to join the commandos but were refused. Wishing to join the Air Force from across the border, they needed civilian, clothes and this caused the offence. They went into the doctor’s house, found no one in and took these clothes. All the clothes had been returned and the only thing broken was one window. Since the offence, the men had been tea weeks in jail and as far as Fitzgerald was concerned he had expiated his crime and it would be a shame if he had to go to jail again. He asked that they should be allowed to go back to the Army where they would be of more use than in jail. Deputy Judge Ellison discharged Fitzgerald under the Probation Act. He bound over Fuller in £10 to keep the peace for two years. Both men were ordered to be detained pending the arrival of a military escort.

24-10-1942. £4 DECREE FOR ASSAULT. IRVINESTOWN MAN’S CLAIM. At Enniskillen Quarter Sessions on Saturday, William John Swanson, of Drumbulcan, Irvinestown, sued James Farrell, of same place, for £5 damages for assault. The claim was not defended. Mr. A. Herbert (Messrs. Maguire and Herbert) represented the plaintiff, who said that on 24th July last he was in the townland of Drumbulkin, and had his bicycle with him. He was at the foot of a hill and had dismounted from the machine to walk up the hill. Farrell came out of the house as witness passed and shouted. Witness looked round to see what defendant was talking about and Farrell struck him on the jaw and tumbled him on his back right over the bicycle. As a result, his jaw swelled and he was not able to take his food. Defendant was a forty-acre farmer with fairly good land. A decree for £4 was given with 2s 6d expenses,

24-10-1942. GOOD ATTENDANCE OF JURORS. When out of 102 petty jurors summoned for Enniskillen Criminal Sessions on Friday, it transpired that only one was absent without explanation, Deputy Judge Ellison, K.C., said the attendance was very good indeed. “I have never heard a jury list before on which so many names were answered,” he added.

REDUCTION IN FINE. NEWTOWNBUTLER MAN’S APPEAL. Hugh P. Maguire, of Clonfard, Newtownbutler, appealed at Newtownbutler Quarter Sessions on Wednesday against two fines of £50 each imposed at Newtownbutler Petty Sessions in respect of (1) for failing to stop his car at the Border when called upon to do so, and (2) for exporting prohibited, goods. By consent, Deputy Judge Ellison, K.C., affirmed both convictions, but the fine for failing to stop the car was reduced to £40. Defendant applied for and was given six weeks in which to pay the £90.

24-10-1942. GLANGEVLIN VOCATIONAL SCHOOL. DECISION TO RE-OPEN IT. At the meeting of County Cavan Vocational Education Committee Mr. J. J. Gleeson presided. The Office of Public Works wrote that as Glangevlin School was not in use they were prepared to take it on lease from the committee for a period of ten years. Mr. McGovern proposed, that they reopen the school. Mr. P. Smith said it was a shame to have the school closed. The application was refused it was decided to take steps to have the school reopened.

24-10-1942. BORDER INCIDENT. BELFAST MAN FINED £100 AT CLONES. At Clones District Court before District Justice Lavery, Patrick McIlduff, whose address was given as English St. Belfast, and who was described as a bookmaker, was charged with on May 19, 1941, at Glasslough, Co. Monaghan, exporting prohibited goods consisting of wearing apparel and also rescuing the goods seized by a Customs official. Defendant was fined £100 on the charge of exporting and £1 on the charge of rescuing, and the fines were paid into court immediately. Evidence was given by Customs Officer Lynn of following a motor-car to the Tyrone border. When he arrived he saw defendant standing by the car along with the driver. He examined the car and found two parcels in it. A man came across the Border and seized one of the parcels and took it away with him across the Border. Defendant took up the other parcel and went across the Border with it. He had no doubt it was defendant who took one of the parcels away. Defendant said he knew nothing about the parcels in the car. He had some drink taken.

24-10-1942. CATTLE DEALER’S CLAIM. £12 DECREE AT ENNISKILLEN. In an undefended civil bill at Enniskillen Quarter Sessions on Saturday, John Elliott, 1 Victoria Terrace, Enniskillen,  cattle-dealer, sued Thomas Gallagher, Aghoo, Garrison, for £26, plaintiff alleging that defendant’s warranty in the sale of a heifer was contrary to the facts. Plaintiff said he paid £21 for the heifer on 12th August last, when, defendant said she had cleaned after calving. It transpired, however, he said, that she had not cleaned, and he had to pay £2 for medicine for her. She lost her milk and was now worth only £13. Defendant went to see the animal and promised to take her back. He did not do so, and when plaintiff saw him, again and mentioned the matter he told plaintiff to “make the best of it.” Deputy Judge Ellison, K.C., gave plaintiff a decree for £13, plaintiff to retain the animal.

24-10-1942. FOUR MONTHS FOR ASSAULT. At Enniskillen Criminal Sessions Wm. Hynes, Nugent’s Entry, Enniskillen, was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment on a charge to which he pleaded guilty, of assaulting a girl of under thirteen years. He had been found not guilty of a serious charge against the child.

24-10-1942. PETTIGO NOTES. Mr. Patrick Chaucer, Customs officer at Pettigo Customs frontier post, is to be transferred to Clones. Mr. Chaucer since coming to the village has been a very popular young man. He is a keen athlete who took a prominent part in all the local games. He is being replaced in Pettigo by Mr. Denis Bradley.

On Sunday morning while on duty in the vicinity of Termon Creamery, near the Grouselodge border, Constables Mathers and Robinson, R.U.C., seized a quantity of tea, margarine and rice from a young man. The constables removed the goods to Tullyhommon R.U.C. station.

During the week, R.U.C. from Tullyhommon, Pettigo, were successful in tracing and .recovering, a heifer which had been missing from the farm, of Mr. Robt. Brandon, Glenvannon, near Pettigo.

On Sunday, Sergt. Bradley, R.U.C., when on patrol in the townland of Camplagh observed a man carrying a parcel and coming from the Donegal border. The man bolted leaving the parcel behind which contained woollen blankets.

31-10-1942. GIRL ESCAPES JAIL. £50 FINE SUBSTITUTED FOR PRISON SENTENCE. A pretty, well-dressed young woman, Elizabeth Hal, of Clonfard, Newtownbutler, escaped a three months’ prison sentence by appealing to Newtownbutler  Quarter Sessions in Enniskillen on Wednesday. She had been sentenced at Newtownbutler Petty Sessions for dealing in prohibited goods, namely, four loaves, a carton of soap and 3½ lbs. flake meal. Mr. A. J. Belford (instructed by Mr. F. J. Patterson, solicitor) represented defendant. Mr. Jas. Cooper, Crown, Solicitor, for the Customs authorities, said the amount of goods involved was very small, their value being 3/-. On the 18th November, 1941, appellant was fined £3 for dealing in prohibited goods—18 loaves—and also £36 for exporting three tons of sulphate of ammonia. Mr. Cooper was proceeding to tell Deputy Judge Ellison, K.C., of the ambushes carried out by, the police on three different days in April, 1942, when Mr. Belford interpolated and said his submission was that that evidence had been wrongly admitted by the magistrate in the Court below, no charge in respect of these allegations having been made. Mr. Cooper said the police had seen people, seventy-five in number, going to and. from the shop, bringing goods into the Free State. Judge – Illegally across the border? Mr. Cooper—Yes. Judge—Why didn’t you prosecute them?

Mr. Belford pointed out that the solicitor for appellant at the Petty Sessions objected to that evidence on the ground that no prosecution had been brought against those people. Mr. Cooper explained that the shop was on the very border and it was practically impossible to catch the offenders. In this particular case the policeman had to run after a woman; he grabbed the bag she was carrying but was unable to get a hold of her. The constable brought the goods back to appellant’s shop and she pleaded guilty. At the Petty Sessions he (Mr, Cooper.) was instructed to press for imprisonment, and his Worship said to her: “I have seen you before’ and sentenced her to three months. Mr. Belford said imprisonment in the case would be rather harsh as appellant was only twenty-five years old. Before the introduction of rationing, three- quarters of her customers were from over the border, and while he frankly admitted there might have been some irregularities, it was true to say she did not realise the enormity of the offences. She had been more or less out of business since her Ministry of Food licence had been withdrawn by the Lisnaskea Food Control Committee. She was now only allowed to sell some hardware and clothes, and she was contemplating giving up the business she had carried on for seven years. That being so, the police would be given no further trouble. Like many other border residents, she did not seem to realise the seriousness of smuggling and she had already been heavily punished by her livelihood being taken away. Mr. Cooper thought the licence was merely suspended pending his Honour’s decision. Mr. Belford said appellant would submit to a fairly substantial penalty in order to avoid the sentence, which would be likely to have unpleasant consequences for her in after life.

31-10-1942. YOUNG BOYS ON LARCENY CHARGES. ENNISKILLEN COURT CASES. At Enniskillen Quarter Sessions ion Friday three young boys pleaded guilty before Deputy Judge Ellison, K.C., to having on 26th July, 1942, broken and entered the shop of William H. Creighton, Church St., Enniskillen, and stolen chocolate and sweets to the value of £1 6s 6d. One of the above-mentioned boys and another boy pleaded guilty to breaking and entering the shop of Thomas Wilson, Garvary, between 11.55 p.m. on 13th Aug. and 3 a.m. on 14th August, and stealing two bicycle free wheels value 11s, pair pliers value Is 6d, 3½ doz. safety razor blades value 7s, two pocket torches value 3s, two fountain pens value 5s, one pair opera glasses value 15s and five bottles lemonade, value 3s 8d.

The boy twice charged, above also pleaded guilty to stealing a bicycle value £5, the property of Harold Cleary, on 20th July. Mr. R. A. Herbert, LL.B (Messrs. Maguire and Herbert) represented all accused. All the boys were very young and had respectable parents. None had. any previous convictions involving dishonesty. In two of the cases he mentioned that one boy had been earning £3 18s 0d weekly at public works at the age of 15. Another at the same age had been earning almost £5 weekly. This work stopped and the boys were running about with nothing to do. There was no proper control over the boys since the wages terminated until they had settled down again and got used to living with little or no money.

The Judge, sternly warning the boys of what would happen should they ever again be guilty of a similar offence, allowed them off on entering, or their parents’ entering into recognisances in £10 for their good behaviour. An order was made for the return of the stolen property, and £1 found in the possession of the boy who stole the bicycle was ordered to be handed to Cleary to compensate for a coat on the bicycle that was still missing. Mr. Creighton, said Mr. Cooper, was at the loss of the chocolate, which was buried and was rendered unfit. Asked whether he wanted compensation, by Mr. Herbert, who said the parents of the boy involved were very poor. Mr. Creighton said he did not. The Judge highly commended Mr. Creighton for his charitable attitude.

31-10-1942. ARTIFICIAL MANURE ON BORDER ISLAND. APPEAL AGAINST £12 FINE FAILS. At Newtownbutler Quarter Sessions on Wednesday, before Deputy Judge Ellison William Atwell, of Derrysteaton, appealed against a fine of £12 for the harbouring of a quantity of sulphate of ammonia. Mr. V. G. Patterson represented the appellant, and Mr. J. Cooper appeared for the respondent Customs Authorities. Constable Duffy said in an unoccupied house on Gallon Island belonging to defendant, while on boat patrol on Lough Erne, he found eight bags containing 16 cwt. of sulphate of ammonia. The house was approachable in summer time from the shore, but at this time of the year (February) could only be approached by boat. From the point of the island it was only 50 yards across Lough Erne to the 26 counties. In a statement defendant said he bought the ammonia in Newtownbutler for his own, use. It was the only ammonia he had bought that year. Witness discovered on enquiring at the shop where the purchase was made that the latter statement was untrue.

Cross-examined, witness said Mr. Anderson, manager of the Newtownbutler shop which supplied the stuff, said in a statement that on the 5th January defendant ordered a ton of sulphate of ammonia, took half of it that, day, and the remaining half the next day, and paid for it on the second day. Mr. Patterson—You got it in February, he got it in January; if he had wanted to get it across the Border there would have been no difficulty? –No difficulty. Even when taking it to his house he has to go along the shore of the Free State?—Yes. The Ministry actually urged people to get artificial manures early.—Yes.

Mr. Cooper—Atwell’s statement to you was that he had bought 16 cwt.?—Yes. It could be bought for about £12 a ton .here; what was the price in “Eire ?” —The price at the time was as much as £60. So it would be very profitable to get it across these few yards?—Yes. And 4 cwts. of this ammonia was missing?—Yes. George Dixon, Surveyor of Customs and Excise, stated on information from the police as to defendant’s probable requirements for his own cropping, he allowed 6 cwt. to the defendant, and had the remainder seized. Mr. Patterson—Did you know that he was treating for the purchase of another 40-acre farm?—No. And that he would require fertiliser for it?—No. Will you say you knew 6 cwt. was enough for his forty-acre farm, on Derrysteaton, and another 40-acre farm he was going to purchase?—I acted on information from the police. They did not know what he was going to crop?—They knew what he had cropped the previous year. Mf. Cooper—You don’t allocate fertiliser for a farm he has not bought? — No. Mr. Patterson said when he got his potato subsidy from the Government he received a notice stating that the Ministry had arranged for the importation of sufficient supplies of sulphate of ammonia to meet the needs of farmers, but it was most important that farmers should order immediately and where possible take delivery. “It is most important. Act now” stated the notice. Atwell followed that advice. He had 60 acres on Derrysteaton or heavy wet land, and required a quick acting fertilizer.

31-10-1942. ENNISKILLEN’S £200 PRIZE. When Enniskillen Urban Council met on Monday evening to allocate the prize money of £300 won in the recent waste paper salvage competition, a letter was read from Omagh Urban Council, congratulating the Council on winning a £200 prize. ‘The successful collection of waste paper,” stated the letter “requires great effort, organisation and co-operation of the townspeople, and your success shows that you had these three factors.” Mr. T. Algeo thought the County Hospital was the first consideration of the Council, as it catered for all creeds and classes, and he proposed that the Hospital get half of the prize money. Mr. P. Kelly seconded. Mr. T. Devine—I quite agree with Mr. Algeo that our County Hospital has our first claim, but there are a number of other institutions and organisations which 1 think have claims on you also. He proposed that the money be allocated as follows, County Hospital, £60; Enniskillen Nursing Society, £25: Enniskillen Council for Social. Service, £25; Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Association, £25; Inniskillings Comforts Fund, £25; £15 each to the Women’s Section, British Legion and the Earl Haig Fund; and £10 to the Ulster Gift Fund. Mr. W. H. Creighton seconded. Mr- W. J. Monaghan—Have the charities attached to the various churches received any consideration from you in these matters? Chairman, (Senator Whaley)—I don’t think they have been consulted in this matter at all

Mr. Monaghan said they were coming on to winter, and .he thought the various churches should get some little help for their funds, so that they could assist the poor people by either way of coal or other relief that they may be pleased to give to the people. “You have the outlook of a very severe winter; something should be done for these people,” he added. Mr. J. Donnelly (Borough Surveyor) said he had been consulted on the matter when it had been suggested that the St. Vincent De Paul Society should get £20, but this Society was in the most fortunate position that it had ever been in—that they had sufficient money at the present time. They were well able to carry on and meet the demands of the next couple of years or more. Mr. W. J. B. Lee said if they gave all the money to the County Hospital everybody would benefit, and he proposed that it all go to the County Hospital. Mr. Monaghan—It is a State-aided institution.  Mr. Devine—Speaking for the Church I represent, so far as I know they are not in need of any funds. Mr. Monaghan—That satisfies me. Mr. Algeo then altered his proposal and propose that the Hospital get £100 and he asked the Chairman to take a written vote “to see who was for the County Hospital or not.”

Mr. W. E. Johnston—I object to Mr. Algeo’s statement—“to see who is for the County Hospital or not.” Mr. Algeo—I demand a written vote on it. Mr. Johnston–You can have any vote on it you like. Mr. Devine said he would not like it to go out that this was a vote for and against the County Hospital. Mr. J. Logan thought that Mr. Devine’s motion should be passed unanimously. They had always the churches with them and they had always the poor with them, and likely to have them.

31-10-1942. MINOR HALL BOOKINGS DISCUSSED AT ENNISKILLEN URBAN COUNCIL. Enniskillen Urban Council discussed at length, at a special meeting on Monday evening an application from, the Six-County Council for Social Service for the use of the Minor Hall for .at least one night per week as a club for young people, and also for the taking over by them of a small plot of ground, the Council’s property, abutting on the road adjoining Mill Street and the Irvinestown Road us a juvenile recreation centre. The Chairman (Senator Whaley) asked had the Council a room to spare. Town Clerk (Mr. A. W. Ritchie) — For the next two or three months it is booked. Mr. T. Algeo—Haven’t you a resolution on the books that the Minor Hall is closed for three months? Chairman—After present bookings. The Town Clerk said if there was a fixed night each week it would be very difficult. The Minor Hall went usually with the main hall, when the latter was booked for dances.

Mr. Devine— They cannot surely book; up the hall for three months ahead. Mr. J. Logan proposing that Saturday night be granted to the Social Services in the Minor Hall, said all through the week the young people were engaged at their lessons, and it would be a shame to take them away from these to attend a club. The presence of the boys attending in the hall would help to purify the atmosphere. That would be a disappointment to some people. They would miss (the “hop.” The people would also miss the bottles of a Sunday morning. It would do the town a lot of good if they had the young boys in the ball on a Saturday night. There was very seldom a big function in the hall on a Saturday night; therefore, that night would not clash with any other people. He meant this arrangement to start from 1st January. Mr. Algeo seconded. Mr. Devine— We want it before January. Saturday night would not suit. The Town Clerk read a list of bookings of the Minor Hall for some weeks to come which, showed that the same three groups of people have the hall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, respectively, of each week for some time in advance. Mr. Devine—Shilling “hops.” The Town Clerk said Saturday night was “Football.” Mr. McKeown— What football; there are several football clubs. Town Clerk—I cannot tell you the name of it. Mr. Devine—Corinthian Football Club. Everyone knows it. There is no secret about it. Town Clerk— It is difficult to get a night. Mr. Devine asked Mr. Logan, not to press his motion, because he did not think Saturday night would suit the Social Services. Mr. Logan—Saturday night is the best. The pictures have the main hall, so that there would only be the two parties here. It is all the same to me. Boys always strolled about the streets for an hour or two on that night, he said. Mr. Johnston—Country boys go home. Mr. Logan-The shops are closed earlier

7-11-1942. TRAGIC DEATH OF JAS. A. JONES, ROYAL HOTEL. POISONED BY GAS FUMES IN BEDROOM. Enniskillen got a profound shock on Tuesday with the news of the death that morning of Mr. James A. Jones, popular proprietor of the Royal Hotel, Enniskillen and one of the best-known auctioneers in the North-West. Only the previous evening Mr. Jones had been seen in the best of health and spirits, on his daily walk, and it was tragic to think that within little more than twelve hours he was dead. The tragic event was caused by an accident. A gas tap which had served a disused stove in Mr, Jones’ bedroom had been at some time or other inadvertently turned on. Mr. Jones was resting in bed after his morning cup of tea when the meter serving that pipe and tap was again turned on by the Gas Company’s fitter after having been off for some time. The fitter was unaware of the pipe leading to the bedroom. The turning on of the gas filled Mr. Jones’ room with gas. The window was closed and when the alarm was raised and the doctor arrived, he found Mr. Jones unconscious. He died after a short time. .

An Enniskillen man, Mr. Jones was a member of a popular and much-esteemed family. His brother Frank, a former Superintendent of the Garda Siochana, died less than two years ago in Dublin, where he was the proprietor of the Beresford Hotel. Another, sister, now deceased was a member of the Convent .of Mercy community Newry. The only surviving member of the family is Miss Josephine Jones, who lived at the Hotel with the deceased, gentleman. It was she who first raised the alarm. To her, in her sorrow, the sincere sympathy of the whole community goes out.

The late Mr. Jones, who was aged 59 years, started life as a clerk in the office of the late Mr. Robert W. Wilson, auctioneer, in the present premises of the Royal Hotel. . He became an auctioneer himself in Mr. Wilson’s employment, and on Mr. Wilson’s death succeeded him. He built up for himself one of the most extensive auctioneering practices in the North. He later became the proprietor of the Royal Hotel, and in both capacities he was as popular as he was-well-known. He entertained some of the leading personalities of Ireland in every sphere.

Mr. Jones was a good-living Catholic gentleman, who attended regularly to his religious duties. Although unmarried, he had a wonderful regard and love for children, a love for little ones shared by every member of his family. In life he had borne many crosses, several members of his family dying within a comparatively short time of one another, but he bore his sorrows bravely, even cheerfully, and was always in high spirits outwardly, whatever sorrows his inner soul might feel. He will be much missed by every creed and class in the town.

THE INQUEST. The sad circumstances of his death were investigated by Mr. G. E. Warren, Coroner, at an inquest in the Hotel on Tuesday. Head Constable Conlin represented the police; Mr. R. A. Herbert, (Messrs. Maguire and Herbert), the next of kin, and Mr. Gerald Grant, BL., appeared for the Enniskillen Gas Company.

DOCTOR’S EVIDENCE. Dr. Philip Brady said in response to a telephone massage received at 11 a.m., he went to the Royal Hotel, where he arrived in a few minutes and smelled coal gas. He went, to a bedroom on the first floor and found a strong smell of coal gas in the bedroom. In the bed he found deceased in an unconscious condition but alive. He died a few minutes afterward. He was clad in pyjamas. Death was caused by asphyxia due to coal gas poisoning. Mr. Jones was a patient of witness’s and was suffering from myocarditis in a mild degree; otherwise he was in good health.

WAITER’S STORY. Wm. Brady, waiter, said that morning at 10-30 he was tidying up in the dining room when Miss Jones, sister of the deceased, told him to go up to deceased’s room because she had smelled gas escaping there. When he went into the room he found it full of gas and the gas pipe turned on. He turned off the tap and opened the window. The pipe from which the gas was escaping was not connected to the gas stove in the room and had not been for some time. The gas fire in the room was never used and the tap was on the portion of the pipe leading to the main. He saw deceased in the bed and asked him was he all right, but he made no answer. He felt deceased’s hands and face, and, as he appeared to witness to be unconscious, witness went for Dr. Brady. There was a fitter from the hotel working at the oven in the kitchen that morning. To Mr. Grant, witness said this pipe had been disconnected from the fire for some time, but he did not know who disconnected it.

Mr. Grant-How long had it been in that condition?—I don’t know. Had it ever been reported?—I don’t know, unless Mr. Jones did it. Witness said he did not know when he first noticed that it was cut. He was very seldom in Mr. Jones’s room, except to go occasionally for Mr. Jones’ coat. Mr. Herbert -Is it cut or disconnected? Head Constable—There seems to be six inches of pipe cut away altogether. Witness said, he had not seen the gas stove lit this ages. It was not lit last winter. Patrick Cunningham, boots, said between 9.45 and 10 a.m. that morning he was called by Miss Jones to the Hotel office; In this office were two gas metres, and he was asked by Miss Jones to turn on the gas. She opened the press where the meter was and, as witness knew nothing about them, he refused to turn on the gas. There was a gas man there and he got a wrench and went towards the meter. Witness did not know what he did. There was a gas radiator in the hall of the Hotel, and witness was seven months in the hotel and had never seen it lighted. He heard no conversation between Miss Jones and the fitter. Mr. Grant—Had you ever seen the stove lit in Mr. Jones’ bedroom?—I didn’t even know there was a stove in the bedroom.

IN USUAL GOOD SPIRITS. Michael Rooney, boots, said that about 9-15 a.m. that morning he went to Mr. Jones’ bedroom with his tea. Mr. Jones was in bed and seemed to be in good form. Witness gave him the tea and pulled down the black-out blind. The window was closed. Witness did not go near the gas fire in the room as he did not know it was working. It was usual for Mr. Jones to remain in bed in the morning and have his tea there. Witness never saw the gas fire in the room used. He was in the Hotel since August and never saw the radiator in the hall used. Head, Const. Conlin—Was there any smell of gas when you were in the room? —No. Mr. Jones seemed in his usual health, and spoke to him the same as usual. He made no complaint of any kind. To Mr. Herbert, witness said Mr. Jones took his tea. Coroner—You don’t know whether he got out of bed at all or not?—No, I don’t.

Henry Fox, employed as fitter by the Enniskillen Gas Company, said on this morning about 9 a.m. he was sent by Mr. Lusted, manager of the Gasworks, to the Royal Hotel to have a look at the gas radiator. He arrived at the Hotel at 8-50 a.m. and saw Miss Jones, who pointed out the gas radiator in the hall. She said in reply to witness that that was all in the place. Witness turned on the tap of the radiator, but no gas came. Miss Jones called the Boots to turn on the gas in this meter. As there were two meters in the office the boots was not sure what to do so witness turned on the main cock of the meter serving this radiator. The other meter served the cooking stoves in the kitchen and was fully turned on. Witness was not aware that this meter which he turned on served anything but the hall radiator, so he took the word of Miss Jones for this. He had since made a test of this meter which served the hall radiator and found it also, served the pipe which led to the gas stove in Mr. Jones’ room. He lit the gas in the hall radiator and Miss Jones told him to leave it on as it was cold. He was then brought to the kitchen to look at the cooker. He was not up in Mr. Jones’ bedroom on this visit. Head Constable—If the tap in the pipe in Mr. Jones’ room which was cut had been turned off, could any gas escape? — No, certainly not. It would have been perfectly safe. The pipe was not cut it was disconnected. To Mr. Herbert, witness said he asked Miss Jones were there any others in the place to be seen to, and she said that was all that was in the place. The gas in the hall radiator was still on when he left about twenty minutes past ten a.m.

SISTER’S EVIDENCE. Miss Josephine Jones, who, when the inquest was held at five o’clock, was still confined to bed from the results of the shock, gave her evidence in bed. She said her brother arranged with the Gas Company to attend to the gas in the morning. About ten minutes to ten a man from the Gas Company arrived. Before going to the radiator, the gas man asked her were there any other radiators and she said no. To make sure, she asked the waiter, and he also said ho. She did not remember about the stove in Mr, Jones’ room. It never entered her mind. She called Patrick Cunningham to turn on the meter in the office for the gas man, but he was not able, and the gas man did it himself. After the radiator had been fired, she brought the gas man down to the kitchen to look at the stove there. About 10-30 she smelt gas and went upstairs. She found on entering deceased’s room that it was full of gas. She noticed that her brother did not move as usual, felt his hand and found it cold. She then raised the alarm.

