Roll of Honour

LIVINGSTON -- Missing since July 1, 1916, now reported killed in action on that date, 13025 Rifleman John (Jack) Livingston, 15th R.I.R., second son of James and Annie Livingston, 48, Duncairn Gardens, Belfast, aged 21 years. Deeply regretted.

MARTIN -- Previously reported missing, now officially believed killed in action, on the 1st July, 1916, Sidney Todd Martin, Lieut., Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, elder son of the late Rev. W. Todd Martin, D.D., and of Mrs. Martin, College House, College Green, Belfast, aged 25.

Marriages

ALLISON--IRWIN -- April 26, 1917, at the Presbyterian Church, Rostrevor, by the Rev. David Dowling, M.A., assisted by the Rev. S. H. Martin, B.A., and the Rev. Thomas Roulston, B.A. (brothers-in-law of the bride), Herbert Thackwray, elder son of Herbert Allison, Warrenpoint, to Florence Maud Mary (Maud), youngest daughter of James Irwin, J.P., Armagh.

HARPER--M'FARLAND -- May 1, 1917, at Gortin Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. Adam Whyte, assisted by the Rev. James Black, Donoughmore (uncle of the bride), Robert J. B. Harper, J.P., Castlefinn, to Wilhelmina Margaret (Daisy), daughter of Robert M'Farland, Esq., Gortin, Co. Tyrone.

Deaths

BALLANCE -- May 1, at her residence, High Street, Lurgan, Rebecca Ballance. Funeral from above address today (Friday), at 11-30 a.m., for interment in Presbyterian family burying-ground, Tandragee.
Home to Jesus,
Home to glory,
Every wave of trouble o'er;
She is how with other loved ones,
On that peaceful, happy shore.

BONNAR -- May 2, at her residence, High Street, Ballymena, Margaret Bonnar.

CHARLEY -- May 1, at her residence, Huntley, Dunmurry, Emily Charley, aged 80 years, youngest daughter of the late William Charley, of Seymour Hill, Dunmurry.

CHARTERS -- April 29, at Skelly's Hill, Helen's Bay, William Charters.

CROOKS -- April 29, at her residence, Ballymughon, Magherafelt, Nancy, widow of the late, James Crooks.

EDWARDS -- April 28, at his mother's residence, John E. Smythe Edwards, Solicitor, elder and dearly-loved son of the late Samuel E. Smythe Edwards and Mrs. Smythe Edwards, Bovevagh House, Dungiven, Co. Londonderry.

HAMILL -- April 27, at his residence, Castle Street, Ballycastle, Archibald Hamill, aged 49 years.

HARRISON -- May 1, at her parents residence, Waringfield,Moira, Florence Edith (Dolly), youngest and dearly-beloved daughter of W. J. and Florence Harrison.

HAZLEY -- April 30, at his residence, 6, James Street, Lurgan, Matthew Hazley.

LYNAS -- April 29, at Dunbarton, Gilford, Co. Down, James Lynas.

MACBETH -- April 28, at her residence, 9, Mark Street, Portrush, Annie Macbeth, last surviving daughter of the late Robert Macbeth, Drumbuoy House, Lifford.

MULLIGAN -- April 27, at his residence, Ballymoney Cottage, Banbridge, James Mulligan, R.D.C.

M'CARTHY -- May 1, at Rureagh, Kirkcubbin, Agnes, relict of the late John M'Carthy.

M'CLELLAND -- April 29, at Balligan, James M'Clelland, aged 61 years.

M'CULLOUGH -- April 27, at his residence, Whitespots, Newtownards, Edward M'Cullough.

PAGE -- April 25, at Pasadena, California, Walter H. Page, late Law Dept., City Hall, Belfast.

PATTON -- April 26, at her residence, 67, Ballymagee Street, Bangor, Sophia Patton.

RINGLAND -- April 28, 1917, at a Private Nursing Home, Belfast, Madeline Bassett, beloved wife of Samuel B. Ringland, J.P., Ballytrim House, Crossgar.

SAVAGE -- April 28, 1917, at her residence, Innisfail, Springfield Road, Susan, widow of the late Andrew Savage, Newry.

SEMPLE -- April 25, at her residence, 40, Dundee Street, Belfast, Charlotte Semple.

SPENCE -- April 26, at her residence, Greenavon, Hillhall Road, Lisburn, Annie, wife of William Spence.

THORNTON -- April 24, at her residence, Annie Louie, the beloved wife of D. W. Thornton, Clonard, Portadown.

WATSON -- May 1, John Arthur Watson ("Flambeau"), 33, Rossmore Avenue, Belfast (of "Belfast Evening Telegraph").

WILSON -- May 1, at his residence, Le Ballyclare, Robert B. Wilson.

WRIGHT -- April 26 (suddenly), at her residence, Mullaghmore, Caledon, Selina Mary, second daughter of the late Joshua Wright.

In Memoriam

M'MURRY -- In loving and affectionate memory of our mother, Abigail M'Murry, who died at her residence, Drumgreeny, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan, on 5th May, 1909. "Until the day break." Inserted by her Family.

