The Witness - Friday, 3 November, 1915
Marriage
MITCHELL--DICKSON -- October 25, 1916, in Belmont Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. Dr. Thompson, assisted by the Rev. Dr. MacDermott, and the Revs. T. A, Smyth, M.A.; E. Gilfillan, and J. S. Crockett, the Rev. John E. Mitchell, B.A., Ballynure, Co. Antrim, to Edith S. Dickson, M.A., Pomeroy, Co. Tyrone. At home, The Manse, Ballynure, 29th November, 1916.
Deaths
HARBINSON -- October 28, 1916, at Neadeeven, Warrenpoint, Hugh Harbinson (late of Drogheda), in his 87th year. Funeral private.
HENDERSON -- October 31, at his residence, Lisnarrow, Donemana, John Henderson. Interred at Old Doneagheady, on 2nd November, 1916.
ALLAN -- November 1, 1916, at her sister's It residence, Ivy Place, Holywood, Ellen, daughter of the late Andrew Allan.
BROWN -- October 26, at her residence, The Cottage, Magherafelt, Margaret, widow of the late Andrew Brown, J.P.
DICK -- October 29, at the residence of her niece, Wandene, Islandmagee, Jane Dick.
HANNA -- October 25, at Portadown, Mary Ranken, the younger daughter of District-Inspector Hanna, R.I.C.
HASTINGS -- October 29, at his residence, Rose Lodge, Magherafelt, William Hastings.
JACKSON -- October 31, at her residence, Clonmacate, Birches, Portadown, Elizabeth M'Clure, the beloved wife of Richard Jackson.
JOHNSTON -- October 26, at his father's residence, Lenaderg, Banbridge, John, third son of John Johnston.
MAGINNIS -- October 29, at his residence, Mullin's Hill, Tandragee, John Maginnis, in his 85th year.
MARSHALL -- October 31, at his residence, Scotch Quarter, Carrickfergus, Joseph, the beloved husband of Elizabeth Marshall.
MITCHELL -- October 28, at his residence, 8, Lismain Street, Ravenhill Avenue, Belfast, John Mitchell late National School Teacher (formerly) of Coleraine).
MORRISON -- October 27, at Londonderry Schools, Newtownards, Frederica (Rica), only daughter of James and M. Morrison.
M'CUNE -- October 31, at The Manse, Oban, Scotland, Rev. Samuel M'Cune, formerly of Second Presbyterian Church, Magherafelt, and son of the late S. M'Cune, of Tandragee, Co. Armagh.
M'ILROY -- October 26, at Moyroe, Moy, Co. Tyrone, Florence Agnes, youngest daughter of Robert T. M'Ilroy.
M'KIMM -- October 27, at Infirmary, Newry, John, the beloved husband of Frances M'Kimm.
M'NEILLY -- October 30, at Conway Square, Newtownards, Sarah, the beloved wife of Alexander M'Neilly.
PLATTEN -- October 30, at the residence of her son-in-law, 112, Holywood Road, Hannah, relict of the late Robert Platten, of Murlough, Dundrum, Co.-Down, in her 83rd year.
SURGENOR -- October 24, at her residence, Aughnacleagh, Margaret, wife of late James Surgenor, at an advanced age.
TOLAND -- October 26, 1916, at The Manse, Strabane, the Rev. C. K. Toland.
WATSON -- October 28, at 136, Greenwell Street, Newtownards, William Watson.
WILSON -- October 26, at her residence, Creevy, Lisburn, Elizabeth, widow of the late Andrew Wilson.
YOUNG -- October 21, at his residence, Aughalunny, Killeter, Robert Young. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."
Clippings
County Armagh Lady's Bequests.
Miss Jane Kirkpatrick, Ballylane, County Armagh, who died on the 25th of June last, has by her will, which is dated the 11th Oct., 1911, bequeathed £20 for the benefit of the Sabbath-school in connection with the Tullyallen Presbyterian congregation, to be used as the minister might consider best, and, after making certain other bequests, she devised the residue of her estate to her trustees, upon trust, to realise the same, and out of the proceeds thereof to build a church in Belfast, to be called "The Kirkpatrick Memorial Church," and a lecture hall in connection therewith. The trustees are given full power to arrange all matters in connection with the erection and management of the said church and lecture hall. The family portraits of the deceased's father, two brothers, and herself have also been left to the trustees, with directions that they are to be hung in the proposed lecture hall. The trustees are -- Rev. Jackson M'Fadden, Badoney Manse, Newtownstewart; Mr. David Elliott, Ardoe, Bloomfield, Belfast; and Dr. Gilbert Marshall, J.P., Markethill.
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DEATH OF REV. S. M'CUNE.
The death occurred, on Tuesday, at The Manse, Oban, Scotland, of Rev. Samuel M'Cune, minister of Oban Free Church. Deceased was the son of the late. Mr. Samuel M'Cune, of Tandragee, and studied at Queen's and Assembly Colleges, Belfast, and at the Free Church College, Edinburgh. He was taken under the care of the Banbridge Presbytery as a student for the ministry. After a lengthy period of service in the United States he returned to Ireland, and in 1881 was installed in Wexford, and in 1887 at Union Road, Magherafelt. In the latter charge he remained until 1905, when he left for Stevenston, in the Free Church Presbytery of Glasgow, and four years later he removed to Oban.
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DEATH OF MR. W. HASTINGS, MAGHERAFELT.
There was widespread regret in the Magherafelt district when it became known that Mr. William Hastings had passed away at his residence, Rose Cottage, Magherafelt, in the early hours of Sabbath morning. For over thirty years Mr. Hastings had filled the office of Clerk of the Magherafelt Union, and throughout his long period of service he discharged the duties of the office with the utmost efficiency. Deceased was a member of the session of Union Road Presbyterian Church, and for over twenty years he had acted as secretary of the congregation.
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PRETTY WEDDING IN BELFAST.
A pretty wedding took place on Wednesday, 25th ult., in Belmont Presbyterian Church, where the Rev. John Edmund Mitchell, B.A., Ballynure, and Miss Edith S. Dickson, M.A., Pomeroy, Co. Tyrone, were joined in the bonds of wedlock. The bride, who was given away her brother, Mr. Robert Dickson, A.R.C.Sc.I., looked charming in a pretty dress of ivory crepe-de-chene over creme silk taffeta, trimmed with pearls, and carried a handsome bouquet. Miss Wisdom, Ladies' School, Bangor, acted as bridesmaid, and wore a beautiful dress of pink silk draped with creme gengetta, and also carried a pretty bouquet. The officiating clergymen were Revs. Dr. Thompson, Dr. MacDermott, T. A. Smyth, E. Gilfillan, and J. S. Crockett. After the ceremony the guests were entertained in the Grand Central Hotel. The happy couple left by the 6-50 p.m. train for Larne en route to Scotland, where the honeymoon will be spent. The many and expensive presents received by both bride and bridegroom testify to the high esteem in which they are both held.
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ULSTER MILITARY NEWS
Gallantry Rewarded.
Miss Mary Creswell. B.A., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Creswell, Stag Hall, Belfast, who has volunteered for duty with the Scottish Women's Hospital, as orderly and interpreter, left on Tuesday night for France. Miss Creswell, who is a graduate of Queen's University, has relinquished her position as teacher of languages at Ballymoney Intermediate School in order to place her services at the disposal of the authorities.
Intimation has been received that the Military Cross has been awarded to Captain John H. Jordan, R.A.M.C., for conspicuous gallantry in action. Captain Jordan is a son of that distinguished. County Down man, the Right Honourable Sir John Newell Jordan, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., G.C.I.E., his Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at Pekin. He is a nephew of Mr. Gilbert Cromie, of the Ulster Bank, Carlisle Circus, Belfast, and of Dr. Cromie, Clough, their sister being Lady Jordan.
Second-Lieutenant H. P. Cinnamond, the Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) has been awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in the field after being wounded. Second-Lieutenant Cinnamond is the second son of Mr. James Park Cinnamond, J.P., manager of the Comber branch of the Northern Bank. He was educated at Kilkenny College, and was employed in the Falls Road branch of the Northern Bank before the war. He was wounded on 5th July, and again on 27th August last.
Second-Lieutenant B. D. Merrin, Royal Irish Rifles, a former pupil of Campbell College, Belfast, has been awarded an Irish Brigade certificate for gallantry in the field, and has been recommended for the Military Cross. He is a son of Rev. B. J. Merrin, rector of Navan.
Second-Lieutenant Thos. Sinclair Haslett, Royal Irish Rifles, awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in the field, is a son of Rev. Thomas Haslett, M.A., First Ballymena Presbyterian Church, and a nephew of Colonel Thomas Sinclair, M.D., F.R.C.S., Army Medical Service, He was educated at Ballymena Academy, Campbell College, Belfast, and Foyle College, Londonderry, and joined the Ulster Division as soon as age permitted.
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DEATH OF REV. C. K. TOLAND,
Senior Minister of Strabane.
The news of the sudden death of the Rev. Charles K. Toland, which occurred at his residence, The Manse, Strabane, last week, will be read with feelings of pain throughout the province of Ulster and many parts of Ireland. Deceased was a kind and courteous gentleman, and endeared himself to all who came in contact with him. Born at Ballymoney some seventy-six years ago, he studied for the ministry at Edinburgh University, and was minister at a Covenanting Church in Bready for a considerable time. Afterwards he received a call to minister in Second Strabane Presbyterian Church, where he laboured with the utmost acceptance for thirty years. At the amalgamation of First and Second Strabane churches some six years ago he became senior minister, and occupied the pulpit every Sabbath evening. He was also chaplain for the Strabane Union. He was greatly interested in the welfare of the community, and particularly identified himself with all charitable objects in connection with the poorer classes. In politics he was an ardent Unionist, and took a prominent part in the anti-Home Rule movement, having on many occasions visited England, Scotland, and Wales to champion the cause which he espoused. To his sorrowing relatives will be extended the deepest sympathy of the entire community.