To Mr. Grant, witness said she could not definitely remember whether it was the radiator or gas fittings the gas man said when he asked her were there any others in the house. The tap which was turned on in her brother’s room was on the floor underneath the wash-hand basin, and it could easily have been turned on by someone brushing out the room, or hitting it with their foot when at the basin. Mr. Grant said on behalf of Mr. Lusted and the Gas Company, he extended very sincere sympathy in the terrible tragedy that had happened. The Head Constable and Coroner associated themselves with this expression, of sympathy, and Mr. R. A. Herbert, LL. B., also joined in the expression of sorrow at Mr. Jones’ tragic passing. He had been a personal friend of Mr. Jones and he was sure the relatives felt the blow very much. The Coroner returned a verdict of death from asphyxia caused by coal-gas poisoning, the result of an accident.

7-11-1942. MILITARY LORRY LIGHTS IN ENNISKILLEN. MAGISTRATE’S COMPLAINT. Complaints concerning glaring headlights of motor vehicles belonging to the military were voiced by Major T. W. Dickie, R.M., at Enniskillen Petty Sessions on Monday. His Worship said that recently the whole street of Enniskillen was lit up by army vehicle headlights from end to end, and this was far worse than some of the cases which he had to deal with in Court. Those motor lights could certainly be seen for ten or twelve miles away from the air. He also spoke of the glare from torches. Sergt. John. Codd, R.U.C., said a special report had been made by the police on the subject of lights on army vehicles, but no reply had yet been received. His Worship pointed out that except a light could be seen from an altitude of six hundred feet he would not impose a fine.

One of the cases which fell within this category was brought against an air-raid warden in Enniskillen, and no penalty was inflicted. In another case Head Constable Conlon, prosecuting, said the defendant was aged ninety-three. She kept a boarding-house in Forthill Street and according to the constable she had forgotten to put up the black-out blind. His Worship said it was hard to put a penalty on a law-breaker when she reached the age of ninety three, but he had to do it. A. fine of 5/- and costs was ordered. Similar fines were imposed in a number of other summonses.

7-11-1942. PRISONERS ESCAPE FROM MOUNTJOY GAOL. The following statement was issued by the “Eire” Government Information Bureau on Tuesday; “Six prisoners serving sentences imposed by the Special Military Court escaped from Mountjoy Prison on the evening of November 1.”

 

 

1942. October. Fermanagh Herald.

17-10-1942.LICENSING PROSECUTION FAILS. IRVINESTOWN CASE. All five summonses issued in a licensing case heard at Irvinestown Petty Sessions on Friday were dismissed by Major Dickie, R.M. The licensee Mrs. Elizabeth M. Shutt, was summoned on the usual five counts and her husband for aiding and abetting. Three men found on the premises were also defendants. D.I. Walshe prosecuted, and Mr. R. A. Herbert, LL. B., defended. Constable Wright gave evidence that at 12.15 a.m. on 30th Sept. they heard noises in the kitchen of the licensed premises and at 12.20 were admitted by the licensee’s husband who said he invited the men in for a chat to await the return of the licensee who was at a dance. Two of the men had drink in front of them. Cross-examined by Mr. Herbert, witness said the bar was closed and everything was in order. Constable Bradley corroborated. Giving evidence, the licensee’s husband said this wife was out at a dance and while awaiting her return, at one o’clock he invited three friends of his for a chat. The drink they had had been left out early in the .night for himself, and no money was paid for it. The bar had not even been opened to get it. After further evidence, the R.M. said he did not think there was any evidence and the explanation given was reasonable. He dismissed all the cases.

17-10-1942. TEN YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT. AMERICAN SOLDIERS’ SENTENCED. There was a dramatic conclusion to the General Court-Martial in Co. Down on Pte. Herbert G. Jacobs, aged 23, Kentucky, and Pte. Embra H. Farley, aged 27, of Arkansas, who were accused of the murder of Edward Clenaghan, of Soldierstown, Aghalee, who died in Lurgan hospital on September 23, shortly after being found with, head injuries, on the roadside near his mother’s public-house in Soldierstown, when at the end of the case for the prosecution, the defending officer stated that he would call no evidence for the defence. Following short statements by the officer for the prosecution and for the defence, the Court was closed. Within a few moments it reassembled to hear evidence of the character and military career of each of the accused, following which each of the accused was found guilty of manslaughter, and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. The court consisted of four colonels and four lieutenant-colonels.

17-10-1942. CAVAN HALL BURNED. Killadoon Hall, situated in the Loughduff area of Mullahoran (County Cavan) Parish and erected by free labour in 1924, has been destroyed by fire. It was constructed of iron and timber with boarded floor seats and stage, and used as a meeting place by the local football club, L.D.F., Red Cross, etc.

17-10-1942.STORY OF ENNISKILLEN TRAGEDY BABY FOUND WITH THROAT CUT. MISSING MOTHER RESPONSIBLE WHILE INSANE. That five months old Claire Henderson died front shock and haemorrhage as the result of a wound inflicted on the throat with a carving knife by her mother while the latter was apparently, temporarily insane, was the verdict of a jury on Friday at the resumed inquest on the baby which had been found at 5.45 p.m. on the 24th Sept. lying dead on the settee in the sitting room of its parents temporary home 3, Erne View, Enniskillen, by its father Major Edward Henderson. Head-Constable Poots represented the police. Mr. B. L. Winslow appeared for Major Henderson and Mr. G. E. Warren, coroner, conducted the proceedings. Mr. W. F. Dewane was jury foreman.

FATHER S GHASTLY FIND. Major Henderson deposed that his wife and child resided with him at 3, Erne View Terrace, where they had rooms taken. On the 24th Sept. at 5.45 he returned from his office and went upstairs to the sitting room of their temporary home. He saw the baby lying on her back on the settee, with her throat cut and .a carving knife beside her on the settee. There was no one else in the room and he immediately went downstairs to the hallway and there saw Dr. McBrien and Miss Ellen Hands. He told them what he had seen, saying, as far as he could recollect ‘‘The baby’s throat is cut.”

Since the birth of the baby on 27th April last his wife had enjoyed good health. During a week or two prior to the tragedy, however, she appeared to be overstrung and suffered from sleeplessness. They had been on holidays at Bundoran from the 14th to the 21st Sept., and during that time his wife worried about the baby’s health. As a result of his wife’s condition and some remarks she made he called with Dr. McBrien on the morning of 24th September and asked him to visit his wife, who had said she thought herself and the baby were both ill. She also said she let witness down and would not go to heaven and that she was becoming mentally deranged. At 2 p.m. on the 24th Sept. he last saw his wife, when they were both coming out of the sitting room. Shortly before he left his wife went to procure a bottle for the baby. He had been at lunch between one and two o’clock and his wife appeared to be worrying unduly. He spent some time in cheering her up and comforting her. She appeared to cheer up while he was there. He had not since seen her and did not know where she was. The carving knife, which he identified (and which was produced bearing bloodstains) had been bought by him some time ago.

LAST TO SEE MRS. HENDERSON. Miss Rebecca Hands, who said she resided with her sifter at Erne View, deposed that the Henderson’s lived in rooms with them. Mrs. Henderson after the return from Bundoran complained that the baby was ill and looked worried. She complained several times that the baby was wasting away and had a cough. On the 24th Sept. she met Mrs Henderson on the stairs on her way to the sitting room. When out on a message later in the afternoon she met Mrs. Henderson in Belmore Street.

“I HAVE DISKED THINGS.’ Miss Eleanor Hands said she did not see Mrs. Henderson leaving the house. She described what took place when Major Henderson ran down the stairs. About: 4 p.m. witness was in Mrs. Henderson’s sitting room and saw Mrs. Henderson and the baby. Mrs. Henderson was sitting on the settee with the baby on her knee, and she seemed quite happy. She had not been too well and was a bit worried. Did she pass any remarks?—she said I have dished things. Witness did not know what she meant by the remark which was passed as witness was leaving the room and she attached no significance to it.

MAID’S STORY. Miss Joan Power, 9, New Row, Enniskillen, said she had been employed as a domestic servant by Mrs. Henderson between July 1942, and 24th Sept., 1942. On the latter date she left the Henderson house at 3.55 p.m. when she had her work finished, and went to her home. When she was going out Mrs. Henderson said her work was finished and told witness to come in at the usual time next morning. That was in the sitting room. Mrs. Henderson was sitting on a chair near the window and was feeding the baby. She appeared to be all right, and did not look worried. She complained to witness about her health shortly after she came back from Bundoran. She had not since seen Mrs. Henderson. The first she knew of the tragedy was at 8.45 the following morning.

DOCTOR’S EVIDENCE. Dr. M. E. McBrien said on the 24th Sept. Major Henderson called with him and asked him to visit his wife. He found the house occupied by Major Henderson about 5.45, that evening. The Major came down the stairs saying “She is gone and she has cut the baby’s throat.” Witness went upstairs to the sitting room and found the baby lying on her back on the settee. Her throat was cut across with the windpipe opened into and the principal vessels cut. The front of the child’s clothing was heavily stained with blood and a bloodstained curving knife was lying on the baby’s left side between the body, and the back of the settee. Life was extinct. Death was due to shock and haemorrhage resulting from the injuries described. Head-Constable Poots said a widespread search had been made for Mrs. Henderson since the tragedy but she had not been found. Sympathy with Major Henderson was expressed by Head-Constable Poots, the jury, foreman and the Coroner Mr. Winslow.

17-10-1942. CRIMELESS COUNTY LEITRIM. When Judge Sheehy was presented with white gloves at Carrick-on-Shannon he said he was glad to hear from Supt. McNamara that conditions in the county were very satisfactory.

17-10-1942. MOTHER S BODY FOUND IN LOUGH ERNE. SUICIDE VERDICT. The body of the dead child’s mother, Mrs. Mary Henderson (aged 26), was found in Lough Erne at the Weirs  Bridge, near Enniskillen, on Sunday afternoon, attired as she had been when last seen by Miss Rebecca Hands, in Belmore .Street, on 24th Sept. At an inquest held at the Workhouse, Enniskillen, on Monday morning by Mr. G. E. Warren, coroner, Capt. J. N. Hughes gave evidence of identification, and said deceased’s home address was Cheviot View, Ponteland, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Sergt. S. J. Sherrard said about 4.30 p.m. on Sunday an object was pointed out to him at the Weirs Bridge. On closer examination he found it to be the body of a woman fully clothed. He sent for assistance and had the body taken to the Workhouse mortuary. The body was found among the rushes near the bathing boxes at the swimming pond. Dr. M. E. McBrien said on examination he found the body in an advanced state of decomposition consistent with having been in the water about 17 days. There were no marks of violence and death was due to drowning. A verdict was returned of suicide by drowning while temporarily insane.

17-10-1942. OBITUARY MISS ANNIE McMANUS, ENNISKILLEN. Deep regret has been occasioned by the death of Annie McManus, Wellington Place, Enniskillen, which on Wednesday last following a short illness. Deceased gained the respect and esteem of everyone with whom she was acquainted. Of a quiet nature, she was deeply sincere in her friendships, and her unfailing good humour and kindness endeared her to a large circle of friends. During her illness she had the happiness of being frequently visited by the local clergy, and she made an edifying preparation for death. All along she retained her wonted cheerfulness, never uttering a word of complaint, .but patiently resigning herself to the Divine Will. The funeral took place on Friday following Requiem Mass in St. Michael’s Church, Enniskillen. Rev. C. O’Daly, C.C., who was celebrant, delivered a touching panegyric in the. course of which he referred to the deceased young lady as a model Catholic and one whose popularity in life was evidenced by the wide sympathy created by her demise. He expressed sympathy with, her relatives who had sustained a severe loss by her passing. The funeral cortege was large and paid eloquent testimony to the widespread regret caused by her death. Rev T. J. Meegan, C.C., officiated at the obsequies in the Catholic Cemetery, where the interment took place. The chief mourners were —Annie McManus (mother), Mary and Nellie (sisters), John and Patrick (brothers).

17-10-1942. HAD UNCUSTOMED CIGARETTES PENALTY AT DERRY COURT. A fine of £10 was imposed at Derry Petty Sessions on Charles McIntyre, 50 Creggan Road, who was prosecuted by the Customs authorities for aiding and abetting some person, unknown in the unlicensed sale of cigarettes. Constable Hinds said in a drawer in defendant’s room he found 1,450 American cigarettes, and the defendant, who was employed by the American technicians, said he bought the cigarettes from American sailors for his own use. No duty had been paid. Defendant, in reply to the R.M., said he was earning £5 13s a week, and had to pay 18s 4d a week income-tax. Captain Bell, R.M.—The more the Revenue is defrauded the more income-tax we will have to pay. Defendant—I was not defrauding the revenue. Captain Bell—Of course, you are. Captain Bell said he was determined to do his best to help the revenue and tobacconists, who had to make their living. A similar penalty was imposed on George Page, 7 Strand Road, who was summoned for being knowingly concerned in selling uncustomed goods, 3 3/16 lbs. cigarettes and 26 boxes of face powder. Police evidence was given that when defendant’s .premises were searched they found. 1,540 American cigarettes in a trunk marked “Eire’’ under a mattress. Defendant said he did not know who put the cigarettes in the trunk which was in a passage. The face powder was lying on a chest of drawers. There was no necessity to him to smuggle face powder when he could buy it in Derry at 6d a box.

17-10-1942. NEWTOWNBUTLER NEWS. During the absence of the family at church the dwelling house and shop of Mrs. E, Williamson, Clonagun, Newtownbutler, situated a few yards from the border, was broken into and raided. Following investigations by the R.U.C. in charge of Sergt. A. Blevins, Newtownbutler, a man named John J. Connolly, Clonkeelan, Clones, was arrested. Later at a special court in Newtownbutler, before Mr. E. Reilly, J.P., Connolly was charged with breaking and entering the premises and stealing a gold watch and a quantity of cigarettes and tobacco. He was remanded on bail to Newtownbutler Petty Sessions. At the week-end Newtownbutler police in charge of Sergt. A. Blevins, Newtownbutler, visited a house on the Cavan-Fermanagh border at Cleenagh and seized quantities of flour, candles, boots, horseshoes, thread, rice, loaves, and other articles suspected of being for export across the border. Constables H. Lowry and R. J. Freeman, Newtownbutler, seized a motor-car containing a quantity of rice at Summerhill. The car and contents were taken to Newtownbutler. On Sunday night, Sergt. Blevins, Newtownbutler, intercepted a motor-car coming from Co. Cavan direction at Parson’s Green and seized a quantity of whiskey from one of the occupants which was believed to have been imported.

17-10-1942. PETTIGO NOTES. A pretty wedding took place in St. Mary’s Parish Church, Pettigo, the contracting parties being Mr. William Baird, Dromore, eldest son of David and Mary Baird, Dromore, and Miss Teresa McGrath, youngest daughter of Michael and the late Mrs, M. McGrath, Belault, Pettigo. Miss Sadie McGrath, sister of the bride was bridesmaid, and Mr. John Baird, brother of the bridegroom, was bestman. The ceremony, with Nuptial Mass, was performed by the Rev. P. McCormack, C.C., Pettigo.

On Friday night a very enjoyable dance was held in St. Patrick’s Hall, Lettercran, the proceeds of which were in aid of repairs to the church.

A sad burning-accident resulting in the death of Baby Marshall, the four-year-old daughter of James Marshall, Drumhorick, Pettigo, occurred on Monday. The child during her mother’s absence was in the vicinity of the fire when its frock became ignited; she ran on to the street to the mother who immediately extinguished the flames, but the child had received such severe burns as necessitated removal to hospital where she died a few hours later.

17-10-1942. BLACKLION DISTRICT NEWS. There was a full attendance of the committee at a meeting of the Red Cross branch in Blacklion on Thursday night. Mrs. Chas. Dolan presided. Mrs, Maguire, N.T., read correspondence and financial matters were arranged. A vote of sympathy was passed to. Miss Margt. McGovern, Loughan House, on the death of her father.

There was a large muster of the L.D.F. at Loughan on Sunday, when target practice took place. The highest three marks were recorded by Messrs. Fred Murray, Frank Maguire, Patk. Fitzpatrick, and Capt. Kelly. D.S.O. Magovern and Group Leader Farmer were in charge.

The Harvest Thanksgiving Service took place in Killinagh Protestant Church on Friday night. The special preacher was Rev. Canon Pratt.

D.S.O. Maguire, N.T., Sergt, Rock, and the local officers, were present at a meeting of the L.D.F. in Blacklion on Thursday night. Sergeant Rock read special communications and Group Leader of the L.D.F. was appointed to give lectures.

The wedding took place, with Nuptial Mass, at Drumshambo Church, of Francis, youngest son of the late John and Mrs. McGovern, Barran, Blacklion, and Margaret Teresa, third daughter of the late Mr. Peter Dolan and Mrs. Dolan, Crotty, Drumshambo. Rev. Father Cummins, C.C., performed the ceremony. Mr. Michael McGovern (brother of the groom) was best man, and Miss Dolan, (sister of the bride), was bridesmaid.

There was a large attendance at the funeral in Doobally of Mrs. Patk. McLoughlin, Tullinamoal. Rev. J. J. Murtagh, C.C., officiated in the church and at the graveside. .

17-10-1942. MANORHAMILTON NEWS. Forestry Officials—Mr. Curran who has been Forestry Inspector at Manorhamilton during the past two years has been transferred to Co, Cork, and is replaced by Mr. Madden who comes from Tipperary.

Teacher’s Appointment—Miss Dillon, assistant in the girls’ school, has been appointed assistant in Drumlease N.S., Dromahair. She possesses a lady-like charm, all her own and her departure from Manorhamilton is very much regretted.

Legion Of Mary—To mark the first anniversary of the formation of a branch of the Legion of Mary at Manorhamilton a very enjoyable function was held in the Technical School on Thursday evening (1st inst.). Tea was provided by the Legionaries and vocal, items were contributed, Bro. Ferdinand being the principal contributor. The guests at the evening were Rev. Fr. Brady, C.C.; Rev. Father McGrail, C.C.; Rev, Fr. Gilbride, and Bros. Ferdinand and Leonard. Rev. Fr. Brady congratulated the Legionaries on the good work they had performed during the year.

17-10-1942. SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL. NEXT SUNDAYS GAME AT THE GAELIC PARK. At the Gaelic Park, Enniskillen on Sunday next Fermanagh’s two star teams— Lisnaskea Emmets and Newtownbutler St. Comgalls—clash once more in quest of county honours when they meet in the county final of the Fermanagh Senior Football Championship. So keen is the rivalry between these teams and so well are they .matched that this contest for premier honours should prove one of the best games seen in Fermanagh for a long time. The championship title has always been the most coveted in G.A. A. competitions and many memorable clashes have occurred in recent years between these teams for the blue riband of Fermanagh football.

Few teams can boast such an array of inter-county talent as the Emmets and St. Comgalls, for between them they comprise two-thirds of the Fermanagh county team. Lisnaskea have the services of such well-known players as T. Durnian, F. Johnston, A. Smith, F. O’Dowd, Duffy and Collins, whilst Newtownbutler have inter-county stars in E. McQuillan, B. Allen, M. McDermott and Murray. Two splendid additions to the .Newtown team lately have been the Smith brothers—M. Smith in particular being a, promising youth of inter-county status.

Only a month or so ago Lisnaskea triumphed over Newtown in the League final by a very narrow margin when the latter seemed favourites for the title. Newtown were short some of their regular team on that occasion however. The St. Comgalls’ victory over Clones-one of Monaghan’s best senior teams—in the Border League a fortnight ago greatly enhances their chances against the. Fermanagh Champions, but the Emmets have always proved they are a difficult combination to beat in championship struggles. Contests between Lisnaskea and Newtownbutler are invariably sparkling exhibitions of fast and clever football which have always attracted bumper crowds, and Sunday’s game should certainly draw a record crowd to the Gaelic Park. The throw-in will be at 4 p.m. and Rev. B. Mahon, Irvinestown, whose competency as a referee is widely recognised, will have charge of the game. Spectators are asked to note carefully that owing to the difficulty in stewarding the pitch at recent matches nobody except players and officials will be allowed inside the paling fences.

17-10-1942. ‘WIN BY STRATEGY BEST FOR ALL OF US” AN AMERICAN VIEW. “In the light of what you are doing in India, how do expect us to talk about principles and look our soldiers in the eye.”? This question is asked in an “Open Letter to the People of England” in the current issue of the magazine “Life.” The document demands one thing from Britain: “Quit fighting the war to hold the Empire together, and join with Russia and your allies to fight the war to win by whatever strategy is best for all of us. “After victory has been won, then the British .people can decide-what to do about .the Empire—for you may be sure we don’t want it. “But if you cling to the Empire at the expense of the United Nations’ victory you will lose the war … because you will lose us.” Briefly, there are two wars,’ the letter goes on “one we are actually. fighting and the other we must fight in order, to win. The war we are actually fighting is a war to save America. Nothing else. “Everyone here is prepared to fight this war to any extremes just as everybody in England will go to any extreme to save England. “But this kind of war of each trying to save himself is just the set-up for Hitler. If we are really going to overwhelm the Axis we must envision and fight for something bigger than either England or the United States. “We Americans are a strange people, maybe you think of us as rather practical. But you cannot understand us at all unless you realise what principles mean to us.” We fought you on principles in the first place. Once in our history we killed 600,000 of our own sons to establish the principle of freedom for the black man.” “Life ” suggests that the British may object that Americans have not defined these principles very well yet—“and that’s a fair objection.” “One reason we have not defined them is that we are not convinced yon would fight for them even if they were defined.” ‘’For instance, we realise that you have difficult problems in India, but we don’t see your “solution” to date provides any evidence of principles of any kind.’

17-10-1942. DISREGARD FOR TRUTH AMD HONESTY. PROTESTANT ARCHBISHOP PERTURBED. Speaking on Tuesday at the Joint Synod of Dublin, Kildare and Glendalough diocese, the Most Rev. Dr Barton, Protestant Archbishop of Dublin, referred to “the growing disregard for the sacredness of truth and honesty,’’ and said he had been, seriously perturbed of late by evidence of that disregard. Could a society be in a healthy state he asked in which a man would boast openly and without shame of how he had treated the Customs, or his neighbours, or in which there was graft and wire-pulling. He was convinced that a nation’s taxes could at once be reduced by 50 per cent, at the very least if its citizens could be trusted to tell the truth and to deal as conscientiously with Government departments as a man was expected to deal with his neighbours.

17-10-1942. NORTH LEITRIM FARMERS’ UNION. MEETING IN MANORHAMILTON. A special meeting of the above was held in McGloin’s Hall, Manorhamilton, on Oct. 7th. Mr. James Kerrigan, president, who presided, said that the appointment of a new Agricultural Commission which was composed almost entirely of professors boded ill for the poor farmers of Connaught. Such a Commission to be effective should be composed of practical farmers, and the Congested Districts should have representation as well as the plains of Boyle. Mr. Kerrigan said that North Leitrim was in a serious position owing to the bad harvest and the destruction of hay and crops by flooding and the drainage scheme which was turned down twelve, years ago should be revived. Mr. John McGarraghy, said that .much damage had been done in Mullies by flooding of the Bonet, and several farmers had lost large quantities of hay. Referring to the increased rates Mr. McGarraghy said the new County Council would be expected to work hard for a reduction in the rates.

Mr. P. J. O’Rourke, secretary, said that after working for four years in trying to establish a. Farmers’ Union  in North Leitrim, and after encountering many difficulties and disappointments he was glad to be able to state that his work and teaching had not been in vain because farmers all over the area were beginning to take a lively interest in the Union. Old prejudices, went on the speaker, are dying fast, and the workers on the land have come to realise the importance of their task in producing the food supply of the Nation. They have also learned after long years of disillusionment that the promise of politicians are made to be broken. I don’t mean to say that all politicians are selfish or dishonest, but I am not overstepping the mark when I say that men who are highly educated and claim to be intensely  patriotic have time and again made promises which they must have known could not possibly be fulfilled. I have it from usually well informed sources that a General Election will take place inside of a few months, and farmers will need to be on the alert if they are not to be fooled all the time. Thousands upon thousands of pounds have been spent for the past few years in building new houses in the cities tod towns, and in providing water schemes for the smallest villages, but when the farmers of North Leitrim apply for a grant to have a corn mill erected no money can be spared to facilitate them. When farmers who have lands which do not require drainage petition the Minister fop Agriculture to give grants for reclamation plots on the old system their appeal is turned down. They must make drains no matter what about the potatoes. The matter boiled down to one important point—that the farmer was disregarded because he generally supported politicians who knew nothing about farming. The farmers were dictated to by officials who had only a theoretical knowledge of farming. The Labour Party were now coming forward asking the people to return them to power at the next Election and hinting that they had a brand new plan for putting the agricultural community on their feet. Judging by letters which had appeared in the daily papers recently from men who are prominent in the Labour movement, the Labour Party expects farmers to produce food below the cost of production. I believe a Labour Government would fix the price of milk going to creameries at about 4d per gallon.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT. The relatives and friends of the Late Monsignor Soden, Manorhamilton, wrote expressing gratitude for the Co. Council’s vote of sympathy, and hoped the note would be accepted in acknowledgment.

NO OBJECTION. A letter was received from the Department stating that the Minister in pursuance of the Local Authorities (Financial Provisions) Act, 1921, had consented to the Leitrim County Council borrowing by way of temporary overdraft for the purpose of providing temporarily for current expenses, a sum not exceeding £15,000.

PARISH COUNCIL’S VIEWS. Mr. J. P, Eames, Secretary, Ballaghameehan Parish Council, wrote that at a meeting of that body on the 13th Sept., the following resolution was proposed by Mr. Joe Fox and seconded by Mr. Jas. Connolly—“That the Parish Council view with alarm the increase in rates, and they consider the time has come to reduce the rates,. and give an opportunity to the ratepayers to pay.” The communication was noted.

