The Old Age Pension 1908.

The coming of the Old Age Pension was an absolute milestone in the lives of the elderly of that Era. Most of the elderly were in dire poverty and only family affection kept them in the corner of the cabin and huddled up to the fire. Now in receipt of five shillings a week (Out Door Relief from the Workhouse was just one shilling a week) the elderly pensioners were now a valuable asset to the income of the house – more so than they had ever been before.

The Old-Age Pensions Act 1908 was an Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom, passed in 1908. The Act is often regarded as one of the foundations of modern social welfare in the United Kingdom and forms part of the wider social welfare reforms of the Liberal Government of 1906–1914. The Act provided for a non-contributory old age pension for people over the age of 70, with the cost being borne by younger generations. It was enacted in January 1909 and paid a weekly pension of 5s a week (7s 6d for married couples) to half a million who were eligible. The level of benefit was deliberately set low to encourage workers to also make their own provision for retirement. In order to be eligible, they had to be earning less than £31. 10s. per year, and had to pass a ‘character test’; only those with a ‘good character’ could receive the pensions. You also had to have been a UK resident for at least 20 years to be eligible and people who hadn’t worked their whole life were also not eligible. Also excluded were those in receipt of poor relief, ‘lunatics’ in asylums, persons sentenced to prison for ten years after their release, persons convicted of drunkenness (at the discretion of the court), and any person who was guilty of ‘habitual failure to work’ according to one’s ability.

The Night of the Big Wind (Irish: Oíche na Gaoithe Móire) was a powerful European windstorm that swept across Ireland beginning in the afternoon of 6 January 1839, causing severe damage to property and several hundred deaths; 20% to 25% of houses in north Dublin were damaged or destroyed, and 42 ships were wrecked. The storm attained a very low barometric pressure of 918 hectopascals (27.1 inHg) and tracked eastwards to the north of Ireland, with gusts of over 100 knots (185 km/h; 115 mph), before moving across the north of England to continental Europe, where it eventually dissipated. At the time, it was the worst storm to hit Ireland for 300 years. The storm developed after a period of unusual weather. Heavy snow, rare in Ireland, fell across the country on the night of 5 January, which was replaced on the morning of 6 January by an Atlantic warm front, which brought a period of complete calm with dense, motionless, cloud cover. Through the day, temperatures rose well above their seasonal average, resulting in rapid melting of the snow.

Later on 6 January, a deep Atlantic depression began to move towards Ireland, forming a cold front when it collided with the warm air over land, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. First reports of stormy weather came from western County Mayo around noon, and the storm moved very slowly across the island through the day, gathering strength as it moved. By midnight the winds reached hurricane force. Contemporary accounts of damage indicate that the Night of the Big Wind was the most severe storm to affect Ireland for many centuries. It is estimated that between 250 and 300 people lost their lives in the storm.

The Night of the Big Wind became part of Irish folk tradition. Irish folklore held that Judgment Day would occur on the Feast of the Epiphany, 6 January. Such a severe storm led many to believe that the end of the world was at hand. The Old-Age Pensions Act 1908 introduced pensions for over-70s, but many Irish Catholics prior to the Registration of Births and Deaths (Ireland) Act, 1863 had no birth registration. One of the questions used to establish proof of age was whether the applicant remembered the Night of the Big Wind and of course they all clearly remembered it. Joseph Murphy puts it into verse.

OLD AGE PENSIONERS.

“God save you this morning, my dear old friends,

For you both seem hale and hearty,’

Were the words which I said at the foot of the lane

To Kate and Pat McCarthy.

“God save you avic,” said Pat and Kate,

’Twas your name we just had mentioned,

For we know you’ll explain to us fair and straight

How to look for our Old Age Pensions.”

 

I said, our faithful friend “The Herald’

Explained the matter clearly,

If I knew how long they were in the world,

And the rate of their income yearly,

I then could tell them how they stood,

When I’d hear how they were stationed;

And. in order that I might do some good,

I would like an explanation.

 

Scon Pat began to tell his age,

But was inclined to stutter,

Kate begged his pardon at this stage

Till she’d explain the matter.

Kate told me all the days and dates

When both were little babies,

With that characteristic flow of speech—

The birth-right of the ladies.

 

“I was six mouths owl the ‘Windy Night’

That tossed my father’s dwellin,

And Pat’s my senior just a week

I heard his mother, tellin’;

You know our income is not big

Since Pat’s too frail for diggin’.

I work with fowl, and feed a pig.

And do a little spriggin’.”

 

I said they just were in the sun,

That I could see no prevention,

When both were nearing seventy-one,

To keep them from the pension,

And told them not to make delay,

While the days were calm and warm,

But to The Office go today

For their Application Forms.

 

To take their forms to the priest,

And he’d show them how to fill them,

And he’d search the parish books for proof

Of the date when both were children.

The officer would have when round

Their claims investigated,

But they most receive the full amount,

From the facts which she had stated.

 

They’d each receive a crown a week,

’Twould keep them snug and tidy,

’Twould be for them there, in snow or sleet,

At The Office every Friday

Kate wished a blessing on my way,

And love from all the girls

While Pat said every pension day,

He’d always buy ‘The Herald.’

  • Crown = Five shillings.

JOSEPH MURPHY.

A Manorhamilton flight of fancy 1908.

OCTOBER 31, 1908. RECORD AEROPLANE FLIGHT IN MANORHAMILTON.  WILBUR WRIGHT ECLIPSED. MAN’S MASTERY OF THE AIR AN ACCOMPLISHED FACT. (From a Correspondent.) On Friday last Captain Lawrence Harpret, of Deerpark Cottage, having fully tuned up his aeroplane determined to haul it out of shed and essay to beat the records now held by Mr. Wilbur Wright. For hours great crowds watched the preparations of the king of the, air, anxiously giving vent to much good-humoured chaff, one would call out, “Eh you old sausage, open your sardine box and let’s look at your face.” “He is opatant, (omnipotant?) never knew a man like him,’ muttered one of the mechanics, who had received a scolding for losing one of the starting ropes. There is nothing extraordinary in the appearance oi the Captain’s machine. Two superimposed canvas planes, the framework of which is almost entirely of spruce, two similar but smaller planes in front, and a double vertical rudder in the rear; such are the essentials of the machine that up to the present has penetrated furthest into the mystery of the birds. All being ready the Captain, helped by many willing hands soon had the machine on the rail. Having started up the motor he took his seat amidst the plaudits of the vast concourse and, soon the huge canvas bird could be seen making graceful evolutions and pirouetting coquettishly under the masterful control of the air king. Having remained in flight for over an hour the Captain descended to allow his passenger to board. I give the details of the historic flight in the words of the passenger: — “It was with no small trepidation I took my seat beside the gallant Captain, but a glance at his stem and immobile countenance had the effect of somewhat reassuring me. Having ascended to a height of about 180 feet we proceeded in the direction of Lurganboy, where owing to a short circuit in the electrical apparatus of the motor we had to descend in Mr. Crown’s orchard. The worthy proprietor rendered every assistance, and, the Captain nothing daunted soon had his machine again under way. Then we flew toward the ancient town of Manorhamilton, so justly famed for the literary skill of its inhabitants, and the dazzling brilliancy, of its electric light installation, and as being also the scene of the all-too-short life of the Utopian novelist, Mr. Sinn Fein. Passing over the Workhouse we could easily discern the jovial features of the worthy Clerk of the Union telling one of his inimitable anecdotes to the solemn and ascetic visaged Master. The motor being now in first rate working trim the Captain determined to soar to a higher altitude. This he at once he proceeded to do, when I experienced the most exhilarating moments of my life, sensation as of floating on filmy nothingness, of thrilling turns of graceful swooping, such were merely the outward manifestations of the subconscious feeling of extreme pleasure I felt. My cogitations were brought to an abrupt termination when a most ominous jar brought me back to earth, or rather to air. On peering through the gloomy mists, we could see the skeleton framework of the Manorhamilton boot factory, which was evidently the cause of our mishap. The Captain swore lustily, as befitted a son of the sea and a prototype of the famous Captain Kettle. “Who the b….s owns this infernal claptrap,” he angrily exclaimed as the aerial custodian hastily appeared. With profuse apologies and  salaams, the latter explained that the structure was erected by an amiable crank, who, however, did not witness its completion owing to a bad fall back to mother earth he got some time ago, while floating his company, Utopia, Ltd. “Serve him right,” quoth the air king, “for trying to sell gold bricks to a lot of dopes; we would lynch that fellow in the States for his puerile tomfoolery. Having been assured that the “Factory” would soon be dissolved into the thinnest air my pilot soon had the machine again on the swing, and we continued our flight “until the shades of night were gathering fast,” and fearing that Constable Healy would apprehend us for not having a lamp lighted we swooped through the stillness of the mighty void towards where a glow of unearthly radiance told us the town of Manorhamilton lay nestling amidst the hills. By the most skillful manipulation of the levers, the aeronaut at my request took the machine over St. Clare’s Hall, where a concert was observed to be in progress. The weirdly discordant notes of the local “McCormack” singing “The Men of the West” were wafted towards us on the peaceful air of the night. The discordant element was scientifically explained by the Captain, when he remarked that the oscillations of the ether were confused and disturbed by the rapid revolutions of the rear propellers, and that mutatis mutandis, the mellifluous vocalization could not be adequately auriculated. At this I was strangely comforted, not to say stupefied, by the magnificent cerebration of the air king. Having been for over three hours in the air it was decided to drop down at Mr. Jeiter’s Hotel to replenish our petrol tanks. Whilst maneuvering for a suitable spot to alight we espied the familiar figure of “Veritas” pensively scanning a well-known, advertisement of Bovril at an adjacent hoarding. The descent was successfully negotiated, and we were at once interviewed by Councillor McGuinness on behalf of the “Fermanagh Herald,” who said that our flight marked an important epoch in the struggle of man in his efforts to conquer the air. The tanks being duly filled the worthy Captain said it was time to be moving towards Deerpark Cottage, as he found his Opsonic Index depressed owing to the severe strain imposed on him by the “lengthy flight.” Thus ended the longest trip yet made on a heavier-than-air machine; and, it is confidently expected that it is but the forerunner of still more ambitious aerial performances on the part of the distinguished Manorhamilton aeronaut, Captain L. Harpret.

