BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, & DEATHS.

Announcements under this heading are charged for as follows:-- Birth, 2s 6d; Marriage, 2s 6d; Notice of Death, 1s 6d; Interment 2s 6d. These announcement must be Prepaid and duly Authenticated.

Births

BYRON -- December 28, at No. 7, Pump Street, Londonderry, the wife of Henry A. Byron, of a son.

CONWAY -- December 30, at 28, Fenilworth Road, Rathgar, the wife of M. B. Conway, of a daughter.

FITZGERALD -- December 29, at The Priory, Monkstown, Dublin, the wife of Edward Fitzgerald, of a daughter.

GOODWIN -- December 24, at Kerr's Bay Lodge, Rathmullan, the wife of Samuel Goodwin, of a daughter.

Marriages

CHAPMAN--STOKES -- December 30, in Clontarf Church, by the Rev. Professor Stokes, B.D., Vicar of All Saints', Blackrock, Dublin, brother of the bride, assisted by the Rev. MacNevin Bradshaw, M.A., Incumbent, Wellesley Poole Chapman, to Eleanor Susan, fifth daughter of John Stokes.

JAMIESON--HANNAH -- December 30, in York Street Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. Thomas Hamilton, M.A., John Lowry Jamieson, Dublin, to Carrie, youngest daughter of James Hannah, Cherrymount, Belfast.

SCOTT--CAMPBELL -- December 31, in St. James's Church, Belfast, by the Rev. John Spence, M.A., John Gordon Scott, to Alice, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Samuel Campbell, both of Belfast.

Deaths

LITTLE -- December 31, as her father's residence, Finvoy, Cookstown, Nannie, beloved and only daughter of David Little. Her remains will be removed for interment in Sandholes Burying-ground, on to-morrow (Friday), 2nd. inst., at eleven o'clock a.m. Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation.

TAYLOR -- December 30, at 44, Relf Road, Peckham, London, James Taylor, H.M. Customs, late of Belfast. His remains will be removed from the Fleetwood steamer, on Saturday morning, at nine o'clock, for interment ia Newtownbreda burying-ground.

-- -- -- --

DONNELLY -- December 29, at St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, Joseph J. N. Donnelly, of 52 Harold's Cross, Dublin, aged twenty-six years.

GRADY -- December 29, at his residence, 19, Elm Grove, Cullenswood, Valentine Grady, aged fifty-two years.

M'GOWAN -- December 28, at Ballykeel, Moneyrea, James Orr M'Gowan, aged seventy-four years.

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THE ARMY.

MAJOR and Brevet Colonel F. Chapman, of the Royal Artillery, has been removed from the seconded list to the effective establishment as a Regimental Major.

Major C. H. S. Butler, Adjutant of the 2nd Glamorganshire Rifle Volunteers, is about to vacate that appointment, which he has held since the 27th of July, 1882.

Captain F. W. S. Grant, of the 1st Battalion Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, has been promoted Major on the half-pay list.

Captain T. C. Jameson, of the Scottish Rifles, becomes Regimental Major by the promotion of Major Hamilton, and will remain for duty with the 2nd Battalion, serving at Cawnpore.

Captain J. A. Hay, 2nd Battalion Highland Light Infantry, succeeds to a regimental majority by the promotion of Major Harvey.

Captain and Honorary Major B. E. Sheehy, of the 5th Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers, has been promoted Substantive Major.

Captain and Adjutant G. Rowan Hamilton, of the 3rd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, has been granted the honorary rank of Major, in accordance with the Militia Regulations of 1883.

Captain B. T. B. Flood, of the South Lancashire Regiment, has retired, receiving a gratuity.

Captain C. M. Barlow, of the Royal Artillery, who has just been promoted to that rank, has been transferred from the K Battery A Brigade to the H Battery 4th Brigade, and ordered to hold himself in readiness to embark to join his new battery in South Africa.

Deputy Surgeon General H. B. Hassard, the Principal Medical Officer in Ireland, has been promoted Surgeon-General, in succession to Surgeon General Gilborne, retired.

 

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Births

LENNON -- December 29, at Prospect Hill, Galway, the wife of W. Lennon, D.I. R.I. Constabulary, of a daughter.

MIEISSNER -- December 31, at 7, Hampden Terrace, Belfast, the wife of A. L. Meissner, of a son.

MURPHY -- December 28, at Wood Park, Kingstown, Dublin, the wife of Richard James Murphy, of a daughter.

Marriages

SINCLAIR--MARTIN -- December 29, at the Presbyterian Church, Sligo, by the Rev. Moffat Jackson, M.A., John, third son of James Sinclair, Sligo, to Sara, third daughter of Thomas Martin, Bellevue, Sligo.

STOKES--READ -- December 26, at St. Mary's Church, Painstown, County Meath, by the Rev. P. LaTouche, William, third son of Enoch Stokes, of Whitechurch, New Ross, to Suzette, third daughter of the late John Read, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin.

WEBB--DAVIS -- December 27, at Friends' Meeting-house, Dublin, William W., son of the late Thomas W. Webb, of Griesemount, Ballytore, to Alice, only daughter of the late Robert Davis, of Clonmel.

Deaths

FRAME -- January 1, at Anthony Hill, Montaugh, Charlotte Frame. Her remains will be removed for interment in the family burying-ground, Moneyrea, on to-morrow (Saturday) morning, 3rd inst., at eleven o'clock. -- Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation.

SMYTH -- January 1, at 31, Castle Street, Eliza Smyth. Funeral to-morrow (Saturday), at half-past two o'clock.

TAYLOR -- December 30, at 44, Relf Road, Peckham, London, James Taylor, H. M. Customs, late of Belfast. His remains will be removed from the Fleetwood steamer, on to-morrow (Saturday) morning, at nine o'clock, for interment in Newtownbreda burying-ground.

YOUNG -- December 31, at the Royal Hospital, Belfast, William Young, R.N., late Chief Officer of Coastguards, Bangor, aged forty-two years. Funeral will leave the Hospital at eleven o'clock a.m,, to-morrow (Saturday), for Carrickfergus New Cemetery.

-- -- -- -- --

CRANFIELD -- December 30, at 63, FitzJohn Avenue, London, Helena, third daughter of Thomas Cranfield, Esq., late of Airfield House, Dundrum.

FAULKNER -- December 30, at the residence of his son-in-law, Robert M'Intire, Melmount, Strabane, William Faulkner, aged seventy-eight years.

M'CORKELL -- December 30, at her residence, Glengallaugh, Mary, relict of the late Archibald M'Corkell.

Clippings

BELFAST POLICE COURTS. -- Yesterday the presiding magistrate in the Custody Court was the Hon. Colonel Forbes, R.M. The majority of the prisoners in custody were charged with drunkenness and disorderly conduct. A lad named John Donnegan was charged by Detective-Constable M'Keown with having absconded from the Malone Protestant Reformatory upon the 30th ult. Mr. Coulter prosecuted. The detective having deposed to the arrest of Donnegan, Mr. Barclay, superintendent of the institution, deposed that the lad had been for some time prior to the 30th December an inmate thereof, and requested the Court to send him back to complete his term. His Worship, in acceding to the application, cautioned the prisoner that if he ever absconded again he would be sent to gaol for six months. -- Patrick Kerr, the stepfather of the last prisoner, was charged with having detained some clothing which had been worn by the prisoner, and which belonged to the Reformatory. The offence having been proved, the prisoner was sent to gaol for a month. -- John Boal was charged with having illegally pawned two pictures, and was fined £1 Irish. -- George Robinson, charged with the larceny of a turkey, was remanded in custody for a week. The presiding magistrates in the Summons Court were -- Messrs. MacCarthy, R.M.; R. L. Hamilton, John Browne, and William Bell. -- David Patterson was summoned at the instance of Constable John R. Doyle for having, on the 26th ult., driven a horse and vehicle on the wrong side of the road at Ballynafeigh, Mr. M'Lean prosecuted, and Mr. M'Erlean defended. It appeared from the evidence that the defendant had been driving along the centre of the road when he was observed by the constable. In reply to the Bench, Constable Doyle stated that the defendant did not cause any obstruction. Mr. Hamilton remarked that he failed to see the necessity for summoning the driver of a vehicle occupying the centre of the road when no obstruction was being caused. The constable stated that he had very strict orders regarding vehicular traffic. Their Worships dismissed the case.

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THE ALLEGED BRUTALITY AT SEA.

BIRKENHEAD, THURSDAY.

At the Police Court here to day William Rauscher, second mate, and Ferdinand Kollpein, boatswain, of the American ship J. F. Chapman, were again charged on remand with the murder of a seaman named Jansen, off Cape Horn, on October 9. Captain Thompson and his chief mate were now examined. Both denied having ill used the deceased, and stated that Jansen never made any complaint of ill-treatment to them. The prisoners then made statements. Rauscher admitted having ordered Jansen to be lashed up for sleeping on his watch, and Kollpein said he once kicked the deceased for shirking work. The magistrate reserved his decision until Monday next.

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LISBURN -- PETTY SESSIONS. -- The usual fortnightly Petty Sessions were held yesterday in the Courthouse, Lisburn, before Mr. Walter T. Stannus, D.L., J.P, (chairman), and Mr. Theodore Richardson, J. P. William J. Moore summoned Sarah Wallace for the alleged larceny of a purse, containing £1 5s 31, from his pocket on the 9th December last. Mr. F. W. Charley prosecuted, and Mr. W. H. Hancock defended. The Court dismissed the case. Latia Farrel and William Murray were charged by Samuel Curry with stealing 32s from him on the 2nd December last. Mr. Hancock defended. Case dismissed,

 

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Births

NELIS -- January 1, at 2, Princes Street, Londonderry, the wife of Patrick Nelis, of a daughter.

PIRRIE -- January 2, at Finsbury Square, London, the wife of J. Sinclair Pirrie, of Bombay, of a son.

PUREFOY -- January 4, at Belton House, South Circular Road, Dublin, the wife of the Rev. A. D. Purefoy, A.M, of a daughter.

SHAW -- January 1, at 23, Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin, the wife of James J. Shaw, Barrister-at-Law, of a daughter.

Marriages

JOHNSTON--CONROY -- December 31, at the Methodist Church, Enniskillen, by the Rev. J. W. Jones, assisted by the Rev. R. Steward, William Johnston, Newbliss, County Monaghan, to Sarah, second daughter of the late Gordon Conroy, formerly of Busherstown, Roscrea, County Tipperary.

MORICE--DAWSON -- December 30, at the Parish Church, Sixmilebridge, County Clare, by the Right Rev. the Bishop of Killaloe, assisted by the Very Rev. the Dean of Kilfenora and the Rev. J. G. Birch, Rector of the Parish, Francis Morice, Esq , of Springfield, to Annie, eldest daughter of Richard Dawson, J.P., of Bunratty.

MULLIGAN--SIMPSON -- January 1, by special licence, at the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev. Jackson Smyth, D D., Francis Mulligan, H.M. Inland Revenue, Newry, to Emma, second daughter of William Simpson, Esq., Killeen House, Armagh.

Deaths

HODKINSON -- January 2, at the residence of his father, Irish Quarter South, Carrickfergus, John, eldest son of James Hodkinson. His remains will be removed for interment in the New Burying-ground, on to-morrow (Sunday) evening, 4th inst., at three o'clock. Friends will please accept this intimation.

RUSSELL -- December 31, at Belvidere Place, Dublin, Mary, relict of the late Thomas Russell, Esq., J.P., Killough.

SHORT -- December 30, at Scotstown, County Monaghan, Sarah, relict of the late James Short, aged fifty-two years.

TRACY -- January 1, at his residence, 2, Dungiven Road, Waterside, Derry, William Tracy, aged eighty-six years.

Clippings

BELFAST POLICE COURTS -- Yesterday.

CUSTODY COURT.

[Before the Hon. Colonel Forbes, R.M., and Mr. Alexander MacLaine]

LARCENY. -- Jane M'Carthy was charged with the larceny of a coat, the property of James M'Loughlin. Mr. Coulter prosecuted. It appeared that the owner of the article went to the house in which the prisoner lodged, and next morning found the coat missing. In answer to Mr. Coulter, he said that the coat was worth about 16s. He gave no authority to the prisoner to take it. The prisoner said that M'Loughlin was a consenting party to the giving of the coat, and it had not been removed from the room in which it was found by the police. The constable who arrested the prisoner said the house was a lodging-house. The prisoner was discharged.

ASSAULT. -- John Ligget was charged by Constable Crozier with assaulting a woman named M'Aulay in M'Cracken's Court, Ballymacarrett, on Christmas morning. Mr. Coulter prosecuted, and Mr. M'Erlean appeared for the defence. It transpired that M'Aulay and her husband, who reside in Seaforde Street, were in prisoner's house on the day referred to, and partook of drink. The two men quarrelled, and Ligget lifted a mallet to attack Mr. M'Aulay. Mrs. M'Aulay interfered, and Ligget lifted a sweeping brush and beat her. The injuries were of such a nature that she was obliged to go to the Royal Hospital. A fine of 20s and costs was imposed.

USE OF THE KNIFE. -- William Dunlop and Thomas Watt were charged by Head-Constable Reilly with stabbing two young men named Bowers and Vance in Bryson Street, Ballymacarrett, on Christmas night. According to the evidence for the prosecution, a young man named Robert Longridge was proceeding up Bryson Street on the night mentioned, when Watt, who was lying against the wall, struck him. Longridge returned the blow, and Dunlop came out of a house and struck him. Bowers and Vance then came up and interfered on behalf of Longridge, and in the scuffle which ensued Bowers was stabbed in the arm and Vance on the shoulder. No knife, however, was discovered on either prisoner. Mr. Samuel Charles and Mr. Todd having given prisoners a good character, Colonel Forbes said the affair appeared to be of the nature of a street row, and the prisoners would be discharged.

CHARGE OF SHOOTING. -- Two lads named Turney and Keenan were charged on remand by Constable M'Loone with injuring another lad named Edward Reilly, residing in Baker Street, by firing a pistol at him on Thursday week. As Reilly was still unable to attend, the BENCH decided to discharge Keenan and to remand Turney for another week -- bail, however, being taken for his appearance.

SERIOUS ASSAULT. -- Robert M'Bride and John M'Bride were charged by Constable Patrick Hynes with seriously assaulting Hugh Jordan on Christmas night in Howard Street South. After evidence had been given, a fine of 20s and costs was imposed.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

SUMMONS COURT,

[Before Messrs. Thomas M'Clelland and F. J. MacCarthy, R.M.]

OBSTRUCTING THE THOROUGHFARE. -- John W. White was summoned for having obstructed the thoroughfare in North Street on the 19th December. Mr. James M'Lean, jun., prosecuted, and Mr. M'Erlean was for the defence. The case had already been twice before the Court. On each occasion there was a disagreement between the magistrates, and it was now brought forward a third time as a test. The evidence went to show that on the date in question the defendant called at a bootmaker's shop in North Street in order to get a pair of boots, and during the five minutes he was undergoing the operation of fitting Head-Constable Cosgrove ordered that the defendant's horse and cart should be moved on. Mr. Beverland, with whom the defendant was negotiating, refused to allow the vehicle to be moved, and consequently a summons was taken out. The defence was that there were upwards of fifty carts in North Street at the time, that the defendant was singled out as a victim of "police tyranny," that there was no obstruction whatever, and that the head-constable was not justified in taking the high-handed proceedings he did on the occasion. It was alleged that the defendant was not summoned for obstruction, but because he refused to comply with the orders of the head-constable. Mr. M'Clelland held that the cart should have been moved on when the policeman requested the man to do so. If the defendant wanted a pair of boots he should have left his cart some where else. A fine of 5s, with 12s 6d costs, was imposed. Subsequently the costs were mitigated to 3s.

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THE ARMY.

MAJOR MALCOLM, of the 1st Battalion Border Regiment, has been ordered to hold himself in readiness to embark about the 20th of February, in the Serapis, for passage to Bombay, and will join head-quarters.

Lieutenant Oakes, of the 4th Battalion Middlesex Regiment, has joined the 1st Battalion of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, quartered at Richmond Barracks, as a temporary arrangement.

The non-commissioned officers of the Royal Artillery in Ireland, selected for the short course of instruction in gunnery, have been ordered to join the class at Shoeburynees to-day.

Orders have been issued from the Horse Guards to prepare a draft, to consist of a sergeant, two corporals, and 120 privates, for the 1st Battalion Leinster Regiment, to be held in readiness to embark about the 20th of February, for conveyance to Bombay.

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Last year the total number of applications for letters patent was 17,110.

The Sultan's pleasure is awaited for the launching at Constantinople of the ironclad frigate which has been nearly seven years on the stocks.

In recognition of his services as an Irish historian, the Rev. C. P. Meehan, Roman Catholic priest, has been offered £150 out of the Royal Bounty Fund by Mr. Gladstone.

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SHOCKING DYNAMITE ACCIDENT.

A YOUNG MAN KILLED.

CARRICKFERGUS, FRIDAY EVENING.

This afternoon, at two o'clock, an accident of a shocking character occurred at the new harbour. A young man named John Hodkinson, a clerk in the employment of Mr. T. D. Lewin, contractor for the harbour improvements, was at that time engaged in making preparations for blasting operations on large blocks at present lying inside the new works. At the hour mentioned he appears to have been the sole occupant of a small house, about 10 feet square, which is situate at the north end of the west pier. It is believed that he was in the act of heating some dynamite cartridges, a process which it seems is necessary to be gone through in order to prepare them for the fuse. He had been accustomed to do so for some time past. While so engaged it is presumed that the cartridges were heated to too great an extent, which caused them to explode with a terrific noise. The report was heard by the men working in a shed adjoining the house, who proceeded to ascertain the cause. On entering a frightful spectacle presented itself. Poor Hodkinson was found lying at the end of the house most remote from the fireplace, and near the door. He was terribly injured. Dr. Taggart was in immediate attendance, and had the injured man removed to his residence, which is close by. On examination it was found that the poor fellow had bean fatally injured, and that death must result in a very short space of time. His skull was severely fractured, and his face presented a sad appearance, his eyes having been blown out. The left jaw was broken, and the flesh torn away. The skin was partially off the right cheek. There was a deep indentation on the forehead above the left eye, and the entire face was charred and quite black. The left hand was blown off, and up to a late hour had not been found, and there was also a compound fracture of the legs. There were a great many lacerated wounds over the body. Dr. Taggart did everything possible to alleviate the sufferings of the unfortunate young man, and bandaged his wounds. He seemed unconscious of pain. Immediately before his death, which took place about four o'clock, the pain appeared to subside, and he passed quietly away. A visit to the house proved that the explosion must have been very severe. The slates are for the most part blown off the roof, and the ceiling inside is completely gone. The chimney has been blown away, and the fireplace thrown down. Portions of boxes in which dynamite cartridges had been placed were to be found lying about, as were also workmen's tools and broken barrels, &c. In fact the inside of the house was a scene of terrible confusion, and looked like a dilapidated lumber store. The men outside must have had a narrow escape, as they were working close to the place where deceased met his death. The noise of the explosion was heard throughout the town, and many of the inhabitants made their way to the scene of the accident. The deceased was a steady and industrious young man, and was highly respected in this town, where his parents reside. Very much sympathy is felt for his family and friends. An inquest on the body will be held.

 

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Births

COPLAND -- January 2, at Orchardstown House, Rathfarnham, the wife of Thomas C. Copland, of a son.

DENHAM -- December 31, at 25, Northumberland Road, Dublin, the wife of J. Knox Denham, of a son.

GAFFIKIN -- December 27, at No 2, Wilmont Place, the wife of William Gaffikin, of a daughter -- prematurely.

Marriages

JOHNSTON--HARMON -- December 30, at Monkstown Church, County Dublin, by the Rev. Mr. Mahaffy, William Frederick Johnston, eldest son of Williain Johnston, Dundalk, to Sarah Harmon, widow of the late Thomas Harmon, Torboy, County Longford.

RYAN--MAUL -- January 1, at the Catholic Church, Weston Underwood, by the Rev. Arthur Ryan, assisted by the Rev. George P. Stokes, Walter, youngest son of the late John Ryan, Esq., Scarteen, County Limerick, to Alice, youngest daughter of the late J. C. Maul, Esq, The Lodge, Newport Pagnell, Bucks.

TENISON--POWER -- January 1, at Holy Trinity Church, Rathmines, Dublin, by the Rev. S. M. Harris, incumbent, Arthur Herron Ryan, son of Edward Ryan Tenison, Esq, M.D., London, to Lucy Susan, second daughter of the late Samuel Hall Power, Esq., Dublin.