17-10-1942. RUBBER SHORTAGE “MAY STOP ROAD TRANSPORT” Major Eastwood, Yorkshire Road Traffic Commissioner, told road transport operators at Halifax on Saturday that if the country continues to use rubber at the present rate road transport will be brought to a complete standstill. Passenger services would have to be cut to the bone, and all road services in Yorkshire might have to be stopped after 9 p.m.

17-10-1942. PERMITS FOR SIX COUNTIES. BRITISH GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENT. DRASTIC. REGULATIONS. STATEMENTS IN WESTMINSTER AND STORMONT. An important announcement regarding the control of emigrants into Northern Ireland from “Eire” and the reinstatement in employment after the war of demobilised soldiers was made in the British House of Commons on Thursday by Mr. Herbert, Morrison, Home Secretary. Mr.. Morrison said: ‘During the past two years there has been a considerable influx into Northern Ireland of persons normally resident elsewhere, and this influx is continuing to a considerable extent. “It has been decided to take power by a Defence Regulation to institute a system of control over persons who come to Northern Ireland from ‘Eire,’ Great Britain, or elsewhere, and to require such persons to furnish particulars as to their address and occupation.” “Subject to exceptions for children and persons in the service of the Crown, all British subjects who were not ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland on January 1, 1940, will be required if they desire to take up. residence there or to continue to reside there for longer than six weeks to obtain permits which will be issued on my behalf by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Northern Ireland. Unless there are security objections in individual cases, permits will be granted for so long as their services, are needed to applicants who are already in occupations and to those who in future come into Northern Ireland to take up work. “They will also be granted to those who ought to be allowed to remain there on compassionate or other special grounds.

“Each permit will bear a photograph of the holder, and will in all cases be issued for a period of six mouths or for the duration of the employment specified in the permit, whichever is the less. “These will be renewable on the same conditions as govern their issue. “Permit-holders will be required to notify the authorities of any change of address. The immediate objective of the schema is to deal with war conditions, but it is also contemplated that the scheme will be of value on the termination of hostilities for the purpose of facilitating the reinstatement in employment of demobilised men from Northern Ireland who join the Forces as volunteers. “At such a time it will be right to give to the demobilised volunteers, preference in the labour market of Northern Ireland over these newcomers, and for this purpose to have power to terminate the permits granted to persons who are in employment.

“It is, accordingly contemplated, that the scheme will be kept in existence for a reasonable time after the war and if the Defence Regulations should expire before the demobilised men have had reasonable opportunity of being absorbed into employment, it will, in the view of the Government, be right that the necessary legislation should be introduced in the United Kingdom Parliament for a temporary prolongation of the system.” Sir Hugh O’Neill-Can you say whether these Regulations will give power to deport people who have come in since Jan., 1940, and in respect of whom it is not thought desirable to give permits? Mr. Morrison.—Yes, there is no obligation on the Northern Ireland Minister of Home Affairs, acting for me, to grant a permit, and it can be withdrawn at any time. I am assured that the Minister for Home Affairs in Northern Ireland will be reasonable in the exercise of this power.

STORMONT ANNOUNCEMENT. A statement on similar lines was made by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. J. M. Andrews, in Stormont on Thursday afternoon, and was received with cheers. Mr. J. W. Nixon asked if the Prime Minister would continue the good work by restraining his Cabinet colleagues and other members from going to ‘Eire,’ sometimes in doubtful company?” The Prime Minister—I would remind the House that that was a statement made by the Secretary of State in the British Parliament and as a matter of courtesy I have read it to this House. I have nothing further to add.

24-10-1942. LISNASKEA POTEEN CASE. 23 GALLONS WASH SEIZED. FARMER TO SERVE THREE MONTHS. A farmer, who lives on a small mountain holding and has a wife and seven children, was granted a month at Lisnaskea Petty Sessions, on Tuesday, in order to get in his crop before serving a three months’ hard labour sentence imposed in connection with a poteen case. The defendant was James Wallace, of Carrowmaculla, Lisnaskea, who was charged by District-Inspector Smyth with having in his possession on 7th October at Carrowmaculla, twenty-three gallons of wash.

Sergeant Kirkpatrick, R.U.C., gave evidence that at 6.10 p.m. on 7th inst., in company with other police, he went to the dwelling house of the defendant to search for illicit spirits. In a bedroom off the kitchen, witness found a barrel containing twenty-three gallons of wash, the barrel being heavily covered with bags. Defendant was not present and witness went to where, he was working a mile away. On being told what the police had found and being asked for an explanation defendant, witness alleged, replied “It is mine. I am only a poor man and I suppose it will put me out of the place.” Witness, then brought him to the house and pointed out the illicit spirits be had found. Witness subsequently destroyed all the wash except the sample taken for analysis.

To Mr. Winslow, witness stated he agreed defendant lived in a very small farm up in the mountains and had a wife and seven children. When Mr. Winslow asked his Worship (Major T. W. Dickie, R.M.) to deal as leniently with the defendant as possible, District-Inspector Smyth said defendant had .been convicted and sentenced to four months’ imprisonment at Lisnaskea, on 10th December. 1927, for having in his possession a still and illicit spirits. Mr. Winslow—This unfortunate man lives on a very poor mountain farm. He had made the poteen and as a result he was now before the Court. He was married and had a lot of small children. In addition he had not got his crop saved. District-Inspector Smyth—It is all right, but he is not quite so innocent as he is made out to be. Our information is that he is making quite a lot out of illicit, spirits at the present time and that some of our visitors to this country have found out his dwelling house and are regular attenders.

His Worship said that having been convicted before defendant must have known perfectly well the risk he was running. In the circumstances he ordered a sentence of three months’ hard labour. On the application of Mr. Winslow, District-Inspector Smyth said he would not execute the order for defendant’s arrest for a month so that he could get his crop saved. Later, Mr. Winslow enquired if his Worship would substitute a monetary penalty which would be paid by some friends. His Warship refused the request stating that in these cases his iron rule was jail and so far as he was concerned he would not depart from that rule even if the defendant was ready to pay a £500 fine. It was the only way to stop it. He was sorry he could not accede to the request.

24-10-1942. SESSIONS ENNISKILLEN COURT CASES. Several appeals before Deputy Judge Ellison, K.C.,  at Newtownbutler Quarter Sessions on Tuesday resolved themselves into pleas for leniency and a reduction of the penalty. £60 FINE SUBSTITUTED. Mark Prunty, Drumany, Lisnaskea, appealed against sentence of three mouths’ imprisonment for harbouring 6cwt. of white flour for the purpose of unlawfully exporting it. Mr. J. Cooper, Crown Solicitor, said after the conviction the defendant pleaded guilty. He stated that he knew the flour was there, and he had nothing to do with it and that he would not tell who put it there. Judge—He pleaded guilty, and that is an end of it as far as I am concerned. Mr. Cooper—Since then it came to my knowledge through another source—in fact, a party called on me and informed me that they were the real smugglers, and asked me if I would get a penalty of £60 put on this man. They said they would pay the money. I believe the money is in Court. I told Mr. Murphy was prepared to do that. Mr. J. Murphy (for appellant)—I had to advise my client that, there was no case to come before the Court. He was charged with harbouring and admitted he saw the flour put in an outhouse and raised no objection. The Judge withdrew the order for imprisonment and. substituted a penalty of £60. A man immediately walked forward and paid the amount of the fine in notes.

24-10-1942. PRISON SENTENCE TO STAND. Philip Swift, Lisnashillinda, Newtownbutler, for whom Mr. Black appeared, appealed against sentence of four months’ imprisonment without hard labour for harbouring 14cwts. of sulphate of ammonia and 12 stones of flour for the purpose of exporting it. Mr. J. Cooper said that after keeping Swift under observation and seeing three military tracks moving in certain directions Sergeant Green went to Swift’s house and in a byre found two lots in which were the sulphate of ammonia and flour. Soldiers pointed this out as the stuff they had brought there. They were promised £2 for their work. Both soldiers were reduced in rank. It was a bad day for them. The R.M. gave Swift- 6 months’ imprisonment. Mr. Black appealed to him and he reduced it to five months, and he appealed again, and it was reduced to four months.

Mr. Black—There is a further appeal to-day. I advised my client to plead guilty, and I appeal on this boy’s behalf for the substitution of a monetary penalty in lieu of imprisonment. He is 25 years of age, was married about year ago and has one little baby. He lives with his mother and looks after the farm. His mother has 25 acres under tillage, and this boy is responsible for the saving and harvesting of the crops. There will be nobody to work unless he is made available. This is the first time he has been charged with any offence of this nature. Mr. Cooper—He has been fined for making illicit spirits. Mr. Black said the young man was in delicate health, and he handed in a certificate from Dr. Dolan showing that for two years he had been treating him for gastritis and complications. The co-defendant (another man charged in connection with the same offence) had only been fined.

October 1942. Fermanagh Herald.

10-10-1942. SIX-COUNTY DAIRY INDUSTRY. FARMERS’ RESENT MINISTRY’S ACTION. CLOSING OF CREAMERIES. “CHANGES HAD CREATED INDIGNATION ”

The Ministry would get far better and more successful results by acknowledging the education which the farmer had gained by experience, and consult him and secure his co-operation in their new schemes before touching them, said Mr. J. Johnston, secretary of the U.A.O.S., at the annual meeting of Creamery shareholders. Mr. Thos. McCaughey referred to the changes the Ministry was making in the dairying industry, not only in closing such a large number of creameries, but in upsetting the existing transport arrangements for milk suppliers. Milk will now have to be transported by lorry whereas previously 70 to 80 per cent of all the milk in Northern, Ireland was delivered by horse and cart.

Several suppliers present said they had notice from the Ministry to leave their milk at collection points over two miles from their house and away from the creamery, although, their house was only three-quarters of a mile from the creamery. It was unanimously agreed to leave, their milk at the point where they had always left it. Mr. J. Johnston, secretary, U.A.O.S., said the changes that were now being introduced into the industry by the Ministry had created a wave of indignation from farmers throughout the country. Inexperienced officials with little local knowledge of the country had marked out on a map the collection points where suppliers were to leave their milk and they had just heard some of the results. The same thing had happened all over the country.

It had been stated that farmers approved of the scheme because there had not been any protest, but the farmer has learned that if he dared to protest his milk would not be paid for. In his opinion the new transport arrangements to be carried out under the Ministry’s control would require a very large increase in the amount of petrol used, and would ultimately cost a great deal more. The petrol increase was a matter for the Petroleum Board, but the increased cost would have to be paid by the farmer.

With regard to the closing down of 60 creameries in Northern Ireland at 1st October, Mr. Johnston said, it had always been the view of the practical dairyman that the earlier in the morning the milk could be collected at the farm, and the nearer to the depot or creamery at which the milk was to be treated, the better the quality of the milk to be delivered to the consumer. They were told the whole scheme was intended to process the milk at present going to the creameries to make it suitable for the liquid milk market. By closing two-thirds of the creameries the distance to the creameries retained for treatment was greatly extended. The larger quantity to be treated took much more time, and the new system meant that milk would be collected from some points up to 3 o’clock and later.

10-10-1942. NO LICENCE FOR DANCE HALL. “EXCUSE ME ” DANCES A MENACE. Objections were made to the renewal of the licence for dances at Jamestown Hall by Sergeant John McGrath, Drumana, at Carrick-on-Shannon; District Court when the adjourned application of

Mr. John Gaffney, one of the trustees, came before the fortnightly (District Court) for the renewal of the licence.  Last year they got 12 dances and the hours were from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. and the rows did not start until 1-30 or 2 a.m., and accordingly this year they wished to curtail the hours to 1 o’clock. Continuing the applicant said that the committee, tried to settle the row and keep the opposing parties separated but the crowd was so big it was impossible to handle them. There were dances held in August and September and there were no rows at them. He asked for 12 dances 8 p.m. to l a.m.

Sergeant John McGrath, Drumana, said that unless the Guards were present the parties in attendance came to blows, the committee took no action to prevent disorderly scenes and law abiding citizens had to pay for admission while the disorderly crowd were sent out free tickets. Witness said that he saw the free tickets himself being sent out to the disorderly crowd. Sergeant Gallagher said arguments developed in the hall and caused people to crowd around the hall. He had warned the committee not to have “excuse me” dances, as they cause trouble, and there was not a dance, on the occasion of the row, but was an “excuse me.” Mr Keane said that on the evidence of the Sergeant he had no hesitation in refusing the application. Had the hall been governed by a proper committee he would grant the application.

17-10-1942. “BRAINWAVE” SCHEME RETURNS TO AID RED CROSS. It was reported at the meeting of County Fermanagh Committee of Agriculture on Saturday that the amount of money raised in the .Six Counties for the month of August on behalf of the Red Cross. Agricultural Fund in the scheme initiated by Fermanagh of 1d in the £ on cattle passing through the grading centre was £1,111 8s 11d and for the month of July the total raised from the milk deductions (also suggested by Fermanagh) was £188 18s 0d.

Mr. H. A. Porter said he had meant the scheme to include pigs. Major W. O. Nixon (chairman) said the scheme had been satisfactory so far, but if they took the percentage of people that really subscribed to the fund it was very disappointing. Mr. J. N. Carson—It is not brought to their notice. If it is brought to their notice they pay at once.The Chairman said it was printed on the cards. Fermanagh had the highest percentage of any county in the North. Although the fund was doing well, it could do better. Mr. J. E. Fawcett, J.P., thought if it were printed in red ink on the cards it would emphasise it better. Chairman—I think the scheme was a brain-wave of the people on this Committee who suggested it.

17-10-1942. BISHOP MAGEEAN BLESSES NEW CHURCH. The Catholics of the pariah of Aghagallon, three miles from Lurgan, went to Mass in their new £20,000 church for the: first time on Sunday. On Thursday last the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Mageean, had solemnly blessed .and dedicated the building, but on Sunday he formally opened the new edifice! It was a day of celebration in the parish, and everywhere there were manifestations of joy, practically every Catholic house in the district displaying Papal flags. The front of the new building was decorated with streamers of Papal colours. Right Rev. Mgr. Dean O’Hagan, P.P., V.G., celebrated High Mass, and Rev. A. Ryan, D.Ph., D.D., preached. Very Rev. J. Connelly, P.P., thanked the subscribers

17-10-1942. KINAWLEY ROAD NEEDS REPAIRS. At Enniskillen Rural Council meeting Mr. J. R. Crawford moved that the Council repair the old road in Drumbinnis and Corracrawford between Kinawley and Florencecourt. Ten or eleven ratepayers he said had their farms alongside this road which was in a very bad condition. Mr. W, Kelly said he had been informed that it was impossible to use this road. One man had two carts broken on it within two months. The county surveyor (Capt. Charlton) said the road was not in as bad a condition as stated. However, financial provision had been made for it in the estimates. After further discussion it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the County Surveyor.

17-10-1942. “TYRANNY OPERATING AGAINST MINORITIES’’ BRITISH M.P.s AND STORMONT. Two M.P. in the British House of Commons on Tuesday said that tyranny was operating against minorities in the Six Counties and that there was ’disgraceful discrimination” against Catholics. Mr. McGovern (I.L.P.), when the Prorogation of Parliament Bill was considered in Committee, moved the rejection of a clause dealing with the duration of the Northern Ireland House of Commons, and, urging an election there, said there was overwhelming opposition to the Northern Government taking dictatorial powers over Belfast City Council. Unionists have told me that the Government should be purged of certain elements and undergo a drastic change. “Three or four hundred people are interned there—some without charge or trial for over five years—-and many believe that they are prisoners because of malicious and political intolerance. Tyranny is operating against minorities I there.’’

Mr. Stokes (Lab.) said: “There is disgraceful discrimination against Catholics in Northern Ireland. When six young men were charged with shooting a Belfast policeman, the Government refused to have a single Catholic on the jury. That Government is not fit to carry on.” The amendment was rejected by 220 votes to 6, and after ,a further amendment by Sir Richard Ackland (Ind.) to prolong Parliament for six months instead of 12 had been rejected, the Bill was read a third time.

17-10-1942. LADY SEARCHER AT BALLYSHANNON. Customs searches on the Belleek border have been intensified. Train and bus passengers are all searched—a practice hitherto unknown in that area. A lady searcher has been appointed in Ballyshannon and she was on duty for the first time last week at all the trains. On Saturday evening she carried out a search of all the lady passengers on the last bus leaving Ballyshannon. On both sides there is much greater Customs activity at all posts but the number of seizures from ordinary travellers are comparatively few.

17-10-1942. CLONES COUNCIL FINANCES.  At a special meeting of Clones Urban Council held on Friday night for the  purpose of considering the council’s finances it was unanimously decided to raise a loan of £2.000 by temporary borrowing by way of overdraft accommodation for the months of October-November to enable the payment of arrears of loans to the Commissioners of Public Works and to their treasurers.

17-10-1942.TO LET OR SELL. Farm OF 100 ACRES, good 2 story slated Dwelling-house (with hot and cold water) (Calor Gas}; splendid Office houses, all in good repair, about 1 mile from Irvinestown. The above place can be let for a number of years, with 70.acres if required.—F. SCALLON, Moynaghan, Irvinestown.

17-10-1942.70 PER CENT. OF OAT CROP HARVESTED. FERMANAGH FARMERS’ GOOD WORK. Despite severe harvesting conditions experienced this year, seventy per cent, of the 1942 oat crop has been cut and stacked in County Fermanagh, while ninety per cent. has already been cut stated Mr. W. T. McClintock, B. Agr., War Executive Officer, at a meeting of the County Fermanagh Agricultural Committee in Enniskillen on Saturday afternoon. He said the farmers had, in spite of adverse conditions, done a remarkable job and .their work had been heroic. One man had cut twelve acres of oats with hooks.

At the present time, he said, there were in operation in the county 150 tractors and ploughs, 72 disc harrows, 88 binders, 46 mobile threshing mills, and, in addition, hundreds of horses. Labour, which had been one of their chief problems in the past, would not now be such a problem owing to machinery which had been set up by the Government to direct men to the land and remain on it. Voluntary labour, which had been so successful in other counties, had not been a success in Fermanagh, and in this respect there would remain, a stain on the county which, it was hoped, would be wiped out by an improvement in the matter next year.

The new Tillage Order had been issued, and .farmers had been asked for an increased effort. Subsidy would be paid on four crops in the coming season, i.e., wheat, rye, potatoes and flax. Mr. John Graham complained of the price allowed for potatoes, contending that after the £10 per acre subsidy and the £3 15s 0d per ton fixed price were added together the return did not compare favourably with that received by the “Eire” farmers.

Mr. F. Doherty thought that the reason was to be found in that the price was the same as that fixed, for the English crop. Mr. Graham said farmers in Northern Ireland were not getting a fair deal in this respect. He added that in “Eire’’ the price given for potatoes was £8 per ton. They were not worth digging at the price now fixed in Northern Ireland. Mr. J. O. Rhynehart, of the Ministry of Agriculture, who was pressed for an explanation as to the discrepancy in prices stated he was not in a position to state what the prices were in another part of the country, but pointed out that in ‘Eire’ the scarcity of manures would possibly result in a poorer crop, so that in the end the return per acre in Northern Ireland might be higher. Mr. Graham – I think that is not an answer. Mr. Doherty said that in country places potatoes were not worth moving at £3 15a per ton.

Mr. A. Wilson—Better do away with the potato crop. Mr. McClintock objected to the question as to the price paid in “Eire” stating they were not concerned with it. Mr. J. N. Carson, J.P.—Indeed we are concerned with it. Mr Graham (to the Secretary) — Yes, so, I am not going to let you away with that. We are concerned if a better price is paid across the Border in the Free State. Mr. Graham then spoke of the number of fat cows, which were going across into “Eire,’’ where a better price was being paid than at home. Major W. G. Nixon, D.L., chairman, said he was sure Mr. Rhynehart would bring their views on these two questions before the price fixing authorities.

Mr. J. E. J. Fawcett, J.P., voiced the appreciation of the farming community at the efforts of Mr. McClintock and his staff in promoting the tillage drive in the county. It had been a difficult period but the farmers had come through fairly well on the whole, and the position was much more satisfactory than anyone could have imagined earlier in the season. Mr. J. R. Hamilton, J.P., stated Mr. McClintock did a wonderful job of work, and the farmers had scored a wonderful achievement. Supporting, Mr. Graham said he was still of the opinion, that the Ministry had given the farmers an unfair deal as regards the potato crop. He requested Mr. Rhynehart to convey to the Ministry the Committee’s expression of thanks to their officials. Mr. Rhynehart said he would be delighted to do so. In reply, Mr. McClintock said the farmers of Fermanagh had responded promptly to the appeal for more tillage, and it was only in a very odd instance that the officials encountered any difficulty.

17-10-1942. MINUTES AMENDMENTS. WAR BONUS FOR RELIEVING OFFICER. Mr. James Murphy objected to the signing of the minutes of Enniskillen Board of Guardians on Tuesday on the ground that they stated that an increase in war bonus be granted to Mr. P. MacManus, reliving officer, to bring the grant under this heading up to 5s a week. Mr. Murphy said his proposal on the last Board day was to increase Mr. MacManus’s war bonus by 5s a week which would bring the grant up to 6s 6d a week.  Hon. C. L. Corry, J.P., chairman, stated he had the entry in his book which corresponded to what Mr, Murphy now said. Mr. J. Brown, cleric, said he understood Mr. MacManus was being treated in the same way as Mr. Fee, another relieving officer had been dealt with—i.e., an increase of 3s per week, half payable by the Board and half by the Rural Council.

Mr. Murphy said that what really happened was Mr. Beatty proposed 10s a week, and he seconded. Mr. Thornton proposed. 3s and that was why he (Mr. Murphy) had proposed 5s a week. Mr. J. Beatty, J.P.—I understood the 5s proposal was passed. Mr; James Burns said his recollection of what happened was that the bonus be made up to 5s a week as the Clerk had stated in the minutes. Mr. C- McKeown—Didn’t the Ministry sanction 10s a week for a nurse? Didn’t the ferryman get 10s? I do not see why the Ministry should object to it. Clerk—It is not a question of that at all—it is a case of the minutes being correct. That now makes the bonus a total of 6s 6d per week? Mr. Murphy—Yes. Mr. Beatty—I would like to know why he was only allowed 6s 6d. Clerk—That was the Board’s decision. Mr. Beatty — That was nothing to allow any man. Mr. McKeown—It would buy matches. The minutes were amended as Mr. Murphy suggested.

17-10-1942. GAVE CAR ON LOAN—LICENCE SUSPENDED FOR YEAR. Fines of 40s and costs with suspension of licence for twelve months were imposed on Patrick McGovern Grayport, Belcoo, user of the vehicle, and John McGale, Tattysallagh, Clanabogan, Omagh, owner, when at Irvinestown Petty Sessions on Friday is was proved that McGovern was found using the car which was covered with owner driven insurance only. Constable McKimm was the police witness. McGale said McGovern asked him for the loan of the car and witness acceded to the request. Mr, R. A. Herbert, LL.B., for McGovern, said the latter had walked into a trap. Major Dickie, R.M. (to McGale)—What right have you to give your car and petrol to anyone to drive round the country? He told me he would put the petrol in to do the job. I was always allowed petrol to go to my work.

£10 FINE ON IRVINESTOWN MAN. FALSE REPRESENTATION CHARGE. At Irvinestown Petty Sessions, on Friday, before Major Dickie, R.M., James Keys, of Glenall, Irvinestown, was charged with having on 22nd December, 1941, for the purpose of obtaining a supplementary pension for himself under the Unemployment Assistance Act, made a false representation that, during the seven days up to and including the 18th Dec., 1941, he had not earned more than 5s, whereas during this period he was employed by Messrs. Courtney, Ltd., I, Shipquay Place, Derry, at an average daily wage of 6/11d. The case had been brought at the last Irvinestown, Court but was dismissed without prejudice. Alan McCullagh, an official of the Assistance Board, gave evidence that he received an application from defendant for a supplemental pension on 31st Dec., 1940. He stated that he was in receipt of 10s old age pension and had stock of about one dozen hens. Later defendant wrote to him asking him if he could do something about placing him in employment and witness referred him to the Ministry of Labour.

William Henry Howe, another official, said that on the 26th May he told defendant that information had come into the possession of the Board that he had been employed with Messrs. Courtney and witness gave defendant the dates. Defendant made the following statement: “I was never employed by Messrs. Courtney and have done no work since ceasing to be employed by Mr. Hermon of Necarne Castle, Irvinestown. I am not living on a holding and get no privileges from the owner of the house where I now live. My son Irvine does no work of any kind.’’ Witness identified defendant’s signature on a document produced. John Charles Burkey, of the firm of Messrs. Courtney, said defendant was employed as a labourer by his firm from the 2nd December 1941, till 20th December, 1942. For the week ending 18th Dec., 1941, defendant was paid £2 7s 6d. The week prior to that, he was paid £2 9s 7d and the week before that £1 7s 4d. Mr. E. C. Ferguson, M.P. (defending)’ —Did you pay the defendant?—I paid a “J. Keys.” When Desmond Mahon was called as a witness and did not appear, Mr. J. Cooper, D.L., Crown Solicitor, who prosecuted, said he would ask for a warrant for his arrest if necessary.

Mr. Ferguson submitted that he was entitled to a direction on the grounds that the prosecution had not identified defendant as the man, but his Worship ruled against him on this point. Defendant swore that he got a supplementary pension first about the end of 1940 and drew it from then until the 31st October, 1941, when his book was taken away and kept till 18th December. During that time he had to go and look for some work. He worked for a week and left on the 11th December. Before he went into employment he actually wrote to the authorities and told them he was going to apply for a job. After he had worked for almost three weeks he had to give up. From December, 1941 he had been in receipt of a supplementary pension. He was not working for the week ending 18th December and did not earn more than 5s during that week. There were any amount of Keys in that country besides defendant. Mr. Cooper—You don’t mind telling a little falsehood now and again, do you? No, never to my knowing. Defendant added that he signed his name that he never worked with Messrs. Courtney while he was getting the pension. Mr. Ferguson said he did not see any particularly hidden fraud in the case. Defendant had written to the Labour Exchange and called three times. His Worship said that during the week for which defendant had been prosecuted he thought it had been proved beyond any reasonable doubt that he had actually earned the sum of £2 7s 6d. He imposed a fine of £10 and £2 2s costs, and allowed defendant-two months to pay.