Clippings

DEATH OF MR. R. V. TURTLE.

"The Man in the Street" writes:-- It is with the most sincere regret I record the death of Mr. R. V. Turtle, son of Mr. Samuel Turtle, my neighbour and friend, who passed away on Sabbath last at his father's residence, 36, Cliftonville Avenue. The deceased was one of the brightest, most amiable, and best disposed young men of my acquaintance, kind and affectionate, as well as genial and spirited. He had refined and cultured tastes, especially in music, which was a passion with him. He was a fine organist, and while health permitted he played the organ at all the church services in the Carlisle Memorial Church. In business life and in family life he was beloved, and his death has left a great blank in home and other circles. To his parents, to whom he was a model son; to his widow, to whom he was a devoted husband, I tender the most sincere expression of condolence and sympathy. One interesting child, the, fruit of his happy union, survives him. The funeral, which took place on Tuesday in the City Cemetery, was attended by a large number of personal and business sympathetic friends.

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DEATH OF MR. JAMES LYNAS.

We regret to record the death of Mr. Jas. Lynas, which took place on Sabbath at his residence, Dunbarton, Gilford. Not only in Belfast, his native city, but in various towns in Ulster, where in his capacity as mill manager he had resided, will the melancholy news be received with deep sorrow. The late gentleman, who had almost reached the allotted span, was the youngest and last surviving son of Mr. James Lynas, who for many years was manager of the late Mr. Foster Connor's factory in the Sandy Row district, and who was one of the pillars in former days of Townsend Street Presbyterian Church. The late Mr. Lynas was a Unionist in politics, but did not take a prominent part in public affairs. He was a gentleman who was highly regarded, and was extremely popular with a wide circle of acquaintances.

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MEMORIAL TO LATE MR. R. G. M'CRUM, D.L.

On Sabbath, in First Armagh Presbyterian Church, two handsome stained-glass windows were unveiled in memory of the late Mr. R. G. M'Crum, D.L., who for a lengthened period was a leading member of the congregation. Rev. David Dowling, M.A., who occupied the pulpit, pointed out that on every side they saw the results of Mr. M'Crum's thoroughness and ability as well as monuments of his enthusiasm and beneficence. It was largely through his foresight and generosity that the members of First Armagh were able to meet together to worship God in that beautiful and well-equipped church, and it was surely fitting that his name should be associated in a well-nigh imperishable form in the sanctuary which he loved, and for whose erection he gave so largely of his time and wealth. Not only the congregation of First Armagh, but the whole Irish Presbyterian Church was indebted to his kindness and generosity. Mr. Wm. M'Crum, son of the deceased gentleman, then unveiled the windows, the large congregation standing.

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OLD BELFAST (115 Years Ago).

One of Belfast's group of intellectuals in the period 1790-1810, who was friend and benefactor of the Royal Belfast Academical Institution and member of its First Elected Board of Visitors; a Vice-President of the Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge in 1802, and President of Belfast Literary Society 1803-4 , and 1811-12, was Samuel Martin Stephenson, Esq., M.D., who resided at 11, Wellington Place, Belfast, now occupied by Mr. T. Edens Osborne (the well-known Book Safe, Filter, Gramophone, and General Merchant). -- Communicated.

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SAD BELFAST TRAGEDY.

Well-known Journalist Killed.

A tragic occurrence took place on Tuesday afternoon in Belfast, resulting in the death of Mr. John A. Watson, a member of the "Evening Telegraph" reporting staff. The deceased, who had just returned to the office from a meeting of the Belfast Corporation, met with an accident which, unfortunately, terminated fatally. The late Mr. Watson ("Flambeau"), who was one of the best-known and most popular journalists in Belfast, was the local secretary of the National Union of Journalists, and the news of his tragic end has been received with feelings of sincere sorrow. The deceased was a member of the Masonic Order. He leaves a widow and a son, nine years old, to mourn his loss. The latter is just recovering from a serious illness.

At a meeting of the committee of the Ulster District of the Institute of Journalists yesterday, the following resolution, proposed by Mr. R. M. Sibbett, chairman, and seconded by Mr. Alex. M'Monagle, was passed:-- "The committee of the Ulster District of the Institute of Journalists to place on record its deep sense of the loss which the profession has sustained by the lamented death of Mr. John A. Watson. Mr. Watson had long been a conspicuous figure in the newspaper world of Ulster, and during his connection, first with the 'Belfast News-Letter,' and secondly with the 'Belfast Evening Telegraph,' greatly enhanced the reputation which he had gained across the Channel, as a most capable allround journalist. His great ability was freely recognised, not only by his colleagues, but by the public, who are the poorer for his loss. We mourn for him to-day as a member of the profession, as an office-bearer of the National Union of Journalists, as a man of many social gifts, as a colleague of strength and resolution, and withal or kindly spirit. We desire to tender to his sorrowing widow and little son our most sincere sympathy in their unutterable loss, and we pray that in this great hour of trial they may be sustained by Divine comfort."

The remains of the deceased were interred yesterday in Dundonald Cemetery, the officiating clergymen being the Revs. S. Cochrane and N. Buttle. The funeral was very largely attended.