Deaths

CHAMBERS -- January 2, at the residence of her son-in-law, William Arnold, Bell Field, Spa, Ballynahinch, Jane, relict of James Chambers, Drumgavlin, Magherahamlet, aged eighty-seven years. Funeral this day (Monday), at twelve o'clock.

FORSYTH -- January 4, at 56, Duncairn Street, Antrim Road, Hannah, fifth daughter of the late John Forsyth, formerly of Limavady, and late of Pittsburg, U.S. Her remains will be removed for interment in Limavady Church Burying-ground, on to-morrow (Tuesday) morning, 6th inst., train arriving at 9.20 a.m. Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation.

M'CAUGHY -- Suddenly, at his residence, Mountview, Dromore, County Down, David M'Caughy. Funeral on to-morrow (Tuesday), 6th inst, at one o'clock precisely, to Dromore Burying-ground. Friends will please accept this intimation.

WEIR -- January 3, at her residence, High Street, Lurgan, after a very brief illness, Eliza Ann Weir. Her remains will be removed for interment in the New Cemetery, Lurgan, on to-morrow (Tuesday) morning, 6th inst, at ten o'clock.

-- -- -- -- -- --

BLAIN -- January 2, at her late residence, Killybegs, Prudence Blain, eldest daughter of the late William Blain.

BOLAND -- January 1, at his residence, The Square, Gort, County Galway, John Boland, aged seventy-seven years.

GAFFIKIN -- January 4, at No. 2, Wilmont Place, Kate, infant daughter of William Gaffikin.

Clippings

BELFAST POLICE COURTS. -- On Saturday, to the Custody Court, the Hon. Colonel Forbes, R.M.; Mr. R. L. Hamilton, J.P.; and Mr. Robert MacGeagh, J.P., presided. There were only a few cases on the books. Isabella Bogan was charged with having been drunk and disorderly on the previous night, and with having assaulted the police after her arrest. It appeared that after being taken into custody the prisoner assaulted the constable several times, and tore his tunic. She had been sixty-six times convicted previously. Their Worship's ordered her to be imprisoned for nine months. George Wilson, a young man, was charged, at the suit of Detective-Constable Nesbitt, with having obtained goods by means of false pretences from Joseph Thompson, Whitla Street. Mr. Harper defended. The evidence showed that Thompson kept a lodging-house in Whitla Street. On the 6th ult. the prisoner went to the house, and represented that he was an officer stationed in Strabane, and that he was doing duty as a policeman in Belfast. He was supplied with food and lodging from the 7th until the 29th ult. on the strength of the statement he had made, Thompson believing that he was a member of the constabulary force. It subsequently came to the knowledge of the lodging-house keeper that the prisoner had been discharged from the force before the date of the present transaction. The Bench returned the prisoner for trial to the Quarter Sessions, John M'Knight was charged with drunkenness and disorderly conduct, and with having assaulted Constable Screenan after his arrest. Evidence having been given, the prisoner was sent to gaol for two months. The Summons Court did not sit.

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THE ARMY.

MAJOR GENERAL W. H. SEYMOUR, C.B., Colonel of the 3rd Dragoon Guards, has been placed on retired pay under the provisions of the Royal Warrant of the 10th of last June.

Lieutenant-Colonel E. Williams, of the 1st Battalion Liverpool Regiment, has been granted permission to travel in France, Switzerland, and Italy during the period of his leave of absence.

Lieutenant Colonel Allen, Captain Schank, and Lieutenants Gardiner, Goff, and Richardson, of the 1st Battalion Highland Light Infantry, have been granted permission to travel on the Continent during the period of their leave of absence.

Major J. M. Benthall, for some time on half-pay, has retired from the service by the surrender of his half pay, and been granted the honorary rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.

The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve of the 10th (Prince of Wales's Own Royal) Hussars being permitted to bear the words "Egypt, 1884," on its appointments; and of the undermentioned regiments, which already bear on their appointments or colours the words "Egypt, 1882." being permitted to add thereto the date "1884," in commemoration of their distinguished and gallant behaviour during the campaign in the Eastern Soudan:-- 19th Hussars, the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), the King's Royal Rifle Corps, the York and Lancaster Regiment, the Gordon Highlanders, and the Princess Victoria's (Royal Irish) Fusiliers.

Though not officially announced, it is generally understood that the Volunteers will have two field days at Easter -- one at Dover and the other at Aldershot; so that if, as anticipated, there is a ready adherence to the proposal that the Volunteers should work with regular troops at Aldershot and Dover, there is promise of two large displays. The claims of Brighton and Portsmouth are postponed for consideration till 1886.

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THE SUPPOSED MURDER NEAR ATHLONE.

Dublin, Sunday.

The reported murder near Athlone, County Roscommon, turns out to have been merely death from exposure, but under very peculiar circumstances. It appears that on New Year's Night between thirty and forty people, men and woman, assembled at the house of John Murray, of Craigaun, to spend the evening. A half barrel of porter had been provided by subscription, and those present drank freely of it. There was some dispute about half-past ten at night about the right to the accommodation for dancing, the dancing being performed on a door laid on the earthen floor. A tussle followed, and some blows were struck, but it does not appear that the deceased, a young man of seventeen, suffered any violence. He was found shortly after midnight lying on his face across a low wall, quite dead, and with nothing on him but his trousers and boots. The medical evidence was to the effect that the deceased died from congestion of the lungs, which, it was believed, had been caused by exposure. There were a few scratches on the arms, but nothing that would be at all sufficient to cause death. The jury returned a verdict accordingly.

 

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Births

BISHOP -- January 3, at 25, Upper Berkeley Street, Portman Square, London the wife of George F. Bishop, Esq., of a son.

HALL -- January 5, at The Manse, Glenarm, wife of the Rev. James Hall, of a son.

MARTIN -- January 4, at Woodland Villa, Belmont Park, Mrs. A. Martin, of a daughter.

Marriages

GRIFFIN--SAUNDERSON -- January 2, at the Presbyterian Church, Killucan, by the Rev. John Rainey, M.A., William Hollingsworth, youngest son of Samuel Griffin, Esq., Mountpleasant Square, Dublin, to Sara Mary, second daughter of Robert Saunderson, M.D., Edenderry, King's County.

RUTHERFORD--M'NEILY -- December 30, at the Wesleyan Church, Sligo, by the Rev. Caleb S. Laird, M.A, assisted by the Rev. G. Hammond, Thomas W. Rutherford, of Moorfield, County Leitrim, second son of Alan Rutherford, of Rockfield, Manorhamilton, to Jane, eldest daughter of Captain Robert M'Neily, Sligo.

WINTER--SPRING -- December 30, at Twomilebridge, County Clare, by the Rev. J. Beech, Francis Winter, to Annie Spring, both of the same parish.

Deaths

M'CULLOUGH -- At his father's residence, Railway View, Galgorm Road, Ballymena, William, fourth son of John M'Cullough, aged twenty-five years. His remains will be removed for interment in the Churchyard on this day (Tuesday), at twelve o'clock noon. Friends will please accept this intimation.

RICE -- January 5, at Bow Street, Lisburn, James Rice, aged seventy-three years. His remains will be removed from his late residence for interment in Tullyrusk Burying-ground, on tomorrow (Wednesday), the 7th inst., at ten o'clock. R.I.P.

WEIR -- January 3, at her residence, High Street, Lurgan, after a very brief illness, Eliza Ann Weir. Her remains will be removed for interment in the New Cemetery, Lurgan, on this (Tuesday) morning, the 6th inst, at ten o'clock.

-- -- -- -- -- --

DIXON -- January 3, at her son-in-law's residence, 35, Mill Street, Waterside, Derry, Sarah, relict of the late Robert Dixon, aged sixty-two years.

SERVICE -- January 4, at Greenwood, Glasgow, Robert Service, aged sixty-five years.

THOMPSON -- January 2, at his residence, Lakeview House, Castleblayney, Samuel Thompson, aged sixty-eight years.

Clippings

BALLYMENA QUARTER SESSIONS

Yesterday the business of these Sessions was commenced in the Courthouse, Ballymena, before Mr. David M. Ross, Q.C., County Court Judge. The following magistrates occupied seats on the bench:-- Messrs. Arthur C. Allen, J. C. Rutherford, R.M.; J. Moore, J. Patrick, George Bellis, A. Currel, William Gihon, W. A. Young, and Captain Armstrong. Mr. H. H. Bottomley, sub-sheriff; Mr. Thomas Cunningham, deputy-clerk of the peace; and Mr. H. M'Neile M'Cormick, registrar, were also present. The following gentlemen were sworn on the

GRAND JURY:-- Nathaniel Morton (foreman), William Moore, John Armour, John M. Campbell, Francis Craig, John Dickson, Andrew Doherty, William Irwin, John Gault, John Hanna, jun., Daniel P. Hunter, William M'Clelland, William M'Connell, John M'Elderry, Matthew Montgomery, Hugh Bailie, James B. Black, Roger Casement, Francis Dinemore, Samuel Douglas, James Ferguson, Robert Martin, and John Blaney.

His WORSHIP, in addressing the Grand Jury, said -- Mr. Morton and gentlemen, I am very happy to tell you that your duties will be very light indeed. There are only three cases of larceny to go before you, and I shall have the pleasure of discharging you in a very short time. Gentlemen of your experience will have no difficulty in dealing with the cases, and if you should I will be very glad to give you such assistance as lies in my power.

The Grand Jury then retired, and the petty jury panel was called over.

EJECTMENTS.

MOORE V. DUNLOP AND OTHERS.

This was a civil bill ejectment brought by James Moore, J.P., Ballycauley, against Joseph Dunlop, of Mounthamilton, and others, for the recovery of part of the lands of Carnlea, consisting of a farm of land and premises situate in the parish of Kirkinriola. The tenant held under a contract of tenancy from year to year, at the yearly rent of £50, and the total arrears amounted to £108 10s 8d.

Mr. Alexander Caruth appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Mullan for the defendants.

His WORSHIP granted a decree for possession, and gave a stay until 1st March.

SMITH V. M'CORD.

This was an ejectment brought in respect of deserted premises, formerly occupied by a tenant named M'Cord, who had since gone to America, leaving the premises derelict. The proceedings were under Deasy's Act.

The necessary proofs having been given,

His WORSHIP granted a decree.

Mr. Caruth appeared for the plaintiff.

SPIRIT LICENCES.

There were only two applications under the Licensing Act.

Francis Boyd applied for a licence in respect of premises situate in William Street, Ballymena. The transfer was from Wilson Hanna to the applicant. Mr. Calwell appeared for Boyd.

The COURT granted a fix-day licence.

Patrick Higgins applied for a transfer of a six day licence from Margaret Butler to himself in respect of premises recently held by her at Waterfoot, near Cushendall. Mr. Alexander O'Rorke appeared for the applicant.

District Inspector Gambell said there was no objection on the part of the police.

The application was accordingly granted.

CRIMINAL BUSINESS.

The FOREMAN of the GRAND JURY having intimated that true bills had been found in all the cases sent before them,

His WORSHIP said he had to thank them for their attendance, and it was his pleasing privilege to be able to congratulate that division of the County Antrim upon the circumstance that so little crime came within his cognisance. He was happy to be able to discharge them.

LARCENIES.

Alexander M'Dougall, flesher's assistant, was indicted for having stolen the sum of £66 1s, in gold and silver coin, together with the cashbox which contained it, from the desk of his employer, Andrew M'Kerville. Bridge Street, Ballymena, on the 29th December last.

The prisoner pleaded guilty.

Mr. J. K. CURRIE said he was solicitor for Mr. M'Kerville, who instructed him to urge a few circumstances upon the consideration of the Court in favour of the prisoner. The day the occurrence took place the prisoner's employer was absent from his place of business, and the young man, yielding to temptation, took this sum of money. But a short time after he repented of what he had done and disclosed where he had hidden the cash-box, so that all his master's property was restored. There had never been a previous charge against M'Dougall. He had a wife and two young children dependent on him for support; and, under these circumstances, he Mr. M'Kerville hoped the Court would deal as leniently as possible with the prisoner, who was a native of Greenock.

Mr. M'LEAN having called attention to certain contradictory statements made by the prisoner after the money was missed,

His WORSHIP said that the opinion of the Bench seemed to be that three months' imprisonment with hard labour would be sufficient to meet the ends of justice in the case, and the prisoner was sentenced accordingly.

Ann and Francis O'Neill were indicted for having, on the 1st inst., stolen one £5 note, a shilling, three sixpences, and one purse, the property of Samuel Blair, from the person of Martha Blair.

Mr. James M'Lean, S.C.S., prosecuted. The prisoners were not defended.

It appeared from the evidence that upon the date in question Mrs. Blair obtained from her husband in Ballymoney a £5 note, which she subsequently lost while taking drink with her brother-in-law in a public-house. The female prisoner was the only stranger in the shop, and she was arrested upon the same day. Pawn tickets were found in the possession of the male prisoner showing that articles had been pledged in Omagh so recently as the 22nd December last. The prisoners did not belong to Ballymoney, but stated first that they lived at Portadown, and afterwards that they belonged to Belfast. Constable Dudley found the £5 note (produced) in the male prisoner's possession. It answered to the description given to him by Mrs. Blair.

In reply to the BENCH, the male prisoner said he left Belfast a few months ago with £10 10s in his possession. He spent £3 in silver -----

His WORSHIP said he could not allow any such statements, unless witnesses would be produced to support them.

The prisoners said they had no witnesses to call.

The jury found the prisoners guilty.

The female prisoner then pleaded guilty to having been convicted of larceny at Lisburn Petty Sessions, upon which occasion she was sentenced to three months imprisonment.

His WORSHIP sentenced Francis O'Neill to twelve months' imprisonment with hard labour, and Anne O'Neill to five years' penal servitude and two years' police supervision.

CHARGE OF THEFT.

Agnes M'Cord was indicted for having stolen a quantity of wearing apparel from Mr. Robert Magee, of Church Street, Ballymena, in whose employment she had for some time been.

Mr. O'RORKE, who appeared for the prisoner, applied to his Worship to postpone the trial, on the grounds that the prisoner had sworn an affidavit to the effect that she had received a dress, value for £3 10s, and one of the articles alleged to have been stolen, from a young man who was a former assistant in Mr. Magee's establishment. It was the intention of the prisoner to produce this assistant as a witness on her behalf, but it had not been found possible to have him summoned in time.

Mr. M'LEAN, on behalf of the Crown, pointed out to his Worship that the prisoner had had ample opportunity of providing for her defence since the 30th October, the date of her arrest; but he believed it was understood that Mr. Magee and his family were about to emigrate, so that the Crown would be unable to produce any of them if an adjournment were granted to next Quarter Sessions.

Mr. O'RORKE -- I would not lend myself to a fraud of that description. If the case can be postponed until to-morrow we could issue a Crown summons and have the young man here.

His WORSHIP decided to adjourn the case until to day.

BUSINESS OF THE COURT.

The following indicates the business of the Court -- Number of civil bill entries, 274; ejectment ditto, 33. Number of civil bills defended, 87; ejectments ditto, 15; total 102.

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THE ARMY.

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL R. H. VETCH, Royal Engineers, has been appointed Assistant Director of Works and Fortifications at the War Office, vice Colonel Talmond, appointed Assistant Adjutant-General at the Horse Guards.

As an illustration, the Army and Navy Gazette says, not of what we are coming to, but of what we have reached, on the road to perfection, it is worth while to call attention to a little "statistic" anent one cavalry regiment in Ireland. From October 6th to October 8th, it sent fifty-six men to the reserve after five years' service; ten men after eight years' service; there were fifty-six deserters; five men bought their discharge, and forty-four were sent to Egypt.

The death is announced of Major General Mortimer B. S. Whitemore, formerly of the 7th Royal Fusiliers, also of Major-General Gibbes Rigaud, which took place at Oxford rather suddenly.

By direction of the Secretary of State for War, a Committee of officers has been selected to consider and revise the regulations hitherto in use for the instruction of officers and men of the Royal Engineers in submarine mining and torpedo operations. Opportunity will at the same time be taken by the Committee to prepare a special code of regulations and manual of instructions for the use of the officers and men of Engineer Volunteer Corps. The Committee invite officers of the Royal Engineers, who have suggestions to offer or recommendations to make in the preparation of the revised manual of instructions, to forward them to the Inspector of Submarine Mining Defences, who will bring the same before the Committee.

The district courts-martial of which the undermentioned officers were presidents are dissolved:-- Lieutenant-Colonel Free, Royal Horse Artillery; Major Stopford, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry; Major Briscoe, 2nd Border Regiment.

Colonel J. W. Hughes has relinquished the command of the 2nd Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment, and retired from the service on the full pay of his rank, and the honorary rank of Major General.

Brevet-Colonel P. G. L. Smith, of the Royal Engineers, has completed five years' service as a Regimental Lieutenant-Colonel, and been placed on half-pay.

Major and Staff Paymaster W. Hughes, of the Army Pay Department, has taken over the duty of Chief Paymaster in Ireland, in succession to Colonel Nowlan, retired.

Captain J. F. Simonet, of the Yorkshire Regiment, who is a candidate for an appointment in the Army Pay Department, has been removed from Edinburgh to the Curragh to assume the pay duties of the 2nd Battalion.

Lieutenant E. J. J. Teale, of the 1st Battalion Duke of Connaught's Light Infantry, has been transferred to the Commissariat and Transport Staff, for service as a Deputy Assistant Commissary-General.

Lieutenant the Hon. Claude H. C. Willoughby has been transferred from the 11th Hussars to the 9th Lancers, in the place of Lieutenant Hopkins, placed on temporary half-pay on account of ill health.

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BOY HIGHWAYMEN. -- At Bow Street Police Court, London, Charles Adams, aged 13, Christopher Casson, 14, and Thomas Sullivan, 15, were charged with stealing an umbrella belonging to a young woman named Flouton, Prosecutrix was in Hart Street, Covent Garden, when she was attacked by the three prisoners. Adams threw her to the ground, while one of the prisoners stole her umbrella. Adams also kicked prosecutrix on the knee with such violence that a wound was inflicted, and it was necessary to procure medical aid at the police station. The prisoners were arrested, and, in reply to the charge, said that another boy had sold the umbrella for 6d. Detective Sergeant Partridge said that Adams was the ringleader of a gang of young thieves. The prisoners were remanded.

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FOUND DROWNED. -- A woman has been found drowned at Carnelian Bay, about three quarters of a mile south of Scarborough. The body was identified as that of Mary Ann Fraser, wife of a groom. She had been some time mentally affected, and had twice been an inmate of a lunatic asylum. She had visited her husband a few days ago, and wished to remain with him, but it was deemed advisable for her to return to the care of Mr. Rippengill, at Scarborough, where she had resided some time. She made her escape from the house, after having been seen safely to bed. A young man named David Mitchell bas been found drowned in Forfar Loch. The loch is frozen over, and some boys saw the body beneath the ice. The deceased is supposed to have fallen into the water at one of the many springs in the loch.

 

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Births

GRAY -- January 6, at 28, Oldpark Crescent, Belfast, the wife of William M'C. Gray, of a son.

JOYCE -- January 6, at 16, Eglantine Avenue, the wife of Henry Joyce, of twin sons -- prematurely.

M'CLELLAND -- January 3, at Glendarragh, the wife of Matthew M'Clelland, of a daughter.

M'LOUGHLIN -- January 3, at Aghanloo, Limavady, the wife of James M'Loughlin, of a daughter.

Marriages

M'CULLAGH--ORR -- January 3, at Booterstown Parish Church, by the Rev. John Lombard, Rector, assisted by the Rev. James F. Caithness, James Gordon M'Cullagh, of the Middle Temple, Barrister, to Catherine Sydney, youngest daughter of Alexander S. Orr, of Greenwood, Blackrock, County Dublin.

MEATES--TAYLOR -- December 31, in Kiltiernan Church, County Dublin, by the Rev. Mr. Hughes, William Meates, City of New York, to Mary Anne Taylor, eldest daughter of Robert Taylor, Ballyedmonduff, County Dublin.

MOORE--GAMBLE -- December 31, at Connor Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. W. J. M'Caughan, William Moore, Ballymena, to a Sara, youngest daughter of the late James A. Gamble.

Deaths

RICE -- January 5, at Bow Street, Lisburn, James Rice, aged seventy-three years. His remains will be removed from his late residence for interment in Tullyrusk Burying-ground, this (Wednesday) morning, the 7th inst., at ten o'clock. -- R.I.P.

WATSON -- January 6, at her residence, 27, Turin Street, Belfast, Mary, the beloved wife of George Watson, aged sixty-nine years. Her remains will be removed for interment in Magheragall Church Burying-ground, on tomorrow (Thursday) morning, the 8th instant, at nine o'clock. Friends wiil please accept this intimation.