17-10-1942.CARDINAL MacRORY AND THE WAR. PLEA FOR NEGOTIATED PEACE. ADDRESS AT MAYNOOTH. His Eminence Cardinal MacRory, speaking at the annual distribution of prizes in Maynooth College on Tuesday, pleaded for a negotiated peace. He said: – On various occasions I have expressed my hope for a negotiated peace, because I believed that only in this way is there any hope of peace with justice. I am convinced of that more than ever, seeing that cruel feelings are arising on both sides and prisoners are being put in chains. “If the war is fought to a finish,’’ said his Eminence, “there may possibly be a stalemate owing to utter exhaustion on both sides, but if either side win there will be a peace, not of justice, but of vengeance which will but sow the seeds sf future wars.” The Cardinal, continuing, said:—”I am not so foolish as to imagine that anything I can say will have any effect. However, I feel it a duty to say something.

17-10-1942. ENNISKILLEN BOARD AND QUESTION OF REPAIRS. When an account from a local garage proprietor for repairs to the ambulance came before Enniskillen Board of Guardians on Tuesday for payment, Mr. J. Brown, Clerk, said Mr. J. Cathcart, the ambulance driver, was not prepared to certify some of the items. Mr. Cathcart said some of the items were not in his book in which he kept a record of all repairs to the ambulance. The explanation was this: On 15th, January last Mr. Barton’s man was employed to bring a patient into the Hospital in this ambulance, he (Mr. Cathcart) being out at the time in the other ambulance. An accident happened to the ambulance in charge of Mr. Barton’s (the garage proprietor) driver. On one occasion since it would not start. He thought himself these repairs were made necessary by the accident. The ambulance never had been in order since. It would not charge until it was driven at 35 miles per hour—a speed too high for a vehicle of the kind, it should start charging at at least 20 m.p.h. The repairs were, therefore, in his opinion chargeable to the insurance company. He had some of the items of the account in his book.

Mr, Murphy—Do you keep an account as well as Mr. Barton? Mr. Cathcart—Everything I get is kept in my book. Mr. Murphy—Mr. Barton’s account does not correspond with yours? Mr. Cathcart — No sir. Mr. Murphy—Very well, I would not pay him. Mr. Beatty-Was it sent back to Mr. Barton? Mr. Cathcart—No; it is here for payment. Mr. Beatty—Can’t you send it back? Mr. Cathcart—No; it is a matter for the Board. Mr. Kelly—Mr. Brown will ask Mr. Barton, about it and get the thing squared up. Mr. Murphy—Did the insurance company pay for the accident? . Clerk—We have not got any bill for it anyway.

Mr. Murphy—The ambulance should be put right and the insurance company should be informed accordingly. Mr. Beatty—Mr. Barton’s attention should have been drawn to it. Mr. Murphy—That ambulance is giving far too much trouble here and there is something wrong somewhere. There has always been trouble with it since it came here. Mr. Beatty—When you found it not right, why didn’t you draw his attention to it? Mr. Cathcart—I am tired drawing his attention to it. The Chairman, (Hon. C. L. Corry) was proceeding to the next business when Mr. Murphy said: We are here as representatives of the ratepayers; the ratepayers’ money is being paid away and we are entitled to know what it is being paid for. I am not at all satisfied. Write to the insurance company and tell them the ambulance is not giving satisfaction. Mr. Beatty — Draw Mr. Barton’s attention to it. Chairman — The Clerk is going to do that. Mr. Murphy—The insurance company is the body.

17-10-1942.ILLEGAL USE OF COUPONS. STATEMENTS IN BELLEEK CASES. CHARGES AGAINST MERCHANTS. Eight summonses alleging the illegal use of coupons were heard by Major Dickie, R.M., at Belleek Petty Sessions on Tuesday. John Stephens, draper, Main Street, Belleek, and who also has a business in Ballyshannon, was summoned (1) for having, at Belleek between 7th and 16th March, 1942, without the authority of a licence granted by the Board of Trade and for the purpose of obtaining rationed goods, made use of rationed documents or coupons other than those issued to him or those surrendered to him; (2) had in, his possession, with intent to obtain goods, rationed documents or coupons issued to another person; and (3) using for the purpose of obtaining rationed goods, rationed documents, or coupons which did not bear the name, address and National Registration number of the person or persons to whom they were issued. Michael McGrath, Main, Street, Belleek, was charged with aiding and abetting in the commission of these offences. Thomas Daly, grocer, Main St., Belleek, was charged with transferring rationed documents or coupons, and Michael McGrath was summoned for aiding and abetting. Mr. R. A. Herbert, LLb., defended.

Mr. J. P. Getty, solicitor for the Board of Trade, who brought the prosecutions, said his instructions were that Daly had quite a number of customers who left their ration books with him. His Worship would remember that certain ration books which were issued in the first instance with regard to food had 26 margarine coupons in them. Those coupons were not valid and were not used. At the 1st June, 1941, when clothing was rationed for the first time, these: margarine coupons were then to be used for the purpose of acquiring clothing. Their case was that Daly, having got all these margarine coupons from his customers he transferred them to Stephens or McGrath (who managed Stephens’ shop in Belleek), or both. If he did so it was an offence.

He (Mr. Getty) was going to call a number of witnesses to prove that they left these margarine coupons with Daly and gave him no instructions or authority to transfer them to Stephens or anybody else and they did not use them themselves. A quantity of these coupons was sent to Stephens’ wholesaler in Belfast, Messrs. Moffitt and Co., whose agent would tell the Court that 500 coupons were delivered by Stephens to him in return for goods to be supplied. Having got those coupons, the practice was for Messrs. Moffitt to send them to the Post Office and they in turn sent them to the Board of Trade, When they got to the Board of Trade these margarine coupons were found in the bundle, and this started the inquiries. Miss Rosalie Aiken, chief assistant in the Food Office, Irvinestown, gave evidence that ration books containing margarine coupons were issued to a number of people, whom she named.

Sadie Agnes Keown said that Daly was her grocer, and she received .ration books for herself, and three daughters which she gave to her grocer. She did not use the margarine coupons, but her husband used some and bought clothes in Stephens’ using the margarine coupons for the purpose. William Dolan said he never purchased clothing with the margarine coupons and did not authorise his grocer to hand them on. Ernest W. Hall, area manager, of the Board of Trade, Belfast, said the coupons came to him from the Post Office and included margarine coupons. Statements made to Sergt. J. D. Cochrane by Stephens, McGrath and Daly having been read,

McGrath gave evidence and said he could not say when the coupons came into his establishment. He was not given the particulars of the coupons before the prosecution came on, and consequently he was unable to make any inquiries. Sadie Keown’s, husband left in margarine coupons in exchange for clothes, and whatever he handed in would be sent to Moffitt. Dolan’s father and also Daly bought clothes from him. He had some difficulty in getting any regulations and ultimately got part of the regulations from a traveller. He had written five times previously to the Board of Trade and never got an answer from them. So far as he could, he carried out all these relevant regulations. John James Dolan said he did the buying for all of his family, and used his son’s coupons too.

His Worship dismissed the charge against Daly and also the charge against McGrath for aiding and abetting him. Regarding the other case, he said he found it fully proved. He fined Stephens 20/- and 10/- costs on each of the charges of making use of rationed documents other than those issued to him and using  them for the purpose of obtaining rationed goods. McGrath was fined £10 and £3 3s 0d costs for aiding and abetting in the commission of the first offence, and 120/- and three guineas costs for aiding, and abetting in the second offence. The other summonses against Stephens and McGrath were dismissed without prejudice.

17-10-1942. £5 FINE AT BELLEEK. HAD FIVE STONES OF TWENTY SIX COUNTY SUGAR. £5 FINE AT BELLEEK. James Johnston, Aghamuldoney, County Fermanagh, was charged at Belleek Petty Sessions, on Tuesday, before Major Dickie, R.M., with having on 28th May knowingly harboured five stones of sugar imported from the 26-Counties into the Six Counties with intent to evade the payment of Customs duty thereon. Mr. J. Cooper, Crown Solicitor, prosecuting, told the court that in the defendant’s house the police found five stones of sugar, which was of 26-County origin. Mr. P. T. Flanagan, LL.B., who pleaded guilty, in mitigation of the sentence said that if it were possible for defendant to pay duty on the sugar he would very willingly have done so. In certain seasons of the year defendant had special work to do on his farm. He could not get any labour in the Six Counties, and had to get a man from the Free State, This man had no ration card and during the time his application was in for one, by arrangement between him and the defendant they brought over this sugar, for which they paid 5/3d a stone in the Free State, whereas it was obtainable in the .Six Counties for 3/6d per stone. It was really a matter of trying to get over a personal inconvenience. Saying that he did not think it was a bad case, his Worship imposed a fine of £5.

£15 FINE FOR SMUGGLING SPIRITS. John Farry, Monendogue, was charged of knowingly harbouring ten bottles of Irish whiskey, one bottle of Sherry, and one bottle of port wine imported from the 26 Counties into the Six-Counties! Mr. R. A. Herbert, L.L.B., (defending) said that defendant lived with his father and brother on a small farm on the mountain side. His father was an invalid, over 80 years of age; and they were constantly afraid of him dropping off when they would not have any stimulants to give him. Defendant said he hold the police it was for his brother in Belfast. That was not true. None of the local people would sell him (defendant) a bottle of whiskey. Some of the whiskey had been in the house since Christmas- He collected it from time to time and brought it over with him. Mr. Cooper-—-Were you going over the Border on different days and bringing it back—accumulating it?—-No. His Worship—There’s no proof he was dealing in it on a very large scale. I think £15 would meet it.

LORRY DRIVER FINED AT IRVINESTOWN. “The lorry came round Flack’s corner 40 at m.p.h. without slackening speed.” “My lorry is governed down to 25 m.p.h.” These two conflicting statements of evidence, the first one by a constable and the second by the driver of the lorry were given at Irvinestown Petty Sessions on Friday when District Inspector P. Walshe summoned Charles McQuaid, of Drogan, for driving a motor lorry in Irvinestown on 7th Sept. without due care and attention and without reasonable consideration for other users of the highway. Constable McKimm proved the summons and was corroborated by Constable Bradley, neither of whom heard a horn sounded. Defendant said he sounded the horn and only accelerated when he got round the corner. His lorry was governed down to 25 m.p.h. Major Dickie, R.M., said the two constable were definite that defendant came round without due care and he imposed a fine of 10s and costs.

TWICE TORPEDOED MERCHANT NAVY MAN FINED £5. A wireless operator in the Merchant Navy, who, according to his solicitor, had been twice torpedoed and had also been in a tussle with the ‘Deutschland’ appeared at Irvinestown Petty Sessions on Friday, before Major Dickie, R.M., on a charge of being concerned in a fraudulent attempt at evasion of payment of Customs’ duty on two bottles of spirits, at Kesh, on 28th July, imported from “Eire” into Northern Ireland.

Defendant was Vincent Mahon, of Mill St., Irvinestown, and Mr. J. Cooper, D.L., Crown Solicitor, prosecuting, said a Customs officer found defendant sitting reading a book in a third class carriage of the train. He asked defendant if he had any articles to declare and he did not reply. He then asked defendant, what he had in his pockets: and defendant produced. two camera films and said that was all he had got.

The Customs officer, proceeded Mr, Cooper, was very suspicious of defendant as this pockets seemed bulky and ordered him to stand up till he searched him, and found a bottle of whiskey in each of his trousers pockets. When asked why he did not declare the spirits defendant told the officer to “go to hell you and the spirits;” When asked to furnish proof he admitted he had not paid any duty and absolutely decline to recognise the Customs authorities in any way.  His Worship—In what way? Mr. Cooper-He said he did not recognise them. His Worship — A very unfortunate position, with two bottles of whiskey in his pockets.

Mr. E. C. Ferguson, LL.B., M.P., defending, said they admitted having the two bottles of whiskey. The circumstances were these Defendant was a wireless operator employed by the Marconi Company with the Merchant Navy. Since the outbreak of war he had been torpedoed twice and on one occasion had been in a tussle with the ‘Deutschland.’ As a result of these sea activities he had been invalided home at the end of July by the Company. He (Mr. Ferguson) was instructed by defendant that he had wanted these two bottles of whiskey to send to a friend of his. Defendant was a decent fellow who was now fit and ready to return to duty and was awaiting a call to his ship. Mr. Cooper said if defendant .had adopted a different attitude he would have been fined there and then. The duty on the spirits was £l 15s 5d. Mr. Ferguson said in the circumstances perhaps it was excusable. “I am asked,” he said, “to apologise for anything, that he did wrong. His Worship said defendant knew quite well he should not have done this. However, in view of his record he imposed a fine of £5.

SUNDAY CARTING DISAPPROVED. A meeting, under the auspices of the Six-Co. Farmers’ Union was held in the Townhall, Enniskillen on Saturday afternoon, when representatives from all over County Fermanagh attended. Addresses on the policy of the Union were given by Mr. H. Jamison, General Secretary ; Mr, J. H. Barbour, Organiser; Mr. Hughes. Farmers’ Union Insurance Company, and Rev. R. J. M‘Ilmoyle, Dervock. Resolutions were passed, viewing with apprehension the milk marketing scheme so far as payments were concerned and a unanimous expression of opinion was voiced against the carting of milk on Sundays. The main purpose of the meeting was the formation of new branches and progress in this direction was made.

FELLOW INTERNEE’S TRIBUTE TO CAHIR HEALY, M.P. By Frederick Bowman, Internee, Brixton Prison, London and 5, Bradley Place, Eastbank St., Southport; Lancashire, England.

TILL IRELAND UNITE IN PEACE

The years, untried, in prison passed,

Have made impressions sure to last,

Many are grim, but, I’ve a few

For which my gratitude are due.

One patriot I’m proud I’ve met

While tangled in the prison net,

Is CAHIR HEALY—always kind,

Whose noble heart and cultured mind

Inspires respect and strengthen all

Whose courage might incline to fall.

His fine example—smiles of cheer

Make prison walls less gloomy here

His shrewd remarks and sound advice:

Confer a boon beyond all price

On those whose prison .life he shades,

Smoothing their madness, easing cares.

His land and loved ones far away,

Are in his gentle thoughts all day.

But helping others makes him try

To keep suppressing any sigh.

A man of wit and worth and charm.

Sincere and steadfast, firm and calm;

To death for Ireland he would go—

This man whom I’m so proud to know.

Peace for the world is what I claim

And Healy’s object is the same.

His work for Ireland will not cease.

Till Ireland can unite in peace.

SIX-COUNTY VACANT SEATS. STORMONT REJECTS LABOUR MOTION. A motion by Mr. H. Midgley (Labour, Willowfield) at Stormont on Tuesday which asked that writs for vacant Parliamentary seats be issued not later than three months from date of vacancy was defeated by 24 votes to one. The  motion was described by the Minister of Agriculture as the most reactionary that had ever been brought.

 

September 1942. Fermanagh Herald.

19-9-1942. 72 PACKS OF FLOUR. CUSTOMS CAPTURE AT NEWTOWNBUTLER. An Unusual Case. R.M, HOLDS GOODS LIABLE TO FORFEITURE. A most unusual Customs ease was heard at Newtownbutler Petty Sessions on Tuesday, before Major T. W. Dickie, R..M., when William P, Lucas, 15 Fade St., Dublin, and Matthew D. Rooney, 44 Temple Bar, Dublin, were charged in connection with 4 tons 4 cwts. 3 qrs. and 14 lbs. of flour, being goods of which, the export was prohibited, and which were found in the possession of the G.N.R, at Newtownbutler on April 14th, 1942 and in respect of which an order for forfeiture was sought. Mr. James Cooper, Crown Solicitor, prosecuted; Mr. J. Hanna, solicitor, appeared for the two defendants; Mr. M. E. Knight, solicitor, held a watching brief on behalf, of the G.N.R

Mr. Cooper said it was rather all unusual type of case. On April 3rd there arrived at Newtownbutler station 4 tons 4 cwts. 3 qrs. 14 lbs of white flour. This flour had been consigned by the Co. Derry Railway from ‘‘Eire” and was consigned to Dublin. The bags of flour were examined by Mr. Chapman, Officer of Customs. One bag was marked Belfast, another Australia, while the others were differently marked and appeared to have been taken out of the original, bags. The flour was put in a sealed waggon. Proceeding, Mr. Cooper said the Customs authorities, required the station master at Newtownbutler to furnish proof under Sec, 3 of the Customs Defence Act, 1939, as amended by the new regulation. Following the demand of proof from the stationmaster, word was received from the railway companies that this flour had been originally handed in at Stranorlar and that it was consigned from Stranorlar by a man named McFadden. The railway company also stated that Mr. McFadden had never sent any other flour by that route and appeared to be a small country shopkeeper who lived at Breena, about 20 miles from Letterkenny. The freight in sending it from Strabane to Stranorlar would be £1 16s per ton and to send it by Ballyshannon would he £2 Is per ton.

It was re-consigned from Ballyshannon by a man named J. McDonald. Nobody knew who McDonald was. The Customs authorities directed the flour to be seized. It was seized, and notice of the seizure was served on Rooney Bros., Dublin. Mr. Fitzpatrick, solicitor, gave formal .notice that Mr. Lucas claimed ownership, and also wrote on behalf of Rooney, who claimed two tons of the flour. The railway company then informed them part of this flour was first sent from Buncrana to Letterkenny by a man called W. Porter. A man named Bradley then came in and made a claim against the railway company for £228 for loss in respect of the flour. This flour was unobtainable at the time in the Free State and they suggested it was smuggled through the Customs somewhere about Strabane, because it would have to be unloaded and put on the train to have it sent down to Ballyshannon. In any case, it had no business to be exported from Northern Ireland at all.

19-9-1942. IRVINESTOWN PETTY SESSIONS. CYCLE LARCENY CHARGE. BICYCLE THEFT PRISON FOR SOLDIER. At Irvinestown Petty Sessions on Friday, before Major Dickie, R.M., District-Inspector Walshe charged Private Kerrigan, Pioneer Corps, formerly of Boho, Co. Fermanagh with the larceny of a bicycle value £10, the property of Curry Beatty, Ballinamallard. Henry Armstrong, Coolisk, was charged with receiving the bicycle. Kerrigan stated that he was returning to England from leave, when he bought the bicycle from a man named O’Donnell, of Sligo, for £1 15s. He then sold the bicycle to Armstrong for £2 10s. A sentence of six months’ imprisonment was ordered. For Armstrong it was said that he was under the influence of drink when he bought the bicycle and the case was dismissed on the merits.

19-9-1942. £120 IN FINES CALEDON MAN MULCTED. At Dungannon Petty Sessions, Thomas A. Clark, Ballagh, Caledon, was prosecuted for dealing in the following prohibited goods—85 loaves of wheat flour bread, five -0-st. bags wheat flour 420 lb. candles, 446 packets and 14 lb. of soap flakes and soap powders, 3¾ cwt. soap, 24 lb. custard powder, one quarter and 2½ lb. cocoa, and 1 qr. 22 lb. coffee. On a second count he was prosecuted for having the following uncustomed goods—large iron kettle, one aluminium teapot, one enamel teapot, two enamel dishes, one enamel saucepan, and 38 dozen eggs. Mr. Long, R.M., said the Clarke family seemed to be engaged in the wholesale distribution of these prohibited articles Owing to defendant’s age and ill-health he would not send him to prison. In the first case he would be fined £115 12s 3d. For harbouring the uncustomed goods he was fined £5.

19-9-1942. REFUSED TO GIVE NAMES TO B SPECIALS. Five Men Before Trillick Court. At Trillick Petty Sessions on Monday, before Major Dickie, R.M., Francis Donnelly, Derrymacanna; Francis Woods, Moorfield, Trillick; John P. McGrade, Shanmullagh; Philip McGrade, Tallymacanna; and Frank McColgan, Stralongford were charged with disorderly conduct and refusing to give their names to members of a “B” patrol. S. D. Commandant Beattie, gave evidence that early on Monday morning, Aug.,

19-9-1942. £30 FINE ON IRVINESTOWN MOTORIST FAILURE TO TAX CAR. Daniel McCrossan, Main Street, Irvinestown, appeared at the local Petty Sessions last Friday, before Major Dickie, R.M., to answer a summons brought against him for using a motor vehicle on the public road on 7th April last without a licence. The summons was brought by Fermanagh County Council per Herbert J. D. Moffitt, taxation officer.

Mr. J. Cooper, Crown Solicitor, prosecuting, said that Constable Cander found defendant’s car on the public street on 7th April, 1942 without being licensed. The matter came before the County Council, and they decided to allow defendant off with a mitigated penalty of £1. Mr. Moffitt wrote to defendant on the 6th May informing him that proceedings would be stayed if he paid £1. No answer was received, and Mr. Moffitt again wrote, but no answer was received from defendant. Constable Cander gave evidence of finding a public service vehicle, the property of defendant, on the street on 7th April. It was not licensed. Defendant said “It was just an overlook at the time.” John Moffitt, who is employed in the taxation office, said the car was licensed at the present time. The annual duty was £10 a year. He sent a notice to defendant that the County Council had considered the matter, and that if he paid £1 proceedings would not be taken—if he took out a licence. There was no reply. Witness sent a further note on 7th July. Mr. Cooper—In this case the penalty is £20, or three times the amount of duty payable, whichever is the greater. The County Council I understand, have power to review it when it goes back to them. The greater penalty is £30. Defendant said that the car was out of order at the time, and he was looking for parts for it. His Worship — Why did you not answer the letter? I did not think the offence was very serious. Defendant added that if he did not tax the car he would get no petrol. His Worship imposed a penalty of £30, and £1 ls 9d costs, with a stay till next Court. Mr. Cooper — We want to get the penalty your Worship, to show these people they must pay attention to these things.

19-9-1942. TO STAND FOR STORMONT SEAT MR. EAMONN DONNELLY, Ex-T.D. Mr. Eamonn Donnelly, secretary of the Green Cross Fund, and formerly T.D. for Leix-Offaly, is to be a candidate for the Northern Ireland Parliamentary by-election for the. Falls Division, Belfast. He was also M.P. for South, Armagh from 1925 to 1929. Mr. Donnelly told a Press man that he had been asked by a number of representative men to stand for the Division in the interests of unity. His chief aims would be to try to bring together all sections of the minority. “I know,” he said, “there are many who will support the candidature of one espousing the principles that I would like to see established. We have been wandering more or less in a morass for the last, number of years, at sixes and sevens, with no definite guidance as to the ultimate realisation of the objective, that everyone cherishes dearly, namely, the unification of our country.

“I have always held, and still hold, that it is possible to re-unite our country by constitutional means. I believe the Irish people as a whole, given an opportunity, will stand for the bringing together again of the old Constituent Assembly, the first Dail under the aegis of which the advances were made which Southern Ireland today enjoys, but which do not apply to us.” “I assured the delegation,” he said, “ that my aim, if elected, would be to concentrate on the release of political internees. “There can be no peace while internment without trial exists. It is contrary to every principle of justice and citizenship, and certainly contrary to what the Allied. Powers profess to be fighting for. I have never compromised and never will on the unity of Ireland. I believe the unity of the country is more necessary to-day than ever, more particularly as its defence as a unit in the present world conflict should be the first consideration of every Irishman. I have no doubt as to the result in West Belfast. It often gave a lead before to Ireland, and God knows we want leadership now more than ever.”

19-9-1942. CHARM ING DERRY WEDDING. OMAGH POSTAL OFFICIAL WED. HYNES —YANNARELLI. A charming wedding took place on Thursday morning in St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry, with Nuptial Mass and Papal Blessing, when two well-known Derry and Tyrone families were united. The contracting parties were Mr. Patrick Hynes, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hynes, of Campsie, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, and Miss Isabella Yannarelli, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Yannarelli, Strand Road, Derry City. Both bride and bridegroom, are well known and highly esteemed, the bridegroom being a very popular member of the clerical staff of Omagh Post Office, while the bride is prominent in local social circles. The ceremony was performed by Rev. T. Devine, C.C.. Castlefin, Donegal.

19-9-1942. ASSAULT CASE. DEFENDANT FINED AND REMOVED FROM COURT. IRVINESTOWN STORY. Summonses against father and son were heard at Irvinestown Petty Sessions on Friday, before Major Dickie, R.M., when Thomas McLaughlin, Coolback, brought a summons against James Hamilton Martin (father), Cabragh, for defendant’s neglect to pay for trespass of his cattle on complainant’s land at Doogary on 3rd inst.; and also a summons against Ernest Martin (son), Cabragh, for assault. Mr. A. Herbert appeared for complainant, who gave evidence that he had taken part of a farm, the other, part being taken by the senior defendant; Plaintiff alleged that on the 3rd inst. Martin senior put, seven head of cattle on to the land he (plaintiff) had taken. Later, when plaintiff met defendant and his four sons defendant asked him did he drive the cattle off, and plaintiff replied in the affirmative. Plaintiff then described what followed, and said that Ernest Martin struck him on the mouth, which bled.

Francis McMulkin, owner of the farm gave evidence as to the letting. When he had finished his evidence there ensued an argument between the senior defendant and witness.       Sergeant M, Kelly said that when plaintiff called with him on 3rd inst. there was blood trickling from the side of his mouth, and his lip was slightly swollen. Defendant said that plaintiff made all shapes to stick, him with a pitchfork. One of his sons caught, the pitchfork, and whatever injury plaintiff got was in the wrangling over the pitchfork.

This man, declared defendant, “is a bad man—a dangerous man. Would you not know the look of him? Ernest Martin denied striking plaintiff. Plaintiff and his brother were wrestling for the pitch fork on one side of the road, and witness was standing on the other side of the road. Kenneth Martin said plaintiff followed them with a pitch fork and attempted to stab his father with it. Witness caught the pitch fork, and during the tussle plaintiff got a crack on the face.His Worship—How many of you were there? — We were going to our work, and there were five of us. Henry Emery also gave evidence.