The funeral of the deceased took place in Strabane on Saturday, the chief mourners being Mr. William Toland and Dr. C. F. Toland, London (sons), Mr. E. Clarke, solicitor, and Dr. W. Stevenson (sons-in-law), and the Rev. J. M'Kee, Wishaw (brother-in-law). There was a large attendance of the public, every creed being well represented. The service at the house was conducted by Rev. R. Dick, B.A., and Rev. E. Clarke, M.A., colleagues of deceased, and at the grave by Mr. Clarke and Rev. M. Neill.
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EPITOME OF GENERAL NEWS
The working of Dungannon Workhouse farms during the past year has resulted in a net profit of £73 3s 1d.
At the meeting of Irvinestown Board of Guardians it was decided by eighteen votes to five to close the workhouse and hospitals.
With the affiliation of 619 new associations to the National War Savings Committee last week the number now at work in England and Wales reaches over 11,000.
The week-end gale did considerably damage in Wexford, while near Rosslare the steam drifter Speedwell, of Milford Haven, was wrecked with the less of ten lives.
In a letter to the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Lord Rosebery says, the Roumanians are an illustrious Roman race, and are fighting to deliver their country from alien rule.
Mr. Thos. Graham, North Road, Monaghan, has been successful in producing two crops of potatoes from the same ground this year. He is at present digging the second crop, which is an excellent one.
Mr. Ginnell, M.P., was arrested at Richmond and conveyed to Pentonville, where he will undergo three weeks' imprisonment in the first division in default of paying the fine recently imposed upon him in London.
A resolution protesting against the extension of the Summer Time Act to Ireland next year or in the future was adopted by the majority of the members present at the meeting of the Newry Board of Guardians on Saturday last.
The King at Buckingham Palace received the widow of the late Brigade-Major W. La Touche Congreve and bestowed upon her the V.C., Distinguished Service Order, and Military Cross which had been awarded to her late band.
A Melbourne telegram reports an attempt to murder the Australian Premier, Mr. Hughes. A man during the night forced open a widow of his house and fired into the right honourable gentleman's bedroom. Mr. Hughes fortunately escaped injury.
Lord Crawford, President of the Board of Agriculture, speaking at Taunton, said agriculturists could press for the retention of labourers only if all the labour now available was being used in the national interest regardless of ultimate profit.
Speaking at the Royal Colonial Institute, Mr. Massey, Premier of New Zealand, said whether the Imperial Parliament should remain as at present was a matter for Imperial statesmen. The time was ripe, and a lost opportunity might never occur again.
Mr. James Wilson, a well-known Newry dentist, succumbed on Sabbath morning to a revolver bullet wound in the head, which it is believed was self-inflicted. On the previous evening he was found shot in his surgery and was in an unconscious condition.
It is officially announced that the Prime Minister has appointed Mr. Richard Hazleton, M.P.; Sir Wm. M'Cormick, Mr. A. M'Dowell (Belfast), and Mr. John O'Neill to be members of Lord Balfour of Burleigh's Committee on Commercial and Industrial Policy.
The students of St. Andrews University on Saturday unanimously ejected Sir Douglas Haig to the Rectorship of the University, in succession to the Earl of Aberdeen. The office is tenable for three years, and Sir Douglas Haig has consented to accept the honour.
The Parliamentary Land Settlement Committee is considering schemes for the immediate settlement of large numbers of ex-service men on the land. The view is held that at least 24,000 men could be settled in or near existing village communities in Great Britain.
Speaking at Derby, after reviewing the Volunteers, Lord French said he was greatly impressed with that great residue of manhood as an asset of national defence. Invasion was not a mere supposition, but a possibility, he added, and they must be prepared to meet it.
The Chief Secretary, replying in the Parliamentary papers to Mr. Doris, says -- It is intended, as a measure of economy, to reduce temporarily the status of the prisons in Tralee, Galway, Dundalk, and Londonderry, and the reduction will probably take effect during the current financial year.
The steamer Opal, of Glasgow, arrived at Douglas on Saturday and landed nine men including the captain, of the steamer Raylton Dixon, of Christiania, which foundered fifteen miles south-west of the Tusker on Friday morning while on the voyage from Glasgow to Genoa. Ten of the crew were drowned.
As the result of a fire which occurred on Saturday night, at Ballyhanwood, Gilnahirk, near Belfast, a large quantity of flax and two byres in which the fibre was stored were destroyed. The property involved belonged to Mr. Wm. Morrow, who carries on a dairy business, and the damage is estimated at £400.
The conference of the National Union of Scottish Mine workers in Glasgow discussed the increased cost of foodstuffs and coal, and passed a resolution demanding that the Government should take full control of these commodities and fix the retail prices. A conference of the South Wales Miners at Cardiff passed a similar resolution.
The Press Association is officially informed that the King has been pleased to confer the honour of a baronetcy of the United Kingdom upon Mr. L. Worthington Evans, M.P. Mr. Evans, who is Parliamentary private secretary to Mr. Forster, Financial Secretary to the War Office, has represented Colchester in the Unionist interest since 1910.
Mr. Patrick Mahon, a member of the Dublin Corporation, who was sentenced on 24th May to six months' imprisonment on a charge in connection with the printing of the "Irish Volunteer," has been released from prison in Dublin. He was welcomed by friends and relatives outside the prison gates, and presented with an address at his residence.
During the severe gale on Friday there were many shipping casualties on the coasts. At Salcombe the lifeboat, returning from a wreck was capsized, and thirteen of the crew of fifteen were drowned. The Glasgow collier [--------] was driven ashore at Newcastle, Co. Down and the crew of eight were gallantly rescued by the local lifeboatmen.
The body of the Rev. W. Luxton, Primitive Methodist minister of Brentwood, was found on Saturday in his church, death having been due to gas poisoning. It appears that on the previous day he arranged to do some work at the church and then go on to another town. As he did not return, inquiries were made, and he was found lying beside a gas bracket, which he apparently was refixing when he was overcome with gas.
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The Witness - Friday, 10 November 1916
Births
MORROW -- November 5, 1916, at Rockville, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan, to Mr. and Mrs. John Morrow, jun. -- a son.
M'DOWELL -- November 5, 1916, at Indianapolis, U.S.A., to Mr. and Mrs. R. W. M'Dowell -- a son (Robert William). (Cablegram.)
WHITESIDE -- October 30, at Bellville Manse, Lurgan, to Rev. James and Mrs. Whiteside -- a son.
Marriage
CARLEY--MOFFETT -- November 8, at College Square Presbyterian Church, by Rev. Dr. Megaw, William John Carley, late Chief Inspector of Produce, Southern Nigeria, to Margaret Lewers (Daisy), youngest daughter of Samuel Moffett, Belfast, and niece of the late Dr. Hugh Lewers and Mr. and Miss Lewers, Curloch House, Co. Tyrone.
Deaths
BELL -- November 5, at his residence, Dromore, Stewartstown, Co. Tyrone, William John Bell, aged 85 years.
CLANMORRIS -- November 4, at Bangor Castle, Co. Down, John George Barry Bingham, aged 64.
DONALD -- November 1, at his residence, Red Brae Cottage, Milebush, Carrickfergus, Robt. Donald.
GRAHAM -- November 3, at his residence, Ballyutoag, Andrew Graham.
HAGAN- -- November 5, at Greenisland, Ellen (Nelly), dearly-beloved wife of Samuel Hagan, aged 27 years.
HAMILTON -- November 4, at Chipper Kyle, Castle Douglas, N.B., A. H. Hamilton, late Captain 13th Batt. Royal Irish Rifles (Ulster Division), and Ashville, Killinchy, Co. Down.
HARPUR -- November 2, at his residence, Kircubbin, William Harpur, dearly-beloved father of Sally Matier.
KENNEDY -- November 3, at his residence, Ballyhenry, Carnmoney, Samuel John, youngest son of James Kennedy.
KENNEDY -- November 6, at her cousin's residence, Killymether Cottage, Newtownards, Prudence Kennedy, third daughter of the late William Kennedy, Killinchy Street, Comber.
MACARTNEY -- November 3, at her brother's residence, Cabra, Lisburn, Agnes Macartney.
MILLAR -- November 1, at his residence, Carmavey, William Millar.
MORTON -- November 7 (suddenly), at Brooklyn, Knock, John Morton, J.P.
M'ALPINE -- November 2, at 14, High Street, Newtownards, Thomas M'Alpine, boot merchant.
M'CORMICK -- November 4, Thomas, eldest son of the late James M'Cormick, Castlederg.
M'GEE -- November 2, at her residence, Church Place, Donaghadee, Elizabeth, the dearly-beloved wife of Jacob M'Gee.
M'KAY -- At her residence, 14, College Square North, Belfast, Eliza M'Kay, widow of Joseph M'Kay, and eldest daughter of the late Wm. Beck, Purdysburn.
M'KENNY -- November 7, at Slate Quarry House, Dromara, Margaret, relict of the late John M'Kenny.
M'KINTY -- November 7, at his residence, Pathfoot, Glynn, William John, eldest son of the late Patrick M'Kinty, Ballyedward, Magheramorne.
REDDOCK -- November 4, at her residence, The Cottage, Plantation, Lisburn, Mary, youngest daughter of the late George Reddock.
TUCKER -- November 3, at Silvertonhill, Dumbarton, Margaret Elizabeth, widow of Edward Holden Tucker, and younger daughter of the late Rev. James Hodgens, Belfast.
WARD -- November 5, at St. John's Private Nursing Home, Philip Ward, J.P., Commissioner of National Education.
WHITE -- November 7, at his residence, The Trench, Ballycastle, Thomas White.
YOUNG -- October 21, at his residence, Aughalunny, Killeter, Robert Young. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."
YOUNG -- November 6, 1916, at her residence, 1, Gretna, Greencastle, Margaret Ann, widow of the late James Young.
Killed in Action
DAVEY -- October 7, killed in action, France, William Edwin, third son of Rev. Charles Davey and Mrs. Davey, 17, Wellington Park, Belfast.
TAYLOR -- Killed in action, on 13th October, 1916, 143626 Sapper William Edward Taylor, R.E., younger and dearly-loved son of Samuel and Margaret Childs Taylor, Enfield Cottages, Craigavad.