-- -- -- -- -- --

M'CLURE -- January 2, at her son's residence, Ballynashanagh, Mary M'Clure, widow of the late John M'Clure, aged seventy-four years.

POTTER -- January 1, at Collooney, Marlow Road, Anerley, Elizabeth, wife of George J. Potter, and third daughter of the late John Kennedy, Belfast.

WILLIAMS -- January 2, at his residence, Greenane, Rathdrum, County Wicklow, Thomas Williams, aged seventy-three years.

Clippings

THE ARMY.

THE Government, it is stated, is about to send thirty military foremen of works abroad to superintend the erection of fortifications at the various coaling stations.

Her Majesty's troopship Jumna arrived at Malta yesterday from Portsmouth, and disembarked the 2nd Battalion of the South Yorkshire Regiment, She will embark the Royal Irish Regiment, and sail to morrow for Bombay.

According to the latest returns, 40 infantry battalions of the Volunteer force are now clothed in grey of various hues, 58 in green, and 111 in scarlet. The "convict uniform" chiefly finds favour in the Metropolis, Bucks, Herts, Northampton, Somerset, and Perth; the green in Kent, Surrey, Worcester, Wilts, Essex, Gloucester, Dorset, and London -- in the last-named with good reason, as these regiments are attached to the 60th Rifles and Rifle Brigade.

The result of the late continuous drafts drawn from the home regiments is beginning to make itself very severely felt. At Colchester such is the dearth of officers available for duty that the authorities have been obliged to apply for the services of militia officers to fill up the vacancies. The militia is itself over 1,000 officers short of the proper establishment.

A good many military publications have recently appeared, amongst them "From Corunna to Sevastopol," which is the history of "C" Battery "A" Brigade Royal Horae Artillery, written with loving detail by one of its former commanding officers, Colonel F. A. Whinyates. In its pages will be found the full particulars of the brilliant act of valonr for which the late Colonel Dunn, 33rd Regiment, received the Victoria Cross, which hare never previously been detailed; and certainly no man ever better deserved that coveted reward "for valour."

In his "Mobilisation and Embarkation of an Army Corps," Lieutenant Colorel Furze has taken a wider range than the title of his book would indicate. Colonel Furze concludes one of his chapters with some golden words which every officer should lay to heart. "When the necessity arrives for a numerous force to be transported by sea for active operations in a distant country, the most energetic action on the part of the staff will never make up for the want of a carefully detailed plan of action carefully worked out in time of peace. If our officers think that in this matter, as in all other important military matters which mainly depend on arrangement, activity and inspiration will suffice, they are sadly mistaken. Only study based on experience, gained either by themselves or others, can secure a prompt and efficient embarkation."

Captain E. L. Maisey, of the 2nd Battalion Liverpool Regiment, has been ordered to embark and do duty with the draft for the 1st Battalion King's Own Borderers during its passage from Queenstown to Bombay, to join head-quarters.

Lieutenant Wintle, of the 1st Battalion Leinster Regiment, has been ordered to embark to join head-quarters in India, with the draft about to proceed in the Sarapis, and has been granted leave of absence meanwhile.

Lieutenant A. J. Howlin, of the 2nd Battalion Border Regiment, has been granted leave of absence, in extension, to the 15th inst.

Lieutenant Oakes, of the 1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, has been granted permission to travel in France during the period of his leave of absence.

Lieutenant Massey, of the 2nd Battalion Connaught Rangers, has been granted leave of absence to the 31st inst.

Lieutenant A. D. Campbell, of the Connaught Rangers, has been appointed a Deputy Assistant Commissary-General, on probation, with the honorary rank of Captain.

Colour-Sergeant Reeves has been transferred from head-quarters of the 1st Battalion Derbyshire Regiment, stationed at Athlone, to the depot at Derby.

Corporal Gabriel Eugene C. Meyer, of the 5th Royal Irish Lancers, has been appointed a military staff clerk, and posted for duty in the office of the Inspector-General of Cavalry in Ireland.

Orders have been issued from the Horse Guards to prepare a draft, to consist of a sergeant, two corporals, and 120 privates, for the 1st Battalion Leinster Regiment, to be held in readiness to embark about the 20th of February for conveyance to Bombay.

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QUARTER SESSIONS.

DOWNPATRICK.

Yesterday, at half-past twelve o'clock, Thomas Lefroy, Esq., Q.C., County Court Judge and Chairman of the County Down, took his seat in the Record Court, Downpatrick, and commenced the business of the Quarter Sessions for that division of the county. Messrs. George L. MacLaine, Clerk of the Crown and Peace; Thomas Gracey, his principal assistant; Hugh C. Kelly, Sub Sheriff; and Charles Higginson, County Registrar, were in attendance during the day. The precept having been read by the Clerk of the Crown and Peace, the following gentlemen were sworn on the

GRAND JURY:-- Messrs. John Tate (foreman), John M'Nabb, John Miskelly, John Mitchell, Alexander Moore, Samuel Morrow, jun,; James Bailie, James Campbell, jun.; David Dalzell, John Ellison, Robert Harper, John Kelly, John Lascelles, jun.; Robert Macbeth, Charles Neill, William Joseph M. Parker, Francis Quaile, Charles Ritchie, Hugh J. Scott, Jas. Warnock, Robert Orr Young, Thomas James Andrews, and John M'Cance Blizard.

His WORSHIP, addressing them, said there were six cases to go before them -- three of them for malicious wounding, popularly called aggravated assaults. He was sorry to see from the informations that in two of them the knife appeared to have been used, and that was of all others the class of offence which he felt it was most important everyone connected with the administration of justice should use every effort to check and stamp out. It was an offence, he was happy to say, rather novel in this country and in England, though very frequent on the Continent; but he was sorry to say there had been within the last few years several instances of it. Of course they would carefully look into the evidence, and see whether what appeared in the informations was warranted by the evidence. There were two other cases for larceny, and the remaining one -- the sixth -- was for riot and unlawful assembly. He thought it was hardly necessary for him, to gentlemen of their experience, to enter into detail in any of these cases, and they probably well knew what was their duty. He might say, however, in that case of riot the law was that, when parties assembled together, either with arms stones, or such riotous conduct or expressions that tend to a breach of the peace, though no unlawful act was done, that was an unlawful assembly. If there was any act done to carry out that intention, and three or more assembled, it was a riot; but in any case, whether any act was proved to have been done or not, the fact of their assembling in the way he had described made them guilty of an unlawful assembly, and, if any act were done, they were guilty of a riot as well as the assembly, and anyone present and helping in any way by word or deed, or inciting these present in the unlawful assembly, is equally guilty.

The Grand Jury then retired.

APPLICATIONS FOR SPIRIT LICENCES.

The following magistrates occupied seats on the bench:-- Major R. P. Maxwell, D.L.; Colonel W. B. Forde, D.L.; Dr. B. C. Parke, Major Gracey, Messrs. John M. Perry, John M'Robert, Robert Gordon, William Davidson, John Cleland, William N. Wallace, Charles Murland, George Allen, and T. D. Fitzgerald, R.M. The following are the names of the applicants and the ruling of the Court in each case:-- James Campbell, Downpatrick Street, Crossgar, transfer, granted; Catherine Darby and Ellen Darby, Scotch Street, Downpatrick, transfer, granted; Henry Holmes, Legananny, new licence, granted; Sarah Jarvis and Maria Jarvis, Ballydugan, transfer, granted; John Parkinson, Scotch Street, Downpatrick, transfer, granted. Messrs. H. R. Tweedy, William Russell, and Mr. G. A. Hume, B.L. (instructed by Messrs. R. J. Crawley & Son), appeared in support of the several applications.

ILLNESS OF THE SESSIONAL CROWN SOLICITOR.

During the hearing of the spirit licence applications,

Mr. TWEEDY asked leave from the Court to act for Mr. B. N. Johnson, who has been ordered to the South of France by his medical adviser for the benefit of his health.

His Worship said he was sorry to hear he was so unwell.

CRIMINAL BUSINESS.

UNLAWFULLY WOUNDING.

Joseph M'Dowell was indicted for having, on the 29th November, unlawfully wounded William John Harrison; in a second count, with an assault occasioning actual bodily harm; and in a third count, with a common assault.

The prisoner pleaded not guilty, and a jury was sworn to try him.

Mr. James Murland, Crown solicitor, prosecuted in this and the following cases; and the prisoner was defended by Mr. Wm. Russell.

From the evidence it appeared that on the evening in question Harrison was in Newtownards market, and, when returning to his home at Gransha, about two miles from Newtownards, he called on a neighbour named John M'Cutcheon, who lives at Loughries, and in whose employment the traverser was. After remaining there for about an hour he proceeded home, accompanied by a girl named Agnes M'Millan and a relation of M'Cutcheon's named Alexander M'Cutcheon. When crossing the mearing ditch between the townlands of Loughries and Gransha, the traverser attacked Harrison, knocked him down, and kicked him. Dr. R. C. Parke, J.P., who attended the injured man, deposed that he had visited him on the following day, and found that three ribs were fractured and the breast bone contused. The injuries could have been produced by kicking. The man suffered very considerably, but in the doctor's opinion he would recover without any permanent injury. From Alex. M'Cutcheon's statement it appeared that M'Dowell assisted him to take Harrison over the ditch. The defence was that the accused had received great provocation from Harrison, who, as alleged, pulled him by the beard, which was the cause of the assault, and the assistance M'Dowell gave to M'Cutcheon in helping him over the ditch was put forward in mitigation of the assault committed, as well as the fact that there was no ill feeling between the parties, who had known one another for twelve months previously.

The jury found the prisoner guilty on the second and third counts, and sentence was reserved.

A respectable-looking young man named David Curragh was arraigned, and pleaded not guilty to a similar offence on the 24th December last, the injured man being John M'Ilveen.

Mr. D. M'Gonigal appeared for the traverser.

It appeared that on Christmas Eve the accused, with a number of others, were in Mrs. M'Ilveen's public-house in Saintfield when some dispute arose near the closing hour about a dog. The result was that Andrew Craig, who was in the employment of the publican, was ordered to remove M'Ilveen, and in doing so fell in the inner yard. Subsequently the traverser came up to separate them, when M'Ilveen caught him by the shirt collar and tore it. They then went to the outer yard, where they fell, and Curragh and Craig left him. About two minutes afterwards Craig went out to soo if he were still there, and found he had gone. M'Ilveen got a punctured wound on the right side of his nose, which, it was alleged, had been inflicted by Curragh with a knife in the scuffle, and the defence was that he had received it in the "tussle" with Craig by falling on seme broken glass in the inner yard.

The jury returned a verdict of not guilty, and the prisoner was discharged.

His WORSHIP -- I am glad it is your verdict, gentlemen, not mine.

Mr. Withers (foreman of the jury) -- Some of the jury wish me to state that they are sorry your Worship has had cause of reflection on their judgment.

His WORSHIP -- I am sorry I have had to do so, gentlemen.

The Court adjourned at half-past five, until half-past ten o'clock this morning.

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LURGAN.

Yesterday Mr. R. W. Gamble, Q.C., County Court Judge for Armagh and Louth, took up the business of these Sessions. His Worship was accompanied cn the bench by Colonel Waring, D.L., J.P.; Mr. George Greer, B.L., J.P.; Mr. J. G. Adamson, M.D., J.P.; and Mr. E. Magennis, M.D., J.P. Mr. George Gerald Tyrrell, Clerk of tho Crown and Peace; Mr. R. Blair White, Registrar; and Mr. Hugh Porter, deputy clerk, were also present.

GRAND JURY.

William John Paul (foreman), William Hall, Leonard Jennett, James Kennedy, John Larkin, John M'Nally, Charles Nicholson, Daniel O'Hare, Thomas Reburn, James Campbell, Thomas Dawson, John Finnigan, Simpson Gilbert, Hugh Hagan, Thomas Kernahan, James Livingstone, William Macoun, William Orr, Peter Joseph Shiel, James Watson, John Black, William Dickson, and John Gilchrist.

His WORSHIP said that the business of the jury would be light. There was only one case to go before them.

CRIMINAL CASE.

Robert Dale was indicted for having assaulted James Jamfrey whilst the latter was executing a decree in the prisoner's house.

Mr. G. Hazlett, S.C S., prosecuted, and the prisoner was undefended.

The jury found the prisoner guilty, and he was sent to gaol for fourteen days.

APPEALS.

JOHN RICHARDSON, APPELLANT; SERGEANT T. FAIRLEY, RESPONDENT.

This was an appeal from the Petty Sessions Court, where the appellant had been sentenced to three months' imprisonment for having committed a serious assault upon his mother-in-law and his sister.

Mr. Hazlett appeared for the appellant, and Mr. Hayes appeared for the respondent.

His WORSHIP confirmed the decision of the Court below, with 10s costs,

JAMES GIBBON, APPELLANT; MARY GIBSON, RESPONDENT.

The appellant in this case was sentenced to three months' imprisonment for assaulting the respondent, his wife, on the 15th October.

His WORSHIP confirmed the decision of the Court below, with 10s costs.

CIVIL BILLS.

GRAY, DUNN, AND CO., PLAINTIFFS; ROBERT THOMPSON, DEFENDANT.

This was a case in which the plaintiffs claimed £5 18s 6d for tins which the plaintiffs had supplied to the defendant, containing cakes. It appears that the defendants did not return the same boxes, but other boxes which were inferior.

His Worship dismissed the case.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

BALLYMENA.

Mr. David Ross, Q.C., County Court Judge for Antrim, sat in the Ballymena Courthouse yesterday morning, and resumed the business of these Sessions.

Mr. H. M'Neile M'Cormick, Registrar, and Mr. T. Cunningham, Deputy Clerk of the Peace, were in attendance.

CHARGE OF STEALING.

A young woman named Agnes M'Cord was indicted for having stolen a quantity of drapery goods and wearing apparel from Robert Magee, Church Street, Ballymena, in whose employment she was a servant.

Mr. James M'Lean, S.C.S , prosecuted, and Mr. Alexander O'Rorke, Ballymena, appeared for the prisoner.

It appeared from the evidence of Mrs. Magee that after a good deal of persuasion she got the prisoner to open her trunk, in which were found various articles described in the indictment, the remainder of them being discovered three days afterwards by Acting-Constable Hanna in the house of a relative named Reid in Laymore, whose daughter had been engaged by the prisoner to make a dress for her, and in the house of Miss Greer, Clonavon, who had also been employed to make a dress and jacket for the accused.

Mr. John Hale and Mr. Samuel Wiggins, by both of whom the prisoner had been employed, gave evidence as to her character.

The jury found a verdict of guilty.

His Worship passed sentence of eight months imprisonment with hard labour.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

LONDONDERRY.

This Court opened yesterday, before Mr. J. C. Neligan, Q.C., who congratulated the gentlemen of the Grand Jury on the peaceful state of the city, and said that only three bills would be presented for their consideration; and he might tell them that Derry would bear favourable comparison with any other city in her Majesty'e kingdom in respect of the absence of serious crime.

CRIMINAL CASES.

Susan Berry was convicted of assaulting Essie M'Menamin, matron of the County Prison, and also with assaulting two other persons who came to the matron's assistance. She was sentenced to six months imprisonment.

Peter Jackson, for having obtained a watch under false pretences, was sentenced to three weeks' imprisonment.

Owen Bonar and John Kerr, for having entered a house in the city and cut away lead pipes with intent to steal them, were sentenced to three months imprisonment.

SMOKE NUISANCE.

Messrs. David Watt & Co., distillers, appealed against the decision of the city magistrates convicting them of permitting a smoke nuisance in their distillery premises, and refusing to take proper measures for its abatement. The appeal had been adjourned from the previous sessions.

His WORSHIP said it was quite clear that the furnaces and chimneys in Mr. Watt's premises came under the Public Health and Nuisance Abatement Acts; but there was a sub-section in the latter Act to the effect that in any case if it were proved that the fireplace or furnace complained of were constructed in such a manner as to consume as far as practicable the smoke, and if they had been carefully attended to by the person having charge thereof, the complaint must be dismissed. The defence in this case was that the furnaces were constructed to consume their own smoke, and were properly attended to. After considering the entire evidence he had come to the conclusion that Mr. Watt's furnace did not as far as practicable consume the smoke, and that there were appliances which ought to be adopted for that purpose. He (the Recorder) considered that the Act had not been complied with, and that the judgment of the Court below should be confirmed. He would give a month for the remedying of the defects. It was stated that the alterations would cost about £400.

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SUPPOSED SUICIDE. -- Mrs. Effing, house-keeper, Coodham, Kilmarnock, has been found dead in her room. A bottle of carbolic acid and a tumbler were on the table, and it is supposed that she had drunk some of it. Deceased was a native of England.

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FATAL FOOTBALL ACCIDENT. -- Hugh Leenie, an apprentice bookbinder, residing at King's Stables, Edinburgh, met with an accident in the football field, which has terminated fatally. While playing in a match in Queen's Park one of his opponents accidentally kicked him in the abdomen, and he became insensible. He was taken to a house at Abbeyhill, where he died.

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REMISSION OF A NAVAL SENTENCE. -- Mr. Edward Robinson, late paymaster of her Majesty's ship Ganges, of Falmouth, has received an intimation from the Admiralty that their Lordships have been pleased to remit that portion of the sentence passed upon him at the recent court-martial which adjudged him to lose a year's seniority. Loss of seniority ranks higher as a punishment than dismissal from ship.

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THE MISSING GIRL HEAMDEN. -- As no clue has yet been obtained to the whereabouts of the girl Heamden, who was in the service of a woman named Johnson, at Folkestone, and has been missing since last May, it is proposed to offer a large reward for any information respecting her. The matter is being much discussed in the town and neighbourhood, Johnson, who will shortly complete her term of imprisonment for unlawfully disposing of the child, stated that the girl was taken away by a sister of mercy whom she did not know.

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NEWRY -- GUN ACCIDENT. -- On Monday night, at Kilkeel, a young man named William Burdon was attempting to load a gun with a large-sized cartridge, and struck it with a stone. The charge instantly exploded, flying upwards, striking him on the right eye and frightfully injuring the side of his head. Dr. Evans ordered Burdon's removal to hospital, where he underwent an operation, which necessitated the removal of the eye. It is feared that he will also lose the vision of the other.

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

PORTRUSH -- SEWAGE OF THE TOWN. -- At a public meeting of the inhabitants of Portrush, on Monday, to consider the sewerage of the town -- Dr. Traill, LL.D., presiding -- the following resolution was adopted, on the motion of Mr. Wm. Young, D.L., Galgorm, seconded by the Rev. Jonathan Simpson:-- "That this meeting is of opinion that an improvement must be made in the sewerage of Portrush, and resolve that they will sanction an expenditure not to exceed £1,000, the details of such expenditure to be afterwards arranged at a subsequent meeting, which the engineer, Mr. Macassey, be requested to attend, and that the Board of Guardians be requested to take the preliminary steps for obtaining a loan fromthe Board of Works."

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PORTGLENONE -- INQUEST. -- Yesterday an inquest was held upon the body of a woman named Martha Russell (Matty), who died suddenly on Sunday morning. On Saturday evening the woman retired in good health, and about six o'clock on Sunday morning she performed some domestic duties. Taking suddenly ill, the medical officer was called in, and gave her some restoratives, but without effect, as she died at nine o'clock, after two hours' illness. The jury returned a verdict of death from natural causes.

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RANDALSTOWN -- PETIT SESSIONS. -- These monthly Sessions were held yesterday, before Messrs. Joseph J. H. Carson, J.P. (in the chair); Michael M'Donald, M.D., J.P,; and J. C. Rutherford, B.M. Twenty-one cases were at the suit of Mr, Samuel Black, J.P., for detention of yarns, only two of which were proceeded with. Sergeant Beatty charged Goodlet French with having assaulted Robert Hamill at Tanaghmore. Mr. Williamson, Antrim, appeared for the prisoner. The Bench imposed a penalty of £2. Patrick Dugan was charged with having robbed a man called Letters of ten half sovereigns. The particulars have been published. Mr. Williamson, for the prisoner, pleaded guilty, and one month's imprisonment was Imposed. The Chairman stated that he and his brother magistrates desired to bring, before the proper authorities the energy and ability displayed by Sergeant Beatty and Constables Dogherty and M'Comb in bringing French and Dugan to justice.