His Warship held that Martin, Sen., was guilty of trespass, and that his son was guilty of an unprovoked assault. He fined the son 40/- and 4/- costs, and made an order for the trespass by scale, with £2 2s 0d costs. Addressing Martin, Senr., his Worship said that from his behaviour in Court, if he had any more trouble with him he would bind him over in heavy sureties to keep the peace. Defendant—I will appeal the case. His Worship then directed the police to remove defendant from Court.

19-9-1942. ROSSINVER PARISH COUNCIL. FARMERS’ GRIEVANCE. THE TEA SUPPLY. A meeting of Rossinver Parish. Council was held in St. Aiden’s Hall on Sunday, Rev. Father McPhillips, P. P. (chairman) presiding. Other members present included: Messrs. Michael Sheerin, V.C., John Gilligan, P.C.; Joseph Fox, James Connolly, Sean Eames, N.T. (secretary), and Padraic J. O’Rourke.

DRAINAGE. A deputation appeared before the meeting on behalf of farmers residing in the townlands of Corraleskin, Gortnaderry, Gubmanus, Lattoon and Cornagowna, whose lands have been flooded by the Kilcoo River. Mr. Patrick Meehan, Latloon, who acted as spokesman said that many farmers along the border from Kiltyclogher to Garrison had suffered great losses in hay crops and pasture for the past two months. The damage done had been unprecedented. Nine floods, coming in quick succession had effected the complete ruin of a huge amount of hay and oats. The floods had been the worst in living memory. A lake in the Six Counties had been drained a few years ago, and the extra water from this area was now coming into the border river, making the flooding much worse than it used to be. Rev. P. McPhillips- The people have been trying for the past 50 years to get the border river drained, and the removal of a narrow bed of rock from the river bed near Garrison would solve the whole difficulty at a very small cost. A. few sticks of gelignite would; do the whole thing.

Mr. O’Rourke—Farmers on both sides of the border are affected, and our Government were prepared to have the river drained four years ago provided the Six-County Government would co-operate. The required co-operation was not forthcoming, and so the scheme fell through.

Mr. Denis Keaney (a member of the deputation) stated that as all the good grazing lands, lay along the river the cattle had failed in milking since they were put on the hard hills, and farmers had lost from £5 to £10 in their creamery Cheques for the two months, and the flooded hay was likely to kill the cattle during the winter.

The following resolution, proposed by Mr. P. J. O’Rourke, seconded by Mr. M. Sheerin, was passed unanimously (copies to be forwarded to the Minister for Local Government and local T.D.s): “That we, the members of Rossinver Parish Council, request the Minister for Local Government to take into, consideration the serious losses in hay crops and pasture suffered by farmers living along the border river, particularly in the townlands of Corraleskin, Gortnaderry, Lattoon, Gubmanus and Cornagowna, and to grant them a rebate in the rates, for the coming year. Wo also consider it very necessary that immediate action be taken by the Government to have the rock at Cornagowna, which is the prime cause of the whole flooding, removed.” Mr. Sheerin—We want the T.D.s to back us up in this matter.

19-9-1942. BELLEEK SESSIONS. At Belleek Petty Sessions on Tuesday, Before Major Dickie, R.M., Eric Carson, Knocknashangan, Garrison, was fined 10s for failing to produce his identity card when asked to do so by an authorised person. Michael O’Shea, Drumanillar, Belleek, was summoned for leading two horses on the public highway during the hours of darkness without having a light in front of the animals. The case was dismissed.

19-9-1942. WAR DEPARTMENT PETROL. Thomas Gallagher, Aghoo, Garrison, was charged with having in his possession on 23rd July a quantity of petrol—5 gallons— the property of the War Department. (N.I.), which, he bought or received from a soldier or person, acting on his behalf. He was also charged with not being a servant of the Government acting in the course of his duty as such, or a person acting in accordance with the authority of a Government Department had in his possession a quantity of Government petroleum spirit contrary to the Emergency Powers Order. Constable McMullin, examined by D.I. Walshe who prosecuted, said that on 23rd July he stopped Gallagher, and subsequently went to inspect defendant’s garage, and found the petrol in a tins there. In a statement Gallagher said he got two gallons of petrol from a soldier on the road a few weeks previously. Sergt. Bailey gave evidence of testing the petrol, which he found reacted to the test for Army petrol and Cpl. Geelan said he dispatched a sample of the petrol to the public analyst at Belfast. D.I. Walshe said that owing to the enormous expense entailed they had not brought the analyst from Belfast, but had obtained his certificate. Mr. P. J. Flanagan, solr., Enniskillen, pleading guilty on behalf of his client, said that this was the type of offence any person, being human, would fall into. The defendant had acted with extrema foolishness, and he asked the Resident Magistrate to deal leniently with the matter. The R.M. said he could not treat the matter lightly, and imposed a fine of £93 on the second summons, the penalty to rule both charges. He allowed two months to pay.

CASE DISMISSED, George Connor, Aghoo, Garrison, was also charged with having army petrol in his possession. D.I. Walshe prosecuted, and Mr, P. J. Flanagan defended.

19-9-1942. SIX COUNTY POTATO PRICES. MORE MONEY FOR GROWERS. (Ed. “Ware Potatoes” is a term mostly used within the potato industry. Sometimes, it is used in a generic sense for any potatoes destined for human consumption in potato form, as opposed to seed potatoes or potatoes that are primarily valued for the amount of starch that can be extracted from them for industrial processing.)

Growers’ prices for ware and seed potatoes of the 1942 crop as from 1st October have now been announced. The districts will be District 1—Counties Antrim., Down, Armagh (Newry No. 2 Rural District only), Tyrone (Strabane Rural District only) and Londonderry, and District 3—-Counties Fermanagh, Tyrone (except Strabane Rural District), Londonderry and Armagh (except Newry No. 2 Rural District).

In District I. the price of ware potatoes during October will be 90/- per ton tor the varieties Golden Wonder, King Edward, Red King and Gladstone; 75/- per ton for Kerr’s Pink, Redskin, Up-to-Date, Dunbar Standard, Arran Peak, Arran Victory and any other variety grown on red soil, and 70/- per ton for any other variety not grown on red soil. In District II. the price will be 5/- per ton less in each case. These are fixed prices for delivery f.o.r. grower’s railway station, or on buyer’s lorry at the farm.

Growers’ prices per ton for Class I. certified seed will be until further notice: Arran Crest, Catriona, Di Vernon, Doon Early, Immune Ash leaf, May Queen, Ninetyfold, Witchhill,  Ulster Chieftain, 205/-; Arran Pilot, Ballydoon, Duke of York. Ulster Monarch, Arran Scout, Sharpe’s Express, 155/-; Doon Pearl, Dunbar, Robar, Eclipse, Dargill Early, Suttin’s Abundance, Arran Signet, 140/ -; Ally, Alness, Arran Comrade, Arran Peak, Ben Lomond, British Queen, Dunbar Standard. Edzell Blue, Gladstone, Golden Wonder, King Edward VII, Red King, Beauty of Hebron, Herald, Bintze, (Muizen) – 120/-: Arran Banner, Arran Cairn, Arran Chief, Arran Consul, Arran Victory, Bishop, Champion, Doon Star, Dunbar Archer, Dunbar Cavalier, Field Marshall, Great Scot, Irish Queen, Kerr’s Pink, King George V., Majestic, President, Redskin, Rhoderick Dhu, Royal Kidney {Queen Mary), Tinwald Perfection. Up-to-Date, Baron, Arran Luxury, 110/-.

The price for Northern Ireland Report Certificate Seed will be 20/- per ton less in each case. A top riddle of and a bottom riddle of 1¼ will apply to all varieties of seed of the above classifications.

CONSUMER TO PAY LESS. A reduction in the maximum wholesale and retail prices for ware potatoes has been announced. To offset this reduction a subsidy will be paid to licensed “first buyers’ and in certain circumstances licensed grower-salesmen. The maximum wholesale price in District I. from 24th to 50th September will be 4/- per cwt. for Grade A and 3/6 per cwt. for Grade B. In District II the price will be 3d per cwt. less in each case. From 28th September to 3rd October the maximum retail price in both districts, will be 5d per half-stone for Grade A and 4½d per half-stone for Grade B.

19-9-1942. Department and Monaghan Appointment. At a meeting of the Co., Monaghan Vocational Education Committee, a letter was read from the Department intimating that the Ministry was not prepared to approve of the appointment of Miss M. Duffy, as commercial teacher in Monaghan Technical School. By 14 votes to 4, a resolution was carried requesting the Minister to sanction the appointment temporarily pending Miss Duffy securing certificate for instruction in typewriting.

19-9-1942. NOTICE TO FARMERS.  We wish to inform our customers and the general public that we have received a large consignment of Men’s, Women’s and Boys’ Kip Nailed Boots for the winter season. These are exceptionally good, reliable Boots, and up to pre-war standard. We would advise the early purchase of same, as we may not be able to repeat the superior quality of these lines. FLANAGAN’S, Enniskillen.

19-9-1942. DESERTED FROM TWO ARMIES. A stranger stopped by a policeman in Enniskillen was found to be a deserter from the Irish Army. It later transpired that the man had deserted from the British Army. The man, Michael D’Arcy, of the A.M.P.C., was charged with being a deserter at a special court before Mr. W. F. Dewane, J.P., and was ordered to be handed over to the military authorities.

19-9-1942. LISNASKEA ASSAULT CASE. When Mary Jane Melanophy, of Lisnaskea, summoned Margaret Burns, Erne Terrace. Lisnaskea, for assault, at Lisnaskea Petty Sessions on Thursday, plaintiff alleged that defendant threw two stones at her, one of them striking her on the ankle. Defendant, said she threw a stone at plaintiff, but she did not believe it hit her. She threw the stone in self-defence when plaintiff raised a broom over her head. Major Dickie, R.M., said he did not believe there was anything to choose between them from what he heard in Court. He imposed on Mrs. Burns a nominal penalty of 2/6, with £1 Is 0d costs, and advised the parties to try to live in peace.

26-9-1942. CONSTABLE SUMMONED AT LETTERBREEN. RECKLESS DRIVING CHARGE DISMISSED. Constable James Mulqueeny, formerly of Kinawley, Co. Fermanagh, and now of Bessbrook, Co. Armagh, appeared at Letterbreen Petty Sessions on 16th inst., before Major Dickie. R.M., on the usual three counts; the reckless driving of a motor car on 2nd May last at the cross roads at Florencecourt Creamery. Mr. P J. Flanagan, LL.B., defended. Two constables who had been with defendant in the car on the occasion gave evidence that on the way out from Enniskillen defendant mentioned about the steering of the car being stiff. About 50 yards from the creamery cross they passed another car. Defendant was driving on the left-hand side of the road at a speed of from 25-30 miles per hour, and in the words of one of the witnesses “all of a sudden the car just gave a ‘double’ on the road and struck the far ditch.” Keith Farlow, aged 13 who witnessed the accident, said he saw the car come round the cross and skid on the gravel. The car had been travelling at a medium speed.

Sergeants Ryan and Henderson also gave evidence, the latter, who is inspector of public service vehicles, describing the condition of the car following the accident, and said the right front wheel was buckled and the tyre burst. Defendant said that at the time of the accident was stationed at Kinawley, and was the driver of the Customs car.. The car in which he had the accident was his own, and his brother had been using it in the city. When it came back he noticed there was something wrong with the steering. Describing the accident, defendant said the steering seemed to lock. He put pressure on it, but could not get it straightened again. The steering did not answer at all, and he struck the bank. His Worship-—There are so many, theories one could advance of how this accident happened. I don’t know which to accept. I don’t think it is a case in which I ought to convict. He dismissed the case.

19-9-1942. WRONGFUL USE OF PETROL. LISNASKEA CASE. The first case of its kind in the district was heard at Lisnaskea Petty Sessions on Thursday, before Major Dickie, R.M., when Imelda Evelyn Beggan, of Tattycam, Newtownbutler, was charged, with having used motor fuel on 3rd August at Kilygullion for a purpose other than that specified. Constable Kelly gave evidence of stopping a Ford motor car driven by defendant on 3rd August, and in reply to questions she said she was getting three gallons of petrol per month for going to Mass on Sundays, and bringing eggs to Lisnaskea market every Saturday and that she had been leaving her sister to the 5.30 p.m. train for Belfast. Mr. J. B. Murphy, defending, said that defendant lived six miles from a railway station and in one of the forms she stated that there was no public transport. He suggested that defendant was entitled to use the car to bring her sister, who worked, in a Government office, to the railway station in order to get back to work. His Worship—She is given this for certain purposes in strict law. He added that one thing that was wrong was the statement that there was no public transport.

Mr. Murphy—It is three miles away. He said that it was the first case of its kind, and he would ask his Worship to apply the Probation of Offenders Act. When applying for a renewal of the three gallons defendant could mention this journey. District Inspector Smyth said it was the first case in the district. They were going to delve into this business very carefully, and the prosecution had been brought to air activity in the matter. His Worship—I understand that if a person is convicted for improper use of petrol automatically the petroleum officer: will not give them any further supplies. District Inspector—They refer it to the police first and ask their opinion. Dealing with defendant under the Probation of Offenders Act on payment of costs of Court, his Worship said that did not mean that the next person would get the benefit of the Probation Act.

26-9-1942. FALSE REPRESENTATIONS CHARGE AT KESH. Thomas Duncan, Water Lane, Letterkeen, was charged at Kesh Petty Sessions an Tuesday with having on the 1st Jan., 1942, at Kesh, for the purpose of obtaining for himself a supplementary pension under the Unemployment Assistance Act, knowingly made a false representation that during the seven days up to and including, 1st January he had not earned more than 5s, whereas, during this period he was employed by Messrs. H. and J. Martin, Ltd., 163, Ormeau Road, Belfast, and in the week ended 31st December, 1941, earned 76/3d,: this sum being paid to him on 3rd Jan., 1942. There was a second charge against defendant of making a false representation, for the same purpose, for the week ending 8th January, the amount he was alleged to have earned  being 67/9d. Alan McCullagh, an official of the Assistance Board, gave evidence of receiving defendant’s application on 16th October last. Major Dickie, R.M. “(to defendant) — Have you any explanation to give? Defendant—I have not indeed. I know nothing about it. His Worship-—You knew enough to draw £3 16s.

James Weir, another official, gave evidence of filling up the application for defendant on 14th Oct. He read over the application to defendant and explained it to him and witnessed defendant’s mark. Another official, William Henry, Howe, told of interviewing defendant on 4th. Feb., and following caution, defendant said he had done “only an odd hour’s work inside, the last three years.” He denied having been fully employed. John L. Duffy, of the firm of Messrs. Martin, said that for the four weeks from 16th Dec.—10th January, defendant was paid 15s 6d, 75s, 76/3, and 67/9. Miss Mildred Thompson, postmistress, Kesh, said when defendant brought these paying, orders to her, she read them over to defendant and explained them to him. Sergt. Horgan said defendant was a labouring man of good character. Mr. J. Cooper, Crown solicitor, prosecuting—These cases are giving a lot of trouble. These men are drawing large sums of money and are getting this money at the same time. His Worship—I am afraid it is not a case in which there could be any possibility of a mistake. He would not send defendant to jail but imposed on the first charge a fine of £5 and 40s costs, and on the second charge 40s and 20s costs. In default, in the first case two months’ imprisonment and in the second case one month, to run consecutively. Addressing defendant, his Worship said —“That is a fairly substantial penalty, but I am afraid you deserve it.”

19-9-1942. ANTRIM MAN KILLED. TWO U.S. SOLDIERS IN CUSTODY. Soldierstown, Aghalee, South Antrim, has been the scene of a horrible crime which has resulted in the death of Edward Clenaghan, aged 46, who was found lying unconscious on the roadside about midnight on Monday and who died on Tuesday in Lurgan District Hospital. Two American soldiers; 20-year-old Embra H. Farley, from Arkansas, and 26-year-old Herbert Jacobs, from Kentucky, are being held by the U.S. military police in connection with the affair. At an inquest a verdict was returned that Clenaghan died from injuries caused by some person or persons. The dead man was an A.R.P. warden and was unmarried. He lived with his mother at Soldierstown and helped her to manage a public-house, he was a kinsman of the famous artist, Sir John Lavery under whom, he studied art for a time, and was a cousin of the late, Rt. Rev. Mgr. Canon Clenaghan, P.P., V.G., St. Malachy’s Church, Belfast, and of Rev, George Clenaghan, P. P., Armoy.

At the inquest, Dr. James O’Connell, R.M.O., Lurgan Hospital, said that deceased was admitted at 1.50 on Tuesday morning. He was unconscious on admission, and remained so until his death, about 7 o’clock that morning. He had a lacerated wound over the left eye, a lacerated wound on the left side of the chin, and bruising on the right side of the head. The cause of death was cerebral laceration following a fracture of the skull. James Joseph Clenaghan, farmer, a brother of the dead man, said that on Monday evening he was in the bar of his mother’s licensed premises. There were a number of U.S. soldiers there, and he particularly noticed two of them, who seemed to be in or about all afternoon.

All the soldiers left except the two. The soldier in command seemed to be more or less scared of these two but he eventually got them out. All the others left and witness got the bar closed.  About 9.20 p.m., he heard the sound of breaking glass and went out to the hall door and found that a pane of glass in the bar window was broken. He heard footsteps running and overtook two American soldiers. He tried to reason with them, but they started using filthy language and waving two beer bottles and insisted on having more drink. Witness refused, advising them to go on up the road and they might get another drink elsewhere. They still kept walking about on the road some twenty yards or so from the house. He went back home, and his brother, Edward, said he would go up and see the commanding officer of the camp.: He left on his bicycle about 9.30 or 9.45 p.m. About 12.15 a.m. in consequence of a message, he went along the road towards Aghalee, and about a quarter of a mile from home found his brother lying on the grass on the left-hand side of the road going towards Aghalee. He seemed to be in terrible pain and was unconscious. Witness obtained a motorcar and accompanied him to Lurgan Hospital.

26-9-1942. FEEDING STUFFS RATIONING Laggards Should Lodge Ration Books At Once. Livestock owners and farmers have now had their ration books for the fifth period under the feeding stuffs rationing scheme in their possession for three weeks, but, strange to say, many have not yet lodged the books with their chosen suppliers. The Ministry of Agriculture has issued to those who have not done so a timely warning that feeding stuffs cannot be allocated to them until their, suppliers have received their buying permits, and, of course, no supplier can obtain a buying permit until he has forwarded his customers’ nomination forms to the Ministry. If, therefore, you do not receive feeding stuffs because of your failure to lodge your ration book, do not blame your supplier, or the Ministry. Blame yourself because you will be the only person worthy of blame.

26-9-1942. UNSCUTCHED FLAX. MINISTER AND THE 1941 CROP. The proportion of the 1941 flax crop as yet unscutched is 472 acres, and everything possible is being done to assist in having these crops processed. This was stated by Lord Glentoran (Minister of Agriculture) in reply to Mr. Brown (South Down) at Stormont on Tuesday. Lord Glentoran said a survey of scutch mills had shown that in two areas facilities for handling the crop were inadequate. He was satisfied there would be adequate facilities for 1942 crop, and steps were being taken to ensure that any increase in the 1943 crop would dealt with.

26-9-1942. BREAD PRICES INCREASED ON BOTH SIDES OF BORDER. Britain’s bread is to be dearer, but potatoes cheaper, under a new order, which also affects the Six Counties. From Sunday, the 4lb. loaf went up from 8d to 9d, with the 21b. loaf up by a halfpenny. Potato prices will from September 28 be reduced to an average of 1d a lb. The price charges are part of the campaign to reduce bread and increase potato consumption in Britain. The British Food Ministry has kept the price of bread almost stable since the outbreak of war by subsidies costing some £80 000 a year. Increased bread prices came into effect in the Twenty-Six Counties on and from Monday last.

26-9-1942. TEACHERS’ DEMAND FOR WAR BONUS. QUESTION AT STORMONT. At Stormont on Tuesday, the Minister of Finance told Mr. J. Beattie (Lab., Pottinger) that a demand for a war bonus of £1 a week for all teachers had been received by the Ministry of Education. He was informed that in Britain the Burnham Committee has recommended that war bonuses for teachers should be increased as from the 1st July, 1942, the new rates being £45 per annum for men and £36 per annum, for women on the lower scales of salary, and £35 and £28 for men and women respectively on higher scales. Certain matters were at present under investigation by the Ministry of Education with a view to the application of these rates of bonus to teachers’ salaries in Northern Ireland, and, of course, as the member was aware the policy of their Government had been to give to Northern Ireland teachers the same war bonuses— and no more—as had been granted to their colleagues in Britain.

26-9-1942. MISUSE OF PETROL LISNASKEA MAN’S OFFENCE. Charles Magee, hackney car owner, of Lisnaskea, was, at Caledon Petty Sessions on Monday, fined 10/- for using petrol in his car for purposes other than intended. It was stated by the police that defendant was intercepted on a recent Sunday driving his wife and family to Newry to see friends. Mr. J. J. Rea, solicitor (for defendant) admitted defendant used the car to drive his family to Newry to see his mother-in-law, who was ill, and his client did not know it was an offence to use the car in this way.

26-9-1942. TRACTOR WITHOUT LICENCE KE$H COURT FlNE. When William J. Hamilton, Kilmore, was prosecuted at Kesh Petty Sessions on Tuesday for permitting a young boy to drive a tractor without a policy of insurance, Sergeant Bradley stated that the boy gave his age as 13 years and had no licence to drive. Hamilton said that the young lad had been pressing him to learn to drive and he yielded to the boy’s request. Hamilton was fined £3 and costs and a case against the boy was withdrawn. No order was made as to suspension.

26-9-1942. UNPRODUCED IDENTITY CARD. When Dorothy Grimsley, Feddans, Kesh, was charged with failing to produce her identity card to a police constable in uniform, it was stated that defendant elected to produce the card at Kesh but had not done so within the prescribed period. Defendant said she was sorry about the whole thing. Major Dickie, R.M. – You have given everybody a lot of trouble. I am afraid you will have to pay for it. Fined 5s.

26-9-1942. GAELIC SPEAKING PRIESTS. As a result of a motion by Riobard A. Bramharm (An Ard Craobh), adopted by the Dublin Executive of the Gaelic League, the Annual Congress is to be called on to request his Eminence Cardinal MacRory to ensure that at least one Gaelic-speaking priest be appointed to each church in Ireland, to attend to the spiritual needs of Gaels..

26-9-1942. FISHERY CASE AT KESH. Hamilton Shaw, jun., Ardshankill, Boa Island, was charged before Major Dickie, R; M., at Kesh Petty Sessions, on Tuesday, with having had an otter in his possession at Mullans, Boa Island, on 1st June last. Mr. J. Hanna appeared, for Enniskillen Fishery Board, and Mr. Murnaghan defended. William Irvine, water bailiff, gave evidence that when on the shore of Mullans Bay he observed two men fishing on the side of Lusty Beg. Later the boat headed for the Boa Island shore where the men got out. Witness took cover and saw a man—whom he failed to identify—walking from the boat. The other man (defendant) walked out of the boat with something under his arm and hid it in a whin bush. Defendant walked back to the boat, picked up some sticks, and headed off. Witness approached him then and asked him where he had got the fish and he did not give any definite answer. Witness searched the whin bush and found an otter and a line of flies in a wet condition. He followed defendant and took the fish from him. Defendant denied having had the otter. His Worship said he was afraid there was not much doubt about it and imposed a fine of 20s and £2 10s costs, with an order for the forfeiture of the otter and line.

26-9-1942. DISTRESSING FIVEMILETOWN AFFAIR CHILD LOSES LEGS. A distressing accident occurred during harvesting operations on Wednesday evening of last week, when a child aged two years, daughter of Bernard McMahon, Breakley, Fivemiletown, had both legs severed.  It appears the child crept into the corn and became entangled in the reaper. The child was immediately removed to Fermanagh County Hospital, where its condition is still regarded as rather critical.

26-9-1942. INFANTILE PARALYSIS OUTBREAK. Nine deaths from infantile paralysis have been reported since July 1, the Dublin Department of Local Government announced on Tuesday. Apart from the five cases in Dublin city during the week ended September 19, there were 26 cases in the rest of the country for that week. Every possible precaution against the spread of the disease is being taken, the Department adds.

26-9-1942. TWO £10 FINES AT KESH. James Brimstone, Pruckliss, was fined £10 at Kesh Petty Sessions on Tuesday, for knowingly harbouring one head of cattle. A similar charge against John Brimstone, Bannagh, Kesh, was dismissed. Wm. John Mulholland, Derrylougher was fined £l0 for importing or bringing one head of cattle into the United Kingdom.

26-9-1942. £275 AMBULANCE PRESENTED TO A.R.P. SERVICE. The new £275 ambulance provided by Enniskillen subscriptions was presented to the County Fermanagh Civil Defence authorities, on Monday evening by Mr. W. Maxwell, organiser of the committee (consisting of Messrs. J. Ryan Taylor, J. Lusted and D. Devine), who collected the subscriptions. Mr. Maxwell said the committee was formed about 12 months ago, and aimed to collect £250. They exceeded the total by £100. The ambulance cost approximately £275, which left a balance that the committee had decided to keep for running expenses. After the war it was intended to present the ambulance to the Co. Hospital. The Civil Defence authorities would have the use of it for the duration of the war. He thanked all who had assisted in making the project a success. They had a lady driver and lady attendant for the .ambulance—Miss Scott and Mrs. Clarke; and he would like other ladies to join the Civil Defence organisation. Senator G. Whaley, chairman of. Enniskillen U.D.C., receiving the vehicle on behalf of the Civil Defence authorities, said he hoped the ambulance would never. be required in the district for war casualties. There was a very small attendance at the ceremony on the Jail Square. Those present included Capt. Shutt, county organiser of Civil Defence, and Major Henderson; Enniskillen’s A.R.P. chief. The ambulance has accommodation for four stancher cases and is extremely well fitted.      ‘

26-9-1940. FATALITY NEAR BELLEEK. OCTOGENARIAN’S FATAL INJURIES.A fatal motor cycling accident at Brollagh Hill, Belleek on Tuesday of last week was investigated by Mr. G. Warren, coroner and a jury at an inquest on Wednesday. The deceased was Andrew Roohan, aged 86 of Brollagh, who died eight hours knocked down by a motor-cycle at Brollagh Hill at three o’clock approximately. Andrew Roohan, son gave evidence of identification and of seeing his father lying injured on the side of the road. To Mr. P. J. Flanagan, solicitor, for Peter Francis McGovern, Garrison, who was riding the motor cycle. Witness said his father could hear when the voice was raised a little.