"Redeemed with the precious blood of Christ." -- 1 Peter i. 78, 19.
"I to the hills will lift mine eyes, From whence doth come mine aid."
In Memoriam
ADAMS -- -In loving memory of Robert Adams, of Craigmore, Co. Armagh, who passed away on 7th November, 1909, in his 69th year. Rev. vii. 13-17.
Clippings
EPITOME OF GENERAL NEWS
A Bucharest telegram reports the death of Prince Mircea of Roumania, aged four years.
At Woolwich a worker in a cartridge-filling factory was fined £4 for having taken matches into the factory.
Mrs. Pankhurst beaded a deputation to the House of Lords to interview Lord Grey. She created a scene, and was ejected.
The death has occurred of Professor John Ferguson, who recently retired from the Chair of Chemistry at Glasgow University.
The Press Bureau announces that a steamer carrying £6,700 worth of comforts for Indian prisoners taken at Kut has been sunk by a submarine.
Imports into the United Kingdom last month amounted to £81,135,376, an increase of £13,318,970, and exports to £44,715,248, an increase of £12,746,283.
The Ministry of Munitions announce that a small explosion occurred at a munitions factory. One worker was killed, one seriously injured, and three less seriously.
The Russian four-masted sailing vessel Frieda went ashore in a violent gale on the South Rock, near Portavogie, County Down, and afterwards capsized. No lives were lost.
The Treasury states that a new design for one pound currency notes has now been approved, and the new notes, which will be of the same size as the existing issue, are expected to be ready for issue early in the new year.
Sir Ernest Shackleton, who is on his way to join the Antarctic rescue expedition, interviewed at New Orleans, said he was planning, after accomplishing his mission, to return to England for war service.
At Monaghan County Infirmary a stained glass window erected to perpetuate the memory of the late Mrs. Campbell Hall, wife of Dr. Campbell Hall, D.L., surgeon to the infirmary, was formally unveiled by Sir William Whitla, M.D.
At a demonstration held in Glasgow in commemoration of the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot, Rev. David Ness expressed the determination of the Orangemen to see that, if a Parliament was set up in Dublin, Ulster shall be left free to remain out of it.
The Cardiff District Committee of the Shipping Federation have agreed to increase the wages of the sailors and firemen by £1 per month, making £9 per month in all. The wages of stewards and cooks are also advanced £1, making £13 and £12 respectively.
An engagement is announced between Lieutenant J. M. Stronge, R.I.F., only son of Sir James H. and Lady Stronge, of Tynan Abbey, Co. Armagh, and Winifred Alexander, fourth daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel H. G. S. Alexander, Carrickmore House, Co. Tyrone.
The number of animals shipped from the port of Belfast during the week ending the 4th November, 1916, was -- 4,152 cattle, 467 sheep, 244 swine, 29 horses; total, 3,882. For corresponding week last year -- 4,894 cattle, 115 sheep, 160 swine, 43 horses; total, 5,212.
At the Liverpool Assizes Robert Edward Walkington Stephenson, a butcher, and Alderman of Liverpool, was sentenced to nine months, and Percy Williams Maybury, butcher, to six months, both in the second division, for conspiracy to defraud the Income-tax Revenue.
The Foreign Office announces that the King has been pleased to approve the appointment of General Sir Francis Reginald Wingate, Sirdar or the Egyptian Army and Governor-General of the Soudan, to be High Commissioner of Egypt, in succession to Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Arthur Henry M'Mahon, to take effect on 1st January, 1917.
Dr. Robert Lafayette Swan, ex-President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, died at on Saturday at his residence, Templeogue, County Dublin. Deceased was the founder of the Dublin Orthopaedic Hospital. He was the author of a number of important works, and enjoyed an extensive practice. In his early days Surgeon Swan was a prominent figure in Irish hunting circles.
Sir Robert Liddell, hon. treasurer U.V.F, Hospital, addressing the Belfast Rotary Club, said arrangements were now being made for Ulstermen who desired it to be transferred from hospitals in England and Scotland. There were now fifty-five limbless men being treated, and, as a result of an interview with Sir Francis Lloyd, there was now a limb factory in operation in Belfast.
Miss Saidie M'Nutt, aged fourteen and a half, a pupil at Glentidaly N.S., Ramelton, has obtained the special prize in the Vere Foster Writing Competition for the best writing over the whole of the British Empire. Irish schools awarded libraries in the competition are Annaghmore (Ballymote), Belvoir Hall (Belfast), Drumglass (boys), Dungannon Cross (girls), Ballaghadereen, and Drumkeen, Stranorlar.
Whilst returning home to Ballynacargy, Mullingar, after attending a funeral, Francis Mullally, vice-chairman of the Mullingar District Council, was drowned in the river during the recent storm. A remarkable coincidence is that Mr. Mullally's married sister, who was also at the funeral, was drowned in a pool of water two feet deep some distance from the river where her brother's body was found.
On Tuesday 120 wounded soldiers arrived in Belfast, having been conveyed from the North Wall, Dublin, in the Great Northern Railway Company's splendidly-equipped hospital train. On reaching the Great Victoria Street terminus the men were hospitably treated by the ladies in charge of the buffet, who had provided a plentiful supply of hot tea and coffee. A fleet of motor cars conveyed the men to the various hospitals. They were allocated as follows -- U.V.F. Hospital, 70; Royal Victoria Hospital, 20; Mater Inflrmorum Hospital, 30.
At a meeting of the Dublin Corporation a resolution was unanimously adopted urgently requesting the American Ambassador to take the earliest opportunity of visiting Frongoch Camp to inquire into and report upon the conditions prevailing there; also as to the truth of Alderman Byrne's accusations as to alleged insufficiency of food given to the Irish prisoners, as to meat having been condemned as "unfit for human use," and as to the punishment inflicted on the prisoners for trivial offences.
The news of the death of the Rev. Michael Smith Dunbar, who passed away suddenly on Sabbath morning at the residence of his son, Rev. Kenneth Dunbar, The Manse, Comber, will be received with sincere regret by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. The deceased gentleman was a well-known and highly-esteemed minister of the Unitarian Church, and for some years performed with conspicuous success the duties of minister of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church at Downpatrick, his retirement from that position occasioning general regret. The funeral, took place ou Tuesday to the Unitarian Churchyard, Comber.
After a comparatively brief illness, the death occurred on Sabbath in St. John's Private Nursing Home of Mr. Philip Ward, J.P., who resided at Farney, Glen Road. Deceased was a native of Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, but most of his life was spent in Belfast. As a young man he entered the teaching profession, being first attached to the staff of St. Mary's School, Chapel Lane. He was afterwards appointed principal of St. Paul's School, Falls Road. He took an active part in connection with the National Teachers' Organisation, of which he held the position of president, and was greatly interested in educational work. In 1910 he was appointed a Commissioner of National Education in succession to the lata General Sir William Butler, and was the first National school teacher to occupy that post.
The Rev. Principal Denney reports in the November number of the "Record" of the United Free Church that the position of the Central Fund at the end of September was more encouraging than it had been at any earlier period of the year. The decrease in congregational contributions, which was worst at the end of May, had steadily diminished, and it has now practically disappeared. It amounts only to £26 6s 10d. The main increase in revenue is from legacies. In the nine months of 1915 they yielded £2,151; this year an the same period they came to £4.184, an increase of £2,033. Allowing for a decrease of £96 on interest and an increase of £198 in income from miscellaneous sources, the net result is that at the end of September the fund stood £2,235 better than it did last year.
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BELFAST ALDERMAN'S SUDDEN DEATH
Mr. Robert Johnson, Alderman of Windsor Ward in Belfast Corporation, died suddenly at his residence, Oranmore, University Road, on Tuesday night. The deceased, who was in his seventy-first year, was a son of the late Mr. Thomas Johnson, the founder and for many years the head of the well-known firm of T. Johnson & Sons, Limited, Bedford Street. He was held in the highest esteem by reason of his probity of character and straightforward dealing, and all who were associated with him recognised freely that his word was as good as his bond. He was for many years a member of Belfast Corporation, and was on the rota for the Shrievalty, and in the ordinary course would have been called upon to fill the office of High Sheriff next year. Deceased took a prominent part in the religious life of the community, and was an enthusiastic temperance advocate. He was an honoured member of the Methodist Church, and had a life-long association with Donegall Square Church, filling various offices in connection with that congregation. He was superintendent of the Sabbath-school for a long period, and was held in affectionate regard by teachers and scholars, in whose welfare he took an unfailing interest. He was a Unionist in politics, and frequently expressed his views on the public platform. He was also connected with the City Young Men's Christian Association, and rendered valuable assistance to that organisation. He married a daughter of the late Mr. Henry Martin, of the well-known firm of H & J. Martin, Limited, and is survived by that lady, four sons, and five daughters. Deep sympathy will be extended to Mrs. Johnson and the other members of the family in their bereavement.
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UNDER THE RED TRIANGLE,
Ulster Minister's Experience.
The Rev. T. C. Jasper. B.A., Portglenone, conducted the services at Carlisle Road Presbyterian Church, Derry, on Sabbath. In the evening Mr. Jasper, who was for some time engaged in work connected with the Y.M.C.A. huts at the front, gave an interesting and stimulating account or the grand services that are being rendered to our forces under the sign of the Red Triangle. It was a splendid enterprise as well as a bold venture, said the preacher, when the leaders of the Y.M.C.A. decided to accompany our troops wherever they went with those touches of home and temporal and spiritual ministrations, appreciation of which was to-day almost world-wide. The sign of the Red Triangle stood for body, mind, and soul. There had been criticism of the method and character of the work, but his experience of it led him to believe that it was on the right lines. There must be willingness to serve in material as well as spiritual things, and the best proof of the good that was being done under Y.M.C.A. auspices among our troops was the testimony of the men themselves. Again and again they had said that they did not know how they should have got through were it not for the help of the Y.M.C.A., and generally one of the first things a soldier asked on coming into a camp was, "Is there a Y.M.C.A. hut?" Mr. Jasper first spoke of his experiences at a base camp. Thence he was sent to a rest camp twelve miles from the firing line, and finally served in the hut at a firing line camp in Belgium, where he had a view of the Ypres salient, and had the proud privilege of taking part in executing at a moment's notice an order for refreshments to 800 soldiers on the way to the trenches. This he told more by way of illustrating the adaptability of the Red Triangle service to all aspects of the soldier's life at the front. Concluding, Mr. Jasper referred to the situation in Ulster before the war. Were not the ways of Providence wonderful, he asked, when we recalled how little we thought when drilling and arming for the defence of our rights and liberties that the battle would be fought in France? That was what he believed was taking place. After the glorious charge of their division he found that there was more sympathy among Englishmen than hitherto for Ulster. Ulster must not be coerced, he heard many of them say. So while we felt proud of what our men were doing and had done for the Empire we should also be filled with gratitude that they were also fighting for Ulster's rights and liberties.