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CARRICKFERGUS -- PETIT SESSIONS. -- These Sessions were held yesterday, before Messrs. M. R. Dalway, D.L. (chairman); Robert Alexander, J.P.; Robert MacMurray, J.P.; and John Jellie, J.P. District-Inspector Mason, R.I.C., was in attendance. James Boyd, Knockagh, West Division, was brought up on remand charged by Constable Fleming with the larceny of three ducks, the property of Mr. John Garrett, Glen House. Mr. Harper, solicitor, appeared for the defendant. The Bench dismissed the case. Two lads named James Steele and William Robert Steele, the latter having been before the Court at last Sessions, were sent to the Gibraltar training ship, their father having stated to the Bench that they were beyond his control, lay out at night, and kept bad company.

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

BELFAST POLICE COURTS -- Yesterday.

CUSTODY COURT.

[Before Mr. MacCarthy, R.M., and Dr. Browne]

ASSAULTS. -- Alexander M'Loughlin, described as a hairdresser, was charged by Constable John Eaton with being drunk and disorderly, and also with assaulting him after being arrested. Mr. Coulter prosecuted. A fine of 15s and costs was imposed -- Patrick Graham, formerly an inmate of Philipstown Roman Catholic Reformatory, was charged with assault and malicious mischief. Prisoner had gone to a pig-stye, the property of a man named Fisher, in Academy Street, picked the lock, smashed the door, and tramped a young pig to death. The prisoner was sentenced to two months' imprisonment for the assault, and was ordered to pay 10s compensation for the damage. -- Patrick Keegan was, on the evidence of Constable Dixon, fined 40s and costs, with the alternative of a month's imprisonment, for having his coat off in North Thomas Street, and using obscene language.

WIFE-BEATING. -- A sailor named Harvey was charged with assaulting [paper torn] deposed that the prisoner [paper torn] assaulting her -- not with his hands but with his feet; and on Monday night, after she had tired to bed, he commenced his old game. Thirty previous convictions having been proved against the prisoner, he was ordered to go to gaol for three months, and, at the end of that period, to find bail to be of good behaviour, or, in default, to be imprisoned for other three months. -- Edward M'Guicken, who had been six times previously convicted, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, at hard labour, for assaulting his wife. -- Robert Andrews was charged with assaulting his wife in their house off the Crumlin Road. Mr. M'Erlean defended. Prisoner was ordered to find bail to be of good behaviour, with the alternative of three months' imprisonment.

 

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Births

DINSMORE -- January 5, at Walker's Place, Derry, the wife of Mr. John Dinsmore, of a daughter.

M'CLEAN -- December 31, at 22, Westland Row, Dublin, the wife of Surgeon Francis M'Clean, of a son.

SHIRE -- January 3, at 82, Norwood Road, London, S.E., the wife of Robert Walter Shire, of a son.

Marriages

AUSTIN--KNOWLES -- January 6, by special licence, at The Fenagh, by the Rev. Joseph Moody, assisted by the Rev. Hugh Stewart and the Rev. William Colquhoun, Hugh Austin, Ahoghill, to Lizzie, second daughter of the late Adam Knowles, The Fenagh, Cullybackey.

CAMPBELL--M'MULLEN -- January 6, at Stephen's Green Wesleyan Methodist Church, Dublin, by the Rev. Wallace M'Mullen, uncle of the bride, assisted by the Rev. Crawford Johnston and Rev. R. Jamieson, Hamersley Hazelton Campbell, Westland Row, Dublin, youngest son of the late William Campbell, Esq., of Armagh, to Anna Graham M'Mullen, only daughter of the late Mr. Robert M'Mullen, Dublin.

GOVAN--WILLIAMSON -- January 6, at the Presbyterian Church, Sandymount, Dublin, by the Rev. A. Rentoul, Mr. John Govan, Shelbourne Road, Ball's Bridge, Dublin, to Miss Jane Williamson, Park Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin.

Deaths

CLEMENTS -- January 7, at Whitehouse, David Clements, aged seventy-five years. His remains will be removed from his late residence for internment in Carnmoney burying-ground, on to-morrow (Friday), 9th inst., at two o'clock.

WADDELL -- January 7, at his residence, Comber, Robert Rollo Gillespie Waddell, P.M. of Masonic Lodge 46, and P.K. Chapter 46. His remains will be removed for interment in the family burying-ground, Comber, on to-morrow (Friday) morning, at half-past nine o'clock, Brethren and companions are requested to attend.

-- -- -- -- --

GALLAGHER -- January 6, at her father's residence, Pilot's Row, Derry, Martha Gallagher, aged thirty-eight years.

M'CUTCHEON -- January 7, at Church Street, Rathfriland, Annie, relict of the late James M'Cutcheon, aged fifty-seven years.

M'GEOWN -- January 4, at her father's residence, Glenmacoffer, near Gortin, County Tyrone, Lizzie, daughter of Mr. John M'Geown.

MORROW -- January 6, at 38, Upper Sackville Street, Dublin, Anna Matilda, wife of Forbes Morrow, aged fifty-six years.

Clippings

BELFAST POLICE COURTS -- Yesterday.

CUSTODY COURT.

[Before Sir John Preston, J.P., and Mr. F. J. MacCarthy, R.M.]

LARCENIES. -- John Clarke was charged by Harbour-Constable Annette with stealing a piece of rope from the Fleetwood Shed, value for about 10s. Mr. M'Lean, jun., prosecuted. It appeared that the prisoner had been observed by the constable removing the rope, and on being pursued he dropped it. The constable had known prisoner as being an associate of thieves during the past four years. James M'Cullough, watchman, identified the rope, and valued it at 10s. Prisoner denied that he was guilty of the larceny, alleging that another boy who ran away had given him the rope. Their WORSHIPS returned him for trial. -- Robert Bunting was charged by Detective-Constable M'Keown with stealing a clock, the property of Mr. Beatty, shopkeeper, Peter's Hill, on the 19th ult. It appeared that the timepiece was sitting on Mr Beatty's counter on the date in question, but towards evening it disappeared. The police found it in a pawn-office in Great Patrick Street, where it had been pledged by the prisoner. Bunting pleaded guilty, and, as he had previonsly been in gaol for larceny, he was ordered to go to gaol for three months. -- Ellen Maguire was charged by Constable James, Cahill with stealing two shawls, the property of a man named James Cairns, and a door mat, the property of Messrs. J. & T. M. Greeves. As the mat could not be identified, that charge was withdrawn; and the evidence given with reference to the shawls showed that prisoner had entered Cairns's house and carried them off. As there were seventeen previous convictions against her, she was sent to gaol for three months. -- William Carson, a smith's helper in the coachbuilding establishment of Mr. Johnston, Lagan Street, was charged by Sergeant Carnahan with stealing two planes on the 6th inst. -- one the property of John Davidson, and the other belonging to Robert Bradshaw. The accused was also charged with illegally pawning one of the planes, and John Magee, residing at 4, Quadrant Street, with illegally pawning the other. Both pleaded guilty. Carson was sent to gaol for two months, and Magee was fined £1 Irish.

DEFRAUDING THE CUSTOMS. -- James Gill was charged with attempting to smuggle 5lb. of foreign manufactured tobacco ashore, thereby defrauding her Majesty's Customs of the proper duty. Mr, M'Coy, Examining Officer of her Majesty's Customs at this port, prosecuted. It appeared that the City of Bristol arrived here on Toesday from Rotterdam, and while Mr. Saunderson and Mr. Arthur Hill, locker, were searching the vessel they came upon the tobacco in question concealed below the ship's boilers. The accused, who is fireman, at once admitted it to be his property. The Court imposed a fine of treble the value and duty of the tobacco -- £4 2s 6d, with costs.

CHARGE OF BIGAMY. -- William Murray, a fitter, residing in St. Pancras Street, Ballymacarrett, was charged with bigamy. Head-Constable Reilly, who prosecuted, stated that from information he received he arrested prisoner on the charge of bigamy, the allegation being that he had married in St. Enoch's Church, Belfast, in 1879, and, while his wife was still alive, he proceeded to Glasgow and married another woman named Ellen Baird. Both women are said to be at present living in Belfast -- one in St. Pancras Street and the other in Beresford Street, As none of the witnesses were present in court, the prisoner was remanded till Saturday.

ALLEGED CARELESS DRIVING. -- Arthur Watson was charged on remand with carelessly driving a horse and van at the corner of Great Patrick Street on the night of the 30th ult., thereby knocking down an old woman. The constable who had charge of the case stated that the woman came out of the Royal Hospital on Monday evening. None of the witnesses were present in court. After a brief discussion it was decided to discharge the accused without prejudice.

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SUMMONS COURT.

[Before the Hon. Colonel Forbes, R.M., and Mr. James Haslett]

CRUELTY TO A HORSE. -- Samuel Sloan, 33, Brown Street, was summoned by Sergeant Carnahan for having cruelly ill-treated a horse by kicking it, in Durham Street, on the 26th ult. After evidence had been given, the defendant was fined 20s and costs.

RECOVERY OF WAGES. -- Abraham M'Cullough, 44, Beresford Street, slater, summoned Hugh Matthews, 137, North Street, for the recovery of £2 16s 3d for work done. Mr. M'Erlean appeared for the complainant, and Mr. James M'Lean, jun., for the defendant. The complainant deposed that he was employed to slate the defendant's premises. He was entitled to £6 6s 3d, and of this sum received £3 10s, leaving £2 16s 3d due. The case, which had been previously heard, was adjourned for the purpose of ascertaining if by arbitration the matter could be settled. Mr. William Elliott, builder, was mentioned, and, upon being examined yesterday, said that the charge was a fair one. He did not say anything as to the quality or quantity of the work done. The complainant held that he did 29 "square," and that he was entitled to 3s 6d per "square." The defence was that only 22 "square" had been done, and that the price should only be 2s 6d per "square." John Miskimmon, builder, John Rea, slater, and Mr. Matthews were examined with the view to show that only 22 "square" had been slated. The Court held that 3s was a fair price, and that only 22 "square" had been slated. A decree was given accordingly for 16s 3d, with 1s costs.

ALLEGED CANVASSING BY CARMEN. -- A number of carmen were summoned by Constable John M'Kenna for canvassing for hire on the public street on 31st December. Mr. James M'Lean, jun., prosecuted, and Mr. M'Erlean defended. The evidenoe was to the effect that the constable saw the defendants going up and down High Street, and when they observed persons standing on the footway they went forward to where they were. Mr. M'Erlean contended that this was not evidenoe of canvassing, and that there should be evidence that they spoke to parties, or made some signal to them. In support of this he examined Mr. Reilly, car-inspector, who stated that it was the custom for the last twenty eight years for carmen to go from one stand to the other for the purpose of filling up vacant stands. He would not call that canvassing. Mr. HASLETT agreed with Mr. M'Erlean that there must be proof that the men spoke to some parties, or signalled to them, and added that the polioe could have summoned the parties for parading. In this case, however, he would give way to his brother magistrate. Fines of from 2s 6d to 5s were inflicted in each case.

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A TELEGRAPH TO THE FASTNET ROCK. -- The steamer Kangaroo, belonging to the Telegraph Construction and Maintenance Company, has sailed from the Boyal Albert Dock, London, having on board the cable which is to connect Lloyd's signal station on the Fastnet with the Postal Telegraph Office at Crookhaven, County Cork. The work of laying the cable will be carried out as quickly as the weather permits.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

ALLEGED ATTEMPTED MURDER. -- A domestic servant at the West End of Sheffield has made a remarkable statement. She says that while cleaning a hearth in her master's house she was seized from behind by someone who attempted to cut her throat. She struggled desperately, and, her cries arousing the neighbourhood, her assailant made off. When found she was in a fainting state, with several slight cuts upon her neck. She did not see who attacked her, but says she recognised the voice as that of her husband, from whom she is separated.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

SAD END OF AN OLD SOLDIER. -- Dr. Wynn Westcott, deputy coroner for Central Middlesex, has held an inquest at the St. Giles Coroner's Court on the body of Francis Hawthorn, aged forty five, an assistant to a coffee stall keeper. Charles Durouse stated that the deceased had formerly been a colour-sergeant in the 103rd Royal Bombay Fusiliers, having fought in several engagements during a period of twelve years, and been discharged with a good conduct certificate. He had since then taken care of a cabmen's shelter, but latterly had been employed by the St. Giles Mission to groom the donkey and draw out the coffee stall to its destination. On Friday he came to the witness and complained of feeliDg unwell. The witness gave him some hot milk and a scone, and early on Saturday morning some brandy. On going back to the shed in the afternoon he found the deceased lying dead beside the donkey. A verdict of death from natural causes was returned.

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QUARTER SESSIONS

DOWNPATRICK.

Yesterday, at half-past ten o'clock, Mr. Thos. Lefroy, Q.C., County Court Judge for Down, sat in the Downpatrick Courthouse and resumed the business of the Quarter Sessions. Lord Annesley, Mr. William Shaw, J.P.; Mr. David Cleland, J.P.; Mr. George E. Bowen, J.P.; Mr. John M'Robert, jun., J.P.; and Mr. T. D. Fitzgerald, R.M., occupied seats on the bench.

Mr. George L. MacLaine, Clerk of the Crown and Peace; Mr. Thomas Gracey, Deputy; and Mr. Higglnson, Registrar, were in attendance.

CRIMINAL BUSINESS.

STABBING.

Hugh Patterson was indicted with having stabbed a man named James Murray at Tullyveery on the 25th December last.

Mr. Murland, Crown Solicitor, prosecuted, and Mr. H. C. Weir appeared for the prisoner.

Mr. Weir, on behalf of the prisoner, pleaded guilty, and offered the injured man a sum of £10 as compensation.

This having been accepted, the prisoner was liberated on his own recognisances to appear for judgment when called upon.

THE RIOTS AT CASTLEWELLAN.

John Fitzsimmons, a young man residing in Downpatrick, was indicted with having been a member of a riotous and unlawful assembly at Castlewellan on the 21st September. On another count he was charged with riot.

Mr. Murland, Crown solicitor, prosecuted, and the prisoner was defended by Mr. Hume, B.L. (instructed by Messrs. Clarke & M'Cartan).

On the jury being empanelled, Mr. CLARKE, on behalf of the prisoner, challenged six of the gentlemen called, and they were ordered to stand aside.

Sergeant Green, Castlewellan, stated that a Nationalist meeting was held in that town on Sunday, the 21st September last. The meeting was held in a field adjacent to the town. About 8,000 people assembled in the town, A number of people got into the yard of a public house, and the publican came to witness and requested him to put them out. The public-houses were closed that day by order of the magistrates. Witness had the yard cleared, and the people then assembled on the street and threw stones at the police. There were about three or four hundred persons in the stone-throwing crowd. A number of shots were fired from the crowd, and two of the police were injured. So violent was the mob that the police were driven into the barracks, the windows of which were broken by the stone-throwing. The riot continued for about half an hour. One of the police was injured by a bullet and the other by a stone. Witness saw the prisoner arrested by Constable Colburn. He was arrested in front of the crowd that was throwing stones. An attempt was made to rescue the prisoner, and witness had to use his baton.

His WORSHIP -- Was there any opposition to the meeting?

Witness -- No.

Mr. HUME -- No opposition except what the police gave.

In cross-examination by Mr. HUME, the sergeant said the people at the meeting were well-conducted. He did not see the prisoner until he saw him in custody of Constable Colburn.

Constable Colburn gave corroborative evidence, adding that several of the police were struck with stones and other missiles, two being seriously injured. He saw the prisoner in the crowd, and noticed that he stooped down and picked np something like a stone. He also saw him cheering on the mob that attacked the police, being apparently the ringleader. When witness saw him stoop to pick up something he rushed forward and arrested him. The crowd tried to rescue the prisoner, and renewed the stone-throwing at the police.

To Mr. HUME -- He was about twenty yards distant from the prisoner, and never lost sight of him until he took him into custody. He did not see him throwing any stones, and he found no stones in his possession. He heard that one of the constables was shot in the mouth.

This closed the case for the Crown.

James M'Carty was examined for the defence, and deposed that he was in Castlewellan with the prisoner. He was about eight or ten yards from him when he was arrested. The prisoner was in no way connected with the crowd that were throwing stones.

To Mr. MURLAND -- I saw the police stoned, but I cannot say I was extra sorry for that. (Laughter.) No one was interfering with the police when the prisoner was arrested.

Hugh M'Carty said he was with the prisoner on the day in question. The prisoner threw no stones, nor did he cheer as had been sworn. When the police charged, the crowd ran away. The prisoner did not run away, and was arrested.

Henry Smith gave similar testimony.

Mr. HUME addressed the jury on behalf of the prisoner, contending that the arrest was unjustifiable, his client having taken no part whatever in the riotous proceedings.

Mr. MURLAND replied for the prosecution.

His WORSHIP charged the jury at considerable length, recapitulating the evidence on both sides, and submitting the case for their impartial and careful consideration.

After deliberating for an hour and a half, the jury returned into court.

The FOREMAN (Mr. Withers) said the jury could not agree to a verdict. Seven of them were for a conviction, and the other five ------

His WORSHIP -- I don't want to hear that. If I can give the jury any information that might lead them to an agreement, I shall be very happy to do so.

The FOREMAN -- The difficulty in the way of an agreement is that some of the jurors cannot reconcile the evidence of the constables with that of the witnesses for the defence, it is so conflicting.

His WORSHIP -- But it is your duty, according to your consciences, to say which side is entitled to most credit. It is, no doubt, an unpleasant duty to have to deal with evidence so conflicting, but you have a public duty to perform. After you go back to your room speak over the matter again, and try to arrive at a conclusion. At any rate I cannot think of releasing you now.

The jury retired, and half an hour afterwards returned into court.

The FOREMAN said they had again gone over the evidence, and there was no possibility of their agreeing to a verdict. If possible, the breach was wider now than before, (Laughter.)

Mr. MURLAND said, under the circumstances, he did not think it desirable that the jury should be again sent back.

His WORSHIP accordingly discharged the jury, and sent the case forward to the Assizes, the prisoner being admitted to bail.

THE CASTLEWELLAN EJECTMENTS.

LORD ANNESLEY, PLAINTIFF; REPRESENTATIVES OF ELEANOR MURRAY AND JAMES MURRAY, DEFENDANTS

This was an ejectment to recover a parcel of land, containing 3a. Or. 26p., situate near the town of Castlewellan.

Mr. Murland appeared for the plaintiff, and Messrs. Clarke & M'Cartan represented the defendants.

Mr. CLARKE said an originating notice under the Land Act had been served on the plaintiff in this case, He must therefore ask that the case be adjourned until after the proceedings in the Land Court.

Mr. MURLAND said there was a case of a similar nature before the Land Court, in which the tenant, John M'Kinney, sought to have a fair rent fixed for what the landlord contended were townparks. In that case Mr. Commissioner Hodder delivered an elaborate judgment, in which he held that the land was townparks, The land in this case was as near if not nearer Castlewellan than were the lands in M'Kinney's case, and there was no use in delaying these proceedings farther.

Mr. CLARKE denied that the circumstances of this case were the same as in that to which Mr. Murland had referred.

The case was then adjourned.

LORD ANNESLEY, PLAINTIFF; JAMES MURRAY, DEFENDANT.

This was an ejectment to recover possession of a house and premises in Castlewellan, held under lease for a term now expired.

Mr. Murland appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Drury, B.L. (instructed by Messrs. Clarke & M'Cartan), represented the defendant.

When the case was called.

His WORSHIP said he could not proceed any further that evening, as he had to hear an income-tax appeal in chamber, and there was an officer from Dublin waiting.

Mr. MURLAND said Lord Annesley had been summoned on behalf of the defendant to appear as a witness in this case. He would like to know what Lord Annesley was required for.

Mr. DRURY -- We will tell you that when Lord Annesley is in the witness box.

Mr. MURLAND -- If it is your intention to examine Lord Annesley, I would ask his Worship to allow him to be examined this evening. His Lordship is suffering from a cold, and this is very severe weather.

Mr. DRURY -- The weather is just as cold for one witness as another.

His Worship decided to hear Lord Annesley before rising.

Lord Annesley, having been sworn, resumed his seat on the bench.

Mr. DRURY said he did not know what was the practice with regard to the privileges of a peer in the county courts, but he would leave it to his Worship to say whether Lord Annesley should give his evidence from the bench or enter the witness box in the ordinary way.

His WORSHIP said he had long experience, and he had seen peers examined in the Nisi Prius Courts more than once. They always sat on the bench.

Mr. DRURY -- Very well. It is a matter of taste more than anything else.

Lord Annesley was then examined by Mr. DRURY -- You are the Right Hon. Hugh, Earl Annesley? -- Yes.

How long have you known James Murray; have you had a personal acquaintance with him as one of your tenants? -- No.

Has Mr. Murray succeeded his predecessors in these premises under the lease? -- I dare say.

Since your Lordship succeeded to the title and estates have you ever known James Murray? -- No.