Dr. George Kelly, Belleek, stated that he examined deceased on the roadside after the accident. Witness described deceased’s many wounds and gave his opinion that death was due to haemorrhage following injuries together with senility. Witness had treated deceased in the last six months for deafness. Mrs. Teresa Keown, Tullymore, gave evidence that when walking along the road with her daughter and with a baby in her arms, deceased overtook. They walked up the hill and her daughter warned them that a motor-cycle coming behind. Deceased, who was on the outside, looked round partly to his right and the next thing she saw was deceased lying on the road ten yards ahead. The motor-cycle was ridden by McGovern and he had a passenger on behind. To Mr. Flanagan, witness said her opinion was that the motor cyclist had plenty of room to pass on the right without hitting deceased.

Corpl. Francis Hugh Green, R.A.F., who was in the vicinity, stated he heard the sound of brakes being applied. Constable George S. Acheson, R.U.C. deposed to finding deceased lying on the side of the road. The road at the point of impact was eighteen feet wide with an 18-inch grass verge on either side. The motor cyclist (McGovern) pointed a spot five and a half feet from the right-hand side of the road as the point of impact. Witness put in a statement alleged to have been made by McGovern, who stated a pillion passenger and he were coming from Belleek. At Brollagh he saw the man, woman and child on the road in front. As he was about to pass them deceased, he alleged rushed straight to his right. He pulled the machine to the right in an effort to avoid deceased, but the front wheel struck him and deceased and the two men on the machine fell. The reason he did not sound a warning of approach was because he had no bell or horn on the motor cycle. He had two years’ experience of motor cycling. Hr could not have pulled to the left as it would thereby have endangered the lives of the woman and child. McGovern told the jury he had nothing to add to the statement. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony and the Coroner, Head-Constable Briggs and the foreman of the jury expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

1942. They were ‘Peeps’ before they became Jeeps.

4-7-1942. U.S. SERGEANT KILLED. Sergeant Robert D. Gibson, of the U.S. Army, a native of Knoxville, Iowa, was killed on Sunday afternoon when a “peep’ in which he was travelling was in collision with a U.S. Army truck. Deceased, who aged thirty eight years, was married. (Ed. Originally, many soldiers did not call it a jeep at all. Jack Keenan, a World War II Third Armoured Division veteran, wrote that early Willys-Overlands were not called Jeeps. “We called ’em ‘Peeps.’” His contemporary sketches of the vehicles in Louisiana and desert manoeuvres were clearly labelled “Peeps.” )

At the inquest, Private Robert D. Goey gave evidence that he had been walking with some companions, and the ‘‘peep” in which deceased was riding, passed them about 20 yards before the accident. The deceased was sitting on the right-hand side in the front seatt. Immediately the “peep’ passed him witness saw a large truck approaching. He saw the two vehicles hit and at that time the “peep’’ was well on its’ own side and the truck was over on its wrong side by about four feet. After the ‘‘peep” was hit it swerved to its left and then back to the middle of the road, where the deceased was thrown out as the “peep” swerved back again to the left.

When the “peep” ‘ was meeting the truck the deceased had his head out to the right over the side of the “peep’’ speaking to witness and his companions, and witness saw the head thrown back and he believed, hit by the radiator grill of the track. If the deceased had not his head out witness did not believe he would have been hit. On the same side that the “peep” was travelling there were some girls at a gate and he saw the driver of the truck looking at them immediately before the accident. In witness’s opinion both vehicles were travelling between 25 and 30 m.p.h.

Private Fred T. Ruggien, who was travelling with deceased in the “peep,” said he was sitting in the back seat on the right side and the deceased was sitting immediately in front of him.  They were travelling close to the grass verge on the left hand side and the truck was travelling about the centre of the road. The two vehicles hit about three or four feet from the left side of the road. Immediately after the collision witness saw blood spouting from a hole beneath deceased’s left temple and he lurched over towards the driver. The “peep” then swerved over again to the right, and as it swerved back to the left deceased was thrown back. The driver of the truck pulled in to his right and stopped about 50-60 yards from the point of impact.

Corporal Merl B. Averill said he was in charge of the truck which was being driven by Pte. John H. McLaughlin. About 100 yards ahead he saw a “peep’’ travelling in the same direction. Witness was sitting in the cab beside the driver and had his head, turned to the right, watching some children on the roadside.

So far as he could judge the truck was travelling on the left centre of the road. He did not see the “peep” coming towards them until he looked out after hearing the crash. The driver of the truck was perfectly sober.

Captain Garrold Hungester, a medical officer of the U.S. Army, said that deceased was dead when he arrived at the scene of the accident. In his opinion the cause of death was multiple compound fracture of the skull with cerebral haemorrhage. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

FIXTURES FOR SUNDAY, 5th JULY. Senior Football League.

Lisnaskea v. Newtownbutler — S. O’Grady, Ballyconnell.

Teemore v. Kinawley —  P. Maguire, Derrylin, 5 p.m. (E.S.T.).

O’Connells v. Harps — P. Maguire, Derrylin, 7 p.m. (E.S.T.).

Junior League.

Irvinestown v. Ederney—Father Kirke, C.C., Trillick.

Enniskillen v. Tempo—P. Corrigan, Belnaleck, 4 p.m. (E.S.T.).

Aghadrumsee v. Roslea—H. Fitzpatrick, Newtownbutler.

All matches on grounds of first-named clubs, and at 5 p.m. (extended summer time) except otherwise stated.

LEAGUE TABLES.

Senior Football League.

  1.       W.       L.         D.        Pts.

Lisnaskea … …            6          6          0          0          12

Newtownbutler. 4       4          0          0          8

Kinawley         6          2          4          0          4

Harps .   5        1          4          0          2

O’Connells …. 3          1          2 .        0          2

Teemore … .    6          1          5          0          2

JUNIOR         LEAGUE.

Northern Division.

  1. W.       L.         D.        Pts.

Derrygonnelly . 6        6          0          0          12

Mulleek … … … 6        5          1          0          10

Devenish … … , 4        1          3          0          2

Cashel … …     4          0          4          0          0

Drumavanty    . 4        0          4          0          0

 

Central Division.

  1. w.        L.         D.        Pts.

Enniskillen 5   4          1          0          8

Edemey ..        4          3          1          0          6

Tempo ..  4      1          3          0          2

Irvinestown  5 1          4          0          2

 

Southern Division.

  1. w.        L.         D.        Pts.

Roslea …          2         2          0          0          4

Aghadrumsee … 3 1 2 0 2

Killyvannon … 3 12 0 2

4-7-1942. FERMANAGH MOUNTAIN FIRE CLAIM AT QUARTER SESSIONS. A Fermanagh mountain fire which it was alleged raged over an area 395 acres in extent had a sequel at Enniskillen Quarter Sessions on Tuesday, before Deputy Judge Ellison, K.C., when an application for malicious damage was heard. The applicants were Elisabeth. M. J. Beacom, Tullyvocady; Jas. Stewart, Derrin; Cap., J. G. Barton, The Waterfoot; Geo. Lowry, Portnablaghey; Wm. Lowry, do., and Rebecca Mills, Tullyvocady, and they claimed £500 alleging that some person or persons maliciously set fire to 395 acres of meadow and grazing land, 5 acres of crop land and crops, together with game cover and eggs, fences, trees, shrubs and seeds. All the lands are situate in the Pettigo-Belleek area in the parishes of Muckross and Templecarne.

Mr. E. C. Ferguson, LL B., M.P., represented applicants, and Mr. James Cooper, D.L., solicitor was for the Fermanagh County Council, defendants. Richard Crozier, surveyor, gave evidence that a total of 316 acres were completely burnt in what he described as “a good burning.” A week after the fires were first reported’ he visited the area and had to walk through red hot ashes. Freshly cut turf were singed. The greater part of the land affected was arable mountain grazing.

In reply to Mr. Cooper, witness said that at the time of the fire the cover was in a most inflammable condition. James Stewart, farmer and gamekeeper for Mr. Barton, gave evidence of seeing the three fires at 1 o’clock, a.m., on 4th May, half a mile and a quarter of a mile apart. Attempts by relatives and himself to extinguish the flames were of no avail. All the ditches on his land were levelled and he had his cattle tied in since. He had lost £50 by the fire on his grazing land, which was full of grouse.

Cross-examined, witness said he lived a mile off the road and few people went up his mountain. All the applicants were very popular in the locality. George Beacom, husband of .one of the applicants, Mrs. Beacom, stated he saw the three separate fires about 4 p.m. One of the fires was about two hundred yards from his house and another a quarter of a mile away. The latter never joined with the two which converged towards his house. Twenty acres of his wife’s holding were burned including, fences, an acre of potatoes damaged, and four acres of arable land. He did his best to put the fires out.

Cross-examined, witness agreed nobody could have any possible interest in burning the mountain. Nobody had anything against the applicants.          .

Wm. Lowry said that after eleven o’clock on 4th May he saw a fire spread over a considerable area a mile or a mile and a half away. Ten acres of grazing land on his farm, worth £30, were burned, also four or five hundred acres of mountain grazing, of which he had a grazing right. A rood of early potatoes, value £5, were burnt, in addition to a ridge of cabbage plants worth £2.

Captain John Barton said he had exercised his shooting rights over the townland in question. For the defence, Sergeant Kerr, R.U.C. gave evidence of investigating the fire and said he could find no trace of malice. Similar fires occurred in other parts of the district. All the applicants were popular in the locality. His Honour refused the application and allowed McCrea 5s witness’s expenses.

NOTED. 11-7-1942. £14 Sought for Heifer.—Notice of intention to apply to the County Court for £14 compensation for the loss of a heifer, which he alleged was maliciously killed on Pushin Island, was received by Enniskillen Rural Council on Tuesday on behalf of Wm. Lunny.

R.M.’s Advice.—When John McClean, Rafinton, an ex-policeman, and Wesley Johnston, Ramult, appeared at Brookeboro’ Court in cases of threatening language, Major Dickie, on the advice of the solicitors on both sides, advised the parties to go home and leave each other alone in future.

Cycle Thief Gets Six Months—Described by Sergt. McQuaid as “a criminal and dangerous liar,” Edward Keenan, no fixed abode, was, at Virginia (County Cavan) sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for having stolen a bicycle. It was stated he made a statement involving an innocent man.

Rainfall at Heath Lodge, Belleek.—The rainfall for June amounts to only 1.09 inches, being the lowest for that month for the past eighteen years. Rain fell on twelve days, on ten of which it amounted to .04 inches or over. The drought which prevailed since early February caused an exceptionally low rainfall for the first half of this year, namely 18.78 inches, which is approximately one-third of the annual average rainfall for the past twenty years.

Tractor Offences. —Samuel Ernest Dane, of Mullaghmeen, Ballinamallard, was fined 5/- and costs at Enniskillen Petty Sessions for driving a motor tractor with trailer attached, without having an identification mark on the rear of the trailer. Philip Diver, Drumcullion, Ballinamallard, was fined 5/- and costs for not having an identification mark on the front of a tractor and rear of a trailer.

Pulled out without signalling.—When Ernest Elliott, of Drumconlin. East, Letterbreen, was charged at Enniskillen Petty Sessions on Monday with having driven a motor car without due care and attention on 4th June last, Sergeant McNally gave evidence that defendant pulled out from the kerb in Darling St., Enniskillen, without giving a hand-signal, and a lorry coming behind had to brake violently in order to avoid a collision. A fine of 10/- and costs was imposed.

Increase for Town Surveyor—At Enniskillen U.D.C. on Monday, the Finance Committee recommended that in view of the part that Mr. J. Donnelly, Borough Surveyor, pays all his clerical and incidental office expenses out of his own pocket, he be granted a war bonus of £50 as from 1st inst. Further, subject to sanction, that he be granted an honorarium of £25 in respect of his extra services during the recent protracted illness of the Town Clerk. The recommendation was passed unanimously.

SUNDAY CINEMA CHARGES. Notice of a resolution, which will permit the Regal Cinema to increase the charge for the balcony seats on Sunday, from 8d to 9d to meet the increased tax, was given at Enniskillen U.C. on Monday by Mr. W. Monaghan. The Sunday cinema is confined to soldiers, and the proposed increased charge would not affect the ordinary soldier using the body of the

Fermanagh Junior Football 1942.

FERMANAGH JUNIOR LEAGUE. MULLEEK’S WIN OVER CASHEL. Mulleek 6-2. Cashel 0-3. There was a good attendance at Cashel Gaelic Park on Sunday, when Cashel and Mulleek teams met in the Junior League competition. Mulleek started with a slight breeze in their favour. From the throw-in they broke away bombarding the Cashel goals, but Leonard  (the goalie) did some splendid saving. For the first ten minutes Cashel defence held good. A determined rush by Mulleek forwards resulted in a goal per H. McGauran. Despite some fine Cashel clearances, Mulleek had another major per H. McGauran. Inside of a few minutes Pat McGauran again raised the red flag for the visitors. At this stage play waxed very rough, and one of the Cashel, players had to retire owing to severe head injuries. Fisticuffs were indulged in and it was only by exercising great tact that the referee settled the fracas. In the last five minutes of this moiety Mulleek added two goals per H. McGauran and P. McCaffrey and 2 points per P. McCaffrey arid Sean McCaffrey. Half-time score Mulleek, 5 goals 2 pts.; Cashel, nil. No sooner had the game resumed than Cashel went to the attack but the Mulleek defence was impregnable. Play veered from one side to the other, and several Mulleek shots went wide. A determined Cashel rush resulted in 3 points scored in quick succession by Frank Gallagher, Alfie McGovern and P. McGee. Frayed tempers resulted in further incidents. Mulleek had the last score of the match— a goal per Sean McCaffery. Cashel had much, lighter team than Mulleek, who also showed superior training in catching and combination. Mr, J. Daly, Belleek, refereed.

DEVENISH V. DRUMAVANTY. Before a large attendance of spectators the above teams met at Drumavanty on, Sunday. The game which was one of the closest and best contests ever witnessed at Drumavanty was an exhibition of good football of high standard played in a sporting manner and spectators were kept at a pitch of excitement with not a dull, moment from the throw-in to the final whistle. The final scores were:—Drumavanty, 0 goals 6 points; Devenish, 1 goal 2 pts. Rev. Brother Gilleece, Ballyshannon, was a very efficient referee.

As a prelude to the junior game a minor match was played between Ballyshannon and Devenish, which proved very interesting. In this game Ballyshannon, who were faster and better trained than their rivals, emerged victorious by the score of 3 goals 2 points for Ballyshannon; 1 goal 3 points for Devenish. Rev. J. Burns, C.C., refereed.

1942 June.

£550 SOUGHT FOR MOUNTAIN BURNING. Enniskillen Rural Council on Tuesday, referred to its solicitor a preliminary notice of application for compensation on behalf of the Earl of Enniskillen for £550 for the burning of 1,500 acres of mountain lands with the heather, grass, game and game cover on the lands of Aghatirourke.

CARETAKER’S APPLICATION. Application for an increase in salary was made by Mr. James H. Kerr, cemetery caretaker, to the Enniskillen Rural District Council on Tuesday, Hon. C. L. Corry, J.P., presiding. Mr. Kerr said he had been nineteen years in the Council’s service and had only received one small increase in salary, six years ago. He had not taken any holidays since his appointment. The Clerk (Mr. J. Brown) said Mr. Kerr’s salary was £63 a year (inclusive of £13 bonus) with free house, coal and light, and 3/- for each grave. The Ministry would not, in his (the clerk’s) opinion grant an increase of salary in accordance with wartime regulations. It was decided to consider the application at the next meeting in July.

20-6-1942. SCOTSTOWN POTEEN CHARGE. At Monaghan District Court., before Mr. P. Lavery, D.J. at the suit of Supt. Ryan, Bernard McElmeel, Glan, Scotstown, was fined £6 for having a half-pint of illicit spirits, in his possession, Guard Hegarty stating that defendant, who was without a light on a bicycle, accelerated his speed when he met witness, who subsequently found a bottle containing poteen on the road. Defendant denied it was his. Mr. McWilliams, solr., for McElmeel, admitted ownership, and said his client lived with his father, aged 74 and there was no one else to look after the crop.

20-6-1942. £5 10s WEEKLY FOR MAN, HORSE, CART. COUNCIL OBJECTIONS. Horses and carts are almost unobtainable for daily hire in the Enniskillen district, being regularly employed on constant work, Mr, J. Donnelly, Surveyor, had reported to the Town improvement Committee: “Owing to the almost continuous employment of the Council’s lorry on the collection of waste paper and scrap iron, he found it necessary to hire a horse with cart and harness for street maintenance and other works. The horse, cart and harness was supplied by Mr. H. Sadlier, carting contractor to the Council. The driver was supplied by the Council.”

The committee recommended that Mr. Sadlier be paid a rate of 10/- per day. Mr. T. Algeo, after the reading of the foregoing report asked what was the rate of pay of the man regularly employed with, horse and cart by the Council. Mr. Donnelly said £3 10s weekly. Mr. Algeo said this thing should have been advertised, and they would have got a lot of people to do it more cheaply. One man was getting £3 10s for himself, his horse and cart; while for another they were, paying £5 10s for the horse and cart and man. Mr. Donnelly said the rate was fixed by the committee. The work had been increasing to such an extent that the lorry could no longer do it. Previously he had employed Francis Cleary at 15/- daily, but he had refused to do it this time at less than 25/- daily, at which, rate he said he was, paid elsewhere. He (Mr. Donnelly) tried everywhere to get another horse and cart, but could not do so. Mr Sadlier bought, a horse to provide it with a cart for the Council. The rate was 19/- weekly approximately. Mr. G. Elliott said there was no hope of getting it done cheaper. The matter was approved, Mr, Algeo dissenting.

20-6-1942. CAVAN FARMERS HIT BY SHORTAGE OF LABOUR. The shortage of labour on Cavan farms was referred to by members at a meeting of Cavan Agricultural Committee. Mr. Dolan said that farmers worked 16 hours a day tilling the land and they could not get the crop in. The secretary thought it would be doubly difficult getting it out. Mr. Taite — A lot of young people are going away to better themselves and it is hard to blame them. Senator Baxter said the number of men on the land was not sufficient to save the harvest. It was suggested that shopkeepers in towns should close for a few days weekly and allow off the assistants—-mostly farmers’ sons—to help on the land.

The secretary said voluntary organisation of some kind was needed. Senator Baxter suggested that if the urban dwellers realised the. grave risk to the, harvest they would willingly cooperate. At a meeting of Co. Monaghan Agricultural Committee reference was made to the glut of potatoes. Mr. McGahey said anything would be better than to see the potatoes rotting in the pits. Mr. Pollock said with the present glut it might be possible under a trade pact with Britain to exchange the potatoes for coal. Mr. McEntee said a stone of oatmeal could not be got in Monaghan.

20-6-1942. RHUBARB WANTED. ANY QUANTITY. HIGHEST PRICES PAID —AT- GRACEY’S The BROOK, ENNISKILLEN.

20-6-1942. ACCIDENT TO ENNISKILLEN STEAM ROLLER. The steam roller of Enniskillen Urban Council, while working (on hire) at an avenue in Lord Enniskillen’s demesne, Florencecourt, sunk on the side of the avenue and partly overturned. It took three, days’ efforts to get it out again. The roller was thus out of commission from 26th May till 2nd June. It had been on hire for three weeks at the time of the accident. Since then a number of badly worn tubes had to be replaced, Mr. Donnelly, Surveyor, told Enniskillen U.D.C.

20-6-1942. YOUNGSTERS BEGGING FROM U.S. TROOPS. REFERENCE AT URBAN COUNCIL. Mr. W. E. Johnston drew attention to the conduct of youngsters in Enniskillen begging from American soldiers. “It is an absolute disgrace the way the children are running, after these soldiers, stopping them, and begging at every corner,” he said. These soldiers were very kind, and when they came gave money to these kiddies, and now the soldiers were being absolutely annoyed. . Something should be done. This habit was not confined to Enniskillen, for he read of it happening elsewhere—in Belfast, Bangor, etc. It was not good to see this going on. It did not show Enniskillen up very well. It was decided to draw the attention of the police to the matter.

13-6-1942. NEW CAVAN CATHEDRAL FORMALLY OPENED BY BISHOP OF KILMORE. HIS LORDSHIP RECALLS THE DAYS OF PERSECUTION. The new Cathedral in Cavan was, on Sunday, formally opened for public worship by Most Rev. Dr. Lyons, Bishop of Kilmore. Three hundred years ago, Bishop Hugh O’Reilly, of Kilmore, suffered insult and. imprisonment for his faith. It was he who originated the Catholic Confederacy and fought against bitterness, treachery, and the persecution of his flock. It was fitting that his successor should use his chalice in the celebration of the first public Mass in the new edifice. “A symbol of victory” was the description applied by Most Rev. Dr. Lyons to his beautiful Cathedral, when, he addressed the vast congregation at the opening ceremony.

The building of a cathedral at any time” he said, “is proof of a vigorous religious life in a diocese. This Cathedral is much more it is the sign of our religious resurgence. “It links us across three centuries with the days of the great Hugh O’Reilly, Bishop of Kilmore, whose Chalice, well over 300 years old, is in use in the holy Mass to-day.’ “This Cathedral of Saints Patrick and Felim is an eloquent and noble act of thanksgiving to the Omnipotent God, who, over centuries has with, the outstretched arm of His Providence preserved our people in their ancient faith.”

BUILDING OF CATHEDRAL. Under the untiring zeal and efforts of Most Rev. Dr. Lyons, the splendid Cathedral has been almost completed in three years. The building fund was inaugurated in 1919 by the late Most Rev. Dr. Finnegan., and the foundation stone was laid in September, 1939. Next September the dedication ceremony will take place, marking the completion of the work. The Cathedral stands beside the old one, which will be taken down, stone by stone, to be re-erected in Ballyhaise, thus preserving a link with the glorious past of this historic diocese.

20-6-1942. JOTTINGS. Warships Collection.—Total to date in Fermanagh is £310,620, of which Enniskillen contributed £106,153, Irvinestown £46,534, and Lisnaskea £43,757.

Prisoner of War—included in the latest list of British prisoners of war in Italian hands is Pte. James Steward Bercin, Letter P.O. Fermanagh.

Monaghan postmaster for Mullingar—Mr. John Cassin, postmaster, Monaghan, has been transferred on promotion to be postmaster of Mullingar.

Monea Man’s Death—Word has been received that Pte. Edward Scott, son of Mr. Robert Scott, Means, Monea, County Fermanagh, has died in a prisoner of war camp in Italy.

W.V.S. Savings Effort. — W.V.S. Savings Groups for Fermanagh Warship Week provided the following totals: Enniskillen, £2,892 2s 8d; Enniskillen Rural, £7.753 14s Id; Lisnaskea Rural, £8,250 4s 6d.

A. F. Man missing—Flight-Sergeant Ronnie West, son of Mr. and Mrs. John West, Trory, Ballinamallard, Co. Fermanagh, has been reported missing following one of the bomber raids on Germany.

Kilskeery Aeridheacht.—The winner of the. solo singing (Anglo-Irish, under 14) at Kilskeery aeridheacht recently was Miss Nuala Drumm, Convent of Mercy, Enniskillen, not Nuala Quinn, as already stated.

Food and Drugs officers—Fermanagh County Council on Friday appointed Sergeant William O’Donnell, Belcoo, to be Food and Drugs Inspector for the Letterbreen Petty Sessions district, and Sergeant J. D. Cochrane for the Belleek Petty Sessions district.

Sympathy-Fermanagh Co., Council on Friday, on the proposal of Hon. C. L. Corry, J.P., seconded by Mr. J. W. Creighton, J.P., passed a resolution of sympathy with Mr. H. A. Burke, LL.B., Under-Sheriff, on the death of his father, Mr. H. A. Burke, D.L.

Fermanagh County council Officers—Sir Basil Brooke, M.P., was on Friday re-elected chairman of Fermanagh County Council, at the annual meeting pf that body. The re-election of the chairman was passed unanimously on the motion of Mr. A. Wilson, seconded by Mr. T. M. Noble. Hon. Cecil Lowry-Corry, J.P., was unanimously re-elected vice-chairman on the motion of Mr. G. Elliott, seconded by Mr. J. W. Creighton, J.P.

Rat Instead of Fish. While fishing for pike in the River Finn, near Rosslea, Mr. Joseph Montgomery, principal teacher, Rosslea P.E. School, had a remarkable experience. Mr. Montgomery was using a minnow and having felt a tug on his line, he proceeded to haul it in. To his amazement he landed, not a fish, but a large rat which was firmly hooked on the minnow.

20-6-1942. SONS OF ENNISKILLEN MAN GET DISTINCTIONS IN BRITISH COLONIAL SERVICE. Six sons, all of whom occupy or have retired from positions in the Colonial service—this is the record of the family of Mr. C. Bartley, retired inspector of schools. Fairview, Enniskillen, a native of County Monaghan whose eldest son, Charles, has just retired from a Judgeship of the High Court, Calcutta, and has been awarded a Knighthood. Sir Charles Bartley’s eldest son, recently awarded the. D.F.C. is now a squadron leader in the R.A.F.

Mr. Bartley’s other five sons are William, recently retired from the Colonial Civil Service, and who has just been awarded Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (C.M.G.) and Member of the Order of the British. Empire (M.B.E.). John, who is additional Secretary to the Government of India and who has been awarded Companion of the Order of the Star of India (C.S.I.) and Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (C.I.E.); Frederick, who has retired from the Indian Police, and who was awarded Commander of the Order of the British. Empire (C.B.E.) and also the King’s Police Medal with Bar; Douglas, who is Judge of the Supreme Court in Kenya and Gwyther, who is Deputy Inspector General of the police force in Assam, and who has been awarded the King’s Police Medal. Sir Charles and Jack are scholars of Trinity College both being senior moderators in classics and modern literature.