The city Boy Scouts attended the service in uniform, and had seats reserved for them. Several of their number acted as collectors.
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County Antrim Lady Decorated.
The French Army has awarded the Croix de Guerre to Miss A. Louise M'Ilroy, M.D., D.Sc., for her work as medecin chef in the Scottish Women's Hospital at Troyes, France, later with the Armee d'Orient in Servia, and now in Salonica. This is a distinction of merit accorded for unusual services to the country. Dr Louise M'Ilroy is an Ulster woman, her father having been the late Dr. James M'Ilroy, of Ballycastle, County Antrim.
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DEATH OF MISS R. H. HOUSTON, CULNADY.
The remains of this estimable lady were laid to rest in Culnady burying-ground, on Monday last, amid signs of great sorrow. The funeral was very large and representative, some coming from a great distance. The service in the house was conducted by the Rev. Alex. Gilmour, M.A., Drimbolg; Rev. V. M. Corkey and Rev. Mr. M'Ilmoyle, and at the grave by the Rev. C. C. M. Dickey. At the close of the morning service on last Sabbath Rev. V. M. Corkey made the following reference to the deceased:-- "I cannot close to-day without referring to the death of one who though not a member of this congregation, was always one of its warmest friends. Living close to our church she had always an open door and a welcome word for everyone who came about this place. Every minister in the Presbytery and many beyond the bounds of this Presbytery could bear testimony to her kindness and hospitality and thoughtfulness. One of my predecessors wrote me concerning her that she was the "soul of human kindness," and we were not long here until we discovered that his testimony was true. We will not soon forget her welcome and her hospitality when we first arrived in Culnady, and never a week has passed since, I might almost say never a day has passed that we did not receive some little kindness at her hands. An old saint remarked to me some time ago that there was no kindness in the world now like there used to be. That remark certainly did not apply to Miss Rachel Houston. She was never happier than when she was trying to make other people happy, and many will to-day mourn her loss. She was a woman of broad Christian sympathies. She was good and kind to the poor of all creeds and classes, and many a little kindness she did that was known to none but the recording angel. Her work was done, well done, and she has gone to her reward. Our lives are certainly the poorer now that she is gone, but richer by the fragrant memory of her noble, magnanimous, and self-sacrificing character. She bore much suffering with Christian fortitude, and on Friday night she passed peacefully away to another and brighter shore, where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest. Though we all feel her loss, she will be most missed in the little circle of her own home, and I am sure our hearts go put to them to-day in Christian sympathy, and we pray that the God of all comfort and consolation may comfort them in this dark hour.
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DEATH OF ULSTER RAILWAY OFFICIAL.
The death occurred at Larne yesterday of Mr. Joseph Martin, one of the most popular of Ulster railway officials. For forty-one years he was associated with the Midland Railway (Northern Counties Committee) and only retired from active duties eight months ago, on account of ill-health. After the death of Mr. Edward Cotton, general manager, Mr. Martin was appointed assistant to Mr. James Cowie, the present secretary and manager, and in 1909 he was promoted to the responsible position of manager of the goods department. A few months ago he was made the recipient of a handsome presentation from his business friends in Ulster.
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The Witness - Friday, 17 November 1916
Birth
SLOAN -- November 13, at Kilkinamurry Manse, Katesbridge, the wife of Rev. Richard J. Sloan, of a daughter.
Marriage
THOMSON--EGGER -- November 10, at Ormond Quay Presbyterian Church, Dublin, by the Rev. Samuel Prenter, M.A., George Sheriff Thomson, Dundalk, third son of the Rev. James Thomson, Belturbet, County Cavan, to Marie, eldest daughter of Monsieur Francois Xavier Egger, Geneva, Switzerland. No cards.
Deaths
WILSON -- November 13, at his residence, Legmore Terrace, Portadown, Samuel Wilson, in his 80th year. Interred in Seagoe Burying-ground on Wednesday, November 15th.
ABBOTT -- November 9, at his residence, Mullaghglass, Stoneyford, Thomas, the beloved husband of Mary Abbott.
ADAMS -- November 5, at her residence, Torrent Hill, Dungannon, Mary Charlotte, wife of the late Robert Adams, C.E., J.P.
ALLEN -- November 11, at her husband's residence, 81, Beechwood Avenue, Londonderry, Margaret (Maggie), dearly-beloved wife of William Henry Allen, and second daughter of James Henry, U.D.C., Ballymena.
ALLEN -- November 15, at his residence, Ballyboley, Ballynure, Robert Allen, aged 78 years.
BEST -- November 10, at her residence, Lisnabilla, Margaret Best.
BRADLEY -- November 14, at Erganagh, Kilrea, James, younger son of the late Dominick Bradley.
BURNS -- -November 10, at Burnbrae, Ballynakelly, Coalisland, Samuel, elder son of James B. Burns.
CARLISLE -- November 14, at his residence, Ballynacoy, Glenavy, Samuel, the dearly-beloved husband of Ann Jane Carlisle.
ENGLISH -- November 9, at her residence, Bentra, Ballycarry, Sarah, the beloved wife of Alexander English.
FALL -- November 13, at Lanowlee, Londonderry, Alicia Maud Corscaden, widow of the late Daniel Fall, sen., Portrush.
FRENCH -- November 9 (suddenly, of pneumonia), John Alexander French, LL.D., of St. Ann's, Donnybrook, and 7, St. Stephen's Green North, Dublin, aged 68.
GILLESPIE -- November 15, at his residence, Ballymullen House, Lisburn, William, the beloved husband of Anna Gillespie.
GEENAWAY -- November 10, at 12, Bayview Terrace, Ballyholme, Joyce Annie, dear child bf Clara and the late Fred Greenaway.
HART -- November 12, at his grandfather's resilience, Ardeen, Bellahill, Carrickfergus, John part, aged 15 years, beloved elder son of James M. Hart.
HESLIP -- November 10, at her residence, Ivy House, Whitehouse, Elizabeth, the beloved wife of George Heslip (formerly of Ligoniel).
HUDSON -- November 9, at his residence, 59, Victoria Road, Bangor, Francis Hudson, son of the late Rev. John Hudson, rector of Newtownbutler.
JOHNSTON -- November 11, at Springvale, Ballywalter, Margaret Jane, eldest daughter of the late Samuel Johnston.
LINDSAY -- November 6, at her residence, Church Street, Ramelton, Margery Lindsay, aged 73 years.
M'DOWELL -- November 14, at his residence, The Bungalow, Ballymena, John M'Dowell.
M'MURRAY -- November 14, at Ballyrussel, Warrenpoint, Thomas M'Murray.
PRESSLEY -- November 13, at the residence of Mrs. David Baxter, Salisbury House, Coleraine, Rebecca, widow of the late Robert J. Pressley, Inland Revenue, in her 85th year.
ROSS -- November 11, at her residence, Queen Street, Lurgan, Mrs. Susannah Ross.
SCOTT -- November 9, at her residence, Strawberry Hill House, Lisburn, Isabella, beloved wife of Charles Scott.
SMYTH -- November 13, at his late residence, Governor's Place, Carrickfergus, Henry Smyth (late Manager, County Down Weaving Company, Ltd., Woodburn, Carrickfergus).
WALLACE -- November 12, at Gefle, Sweden, Hugh Wallace. Chief Engineer, ss. Black Head, youngest son of Robert Wallace, 44, Victoria Road, Bangor.
Killed in Action
LAVERTY -- October 23, killed in action in France, Sapper George Alexander Laverty, Canadian Contingent, eldest son of the Rev. G. Laverty, Tyrone's Ditches, Poyntzpass.
WILSON -- Killed n action, on October 8, 1916, Private James Wilson, Canadian Expeditionary Force, second son of the late George Wilson, 129, Woodvale Road.
Clippings
EPITOME OF GENERAL NEWS
Mr. T. M. Healy, speaking at Skibbereen, described the Nationalist party as a gang of traitors or miserable incompetents.
Four Dublin policemen who took part in the mock funeral procession in that city, have been dismissed the force by the Chief Commissioner.
During October the retail prices of food in the United Kingdom rose about 5 per cent. The average increase compared with July, 1914, is 78 per cent.
A peace meeting at Cardiff on Saturday was broken up by participants in a patriotic counter-demonstration. Mr. J. H. Thomas and Mr. Ramsay Macdonald escaped by a side door.
At Coventry George Morris, local secretary of the Workers' Union, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment on a charge of having attempted to restrict the production of war material.
A force of police on Monday entered the offices of the "Southern Star," Skibbereen, and seized a portion of the printing plant and type sufficient to prevent any further issue of the paper.
At a special general meeting in Dublin it was decided to disband the Irish Association of Volunteer Training Corps, as the War Office could not see its way under present circumstances to recognise the organisation.
Speaking at Whitefields Tabernacle, London, on Sabbath, on Ireland and the war, Mr. John Dillon, M.P., said the Coalition Government was a great evil for the war and for England, and deadly for Ireland.
Only three candidates took English as an optional subject for the County Scholarship examinations to Galway University College. Two of them failed. In future English is to be made a compulsory subject.
During last week, November 6-11, 747 new War Savings Associations were formed in England and Wales. The total number is now 12,337. Twenty-four local committees were set up, making an aggregate of 735.