Are you aware that it is a custom on the estate that householders in the town, when surrendering a lease, should have the benefit of preference in getting a renewal of the lease?

Mr. MURLAND -- Don't answer that question. It in no way affects the issue in this case.

Mr. DRURY -- This is one of the objections of examining the witness before the facts of the case have been brought out.

Examination continued -- Are you aware of your own knowledge that James Murray and his predecessors have been for a long time in possession of these premises? -- I have been told for some thirty years.

I presume you know something about the tenants on your estate, especially the circumstances of those you determine to evict? -- It is not in the slightest degree necessary for me to know anything of the circumstances.

Do you know anything of the circumstances of this case? -- I know that the defendant is James Murray, of Castlewellan, and that he held under a lease for thirty years, which has expired.

Do you know that those people have spent a considerable sum of money on these premises? -- I do not; and further, I can say that, to the best of my belief, they have not.

If it were sworn that they have expended a large sum in improving these premises in Castlewellan would you believe it? -- I should not deny it if I were certain of the fact; but, from the information I have received, I would be very much surprised if they had.

That they had spent any money? -- Any considerable sum.

At all events, this ejectment, if successful, would deprive Mr. Murray of all the outlay he has made. You know, of course, that Mr. Murray is a draper and a very useful man in Castlewellan? -- I don't know about that; I don't think he is.

Well, you may have political reasons for forming that opinion. Would his removal from the place be a loss to Castlewellan?

Mr. MURLAND -- What has all this got to do with the ejectment?

Mr. DRURY (to Lord Annesley) -- As far as you know, Mr. Murray always paid his way? -- I don't know anything about him.

He must have paid his rent, at all events, or he would not have been there so long. You are aware that he is a draper and carries on an extensive business? -- ¥es, I believe that is his calling.

Do you know that if you succeed in this ejectment a great hardship will be inflicted upon this man -- that he will be obliged to part with his connection in Castlewellan and forfeit the improvements upon which he has expended so much money?

Mr. MURLAND -- I object to the question. You must first prove that he has expended any money.

Mr. DRURY -- That will all be proved. You should remember that we are examining Lord Annesley at this stage by favour.

His WORSHIP -- I think the question is a fair one. Mr. Drury asks Lord Annesley does he know that the effect of this ejectment would be to deprive this man of the outlay he has expended on the premises.

Mr. MURLAND, with great respect, would urge his objection. The question was not at all relevant to the issue before the Court.

His WORSHIP said, as to the relevancy of the question, he quite agreed with Mr. Murland, and it was for Lord Annesley to decide whether or not he should answer it. He was not, of course, bound to answer it.

Mr. MURLAND said he must press his objection.

Mr. DRURY -- The answer, at all events, must be obvious.

Examination continued -- Do you know Mr. Murray to be as respectable a man as there is on your estate? -- What do you mean by respectable?

I apply the word in the ordinary sense. Is he a respectable man? -- I should say distinctly not.

In what way is he not a respectable man?

Mr. MURLAND objected to the question. Lord Annesley was Mr. Drury's own witness, and he could not cross examine him.

Mr. DRURY contended that he had a right to ask Lord Annesley his reasons for saying Mr. Murray was not a respectable man. His Lordship first said he knew nothing about Mr. Murray, ard in the next breath swore he did not believe him to be a respectable man.

His WORSHIP ruled against the question.

Mr. DRURY -- Then I ask Lord Annesley why he is putting this man out.

Mr. MURLAND -- I object to that question too.

His WORSHIP -- I rule that Lord Annesley is not bound to say what reason he had for turning this man out.

Mr. DRURY said he never met a case where there was a more manifest desire shown to disclose only such facts as the law required than this. He was placed in a difficulty with regard to the witness. If Lord Annesley would attend tomorrow he would be in a position, after the defendant had been examined, to put questions to him that in the present circumstances would be ruled inadmissible.

Examination continued -- Perhaps, Lord Annesley, you would say if you know it to be the custom of the estate that town tenants whose leases have dropped out got a renewal of the leases at the old rent, or, it may be, at an increased rent? -- My answer is that, as far as I am acquainted with the rules of my estate, there is no such custom, and if it had been necessary to give several instances to the contrary I could do so.

Are you disposed to extend any favour to this man -- favour of any kind?

Mr. MURLAND objected to the question.

Mr. DRURY -- I thought so, I won't trouble Lord Annesley with any further questions. We will have the facts fully disclosed to-morrow.

Lord ANNESLEY -- I hope you are satisfied with your principal witness.

Mr. DRURY -- I trust I shall have the privilege of cross-examining you before long.

His WORSHIP intimated that he would hear the case at the sitting of the Court next morning.

The Court then rose.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

LURGAN.

Business was resumed yesterday morning by Mr. R. W. Gamble, Q.C., County Court Judge for Armagh and Louth. Mr. R. Blair White, Registrar; and Mr. Hugh Porter, Deputy Clerk, were also present.

CIVIL BILL.

JOHN BULLICK V. JAMES FFORDE.

The plaintiff claimed £20 by reason of the defendant having trespassed upon the plaintiff's land, and destroyed grass thereon.

Mr. Girvan, Armagh, appeared on behalf of the plaintiff, and Mr. G. Hazlett, S.C.S , defended.

His Worship reserved decision.

EJECTMENTS.

LORD LURGAN V. JOHN GALLERY.

The ejectment was sought on the grounds that £29 10s was due in respect of certain lands held by the tenant in Cornakinegar. The ejectment was granted.

SAME V. JOHN GALLERY.

Ejectment sought for in respect of certain lands held by the tenant in Drumnacairn, on which the sum of £112 was due. Granted.

SAME V. JOHN VANCE.

Ejeotmont sought in respect of properties in Lurgan. The defendant has left the country. Granted.

DUKE OF MANCHESTER V. THOMAS RUDDELL.

Ejectment sought on the ground that £150 2s 4d was due on the tenant's holding. The defence was that Thomas Ruddell was not the legal possessor of the land, but his son. Dismissed without prejudice.

ACTION FOR SLANDER.

The case of Margaret Lafferty v. Anne Jane Stuart, which had been remitted from the Exchequer Division of the Superior Courts, came on for hearing before a special jury.

The following gentlemen were empanelled to hear the case:-- Robert Magee (foreman), John M'Caughey, Thomas Potts, Christian Thompson, Robert Cartwright, and James Gorman.

Mr. J. WILLIAMSON, in addressing the jury, said that the plaintiff claimed £200 damages for slanderous language used by the defendant on the 20th and 22nd October last. The defendant had accused his client of stealing £2, and also with having improper relations with William Joyce, defendant's nephew.

Mr. H. Harris appeared on behalf of the defendant.

The jury found for the defendant.

The Court afterwards adjourned.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

BALLYMENA.

Mr. David Ross, Q.C., County Court Judge for Antrim, continued the business of these Sessions yesterday. Mr. H. M'Neile M'Cormick, Registrar, and Mr. Thomas Cunningham, Deputy Clerk of the Peace, were in attendance.

ROWAN V. TAYLOR AND OTHERS.

In this case an ejectment had been obtained by the landlord, the Rev. R. W. Rowan, against John Taylor, of Glennylough, for one year's rent and costs, and possession had been taken by the Sheriff, on behalf of the landlord, on the 1st May, 1884. Margaret and William John Cameron, as executors of the late Malcolm J. Cameron, solicitor, Ballymoney, who held a mortgage against Taylor's farm, having lodged with the Clerk of the Peace the amount of rent and costs, viz., £23 17s 4d, now applied to be restored in possession of said premises.

Mr. Alexander O'Rorke, Ballymena, appeared for the landlord; and Mr. O'Shaughnessy, B.L. (instructed by Messrs. Cramsie & Greer, Ballymoney), appeared for the executors.

The landlord contended that, inasmuch as the proceedings had been brought to the Ballymena Sessions instead of the Ballymoney, as the sessions for the division, the application should be refused.

Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSY argued that the proceedings had been properly brought to Ballymena in consequence of the ejectment decree having been obtained there, and that the writ of restitution ought to be brought to the same court that granted that decree.

The Court, having decided this point in favour of the applicants, and having received the formal proofs on their behalf, made an order that the writ of restitution applied for should be issued.

SAME V. SAME.

In this case it appeared that the landlord had brought an ejectment for non-payment of rent against the same defendant, but in respect of a different farm, and had obtained a decree, under which the Sheriff had taken possession on May 1st, 1884.

The same professional gentlemen as appeared in the above case also appeared in this one.

Mr. Joseph Dunlop, who held a judgment mortgage against this farm, applied for a writ of restitution. It appeared, however, that he had not lodged the writ and costs with the Clerk of the Peaoe within six months from the date on which the Sheriff took possession, as provided by the statute. Before the time expired, it seemed, he had entered into an arrangement with the landlord that he should not redeem, and that the landlord should give his son the lease of the holding on being paid all rent and costs, and, therefore, relying upon this alleged agreement, Mr. Dunlop did not redeem the holding. After the time had expired it appeared that there was some misunderstanding as to the amount to be paid by Mr. Dunlop, the landlord and his solioitor contending that he was to pay £65 for arrears on the bog holding, and Mr. Dunlop contending that he was only to pay the arrears of rent and costs connected with the holding he was to redeem, and that he had nothing whatever to say to the other holding, or the arrears in respect of it. The agreement then fell through, and Mr. Dunlop eventually lodged the rent and costs of the holding, the subject matter of the application, with the Clerk of the Peace.

Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSY argued that Mr. Dunlop, being ready and willing to redeem the farm before the time expired for doing so, and having forthwith stated that intention to the landlord and his solicitor, but being prevented from carrying out his proposition by the above arrangement, was entitled to redeem, albeit, as a matter of fact, the rent and costs were not lodged within six months. Mr. O'Shaughnceey cited several cases in support of his argument.

After a lengthened hearing of the case, which, together with the one reported above, occupied the time of the Court for nigh four hours,

His WORSHIP deferred judgment.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

DUNGANNON.

Sir Francis W. Brady, Bart., Q.C., County Court Judge, sat in the Courthouse this morning, and commenced these Sessions.

CIVIL BILLS.

The Dungannon Gas and Light Company Limited sued Henry Noble for £15 compensation for gas alleged to be illegally consumed by him.

Mr. Simmons represented the Gas Company, and Mr. Young appeared for the defendant.

Mr. Ross, manager of the Gas Company, deposed to the consumption of gas by the defendant without paying for it. When a person leaves a house, and it becomes vacant, the gas is cut off, and in the present case the gas had been cut off in 1879. The defendant stated that the connection was in the house when he went to it in 1881, and that he did not make use of it until 1882. In reply to Mr. Simmons, he stated that he informed the previous manager to the Gas Company that he was going to use the gas. He did not pay since, as he never was called on to do so, but he was prepared to pay for whatever gas he had burned.

His WORSHIP gave a decree for £10.

Mr. Wm. Gilmore, of Belfast, sued Joseph O'Neill, of Coagh, for £11 4s 1d, being the value of one box of bacon supplied to the defendant on 20th May last. Mr. Venables appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. J. P. Harris for defendant.

Plaintiff's witness stated that he received an order for a box of bacon from defendant, and he sent a box of "long clear" weighing 4cwt. 2qr., at a cost of £11 4s 1d.

The defendant said the bacon was good for nothiog. He wrote for "Staffordshire," and they replied that they had none, but were sending him a box of "long clear." He wrote to them to take it back, but they would not accept of it.

His WORSHIP said the defendant ordered a box of one class of bacon, and he was sent another. When the plaintiff had not the class of goods ordered in stock he should have informed the defendant, but instead he sent another class. When defendant wanted it taken back plaintiff would not accept of it, but made a reduction in the price, and sent another box to help to get the bad one off. He (his Worship) would dismiss the case, with costs.

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

THE ARMY.

It is stated that an order has been issued by the War Office calling upon all militia officers to pay one penny in the pound additional income-tax upon pay and allowances received during last year's training. Considering that the allowances do not half cover the expenses incurred, this does seem very rough on the officers, and certainly will not tend to increase the strength of the militia force.

The Commander of the Forces requests that officers commanding guards and non-commissioned officers may be directed to use their discretion in cloaking sentries in cold or severe weather.

Leave of absence on medical certificate in extension has been granted to Surgeon Keays, medical staff, from the 6th to the 31st January, 1885.

Lieutenant-Colonel R. Whiting, of the 1st Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment, has rejoined head-quarters at Galway, and resumed duty. He will be in command of his battalion and of that station until the return of Colonels Hercy and Cosby.

Lieutenant-Colonel E. D. Newbolt, of the Dorsetshire Regiment, becomes Commandant of the 2nd Battalion by the retirement of Colonel Hughes on full pay.

Major A. B. Harvey, Captains A. C. Spencer and J. F. M. Fawcett, of the 5th Royal Irish Lancers, have been constituted as a committee of paymastership to the regiment pending the appointment of an officer of the Army Pay Department.

Captain R. J. Romanes, of the 1st Battalion King's Own Borderers, has left Dublin to rejoin the depot at Berwick-on-Tweed, having handed over the party of recruits of which he was in charge.

Captain C. M'Garry, Quartermaster on the Commissariat and Transport Staff, has returned to Longford from leave of absence and resumed his duty.

Captain A. M. Barlow, of the Royal Artillery, has left Dublin to join the H Battery, 4th Brigade, at Aldershot, on his recent promotion.

Surgeon R. J. M'Cormack has been ordered to hold himself in readiness to embark for service in the West Indies.

Colonel the Hon. Charles Grantham Scott, formerly of the Scots Fusilier Guards, has died at his residence, Eaton Square, London, after an illness of only a few days, from inflammation of the lungs. The deceased colonel was the younger of the two sons of Thomas, second Earl of Clonmell, and was born 1st of March, 1818. He married, in March 1843, Frances Maria, daughter of the late Mr. Ralph William Grey, by whom he leaves issue three sons and three daughters.

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DEATH OF A WATERLOO VETERAN. -- George Burnett, a Waterloo veteran has died at his residence, in Macluff, aged 95 years.

-- -- -- --

SUICIDE. -- Helen Mitchell, or Thomson, 58 years of age, has put an end to her existence by hanging herself in the house occupied by her at 17, M'Kechnie Street, Calton, Glasgow. Deceased had, it is stated, been in a desponding state of mind during the past few days.

-- -- -- --

MUZZLE AND BREECH LOADING NAVAL GUNS. -- A Parliamentary return states that 437 muzzle-loading guns ware constructed for the navy during the last seven years, of the value of £231,639, while during the last three years only of that term 319 breechloaders were constructed, value £247,130.

-- -- -- --

BURNED TO DEATH. -- Kate Simmonds, single, 40 years of age, totally blind, well known in the dock district, London, has been burnt to death at No. 12, Nottingham Place. She was crossing the yard facing her house, where someone had left a pan of red-hot coals, which she fell over, and was literally burnt to a cinder. Being blind, she could not help herself. Her cries were heartrending.

-- -- -- --

CLIMATE COMPARISONS. -- Recent investigations on the subject of the climatic relations of Canada to European countries show that the Dominion has the latitudes of Italy, France, Germany, Austria, the British Islands, Russia, and Sweden and Norway; and has as many varieties of climates as have those countries. There is greater cold in winter in many of the latitudes of Canada than in corresponding latitudes in Europe, but the summer suns are about the same. The most southern part of Canada is on the same parallel as Rome in Italy, Corsica in the Mediterranean, and the northern part of Spain -- farther south than France, Lombardy, Venice, or Genoa. The northern shores of Lake Huron are in the latitude of Central France, and vast territories not yet surveyed lie south of the parallel of the northern shores of Lake Huron, where the climates are favourable for all the great staples of the temperate zones.

-- -- -- --

MAGHERA -- SUDDEN DEATH. -- On Tuesday evening an old woman named Catherine M'Glade, residing at Clooney, died very suddenly at her residence. While washing some clothes deceased, who lived with her sister, was observed suddenly to fall, and on being raised she was found to be quite dead. Supposed heart disease.

-- -- -- --

MONEYMORE -- THEFT OF A GOOSE. -- The monthly Petty Sessions were held yesterday before the following magistrates:-- Sir W. L. Conyngham, D.L.; Mr. A Beckett, Mr. J. Deeper, and Mr. G. Nagle, R.M. An amusing case of theft was heard against J. M'Canny and four others for stealing and eating a goose, the property of a man named Megaw, on Christmas Day. It appeared that, M'Canny and the others feeling hungry, M'Canny stole the goose, and having taken the trouble of roasting it in a lime-kiln, they ate it. The Bench sent M'Canny to gaol for fourteen days, and discharged the others with a caution.

-- -- -- --

MONEYMORE -- PETTY SESSIONS. -- The monthly Sessions were held here yesterday, before Colonel Sir William Conyngham, J.P. (presiding); Messrs. Garrett Nagle, B.L., R.M.; James Leeper, J.P,; and Dr. Beckett, J.P. Samuel Brown summoned Rose Kelly for poisoning a dog, his property. Defendant was ordered to pay a fine of 10s and costs. Mr. Brown appeared for complainant, and Mr. Harbison for defendant. George Hughes, civil bill officer, Magherafelt, summoned William Johnston for having rescued certain goods seized under a civil bill decree, at the suit of James Sands & Sons, against accused. Their Worships returned accused for trial to next Quarter Sessions, accepting bail for his appearance. Mr. Brown prosecuted on behalf of Mr. Sands.

-- -- -- --

NEWRY -- CARLINGFORD LOUGH COMMISSIONERS. -- The monthly meeting of these Commissioners was held yesterday. The members present were -- Messrs. Denis C. Brady, D.L. (chairman); J. P. M'Nally, J.P.; H. G. Gray, M.D.; and Admiral Dent. The assistant secretary (Captain Smith) was instructed to inform the Board of Works, London, that the reduction in the revenue of the Commissioners was caused by the falling off in the trade of the port of Newry, and by the loss of tolls from the Dundalk and Newry Steampacket Company, the vessels belonging to whom had their tonnage lowered below the standard of exemption.

-- -- -- --

STEWARTSTOWN -- PETTY SESSIONS. -- These Sessions were held yesterday before Mr. Charles Stanley, J.P. (chairman); Mr, John Stevenson, J.P.; Mr. Hunt W. Chambre, J.P.; Mr. Robert Woods, J.P.; Mr. John Raphael, J.P.; Mr. James Devlin, J.P.; and Mr. T. W. French, R.M. Constable Orr, Stewartstown, charged Felix Clarke with assaulting him. Their Worships sentenced defendant to one month's imprisonment with hard labour. Sergeant O'Neill, of Coalisland, charged James Devlin, of Clonoe, with selling drink on his premises at prohibited hours. Their Worships fined defendant in £10, the conviction to be endorsed on his licence.

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[Advt.] -- The following were among the latest arrivals by the Larne and Stranraer route:-- Lord Waveney, Provost M'Kenna, Miss Hardie, Miss M. Fennell, Miss Whitford, Mrs. Cartwright, Mr. and Mrs. John Jaffe, J. W. Gamble, Esq., Mr. and Miss Macnaghten, Robert M'Calmont, Esq., Peter Brown, Esq., Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Heyn, J. E. Whitley, Esq., J. C. Cameron, Esq., J. G. Meyer, Esq., Robert Ferguson, Esq , Alexander Ferguson, Esq., John Nicholson, Esq., A. J. Diggens, Esq.; &c.

The following were among the latest departures by the Larne and Stranraer route:-- Major Doyne, Lieutenant A. S. Dunlop, R.A., C. J. Jennings, Esq., W. Corry, Esq., Thomas M'Ferran, Esq., William Maybin, Esq., William Russell, Esq., A. Neill, Esq., T. Liggett, Esq., P. Davison, Esq., Mr. and Miss Grimshaw, John Williams, Esq., T. W. Webster, Esq., R. L. Gilmore, Esq.; &c., &c.

General Grant has declined to accept the fund which was being raised is New York for his relief.

 

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Births

JENNINGS -- January 4, at Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin, the wife of Ulick Jennings, M.D., Army Medical Staff, of a son.

JOHNSTON -- January 6, at Charlotte Street, Londonderry, the wife of Mr. Robert Johnston, of a daughter.

MORRIS -- January 6, at the Model School, Enniskillen, the wife of Mr. Charles Morris, Headmaster, of a son.

Marriages

DELANEY--COGAN -- January 7, at Booterstown Catholic Church, by the Most Rev. Dr. Woodlock, uncle of the bride, Harry W. Delaney, Cumberland Place, Phibsborough, to Aileen M. Cogan, daughter of the late Bernard Owen Cogan, Esq., County Siigo.