The funeral arrangements were entrusted to Messrs. Melville & Co., Ltd., and were admirably carried out.

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DEATH OF COLONEL M'CAMMON

The death is announced in France, from wounds received in action, of Colonel T. V. P, M'Cammon, of Woodville, Holywood, Co. Down. He commanded until recently a reserve battalion of the Ulster Division, to which he succeeded from the 5th Royal Irish Rifles. On the 2nd of last month he was ordered overseas, and was posted to a Hampshire battalion. The deceased wa- bono on the 27th October, 1874, his father being Col. Thomas Andrew M'Cammon. Having received his education at Cheltenham College, he was gazetted Second Lieutenant of the 5th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (Royal South Downs) in November, 1891. When the war broke out in South Africa he volunteered for active service, and served with the 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles. He was the possessor of the Queen's South African Medal, with two clasps. Following the Boer war, he commanded the 5th Royal Irish Rifles. He was a staunch Unionist and a very prominent member of the Orange Order. Prior to the war Colonel M'Cammon took an active interest in the Ulster Volunteer Force.

Second-Lieutenant Charles Verdon Darnell, Connaught Rangers, and Royal Flying Corps, killed in action, was the only son of Dr. C. K. Darnell, Bangor, and was only 22 years of age. He was educated at Arnold House, Llandullas, North WaleS, at Cheltenham College, and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, passing out in August, 1916. Second-Lieutenant Darnell was attacking a German observation balloon when he was shot, the machine crashing to the ground inside the British line.

Second-Lieutenant Frederick Robb, Royal Scots Fusiliers, seriously wounded, is a son of Mr. John Robb, Charleville House, Castlereagh, head of the well-known firm of John Robb & Co., Ltd., Castle Place, Belfast. This officer, who is 18 years of age, was educated at Campbell College, where he was a member of the Officers Training Corps, and at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, passing out in August, 1916, when he was posted to a battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers. After serving in Scotland he went to the front in October last. Second-Lieutenant Robb, who is suffering from a gunshot wound, is now in hospital at Le Treport.

Lieutenant Sidney Todd Martin, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, previously reported missing, is now officially believed killed in action on 1st July, 1916. This officer was the elder son of the late Rev. Professor W. Todd Martin, D.D., of the Assembly's College, and Mrs. Todd Martin, Collage House, College Green, Belfast.

 

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Roll of Honour

TODD -- Killed in action, April 18, 1917, at Vimy Ridge, Private John Todd, 29th Battalion of the Canadian Contingent, late of the Canadian Pacific Railway, eldest and dearly-beloved son of Samuel and Margaret Todd, Half-town, Doagh. Canadian papers please copy.

Birth

M'COY -- May 5, 1917, at The White House, Humewood, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, to John and Mrs. M'Coy -- a son.

Marriage

MACKINTOSH--WYLIE -- April 25, at Second Ballybay Presbyterian Church, by Rev. H. Jamison, B.A., Sergeant Henry Edmund Mackintosh, R.I.C., Enniskillen, second son of John Mackintosh, Fairview, Ballyshannon, to Mary Jane, second daughter of William Wylie, Ballidian, Ballybay.

Deaths

ALLEN -- May 6, at his son's residence, the Deanery, Coolaney, Co. Sligo, William Allen, formerly of Camp Hill House, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, aged 87 years.

BARKLIE -- March 10 (after a long illness), at Moira, Geraldine, New Zealand, the Rev. John Knox Barklie, aged 79, sometime rector of Moira, Co. Down, second son of the late George Barklie, Portrush.

CALVERT -- May 8 (suddenly), at his residence, Breagh, Portadown, George Calvert, Chairman of Lurgan Rural District Council.

CLARK -- May 5, 1917, at Island Lodge, Muckamore, Mary, infant daughter of Henry and Mary Clark.

CURRY -- May 7, at his residence, Tildarg Villas, Ballyclare, Thomas, the beloved husband of Margaret Curry and son, of Mr. and Mrs. Curry, 14, Twickenham Street, Belfast.

DAVISON -- May 7, at his residence, Cloughan, Richhill, Richard Davison, aged 86 years.

FALLS -- Suddenly, Minnie, the dearly-beloved wife of David Falls, 65, Causeway Street, Portrush.

GAUSSEN -- May 5, at her residence, Cosy Lodge, Dunmurry, Co. Antrim, Isabella Matilda, widow of William Magill Gaussen, of Blake Lodge, Ballyronan, Co. Londonderry, aged 90 years.

GIBSON -- May 9, at her residence, Ravarnette, Hillsborough, Ellen, daughter of the late Robert Gibson, Ballyhamra.

GREER -- May 7, at Wickham Lodge, Wickham, Hants, Margaret, widow of the late Thomas Greer, of Sea Park, Carrickfergus, and Grove House, Regent's Park, London.

HOGG -- May 8, at the residence of her niece, Maplemount, Londonderry, Elizabeth Hogg, formerly of Dungannon.