At Marylebone Police Court the Duke of Manchester was committed for trial on a charge of obtaining credit from Rosalie Rubens, a Belgian tapestry dealer, to the extent of £45, without disclosing that he was an undischarged bankrupt.
The announcement that several lines in the American linen trade will be advanced in price in the New Year has stimulated the demand for prompt delivery, and a good business has been placed for delivery during the remainder of the year.
The Faculty of Law in the University of Athens at a full meeting of members voted with but one abstention the appointment in principle of Dr. Streit, ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, to the Chair of Constitutional and International Law.
The death has just taken place at Deanfield, Londonderry, of Mrs. Conolly, daughter of the late Alderman J. J. Pollock, J.P., and widow of Mr. W. G. Conolly, LL.D., formerly master in Foyle College, head master of Banger Endowed School, and head master of Waterford Grammar School.
The death has occurred at Flagstaff, Arizona, of Percival Lowell, the well-known astronomer, at the age of sixty-one. He established the Lowell Observatory in 1894, undertook the eclipse expedition to Tripoli in 1900, and made discoveries on the planets Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and especially Mars.
A largely-attended special meeting of Manchester Chamber of Commerce decided, with only four dissentients, that no German, Austrian, Bulgarian, or Turk should be eligible for membership of the Chamber unless he had been naturalised for at least ten years before the outbreak of war.
The price of "The Times" will be raised to 1½d on Monday next. In a statement explaining the necessity for this step, unless the size of the paper is reduced, the management state that the price of paper is costing "The Times" an additional £70,000 a year, the net sales exceeding 200,000 copies a day.
Arrangements have been made for holding a conference of representatives from the various trades and labour organisations in Cleveland Parliamentary Division to-morrow (Saturday), with a view to running a Labour candidate for Cleveland Division at the next election. Mr. Herbert Samuel, Home Secretary, is sitting member for the Division.
The death has occurred of Mr. John Longmore, Councillor for Shankill Ward on the Belfast Corporation and a member of the Belfast Board of Guardians. Deceased, who was fifty-seven years of age, was connected with Shankill Road Methodist Church, and was for thirty years superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He was a W.M. in the Orange Institution.
The County Surveyor of Derry (Mr. C. L. Boddie, C.E.) reported to the County Council on Saturday that contracts, amounting to nearly £4,000, had been made by the District Councils for new bridges and repairs, as a consequence of the present disastrous flooding in North Derry; but in some cases it had been found impossible to secure contracts up to the present.
Winter Assizes for Ulster will be held in Belfast. and the Counties Sligo, Leitrim, end Roscommon are joined to the district, the two remaining Connaught counties being joined to the Leinster district at Dublin. Munster Assizes will be held at Cork. The Ulster Assizes will be presided over by Mr. Justice Gordon, and will be opened on Tuesday, 5th December, at eleven o'clock.
At the annual meeting of the Glasgow Workmen's Dwellings Company, Sir W. Bilsland, Bart., said the tenants' appreciation of the housing conditions of the company was shown by the large number who earned the bonus which the company gave, and by the fact that, bad debts amounted only to £2 9s out of a total rental of £6,128. Over 700 families were accommodated in good, well-kept houses.
A wireless message from New York says -- Count Bernstorff, the German Ambassador, created an uproar at a Washington theatre on the night of Tuesday last, when the success of Mr. Hughes was prematurely announced. Alluding to the defeat of the Democrats, the Ambassador cried, "They are punished." The Republicans and Democrats hissed Count Bernstorff, who was forced to leave the theatre.
The Minister of Munitions gives notice requiring all persons engaged in the production, manufacture, purchase, sale, distribution, storage, or other dealings in the silk waste or silk poils to furnish, on or before November 20, full particulars thereof, and also full particulars of their output, purchases, and sales since October 1, 1916, and weekly returns of purchases, sales, and deliveries, stating amount, prize, and particulars.
Mr. Charles Smith, M.A., Master of Sidney-Sussex College, Cambridge, died at College Lodge, after a somewhat prolonged illness, at the age of seventy-two. He graduated as Third Wrangler in 1868, and was made Fellow of the college in the same year. Eight years later he became tutor, and in 1890 he was elected to the Mastership on the death of Dr. Phelps. He was a member of the governing body of Eton College.
Replying to a deputation representing the Scottish School Boards Association, Mr. Tennant, Secretary for Scotland, said that at the moment he held the view that School Boards and not Town and County Councils were the authority from which they should in theory get the greatest amount of zeal and efficiency in education. As to the bonus to teachers, he could not listen to any proposal which would not be accompanied by an agreement that a substantial part of the bonus should come out of local moneys.
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ULSTER MINISTER AS PRIVATE
INTERESTING EXPERIENCES.
The following letter from the Rev. W. H. Hutchinson, B.A., now a private soldier, to the members of his congregation at Cullybackey, was read in the church last Sabbath at the morning service by the Rev. Dr. Lowe, who officiated:--
My Dear People, -- I write to you from one of the soldiers' institutes on Salisbury Plain. We came here in the darkness of a Saturday night, arriving at the station at midnight and at our camp at one o'clock in the morning of your Communion Sabbath. Salisbury Plain generally represents the last stage of the soldier's home training. Many of the men seemed to feel it. Usually rough, careless, and gay -- singing some song, "Tipperary" or "There's a long, long trail a-winding," they take the chances of military life as part of the day's work. But something that night -- perhaps the rain storm that raged around us or the mystery of the unknown future, led one of them to lead in a well-known hymn. Immediately all the others in our three-ton lorry -- some thirty-five of us -- joined in reverent harmony. There was something peculiarly fitting in the prayer words which floated away on the night air --
"Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on.
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead Thou me on.
Keep Thou my feet. I do not ask to see
The distant scene, one step enough for me."
Truly the British Tommy is a strange mixture, usually careless and "full of strange oaths;" yet in his very human heart, there are chords which readily vibrate to the touch of sympathy and his eyes quicken with sudden light to the vision of life's precious things. I am learning much, and shall be better able to make allowance because of experiences similar to that night when a Yorkshire barber, a Welsh cycle agent, a Scotch engineer, and an Irish Presbyterian minister, now soldiers of the King, huddled together, and sang together, and felt the touch of nature which makes the whole world kin. Salisbury Plain holds a great collection of camps. It is a military city largely shut off from the outside world. Very seldom is a civilian seen. The few shops on the main thoroughfare are military stores and post office under the supervision of the authorities. Military police and sentries are everywhere, so that even a soldier cannot wander about into other camps. Along the main road, however, many sights may be seen. Two steam "caterpillars" passed as I entered this building. Mules and motors, Australian cavalry, and Irish infantry crowd along the road, while on a plain nearby artillery manoeuvres and machine guns rattle. Yesterday a German prisoner's funeral passed. Thirty of the dead man's fellow-prisoners hung their dejected heads as they followed the coffin draped with a German flag. A British band played the Dead March, and a contingent of khaki-clad men followed with rifles on their shoulders.
Before leaving my last camp I had the opportunity of addressing the Nonconformist soldiers' church parade. At the request of the pastor, and by permission of the colonel, I preached to 500 or 600 of my own corps in Lee Congregational Chapel. The men listened with deep attention to a discussion of the question, "Can we undo the past?" -- a talk based on an evening sermon once given at home on the text, "I will restore the years which the locust hath eaten." The men seemed pleased that one of their corps could officiate in the pulpit and another at the organ. Scarcely one of them knew I was a minister up to that time. I was now first of all one of themselves. I had made my regimental connection. I had passed through a common experience. Since that day many a face, unnoticed hitherto, smiles kindly recognition as I pass through the dim laden atmosphere of the canteen or as we await on the parade ground the order to fall in.
I had also the opportunity of taking a Sabbath evening service in the soldiers' hall of Norwood Presbyterian Church. The rooms are open every night to men of both services. On Sabbath evening free coffee and cake are given, sacred music rendered, and a very warm social gathering ends with a service of thirty-five minutes. Most of my hearers on this occasion were men of the Royal Naval Air Service. Very inspiring it was to the preacher to gaze upon a crowd of such men, many of them scarcely out of their teens -- the blue serge and white braid contrasting with the warm khaki and brass buttons. Next day I was on cookhouse fatigue duty struggling along with a pail of water when a corporal of the staff sidled up to me to speak a word of appreciation of the message of the night before. I write these things to show that my time here is not wasted. I expected to be out in France in six weeks, and when the monotony of camp life is irksome I comfort myself with the thought that far better men have marked time or sat upon their kit bags for a longer period.
I am glad to learn in the school of a new experience. One thing comes home to me. It is that the religion which does not make a man a good man -- good, too, in the sense that a ranker calls good -- is worth but little. I have felt constrained to be never late for parade, never to grumble or play the glutton at the mess table. Religion must be lived out in one's manner, in patience, in 1,000 little ways, in contempt off the impure and the mean, is a dignified reverence for all that is high and holy and precious. Iniquity abounds here, it is true; but men cannot see the best of all in human life and hope without desiring it and feeling weary of a worthless life. Pray that your pastor may have strength of mind and body for his daily duty, and that by life and word he may commend the religion of the Lord and Master to the multitudes of brave men here -- men so soon to be scattered abroad on perilous duty, and whose very position and prospect afford a priceless opportunity for the Divine moving to highest issues.
Your friend and pastor,
W. H. HUTCHINSON.
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MILITARY ITEMS.
Captain Bruce A. West, M.D., Royal Army Medical Corps, son of the Moderator of the General Assembly (Right Rev. Dr. West), has relinquished his commission on account of ill-health. Captain West has seen a good deal of active service.
Rev. T. Rentoul, pastor of Second Markethill Presbyterian Church, and brother of the Rev. J. L. Rentoul, B.A., Rostrevor, who volunteered for chaplaincy service some time ago. has received notification from the military authorities to attend at headquarters with a view to appointment.