I would be glad to hear from anyone who could tell me more of the characters featured here. J. C.

November 14th 1908.

14-11-1908. ECHO OF THE ARCHDALL DIVORCE CASE. SEPARATION DEED ARRANGED. APPLICATION AS TO COSTS. On Monday, in the Probate Court, Dublin, before Mr. Justice Andrews, an application in reference to costs was made in the case of Archdall v. Archdall. The petitioner was Mr. Edward Hugh Archdall, of Drumcoo, Co. Fermanagh, and the respondent was his wife, Mrs. Dorothea Frederica M. Archdall. The trial, which had attracted considerable attention, had resulted in a disagreement of the jury. Mr. Patchell, K.C. (instructed by Mr. B. L. Winslow), on behalf of the respondent, stated that the matter had been before the Court on several occasions. The original application was for an order directing that the wife’s costs should be paid when taxed. Some months ago that application was made, but it was adjourned on the ground that it might be premature. The suit had now, however, been determined, and a separator deed arranged by which the parties agreed to live separately and to enter into an arrangement of a pecuniary character for the support of the wife and the custody of the children. There was, however, in the deed, nothing in reference to costs. Mr. Justice Andrews and counsel discussed the question whether any order for costs should include those of the separation deed. Mr. Pringle who (instructed by Messrs. Falls & Pringle appeared for the petitioner, said he was not instructed as to the costs of the separation proceedings. Mr. Justice Andrews, allowed the motion to stand for a week.

14-11-1908. WHAT OTHER NATIONS ARE DOING. With reference to the methods adopted by different countries to improve the breed of horses, in Germany the Government army estimates provide £100,000 for the encouragement of horse-breeding, Austria-Hungry, £300,000, France, £100,000, England nil. In America the Government also looks well after the important matter of horse breeding.

DONEGAL ISLANDERS CLAIM FOR SALVAGE. In the Court of Admiralty, before Mr Justice Johnston. Mr Thomas Patton (instructed by Mr. J. E. O’Doherty) applied on behalf of the plaintiffs, Michael O’Donnell, Edward O’Donnell, and Michael F. O’Donnell, all residing on Arranmore Island, Burtonport, County Donegal for an order giving them leave to issue and serve a writ out of the jurisdiction on the defendants ,’the Fleetwood Steam Shipping Co.,’ Ltd. The action is for £80 claim for salvage services alleged “to have been rendered to the defendant company’s steamer Ixion while in distress off Rutland Island, County Donegal, on 9th and 10th August last. Mr. Justice Johnston granted the application, the writ to be served on the secretary of the company.

14-11-1908. CATTLE DRIVING IN CO. DERRY. On Sunday five Head of cattle were discovered to be missing from the field of Mr. Robert Simpson, having strayed or been stolen. The occurrence has been reported to the police of the entire district around. A month ago two head of cattle were stolen from Bridgend. This looks to be even worse than cattle driving, about which the Unionist organs prate so much. In the South and West the cattle are never injured nor driven away after being taken off the lands. Perhaps some of the “Carrion Crow” M.P.’s would table a question in the House.

14-11-1908. SCENE AT THE RAILWAY STATION. The majority of those who attended the hiring fair in Enniskillen on Tuesday last had to seek refuge in the various places of refreshment from the drenching downpour which prevailed during the day. The result was rather disastrous. In the evening a considerable number emerged from the public-houses fortified by the strong drinks, for which Enniskillen is said to be famous, and added to the gaiety of the town by rolling in the mud, of which there was an abundance and engaging in the usual drunken brawls. The police were kept busy during the day in quelling rows, and in the evening the two police barracks were pretty full. While awaiting the arrival of the 6.30 p.m. train from Dublin a melee occurred at the railway station between some parties from the Kesh district, and a large window at the entrance to the station was broken.

14-11-1908. LARGE AMERICAN FACTORY FOR ENGLAND. The Stolz Electrophone Co, of Chicago with London Offices at 82, Fleet Street, manufacturers of a patent pocket telephone for the deaf, have decided to move the foreign department of their Works to London in order to meet the requirements of the new patent law. The company will employ about 600 hands. In America the Stolz Electrophone has become as necessary as spectacles. The principal agent used in the Electro-phone is electricity, which enables people hard of hearing to hear clearly at any distance. The instrument is portable and a powerful sound intensifier. The whole of the European trade off this concern will be fed by the London Works.

14-11-1908. LISNASKEA HIRING FAIR. The half-yearly hiring fair was held in Lisnaskea on Saturday. Very little hiring is now done in these fairs. All the youths and maidens in the neighbourhood on pleasure bent were present, on Saturday. There was also an exceptionally large crowd of the itinerant class.

14-11-1908. ENNISKILLEN MAN’S BODY FOUND NEAR CASTLE CALDWELL. On Tuesday the body of a young man named Charles Nethercote, a boat builder, aged about 30 years, who resided in Strand St., Enniskillen, was found floating in Lough Erne. It appears deceased left his home on Monday week last in company with his brother, and proceeded by boat to Castlecaldwell for a cargo of sand. When about to return a few days later the deceased left the boat, and getting into a small punt proceeded homewards in. the direction of Enniskillen followed by his brother. Nothing was heard of him up till Tuesday last, when, as stated, his dead body was found.

14-11-1908. TO DETERMINE OLD AGE PENSIONS INCOMES. As a result of consultation with practical farmers about Magherafelt district the following figures have been adopted for determining the income of a person engaged in agriculture:— He allowed £8 per acre on potatoes, £5 on corn, £2 on black hay, £6 on white hay, a horse £6, a cow £4, heifer. £2, a calf £1, from 10s to £1 on each peck of flax sown. He allowed 25 per cent, for working expenses and the keep of animals, and also made an allowance for rent. Mr. Ward said the Treasury gave no instructions as to the values to be placed on crops and stock. It was left to the discretion of the pension officers. Of course the figures varied according to the quality of the crop.

November 1908. Hurling in Fermanagh.

7-11-1908. Enniskillen Guardians – Mr. O’Hara said they should not be giving relief to anyone who had not a doctor’s certificate. This rule was in force in other unions. The farmer was being handicapped in every way and he had to find money for everything, and the load was getting too heavy for him. The number of the inmates in the workhouse was decreasing and they had still the same number of officials and the expenditure on outdoor relief was jumping up. In other unions they adopted the system of giving no relief except a medical certificate was produced.

The Chairman. Where do they do that?

Mr O’Hara. In Clones.

The Chairman said that a great amount of money was expended yearly on outdoor relief in Monaghan and Dundalk unions. Previous to the passing of the Local Government Act it was almost impossible to get a shilling a week out door relief for any poor person from the Board of Guardians. As soon as the Act was passed the new board became more liberal and when each case came on the books came up for consideration they would find that the recipient was worthy of their charity. Mr P. Murphy said it was cheaper to give people out door relief that to have to maintain them in in the workhouse. If they brought them into the house they would cost 3 shillings a head whereas some people in receipt of out door relief only 2 shillings out of which they had to maintain a whole family.

Mr. Hands: Was there a larger number of paupers in the house nine years ago than there are at present.

The Clerk: There are not so many in the house now.

The Chairman: I know a case in which we are paying 3 shillings a week to a family of six. Is it not better to give out door relief in this case than to bring the family into the house where they would cost the ratepayers 18s a week?

After further discussion, the Chairman said there was one point upon which he was agreed with Mr. Elliott. He disapproved of out door relief money being expended in public-houses. He belonged to a society that distributed a great deal of relief, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and they did not allow any of the recipients to get their provisions in public houses.

Mr. Dundas said that some three years ago he went over the same ground as Mr. Elliott had just gone over. He went into more details, and gave not onto the total amount but details of the amounts paid to public-houses and into large provision establishments in Enniskillen. He was not going to say one word disrespectful to any publican, but he was of opinion that a public-house was not the place for out door relief recipients to go for their goods. If these people persisted in getting their provisions in public-houses he for one would vote against their application.

The Clerk remarked that the relieving officer had no control over the recipients as to where they get their goods. The relieving officer handed the ticket to the recipient and the recipient could go where he liked for the goods.

Mr. E. Corrigan thought the members of the board were quite as good judges as the relieving officers as to who were entitled to out door relief. It must be remembered that nine years ago there were more poor people going about from door to door than there were at present, so that if the people were paying a little more in rates they were relieved in other directions. He thought if they gave more out door, relief and closed that workhouse altogether they would be acting more in the interest of humanity.

Mr. Dundas moved and Mr. W. J. Brown seconded that a committee be appointed to consider the question and report to the board. After considerable further discussion the motion was passed.