HUNT -- May 9, at his residence, Seaview Terrace, Whiteabbey, Percy Chester Hunt.

KIDD -- May 6, at her residence, Dundrum, Co. Down, Sarah, relict of the late Wm. J. Kidd.

KINGSTON -- May 6, at Gracehill, Ballymena, John Bellett Kingston, a native of Cork.

KNOX -- May 5, at High Street, Ballymoney, Matilda Knox, relict of the late James Knox, aged 83 years.

MARTIN -- May 5, at his residence, Magheradartin, Hillsborough, James Martin.

MARTIN -- May 7, at Southport, William Holt, the dearly-loved and only child of Robert and Jessie Martin, Finaghy, Balmoral, Belfast, aged one year and nine months.

M'NEILL -- May 4, at her residence, Ballylaggan, Coleraine, Louisa, beloved wife of Wm. M'Neill.

M'NEILL -- May 5, at her son-in-law's residence, Carnaught, Ballymena, Mary Isabella, relict of the late James M'Neill, Blackcave, Larne.

PENTLAND -- May 5, at his parents' residence, 14, Hardford Street, Portadown, Wm. James, the beloved son of Richard and Sarah Pentland.

REID -- May 5, at her residence, Netherleigh, Strandtown, Mary, widow of James Reid, Belfast, and only daughter of the late Wm. Kingan, Greenisland, Co. Antrim.

TATE -- May 9, at Westlands, Malone Road, Sarah Adelaide, widow of the late John Tate, Manager of the Belfast Bank, Crossmaglen.

THOMSON -- May 5, at her residence, Scotch Quarter, Carrickfergus, Jane Ferguson, wife of W. J. Thomson, formerly of Whitehouse.

THOMPSON -- May 9, at his residence, Ballybeen, Dundonald, Thomas, the dearly-beloved husband of Matilda Thompson.

Clippings

EPITOME OF GENERAL NEWS

To afford greater stability of exchange, relations have been established between the Bank of England and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

The sale of Sir Joseph Beecham's collection of pictures at Christies, London, realised 90,000 guineas. Twelve famous Turners brought 26,300 guineas.

On Captain W. A. Coote, son of Mr. W. Coote, M.P., South Tyrone, an operation for appendicitis was successfully performed at the Military Hospital, Belfast.

Captain the Hon. R. W. H. O'Neill, M.P. for Mid-Antrim, and youngest son of Lord O'Neill, has received the Order of the "Chevalier du Merite Agricole."

The Lord Lieutenant has appointed the Most Reverend John Henry Bernard, D.D., Archbishop of Dublin, to be a member of the Intermediate Education Board for Ireland.

The death took place on Saturday of Mrs. Kate Brogan, the oldest resident on the Duke of Abercorn's demesne, Baronscourt, County Tyrone. Mrs. Brogan was in her 100th year.

Rev. J. Donnelly, M.A., at present serving at the front as a combatant officer with the Ulster Division, has been nominated Rector of Tamlaght o'Crilly Lower. He resigned the rectorship to join the colours.

Mr. Hudson Maxim, Washington, announces that he has perfected a torpedo-proof armour which is not only a defensive device to meet the U-boat menace, but is adaptable to merchant ships, and is impenetrable by torpedoes.

By the death of Mr. S. Morrison, a Downpatrickman, in Illinois, his surviving sisters (one being Mrs. M'Cracken, Downpatrick) and the children of a deceased brother and sister have succeeded to legacies of close on £1,000 each.

The "Tagliche Rundschau" (Berlin) complains that German officers are permitted to wear gold bracelets, remarking that they should be "a little more man-like," and offer their gold trinkets at the altar of the Fatherland.

At the meeting of Omagh Urban Council the auditor's report was submitted, showing that the Gasworks undertaking had cost the town rates £1,680 12s 9d for the past year. It was stated that this big deficit was principally due to the greatly increased cost of coal.

Canon Rashdall, of Hereford, one of the most scholarly ecclesiastics in the Church of England, and a distinguished theologian and historian, is likely to be offered the appointment of Dean of Carlisle. Canon Rashdall is an LL.D. of St. Andrews University.

Mr. Alfred A. Robb, M.A., of Cambridge, and Lisnabreeny House, Belfast, who is connected with La Croix Range Francaise, has been awarded the Croix de Guerre for services rendered at the French front. This decoration is similar to the British Military Cross.

It is stated that the increased tax on dogs (England) will be, for a single dog already in owner's possession 10s, against the present 7s 6d, and for a second dog £1. The duty for a single dog to a person who has not hitherto taken but a licence is expected to be 20s.

Wholesale prices of 10d per lb. for mutton and 11d per lb. for lamb -- a reduction of 3d and 4d respectively on the prices ruling before the United States entered the war -- have been agreed upon for Argentine meat between American firms and the British Government.

It appears that there are 60,394 public houses in England, 6,621 in Scotland, and 16,678 in Ireland. In relation, to population these places work out as follows -- One public-house to every 592 people in England, one to 719 in Scotland, and one to 263 in Ireland.