MURPHY--RADCLIFF -- January 8, at Lisnadill Church, Armagh, by the Ven. the Archdeacon of Leighlin, uncle of the bridegroom, assisted by the Rev. R. H. Coote, A.M., Rector of Donaghadee, cousin of the bride, Charles Murphy, Rathfriland, County Down, eldest son of Isaac James Murphy, Armagh, to Mabel Horatia Garnett, daughter of the Rev. Stephen Radcliff, A.B., Rector of Lisnadill.

SMYTH--M'CAW -- January 6, in Newtownstewart Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. William G. Black, LL.B., David P. Smyth, Commercial House, Newtownstewart, son of William Smyth, Lisdoonen, County Down, to Mary, second daughter of James M'Caw, Liswoden, Portglenone, and niece of the Rev. Henry M'Caw, Cookstown.

Deaths

KIDD -- January 7, at Ballinderry, William Kidd, aged seventy-three years. His remains will be removed for interment in Ballinderry Meetinghouse Green, on to-morrow (Saturday) morning, the 10th inst., at eleven o'clock. Friends will please accept this intimation. NATHANIEL KIDD.

MAIN -- January 8, at Newry Street, Banbridge, James Main, aged sixty-five years. Interment will take place on to-morrow (Saturday), the 10th inst., at two o'clock. Friends will please accept this intimation.

M'CAULEY -- January 7, at Ballymacarn, Ballynahinch, Samuel M'Cauley. His remains will be removed for interment in Magheradroll, on to-morrow (Saturday), the 10th inst., at one o'clock. Friends will please accept this intimation.

WADDELL -- January 7, at his residence, Comber, Robert Rollo Gillespie Waddell, P.M. of Masonic Lodge 46, and P.K. Chapter 46. His remains will be removed for interment in the family burying-ground, Comber, this (Friday) morning, at half-past nine o'clock. Brethren and companions are requested to attend.

-- -- -- -- --

ADAMS -- January 7, at her father's residence, Strand Road, Derry, Martha, eldest daughter of Archibald Adams, aged sixteen years.

CLARKE -- January 6, at Clifton, Bristol, Elizabeth, wife of Alexander Clarke, formerly of Belfast.

FERGUSSON -- January 7, at 59, University Street, Charles M. Fergusson, Ulster Bank, son of J. J Fergusson, formerly of The Lodge, Buncrana, grandson of the late Captain Charles Fergusson, Justice of Corum, Ballyshannon, County Donegal, and also of the Rev. Charles Young, County Donegal.

Clippings

STRIKE IN THE MILFORT FACTORY. -- Up to yesterday evening this strike, by which close upon a thousand workers are out of employment, had not been settled, but it is believed that an amicable agreement will be arrived at before the close of the present week. It was at first stated that the employes, or at least a section of them, were not made aware of the intended reduction in their wages until Monday last. We have been requested by a representative of the firm to state that some weeks since intimation was given them that, in consequence of the very depressed state of trade, a reduction would take place, and that, in compliance with that statement, the reduced scale came into operation at the beginning of the year. We were further informed that, even with the present reduction, the wages of those on strike are higher than in some neighbouring factories.

-- -- -- -- -- --

ALLEGED MANSLAUGHTER IN BELFAST. -- Yesterday two men, named Joseph and Charles Maguire, residing respectively at 84, Plevna Street, and 30, Turin Street, were arrested by Acting Sergeant Francis O'Neill and Constable John J. Kirby on the charge of having feloniously caused the death of James Donegan, a young man who resided in Leeson Street. It appears that a quarrel took place about Christmas between Donegan and the prisoners, and that deceased, who resided with his parents, died on Monday last from the effects of the injuries which he then received. The prisoners will be brought before the magistrates in the Police Court to-day.

-- -- -- -- -- --

ROYAL HOSPITAL. -- Yesterday a man named Alexander M'Quaid, aged 29 years, a painter, residing at 31, Waterford Street, was admitted suffering from general contusions, produced by a fall into the hold of a vessel.

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QUARTER SESSIONS.

DOWNPATRICK.

Yesterday the business of these Sessions was resumed in the Courthouse, Downpatrick, before Mr. Lefroy, Q.C., County Court Judge.

Mr. Gracey, Assistant to the Clerk of the Peace, was in attendance.

RULING THE BOOKS.

His WORSHIP proceeded to pass sentence on the prisoners tried in the earlier portion of the sitting.

Joseph M'Dowell, convicted of unlawful wounding, was sentenced to two months' imprisonment with hard labour. The accused had not been convicted of any former offence.

James Newman, who was found guilty of larceny, was sent to gaol for three months.

EJECTMENT.

LORD ANNESLEY V. JAMES MURRAY,

In this case the action was brought to recover possession of a dwelling-house in the town of Castlewellan, held for a term of thirty years from 1st November, 1854, at the yearly rent of £8.

Mr. Murland appeared for the plaintiff; Mr. Drury (instructed by Messrs. Clarke & M'Cartan) acted for the defendant.

Mr. D. S. Quinn, sub-agent, was examined, and he stated that the defendant paid the rent in respect of these premises ever since witness became snb agent in 1879. The lease was dated 19th November, 1854, and made between the late Earl Annesley and Ellen Murray.

Cross-examined by Mr. DRURY, the witness stated that he knew nothing of the improvements made on this house.

Mr. DRURY then stated, on behalf of his client, that James Murray and his immediate predecessors, who were members of his own family, had been in possession of these premises for three generations. The defendant had been in the place some twenty years, and was an extensive trader in the drapery business.

His WORSHIP -- Are you making these observations with a view to getting a stay?

Mr. DRURY said that that was his object. He (counsel) did not ask his Worship to do anything unreasonable. But the case was one of peculiar hardship to the defendant, and he took that opportunity of asking for a stay of execution. it would be necessary to bring out all the facts of the case in order that Lord Annesley and Mr. Murland should be aware of the effect if the landlord succeeded.

Mr. MURLAND said that the lease was for a term of thirty years, and any improvements effected had no bearing on the case. He would, however, agree to a stay of execution for such a length of time as would enable the tenant to dispose of any goods that he had. He was not prepared to meet such evidence as Mr. Drury proposed to introduce, nor was he able to understand why Lord Annesley's character should be attempted to be blackened, as had been done in this case.

Mr. DRURY denied that any attempt had been made to blacken Lord Annesley's character. If Lord Annesley were aware of the facts he would, if a fair man, take the matter into consideration, and do justice to the tenant.

Mr. MURLAND -- There is no one more anxious to hear the pros and cons of the case than Lord Annesley is.

His WORSHIP decided to let the case stand to the Newtownards Sessions, when he will decide what stay should be given. In the meantime any offer by the tenant is to be sent to Mr. Murland in writing.

Having disposed of some ordinary cases,

The Court adjourned till to-day.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

BALLYMENA.

Mr. David Ross, Q.C., resumed the business of these Sessions yesterday. Mr. Thomas Cunningham, Deputy Clerk of the Peace, and Mr. H. M'Neile M'Cormick, Registrar, were in attendance.

EJECTMENTS.

JAMES MILLAR V, JOHN AND JANE MILLAR.

This was an ejectment brought by the plaintiff to recover part of lands at Ballygelly, about three miles from Broughshane.

Mr. Alexander O'Rorke appeared for the plaintiff; and Mr. Harrison, B.L. (instructed by Messrs. R. & H. Orr), for one of the defendants, John Millar; and Jane Millar was undefended.

From the plaintiff's case it appeared that his father held the lands in question in fee-farm, and died intestate, leaving Jane Millar, his widow, with nine children, of whom the plaintiff was the eldest son and heir-at-law. The defence on behalf of John Millar was that he worked on these lands all his lifetime for his father, the plaintiff, his brother, being a dairyman in Belfast, not having been on the farm for the last twenty years.

His WORSHIP ruled that the defendant was entitled to the half of the farm, and gave a decree to the plaintiff for the other half.

JOHN M'GILDOWNEY, J.P., V. ALBERT R. H. WEGG.

This was an ejectment to recover possession of the Antrim Arms Hotel, in Ballycastle, for the non payment of £340, being four years' rent at £85 per annum,

Messrs. R. & H Orr were for the plaintiff, and Messrs. Stott & Co., Ballymoney, for the defendant.

Mr. Edmund M'Neill, agent of the estate, stated that the defendant claimed that there was an account due him by the plaintiff, who was willing to allow the amount out of the rent.

Defendant proved the amount due to him to be £151, and

His WORSHIP gave a decree for possession, and the balance of account -- viz., £189.

HAMILL V. GRAHAM.

In this case Wm. Hamill, stonemason, Ballymena, sued George Graham, merchant, Harryville, Ballymena, for £40, "for that he (the defendant) did, at a public auction of the plaintiff's farm in Evishnably, County Antrim, maliciously serve notice upon the auctioneer engaged, and caused same to be read aloud, most unwarrantably claiming a right of way through said farm, whereby the marketable value thereof was depreciated to the above extent."

Mr. Alexander O'Rorke was for the plaintiff, and Mr. Harrison, B.L. (instructed by Mr. A. M'Mullin), was for the defendant.

Mr, O'RORKE having stated the case,

Daniel M'Loughlin deposed that he would have given £200 for Hamill's farm had it not been for the notice claiming the right of way.

It was contended for the defence that everything done by Mr. Graham was legitimate and right, the right of way being justly claimed, and that the Commissioners, when fixing the fair rent of the farm, had included that right of way.

His WORSHIP believed that the right of way had been established. At the same time, he was of the opinion that the plaintiff had been unfortunately and strictly dealt with, and that an element of malice demonstrated itself in the punishment of the plaintiff for the assertion of his rights in the Land Court.

The case was dismissed on the merits.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

LURGAN.

Mr. R. W. Gamble, Q.C., resumed his seat yesterday morning. Mr. Georgo Gerald Tyrell, Clerk of the Crown and Peace; Mr. R. Blair White, Registrar; and Mr. Hugh Porter, Deputy Clerk, were present.

BREACH OF WARRANTY.

James Gordon, of Ballysillan, Belfast, processod Mary Ann Cumberton, Lurgan, for £15 damages for breach of warranty of a cow.

Mr. Mahaffy for the plaintiff, and Mr. Haslett defended.

His Worship dismissed the case.

IMPORTANT AUCTIONEERING CASE.

Robert M'Murray processed Hugh M'Mullan, auctioneer, Portadown, for £7 0s 6d, money received by the defendant for plaintiff's use, and for money lent by the plaintiff to the defendant.

Mr. Harris appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Sloan represented the defendant.

His WORSHIP gave a decree for the full amount, with costs.

RIGHT TO CUT TURF.

Mr. James Fforde, J.P., Rauglan, processed William Lennon for £5 damages for cutting turf on the plaintiff's property.

Mr. Hazlett, S.C.S , appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Girvin defended.

His WORSHIP held that the tenant bad a right to cut turf on his prnparty so long as he did not injure the land. The fixing of a judicial rent by the Land Court did not confiscate the right to cut turf. He would not interfere with a right the tenant possessed before the passing of the Land Act. He therefore dismissed the case without prejudice.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

LONDONDERRY.

These Sessions were opened yesterday before Mr. John C. Neligan, Q.C., County Court Judge

His WORSHIP, in addressing the Grand Jury, complimented them on the small calendar. There were only four bills to go before them, two of which were for assaults. Unfortunately, in both cases knives appeared to have been used. Such cases ought to be met firmly and sternly. On the whole, the cases were exceedingly small from such a large and populous county.

USE OF THE KNIFE.

James Houston and Joseph Houston were charged with assaulting Henry Andrews near Dungiven. The parties had a scuffle, during which Andrews was stabbed several times in the abdomen.

Joseph Houston was convicted, and sentenced to six months' imprisonment, with hard labour. James Houston was acquitted.

James Carey was convicted of stabbing William Martin near Derry. He was sentenced to four months' imprisonment, with hard labour.

WOUNDING A BULLOCK.

Patrick M'Closkey was charged with having wounded a bullock belonging to James M'Closkey, a neighbour, by striking it with a billhook while the parties had an altercation.

He was convicted and sentenced to a month's imprisonment.

STEALING.

Michael Murray, an old man, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment for having stolen a purse containing £1 5s 9d from Denis M'Closkey in Claudy fair.

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WILLS AND BEQUESTS.

The will of Mr. Christopher Beckett Denison, late of The Old Bank, Leeds, and No. 41, Upper Grosvenor Street, London, deputy chairman of the Great Northern Railway Company (who died suddenly, in Ireland, on October 30 last), has been proved. The personal estate amounts to upwards of £380,000. The testator bequeaths to his trustees and executors, Edmund Beckett Faber, Henry Oakley, and Francis Charles Greenfield, all his real and personal estate, upon trust, for sale; and out of the sale to pay his debts and a certain legacy of £5,000, and then to set apart £50,000, to be held upon a special trust; and the testator directs his trustees to divide the residue of his estate into ten equal parts, one-tenth part of which is to be held upon the special trust, and the remaining nine-tenth parts the will expressly declares shall be considered undisposed of.

The will (dated October 28, 1881), with two codicils (dated December 29, 1883, and January 15, 1884), of the Rev. William Thursby, late of Ormerod House, near Burnley, Lancashire, and of No. 6, Brunswick Terrace, Hove, Brighton, who died on October 10 last, was proved on the 6th ult. by Thomas Hughes, Q.C.; Henry Paulson Bowling, and Frederick John Grant, the executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to upwards of £254,000. The testator leaves £14,000 eaoh to his sons James Leigh and Arthur Harvey; £10,000, the advowson of Berg Apton, Norfolk, all his divinity books, and a silver inkstand to his son William Ford; £9,000 to his son Piers; £6,000 to his son Richard Hasell; £22,500, his house Elfinsward, Hayward's Heath, and his horses and carriages to his daughter Sophia Charlotte; his house at Brighton and the furniture and effects, with some exceptions, are directed to be sold and the proceeds divided between all his children, except his sons John Hardy and Richard Hasell; £6,000, the residue of his real estate, certain furniture and effects, and his cattle and farming stock to his son John Hardy; and there are other legacies and provisions. He directs one annual subscription to be paid by his trustees to all the charitable institutions to which he was a subscriber. The residue of the personalty is to be divided between all his children except his son John Hardy.

The will (dated August 18, 1877), with a codicil (dated April 4, 1879), of Mr. John George Joy, late of No. 112, St. George's Road, Southwark, who died on November 9 last, was proved on the 9th ult. by George Joy, William Joy, and James Joy, the sons, the executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to over £46,000. The testator bequeaths legacies to his children and to his three sisters; and as to the residue of his estate, he gives one-fourth to each of his said three sons, and one-fourth, upon trust, for his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Masters.

The will (dated August 17, 1883) of Mr. George Bentham, late of No. 25, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, who died on September 10 last, was proved on the 11th ult. by Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker and the Right Hon, Sir Nathaniel Lindley, the executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to over £23,000. The testator bequeaths £8,000 to Madame Wallon, the granddaughter of his late sister; £2,000 to Sir H. J. J. Brydges, Bart., the brother of his late wife; £1,000 each to the Linnean Society of London and the Royal Society Scientific Relief Fund; and legacies to his executors, trustees, servants, and others. The residue of his real and personal estate is to be held, upon trust, to apply the same in preparing and publishing botanical works, or in the purchase of books or specimens for the botanical establishment at Kew, or in such other manner as his trustees may consider best for the promotion of botanical science.

The will (dated September 28, 1878) of Mr. Charles Spencer Sorase Dickins, late of Newells, Lower Beeding, Sussex, who died on May 1 last, at Cannes, was proved on the 5th ult. by Charles Robert Sorase Dickins, the son, one of the executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to upwards of £21,000. The testator leaves £300, and all his wines, consumable stores, horses aud carriages, to his wife, Mrs. Anna Maria Sorase Dickins; the household furniture, plate, pictures, books, and other articles and things at his dwelling-house, to his wife, for life, or widowhood, and then to his said son; all his real estate in England and Wales to the same uses as the real estate settled under the will of his late father; and his real estate in Ireland, and all his mortgages, stocks, shares, money, and securities for money, upon trust, for his wife for life, or until she shall marry again, and then for his issue (except his said son and his daughter, Mary Caroline, otherwise provided for) as she shall appoint. The residue of his personal estate be gives to his son, the said Charles Robert Sorase Dickins.

The will (dated July 21, 1884) of Sir Richard George Augustus Levinge, Bart, late of Knock Prin Castle, Mullingar, Ireland, who died on September 28 last, at Brussels, was proved in London on the 10th ult. by Richard Bayley, one of the executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to over £10,000. The testator leaves Knock Drin Castle, with the furniture, plate, pictures, horses, carriages, and farming stock, and all other his real estate, to his brother and successor in the baronetcy, Vere Henry, for life; and, if he shall leave issue, to his heirs, absolutely. There are several legacies to his executor, servants, aud others; and the residue of his property, including his leasehold house in Chester Square, he gives to his brother Harry Carlyon. -- Illustrated London News.

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

ANTRIM -- BOARD OF GUARDIANS. -- The weekly meeting was held yesterday -- J. G. Clarke, D.L., in the chair. J. Hanson, J.P.; A. Woods, T. Ferguson (Muckamore), H. Gaston, T. Ferguson (Dunsilly), and R. D. Lawther were presentt. A letter was read from Messrs. J. & A. Caruth, solicitors, Ballymena, stating that they have been instructed by Messrs. Coleman & Gibson to take proceedings against the Board for the recovery of £56 5s, the price of five tons of oatmeal, unless amount be paid forthwith. A copy of the reply of Mr. Williamson (solicitor to the Board) was read, stating that he had responded to the effect that a quantity -- not five tons -- was sent, but was rejected by the Guardians as not being equal to the sample. They had ordered it to be removed, and a supply furnished equal to the sample, the meal sent remaining at the risk of contractors, and that the Guardians will sue for any loss sustained. A letter was read from the Local Government Board forwarding copy of a communication which they had received from Messrs. A. O'Rorke & Son, solicitors for Lord Massereene, calling upon them to interpose their authority with the Board of Guardians in order to their taking steps for the abatement of an alleged nuisance arising from the discharge of sewage from certain premises in Castle Street into the Castle grounds. The Guardians declare their readiness to abide by any decision arrived at in the case by the Local Government Board after due inquiry by their inspector.

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ARMAGH -- ALLEGED INFANTICIDE. -- The weekly Petty Sessions were held yesterday, before Mr. R, G. M'Crum, J.P., and Mr. Edward Moorhead, J.P. A woman, named Mary Fullen, was charged by Mr. B. W. Bailey, D.I, with the infanticide of her female child, at Woodpark. near Tynan. Mr. Williamson appeared for the accused. Mr. Bailey said that this case came on at last Tynan Petty Sessions, when the depositions of a number of witnesses were taken, but the case was adjourned until to-day for the attendance of Mrs. Hughes, a witness who he found was unable to attend, The only evidence he had to offer now was that of Dr. Huston. Dr. Huston was examined, and deposed to having made a post-mortem examination of the body. It was a fully-developed female infant. It bore no marks of violence. He found the child had breathed, and that death resulted from exposure, The child lived but a very short time. He could not swear that the prisoner had given birth to a child. Remanded for a week -- A man named James Harvey was charged by Head-Constable Magee with having stolen two turkeys, the property of John Bennet, of Aughnalig. Mr. Williamson appeared for the accused. From the evidence it appeared that the prisoner was arrested in Armagh at an early hour in the morning by Night Watchman M'Cartney. The accused was ordered to be imprisoned for two months with hard labour. Mr. M'Crum said the Bench were of opinion that the watchman had acted very well in the case, and they would order him £1 for his services.

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BUSHMILLS -- MASONIC HALL. -- This hall, which was opened last year, has a small debt still upon it, and to liquidate or reduce it a concert was given in the building on Wednesday evening, under the auspices of Lodge 414. Brs. W. A. Traill, W.M., and F. M'Neill, secretary, were most assiduous in making the entertainment most enjoyable. The programme was varied and interesting, the large and fashionable audience showing their appreciation by frequent bursts of applause. Besides the Coleraine Orchestral Band, under Mr. M'Donnell, the following contributed:-- Trio, Brs. Gwion, Darrah, and H. Black; solo, "Golden Love," Br. W. A. Traill; violin, "Stephanie Gavotte," Br. AtkinBon. Br. Riky, in "Ave Maria," was successful, as was Miss Woodburn in "Ye banks and braes" and "Jessie, the Flower of Dumblane." Mrs. Stubbs, in "Harp and Crown," with Mr. Riky's violin obligato, was greatly applauded. Br. Edmondson sang "Steering Home," and Mr. Hugh Black "The Old Brigade," both well. Miss Dinsmore was very acceptable in "Auld Robin Gray," as was Mr. W. A. Traill in "On the threshold." The concert was altogether an unqualified success.