7-11-1908. Madam Albani, after 30 years’ experience on the stage, is preparing to appear at  the leading variety theatres in England and Scotland, at the highest salary – so it is stated–ever paid in Vaudeville. Her first engagement at Glasgow is at the rate of £500 a week. She says she intends to confine her selection to her usual operatic repertoire, interwoven with English and Sottish songs.

(Dame Emma Albani, DBE was a leading soprano of the 19th century and early 20th century, and the first Canadian singer to become an international star. Her repertoire focused on the operas of Mozart, Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini and Wagner. Born: November 1, 1847, Chambly, Can. Died: April 3, 1930, Kensington, London.)

14-11-1908. OUR READERS’ VIEWS. HURLING IN FERMANAGH.

To the Editor.

Dear Sir,—Knowing that you are interested in the success of the old Irish games in County Fermanagh, I beg through the medium of your valuable paper to express my regret that our fine old hurling game is fast dying out in that county. Two hurling clubs have ceased to exist within the past twelve months, and I am sorry to learn that still another will cease to be after this year’s competitions have been played out. I refer to the O’Dwyer (Coa) Hurling Club. This small but plucky club has won every contest played in the County Fermanagh during the past year, and still through a small breach of the hurling rules they are not given what I may call fair-play. Here are the facts. In the first contest with the O’Neill club for the County Cup the O’Dwyers were successful, and in the final contest with the Maguires, the scoring was —Maguires, 3 points; O’Dwyers, 15 points. But in this match the latter club allowed (not knowing at the time it was a breach of the rules) two of their men to play who had been temporarily disqualified. Now, I understand that the County Committee, notwithstanding the great odds in the scoring and the condition of the game in the county at present, would not allow a replay, But awarded the cup to the Maguires, though the O’Dwyers volunteered to play them again without their two best men who had been objected to. Of course, as they said, they were guided by the rules, but was there ever a rule without an exception? And having regard to the great odds in the scoring, to the fact that the O’Dwyers offered to play them without their two best men, and to the fact that there are now only three hurling clubs in County Fermanagh—and very soon there will be only two—would it not be more in the interest of the game to allow a replay under the circumstances? Rules, are, no doubt, necessary for order and discipline, but justice cannot always be done if rules are slavishly adhered to in every case. I write this as an outsider interested in the game, and it is with regret that I learned a few days ago from some members of the O’Dwyer Hurling Club that after this year’s competitions have been played out they the O’Dwyer club intend to sever their connection with the County Committee, as they see from the latest exhibition of narrow dealing that they need not expect fair-play in the future. Is it not a pity that those Gaelic clubs do not exercise a little more generosity in their dealing with each other—:if it were only for the sake of keeping up our fine old games? Was it generous or manly for the Maguires to stick to the cup for which they got such a beating? They have taken the cup which they certainly have not won. With this sort of dealing is it any wonder our Gaelic games are dying out? I am not interested in one club more than another, but I do not wish to see our Gaelic pastimes being killed by want of generosity and fair-play. Thanking you in anticipation for the insertion of.

21-11-1908.  OUR READERS’ VIEWS . THE GAELIC GAMES IN FERMANAGH. REPLY TO A TYRONE GAEL. A Cara – We are all anxious for the progress of Iriah Games in Fer-Monach as our correspondent, ‘A Tyrone Spectator’ only our methods differ. He apparently thinks that rules are made but to be broken. ‘Justice’ he says cannot always be done if rules are slavishly adhered to in every case.” The inference, then, is that the rules may be ignored when and where it is found expedient by a local committee. If the Gaels were to follow this dictum, one can easily foresee the death of all Irish games, not in Fear-Monach alone, but all over Ireland.

The real reason (if “Tyrone ‘Spectator” will pardon my enlightening him in the matter) for the backward condition of the Gaelic pastimes and games is admitted to be the elasticity with which the rules have been interpreted. It has given the rowdy player of the rowdy club a chance of existence in an. organisation where neither ought to have been ever permitted. I speak of clubs generally in this matter.

Better that all clubs should cease to exist tomorrow, than that we should bring disgrace upon the Gaelic Athletic Association. If some of the Coa 0‘Dwyers, by their rough play, had to be put off the field by the referee, they are manifestly no credit or source of strength to us, and their withdrawal from the G.A.A. cannot harm it much. Unless there is some penalty attached to rowdiness, decent, well-behaved clubs have no protection. The County Board was obliged by the rules to award the match to the Maguires, and there lay no option in the matter at all. Neither could the County Board order a replay.

It was a matter of following the rules or breaking them, and very wisely, I think, the members decided.

The real reason why so many Gaelic clubs have dropped off during the year is that rough play was permitted to too great an extent. Players have been merely censured who ought to have been expelled for years.     –

As to the sacrifices made by the Coa team, let me tell “Tyrone Spectator” that they have failed to play when selected by the Count Board, in inter-county matches on not less than three occasions. If the rules had been adhered to in any way, when O’Dwyers failed to turn up in the recent inter-county with Donegal, their club would have been suspended for six months. The Maguires travelled 12 men on that occasion and paid their own expanses. Moreover, the latter have gone to Belturbet, Irvinestown, Tempo, and other places with a desire of reviving an interest in the old game of hurling. They have stuck to the Irish games for years past, when there were no prospect of winning the cup, indeed, when there was no cup. They had no desire to deprive the O’Dwyers of the cup; they were in the-hands of the County Board, which felt itself in turn bound by the rules of the G.A.A.

The reason for Maguires being defeated by such a big score was the refusal of the club captain and another member, two of their best players, to take part in the game after the disgraceful scene which took place on the field on the Sunday previous, and in which O’Dwyers figured.

The interest of Irish-Irelanders in the Irish games ought to be deeper than the .winning of any cup. A club which sulks because it has lost has little to recommend it. If O’Dwyers can only be retained in the G.A.A. by cups and wins, it does not say much for the patriotism of the Coa men.

JOHN CASSIDY,

Vice-Chairman, Fermanagh Board, G. A. A. Carrigan. Enniskillen.

28-11-1908. OLD-AGE PENSIONS IN FERMANAGH. The County Fermanagh Local Pension Committee held a prolonged sitting on Friday for the consideration of claims, during the course of which they allowed 5 shillings per week in 360 cases, 4 shillings in one case, 3 shillings in one case and 1 shilling in one case and postponed 35 cases for further evidence and investigation. One application was withdrawn. The total number of cases dealt with was 399, which constitutes a record for Ireland.

 

1908.

October 17th 1908. AEROPLANE TRIUMPH. 50 MILES IN 69 MINUTES. Mr Wilbur Wright on Saturday afternoon made a fifty mile flight with a passenger remaining over sixty nine minutes in the  air. He thus beat all the world records and triumphantly completed the tests required by the Lazarc-Weiler Syndicate before purchasing the French rights of the American aeroplane for £20,000. At 4.45 Mr. Wright and Mr. Paul Painleave, a member of the French Institute, took their seats in the aeroplane before the largest number of aeronautical experts who have ever been present at the demonstrations of Mr. Wright. The aeroplane rose to a height of 25ft and Mr. Wright commenced to describe a series of eclipses and triangles. For some time the aviator maneuvered at various heights. At times he reached a height of nearly 100 ft., and during the greater part of the flight the aeroplane travelled at a great speed. The performance was accepted as entirely satisfactory by the members of the Syndicate and may therefore be regarded as the conclusion of Mr. Wright’s work at Le Mans. (France).

October 17th 1908. INVASION BY AIRSHIP.  GERMAN PLAN TO CONQUER ENGLAND. Herr Rudolph Martin, Government Councillor and author of The Coming War in the Air who is president of the recently formed German League for Motor Airship Navigation, fired the imagination of his hearers at a meeting in Berlin with a plan for the conquest of England by airships. He averted that the principal duty of aerial navigators was to induce the combined Continental Powers to construct a fleet of 10,000 Zeppelins, each to carry twenty soldiers, to fly these across the English Channel and the North Sea, preferably by night, and to land and capture the sleeping Britons before they could realise what was taking place. Herr Martin disposed of the British Fleet by predicting that they would turn tail and leave the coasts defences as soon as the aerial armada hove in view in order to avoid being blown up by the shells which would otherwise be dropped on to them from the clouds. The aerial armada would assemble at leisure at points opposite the English coast, and begin their death-dealing voyage as soon as the weather was favourable. Herr Martin thought that artillery and cavalry could be landed in England quite as easily as 200,000 infantry.

28-11-1908. VICE-REGAL PARTY IN BELLEEK. ADDRESS OF WELCOME FROM THE INHABITANTS. SPEECH OF THE LORD LIEUTENANT. His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant and the Counters of Aberdeen, who travelled from Dublin on Monday, arrived in the pretty little village of Belleek by the 7.55 train last night, and were enthusiastically received by the townspeople. The windows of a number of the houses were illuminated for the occasion, and a pretty floral arch WITH THE WORD “WELCOME, in white letters on a crimson background, spanned the main thoroughfare.

An address from the people of the town and district was presented to their Excellencies at the entrance to the hotel. There was an immense crowd outside the building. The Very Rev Dr McMeel, P. P. chairman of the Reception Committee, presided, and in the course of his speech said it was necessary for the Government, in justifying the insertion of the Compulsory Notification Clause in the Tuberculosis Bill at present before Parliament to establish sanatoria in convenient centres through, the length and breadth of Ireland, out of the millions of pounds that this country had been obliged to pay in over-taxation to the British Treasury for the past sixty or seventy years (cheers). As their Excellencies had always cordially sympathised with the ideals and aspirations of the Irish people, he trusted that they would continue their valuable services until they should have everywhere established the flourishing tranquillity of a happy and contented Ireland (cheers).