In the new standardised ships, according to the Liverpool "Journal of Commerce" the forecastle is abolished, and the men will have their quarters aft in separate cubicles for every two men. A messroom and complete bathroom and lavatory will be other features.

Canterbury Upper House of Convocation adopted a motion accepting the principle of purchase of the liquor traffic. The Bishop of London declined to vote for the motion on the ground that there would be under such a system "an appalling waste of public money."

The Newry Rural District Council No. 2 (County Armagh) having proposed to purchase locally out of their ordinary funds seeds and manures for people in the district who were unable to procure them, the Local Government Board have intimated that they have no power to sanction the proposal.

Lord Pirrie's head gamekeeper was at Guildford fined £10 for causing pheasants to be fed with grain; and Henry Purkis, contractor, and a local corn merchant each £10 for abetting, and Jeremiah Snelling £1 for feeding the pheasants. Counsel stated that Lord Pirrie did not know what was going on.

Some confusion having arisen in connection with the recent warning by the Board of Agriculture to farmers and stockkeepers to take immediate steps to meet the coming scarcity of feeding stuffs, we are informed that so for no Order as to the compulsory slaughter of animals has been issued in Great Britain or Ireland.

An impressive memorial service in connection with the death in France of Lieutenant-Colonel T. V. P. M'Cammon, Holywood, a leading Ulster Unionist, took place in Newtownards Parish Church, on Friday, the preacher being the Rev. W. L. T. Whatham. Rev. James Salters, M.A., represented the the Presbyterian Church.

As a result of conferences between representatives of the Government and the Amalgamated Society of Engineers an agreement has been arrived at in regard to the new scheme for the release of monition workers for the Army. The arrangements, it is officially stated, provide adequate protection for skilled men and apprentices.

A fire occurred in the retail oil and colour department of the Cork Chemical Company, Patrick Street, Cork, which involved six other buildings and caused damage to the extent of £40,000. The fire, supposed to be due to spontaneous combustion, burned with such intensity that the firemen had to lie down on the ground to avoid the heat while working the hose.

The May Day demonstration in Glasgow on Sabbath was taken part in by, it is estimated, 70,000 persons. From George Square the procession marched to the Green, where speeches were made from 16 platforms, and a general resolution was put declaring for the overthrow of the capitalist system and the establishment of a co-operative commonwealth.

The Department of Technical Instruction, have given the following grants for urban Schools in County Tyrone -- Cookstown, £249 12s 9d; Dungannon, £175 17s 5d; Omagh, £161 1s; Strabane, £174 19s 8d -- total £759 10s 10d, as compared with £588 8s 9d for the previous year. The grants for the rural centres were £91 15s 5d, as compared with £150 6s 3d, being a decrease of £58 10s 10d.

Mr. John Quirey, of Seaview Terrace, Whiteabbey, has been appointed by the directors of the Midland Railway Company to the position of assistant accountant at Derby. Mr. Quirey succeeds at Derby the gentleman who took the place of the chief accountant, the late Mr. Walter Bailey, and it is understood he will retain his position as accountant to the Northern Counties Committee.

The house and grounds known na Insoh Marlo, Marlborough Park, the residence of the late Miss Kennedy, have been purchased by Mr. R. T. Martin in trust for the Governors of the Royal Belfast Academical Institution. This purchase has been made for the purpose of establishing a preparatory school in the Malone district immediately after the summer vacation. Messrs. B>. J. M'Connell & Co. had charge of the sale.

At the exhibition of the Royal Academy a striking picture is the attack of the Ulster Division in the battle of the Somme, painted by Mr. James P. Beadle. The men are seen climbing out of the trenches under the serene summer sky; advancing over the churned up chalk and rough grass with bayonets fired. Smoke and flame, together with upheavals of earth which show craters in the making complete the realism of the scene.

The food shortage in Derry is critical. Potatoes are almost impossible to obtain, and the stock of Indian meal, now almost exhausted, cannot be easily replenished. The situation in Donegal needed prompt measures, and resulted in depleting the Derry reserves of meal and flour, and the poorer inhabitants of the city have a precarious supply. Despite the scarcity, however, the only cart load of potatoes in the market on Saturday failed to find a purchaser.

Replying to a resolution expressing appreciation or his long services at a meeting of the Press Association, Ltd., Mr. E. Robbins, manager, who is retiring after forty-seven and a half years' service, thirty-seven of which he was manager, said he dispatched the first telegram on behalf of the Association on February 5, 1870, and since then their revenue had exceeded £4,000,000. Mr. H. C. Robbins, deputy manager, has been appointed manager. Mr. Henderson, "Belfast News-Letter," was appointed a member of the committee.

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DEATH OF CHICAGO'S OLDEST ORANGE MAN.