Second-Lieutenant Lawrence Hill Willson M'Kisack, 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers, attached Royal Flying Corps, who was killed at Thetford, Norfolk, as the result of an aeroplane accident, was the elder son of Dr. and Mrs. H. L. M'Kisack, 58, University Road, Belfast, and was twenty-three years of age. He was educated at Marlborough and St. Columba's College, Dublin, and served his apprenticeship to the linen business in the well-known firm of Henry Matter & Co., Ltd., May Street, in which, two of his uncles -- Mr. George S. Clark, D.L., and Mr. R. E. Herdman, J.P. -- are directors. Shortly after the opening of the war he went to the front as a despatch-rider, and saw a good deal of service in France and Flanders before he entered the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, in which he qualified for a commission during the present year. He was gazetted to the 6th (Royal Irish) Lancers on 16th August last, and only six weeks ago was seconded for service with the Royal Flying Corps.
The remains of the deceased arrived in Belfast yesterday forenoon, and were interred in the City Cemetery. Full military honours were accorded the funeral. The coffin, covered with the Union Jack, was placed on a gun carriage, the band of the Rifles played appropriate music as the cortege proceeded from the Midland Railway to the cemetery, and the chief mourners were followed by a large detachment of soldiers, including representatives of the Flying Corps. There was also a considerable attendance of the medical profession, with which the deceased's father is so honourably connected, and other friends. At the graveside three volleys were fired and the "Last Post" sounded.
Private James Wilson, Canadian Expeditionary Force, killed in action, was the second son of the late Mr. George Wilson, 29, Woodvale Road, Belfast, for many years an elder in Albert Street Church, and a prominent member of the Rechabite Order. The late Private Wilson emigrated to Canada about four years ago. One of his brothers is in the Royal Navy, and his sister is Mrs. Menary, of 6, Shannonville Terrace, Ballygomartin Road.
Sapper George Alexander Laverty, killed in action, was the eldest son of the Rev. George Laverty, M.A., minister of the Secession Presbyterian Church at Tyrone's Ditches, Poyntzpass. Deceased (who served through the South African war) was attached to the Canadian Imperial Force, and had been in France for thirteen months.
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Derry Officer's Gallantry
The many friends of Rev. Dr. M'Granahan, First Presbyterian Church, Londonderry, will learn with pleasure that his youngest son, Second-Lieutenant, Jas. Nesbit M'Granahan, Royal Irish Rifles, has just been awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in the field. Second-Lieutenant M'Granahan was born in Belfast during his father's ministry in Townsend Street, where he laboured for many years after coming from Gardenmore congregation, Larne. At the beginning of the war Second-Lieutenant M'Granahan had just left Foyle College, and was about to enter Trinity College, Dublin, but the call of the Empire led him to enlist as a private in the 17th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, then at Newcastle under Colonel Wallace. He was promoted to a commission in the Rifles on 23rd August, 1915, and was sent to the front in March last, being attached to a Belfast battalion.
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LOCAL INVENTIONS.
The following particulars are specially prepared for "The Witness" by Messrs. Rayner & Co., registered patent agents, of 5, Chancery Lane, London, who will give all assistance and advice quite free to any of our readers on all matters relating to patents and inventions, trade marks, or designs:-- 10,348. Cutting up Carcasses. -- J. K. Brown, Whiterock, Belfast. In devices for cutting up carcasses and of the kind wherein a saw or cutting member is reciprocated by a crank disc mounted upon a frame adapted to be held in the hand in the same manner as a hand saw, and wherein a flexible shaft connected by a motor is adapted to rotate the disc, the saw is carried by a cross head mounted rod slidable in tubes or their equivalent carried by the frame. Full copies of the published specification can be obtained from Messrs. Rayner & Co., at the price of 1s.
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Death of Mr. Thomas M'Murray, Warrenpoint.
On Tuesday the death took place at his residence, Ballyrussell, Warrenpoint, of Mr. Thos. M'Murray, a retired builder and contractor. Mr. M'Murray was the owner of house property in Warrenpoint and at Whiteabbey, where he resided for a considerable time. He was a Unionist, and was one of the oldest elders of the Warrenpoint Presbyterian Church. His brother, Dr. John M'Murray, was some years ago Mayor of Bootle, and two of his sisters -- one of whom is the widow of the late Mr. Archibald Graham, of Lagan Farm, near Warrenpoint -- reside at Warrenpoint. The deceased gentleman leaves a widow, one daughter, and two sons, both of whom present serving with the colours.
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The Witness - Friday, 24 November 1916
Marriage
KINGHAN--BURNETT -- November 20, quietly, at Crossmichael Parish Church, Scotland, by the father of the bride, David Harold Kinghan, Lieutenant Royal Irish Fusiliers, eldest son of the late Rey. D. P. Kinghan, Rector of Swinford, Co. Mayo, to Mildred, youngest daughter of Rev. Lawson Burnett, senior Minister of Donaghmore, Co. Down.
Silver Wedding
THOMSON--EGGER -- November 10, 1891, at Ormond Quay Presbyterian Church, Dublin, by the Rev. Samuel Prenter, M.A., George Sheriff Thomson, Dundalk, third son of the Rev. James Thomson, Belturbet County Cavan, to Marie, eldest daughter of Monsieur Francois Xavier Egger, Geneva, Switzerland. No cards.
Deaths
IRWTN -- November 19, 1916, at his residence, Craig, Bushmills, John Smyth Irwin, the dearly-beloved husband of Matilda Ann Irwin. Interred in Dunluce Presbyterian Church Burying-ground, on Tuesday, November 21st.
AIKEN -- November 18 (suddenly), at Coleraine, Rev. John W. Aiken, formerly minister of Sandholes Presbyterian Church, Co. Tyrone.
BLAIR -- November 22, at her residence, Carmoney, Mary, widow of the late Robert Blair.
BRIDGETT -- November 17, at his residence, Moncrief House, Lurgan, John Henry, dearly-beloved husband of Martha Ann Bridgett.
BROWNE -- November 22, at a Nursing Home, James Sherlock Browne, son, of the late Thomas Browne, Fruitfield, Ballinderry.
CLENDINNING -- November 21, at her residence, Ballyleaney, Richhill, Armagh, Jane, widow of the late John Clendinning, aged 72.
DAVISON -- November 21, at her residence, 21, Kendal Street, Margaret, relict of the late James Davison, Christie's Hill, Crumlin.
DOUGLAS -- November 16, at her residence, Glassdrummond, Ballynahinch, Sarah, relict of the late H. R. Douglas.
ELLIOTT -- November 18, at Rockview, Craigmaore, Randalstown, Elizabeth Elliott, aged 75 years.
FERGUSON -- November 18, at Ballycastle, Cunningburn, David Ferguson.
FINNY -- At her residence, Station House, Corbett, Martha, dearly-beloved wife of John Finny.
FISHER -- November 22, at 15, East Street, Newtownards, William, beloved husband of Maggie Fisher.
GEDDES -- November 20, at his residence, Copney, Moy, Adam Geddes, (late of Parkhead, Glasgow).
GIBSON -- At her sister's residence, Legmurn, Stewartstown, Emma Brown Gibson, fifth daughter of the late Wm. A. Gibson.
HAMILTON -- November 20, at her residence, North Street, Carrickfergus, Agnes Hamilton.
HODGE -- November 16, at his residence, Cabra, Dungannon, William Robert Hodge.
MARTIN -- November 21, at Birmingham, Rose, only daughter of William and Edith Martin, Hilden, Monaghan.
MOORE -- November 20, at the residence of her husband, The Commons, Newry, Elizabeth Moore, the dearly-beloved wife of John Moore.
MOORE -- November 18, at his residence, Ballynakelly, Coalisland, John Moore, late of Robert Willis & Son, Belfast.
M'ADAM -- November 16, at his late residence, 6, Deramore Avenue, Jas. M'Adam, ex-S.O., H.M. Coastguards.
M'CLUGHAN -- November 20, at her residence, Strawpark, Doagh, Annie, relict of the late John M'Clughan, Ballyvoy.
RAINEY -- November 18, at a Private Nursing Home, Belfast, Hugh Todd, dearly-beloved son of James W. and Mrs. Rainey, Islandbawn, Muckamore.
ROSS -- November 17, at her residence, 31, High Street, Lurgan, after a brief illness, Eliza, eldest daughter of the late Robert Ross.
SCOTT -- November 18, at Toberhuney, Lurgan, Caroline Scott, widow of the late James Scott.
STUART -- November 20, at his son's residence, Leitrimville, Kelvin Parade, Belfast, James Stuart, late of Omagh.
WALSH -- November 18, at his residence, Lisavague, Portadown, Thomas Wesley Walsh.
WHITE -- November 7, 1916, at his residence, The Trench, Ballycastle, Thomas White.
Killed in Action
WHALEY -- Killed in action, in France, William Whaley, Solicitor, of Knockboy House, Waringstown, on the 5th September, 1916 (Corporal Royal Irish Fusiliers). Previously reported "severely wounded and missing."
In Memoriam
M'KEOWN -- In memory of dear Robert, the beloved son of Agnes and John M'Keown, Drummatticonnor, who died 21st November, 1915.
Clippings
Wounded Soldiers Entertained
On Saturday evening the executive of the Irish Temperance League entertained about fifty wounded soldiers in the Lombard Cafe, where they were received by the chairman, Mr. John Malone, and Messrs. Joseph Duncan, J.P., and Robert Seeds. After a very substantial repast, served in excellent style under the supervision of Mr. Charles Birch and Miss Barbour, assisted by the band of noble women who attend the Donegal Quay buffet, offer a hearty welcome to our wounded men coming back from the front and providing them with a warm breakfast and facilities for a rest and wash-up. The ladies included Mrs. Picken, the Misses Cunningham (2), Seeds (2), M'Murtry (2). The musical programme was contributed to by the following, and earned the hearty applause of the men -- Mrs. Jack Seeds, Mrs. Kemp and her orchestra, Miss Robinson, Miss Flo Smith, Mr. Frank Wallace, Mr. John Gibb, Sergeant Jones, Rifleman Fee. Miss Minnie Connolly accompanied on the piano very efficiently. Shortly before leaving the men got further refreshment in the form of a hot plate of soup. After expressing their thanks for the manner they were entertained, they departed for their trams under the guidance of Mr. John Nelson and Mr. R. M. Patterson. We understand it is the intention of the Irish Temperance League to entertain parties of men during the winter months.