Mr Edward Knox, hon. secretary of the Reception Committee, then read the address. The Lord Lieutenant, who was loudly cheered, in replying, said he need scarcely tell them that he had always endeavoured to support Lady Aberdeen in every possible manner in her efforts to help the Home Industries, and secondly, in regard to her fight with the scourge of tuberculosis (cheers). He thought it was a happy augury, and omen that they had already, by coming forward in this way and alluding to the matter as they had done in the address, indicated their hearty’ support and concurrence with the efforts now being made to stamp out this disease (cheers). Afterwards a number of the members of the Reception Committee were introduced to Lord and Lady Aberdeen. Three ringing cheers having been given for their Excellencies the crowd dispersed. On Tuesday the Vice-regal party motored to Donegal to open the Tuberculosis Exhibition. During their stay in Belleek they will visit the famous pottery and. other places of interest in this picturesque district.

28-11-1908. OLD-AGE PENSIONS IN FERMANAGH. The County Fermanagh Local Pension Committee held a prolonged sitting on Friday for the consideration of claims, during the course of which they allowed 5 shillings per week in 360 cases, 4 shillings in one case, 3 shillings in one case and 1 shilling in one case and postponed 35 cases for further evidence and investigation. One application was withdrawn. The total number of cases dealt with was 399, which constitutes a record for Ireland.

28-11-1908. OLD-AGE PENSIONS IN FERMANAGH. The County Fermanagh Local Pension Committee held a prolonged sitting on Friday for the consideration of claims, during the course of which they allowed 5 shillings per week in 360 cases, 4 shillings in one case, 3 shillings in one case and 1 shilling in one case and postponed 35 cases for further evidence and investigation. One application was withdrawn. The total number of cases dealt with was 399, which constitutes a record for Ireland.

28-11-1908. CALUMNY REFUTED. THE PROTESTANT BIGOTS OF THE SOUTH. ALLEGED SCENES AT FUNERAL. Under the heading of “Roman Catholic Intolerance in County Limerick,” “Barbarous conduct at a Funeral,” the Fermanagh Times of last week published letter from Rev. J. S. Wylie, Castleconnell in which the rev gentleman paints a further lurid picture of the scenes alleged to have taken place at the funeral of Mr John Enright. He points out in his letter that he was a frequent caller at Mr Enright’s during his illness, and that he ministered to him three times during this period. In the Irish Independent of Thursday last the mother of the deceased, Mrs K Enright, gives the lie to this statement of the pious rector of Castleconnell. Mrs Enright, who is naturally .horrified at the disgusting dispute which has arisen over her dead son, now considers it her duty to place the true facts before the public, and to put an end once and for all to the bigots’ roar all over Ireland. She denies point blank that Mr Wylie ministered to her son during his last illness. “Since the day my son fell sick she writes, “Mr Wylie never saw him, nor, as far as I know, ever asked to see him until the 25th October, when he was unconscious. He died in less than an hour after Mr Wylie leaving him.” What has the representative of Protestant truth and Protestant tolerance in Castleconnell to say to this point blank denial of his statements? “My son,” writes Mrs Enright “had been attended to by the priest on three occasions, at his own special request, uninfluenced by anybody while he was in his perfect senses; the priest received him into the Catholic Church, administered to him the last rites of the Catholic Church and he died a Catholic. Rev Wylie had been told this.” The fact then remains that the Rev. Wylie after being informed by the relatives of the deceased of the latter’s conversion to Catholicity, and his consequent desire to be buried according to the rites of the Catholic Church, showed an inhuman disrespect, both for the wishes of the living and dead, by stopping a funeral procession at the gate of his church, and calling upon the mourners, to bear the body of the deceased inside. This is how the Christian Minister describes the scene outside the church When the coffin reached the church gate a crowd of people surrounded it. Sticks were raised in a threatening manner; some of the bearers, including Dr George Enright, were roughly handled. The coffin was then seized by the crowd, who forcibly prevented it being brought into the church, and, with shouts and cries of “‘Don’t let him be buried a Protestant,” which were heard more than a quarter of a mile away, the body was rushed past the church and placed in the grave. It is enough to say that Dr George Enright absolutely denies getting any rough handling, as well as the statement that sticks were used in a threatening manner. Our readers will take the other statements of the rev gentleman for what they are worth.

SABBATH DESECRATORS. To the Editor of the “Fermanagh Herald.” The following letter has been addressed to the editor of the “Impartial Reporter’ in. reply to one appearing in the last issue of that paper.

10-10-1908. To the Editor “Impartial Reporter. – Dear Sir, Your correspondent “Ballinamallard Unionist” and a Lover of Truth must be a very simple man. He proceeds in the course of a lengthy letter to give the truth of the Ballinamallard incident where, the God-fearing loyalists are alleged to have gathered into that mecca of Orangeism in order to prevent by physical force some peaceable people passing through the village on the Sabbath. “Lover of Truth’ denies the allegation, and if his contention be accurate it is the manifest duty of the traders and inhabitants of Ballinamallard to take action to clear their village of the serious allegations which the police have made against it. Will they act or will they not? If they do not, then we shall believe that the police were correct when they advised the competitors at the Feis to go round by another road lest a riot might ensue. But that apart, “Lover of Truth” makes himself appear quite silly when he applies the, term ‘Sabbath Desecrators” to the competitors. Does he read the papers? If so, is he aware that two Sundays ago the Brewers of England —the great driving force behind loyalty and Unionism organised an extraordinary political demonstration in Hyde Park, London, to which over a hundred thousand people came from the English provinces? Huge crowds bearing banners with political party cries filled the streets the whole day and speeches were delivered from fifty platforms. Has “Lover of the Truth” written to the papers to protest against this colossal desecration of the Lord’s Day, engineered by drink in support of Unionism, Beer, beer, glorious beer! beer and the Union, beer and loyalty?

And the dozen or so boys from Enniskillen, who are passing to a musical festival, are Sabbath desecrators! Do you have any music on the Sabbath, “Lover of Truth? Either the police were correct or it is the plain duty of the Ballinamallard people to set themselves right with the public. If they allow the matter to lie, people must not be blamed for assuming that the Christianity which prompts a man to break his neighbour’s head for the love of God is not the Christianity of the gentle Christ, who loved all men, even His enemies. ‘Yours truly, etc.

21-11-1908. CLONES LACE AT FRANCO- BRITISH EXHIBITION. One of the most prominent and attractive stalls in the section devoted to arts and crafts and home industries at the Franco-British Exhibition in London was that of Mrs Philip Maguire lace dealer Fermanagh Street, Clones, who displayed an extensive assortment of lace and crochet, arranged in a most artistic and effective manned. The stall, which was a corner one and in a central position, attracted much attention, and being lined on the inside in emerald green, made a most appropriate setting for the beautiful fabrics on view, the work of deft and patient fingers of the industrious lace-makers of Clones district. The Clones lace industry, which is the means of keeping so many families from poverty or emigration, will, no doubt, benefit immensely from the display referred to, and it is satisfactory to know that Mrs. Maguire’s enterprise in securing a stall and placing the exhibit on view has been amply rewarded by the results, notwithstanding, the heavy expenses involved. During the fortnight which she spent at the exhibition she sold an enormous quantity of lace fabrics of all kinds, besides booking orders amounting to hundreds of pounds and. which it will probably take many months to supply. Mrs Maguire was specially complimented by a leading London daily on the success of her stall, and the effective manner in which she had arranged her display at the exhibition.

 

1908.

FERMANAGH HERALD AND MONAGHAN NEWS. October 3rd 1908.

DROWNED. YOUNG MAN’S SAD END AT BELLEEK. UNFOUNDED SUGGESTIONS OF FOUL PLAY. INQUEST AND VERDICT.

The sad and deplorable circumstances attending the death of a young man named James Keenaghan. Jun., Rathmore, Belleek, who was drowned in the River Erne on Friday night last, were disclosed at an inquest held in the Courthouse, Belleek, on Saturday evening. The coroner for the district, Mr. George Atkinson, solicitor, Enniskillen, was unavoidably absent and the inquest was held before Messrs. J. Timoney, J.P., and J. Duffy, J.P.

On Saturday morning rumours were freely circulated to the effect that there were suspicions of foul play, and in the evening during the proceedings at the inquest, the Courthouse was crowded. However, these unfounded suggestions were disposed of and the jury returned a verdict of accidental drowning. Deceased, who was about thirty years of age and unmarried, was very popular and highly respected in the district, and naturally his tragic end has caused widespread grief amongst all creeds and classes of the community. Sergeant Ballantine watched the proceedings on behalf of the authorities, and Dr. Lewis R. Lipsett, solicitor, Ballyshannon, represented the owners of the Fishery.

The following jury were sworn:—Messrs., Thomas Mortimer (foreman), William McCawley, Charles Duffy, Patrick Montgomery, Thomas McGovern George Thornhill, William Slevin, F. Dolan James Slevin, F. Dolan, J. Gallagher, H. Slevin, and P. McCawIey.