William Lipsey, who passed away recently in Chicago, was born in New Mills, County Tyrone, Ireland, on August 23, 1833, of Huguenot and Dutch ancestors. He married Elizabeth Taylor, of Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, on June, 1853, and they settled in New York City. Subsequently Mr. Lipsey joined the staff of Wilson & Bros., Chicago, remaining with them until his eightieth year, when he retired, much against his will, and took a richly-deserved rest. He was the father of twelve children. Mr. Lipsey was the oldest Orangeman in Chicago, and the second oldest in the United States. He joined the Order at eighteen in New Mills L.O.L., and after coming to Chicago became a charter member of Guiding Star L.O.L. in 1882, of which he was treasurer twenty-seven years. He took part in the first Orange parade in the States in New York in 1800. Mr. Lipsey was also a Mason, a member of the Royal Arcanum, and of the Loyal Orange Institution, of which, after sixty years, he was made honorary member in 1910. He was a man of kindly, courteous disposition, and of deep religious faith. His first wife died in 1900, ana his second wife survives him. Mr. Lipsey was attended in his last illness by the Rev. Archibald R. Wright, minister of the Endeavour Presbyterian Church, Chicago, and eldest son of Rev. Dr. William Wright, of Newtownards, County Down.

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The death has occurred of Mr. George Calvert, at his residence in Breagh, Portadown. He was well-known throughout County Armagh as a large and successful farmer. He was a member of the County Council, chairman of the Lurgan Rural Council, and a member of the Board of Guardians. The late Mr. Calvert was one of the delegates chosen by the North Armagh Unionist Association to represent that body in the Ulster Unionist Council. He was about sixty-five years of age and a bachelor.

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DEATH OF MR WILLIAM FLEMING, J.P. BALTEAGH.

At the Communion thanksgiving service in Balteagh Presbyterian Church, Rev. J. M'Kee took occasion to refer to the loss the congregation and district had sustained in the death of Mr. William Fleming, J.P., who had been clerk of session for many years. Mr. Fleming, he said, was esteemed, respected, and loved by all who knew him, and it was just because, in his life and dealings, he reflected so much of the spirit of Christ. He was most sympathetic and charitable in his judgment of others. He could brook opposition, and bore no ill-will to those who opposed his wishes or expressed contrary opinions. He was exceedingly generous. No one ever appealed to him in vain for any religious or charitable purpose, and no needy person was ever turned away empty. He was interested in the temporal welfare of all his neighbours, and would have inconvenienced himself to oblige another. He knew what it was to hold communion with his God and Father. He was a man of prayer. No hurry in the fields would have brought him from his room until he had bowed his head and poured out his soul unto God. He was one of the few men of our time who kept up family worship, and one of the receding few who kept it, morning and evening; He allowed nothing to keep him away from public worship. He was one of the few men of our time who believed that the whole Sabbath day should be spent in the public and private exercises of God's worship. So long as health allowed, and even when he was far from well, he was in the house of God every Sabbath Day. Neither was he in any hurry to leave the sanctuary. He could, and often did, spend half an hour at the close of the evening service talking of the things of the Kingdom of Christ. He often expressed pity for those who did not enjoy the worship of God's house. For himself he knew no higher form of delight. He loved the courts of Sion. He loved to praise, to meditate, to soar away in thought to realms unseen. His prayers in public were an inspiration to us all. He carried us right into the sacred presence. He had a comfortable earthly home, and had enjoyed much prosperity, but he had no desire to remain. Rather did he long to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better. In conclusion, Mr. M'Kee expressed the hope that his memory might inspire all who knew him to seek to follow him in the service of God and men, that it might help them as a congregation to cultivate closer communion with God, and that allowing the spirit of Christ to rule they might seek the city which had foundations whose builder and maker is God.

 

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Roll of Honour

CLARKE -- Missing since 1st July, 1916, officially reported killed on that date, Thomas A. Clarke, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, eldest son of Joseph Clarke, Ballagh, Caledon, Co. Tyrone.

Birth

HOBSON -- May 1917, at Drumduff, Benburb, the wife of John Hobson -- a daughter.

Marriage

DODDS--ROWAN -- May 15, at Hilltown Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. H. A. Irvine, B.A., Thomas, youngest son of the late Thomas Dodds, Esq., Drumadonald, to Mary A., younger daughter of James Rowan, Esq., and Mrs. Rowan, Clenmaghery, Ballyward, Banbridge.

Golden Wedding

M'INTOSH--SHEPHERD -- At Eastvale Place, Kelvinhaugh, Glasgow, on the 10th May, 1867, by the Rev. William Bennie, Kelvinhaugh Church, assisted by the Rev. George Mathieson, Sandyford Church, John M'Intosh, second son of John M'Intosh (late of Duntocher), to Jane Anderson Shepherd, second daughter of Bruce Shepherd, Kelvinhaugh. Present address -- 36, Duncairn Gardens, Belfast.

Deaths

ADRAIN -- May 13, at her mother's residence, North-East Division, Carrickfergus, Mary Ann eldest daughter of the late Hugh and Sarah Adrain.

COWBURN -- May 14, at the residence of his brother, Robert, 12, Hamilton Road, Bangor, Co. Down, William Wainwright Cowburn.

CRAWFORD -- May 11, at his residence, Dunnymuggy. David Crawford.

DENHAM -- May 9, at her residence, Church Street, Ballymena, Margaret Muir, widow of the late John H. Denham.