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EPITOME OF GENERAL NEWS
Two cases of eggs have been washed ashore from the wreck of the ss. Connemara, at Rosstrevor. Only a few eggs were broken in one of the boxes.
A New York message says that up to the beginning of November 1,820 ships, with an aggregate gross tonnage of 3,328,000, had been sunk by the belligerent nations.
Considerable regret is manifested in Ballymena at the announcement of the death of Mr. Hugh Fisher, the highly-popular and respected principal of Guy's National Schools.
Rev. H. G. Weston, Wesleyan minister, of Dorchester, dropped dead on the road on Sabbath morning while on his way to conduct service in a chapel on the outskirts of the town.
The Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Ireland have directed that Sabbath, 31st December, should be set apart as a special day of prayer and thanksgiving in connection with the war.
A sum of £500 was recently raised at Lurgan in aid of the British Red Cross and St. John Ambulance Association, as the result of a collection, the proceeds of Sports, receipts at picture-houses, &c.
A serious fire occurred in London on Saturday at the premises of Messrs. Stafford Northcote, which were stocked with lace and fancy goods. The damage is estimated at many thousands of pounds.
The German commercial submarine Deutschland, which left New London, Connecticut, for Germany, later returned to port, having rammed and sunk one of her convoying tugs with the loss of seven lives.
From Nov. to April, 1913-14, the ratio of paupers to 10,000 of the population of Ireland was 218; in the following year it was 209; and last winter it was 194. In the summer of 1914 it was 207; last year 196, and this year 185.
Sir John Jordan, the British Minister at Pekin, has left for home on furlough. He is travelling via Siberia. Sir John is a native of Balloo, Bangor, County Down, and is an Honorary Burgess of the City of Belfast.
Mr. M'Kenna states that on the basis of the Budget Estimates, less deduction of the abandoned fare duty, the contributions to the revenue of 1916-17 are roughly:-- England, £418,534,000; Scotland, £49,393,000; Ireland, £21,733,000.
Lieutenant-General the Earl of Cavan had the honour of being received by the King on Saturday, when his Majesty, conferred upon him the honour of knighthood and invested him with the insignia of the most illustrious Order of St. Patrick.
Speaking at a conference held in Glasgow on the subject of pensions and allowances Mr. G. N. Barnes, M.P., said he had little hope in a central bureaucratic department, not even in the new department. What they wanted was a system of devolution.
The condition of the Emperor Francis Joseph, although somewhat graver, is not alarming, as it was last year. The bronchial catarrh is practically chronic. His medical attendants are uneasy because of the weakness of the pulse and its frequent irregularity.
Omagh Guardians have added a war bonus of 2s to the allowance in lieu of rations given to three nurses in their employment, and a war bonus of 1s per week to the foster parents of boarded-out children, who are at present receiving 2s 2d per child per week.
The death occurred at Portlaw (Co. Waterford) on Sabbath night of Very Rev. Dr. O'Hickey, D.D., the well-known Irish Scholar, who for some years occupied the Chair of Irish Literature at Maynooth College. He was deeply interested in Gaelic language revival.
M. Briand, the French Preiser, and Mr. Asquith have addressed a telegram to the President of the Russian Council of Ministers' protesting against the enemy's illusory promises to the Polish people and associating themselves with the pledge made by the Russian Imperial Government.
Eleven conscientious objectors, including Private Stephen Hobhouse, son of the Right Hon. Henry Hobhouse, who were recently tried by Court-martial at Warminster for refusing to obey military orders, have been sentenced to six months' imprisonment with hard labour, and sent to Wormwood Scrubbs.
At a committee meeting representative of British newspaper proprietors, held in London, a resolution was adopted recommending the owners of morning and evening newspapers throughout the country to increase the selling price by ½d. The date upon which the increased charge is to take effect will be settled later.
The diary of Captain Aust, of the German cruiser Karlsruhe, says the "New York Times," shows that the vessel was blown up by an internal explosion. The forward half of the ship went down with the greater part of the crew in a few minutes, and the afterpart in about twenty minutes. The survivors reached a New York port.
All the men between seventeen and forty-five years of the village of Jodorgue and fifty-two neighbouring communes, says "Les Novelles" (Maestricht), have been deported to Germany. Some were released on paying a ransom of 1,000 marks, and the result not being satisfactory the ransom was reduced to 500 marks, but many did not pay it.
Captain Beauchamps, of the French Army, who made the marvellous flight of 437 mile's, states that after raiding Munich he was surprised by a storm, and as it was impossible for him to return he flew over the Tyrol, and landed safely in Venice. He was pursued by enemy aeroplanes, and had to rise to an altitude of two and a half miles.
The death has occurred from heart failure after only a day's illness of Mr. John H. Bridgett, of Monbrief, Lurgan, a well-known cattle-breeder and dairyman. Mr. Bridgett specialised in the breeding of shorthorns, and supplied many valuable bulls at big prices to the Argentine Republic. He was also a noted prize-winner at the Irish and Scotch shows.
The Orangemen of Larne District attended divine service at First Larne Presbyterian Church on Sabbath afternoon, to celebrate the November anniversary, and a most impressive and eloquent address was delivered by the District Master, the Rev. John Lyle Donaghy. There was a large attendance of brethren and the general public, and a liberal support was accorded the special appeal on behalf of the Enniskillen Memorial Orphan Society.
Sir J. B. Lonsdale, M.P., at a Unionist delegates' meeting in Armagh City, said they were more opposed than ever to separation. In men, money, and munitions, Ulster had done more in the war than all the rest of Ireland combined. Irish Unionists were not responsible for the collapse of the Home Rule agreement scheme. They in Ulster were all in favour of a united Ireland, but they thought the way to ensure it was to maintain the Union.
An hospital train arrived at the Great Victoria Street terminus of the Great Northern Railway on Sabbath afternoon with 113 wounded soldiers, who formed part of a contingent of 400 brought on the Gloucester Castle from Havre to Dublin on Saturday. The men, sixty of whom were cot cases, were distributed as follows:-- U.V.F. Hospital, 40: Mater Infirmorum Hospital, 50; Royal Victoria Hospital, 16; and the Military Hospital Victoria Barracks, 7.
At the weekly meeting of the Letterkenny Board of Guardians the Clerk reported the receipt from the solicitors for the Bronx Parkway Commission, New York, of correspondence regarding a legacy, out of an estate acquired by the Commission, to four orphans named Roarty who had been chargeable on the rates of the union for for a considerable time as boarded-out children. He pointed out there was a fifth child of the Roarty family, who might also benefit from the estate. It was decided that the matter be placed in the hands of the Board's solicitor to secure the children's share until they become of age. This suggestion was agreed to. The estate amounts to £4,753.
The Australian conscription referendum has resulted in a majority of 61,000 against the proposal.
A man-eating shark, 30ft. in length, which was enmeshed in five nets, was dragged ashore by five boats near Kilstrand, Co. Donegal.
The Duke of Manchester was found not guilty of obtaining credit to the extent of £45 without disclosing that he was an undischarged bankrupt.
Belfast Corporation in committee have decided to recommend that all employees of the Council receive a war bonus of 3s per Week. The matter will come up for consideration in open Council.
The Rev. W. H. Hutchinson, B.A., of the Cuningham Memorial Church, Cullybackey, who is now serving in the army as a private soldier, is at present home on short leave, and conducted the services in his own church last Sabbath.
The Central Board of Liquor Control held a conference at Newcastle-on-Tyne to consider the effect of the Board's restrictions and possible amendments. Figures were quoted showing a great decline in drinking since the institution of the Board's restrictions.
The London correspondents of some Irish Newspapers mention a rumour that Lord Chief Justice Cherry is about to resign, that he will be succeeded by the Attorney-General (Mr. J. H. Campbell) and that Mr. James O'Connor, Solicitor-General, will be elevated to the Attorney-Generalship.
A meeting of the Board of Nomination of Drew Memorial (St. Philip's) Church was held in the Diocesan Offices, Belfast, for the purpose of appointing a successor to the Rev. Canon Smith, who has recently retired on superannuation allowance. The Rev. J. Brice Coates, M.A., Chaplain to the Missions to Seamen, Belfast, was appointed.
At a largely-attended meeting of the Belfast and North of Ireland Grocers' Association, it was unanimously decided to apply to the Lord Lieutenant for an Order to close grocery and provision shops, until 30th April next, at 7 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 9 p.m. on Fridays, and 10 p.m. Saturdays, leaving Wednesdays as at present.
The Chief Secretary announces that as compared with previous years there is an appreciable increase in the number of students who prior to admission to the training colleges had previously served as pupil teachers in National schools. There is a diminution, however, in the total number of men students in these colleges, but there is no decrease as regards the number of women students.
Dr. W. W. D. Thomson, who has been acting as Riddell demonstrator in pathology at Queen's University, has been appointed specialist in pathology and bacteriology, and leaves this week for the front. Dr. Thomson, who belongs to Anahilt, is the third pathologist from Queen's whose services have been availed of, the others being Major Thomas Houston and Captain M'Cloy.
A joint conference of members of the Unionist and Liberal War Committees was held at the House of Commons to consider what steps, if any, are desirable to counteract antiwar propaganda in the country. It was arranged that each side should approach its Whips, with the view of ascertaining what is being done to keep the public fully-instructed in the war issues, and report to further meetings.
Speaking at Rotherham, Mr. J. A. Pease, Postmaster-General, said the attitude towards Germany after the war would depend on the terms of the settlement. A nation debasing itself in frightfulness and murder could not be accepted into the comity of nations until the Germans had shown a changed disposition. The atrocities of Germany could never be forgotten nor sufficiently atoned for. The greatest hope for a lasting settlement was by internal revulsion.