Sergeant Ballantine gave evidence of the recovery of the deceased’s body, which was found that morning at half-past six by Mr. F. D. Rogan and witness in the River Erne at Corlea, at which place the water was only two feet deep. There were a few marks on the head. The body was removed to the residence of the father of the deceased,

William Joseph Gallagher gave evidence to the effect that he was on the Weir fishing on Friday- night at nine o’clock. Deceased, Peter Donaghan, and a son of the owner of the weir were also there. They all proceeded together to the eel house, where they lighted a lamp and a fire. The fishing nets were lifted by them three times. As was usual there was some drink and each of them took a share of a half-pint of whiskey. Donaghan and the other young man left for Belleek shortly before ten. Deceased and witness’ remained behind in the eel house and lay down on the bed. Shortly afterwards deceased produced another half-pint and each of them took about half a glass each. Having partaken of the whiskey deceased went out in the direction of the back door for the purpose of hiding the bottle of whiskey, and as he did not return after some time witness shouted and searched for him, but was unable to find any trace of him.

Witness proceeded to Belleek and on the way he met Donaghan and the other young man, both of whom he apprised of what had occurred. They all returned to the place and made a further careful search, but still no trace of deceased could be found. The other two young men were scarcely ten minutes absent when the deceased disappeared. Asked if the deceased was drunk, witness replied that he was not. Gallagher’s story was corroborated by Donaghan and another witness.

Evidence of the cause of death was given by Dr. Kelly, who stated that there were a few  cuts and scratches on the head, which probably might have been caused by the body being knocked about the weir. Death was due to asphyxia, the result of drowning. Mr. J. Timoney, J.P., in addressing the jury, made pathetic references to the sad occurrence. The jury found a verdict of accidental drowning and added a rider conveying their sympathy to the relatives of the deceased. Dr. L. R. Lipsett, solicitor, on behalf of the owners of the Fishery, also extended his sympathy to the deceased’s relatives.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1908. THE ABOLITION OF THE WORKHOUSE.

A campaign for the abolition, of the workhouses is vital to the interests of the country. All classes in Ireland are united on this question. The present system of Poor-Laws in vogue stands condemned as the most wasteful and extravagant in the world. The 159 workhouses now standing cost the country £1,300,000. Pauperism is increasing at the rate of 1,000 per year, and the number of admissions to work-houses is going up every day. The Viceregal Commission on Irish Poor-Laws has condemned the system as a whole, and in all its parts. The case for a, radical reform has been convincingly established, but we appear to be no nearer the application of the obvious remedy than when the Commission issued the report. Under the present system the vagrant is the only member of the community that is catered for. In the Irish workhouse the tramp finds a hotel where he is comfortably housed and fed. The Several Boards of Guardians throughout the country have been put to their wits end to escape from the burden imposed on the rates by the visits of laureates to the workhouses. The suggestion which was made at Lisnaskea on Saturday last was that the tramps should be prosecuted under the Vagrancy Act has been tried and found wanting in other unions. Imprisonment has certainly a deterrent effect in making nomads steer clear of the workhouse, where such means are adopted to get rid of them, but the evil has now become a natural one, and as tramps cannot he got rid of by this method of procedure, some more effectual remedies will have to be pursued. The Viceregal Commission made some very important recommendations on the subject, which should prove effective in coping with the evil. In Turkey tramps are confined in labour colonies where they are made to labour for the good of the nation. If the same were done in Ireland thousands of pounds would be saved to the country, and the nomadic tribe would soon become an unknown quantity. Holland years ago solved this problem by getting all those who were both willing and unwilling to work to labour at reclaiming her sandy coasts. To-day the professional loafer is unknown in Holland, and all her people are comparatively prosperous. The old aged poor are looked after by the State, just as in Ireland, before the Norman Invasion, the Chieftain was responsible for the care of the infirm members of the clan. The present system of Irish Poor Laws, whereby, the good and the bad, the young and old, the idle and the vicious, are all herded together with distinction, cannot but be regarded as evil-destroying and de-moralising. If the recommendations of the Viceregal Commission are put into force such a pitiable state of things would be at once remedied, for the changes suggested are drastic and far reaching.

October 10th 1908. KILLED ON THE RAILWAY. LABOURER’S TRAGIC DEATH NEAR PETTIGO. William Fitch, aged about 38 years, a labourer in the employment of Captain Barton, was instantly killed on the railway line about a mile from Pettigo       Station on Tuesday. From reports it appears that the unfortunate man was on his way to dig potatoes, and proceeded along the railway  line for a “near-cut,” and turning a curve he failed to see that the mid-day train from Derry to Bundoran was approaching, and before he was aware of his perilous position, his body was almost severed in two. The body was first discovered by a railway porter named Joseph Marshall and it was subsequently removed to Pettigo. Deceased was very popular and highly respected in the district and his untimely end has caused a great shock He leaves a wife and eight children, the youngest being six months old, to mourn his loss. Great sympathy is felt for the poor grief stricken family.

26-9-1908. IRVINESTOWN. A SPEECH FROM THE DOCK. MAGISTRATES DEAF TO ELOQUENCE.

Quite a scene took place on Friday when a mother appeared before the bench and made such an “eloquent” appeal on behalf of her son that the magistrates, not seeing their way to appreciate her oratory and unable to stay her flow of words, forcible if not over polished, had her removed from Court prior to committing her son to jail. The case was one in which Sergeant Dooley summoned James Diver, of Irvinestown, for being drunk and disorderly, for the fourth time in a year, on the 7th inst. The magistrates on the bench were Messers John Maguire (presiding), M. McGinn and Major Irvine.

District-Inspector Lewis was also present. Defendant’s mother appeared before the Court and had a lot to say regarding the goodness of her son and his tendency to be led astray. She got so loud and excited in her speech, and so eloquent in sounding the praises of her boy, that she had to be removed out of Court. When she had gone her son, who was also charged with threatening and abusive language towards a woman named Cassie McDonagh, was sent to jail for 14 days, with hard labour.

The Sergeant immediately after James was disposed of brought a case against Cassie McDonagh herself, for drunkenness on the 7th September. Constable Lapsley had a charge of drunkenness against her on the 10th inst,, and she was also called upon to answer to an adjourned summons for a similar offence. Defendant who appeared and, following the example set in the previous case, addressed their Worships in a lengthy harangue on her own defence. She swore that if she got a chance she would never appear before their Worships again. “I am the mother of small children” continued defendant, “and if you send me to jail they will have to go to the workhouses. It will break my heart. Be as lenient as you can with me and I will leave the town and never come back. . On the adjoined case defendant was fined 2s 6d and costs or 48 hours in jail; in the second 6s, or a week’s imprisonment, and in the third case a fine of £3 was imposed, or in default a month’s imprisonment. On hearing the decision the defendant made use of some very ”complimentary” language towards the magistrates.

Sergeant P. Dooley summoned Harry McPike, Drumharvey, for being drunk and disorderly on the 8th September. The defendant, who got a bad character from the police, who said he wouldn’t work if he was paid 10 shillings a day for it, was fined 5s or in default a week’s imprisonment.

Constable P. Igoe summoned Andrew Porter for being drunk and disorderly on the 8th September. The constable stated defendant was fighting and creating a disturbance. Defendant, who did not appear, was fined 5s or a week in jail. Same complainant summoned William Humphreys, Slievebane, for a similar offence on the same date. Defendant who appeared, was fined 3s and costs.

Florencecourt Yew tree in 1842.

10-2-1842. TAXUS FLORENCECOURTIAIANA.

(This is a more exact account of the origins of the Florencecourt Yew tree – Fermanagh and Ireland’s unique contribution to the trees of the world – Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata‘.)

Florence-Court Yew. This pretty fastigiated tree is now to be seen in almost every garden in Europe; in the Turkish cemetery, Alexandria, and America. The parent shrub is still in existence growing in the garden of a farmer in the neighbourhood of Florence Court. It was found growing on a neighbouring calcareous rock, in the time of the present occupier’s grand-father, about 160 years since by whom it is held as sacred as Naboth held his vineyard. (Ed. Believed to be an ancestor of Dr. Willis buried in Florencecourt churchyard who is famous for introducing western medicine to Japan.) It is indebted for its notoriety wholly on two layers planted in a shrubbery in Lord Enniskillen’s demesne, at Florence-Court, from which cuttings were given away to occasional visitors. (Ed. where a low branch has touched the ground, taken root and turned into a new shrub ready to be dug up.) The original plant has not grown any these many years although it is in good health and has formed a handsome tree with a fastigiated head from a stem about 4 feet high; one of the layers has attained the height of 21 feet and the other has been cut and broken for cuttings from time to time. The contiguous rocks and ravines have been repeatedly explored but no such plant has been found and the berries have been sown and plants reared at various periods but on examination they were always found to be the common kind with little variation, some with shorter leaves and some of a darker hue, but none of specific difference from the common  mountain yew which induces us to conclude that it is nothing else but has been produced by accident meeting with pressure in protruding through the hard substance and being acted upon by the atmosphere in a close situation has fixed its upright character in prop and propagating by extension, but not by seeds.

W. Y.

(The Enniskillen Chronicle and Erne Packet is now available from Thursday 23rd January 1840 from the British Newspaper Archive.)