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DUNGANNON -- BOARD OF GUARDIANS. -- The weekly meeting was held yesterday -- Mr. A. L. Nicholson, J.P., presiding. The Committee appointed to inquire into the expenses of the union, and to investigate the reports of Mr. M'Kean, J.P., Colonel Burges, and the master, handed in their report, which recommended, first, that greater care should be taken in the contracts; second, that the system of remunerating pauper nurses be discontinued; third, that the dietary scale be assimilated to that of Omagh or Cookstown; fourth, that the quantity of clothing given to the orphans be reduced to one suit every twelve months; and fifth, that ready-made clothes, including boots and shoes, be purchased by contract. A discussion was fixed for that day fortnight. A deputation from Moy, consisting of Messrs. Goodlatte, Ferguson, and Murray, attended at the Board, complaining of the closing of a public well by Mr. Sloane, J.P., of Moy. On the motion of Mr. Lloyd, J.P., the matter was allowed to stand over for a week. Mr. M'Kean, J.P., called attention to a statement appearing in the Tyrone Courier commenting on his absence from the meeting of the Committee, held on 1st inst., appointed to investigate the reports of the expenses of the union, stating that his absence could be well accounted for, and calling upon him to admit the error of his figures, which were characterised as fabulous and incorrect. He stated that the paragraph referred to was false. He was not appointed on the Committee, and was not summoned to attend that meeting.

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ENNISKILLEN -- BOARD OF GUARDIANS. -- The weekly meeting was held on Wednesday -- the Earl of Belmore presiding. Balance to credit of Union in bank, £654 14s 1d. A discussion arose relative to a fine imposed at the suit of Guardians on a person named Crawford for refusing to erect a labourer's cottage on his farm in pursuance of order of Sub-Commission, and it was agreed not to levy the fine beyond the total amount of costs in the matter. The other business was unimportant.

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HOLYWOOD -- TOWN COMMISSIONERS -- NEGLECT OF BUSINESS. -- At the adjourned meeting announced to take place at seven o'clock last night only Dr. Johnston (Chairman), Messrs. John Fay, William Cambridge, and Alexander Gray were present. Mr. John Greenhill addressed a postcard to the Chairman explaining his absence. The gentlemen named waited until half past seven o'clock in the hope of a fifth Commissioner turning up, but as that event did not take place no business could be transacted, and the meeting consequently became a lapsed order. Matters at this Board have for some time past become very strained, the Commissioners having apparently divided themselves into two parties -- one who call themselves the party of retrenchment, and the other those who are willing to allow matters to go on in the same groove as heretofore -- and occasionally whole meetings are wasted in unseemly wrangles, which of necessity causes the affairs of the town to suffer. The present deadlock is most inopportune, as it is understood Messrs. James Ross & Sons, having fulfilled the terms of their agreement by keeping the waterworks in repair for twelve months after the completion of their contract with the Commissioners for constructing the works, purpose handing them over to the Commissioners on the 20th inst.; and as the appointment of a caretaker was the chief business on the paper for last night's meeting, the works must now be handed over without the Commissioners having any properly qualified person to look after them until such time as a special meeting can be called to make the appointment. It is also understood that a cheque was to have been issued in favour of the Belfast Board of Guardians, according to arrangement, on the settlement of their disputed account, but in the absence of a quorum this could not be done, and the ordinary monthly accounts, although passed by the Finance Committee, remain unpaid for a like reason.

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LURGAN -- BOARD OF GUARDIANS. -- The weekly meeting was held yesterday in the Workhouse -- Mr. John Maconn in the chair. A letter was read from the Local Government Board enclosing a letter from Dr. Edward Magennis, J.P., to that Board, in whioh he asked them to request the Lurgan Guardians to reconsider their decision in refusing a claim of four guineas for services rendered to the medical officer at two amputations. It was decided to postpone the matter for consideration at next Board day. The Clerk reported that the auditor, Mr. Studdert, had examined the accounts during the week, but had surcharged an account of £1 7s 6d, allowed by the chairman, Colonel Waring, to the wife of a man who had undergone an amputation in the house. The auditor otherwise complimented the Guardians on the way they had acted under the Outdoor Relief Act.

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NEWTOWNARDS -- PETTY SESSIONS. -- This bl-monthly court was held yesterday, before Mr. John M'Connell, J.P; Constable Willis summoned John M'Ilwrath for having obstructed the free passage of a crossing at Comber on the 12th ult. The defendant was described as a corner-boy, from which class of characters the respectable inhabitants of Comber received considerable annoyance. A fine of 10s and costs was imposed, Mr. M'Connell stating his determination to put an end to the practice of standing at corners and annoying passers by. Wm M'Kee, Ballyskeagh, summoned Mary Jane Moore for having used insulting and abusive language towards complainant. Defendant was bound over -- herself in £10 and two sureties of £5 each -- to keep the peace for twelve months

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BELFAST POLICE COURTS -- Yesterday.

CUSTODY COURT.

[Before Mr. MacCARTHY, R.M., and Mr. LAWTHER.]

LARCENY OF FOWL. -- A respectable-looking man, who gave his name as George Appleton, was charged with having stolen two turkeys, the property of Mr. Andrew M'Bride, of Ballysillan. Mr. Coulter prosecuted. The turkeys, which were alive, were produced in court, amid much laughter. Mr. M'Bride identified them as his property, and said that the district from which he came was beset with fowl stealers, One neighbour had lately lost £10 worth by such thieves. The prisoner admitted his guilt. He said he was hard up, and was sorry for what he did. He hoped the Court would deal leniently with him. Mr. MacCARTHY -- Have you any witness to call who can give you a character? Prisoner -- There is a man named William Ellis who knows me. William Ellis was called, and said he lodged in the prisoner's house. He had known prisoner for two months. The prisoner again pleaded guilty, and Mr. MacCARTHY said there would be no protection to people's property if suoh fellows were allowed to go roving about. He was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, with hard labour.

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SUMMONS COURT.

[Before the Hon. Colonel FORBES, R,M.; Mr. BELL, Mr. BROWNE, Mr. HAMILL, Mr. ROSS, and Mr. MacCARTHY, R.M.]

PROSECUTION OF A PUBLICAN -- DISAGREEMENT ON THE BENCH.

Thomas A. MacGeagh, licensed publican, 1 and 3, Baltic Avenue, was summoned by the constabulary for that he, on Sunday, the 22nd day of December, 1884, had his licensed premises open for the sale of liquor at prohibited hours.

Mr. M'Lean, jun., prosecuted; and Messrs. Harper and M'Erlean defended.

Twice previously the case had been before the magistrates, and on both occasions they were unable to come to a unanimous finding. "No rule" was accordingly entered both times. A good deal of interest was manifested in the proceedings yesterday.

Constable James Farrell was examined, and stated that at eleven o'clock on the Sunday in question he saw a woman calling at the defendant's house. She was followed shortly afterwards by a man, who proved to be a nephew of the defendant, and who had a railway ticket for Whibeabbey. At 11.35 the two young men, Moffatt and Smith, entered. Witness then sought and obtained admission. He was in plain clothes. As he entered he met Moffatt and Smith leaving. He stopped them in the hall, and turned them. They gave their names. The third party showed his ticket, and his name was not taken. The bar was open. Two glasses were on the counter, which was wet with spirits. The glasses appeared as if they had recently contained spirits. The defendant gave witness a great deal of abuse.

To Mr. M'ERLEAN -- I have not summoned Moffatt and Smith to-day, in accordance with the orders of my officer, Mr. Townsend.

Mrs. MacGeagh, wife of defendant, deposed that on the day in question William Martin Moffatt, in company with Smith, came to her husband's house, and were admitted. Moffatt had had an appointment with her husband. When in the parlour awaiting her husband, who was upstairs, the constable knocked, and was also admitted. She did not know he was a constable, and he asked to see her husband. She called upstairs, "A gentleman wants you." There was also her nephew there, who lived in Whiteabbey, and who came up by train, arriving about eleven. None of the parties asked for or got liquor of any kind.

Mr. ROSS -- Has a publican not a right to open his door to admit private friends?

Mr. M'LEAN -- He has a right to admit his private friends or bona fide travellers.

Robert MacGeagh, nephew of the defendant, William Martin Moffatt, and the third man, Smith, were examined, and stated that they had no drink.

Mr. MacCARTHY having left the bench,

Mr. HARPER said the case was completed, and he would ask that it be dismissed.

Colonel FORBES said that by a majority the Bench would dismiss the case. From this decision he dissented.

Mr. ROSS here left the court,

Mr. HARPER said the order should be made dismissed with 20s costs.

Mr. BELL, Mr. BROWNE, and Mr. HAMILL intimated that on the last day the case was before the Court they were led to understand they would hear no more about it.

Mr. M'LEAN said it might have been a private arrangement so far as the magistrates were concerned, but he heard nothing of it.

Mr. BELL said he thought that Mr. Ross should be sent for.

Mr. M'LEAN objected to this course being pursued.

Mr. BROWNE said he understood on the last day this case was before the Court it was not to come on again. He believed all the magistrates, including Mr. MacCarthy, held that view.

Colonel FORBES knew nothing at all about that, but be understood that Mr. MacCarthy denied having made any such suggestion,

Mr. BELL hoped it would be no breach of faith in mentioning that Mr. Hamill on the last occasion suggested the advisability of not bringing the case before the Court again, and Mr. MacCarthy agreed to act as Mr. Hamill suggested. That was, to the best of his (Mr. Bell's) opinion, how the matter stood.

Mr. M'ERLEAN said that both himself and Mr. Harper thoroughly understood that such was the case.

Mr. M'LEAN observed that he knew of no such order of that description coming from the Bench.

The case -- the hearing of which lasted for about two hours -- was marked as "dismissed," Colonel Forbes dissenting.

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SOIREE AT BALLIN SCHOOLHOUSE, COUNTY ARMAGH. -- A very successful soiree has been held in connection with the above, under the auspices of the science class. The Rev. David M'Clelland, minister of Tassu and the district; occupied the chair, and delivered an opening address. Songs, humorous readings, and recitations were given by Mr. Strong, Mr. Cotton, Mr. Frank Bradly, Mr. Maybin, Mr. Lilly, and Mr. Strong, sen. Mr. Johnston delivered an eloquent and instructive address on "The improvement of leisure hours." Mr. Joseph Lilly, teacher of the science class, moved a vote of thanks to the ladies aad gentlemen who took part in the entertainment, which was seconded by Mr. Simmons, Armagh. The proceedings were brought to a close by the singing of "God save the Queen."

 

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Births

COLLINS -- January 7, at Mayfield, Ravensbourne Park, London, the wife of C. W. Collins, of a son.

LARMOUR -- January 9, at 14, Ponsonby Avenue, Belfast, the wife of J. E. Larmour, of a son.

Marriages

SHAKERLEY--HODGSON -- January 7, in St. George's Church, Hanover Square, London, W., by the Rev. W. B. Grix, M.A., Walter Geoffrey, eldest son of Sir Charles W. Shakerley, Bart, C.B., of Somerford Park, Cheshire, to Hilda Mary, only daughter of Mr. Henry Hodgson, of Currerevagh, County Galway.

SMITH--LANGFORD -- January 7, in Mariners' Church, Kingstown, by the Rev. W. E. Burroughs, assisted by the Rev. Charles Welland, Sydney Smith, Esq., Punjaub Police Force, to Margaret Douglas, third daughter of John C. Langford, Esq., 11, Crosthwaite Park, Kingstown.

Deaths

COLVILLE -- January 10, at Killearn, Jane Moore, wife of William Colville. Her remains will be removed for interment in the family burying-ground, Movilla, on Monday, the 12th inst., at twelve o'clock. Friends will please accept this intimation.

FOSTER -- January 9, at her late residence, 20, Comber Place, Mary Anne Crosby, widow of Charles Moore Foster, Ipswich, late of 13th Light Dragoons. Her remains will be removed for interment in the family burying-ground, Derriaghy, on Monday morning, at nine o'clock.

FISHER -- January 9, at her father's residence, Broughshane Lodge, Ballymena, Carrie, daughter of Thomas P. Fisher. Her remains will be removed for interment in Ballymena Cemetery, on to-morrow (Sunday), at three o'clock. Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation.

WALKER -- January 8, at Ballynahinch, of heart disease, Ellen Ruddock Walker, eldest daughter of the late Robert Langtry Walker. Her remains will be removed for interment in the family burying-ground, Anahilt Churchyard, on Monday, the 12th inst., at twelve o'clock noon.

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BAILLIE -- January 7, at Scarborough, Mabel Harriett, eldest and last surviving child of the late Neil Benjamin Baillie, Esq., Surgeon-Major of the Bengal Army, in the nineteenth year of her age.

Clippings

BELFAST POLICE COURTS -- Yesterday.

CUSTODY COURT.

[Before Mr. FELIX J. MacCARTHY, R.M.]

THE SHOOTING CASE. -- William Tierney, aged fifteen, was charged on remand with having discharged a pistol at Edward Reilly on the 25th ult, Mr. Coulter prosecuted. The facts of the case have already been recorded in the Whig. The prisoner was sent to gaol for one month.

CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER.

Joseph Maguire, 84, Plevna Street, and Charles Maguire, 30, Turin Street, brothers, aged respectively about twenty and eighteen years, were put forward in custody, charged with having feloniously caused the death of James Donegan, aged sixteen, on the 25th December last.

Mr. Stritch, District Inspector, proseouted.

An inquest was held on the body of the deceased on the previous evening, when an open verdict was returned. The medical evidence went to show that death resulted from inflammation of the brain, which would be accelerated by a violent blow on the head. There were no marks of violence on the body.

Constable J. J. Kirby was examined by Mr. Stritch, and deposed that from information received he arrested the prisoner Joseph Maguire on the previous day, the charge being for murdering James Donegan. He cautioned the prisoner in the customary manner. On the way to the Police Office the prisoner said, "I did not strike him; I only shoved him."

Acting-Constable Francis O'Neill stated, in reply to Mr. STRITCH, that he arrested the prisoner Charles Maguire on the previous evening on the charge mentioned. The prisoner at the time was in the Lurgan Bridewell. He gave him the usual caution, after which the prisoner said, "I know it was none of me killed the fellow. All I did was to hit him on the side of the month." Witness brought the prisoner to Belfast under a transmit warrant.

Mr. MacCARTHY asked did the prisoners wish to put any questions to the constables.

The prisoners said they had no questions to ask.

Patrick Martin, 61, M'Donnell Street, said that on Christmas Day a numher of boys congregated in Plevna Street for the purpose of playing pitch-and-toss. Amongst them were the two prisoners, the deceased, James Carson, John Cummins, Patrick Reavy, Patrick M'Gaffigan,and Patrick Magee. Charles Maguire and the deceased were playing at pitch and toss. The former was tossing the money, and Donegan said he was not acting fairly. Maguire said the toss was fair enough, and Donegan replied that it was not. Charles Maguire then struck the deceased on the side of the head, near the ear, knocking him down. It was a severe blow. Donegan got very pale, and appeared to be hurt. He was lifted by Patrick M'Gaffigan, but was again struck by Charles Maguire. About five minutes previous to this occurrence James Maguire struck Donegan a blew on the back of the head. The blow was not a severe one. Before the assaults were committed there was no dispute between the deceased and the Maguires beyond what he had stated, but the deceased and Patrick Rodgers had a difference. The deceased was smaller than either of the prisoners.

Mr. MacCARTHY -- Have the prisoners any questions to ask this witness?

The prisoner Charles -- Was it on the right cr on the left side of the head I hit Donegan?

Witness -- On the right side.

The prisoner -- That is wrong; it was on the left,

Mr. MacCARTHY -- You had better make no statements. Ask him any questions you like.

The prisoner Charles -- Did Donegan fall when I hit him?

Witness -- Yes; he fell the first time.

The prisoner -- He did not.

Mr MacCARTHY -- That is a statement, not a question,

The prisoner Joseph -- Did I hit Donegan about the head at all?.

Witness -- Yes; you struck him on the back of the head.

The prisoner -- I did not. I only gave him a shove.

Patrick M'Gaffigan deposed that he saw the deceased struck and knocked down by Charles Maguire.

Mary Ann Donegan, sister of the deceased, said that on Christmas night when her brother came home he complained of a pain in his head. Soon afterwards his nose began to bleed, and she noticed a mark on the left side of his head. He died on Wednesday last.

Mr. STRITCH applied to have the prisoners remanded until Tuesday next.

The application was granted.

Mr. M'ERLEAN, who at a subsequent period of the day was retained to defend the prisoners, applied to have them admitted to bail.

The application was refused.

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SUMMONS COURT.

[Before the Hon. Colonel FORBES, R.M., and Mr. Thom»s M'CLELLAND, J.P.]

TRESPASS ON THE COUNTY DOWN RAILWAY. -- Two artisans named Milne and Murphy were summoned by the Belfast and County Down Railway Company for havirg trespassed on their line. Mr. D. O'RORKE appeared for the

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CORRESPONDENCE.

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S. F. D. -- It is against our rules to republish correspondence which has appeared in other local newspapers.

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ALBERT BRIDGE, BELFAST.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN WHIG.

Sir, -- While the public look forward with great satisfaction to the proposed widening of Queen's Bridge, there is a much-needed improvement required in connection with the Albert Bridge; not, perhaps, for the present, in the line of widening, but in that of flagging. It will hardly be credited that the exceptionally narrow pathways over the Albert Bridge are set with the old primeval paving stones yclept[sic] petrified kidneys, each jutting up sharp, clear, and well defined; and throughout the entire winter season the mud and dirt that accumulates and covers these footpaths throughout their entire stretch, and through which the public have to wade, is something beyond belief. That such an evil is continued can only be explained on the hypothesis that few, if any, of our town councillors pass to and fro that way. Were they obliged to do so, there can be no doubt this short space at any rate would have been long since flagged. No spot in town demands it more; and, although the footpaths require widening quite as much as those of the Queen's Bridge, the present space scarcely affording two room to pass, still, as that alteration may not be practicable just now, there is surely nothing to prevent the short stretch on either side from being decently flagged. Slight as the improvement is, it would be hailed as a boon by the thousands who are daily obliged to pass that way. The Town Improvement Committee deserve the thanks of the public for the all round benefits they are everywhere conferring. It is clearly evident that they are quite alive to the interests of the town, and they will still farther earn the gratitude of a very great number of suffering pedestrians if they will kindly have this small improvement at once effected. Their great stoneyard lies quite beside the bridge. Tne flags would have to be drawn only a few yards, and, as there seems to be on hand an unlimited supply, everything appears favourable for the carrying out of this slight, but greatly-needed, alteration. -- Yours, &c..

AMBULATOR.

Albert Bridge Road, 9th January, 1885.

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SUMMONS COURT.

[Before the Hon. Colonel FORBES, R.M., and Mr. Thomas M'CLELLAND, J.P.]

TRESPASS ON THE COUNTY DOWN RAILWAY. -- Two artisans named Milne and Murphy were summoned by the Belfast and County Down Railway Company for having trespassed on their line. Mr. D. O'Rorke appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr. John B. M'Hugh (instructed by Mr. M'Erlean) was for the defendants. The question involved was the right of the employes in the Queen's Island and Messrs. MacIlwalne & Lewis's shipbuilding yards to cross the County Down line on the way to their work, and on their return at meal hours. It was held by the Railway Company that this was an act of trespass. The men, on the other hand, contended that, as they had enjoyed the privilege of crossing the line to reach their homes for twenty years, they were legally entitled to the usage. If they were deprived of this privilege, they would be unable to go home for their meals, and they urged that a bridge should be built across the line to meet their wants. Mr. M'Hugh said the cases before the Court had been brought as a test, and the result affected a very large number of men. He appeared for the defendants, who were accused of trespassing on the complainants' line, but, as there was an arrangement being arrived at between the men and the officials of the Company for an adjournment of the cases for one month, he would ask the Court to sanction the agreement. Mr. O'Rorke wished it to be distinctly understood that the adjournment was sought by the defendants. Mr. M'Hugh said that was so, and he hoped the adjournment would result in an amicable arrangement being arrived at between the parties. If a settlement was not come to he could show, by indisputable authorities, that this Court had no jurisdiction to try the case, as the question involved was the prescriptive right of way on the part of the Queen's Island workmen. Mr. M'CLELLAND said it was the hope of the Court that some friendly settlement would be arrived at between the parties. The case was then adjourned. It was intimated that a deputation of the men would wait on the Directors of the Railway Company at their next weekly meeting.