20-6-1942. ENNISKILLEN WOMAN FINED. Unlawful possession of army property was alleged against Mrs. Sidney Thompson, 5, Mary St., Enniskillen, who, at the local Petty Sessions on Monday, was charged with haying ten blankets, two paillasses and one pillow-slip, the property of the Army Council.

D.I. Peacocke prosecuted, and said defendant was the wife of a serving soldier. He alleged, she made a statement saving that eight of the blankets were the property of her husband’s grandmother, and the other two she bought in Brookeboro’. She added that her husband brought the other articles to the house. Head Constable Thornton gave evidence of searching defendant’s house and finding the property.. She made the statement read by the D.I. Sergeant Bailey, of the Special Investigation Branch of the Corps of Military Police, testified to accompanying the last witness when the search was made. All the blankets (produced) were W.D. property, and he was satisfied four of them were manufactured certainly not before 1940. One of the others might have been rejected by the Army. Ink stains on it made it appear as if it had been used on an office table and it was quite possible defendant’s husband might have come by it lawfully.

Miss A, Barrett, shopkeeper, Brookeborough, who had sold discarded Army blankets in her shop, did not think any of the blankets shown her had ever passed through her shop, and she did not recollect ever selling the defendant any. Asked by Major Dickie, P.M., if she wished to give evidence, defendant replied in the negative. His Worship said he must hold the charge proved. He observed that if the blankets had been new he would have taken a serious view of the case. He fined defendant 40/- and 6/8 costs, ordering that the property be returned to the military authorities.

20-6-1942. FOUR MONTHS JAIL SENTENCE ON NEWTOWNBUTLER MAN. Second Fined £50. R.M.—”DELIBERATE SMUGGLING” “I am tired giving those warnings and nobody seems to bother about them,” declared Major; Dickie, R.M., when recalling that, at previous Courts he had announced that stiff terms of imprisonment were in store for those caught smuggling. He was speaking at Newtownbutler Petty Sessions, on Tuesday, when Philip Swift of Lisnashillinda, was summoned for being knowingly concerned in removing 12 stone of flour and 14 cwt. sulphate of ammonia with intent to evade the prohibition of export. James Johnston, Kiltober was summonsed for being knowingly concerned in harbouring 14 cwts. sulphate of ammonia, 1 cwt 2 qrs. flour, 1 qr. custard powder, 14 lbs. pepper, 48 parcels of Bisto and 4 lbs. toilet soap, with intent to evade the prohibition. Mr. J. P. Black, solr., tendered a plea of guilty on behalf of Swift.

In the ease against Johnston, Sergeant Green said that on Sunday, 3th February he saw Swift outside a cafe in Newtownbutler. Later three military trucks drew up and Swift followed the soldiers inside. Later Swift left the town on his bicycle and one of the trucks followed him. The police followed both and discovered the truck at Johnston’s house, just on the border. They also saw Swift running away. In the byre they found the sulphate of ammonia and flour and the other articles (listed in the summons), in the dwelling house. They also seized four gross of clothes pegs for which Johnston was separately summonsed. Johnston told witness he got the pegs in Cavan.

Cross-examined by Mr. J. B. Murphy, witness said he was satisfied Johnston was not present when the stuff was delivered and it had been removed by the police before he reached home again. Constable Duffy also gave evidence. Robert Clarke, a serving soldier, grave evidence that Swift requested him, as a favour to deliver some sacks and witness agreed. They left the bags at a farm on the Clones road; seven bags of sulphate of ammonia and two bags of flour. Johnston, in evidence, said he had been away after Mass on Sunday morning till 3 a.m. on Monday, seeing an uncle at Smithboro’ and knew nothing about the transaction till he was informed by the servant girl. Cross-examined by Mr. J. Cooper, Crown Solicitor, defendant admitted Swift had spoken to him on the previous Friday about the proposed smuggling, but he Johnston, declined to have anything to do with it.

Mr, Murphy submitted that there was no evidence to show Johnston knew anything about the smuggling on that particular date. His Worship said defendant lived on the border and all the commodities in question had been found in this premises and yet Mr. Murphy was suggesting, there was no evidence against him. Anybody with intelligence should see that he was bringing the stuff to Johnston’s house had no sympathy with him. Mr. Black said his client admitted bringing the stuff to Johnston’s house but that Johnston did not know anything about it. His Worship said he had often stated

27-6-1942. CYCLIST’S FATAL INJURIES. KILLADEAS WOMANS FATE. Miss Catherine Breen, Drogan, Killadeas (73), single, who was seriously injured when as she was cycling near Riversdale, Ballinamallard, she was in collision with a private motor car, died in Fermanagh County Hospital on Monday evening. At an inquest in Fermanagh County Hospital an Tuesday, by Coroner George Warren and a jury, a verdict was returned of accidental death, no blame being attached to the driver. The driver, Ernest Stewart, cinema manager Lisnarick Rd., Irvinestown, driver of the car, stated he was driving from Enniskillen to Irvinestown, about 4 p.m. on Sunday at 30 mph. As he approached Riversdale Avenue he blew his horn. The cyclist came out of the Avenue straight in front of the car. He swerved to the right to avoid her but she went in front of the car and the left front headlamp hit her. He did everything in his power to avoid the collision.

Charles G. Thompson, V.S., Strabane, who was sitting beside the driver of the car, Thomas Aiken, Irvinestown, and Henry Crowhurst, Henry St., Enniskillen who were in the back of the car, gave similar evidence, stating the cyclist came out so quickly she could not be avoided. Evidence of identification was given by W. J. Breen, deceased’s brother, and Constable Bothwell produced a sketch, of the road and gave measurements.

27-6-1942. MARRIED TEACHERS NOT TO RESIGN. Fermanagh Education Committee heard from the Secretary (Mr, J. J. Maguire) that the junior assistant mistress appointed to Clonelly School at the last meeting had not taken the position. He wondered if the Committee would rescind the resolution on the books providing that a female teacher must resign three months after marriage. It was very difficult to get teachers. Capt. Wray —I see they are doing that in England. Secretary — It is an emergency provision for the duration of the war only. Dean MacManaway intimated he would hand in notice to have the resolution rescinded.

27-6-1942. YOUNG AMERICAN STUDENT’S SUCCESS. GRANDSON OF ENNISKILLEN MAN. The New York papers recently carried the news of the success of Mr. Joseph J. Martin in the annual elocution contest among students, of Fordham Preparatory School, high school division of Fordham University. Master Martin is a son of the Hon. Joseph P. Martin, assistant United States District Attorney, and grandson of Mr. Joseph Martin, Derrychara, Enniskillen (a native of Derrylin), retired official of the U.S. Postal Department. An uncle of the successful student is Mr. Jack Martin, B.A., N.T., Virginia, Co. Cavan. Master Martin is the holder of many awards as an orator, elocutionist, debater and thespian and he received a gold medal for his rendition of “The Burgomaster’s Death.” Assistant District Attorney Joe Martin is now attached to the United States armed forces.

27-6-1942. MEN WHO KEEP SONS AT HOME. Disabled Ex-Soldier’s Daughter’s Relief Claim. The daughter of a now disabled soldier who fought in the Great War and the South African War was refused outdoor relief by Enniskillen Board of Guardians on Tuesday.

The girl, aged 29, looks after her father, but is registered as able and willing to work at the local Labour Exchange. After receiving relief of 5/- weekly for five years, she was offered and accepted work at the Enniskillen Workhouse, where she was engaged at the job for a few weeks. Relieving Officer Cathcart said when the girl started to work he removed her from the relief list, and now that the work finished he brought her ease forward to consider the resumption of the weekly relief. Mr, J, Burns said there was a dearth of domestic servants. Was this girl willing to work? R.O. Cathcart — She is registered for work at the Exchange. Mr. A. Wilson — When she is registered for work it makes it legal for you to give her relief. Mr. W. A. Thornton — You are not hound to.

Mr. McKeown — Her father has served in two wars. Some of those people who are talking have big sons and they won’t send them out to keep up the Empire. This man fought in two wars and in his old age his daughter is watching him and is willing to go out to work when she can get it. Some of the people here won’t send their own sons out to fight for the Empire. Mr. Stewart proposed that relief be not granted to the girl, and Mr. J. Burns seconded. Mr. C. McKeown proposed that relief be restored, and Mr. D. Weir seconded.

For Mr. C. McKeown’s motion there voted: Lord Belmore, Messrs. Weir, Humphreys,  Clarke and McKeown—(5). For Mr. Stewart’s proposal a number of members—all Unionists—voted, and the Chairman (Mr. J. J. Coalter) said that this motion was passed.

THE PAST RECALLED. RECOLLECTIONS OF PETTIGO DISTRICT. In an recent issue of the ‘‘Fermanagh Herald” there was news of my native village school which not only filled me with pride, but helped me to recall some of the happiest memories of my boyhood days, together with many little episodes as a pupil following the opening stages of that school. At a recent concert in Aughnahoo school, that grand old song—“Come to the hedgerows,” was sung by the children —a song which was taught to hundreds of children in the same school by its first Master—Mr. J. T. Lawton, M.A., 56 years ago, and who went to live in Wabana, Newfoundland, after his early retirement.

The reading of the concert report thrilled me as I am sure it thrilled other readers who had the good fortune to study under Mr. Lawton at Aughnahoo. He was a brilliant teacher capable at the time of teaching most subjects now taught only in Colleges and Universities. I wonder how many of my school-mates living to-day recall the happy times experienced during that period, when we used to scurry along the narrow road (now covered with grass) to the shores of Lough Erne during our periods of recreation and indulge in all sorts of fun and frolic. Well I remember how when going to school with turf under our arms and school fees in our pockets we skated and slid on the ice-covered pond at Letter quarry—a place that received the attention of our Master on more than one occasion as it tended sometimes to keep us late from reaching the school.

The concerts organised by the same Master in the school would compare very favourably with the best of our modern concerts, and the excellent performances of the pupils in the production of many sketches which were special features of the programmes, coupled with the magic lantern displays and talks given by the Master himself could not be excelled. He organised these entertainments at his own expense, gave numerous prized and made special presentations to those of us who worked as pupils to secure distinctions.

At those; concerts the school room was thronged, the parents of the children travelling miles at night over country-side and mountain paths, carrying hurricane lamps and lanterns to witness an entertainment that left them spellbound. I could go on writing ad lib., on the humour and beauty of those concerts and particularly on the superb qualities of our old Master.

Aughnahoo school—what memories that old building brings to me! To-day or at least when last I saw its walls bore traces of the bullets of the “Tans” during the siege of Pettigo. The school has been the Alma Mater of many who have attained distinction in the professional and commercial spheres. The school lies in the heart of a most beautiful countryside. It is situated almost on the shores of Lough Erne-that great expanse of water with its sandy beaches and numerous wooded, islands. The Glebe, with its ancient Manse and acres of lawn, adorned with huge trees of sycamore shape and the grey ruins of Castle Termon Magrath tower high over the undergrowth. These are distinctive marks in the landscape. Then .there are the hills of Drumheriff, with their beautiful slopes of green pasture and silvery streams and the meadows, beneath where many of us used to gather the seasonable flowers on our way from school and fill the vases which adorned the mantel pieces in our homes.

Yet we did not in those far-off days appreciate all the natural gifts and beauties of our homeland. As in the case of myself later generations of pupils no doubt carry treasured memories of their time in Aughnahoo school. The exiled Irish and particularly those from rural Ireland all carry pleasant recollections of their carefree days at school and their innocent forms of enjoyment. Modern life unfortunately is devoid of the happy features of everyday life prevalent when myself and my comrades went to that dear old school. I am glad, however, that in many respects those features of modernity have not seriously permeated the life of my native district.

In those good old days to which I refer on Sundays and holydays the Waterfoot, in so far as assemblages were concerned, was a centre somewhat similar to the Bundoran of the present day. Fathers and mothers with their children and crowds of young people could be seen trekking along from the village to spend the afternoon along the sandy shores of Lough Erne, and large numbers basked in the Sun near the old walls or ruins of Castle Termon Magrath. In fact the Waterfoot was a household word in those  days, but I .regret to say that on my last visit some three years ago and on a Sunday afternoon I did not see one person there. Of course times have changed and the people in some respects have also changed. Wake up Pettigo let us see a rebirth of the old ideas and old customs!

Patrick McCaffrey, 3 McNeill Ave., Prestwick, Ayrshire.

27-6-1942. SCHOOLS MEALS SCHEME FOR FERMANAGH. In a letter to Fermanagh Regional Education Committee, on Friday, the Ministry wrote regarding the committee’s decision to inaugurate a scheme for mid-day meals for children, in attendance at public elementary schools, under which children deemed necessitous would receive free meals, and non-necessitous would be required to meet the cost of the food.

The Ministry noted that the standard of necessity had been fixed at 5/6 weekly per head in the rural areas, and 6/- in the urban area. As regards the proposal that the cost of each meal should not exceed 2d, the Ministry was of the opinion that it would not be desirable to limit the cost to that amount, as it was doubtful if a suitable meal could be provided at that price. The Ministry suggested that one of its officers and an inspector should attend a committee meeting for consultation. Mr. Coffey said 2d was the sum left down as the cost of a meal for farm labourers, and surely, therefore it should suffice for children.

The Secretary (Mr. J. J. Maguire) said he had been in touch with practically all the teachers in the county, and one thing all teachers pointed out, was lack of cooking facilities either in the school or near hand. This, they thought, would prevent them from giving anything to children except cocoa, milk, bread, butter, or jam, or any, of those things. There were very few necessitous children. In many cases the teachers put this to the parents, who had said they would prefer to continue to provide the food for the children as at present, rather than pay for a meal.

Mr. G. Elliott— Has this committee approved of putting a scheme into operation? Secretary— They have. Mr. G. Elliott— I think it is a mistake.

Capt. Wray said the resolution was on the books. The 2d as an estimated cost was suggested by the Finance Committee, who thought that perhaps it might cover milk. It was very difficult to put an estimate on it. The Committee’s resolution in March was that it should be left to each individual school to determine the type of meal they thought best suited to their pupils. If 2d did not cover it the committee could make it 2½d. They would be able to judge better when they had practical experience of the working of the scheme.

The Secretary said that matter was put to the teachers, and 97 per cent of the replies he got were in favour of cocoa, milk, or something of that nature, with bread and butter if obtainable, or margarine; cold milk in summer and hot in winter. A lot of schools had schemes running at present. The majority of schools seemed to have some scheme of hot meals for children in winter, and it seemed parents provided their own supplies of cocoa and milk, and had it prepared in school during play hours by the teachers. Parents who could afford the price of milk would prefer to continue to supply their own cocoa and milk rather than pay for the milk in the school.

Capt. Wray asked did the Ministry say the Committee must fix a higher price, or merely suggest it was insufficient? The Secretary said the Ministry thought it would be insufficient. Mr. Elliott asked must they go on with the scheme. The Secretary said there was nothing compulsory about it. Mr, McKeown said the teachers were very sympathetic; the difficulty was securing a place near hand.

27-6-1942. TEMPO VICTUALLER SUMMONED. FALSE REPRESENTATIONS CHARGE. At Lisbellaw Petty Sessions on Friday, before Major Dickie, R.M., Hugh Tunney victualler, Tempo., was charged with having, on 21st March last, at Tempo, obtained rationed foods (11½ lbs. of lard) from William and Carson Armstrong, trading as Armstrong Bros., without a permit from the Ministry of Food; he was further charged with obtaining the lard by false representations. William and Carson Armstrong, trading as Armstrong Bros., were summoned for supplying rationed foods.

William Stewart, an inspector of the Ministry of Food, gave evidence that when he called at Tunney’s shop on 21st March he saw a quantity of lard in the window, which Tunney said he bought from Armstrong Bros. Tunney also told him that he was short of suet, etc., and was giving the lard away with beef to his registered customers. William Armstrong admitted that he sold the lard to Tunney, but on the condition that it would be given back to him. Armstrong said that he understood Tunney had a licence to buy lard, and that he was only obliging him until such time as he (Tunney) got his own supply in. Tunney in a statement said he promised to give the lard back, and that he led them to believe he had a licence to buy. Tunney had a licence to sell but no permit to Acquire. Tunney pleaded that it was “just a bit of a misunderstanding.” Armstrong Bros. representative said that Tunney told him he had a licence to sell the lard and witness said he would lend him this quantity of lard until he got his own supply in. Tunney said he would return it when he got his own supply in. Witness lent the lard to Tunney on that understanding. His Worship said that these regulations must be strictly kept. For obtaining rationed goods by false representations he said that Tunney had caused a lot of trouble, and must pay 40s and 2s costs, this to rule the charge for obtaining rationed goods. “I think,” added his Worship, “that Armstrong Bros, were honestly misled. Therefore, I let them off under the Probation of Offenders Act.”

 

27-6-1942. HELD TO BE DESERTER. BUNDORAN MAN’S CASE. Edward Doherty, stated to be a native of Bundoran, with a. temporary address in Duncairn Gardens, Belfast, appeared an remand before Mr. J. H. Campbell, K.C., R.M., in the City Custody Court on Saturday charged with, being a deserter from the Army. When accused was before the Court last Saturday he alleged he had never been in the Army, that it was a cousin of the same name who had deserted and who had now rejoined the Army and was serving somewhere in the Middle East. The case had been adjourned for defendant to produce his birth certificate. Mr. Walmsley, for the accused, said he had written to Dublin for Doherty’s birth certificate and he had not yet received any reply. District-Inspector Cramsie, produced a number of documents found on the accused. Henry Kerr said at one time he lived at Springtown, County Derry, beside William Doherty, an uncle of defendant, whom accused visited from time to time. He did not believe the accused was ever in the British Army. His Worship held that Doherty was a deserter and ordered him to be handed over to a military escort.

KESH COURT CASES. THREE MONTHS FOR THEFT OF BICYCLE. Kesh Petty Sessions were held on Tuesday, before Major T. W. Dickie, R.M. Patrick McCafferty, Drumshane, Irvinestown, was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment with hard labour for the larceny of a bicycle, value £10, the property of Wm John Mulholland, Derrylougher, Letter.

The R.M. said in the next similar case it would. Be twelve months’ imprisonment. Mr. Jas. Cooper, D.L., Crown Solicitor, prosecuted for the Ministry of Agriculture against John McDonagh, Drumcahey, for as alleged, illegally importing two head of cattle. An order for the forfeiture was in respect of one of the animals.

Patrick. J. Monaghan, Drumskinney, was summonsed for acquiring an excess quantity of flour, namely 62 stones, also for harbouring prohibited goods – 10 stones of sugar.

Defendant was fined £2 in each case.

Robert Moore, Mullaghmore, was summonsed for carrying prohibited goods at Movaran, namely 10 fruit loaves, 52 loaves, and 28 currant loaves. A sentence of two months’ imprisonment was ordered. Notice of appeal was given.

Frederick McCrea, Lisnarick, for making a false statement regarding 801bs, of tea, was fined £2, and was given the benefit of the Probation of Offenders Act for failing to furnish particulars of rationed goods. The tea was forfeited.

27-6-1942. FIVE YEARS FOR STEPHEN HAYES. STATEMENT IN COURT. Stephen Hayes, former Chief of Staff of the I.R.A., who gave himself up to the police last September after he had escaped, wounded, from a house in Rathmines, Dublin, where he said he had been held captive after having been “court-martialled,’’ and sentenced to death by members, of an illegal organisation, was last week end sentenced to five years’ penal servitude by the Special Criminal Court, in Dublin, on a charge of having unlawfully usurped and exercised a function of government. He was described as Chief-of-Staff of the I.R.A. He refused to plead and, when asked if he wished to give .evidence on oath or call witnesses, replied that he did not. Later, when the Court—which had entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf—announced that he had been found guilty of the charge, he said he wished to make a statement, and from a slip of paper read the following:— ‘For over twenty-five years I have been associated with the national movement, and in all that time I have done what I considered my duty, conscientiously and according to my lights, fighting as a soldier always. I can swear before God that I have never been guilty of a treacherous or traitorous act against the Irish Republic. Neither have I committed any crime against the Irish people.’

A letter written by Hayes during his nine months’ interment in Mountjoy Prison was produced as the basis of the charge preferred against him.

1942, Fermanagh in Ulster Final and Glangevlin.

13-6-1942. There was a sequel to the shooting of Constable Thomas J. Forbes, Dungannon, when a claim for £10,000 compensation was brought by the widow Mrs. Evelyn Forbes, Donaghmore Road, Dungannon, at Dungannon Quarter Sessions.

Mr. Chambers said that Constable Forbes was killed by gunmen in Ann St., Dungannon, on Easter Saturday morning, 4th April. The circumstances of his death were that on this morning deceased and three other police were engaged in carrying out a search of premises belonging to James Rafferty, of Ann St. In the course of the search a fracas arose between the police and certain individuals, who had not been traced, and as Constable Forbes wag pursuing some of the wrong doers across Ann Street he was shot and seriously wounded. He lingered for some time and died in Dungannon Hospital on 8th April.

Mr. Chambers said the difficult question which his Honour had to determine was the financial value of the loss of this constable. Deceased was aged 40 and his salary was approximately £6 per week, and he was a young constable who was given the highest testimonials by the District-Inspector. He had a widow and ten children, the eldest of whom was 14. Deceased was exactly the type of young man who was presently required in the R.U.C. and his prospects of promotion to sergeant were excellent, and that would, have brought with it increased pay. Since his death the authorities had allowed the widow a total of £160 pension per annum for herself and children.

He submitted that the very minimum compensation which, he would consider adequate was £6,000.

Sergt, J. H. Gilmer gave evidence of seeing Constable Forbes running across Ann Street in pursuit of some gunmen when there an outbreak of revolver or rifle fire and Constable Forbes fell to the ground. His Honour awarded £5,000 compensation—£2,500 to Mrs. Forbes and £2,500 to the children and allowed costs. He fixed the entire Co. Tyrone as the area of charge.

13-6-1942. RESTRICTIONS REMOVED ON 26-COUNTY BREAD SUPPLIES. As from Tuesday all restrictions on the supply of bread in the Twenty-Six Counties have been removed. Deliveries of flour are also being increased to traders up to the quantity they received last year. This announcement was made on Monday by Mr. Sean Lemass, Minister for Supplies. The public are at liberty, the Minister stated to go to any suppliers they liked and purchase all the bread they wanted. This did not mean, the Minister emphasized, that more bread than was required should be purchased, and. it was still urgently necessary to avoid waste of bread or flour.

NEARLY 50 YEARS BACK. AN ENNISKILLEN TEAM OF THE MIDDLE NINETIES

For nearly fifty years the picture of a well-known Enniskillen soccer team, of the last century hung in the hallway of the late Mr. George Elliott’s house at the Brook, Enniskillen, and many a time the famous old Fermanagh penny-farthing bicyclist would exchange recollections of it with the young goalie of those days, Mr. James Gillin (Skipper); now the well-known rabbit and poultry dealer and vegetable merchant.

When Mr. Elliott, who is also in the picture as a referee, died his wife expressed the wish that on her passing the picture should go to Mr. Gillin. This wish was fulfilled a few days ago, some weeks after Mrs. Elliott’s death, when Captain Jimmy Lowans, R.A.S.C, (an Enniskillener from Queen St., who joined the Army at 16 and has now 23 years’ service) handed over the picture to Mr. Gillin.

Some of the older generation will remember the stalwarts of Enniskillen F.C. Cup team, 1894-95. The goalie was Jimmy Gillin; the two full backs D. O’Connell and J. McGregor. The halves were T. H. Wilson, a former proprietor of McNulty’s pub, the Brook; W. McCoy and F. J. Morris, brother of Albert Morris, who, I believe, was a quartermaster on the Inniskilling Fusiliers. The forwards were J. C. Steele (Capt.), a clerk in the Ulster Bank; W. Morrow, E. Mulligan, who was then proprietor of McLoughlin’s pub., Fairview, later went to America and died .there; H. Reynolds, a brother-in-law of Mr. Tommy Harvey; and ‘Bap’ Henderson, now a retired postmaster living at Dungannon. Reserve was J. Jackson, whose father, an insurance superintendent with the Prudential, lived at Orchard Terrace,

Mr. Elliott, who also appears in the photograph as referee, was a native of Enniskillen and in his early years was a manager of Thos. Plunkett, Ltd. He then went into business for himself  in the Hollow. Like the late Mr. Ritchie, father of the present, editor of the “Fermanagh Times,” he was a leader, in many sporting movements and was a generous supporter of and contributor to several teams. In fact, any young people starting a new team went to one or other of, the pair to head the list of subscriptions. They were always sure of a generous contribution. The football dress of the team is somewhat different from those of the present. Jerseys had not then replaced shirts, and the “shorts’’ were very long, extending below the knee, and some at any rate were buttoned in the style of breeches below the knee. Belts were worn by most of the players, and—an incongruous sight nowadays—moustaches, were common. Eight of the players and the referee had them. Ordinary boots, only some of them studded, was football footwear. Of the entire team, the only one still in Enniskillen is Mr. Gillin.

JUNE 6, 1942. GIRL STEALS TWO BICYCLES. Three Months’ Jail Sentence at Enniskillen. A young Six-County land girl pleaded guilty to three charges of larceny at Enniskillen Petty Sessions on Monday, before Mr. J. C. Austin, R.M. She was Annie O’Brien, whose address was given as Sallysgrove, Florencecourt, and she was charged with (1) stealing a bicycle, the property of John Sherry, Skea, Arney, value £4, on 6th November, 1941; (2) stealing a pair of spectacles in their case, from the house of Mrs. Emily Rea, Carran, Ballygawley, with, whom she had been employed; (3) the larceny of a lady’s cycle, the property of Oliver Gilhooley, Enniskillen, on 9th May. Arising out of the latter case, Mrs.  Georgina Abercrombie, Corryglass, Letterbreen, was charged with aiding and abetting.

Head Constable F. Thornton, prosecuting, said O’Brien went to Ballygawley to work as a Land Army girl and she stole the glasses from her employer. Last November she stole a bicycle in Enniskillen and sold the second, machine she stole on 9th May, giving £1 of the £2 she received, from Mr. McNulty, a cycle agent, to Mrs. Abercrombie.