1842 January & February.

  1. January.

CHRISTENING OF THE PRINCE OF WALES. Even the very restricted particulars of this great and joyous event which we give in our, first page will be read with an intensity of interest by those who have not had an opportunity of seeing more enlarged accounts. The ceremony must have been truly imposing and the feelings of joy to the nation on the occasion is the circumstance of Her Majesty’s selection of the King of Prussia as sponsor to the young Prince. It is delighting to find the worth and rank that surrounded her most gracious Majesty and Prince Albert in the altered style of her Majesty’s government, where the heart and  affections in the security of her Majesty’s person and throne, are so closely identified with the present prevailing principles.

Primitive WESLEYAN METHODIST Tea Party. Friday evening last there was a tea meeting of the members and friends of this society held in the Preaching-house, Main-street. The attendance on this occasion exceeded in number and respectability, we believe those of any former instance. About half past five o’clock the parties at the several tables in the body of the House commenced tea and so throng was every spot that a large number had to move up to the gallery and wait till those below could afford them room. Though there were upwards of 300 present the utmost, order prevailed throughout. A short Hymn was sung at the commencement and another at the conclusion of the tea. On the motion of Mr. Joseph McCormack, senior Preacher of the Enniskillen circuit, Mr. Beatty of the Maguiresbridge circuit was called to the Chair, when the assembly was severally addressed by Mr. J. Heatley of the Cavan circuit, Mr. A. Dawson of the Ballyshannon circuit and Mr. Fitzgerald, Merchant Clones, brother to Mr. Wm. Fitzgerald of this town.

20-1-1842. ARRIVAL OF SIR ARTHUR AND LADY BROOKE AT COLEBROOKE. Friday last the extensive district of country from Maguiresbridge to Colebrooke was a scene of great rejoicing on the arrival of the worthy baronet and his lovely Bride. For many days previous arrangements were in preparation on a scale suitable to pay a just respect to so benevolent and extensive a proprietor. Sir Arthur and Lady Brooke arrived at Virginia hotel on Thursday evening and on Friday an open carriage and four went from Colebrooke to meet them beyond Lisnaskea. Being expected to reach Maguiresbridge about one o’clock, a platform was erected on the commons there, on which the young but very good, band of that town were stationed to play on, while the open space was crowded with the people of the surrounding neighbourhood. About twelve a well mounted cavalcade of the Colebrooke tenantry moved forward from Brookeborough increasing at every step towards the busy scene and crowds of men, women, and children thronged the entire way although the day was rather impropitious from the constant thick fog. About two the bugles stationed on the hills between Maguiresbridge and Brookeborough announced the advance of the cavalcade; passing through the Bridge they were received with deafening shouts and cheers which were most gratefully acknowledged by Sir Arthur and Lady. From thence they proceeded, headed by considerable party of horsemen while several hundreds followed in an orderly line three deep in the rear the bugles continually playing. At Gola, the residence of Major Sterne a magnificent arch was erected.

20-1-1842. The people of Ballyshannon have great reason to thank Colonel Conolly for his kind attention in presenting the memorial of the merchants of this town to the Lords of the Treasury and impressing on their lordships the claims of this place to enjoy the privileges of warehousing of foreign grain, teas, sugars, wines, spirits, tobacco, and other goods paying a high duty.  By referring to the annexed reply to the Memorial our readers will find but these very important privileges have been granted.  We therefore hope soon to see the aforementioned goods freely imported into Ballyshannon by some of the enterprising merchants of this place and Enniskillen.

Constabulary of Donegal.  At a meeting of the magistracy of the county of Donegal held at Lifford on Saturday they decided against the reduction of the constabulary force of the county by a majority of four.  This and the neighbouring markets were plentifully supplied on Wednesday last with the largest and richest fresh herrings we have seen for several years caught at Portnew in Boylagh Bay.

A poor woman named Molly Ginn who has for some years, at intervals, been deranged was founded dead yesterday morning on the public road at Milltown Ballyshannon. It is supposed that in a fit of insanity she wandered from her lodgings and the night being dark and extremely severe, she was unable to make her way back and accordingly foundered.

The town was visited by a terrific storm on the nights of Tuesday and Wednesday last; yet we have not heard of any injury sustained by the inhabitants; on the whole it has been the severest winter for the last 7 years. We trust the spring will set in more favourably.

Miraculous Escape. As William Wilson, Esq., was travelling in his gig from Derry to Carndonagh on professional business, on descending a steep hill within four miles of Carn, he was met by a carman who, driving the wrong side of the road, was the cause of precipitating Mr. Wilson, horse and gig into a dangerous ravine at least 15 feet deep. Although the gig and harness were smashed to pieces Mr. Wilson escaped unhurt.

Last week as Mr. T. Whitford, son of Mr. Whitford, attorney, of St. Columb,(Cornwall) was amusing himself on a shooting excursion about a mile from that town, on getting over a hedge, the gun accidentally went off and he was killed on the spot, his brain having been blown to atoms.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE STATESMAN.  Attention has been directed by a friend to an extract from the Fermanagh Reporter inserted in your paper of the 31st of December last which was calculated to mislead the public mind and to make it appear that I read our burial service over a Roman Catholic who died within the pale of the church and that it was on that condition he was admitted into our burial ground.  Such is not the case.

The facts are simply these: on the 23rd of December last an inquest was held on the body of a poor man named Thomas Campbell found dead in the snow about 2 miles from Ballyjamesduff.  The verdict of the jury was that he died of extreme cold.  When brought to the chapel yard to be buried he was refused a grave until the dues of the priests should be paid by those who carried the body; this they were unable and unwilling to do.  Although very poor they had already contributed towards getting a coffin and had left their work to carry the unfortunate stranger to his grave and were therefore indignant that this demand should be so cruelly insisted on.  The body lay on the public road at the chapel gate until evening.  Application was then made to me to allow it to be buried in our church yard and under the circumstances I felt that I could not refuse but as he had (in common with all Roman Catholics) had excommunicated himself and I could not, consistent with our rubric read the burial service over him.  He was buried by torchlight in silence.  When the internment was over I availed myself of the opportunity to address a word in season to the Roman Catholics who were present.  They listened with great attention and afterwards expressed their gratitude for our compliance with their request and the greatest abhorrence of the inhuman treatment they had received from those of their own creed. Two days after this took place two Roman Catholics partly influenced by that occurrence conformed to our church making a total of 12 who have come out from Babylon in this parish during the last year.

Yours etc. etc.

Samuel H Lewis, Perpetual Curate of Ballyjamesduff.

MUNIFICENCE OF HER MAJESTY. We learn that the Queen has been pleased to the forces employed at the capture of the outworks of Canton out of the sum received under the convention, a donation equal to one year’s amount of the Indian allowance known by the name of “Batta.” (Ed. During the British Raj, Batta or Bhatta was a military term, meaning a special allowance made to officers, soldiers, or other public servants in the field.) The shares of Colonels will be £900 each; Lieutenant Colonels £720; of Majors £540; of Captains £216; of Lieutenants £ 144, etc. the officers of the navy sharing according to their relative rank with those of the army. Those who were not present at the operations against Canton, but who were engaged in other operations of the war, such as the taking of Chusan, are to receive six months Batta. (This was part of First Opium War, 1839–42), fought between the United Kingdom and the Qing Empire over diplomatic relations, trade, and the administration of justice for foreign nationals in China. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the demand for Chinese goods (particularly silk, porcelain, and tea) in the European market created a trade imbalance because the market for Western goods in China was virtually non-existent; China was largely self-sufficient and Europeans were not allowed access to China’s interior. European silver flowed into China when the Canton System, instituted in the mid-17th century, confined the sea trade to Canton and to the Chinese merchants of the Thirteen Factories. The British East India Company had a matching monopoly of British trade. The British East India Company began to auction opium grown on its plantations in India to independent foreign traders in exchange for silver. The opium was then transported to the Chinese coast and sold to local middlemen who retailed the drug inside China. This reverse flow of silver and the increasing numbers of opium addicts alarmed Chinese officials. In 1839, the Daoguang Emperor, rejecting proposals to legalise and tax opium, appointed viceroy Lin Zexu to solve the problem by abolishing the trade. Lin confiscated around 20,000 chests of opium (approximately 1210 tons or 2.66 million pounds) without offering compensation, blockaded trade, and confined foreign merchants to their quarters. The British government, although not officially denying China’s right to control imports of the drug, objected to this unexpected seizure and used its naval and gunnery power to inflict a quick and decisive defeat, a tactic later referred to as gunboat diplomacy.)

3-2-1842. ACCIDENT.—On Thursday last a young lad about eighteen, named Stinson, from Monea, was conveyed to the county Infirmary in an almost lifeless state, from an injury received on the head while sitting at his father’s fireside, by the falling of a brick from the top of the chimney. We hear the skull is much fractured.

ROBBERY. Friday night Mr. Dogherty, shoe maker, Darling-street, while attending the Methodist Tea meeting, had his house entered through a back window and £9 10s taken from his box. It was rather singular that his watch, which was going and likely to have been heard, was left though hanging almost immediately over the box.

FIRE. Same night one of those infamous cabins in one of our back streets (Abbey-street,) was burned to the ground, some say through the design of some wags.

The carpenter, named Irvine, mentioned in our last, who fell from an office at Rossfad, while in the act of finishing some roofing, died of the injuries received in the fall on Thursday last, in the county infirmary. Dr. Nixon made a post mortem examination on the head, which it appears was fractured in almost every bone. The poor man’s relations have gratefully expressed themselves towards Dr. Nixon for his unremitting attention, both day and night, during his sufferings.