CHARGE OF LARCENY. -- Samuel B. Morrison, tailor and clothier, 53, York Street, summoned William Martin Gill, 36, North Street, for that he did, on the 30th December, 1884, steal a suit of clothes, the property of the complainant. Mr. Harper prosecuted, and Mr. M'Erlean defended. The complainant stated that the defendant came to his place of business, ordered a suit of clothes, and left his measure, payment to be made on delivery. The order was executed and delivery made, but as the money had not been paid the present summons was brought. Mr. M'Erlean applied for an adjournment. Mr. Harper said if the case was adjourned the defendant should be placed under a rule of bail, as the charge was a criminal one. After considerable argument, the Court granted an adjournment for a week, the defendant being admitted to bail -- himself in £20 and two sureties of £10 each.

OBSTRUCTING A TRAMWAY. -- Three young men named Devine, M'Garrett, and Law were summoned by the Belfast Street Tramway Company for having obstructed the passage of one of their tramcars on the 2nd inst. Mr. Coulter prosecuted. It appeared that the defendants obstructed the tramcar in York Street by refusing to leave the line with a handcart. A fine of 40s with costs was imposed.

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PROPERTY SALES.

Yesterday Messrs. Hugh C. Clarke & Son set up for auction at their auction mart, Rosemary Street (in pursuance of the decree made on the 12th day of April, 1884, by Mr. Thomas Lefroy, Q.C., Judge of the County of Down County Court) that tenement and premises situate at Sandy Row, Bangor, containing in front 30 feet 7 inches, and in breadth in the rear 28 feet 6 inches, and extending in depth from front to rear on the north-east side 173 feet, and on the south-west side 166 feet, held under lease dated 31st December, 1878, for the term of 60 years from 1st May, 1878, at the yearly rent of £12. There is a good house on the premises. The biddings were as follows:-- Mr. Matthew Ferguson, £50, £70, £80, £90, £100; Mr. Henry Lyttle, £60; Mr. A, M'Comb, £75, £85, £95, £110; Mr. J. M'Cullough, £105, £115 (purchaser). Messrs. Clarke & Co. also set up under similar circumstances a piece of ground fronting Ballymagee Street, in Bangor, extending in front 27 feet, and in breadth in the rear 25 feet, and in depth from front to rear along the eastern boundary 184 feet, with the two houses thereon, 35 and 37, Ballymagee Street, held under lease, dated the 15th June, 1880, for the term of 99 years from the 1st May, 1880, at the yearly rent of £4 1s. The biddings were:-- Mr. Henry Lyttle, £50; Mr. W. Parsons, £80, £110, £130, £140, £150 (purchaser); Mr. John M'Mechan, £100, £115, £125, £135, £145; Mr. John Wilson, £120. Mr. W. E. Armstrong, solicitor, had the carriage of the sale.

Messrs. R. J. M'Connell & Co. offered for sale yesterday at their mart, 37, Royal Avenue, a farm of land (in pursuance of two decrees of the Right Hon. the Master of the Rolls), containing 32a Or. 33p., in the townland of Ballyscolly, parish of Ballinderry, and County of Antrim, and held at the yearly rent of £35 8s 6d, under Sir Richard Wallace, Bart., M.P. The following were the biddings:-- Mr. E. Mockler, £130, £150, £170, £190, £210; Mr. William Mann, £140, £160, £180, £200, £220, £240; Mr. Thomas M'Dowell, £230, £250 (purchaser, subject to the approval of the Master of the Rolls); Mr. R. J Porter, solicitor, had carriage of sale, Messrs. M'Connell also sold six houses in Eia Street, let at £180, less head rent (£20), to Mr. Hunter, at £1,650.

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ANOTHER FOOTBALL ACCIDENT -- A football player named Jansen, a member of the London Casuals, lies in a rather precarious condition at the Commercial Hotel, Bolton. He was playing with his team against the Bolton Wanderers, at Pike's Lane, when an opponent and he came in violent contact. It was found that Jansen had sustained a rupture of the kidney

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SUICIDE OF A SPORTING WRITER. -- Mr. Abraham Smith, well known throughout the country as "Old Abe," under which title he wrote in the Sporting Times and Bird of Freedom, committed suicide yesterday morning at his Bradford residence. The deceased was 53 years old, and suffered from dropsy for some time, and had had placed over his bed a pulley and rope to ease himself, and with this he has committed suicide. The deceased was much depressed of late.

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THE SMALLEST WORKING STEAM-ENGINE IN THE WORLD. -- The smallest working steam-engine in the world is at Arkona, Canada. It has a cylinder 1.20 of an inch in diameter, measures less than a quarter of an inch in any direction. The figures go to show that it would take 12,000 such machines to do the work of one horse. The pressure and speed are not mentioned.

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TOWN SEWAGE INTO THE SEA. -- A letter appears ia the Times from the pen of Sir J. B. Lawes, in which it is suggested that the conveyance of the sewage of large towns to the sea may, after all, be the most profitable method of disposing of it, as it has a decided influence on the production of fish. The truth is, says the learned Baronet, "while the value of sewage upon land has been exaggerated, its value in the sea has been ignored.

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QUARTER SESSIONS.

DOWNPATRICK.

Yesterday Mr. Thomas Lefroy, Q.C., resumed the hearing of these Sessions. Mr. Thomas Graoey, Deputy Clerk of the Peace, was in attendance.

CIVIL BUSINESS.

KEOWN-BOYD V. KERR AND BELSHAW.

Mr. Richard Keown-Boyd, ex-High Sheriff of the County Down, processed Messrs. Kerr & Belshaw, merchants, Downpatrick, for £6 6s 1d, balance of half a year's rent due by defendants for premises in Scotch Street up to the 1st November last. Defendants claimed a set off of equal amount for goods supplied to plaintiff in 1881 and 1882.

Mr. R. H. Tweedy appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. H C. Weir for the defendants.

It appeared that when the defendants came to plaintiff's agent in Downpatrick -- the Hon. Somerset Ward -- to pay their rent in December last he refused to allow the amount of their account, and defendants thereupon tendered and paid the balance of the half-year's rent, and this action was brought by the landlord to recover the said sum of £6 6s 1d. On behalf of the landlord a deed was produced, dated March, 1881, to which Mr. Keown Boyd and others were parties, and by which Captain Ward was appointed to receive the rents of Mr. Keown-Boyd's property, pay out of them the interest on incumbrances and other expenses, and hand over the surplus to Mr. Boyd. Mr. John R. M'Connell, plaintiff's sub-agent, stated in his evidence that since the date of the deed there had been no surplus of the rents to pay over to Mr. Keown-Boyd.

His WORSHIP gave a decree for the amount claimed.

M'LAUGHLIN V. DENVIR.

Frederick Piers M'Laughlin, dispensary doctor, of Strangford, sued Maria Denvir, of Kilclief, for £3, for medical attendance.

Mr. Tweedy was for the plaintiff, and Mr. Michael M'Cartan for the defendant.

Dr. M'Laughlin deposed that he attended the defendant for three or four weeks. She never paid him any money. He attended on a dispensary ticket, which was afterwards cancelled by the Dispensary Committee. The ticket was issued by the Rev. Mr. Maginn, P.P.

Mr. M'CARTAN said that the person who issued the ticket was the best judge of the woman's poverty, and after the ticket was cancelled the doctor should have ceased his attendance. He contended that no evidence as to means had been given.

His WORSHIP reserved judgment,

The Court afterwards adjourned to this morning.

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LURGAN.

Mr. R. W. Gamble, Q.C., County Court Judge for Armagh and Louth, resumed the business of these Sessions yesterday. Mr. R. Blair White, registrar, and Mr. Hugh Porter, deputy clerk, were also present.

MALCOMSON V. LENNON AND ANOTHER.

David Malcomson sued James Lennon and James M'Cann for £8 14s, due on foot of a promissory note for £20.

Mr. Atkinson and Mr. Hazlett appeared pro and con.

His WORSHIP gave a decree for £6 3s 7d.

SPENCE V. THE GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY.

William H. Spence, manufacturer, Portadown, sued the Great Northern Railway Company for £1 4s 5d, damages sustained by reason of the defendants having delivered thirty-two pieces of cloth to the York Street Spinning Company instead of the Northern Spinning Company.

Mr. Girvan appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Hazlett defended.

His WORSHIP gave a decree for the full amount.

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DUNGANNON.

Sir Francis W. Brady, Bart., Q.C., resumed the business of the Court yesterday.

RICE V. THE GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY.

The plaintiff sued for £1 19s 4d, compensation for glass broken.

Mr. Reynolds appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. Hugh H. Moore represented defendants.

The plaintiff had no witnesses to prove that the glass was sound and securely packed when forwarded to him from Belfast.

His WORSHIP dismissed the case with costs.

THE EARL OF RANFURLY V. JOHN LUCAS.

Plaintiff sued for £14 6s, rent due out of townparks for the year ending 1st November, 1881. For the defence it was alleged that the defendant had obtained the protection of the Court of Bankruptcy, but he failed to produce the certificate.

His WORSHIP granted a decree for the amount.

The remaining business was unimportant.

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BALLYMENA LAND SESSIONS.

YESTERDAY morning the business of these Sessions was commenced by Mr. David Ross, Q.C. in the Courthouse, Ballymena. Mr. Thomas Cunningham, Deputy Clerk of the Peace, and Mr. H. M'Neile M'Cormiok, Registrar, were present.

DAVID M'COSH, CLAIMANT; WILLIAM LEITCH, RESPONDENT.

This was a case in which David M'Cosh, tenant of the lands of Cross, in the barony of Lower Antrim, and parish of Ballyclurg, claimed the sum of £108 10s, "being the amount of seven years' rent against his landlord, William Leitch, for having been disturbed by him in the occupation of the lands by the act of his landlord, to wit, by the service of a notice to quit." The plaintiff also claimed £48 for improvements alleged to have been effected on the holding while in occupation. The defendant had a counter claim for half a year's rent of the holding ending 1st November, 1884, amounting to £7 15s, and also £23 11s for deterioration and dilapidation.

Mr. J. K. Currie appeared for the claimant, and Mr. Alexander O'Rorke for the respondent.

The tenant was examined, and stated that he had been in possession of this farm for the last nineteen years. His former landlord was the father of the present defendant. The rent was then £15 10s, at which it continued up till the present time. When the former landlord died, about the year 1873, the present defendant became the owner of the lande, and the tenant had paid the rent to him from the time he had become landlord. He recognised the respondent, Mr. William Leitch, as his landlord. The witness then proceeded to give evidence with regard to the improvements which he had made on the house and holding, amounting in all to the sum claimed.

Wm. Leitch, the landlord, in reply to Mr. O'RORKE, deposed that he was a national school teacher, and was at present in charge of a school at Killala, County Mayo. He became landlord of the holding in question on the death of his father, which took place in the year 1873. From the time his father died he had always the intention of residing on the farm held by the claimant. The half-year's rent for which he claimed was due. He had made a verbal agreement with M'Cosh when he was going into possession to the effect that he was to give up the premises to witness when he desired them. During the time that M'Cosh was in possession the house had become dilapidated, and the land was also not so good as when witness became landlord. It would take upwards of £20 to put the place in the condition in which it was when the claimant took the farm.

Cross-examined by Mr. CURRIE -- He did not believe he was the legal landlord of M'Cosh. He got the rest since 1873, and he knew his father got it before that. He gave M'Cosh receipts.

Did you receive the rent as landlord, or under false pretences? -- I received it under honest pretences.

Did you receive it as landlord? -- (No answer.)

His WORSHIP -- Of course you did.

Mr. CURRIE -- Then you are landlord?

Witness said he was in his present situation three months, and he intended to give in his resignation soon and enter this farm.

Is the reason you are putting this man out that you may come home? -- That is not the immediate one.

What is the immediate one? -- Because I am afraid I will lose the place.

Didn't you think you could get M'Cosh out without paying a shilling of compensation -- isn't that what you want? -- (No answer.)

You said this man could not have God's blessing if he went into the Land Court against you? -- I did not say that.

What did you say? -- I cannot recollect the exact words.

Do you want to put this man out without giving him a shilling?

Witness (to his Worship) -- Shall I answer that question, your Worship?

Mr. CURRIE -- You are bound to answer it.

Witness -- Not unless his Worship says so.

Mr. CURRIE (to the Court) -- The case is that he is coming home to this farm, and he has a right to answer the question.

His WORSHIP (to witness) -- As I understand, you have no idea of giving up your profession at the present time?

Witness -- Very shortly, your Worship,

Mr. CURRIE -- When did you first form the intention of coming home to live on this farm?

Witness -- From the time I received it under my father's will.

Had you that intention when you wrote the letters (produced)? -- I don't think I ever changed my intentions.

Did you intend to come home to the farm when you wrote to M'Cosh in 1879, "I am happy to hail you at the end of another half-year" -- when you wanted the rent? -- Not immediately.

When you wrote subsequently that if he wished to give up the farm he would require to give you six months' notice, did you intend to come home to live on it? -- (No answer.)

This letter was written in 1881. Had you then formed the intention of coming home? -- I have already told you.

In further cross-examination, witness said he had been living upon this farm with his father before M'Cosh became tenant. The houses, but not the lands, were sublet by his father during two years that elapsed from the time he left until possession was given to M'Cosh. Witness was then cross examined at length respecting the contra claim, and with the view of showing that the farm had not suffered through "bad cultivation, exhaustion, or an improper course of husbandry."

Mr. O'Rorke was about to examine the Rev. Mr. M'Kee, when

His WORSHIP said he could not go into any question as to the circumstances in which the tenants got into possession. He (his Worship) only knew that the respondent insisted on his right to get possession of that land. He was willing to consider that the respondent had a hope to get the farm whenever he liked, but all landlords then had similar expectations, and if evidence were admitted on the point it might be brought into every case where a landlord wanted to put out a tenant. In former times all landlords could put out any tenant from year to year upon service of a notice to quit.

Mr. O'RORKE said he wished to prove that a conversation took place in which the tenant admitted that his term had expired, and was thereupon retained at the old rent as a tenant from year to year.

His WORSHIP said he was willing to accept that, and informed the Rev. Mr. M'Kee that his evidence would not be required.

Mr. Thompson, engineer and land surveyor, was then examined on behalf of the landlord respecting the value of the farm and buildings, and alleged deterioration. He stated that when he visited the farm a number of drains were not in working order.

His WORSHIP said a tenant was entitled to every single penny which he could prove had been spent in improvements upon a holding, but no person had a right to claim if he allowed his farm to get into bad order.

Upon the conclusion of the evidence,

His WORSHIP, in giving judgment, said the landlord's action in the case was not capricious, but still his reason for the resumption of the holding was not a sufficient reason to deprive the tenant of compensation, having regard to anything which the tenant had done. For disturbance he would, therefore, grant five years' rent, which would amount to £77 10s and for improvements he would allow various sums amounting to £37 7s, making a total of £114 17s. In regard to the counter claim he would allow £23 12s, thus leaving a net decree of £91 5s for the tenant.

JAMES HAZLEY, CLAIMANT; SHORTCLIFFE AND OTHERS, RESPONDENTS.

This was a claim under the Land Act of 1870 for £335 for compensation for disturbance.

Mr. Long (instructed by Mr. J. K. Currie) appeared for the claimant, and Mr. Harrison (instructed by Messrs. R. & H. Orr) was for the respondents.

It appeared that the claimant in the year 1862 was the tenant from year to year of the lands in question. At that time he took another farm at Gracehill. On the latter he had house accommodation sufficient for both, and he subsequently sub-let the dwelling on the farm, turned the outhouses into cottages, which he also sub-let. Mr. Harrison contended that he was entitled to no compensation for disturbance on the ground that the notice to quit had been served in consequence of the sub-letting. On the other hand, the claimant said that he had permission from the landlords who are the trustees of the Moravian settlement at Gracehill, to sub-let. This permission was granted by Mr. Taylor, who was the general manager to the trustees. The respondents produced letters tending to show that there was no permission given for general sub-letting, but that the agreement was that the claimant was to put a farm labourer as a caretaker into the dwelling-house. On the production of this document Mr. Orr, on behalf of the trustees, offered to take the house from the claimants and to permit him to retain the land, agreeing to reduce the rent by £1, and to give the claimant £50 as compensation for his improvements on the house. This course was agreed to, each party to pay their own costs.

The Court adjourned until this (Saturday) morning.

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THE ARMY.

It seems, it is stated, more than probable that the militia artillery of Ireland will not be able to be embodied this year, owing to the paucity of subalterns. The strength should be some 100, but the number actually estimated to be present is only 35 subaltern officers, which will probably, from one cause or another, before the training time arrives, be reduced to 30 giving two lieutenants to every battery.

Prince Albert Victor has been appointed lieutenant in the 2nd Brigade of the Eastern Division Royal Artillery. The Prince of Wales is honorary colonel of the brigade, which was formerly known as the Prince of Wales's Own Norfolk Artillery Militia. The corps, which is in a very efficient condition, is commanded by Lord Suffield, the head-quarters being at Yarmouth.

Another blow has been given to the classic tongues. A War Office circular intimates that, for the future, Greek and Latin will not form part of the voluntary subjects of study in the course of instruction at the Royal Military' Academy.

Lieutenant-Colonel R. Pole-Carew, Coldstream Guards, has been appointed Military Secretary to the Commander in Chief of the Madras Army in succession to Lieutenant-Colonel Pretyman, who has vacated that post.

Major J. C. Hilliard, 1st Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, who has recently been promoted, has been ordered to hold himself in readiness to embark in the Serapia about the 20th of next month in charge of the draft for the 1st Battalion King's Own Borderers on its way to Bengal.

Major and Honorary Lieutenant Colonel R. Irving, 5th Battalion Connaught Rangers, will shortly obtain command of tho corps in succession to Colonel French, retired.

Lieutenant C. J. N. Macfarlane, 3rd Brigade North Irish Division of the Royal Artillery, who has been doing duty at the Depot of the Royal Artillery at Londonderry since early in November last, is likely to be required for garrison duty at that depot until next March in consequence of the increased number of militia recruits for the North Irish Division of the Royal Artillery.

The next military competitive examination of Lieutenants of Militia for commissions in the line will be held on the 18th and 19th of March.

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COLERAINE -- PETTY SESSIONS. -- At these Sessions yesterday -- Mr. B. M, Giveen presiding -- the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway Company summoned Robert Wilson for travelling upon a portion of a carriage not devoted to tbe use of passengers, for having no ticket, and for leaving while the train was in motion. Mr. Carson appeared for the Company. Mr. M'Laughlin was for the defendant, The magistrates imposed a mitigated penalty of 5s and costs, with 15s expenses of witnesses for the Company.

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HOLYWOOD -- PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF FAIRS. -- A special meeting of the Town Commissioners was held last night for the purpose of obtaining the approval of the Local Government Board to the establishment of two fairs in each year within the boundary. Dr. Johnston presided, Mr. Wm. Cambridge moved -- "That this meeting approve of the establishing of two fairs annually and the purchasing of a weighbridge, and that the Local Government Board be petitioned to grant their permission." Mr. Shanks seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously,

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LISBURN -- POLICE INQUIRY. -- An investigation was held here recently by District-Inspector Singleton, Belfast, and District-Inspector Gamble, Ballymena, into the conduct of Constable Kelly, Hannahstown, and Constables Carson and Bold, Lisburn. In the former case Sergeant M'Manus was the complainant, and alleged that Kelly had been improperly dressed and been insubordinate. In the latter cases it appeared from the statement of Head-Constable Rea that Carson and Bold had been found making up their beds at a prohibited hour, and also that Constable Carson had been guilty of insubordination. The Inspector General absolutely acquitted Constable Bold, and referred the other two cases to County-Inspector Irwin, who attended at the Smithfield Barracks yesterday, and announced his decision as follows, viz.:-- That Constable Kelly be reprimanded and transferred from Hannahstown to Ligoniel. Constable Carson was also reprimanded, but, in consequence of his previous good character, he was merely transferred from Smithfield to Railway Street Barracks, Lisburn, the decisions not to effect promotion.

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LURGAN -- ATTEMPT TO COMMIT SUICIDE. -- Yesterday morning a highly respectable man named Reynolds made an attempt to commit suicide by cutting his throat with a knife. It appears that he has been in a very despondent state during the past week. He now lies in a very critical state.

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NEWRY -- FIRE. -- Yesterday evening a fire broke out in the meal and bran stores belonging to Mr. Jeremiah Lowry, merchant, Castle Street. A messenger was at once despatched to the Fire Brigade Station, but they were not upon the scene for almost an hour, and by that time the flames had gained headway. The roof fell in, slightly injuring several men working at the hose. After a couple of hours' hard work the fire was extinguished. The damage done is fully covered by insurance.

 

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