Sergt. Clarke, Letterbreen, read statements alleged to have been made by the defendants, admitting the offences with which they were now charged.

He told the R.M. that his own opinion was that O’Brien, was a tool in the hands of others. Mrs. O’Brien had called at the barracks and said she would not let her daughter (the defendant) return home. That being so there was no person to look after her. O’Brien said she had no one to look after her, but a friend in Enniskillen. The police, however, refused to consent to her release from the Court to go to this house. His Worship said he was sorry to have to send O’Brien to jail, but in the circumstances he had no option. Mr. W. T. McClintock, B. Agr., informed the Court that the Land Army would not allow O’Brien to return to work under their jurisdiction. O’Brien was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment on each of the three charges, the sentences to run concurrently. Abercrombie, who agreed to return to her husband, was bound over for twelve months.

COTTAGE TENANCY. CATHOLIC OCCUPANT WAS EVICTED. Approval of the granting of the tenancy of a labourer’s cottage at Fartagh to Mr. W. T. Elliott, Whitehill, Springfield, a Protestant, was given by Enniskillen Rural Council on Tuesday. It will be remembered that the house was occupied by Mr. Millar, a Catholic, since 1911 and that on his death his daughter. Miss Mary K. Millar, who lived with him sought the tenancy, but was refused on a party vote. Later the Council took ejectment proceeding against Miss Millar and she was evicted. Mr. Murphy at the Council meeting on Tuesday, remarked, “You can take me as dissenting from that decision. She has been evicted I am opposed to the whole thing.”

 

MAY 30, 1942. THE ULSTER JUNIOR FINAL. Antrim Defeat Fermanagh at Enniskillen

In a game in which Fermanagh failed to show the form that brought them to the final, Antrim won the Ulster Junior Football Championship at Enniskillen on Sunday by 3 goals 10 points to 1 goal 6 points.

It was a rousing game, and Fermanagh struggled very gallantly with an Antrim team that was much faster and was a great deal superior in attack. Fortunately, in Smith, who was seen at his best, and McQuillan, hampered by a stiff ankle, and Johnston, Fermanagh had a great back line, with a sound goalie in F. Murray. These did a great deal to help Fermanagh hold the swift-moving, goal-seeking Antrim lads, whose front line was in devastating form. The swoops of Armstrong, McKay, Donnelly, McCallin and Webb was delightful to watch. Their understanding was complete, and their ball-passing and foot control, as well as hand control, could not be bettered. It will be surprising if Antrim do not go on to win the Irish, championship this year. It is a tribute to Fermanagh’s defence that they held this Antrim line fairly well for most of the game, though, of course, scores came but there was no collapse of the Fermanagh defenders. Right to the end, there were two teams in it, and Antrim had to give of their best to win.

O’Dowd and O’Grady gave sound displays, but the best half was Allen, while McDermott played his best game of the year in centre-field, particularly in the second half when the, defenders began to realize that Durnian was being too closely watched and that McDermott was the man to make use of. Durnian did not shine as in former matches, but that was because Antrim placed two or three players to hold him, and they were given a hot time by the grand Fermanagh mid-fielder. McCaffrey and Clarke showed their best form of the year, and Duffy was a useful player, but the only score getter was An tAthair Dermot Mahon.  Gerry Magee played a. dashing game, but it was his day off for scores. He missed chances innumerable. Courtenay as centre three-quarter was not a patch on his predecessor, Feely, for whose dropping the selection committee will have a lot of explaining to do to Fermanagh supporters.

The Fermanagh attack never developed cohesion. Amongst the lot there was only the one score-getter of whom one might be sure—Mahon. The Antrim defence, of course, was brilliant. Harry Vernon was a great goalie, and McMahon, Gallagher and Leddy was a trio of backs that were sound as rocks in defence. The Antrim men were adepts at minor fouls, many of which, the referee missed. The referee, Alfie Murray, Armagh, was strictly impartial, but he missed a great many minor things which, while not serious in themselves, added up very considerably to Antrim’s advantage.

A few minutes before the end, the game was held, up for a short time while spectators crossed the side-line after an incident in which a Fermanagh spectator struck a linesman. It was an unfortunate incident, because the game had been clean and the players on both sides a sporting lot. So it was too, with the spectators with the exception of two or three at most. It is a pity these few fellows did not realize what serious consequences on public opinion their ignorant partisanship is likely to have. Spectators should control their curiosity on such occasions and remain outside the pitch because their invasion of the pitch out of curiosity gives a very wrong impression to other onlookers, particularly to those who are delighted to see, or to imagine they see trouble at a Gaelic game, and one of such importance.

THE PLAY. Antrim right from the start played like a winning team and it was unfortunate for Fermanagh that Frank Johnston early on, in trying to clear his lines, should have boxed a ball into his own net for a goal. This set-back foreshadowed the end, though Fermanagh fought very gallantly to make up the deficit. It was the failure of the forwards that prevented a levelling up in the early stages. Opportunities went a begging and the forward men struggled futilely with the. rock-like Antrim defence.

McCallin drew first blood for Antrim in an early raid, and after Allen had stopped another invasion, Clarke lobbed to Magee who was beaten for possession. Armstrong shot a rising ball goal wards and it grazed the crossbar for a point, missing a goal by inches. Gallagher kicked to Donnelly, who lobbed in a strong shot, which Murray saved. Play swung round and Clarke led a great attack which finished with a terrific Clarke drive for goals, but Vernon was almost unbeatable. Smith took the ball from Webb’s foot when he was about to shoot for goals from close range.

The game was moving very fast, with Antrim having a slight advantage territorially. Roland was the big man at centre-field, and it was hereabouts that one first began to miss the Feely touch for Fermanagh. Courtenay was very weak. O’Grady kicked forward to Mahon, who missed a shot for goals, and another O’Grady kick forward to centre proved similarly fruitless, the forwards being beaten by the Antrim defence.

Twelve minutes had now gone, with Fermanagh two points down. From O’Grady, Courtenay got possession and missed, and in a number of succeeding attacks Fermanagh, now more in the. picture were similarly unfortunate. Duffy missed twice from 25 yards. From Durnian the ball went to Magee, who created a nice opening and passed to Mahon. The latter put in a stiff drive and Vernon, to save has net, had to punch across the bar for a point. Magee was again in possession and within four yards of goals when he drew to kick, and was shouldered behind, along with the ball, by the Antrim fulls.

Fermanagh were now on top, but chances were being missed as quick as they came. The inevitable happened. Antrim’s turn came. Away went the McKay, Armstrong, McCallin combination, and Joe Donnelly from the wing swung in a heavy lob. Frank Johnston tried to punch clear and put the ball in his own net.

Eighteen minutes from the start Kevin Armstrong increased the Antrim lead by a further point bringing it to four points.

Switching round to attack, Fermanagh went forward; in a clever Clarke, Mahon, Magee movement which ended with Magee punching the-ball into the goalie’s hands.

Courtenay caught from the kick-out and put across to Mahon, who pointed cleverly. Webb pointed for Antrim and McCaffrey replied quickly with a lovely point, kicked from a ground ball for Fermanagh. Only a goal now divided the scores—Johnston’s unfortunate one, but for which it would have been even pegging—but Antrim began a swift advance which McKay finished with a goal. Quickly they returned and Murray saved cleverly, but from thirty yards out Armstrong pointed, making the lead seven points. Campbell, after a fine solo run, was going through when stopped brilliantly by McQuillan. It seemed Campbell had over held and Fermanagh supporters expressed their disappointment when the free was given to Antrim. From, this kick, Durnian cleared in great, style and was loudly cheered. Fermanagh tried again to pierce the Antrim back line, but failed although Mahon, Durnian and Magee were in the attempt, and Antrim, had a piece of bad luck when with the Fermanagh defence beaten, a forward kicked wide. O’Grady and Allen threw back another Antrim raid, but Webb later got through for a point which was offset in a minute by Mahon’s lovely shot across the bar. McCaffrey followed with another minor to make the half-time scores

Antrim—2 goals 5 points. Fermanagh,—5 points.

Fermanagh were first away after, the resumption, but missed, and Donnelly in an Antrim attack pointed. Johnston sent to Durnian, whose beautiful solo run ended with a pass to Courtenay, who missed. McKay pointed for Antrim, and Durnian was going forward for a score when badly fouled. From the free he kicked a point,

Poland in midfield and Armstrong were in brilliant form for Antrim and were keeping the Fermanagh defence hotly engaged. Webb got through for a point before McDermott effected a good clearance and sent Fermanagh forwards to the attack. McMahon, a great back, beat off the raid, but McCaffrey and Clarke were persistent and for some time Fermanagh showed traces of their form. Eventually, Antrim forced the attackers back towards midfield, and it seemed the attack was over when O’Grady got possession of the ball thirty yards out and, with a terrific drive, sent into the net for a Fermanagh goal.

Once more the lead had been reduced to five points, but it was always Antrim that got going when Fermanagh’s chances were brightening. Webb gave to Armstrong, who pointed and the lead was now six points. After a good movement had brought Fermanagh to scoring range, Magee missed twice, and the whole attacking force was in the worst possible shooting form. Antrim seemed infected, for Webb, a sure marksman, missed badly from close in. Durnian kicked out to Courtenay, who missed badly.

Swiftly, Antrim went in to the attack, and only a magnificent McQuillan clearance saved the situation for Fermanagh The ball had struck the crossbar and was falling, amidst three Antrim men when McQuillan threw himself on the ball as it rebounded, rose with it between his legs and forced his way out of the danger zone. Fermanagh forwards were again wide of the mark when a sustained attack provided them with several chances. Clarke had a good try when he kicked a strong ball goal wards, but Vernon cleared confidently. Antrim swung round, and inside a few seconds McKay had a goal through in striking contrast to the Fermanagh attackers’ failures. Again Fermanagh advanced and a miss was registered. Magee got from the kick-out and put in a sharp punched ball, which Vernon saved in great style. Before the end Armstrong pointed again.

Final scores Antrim—3 goals 10 points. Fermanagh—1 goal 6 points.

The teams – Fermanagh — Murray, Johnston, McQuillan, Smith, O’Dowd, O’Grady, Allen, Durnian, McDermott, McCaffrey, Courtenay, Clarke, Duffy, Magee, Mahon.

Antrim — Vernon, Leddy, McMahon, Gallagher, Campbell, Murphy, MctKeown, lienfestv, Poland, McKay, Armstrong, Webb, Donnelly, McAteer, McCallin.

FIXTURES FOR SUNDAY, 31st MAY.

Senior Football League,

Derrylin O’Connells v. Harps—P. Maguire, Lisnaskea v. Teemore — P. Hueston, Newtownbutler.

Junior Football League.

Mulleek v. Devenish (referee by agreement); Derrygonnelly v. Drumavanty, Rev. Fr. Duffy; Ederney v. Tempo, Rev. Fr. Mahon.

All matches on grounds of- first-named clubs at 5 p.m. (Ex. S.T.). Further fixtures in above competitions will be made at a Co, Board meeting.to be held shortly.

CAMOGIE. FERMANAGH COUNTY BOARD.

At a meeting of the County Board held on Sunday, Rev. T. Maguire, P.P., presiding, the following fixtures were made;

31st May—Division I.—Enniskillen v. Cavanacross; referee, Mr. S. Nethercott. Division II.—Cleenish v. Derrylin, referee Mr. M. McBriem, P.E.T.; 4 p.m. (E.S.T.). Matches on grounds of first, mentioned.

7th June—Division I.—Newtownbutler travels to Enniskillen to play the winners. Division II.—If Cleenish wins they travel to play Kinawley; if Derrylin, wins, Kinawley travels to play in Derrylin.

14th June—Fermanagh v. Tyrone, at Enniskillen.

The date of county semi-final will be later announced and also place and date of final into which Towra has got a bye.

All clubs are earnestly requested to carry out their fixtures on the dates appointed so that the competition may be finished before July and a new one started.

Clubs having home matches are hereby reminded of the rules regarding the marking of the playing pitch, etc., which will be strictly enforced this year. J. GALLAGHER, Sec.

JUNE 13, 1942. By EAMON ANDERSON. (CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK) I said in last week’s article that there were a few tyrants shot in Fermanagh in the old days. One of these was a bailiff and grabber named Cowan, who lived in Drumroosk, near Kinawley village. He had evicted a number of tenants and grabbed some of their farms, so both the Protestant and Catholic tenants of this particular estate combined to get arid of him. They gathered around his house one night with guns and fired through the windows at him. He took refuge in the fireplace, of the parlour and from this, vantage point he fired out through the windows at his attackers and is believed to have wounded some and even killed one of them as a man disappeared that time and never was seen or heard of more, but the whole affair was kept very secret and was only talked of in whispers among the old generation. Some of the attackers got a ladder and got up on the roof and fired down the chimney at him and killed him. The house and place where he lived had been grabbed by him from a Protestant farmer whom he had evicted. Some say that the other man who disappeared at the time was really killed by Cowan’s attackers, as they were afraid of him, that he would turn King’s evidence. It. was even said that he was carried up into the Cuilcagh mountains and thrown down into a bottomless hole—just as, the Ribbon men did with Dominick Noone, the informer, in the mountains near Derrygonnelly in 1826. After the lapse of more than a century the whole affair is shrouded in mystery. In North Fermanagh not far from Irvinestown a certain  landlord evicted his tenants wholesale during the Famine years and many of them perished on the roadside of cold and want. One whole family died in this way —out in the snow—father, mother and all the children, except one boy, who eventually reached America and after many years amalgamated a great fortune. He came back to Ireland on holiday and stopped in a hotel in his native place. One day he went to visit the landlord’s castle. He sent in his card and was immediately admitted as a wealthy American. He was shown into the drawing room and entered into conversation with the landlord. After a short while the American tourist pulled a revolver out of his pocket and fired and killed the man who he looked on as the murderer of his father and mother. He waked out, took the train to the nearest port and got safe back to America. On Naan Island in Upper Lough Erne, not far, from Knockninny Rock, is the ruins of an old castle which once belonged to the Maguires. But in the Plantation times the Maguires were dispossessed of it and almost everything else belonging to them. At one time, well over a century ago, this castle was inhabited by a man named Burleigh. The point of Naan Island was called by the old Irish-speaking people of Naan and the surrounding countryside after this individual—by the sinister name of Gub-na-Stiopa (in English)—“The Blackguard Point”—but it is really a much stronger word than “blackguard,’ for Burleigh like Lord Leitrim and too many of the landlords and tyrants of those days imagined that he owned his tenants’ woman’ folk as his tenants’ body and soul, and all the rest of his tenant’ possessions. Perhaps the worst offender in this way was the notorious Lord Leitrim—who for his unspeakable villainies, was shot in Donegal on the 2nd of April, 1878. The South Leitrim part of his estates extended to within less than an hour’s cycle ride of where I live, therefore from the old people of that district I have heard many tales about him. For tyranny, cruelty and pride, there was hardly his equal in all the long records, of human history. Most landlords in Ireland showed some leniency to at least their Protestant tenants, but not so Lord Leitrim, as the following tale will show.

A certain Protestant farmer, a tenant of his near Newtowngore, paid him £40 a year of a rack-rent for 5 cows grass, and in those days it was as hard to make £40 off land as to make £120 now so the poor man and his family were at last reduced to rags, as they could not buy “a stitch for their backs.” Once when he was going to pay his rent to his lordship’s castle at Lough Rynne, in Upper Leitrim, he was so much ashamed to appear in his ragged state that he borrowed an overcoat from his parish minister to cover his rags. He was shown up to the office and paid his half-year’s rent and then Lord Leitrim walked a bit down the avenue with him fingering and admiring the fine velvet coat. Unfortunately the man did not tell him that it was a borrowed one, so Lord Leitrim went back into the office and said “Raise that man’s rent £5 a half year, he has a good coat on his back and seems to be getting prosperous!” On his estates in Donegal some people came to him for the site or a Protestant church. He would only give them a lease for 12 months so that they would have to be coming on their knees to him at the end of every year to have the lease renewed— all to pamper his pride. Another tenant of his in Leitrim broke a lea field and set potatoes in it without getting leave from his lordship. No one could dare break a field or make any changes or improvements in their farm without getting leave from him, but in this case when the man went to him he was away for a few weeks so the farmer said 1 will set the field of potatoes anyway and explain it to him after. So he and his sons put in the whole spring putting, in the field of potatoes with spades and then he went and told his lordship. “Why did you not come and tell me before you broke the field,” he said. “I did come but you were not at home,’’ said the man. But Lord Leitrim compelled him to turn down every sod and level the field and take out every seed potato he had planted in it, an almost impossible task. When that was done it was too late to put in any more crop that year. It did not matter if the man’s family starved if Lord Leitrim’s pride was satisfied. Another man made a long ditch along the roadside in his farm without getting leave to do so. Lord Leitrim passed in his coach every day while the job was being done and never said anything till it was almost finished when he went to the man and said “Who gave you leave to do that job. Why did you dare to start it without consulting me?” The man pretended not to know him. “Oh he said, Lord Leitrim passed in his coach every day and he seemed to approve of it so when it pleases him it is all right.” Lord Leitrim’s pride was satisfied so he left without another word. He had also an estate in Galway on the shores of Lough Corrib and owned the whole town of Cong and the countryside around it. A young woman named Joyce —a school teacher—was going home from school one evening in that place. Lord Leitrim spied her at a distance and followed her and caught up with her in a lonely place. The girl’s shouts and screams brought a young man also named Joyce running from a distance and he gave Lord Leitrim a thrashing that half killed him. The relations of the young man and Miss Joyce were immediately evicted and the young man got ten years penal servitude for the beating of Lord Leitrim. In any other civilised country in the world it would be his lordship who I would get the penal servitude for his criminal attack. Among so-called uncivilised peoples such as the North American Indians and the African Negros such a crime would be punished by instant death under the most fearful tortures. But under the “wise and just’’ laws which prevailed in Ireland at that .time, the lord of the soil owned his tenants, body and soul and could do what he wished on his own estate and was judge and jury and witness all rolled into one.

Miss Joyce went on her knees to the Lord Lieutenant in Dublin to have the unjust sentence on young Joyce revoked. The Lord Lieutenant at first refused, but Miss Joyce then went to his lady and she prevailed on her husband to reprieve young Joyce and set him at liberty. But Lord Leitrim soon had his revenge—even against Queen Victoria’s Viceroy of Ireland. The Lough Corrib district is one of Ireland’s beauty spots and a summer or two later the Lord Lieutenant went down there on holidays. But under threat of instant eviction Lord Leitrim forbade any of his tenants in the town of Cong and district surrounding—hotel keepers, farmers, shopkeepers and all to admit the Lord Lieutenant or supply him with lodging, food or necessaries, so when he went there on holidays he found every door closed against him.

In one case where he had evicted a family from their house and farm, a harsh winter came on  and the family were starving on the roadside. A Protestant clergyman—taking pity on them, began to collect money for them, and went to Lord Leitrim for a contribution: “Sir,” said his lordship, “I would not give you as much as a blanket to cover their bones!”

At last the crimes of this monstrous tyrant could be tolerated no longer in a Christian country. Even if the law winked at his successes and encouraged him there still remained rifles and bullets and trusty men to use them. So on a spring morning in 1878 he was shot dead on the shores of Mulroy Bay in Donegal in spite of the fact that he was travelling under the protection of several car load of police. His slayers were never captured although the whole County Donegal knew who they were.

 

IN MEMORY OF THADY DOLAN. HERO OF THE LAND WAR IN GLANGEVLIN

Glangevlin, you’ve nurtured a hero,

Thady Dolan, who bravely deified,

The landlord and all his cursed minions

That sought, to extinguish our pride;

And bind us with fetters of slavery.

As sons of a down-trodden race,

‘Twas Thady, and Men of his courage,

That saved us from want and disgrace.

 

In the dark days of rack-rent and crow-bar

He rallied the strong, men of Glan,

And outlined for them his decision,

To meet tyrant, force with a “plan.”

In a stronghold by Nature provided

His soldiers he armed and prepared.

To fight bailiffs, and red coats, and peelers

The .might, of oppressors he dared.

 

For long years they sought to dislodge him

But for them he cared not a rap,

Three, hundred bold tenants were ready,

To sentinel the pass thro’the gap.

And when tyrants appeared with their hirelings,

The blast, of the horn sounded clear.

And the “bell” would ring out as a signal

For the army of Glan to appear;

 

Men and women came forth at the summons,

Determined to conquer or die,

Pikes, pitchforks, and scythe blades they carried,

And always the Red Coats did fly,

As rocks from the cliffs fell like hailstones,

Cutting lanes in the ranks of the foe,

And loud cheers of victory re-echoed,

Afar in the valleys below.

 

For eleven long years they battled,

Unconquered they were to the end,

’Neath the tyrant Annesley’s fury

The spirit of Glan would not bend,

In the little green fields ’midst the heather

They toiled, but no rent would they pay

To the robbers who o’er their forefathers

For a century or more had held sway.

God rest you, bold Thady your history

Survives tho’ you sleep ’neath the clay,

With Parnell and Davitt we rank you.

Your memory we reverence to-day.

And regret that you lived not to welcome,

The dawning of freedom and plan

For the glorious future of Eire,

In that stronghold of liberty, Glan.

 

The foregoing lines were suggested to me by Mr. Eamon Anderson’s vivid description of the Land War in Glangevlin.

PADRAIC J. O’ROURKE, Gortnadeary, Kiltyclogher.

 

SOLDIER’S DEATH IN ENNISKILLEN. Lance-Sergt. Charles Henry Bradshaw (37), unmarried, whose home is at Birmingham, was found dead in Enniskillen with a bullet wound in his neck. At an inquest on Thursday, evidence was given that he returned from leave on the morning of the 3rd June and was instructed to rejoin his unit, which had left, the following morning. About 11.30 p.m., Q.Q.M.S. Burchill beard a shot and on entering the guard-room, saw deceased in a sitting position in one of the cells with a rifle between his legs. Blood wag flowing from his neck. Death was instantaneous. A verdict was returned that death was due to shock and haemorrhage following fracture of the skull of a gunshot wound, self-inflicted. The verdict added there was no evidence to establish the mental condition of deceased prior to firing the shot.

BOY DROWNED IN LEITRIM. While bathing in a lake near Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, last week, James Gordon (16), son of the late Captain Gordon, V.S., Mohill, got into difficulties and was drowned. With a number of other boys he had been attending a picnic.

POPULAR BELLEEK LADY WEDS. The marriage took place with Nuptial Mass at University Church, St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin, between Dr. Anthony Eustace, Assistant Medical Officer of Health for Burnley county borough, only son of Mr. James Eustace and the late Mrs. Eustace, of Dublin, and Miss Evelyn Dick, M Sc., H. Dip. Ed., third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. ,Y. H. Dick, Heath Lodge, Belleek, Co. Fermanagh. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Father O’Brien, D. D. The bride was given away her uncle, Mr. T. Meehan, Monaghan, owning to the illness of her father. The reception was held afterwards by the bride’s mother at the Shelbourne Hotel. Dr. Edward Power was best man, and Miss Gertie Dick was bridesmaid. The guests included Commandant Vivian de Valera.

FLIGHT-LIEUT. MISSING Nephew of Enniskillen Optician.

Flight-Lt. Wilfred Ronald Maitland, second son of Rev, W. Maitland and Mrs. Maitland, the Rectory, Tynan, Co. Armagh, who has been reported missing from air operations, is a nephew of Mr. W. Moore, Enniskillen, the well-known optician, of whose staff Flight-Lt. Maitland was for some time a member. Aged, 22, he was .described as “a navigator of exceptional merit.’ He lived in Enniskillen for eighteen months up till 1940, when he joined the Air Force.

 

SAPPER DROWNED AT DEVENISH. BODY MISSING.  Sapper John Morton, stated to be a native of Manchester, and who had been employed for the past 12 months at Enniskillen, was drowned while bathing near Devenish Island, Lough Erne, on Friday. Deceased had been bathing with two companions when he disappeared            suddenly, and though they repeatedly dived in an effort to locate him, his two friends reluctantly had to give up the attempt Dragging operations are in progress, but so far the body has not been recovered.

 

MINISTRY AND ENNISKILLEN APPOINTMENT. The Ministry of Home Affairs informed Enniskillen Board of Guardians on Tuesday that they were not prepared to reconsider their decision relative to the appointment of Miss Ethel Armstrong to the position of assistant in the Clerk’s office‘s until they had received the information asked for as to the qualifications of the other candidates for the job. The Clerk (Mr. J. Brown) said he had given the Ministry the required information.

 

DERRYGONNELLY M.O. RESIGNS. Dr. Muriel M. Ferguson, medical officer of Derrygonnelly dispensary district, wrote to Enniskillen Board of Guardians on Tuesday (Hon. C. L. Corry, J.P., presiding) resigning her position as from the 1st September. The resignation was accepted, and the Board decided to appoint her successor on the 14th July.

ORANGES TO REPLACE TEA FOR CHILDREN. Oranges will replace tea in the new ration books for children under five years to be issued in Britain on July 27. This is designed to conserve tea supplies.

BALLYSHANNON SOLICITOR BEREAVED. Second Lieutenant Alan F. W. Ramage (19), Royal Artillery, was fatally injured while motor cycling (on duty) near Lame last week. He was the only son of Capt. Ramage, well-known Ballyshannon solicitor and Mrs. Ramage, Laputa, Ballyshannon. District Justice O’Hanrahan, solicitors and Gardaí joined in an expression of sympathy to Capt. Ramage at Ballyshannon Court.

ANCIENT ENNISKILLEN DOCUMENTS. At a cost of £2, old Enniskillen documents of historical interest in connection with the town’s history—and presented some time ago to the Urban Council—have been photographed and the photographs are to be framed and hung in the Council Chambers. One of the documents, the Town Clerk told the Council on Monday, had been the subject of an offer of £100 from a collector. This document is the seal of appointment of the first anti-Irish governor of the town, Gustavus Hamilton. The others are notes or orders written by officers of the British garrison forces, to inferior officers. One is signed “Schomberg,” and they all relate to the period towards the end of the seventeenth century when the Dutch Prince William of Orange and the English King James were fighting on Irish soil for the British Crown.