DONALDSON -- May 12, at her parents' residence, Gransha, Islandmagee, Dixina (Ena), eldest and dearly-beloved daughter of Dixon and Maggie Donaldson.

ELLIOTT -- May 10, at his parents' residence, Ashley Cottage, Greencastle, Strafford Smith, youngest and dearly-loved son of John J. Elliott.

GIBSON -- May 10, at his residence, Burren Hill, Ballynahinch, Thomas Gibson.

GIBSON -- May 12, at the residence of her uncle, Joseph D. Kirk, 39, Woodvale Road, Belfast, Ann Mary Gibson, late of Drumreagh, Ballygowan.

GRAINGER -- May 10, at her residence, Derriaghy, Mary Ann, relict of the late William Grainger, in her 97th year.

HARVEY -- May 11, at her residence, Cargycroy, Lisburn, Elizabeth, relict of the late John Harvey.

HUTCHINSON -- May 13, at her residence, Sandymount, Ballyclare, Charlotte, beloved wife of William Hutchinson.

JENKINS -- May 14, at his father's residence, Little Ballymena, James, eldest and dearly-beloved son of John and Maggie Jenkins, aged 9 years.

LYND -- May 9, at her residence, Drumagosker, Limavady, Martha A., widow of the late John Lynd.

MAGILL -- May 9, at Ballooley Cottage, Katesbridge, Esther Magill.

M'KEE -- May 10. at her parents' residence, Woodbrook Cottage, Templepatrick, Mary Ramsey (Molly), aged 4 years, eldest and dearly-loved child of Joseph and Nanna M'Kee.

M'KENNA -- May 13, at her residence, 13, Park Parade, Lisburn, Catherine, widow of the late James M'Kenna, M.R.C.V.S. (Edin.).

PENNINGTON -- May 14, at his residence, Annaghanoon, William J. Pennington.

QUEE -- May 12, at 15, Princetown Road, Bangor, Maurice, son of Charles Quee.

USSHER -- At Londonderry, Neville Boileau, third son of the late James Ussher, Lurgan.

Clippings

EPITOME OF GENERAL NEWS

Sir Horace Plunkett has arrived in England much improved in health as a result of his visit to America.

The death is announced at New York of Mr. J. Choate, a former Ambassador to Great Britain.

The Railway Executive has now agreed not to require prepayment of carriage in the case of fish sent to three of the Irish ports.

Mrs. Edith Stevens, daughter of the late Sir Daniel Dixon, Belfast, has been appointed to the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem.

Mr. S. H. Kinghan, principal, Tullywest N.S., has been appointed to the principalship, Academy School, Saintfield, in succession to Mr. R. J. Machett, resigned.

The council of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society at Belfast have passed a resolution of regret at the death of Mr. Frank Robertson, whose membership dated from 1879.

Owing to a strike of over 10,000 drivers and conductors London was on Monday practically a 'busless city. The munition route services were, however, maintained fairly well.

Mr. W. H. M'Laughlin, D.L., of Macedon, Whitehouse, County Antrim, has been appointed a member of the Advisory Committee of the Department of Timber Supplies.

Mr. J. B. Mullin, D.L., Buncrana and Londonderry, and Dr. J. Kelso Reid, Londonderry, have been appointed directors of the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway.

At Selkirk Lord Napier and Ettrick was refused total exemption. He was formerly granted conditional exemption provided he engaged in national work, but this had not been done.

Lord D'Abernon, speaking at the annual meeting of the Church of England Temperance Society in London, urged investigation of the physiological effects of alcohol as the basis of temperance reform.

Damage estimated at £1,000 was caused by a fire which occurred on Sabbath evening in Mr. J. H. Jones's flax mill at Dromara, County Down. The fire was confined to the store, in which there was a large quantity of tow and other inflammable material.

At a meeting of the wording committee of the Irish Tourist Organisation Society, it was reported that there had been no increase in hotel pre-war rates, nor was any contemplated at present, while the increase in the cost of travel was not a great one.

The Director of the Census at Washington estimates that ten million of men will be subject to conscription in the United States on July 1 under the terms of the War Army Bill, as agreed to in the recent Conference Committee of the two Houses of Congress.

It was stated at a meeting of the committee of the Irish Police Recognition Fund that the fund now amounted to, approximately, £3,500, and that about 260 or 270 officers and men who had acted courageously during the rebellion would participate in the distribution.

It was announced in Parliament that the recent award of the Conciliation and Arbitration Board for Government employees granting an increased war bonus to civil servants from the 1st January last would apply to Ireland, and would be oh the same basis as in England.

The Department of Agriculture, have under consideration a new scheme to encourage the breeding of Irish draught horses. It is proposed to establish an Irish Draught Horse Book, in which suitable animals will be entered after having passed inspection and veterinary examination.

The Order against the making of more starch will, it is thought, further increase the popularity of the soft collar. Launderers are to discuss the matter, and it is likely they will decide to confine the use of starch to a few actives regarded as essential. Starch stocks are running extremely low.

Messrs. Morgan have received from the foremost citizens of New York a letter enclosing a cheque for 200,000 dollars, with the request that the amount should be handed to Mr. Balfour to be invested for the benefit of the poor widows and orphans of Englishmen and Scotsmen killed in the war.