A serious outbreak of fire occurred at the recently opened Allistragh Flax Mill, situate some two and a half milest from Armagh, resulting in the complete destruction of the building and some 500 stones of scutched flax, to the value of about £600. Less than ten yards from the mill were stacks of flax valued at from £4,000 to £5,000, but by a fortunate chance the direction of the wind was such that it carried the flames and sparks away from the stacks, and they escaped injury.
Enormous damage, unofficially estimated at £150,000, has been caused by a fire which broke out at Paul's Wharf, Upper Thames Street, London. The fire originated in the centre of a huge block of buildings. Soon the vast piles of merchandise were blazing, emitting dense smoke and noxious fumes which drove back the firemen time after time. Two hundred firemen with forty engines and river floats eventually subdued the flames, but it is probable the whole structure will collapse.
The Cork Corporation have accepted the offer of Mr. R. Woodhead, chairman of the Trafford Engineering Company, Ltd., Trafford Park, Manchester, to purchase a tract of land on Cork Park and the Marina at the price of £10,000, with the stipulation that £400,000 shall be spent on the erection of a motor factory and housing for workers, half of that sum to be spent within three years. The purchaser also guaranteed employment for 2,000 adult males, to whom a minimum wage of one shilling an hour shall be paid.
Mr. R. J. Parr, director of the N.S.P.C.C., speaking at Armagh, said it would be unfortunate if the exceptional circumstances in any one place led to the formation of an idea that intemperance was mainly the cause of cruelty. Some exception had been taken to statements made in Belfast recently, and there was this to be said, that if Belfast stood alone in the society, its record in this matter was not a good one, for 74 per cent. of its cases were duo to intemperance, as compared with 38 per cent, for the whole of the United Kingdom.
A public meeting was held in the City Hall, Belfast, on Tuesday afternoon to inaugurate a coal relief fund. The Lord Mayor said that they got £1,100 last year, but he hoped that a larger sum would be raised this winter, as the need was greater than ever. The Most Rev. Dr. M'Rory, Roman Catholic Bishop, said that with the high prices of food and the higher prices of coal it was hard to understand how the poor kept living. Bishop D'Arcy and the Recorder of Belfast commended the fund to the support of those workers at present earning high wages in munition works.
At Gardenmore lecture hall, Larne, on Monday evening, the members of the Women's Missionary Association entertained to tea and supper the Larne Harbour detachment of the Royal Irish Regiment (garrison battalion), who are now on duty there. A splendid concert programme was provided, and many additional items were contributed by the soldiers. There was a large attendance of members of the congregation at the concert, and the proceedings were presided over by the Rev. W. Hanson, who is minister in charge during the absence of Rev. D. H. Hanson as chaplain in France.
A meeting of the Royal Victoria Hospital Committee in connection with the Saturday collection was held in the Boardroom of the institution on Tuesday evening. Rev. W. A. Watson, M.A., B.D., presided. Rev. R. B. Cooke read his report, which stated that £1,477 9s Id had been collected on the last Saturday in May. After deducting the expenses the amount forwarded to the hospital was £1,465 17s 11d, or £33 less than the previous year. Mr. Watson said the hospital was face to face with a serious financial crisis, and he thought that fact should be brought prominently before the notice of the citizens of Belfast. If they did not receive the necessary support they would be faced with a possible deficit of between £4,000 and £5,000.
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LOCAL INVENTIONS.
The following particulars are specially prepared for the "Witness" by Messrs. Rayner & Co., Registered Patent Agents, of 5, Chancery Lane, London, who will give all assistance and advice quite free to any of our readers on all matters relating to Patents or Inventions, Trade Marks, or designs. 10,995. Wire-Cutters. T. Wilson, 62, Edlingham Street, and H. Weelding, 7, Duncairn hardens, both in Belfast. Pliers for cutting wire, particularly entanglements in warfare, comprise two arms terminating in a hollow disc respectively, which engage and rotate on each other, and are held together by a ring screwed to the disc, and having guiding jaws to bring the wire into the radial cutting slots in the discs are mounted concentrically, and a central pivot is dispensed with, thus enabling the cutting-slots to extend practically to the centres of the discs. When the arms are fully extended, the cutting-slots are then coincident and superimposed. Full copies of the published specification can be obtained from Messrs. Rayner & Co., at the price of 1/-.
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GALE AND FLOODS.
LOSS OF LIFE.
The disasters on sea and land and the fearful loss of life and damage to property caused by the storm that broke over Great Britain and Ireland a couple of weeks ago were still fresh in the memory when another storm, greater in intensity and more disastrous in its consequences, burst on Friday evening and continued with unabated fury throughout the week-end.
The damage done on land is considerable. Many towns have suffered terribly from flooding; the rivers everywhere overflowed their banks; vast areas of land remain submerged; roads were rendered impassable, and communication by railway and other means was made impossible. The town of Fermoy appears to have suffered in an extraordinary way from the flooding of the Blackwater. Two soldiers were carried away by the torrent, and their bodies have not been recovered.
At Waterford during a gale the gable end of Messrs. Bassett & Meredith's premises on the quay collapsed, falling on the roof of an adjoining house occupied by Mr. T. C. Sheridan, cycle and motor mechanic. The debris crashed through the roof, through the second floor, and on to the ground floor. The family, consisting Of Mr. Sheridan, his wife, and four children, where buried beneath the debris. Two of the children, of tender years, were killed, and the others of the family more or less seriously injured.
The Danish three-masted schooner Fulvia, of Thuro, was driven ashore in Dundrum Bay before the gale on Saturday, and is now a total wreck. Captain Petersen and the crew of five men swam ashore at nightfall, and are all safe except the mate, Hans Peter Jensen, who died shortly after reaching, the shore.
At the inquest on Jensen, the jury, in returning a verdict of death from exposure, added that in their opinion the lifeboat crew showed negligence in not effecting the rescue of the crew, and recommended that a sworn inquiry be held into the conduct of those; connected with the local branch of the National Lifeboat Institution.
Five vessels have been wrecked during the gale on the Berwickshire and Northumberland coast, ten lives being lost.
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MILITARY ITEMS.
Casualties, Honours and Appointments
Lieutenant-Commander P. S. Campbell (23), Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, killed in action, was the third son of the Right Hon. James H. Campbell, K.C., M.P., Attorney-General for Ireland, and former leader of the North-East Bar. Upon the outbreak of war the lieutenant-commander relinquished a good appointment in a financial house in Montreal, and in September, 1914, joined the Drake Battalion of the Royal Naval Division. He took part in the Antwerp Expedition, was afterwards for nine months in Gallipoli, and was dangerously wounded in the landing. For his services he was mentioned in despatches.
Second-Lieutenant T. W. Russell (19), Dublin Fusiliers, killed in action, was the only son of the Right Hon. T. W. Russell, M.P. for North Tyrone, and Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction, Ireland. He was a student in Trinity College, Dublin, when he obtained his commission.
Corporal Wm. Whaley, Royal Irish Fusiliers, killed; was the eldest surviving son of the late James and Susan (nee Wilson) Whaley, of Knockboy House, Waringstown. He was educated at Lurgan College and Queen's College, Belfast. He visited the United States for two years, and returning, chose the law as a profession, being articled to Messrs. Moorhead & Wood, Rosemary Street, Belfast, passing the Incorporated Law Society's Final Examination in 1904. He was an ardent temperance worker, being a member of the committee of the Catch-my-Pal movement, president of the Waringstown Branch, and hon. secretary for Lurgan District. He was treasurer of the Waringstown Presbyterian Church for a number of years, and spared neither time nor money in promoting its interests. When his country's call came he enlisted in the "First Hundred Thousand," and was sent overseas in February, 1916.
The Rev. Dr. John Clarke, minister of Mossgreen Parish Church, Scotland, has been notified of the death of his eldest son, Captain Ian Alexander Murray Mitchell Clarke. Captain Clarke was a medical student at the outbreak of war. He joined, the Red Cross in September, 1914. He returned and took his final degree, and again went back to military service. He was transferred from the R.A.M.C. to the 1st Dorsets. He went through the severe fighting in July, and was strongly recommended for the Military Cross. He fell in action on November 16. He was a grandson of the late Dr. Alex. Mitchell, North Parish Church, Dunfermline.
Captain Sidney Edward Cowan, M.C., Royal Flying Corps, Special Reserve, reported missing, is a son of Mr. P. C. Cowan, D.Sc., M.Inst.C.E., Chief Engineering Inspector of the Local Government Board. Captain Cowan, who is only nineteen years of age, was during the present year honoured by the King on no fewer than three occasions for conspicuous gallantry and skill. He was awarded the Military Cross on 31st May, 1916.
Lieutenant F. R. Webb, Royal Irish Rifles, reported wounded, belongs to the well, known Randalstown family. He is a son of the late Mr. C. J. Webb, J.P., of the Old Bleach Green, Randalstown, and brother of Mr. W. H. Webb, J.P., and the late Captain O. B. Webb, of the South Antrim Regiment. Lieutenant Webb was associated with the U.V.F. in Randalstown, and joined the army in 1914, after the outbreak of war. This is the second occasion on which he has figured as a casualty.
The Military Cross has been awarded to the undernoted North of Ireland officers for conspicuous gallantry in action:--
Captain Rev. E. A. Bennett, C.F., The Manor House, Antrim Road, Belfast.
Captain Hugh St. Clair Roy, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, St. Helen's, Florenceville Avenue, Belfast.
Lieutenant Samuel Parkinson Lough, Canadian Infantry, Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh.
Lieutenant O. H. Macready, Royal Irish Rifles, appointed acting captain whilst commanding a company (9th July), is the only goal of Rev. H. H. Macready, minister of Second Islandmagee Presbyterian Church. Before obtaining his commission he was in the service of Messrs. Workman, Clark, & Co., Ltd., and was a member of the Queen's University Contingent of the Officers' Training Corps.
Rev. R. Nevin Lyons, minister of the Ballenon (Poyntzpass) and Ballylane (Markethill) Reformed Presbyterian congregations, is on his way back from France after a service of several months amongst the troops there under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A. His only sister, Miss Ida Lyons, is at present on duty in the Ulster Volunteer Force Hospital in France.
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