POOR-LAW RETURNING OFFICER. Mr Paul Dane, Clerk of the Enniskillen Poor Law Union, has been appointed returning officer for the election of guardians which is to take place on the 26th of next month.

July 1843.

6-7-1843. ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST OF JULY;

Friday evening last being the eve of the First of July, the flags were as usual hoisted on the Church Tower and Town-hall at about eleven o’clock, and the Conservative Band of the town continued playing the accustomed loyal tunes till after twelve, the toils chiming out at intervals. A number of respectable persons promenaded the streets during the playing and, we are happy to add, there was the most marked decorum and quiet.

The Rev. Dr. Greham and Miss Greham returned, to Portora on Saturday from Dublin.

John Brien, Esq., arrived at Castletown last Thursday from Dublin.

43D. Depot.—Saturday last Lieutenant Herbert joined the depot from the service companies in Canada; Major Fraser and Lord Tullamore are expected very shortly to join the depot from the regiment.

Royal Engineers—Lieutenant McCausland re turned to this garrison on Saturday from sick leave, and, left this station yesterday for the head-quarter, Belfast, Captain Lloyd, from Derry, has relieved Lieutenant McCausland here.

The Hon. Major Spencer, 60th Rifles depot, Belturbet; visited his brother, the Hon. Captain Spencer, 43d depot, this week.

CHEVALIER SCHLICK – This celebrated artist left Castlecoole on Monday last for England. We are happy to find that he is now so far recovered from his serious accident, as to enable him to proceed to England, by the advice of his medical attendants, for the restoration of his health.

The Lord Bishop held his Annual Visitation on last Thursday in Monaghan. There was a very full attendance of the clergy of the Diocese. Rev. Mr. Tarleton preached the visitation sermon.

ENNISKILLEN ROYAL SCHOOL. The school resumed business on Monday the vacation having terminated on Saturday.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT. Saturday, as Dr. William Dane, Drumard, about two miles from this town, was alighting from his pony at his own gate, it moved at the instant and his foot catching in the stirrup he fell and broke his leg a little above the ankle.

THE WEATHER.—-Saturday evening last we had some heavy showers, and nearly the entire of Sunday was wet The Crops look much refreshed and promising. Yesterday evening it rained heavily again and continued all night. Hay-making was busily going forward.

NEW POTATOES. — New Potatoes are already beginning to pore into the market. Tuesday we saw a clieve of very fines ones, as large as any old ones and selling at 1¼ and 2d per lb.

CHEVALIER. SCHLICK. The stay of Chevalier Schlick with the Earl of Belmore, at Castlecoole has afforded us an opportune of noticing those powers of art which we find have gained for him the attention and reward of the principal Crowned Heads of Europe and all the leading families of distinction whose position has enabled them to appreciate his unrivalled talents. The Chevalier has devoted upwards of twenty years of uninterrupted and laborious application in studying the paintings and models of the ancients to be found of France, Milan, and Tuscany, Rome and the whole Roman States, Naples, and Paestum, the whole of Sicily with Herculaneum and Pompeii. Of the above he has, we learn, spent no less than twelve years exploring and studying the paintings of the celebrated ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii cities destroyed by an eruption of Vesuvius in the year 79, since which early date they remained undiscovered till the former in 1711, and the latter in 1750. These paintings of the Grecian School, wonderful as to their design and execution, as well for the peculiarity and richness of their colouring, have been restored to perfect imitation by the pencil of Chevalier Schlick beyond all modern hands that have preceded him, as is satisfactorily proved by the attestation of the most learned men of the age. The following is the opinion of one the first Antiquarians of the day – “These painting have been executed by a process essentially different from any previously known, and which has produced a perfect representation of the original. In these paintings , as in ancient paintings, the contours are not defined by lines brought are brought out by the mere contrast of tints according to nature, as was well understood by the Greeks, and studiously followed up by them in their wonderful works. The colours have no body and are perfectly transparent, producing an effect very different from that of oil painting, pastel or body colour, in the latter of which, truth of expression may be attained.

Inkwell Gift. This wedding anniversary gift from Queen Victoria is a manifestation of the couple’s taste for the Antique, as well as Prince Albert’s fascination with the process of electrotyping. Being made of silver and partly gilded, it is one of the costlier versions of a popular design. Elkingtons had originally produced the model in 1844/5 and offered examples in solid silver or electroplate. Mintons later produced a version in porcelain. The inkwell was designed by the Danish-born architect Benjamin Schlick, who was made a Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur in 1828 by the French King Charles X, in recognition of his architectural work in Paris. He seems to have attended the British court several times. He was listed in The Times among the guests at the Buckingham Palace Fancy Ball of 1842, and it was at his suggestion that the following year Prince Albert visited Elkington’s Birmingham premises, where his interest in the electrotyping process was born. Schlick’s relationship with George Elkington was vital to the company’s production at this period. His early life, spent in the courts of France, Italy and Denmark, meant that he had access to works of art which provided invaluable source material for electrotyping. Schlick and Elkington were also firm believers in the dissemination of classical source material for the development of good taste. In 1839 Schlick had visited Italy and become one of the leading figures in the preservation and restoration of the ancient remains being uncovered at Pompeii. He made close observations and sketches and developed a pantograph to create reductions of several of the objects uncovered. Although the inkwell was not directly based on an excavated lamp, it was inspired by the sketches Schlick made at that time. The Queen herself seems to have specified the addition of a lid to the inkwell, which was provided not by Elkingtons but by Garrard & Co., the royal goldsmiths, shortly before its presentation in 1850. Text from Victoria & Albert: Art & Love.

DREADFUL ACCIDENT.—On Saturday evening a most afflicting accident occurred on board the canal boat coming to Limerick from Dublin. When the boat was passing the lock near Clonlara, the Rev. Mr. Cousins, a dissenting clergyman from England who with his wife, were on their way to Killarney looked out at one of the side windows of the boat to observe their position when the boat received a sudden side move as it generally does by coming in contact with either side of the gateway and the head of the unfortunate gentleman was caught between the boat and the wall of the dock, and he received such dreadful injury that he died at the hotel in. Limerick a few hours after the occurrence. The accident, it may be supposed, threw a gloom over those present. Every attention that was possible was paid by the gentlemen present to his afflicted partner. The deceased was an aged man, between 60 and 70 years. Clare Journal.   \

USEFUL HINTS.—Never enter a sick room in a, state of perspiration as the moment you become cool your pores absorb. Do not approach contagious disease with an empty stomach, nor sit between the sick and the fire because the heat extracts the thin vapour.

HYDERABAD. The amount of treasure in gold, diamonds, &c., captured by Sir Charles Napier at Hyderabad, falls little short of three millions of money. The share of that gallant general is estimated at no less a sum than £200,000.

PRESENT FROM CHINA. The Chinese bed with the golden posts – the description of which reads so magnificently in the newspapers, is no such Splendid looking affair after all. The golden pillars are hollow, of course, and though covered with engravings of a very oriental character, yet the designs manifesto none of that elegance or fancy, which one would think might have been displayed by the artisans of a country whose pagodas and public buildings are generally so fanciful in their designs and picturesque in their effect. The hangings are of green silk, and worked in a shawl pattern in a manner to delight the hearts of some admirers of this sort of fabric, here and there, there is a little bullion fringe. There are several other cases of presents which have scarcely yet been unpacked, but which are said to contain some shawls of a most recherché character. — Cheltenham Looker-on.

BOY DROWNED. —On Sunday last a promising lad named Wilson, about 16 years of age, went with others to bathe at the West-quay, he swam up towards the Fall, and on returning, the stream, being rapid, was taking him out to sea. He accordingly attempted to swim across to the North quay but his strength failing him, he sank in death. His body has not yet been found although every exertion was immediately made, by his disconsolate parent and the inhabitants. He was the son of a very industrious and well-conducted man who came here from Enniskillen under the employment of Mr Creden, to superintend the building of the Poor-house. Ballyshannon Herald.

ANGLING — During the past week, the anglers had splendid opportunities of indulging in their gentle sport.’ The waters have considerably fallen and trout and salmon were killed in abundance. There are several gentlemen from various parts of Ireland and England at present staying in this town, enjoying the pleasure and amusement of angling. Cockburn’s hotel is nearly full. Ballyshannon Herald.

NEW POTATOES. A fine sample of early potatoes has been sent to our office by Mr. Likely McBride, of this town – they were grown in the open air on his farm; and he expects to be able to supply the market with new potatoes, in eight or ten days. We have also on our table excellent cherries, raspberries, strawberries, and cucumbers, grown in the gardens of several gentlemen in the vicinity of this town. — Ballyshannon Herald.

On Thursday a quantity of fire-arms were lodged in the ordnance store, Enniskillen. They bad been seized in the neighbourhood of Carrick-on-Shannon by the police. Ballyshannon Herald.

The barrack mastership of Boyle and Carrick-on-Shannon is vacant by the death of Lieutenant Allingham, a Waterloo officer who was interred by the 74th depot with military honours.

We feel much pleasure in being able to state that Henry Robert Crofton, Esq., of the Modeste, fifth son of Duke Crofton, Esq., J. P and D.L. of Lakefield, county of Leitrim, has, for his distinguished services in China, received his commission as lieutenant in the Royal Navy, dated the 23d of December, 1842. The following notice of his services is from the New Navy List. When Master of the Modeste his services were officially mentioned in the operations on the coast of China, including the capture of Amoy and Chinghae in 1841 likewise at the destruction of the Chinese fire-raft attack on their camp at Segahon, and the surveying of the river Yant se-Keing in anticipation of the advance on Pekin in 1842.

MARRIAGE OF THE PRINCESS AUGUSTA and the Hereditary Grand Duke Mecklenburg Strelitz.—The solemnization of the nuptials of the daughter of their Royal highness’s the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with the Hereditary Grand Duke of Mecklenburg Strelitz, look place on Wednesday evening, at half past eight o’clock in the Royal Chapel at Buckingham Palace, The Bishop of London officiated. The King of Hanover gave the young Princess away in the presence of the Queen and Prince Albert, the King and Queen of the Belgians, the Queen Dowager, the Duchess of Kent, the Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George, his, Serene Highness Prince Edward of Saxe Weimar, & Immediately after the ceremony the Hereditary, Grand Duke and his Royal bride departed for the Duke of Cambridge’s house at Kew, where they will pass the customary period in privacy, after which they will take their departure for Germany. Her Majesty the Queen gave a grand, banquet in the evening, and there was a very brilliant assemblage after the nuptial ceremony, for which invitations were issued to most of the Nobility.— The presents to the Princess Augusta on the auspicious event of her marriage, are said to be exceedingly numerous. The cadeau (present) from the Queen Dowager, a head-dress of diamonds and precious stones, is of great value. The Queen and the King of Hanover have likewise made valuable souvenirs. The leading Nobility have given several costly presents, a bijou from a fashionable Marchioness having cost 250 guineas. The Princess’s trousseau was most magnificent and in every respect corresponding to her exalted rank. A series of fetes are spoken of as on the tapis, at Cambridge House, in celebration of the happy event of the Princess’s marriage.

GREAT ANTI-REPEAL MEETING AT COLLON. — On Monday evening, a meeting of the Protestants of Derriaghy (Antrim) and the surrounding districts was held at Collon for the purpose of addressing her Most Gracious Majesty in reference to the present distracted state of the country, occasioned by the agitation of Repeal. Long before six o’clock, the hour appointed for the meeting, there were not less than 5,000 persons present. Every mountain path presented its hundreds flocking to the spot, and the roads leading from Belfast, Lisburn, and the adjoining towns and villages were thronged with individuals passing forward to meet their brethren in a common cause, and for a common end, so that at one period of the meeting there could not have been less than 8,000 or 9,000 present. The meeting having been addressed by several Gentlemen, and a number of appropriate resolutions agreed to, the assembly gave three cheers for the Queen, and three groans for O’Connell, and then separated in a peaceable and orderly manner, seemingly much gratified with the proceedings of the evening.— Belfast Chronicle.

DEATH FROM LIGHTNING.—-An inquest was held on the 19th instant, at Carranacross across, before Mr. O’Grady, on the body of James O’Donnell,; who was killed by the lightning in Sunday, the 18th. When he came by his death he was engaged in lighting fires, to burn land, in which, he intended to put potatoes. His body when found lying in the field was much burned by the lightning, and there was a stream of blood from a wound on the face. The jury found that deceased came to his death from injuries caused by lightning. If the unfortunate deceased had not been violating the commandment to keep the Sabbath holy, he might be alive today.—Mayo Constitution.

1843 May-June

25-5-1843. The family of the Hon. and Rev. J. C. Maude has left Chanter-hill for Dublin, for a short time.

LISNASKEA Union.—At the last meeting of the Board, the following resolutions were unanimously passed on the occasion of a change taking place in the other district Unions, by which Cavan and Lisnaskea will be placed under the superintendence of Mr. Handcock, and Mr. Otway’s district be extended from here to Sligo and along the Western coast   Resolved—“That the Guardians of the Lisnaskea Poor Law Union having heard with regret of the contemplated removal of Mr. Assistant Commissioner Otway from the superintendence of this Union, cannot allow this opportunity to pass without expressing their acknowledgment and thanks for his exertions in the performance of his duties, and for the conciliatory manner he has conducted the duties of his office ever since the formation of the Union, and also for big extreme consideration and anxiety to promote the well working of the system. Resolved “That the Chairman be requested to forward a copy of the foregoing resolution to Mr. Otway.”

LOUGH ERNE NAVIGATION IMPROVEMENT. R. Gray, Esq., our County Surveyor, has been appointed Engineer to the Lough Erne Navigation Improvement Committee, and has received directions to prepare plans and estimates for the removal of some of the obstructions, which is to be commenced immediately.

12th Lancers.—We are sorry to find that several of the horses of the troop of this Regiment lately arrived here, are in a hopeless state from glanders, brought on by the hardships they had been subject to attending Repeal meetings, and being obliged, in many places through the country, to put up with very indifferent and unsuitable stabling and forage. One horse has already died, and four or five more are expected to fall.

CLONES RIOTS. NEWTOWNBUTLER PETTY SESSIONS. From a correspondent we learn that on yesterday week there was a case entertained by the magistrates of this bench against a respectable young man named Beatty, for firing a loaded pistol at a person of the name of Maguire on the evening of Easter Monday, on his way home from Clones from the meeting there. A Mr. Clements, Barrister, and a Mr. Gartlan, Solicitor, both from the Repeal Association, attended on behalf of Maguire, and Mr. Scotty Attorney, appeared for Mr. Beatty.

The chief Evidence was Maguire, himself who swore that on the above evening at a place called Doona, between Clones and Newtownbutler, while stooped behind a ditch he heard a shot, and on looking up saw young Mr Beatty on a car with a pistol in his hand directed towards him. Another witness named Cochrane, deposed to having seen Beatty pass near Doona, some short time previous to the supposed occurrence, nine o’clock. Though there was most satisfactory evidence on the part of Beatty, the magistrates thought it better to let it remain for the Quarter Sessions. This will be a singular case and one calculated to show the doings of the party. It appears Maguire was servant to Beatty’s father some time since, which service he left, and therefore, must have well known the person of Beatty had he been at the place of the supposed occurrence.

THURSDAY JUNE 1, 1843. THE UNITED STATES—ARRIVAL OF THE NEW STEAMSHIP HIBERNIA. (From the Correspondent of the Evening Mail.) LIVERPOOL, SUNDAY.—This splendid new steamship, under Captain Judkins, arrived here this morning, and her maiden homeward trip certainly exceeds, in point of speed, anything that has as yet ever been anticipated. She sailed from Halifax late on the evening of the 18th inst and arrived at the Mersey at an early hour this morning, after completing the voyage in a little more than nine days which, at this season of the year, is without a parallel. Her outward voyage was also one of extreme swiftness. The Great Western, which, sailed hence on the 29th of April, reached New York on the 12th inst, and the Caledonia, which carried out the mails from this on the 4th instant, had arrived at Halifax before the Hibernia sailed, and had left for Boston.

The Earl of Erne, Earl Belmore, and George Tipping Esq., are spending some days with F.W. Barton, Esq., at Clonelly availing themselves of the pleasure of angling, off which that part of the lake affords abundance. The Lord Bishop of Clogher has left Dublin, for the Palace, Clogher where his Lordship is expected to arrive this day,

12th Lancers. – The Troop of the 12th Lancers which has been here for the last fortnight, received a sudden rout on Tuesday morning to proceed to Dublin for embarkation to Liver pool, and proceed forward to join the headquarters ordered from Glasgow where they have been but a few weeks. The two Troops of the regiment have likewise been routed from Belfast. The Troop left here on yesterday morning at eight o’clock, under the command of Lieutenant Munroe, and Cornet Williams. This sudden move is evidently in consequence of the present Manchester riots and from apprehension of something equally or more serious about to take place, otherwise the troop here would not have been removed in the present state of their horses: one has died and nine have been left behind to be shot, while several of the remainder of the Troop are very likely to take bad on the march. The illness of the horses wears every appearance of glanders, if so it is very unwise to run the risk of infecting the stables in their line of march.

NEW COACH CONTRACT.  We understand that the new coaches which were brought down to start from Ballyshannon and Enniskillen on Sunday last had to be guarded by police from Dublin and at Navan on Thursday horses could with great difficulty be procured to forward them, neither would any coaches be allowed into any yard for the night.  They had to be left at the police station and watched by the Constabulary throughout the night.  We are happy to observe that both the coaches commenced the running from here and Ballyshannon without any sign of annoyance.

The Hon and Rev. J. C. Maude thankfully acknowledges the receipt of £50 from the Marquis of Ely for the tower of Enniskillen church.

ENNISKILLEN COACH FACTORY.  In directing public attention to the advantages held out by Mr. Ferguson we have the pleasure of adjoining ours with the general praise expressed in favour of Mr. Ferguson’s enterprise.  The new drag built by the proprietor reflects the highest credit on him and vies perhaps with any other posting establishment in so respectable a turn out.

On Friday, the Rev. Loftus Reade and Mrs. Reade entertained the officers of the 43rd depot and a party at dinner at Levelly  Glebe.

JAMES DENHAM, ESQ.  In a recent visit to his tenants near Clonegal in this county made them an abatement of 12 ½ per cent in their rents for the year ending the 29th of September last; he has also offered to pay half the expense of draining their respective farms according to Mr. Smith’s System and for which purpose he has sent down a full set of the necessary implements to commence the work.  He also in the most generous manner forgave one of his tenants a large arrear of rent in consequence of the heavy loss he sustained by disease that crept in among his cattle.  Such kind acts are deserving of justice and of the gratitude of his tenantry.  Carlow Sentinel.