Energetic steps are being taken to induce the Food Controller to make special arrangements without further delay for supplying sugar to all those who wish to make jam. Gooseberries will soon be ready for picking, but unless sugar is obtainable thousands of tons of this and other fruit will be wasted

The Ministry of Munitions urges the public to limit the consumption of raw coal, the by-products of which are essential for munitions and food production, and to use coke and coal gas where circumstances permit. Efforts are being made to enable gas works to consume smaller proportions of coke than usual.

At a meeting of the County Down Grand Orange Lodge, it was decided to recommend each district under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge to hold a demonstration on the next Twelfth of July, with banners, bands, and regalia, as in former years, and that collections be taken up on behalf of the Enniskillen Memorial Orphan Fund.

The Board of Trade "Labour Gazette" states that nearly all the principal industries were fully employed in April. Increases in wages amounted to about £300,000 a week, and affected about 1,500,000 workers. During the month food showed an average increase of about one to two per cent. Retail prices were 99 per cent, above the level of July, 1914.

Liberty Hall, Dublin, was entered by the police on Saturday evening, and a scroll commemorating the death of James Connolly was taken down, but there was comparatively little excitement. Another scroll had been removed shortly after noon. A police raid was made on the premises of the A.O.H. (American Alliance) in North Frederick Street, and a flag on the roof was cut down with a saw.

Alderman S. T. Mercier, J.P., chairman of the Library and Technical Instruction Committee, Belfast Corporation, has been appointed to represent the committee on the Senate of Queen's University in room of Dr. S. W. Allworthy. The Manor House, Antrim Road, who has resigned. Dr. Allworthy has accepted a commission in the Royal Army Medical Corps, with the rank of temporary captain.

The death occurred in Dublin on Saturday of Luke Gerald Dillon, fourth Baron Clonbrock, of Clonbrock, Ahascragh, Co. Galway, a representative peer for Ireland since 1895. His lordship was a member of the Church of Ireland, and a Conservative. His eldest son, the Honourable Robert Edward Dillon, who now succeeds to the title, is forty-eight years of age, and is a Deputy-Lieutenant and Justice of the Peace for County Galway.

General Smuts, at a meeting at Westminster to promote the object of the League of Nations Society -- Lord Bryce presiding -- said the first condition of future peace was to keep Governments and diplomats in order, and he suggested that an Anglo-American Commission should go into the whole matter. Lord Buckmaster believed the scheme for a League of Nations would fail unless Germany were admitted to it.

Honours have been awarded to the heroes of H.M.S. Swift and Broke, who routed the flotilla of German destroyers in the Channel three weeks ago. The King, in approving the awards, pays a tribute the officers and men, who, he says, "in their conduct did more than uphold the grand traditions of the British Navy." Commanders Peck and Evans are awarded the D.S.O. and promoted captains, while the boy hero of the Broke, Midshipman Gyles, receives the D.S.C.

According to the Registrar-General, the number of natives of Ireland who left Irish ports during the month of April was 187 (71 males and 116 females), compared with 482 (125 males and 357 females) in the same month last year. The total number of Irish emigrants for the first four months of the present year was 685 (236 males and 449 females), compared with 1,655 (766 males and 889 females) in the corresponding period of last year -- a decrease of 530 males and 440 females.

Mr. A. K. Yapp, general secretary of the Y.M.C.A., has received letters from France, reporting that during the recent "push" the Y.M.C.A. workers moved up immediately to some of the positions captured by our troops from the Germans, and served hot drinks and biscuits free of charge, to the delight of officers and men. The Y.M.C.A now possesses 429 centres in France, whilst at home and in the other centres where British men are serving there are no fewer than 1,200 Y.M.C.A. buildings and marquees.

By the retirement on pension at the close of the present month of Mr. Samuel Wilson, superintendent of telegraphs at Belfast, the staff at the General Post Office will lose one of the most popular and capable members, and a period of 47 years spent in the public service will be brought to a close. Mr. Wilson has been intimately associated with the development and expansion of the telegraph system in the city, and its present high standard of efficiency is due in no small measure to his technical skill and his capacity for administrative work.

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Death of Mrs. Lynd, Drumagosker, Limavady.

Balteagh Presbyterian Church has lost another of its oldest and best members in the person of Mrs. Lynd, of Drumagosker. Deceased was the widow of the late Mr. John Lynd, who died nearly forty years ago. Held in very high regard by all who knew her, and loved and admired for her true womanly qualities and exemplary Christian character, her removal leaves with the community a deep sense of personal loss, To all matters pertaining to the welfare of the Church she loved so well and every work associated with it, including missions, orphanage, &c., Mrs. Lynd was ever a willing and generous contributor. The funeral was private. The remains, enclosed in a solid oak casket, richly mounted with silver plates, were borne on the shoulders of her sons for a short distance, and then by hearse to the family burying-ground at Balteagh Presbyterian Church. The service at the house was conducted by Rev. Joseph M'Kee, B.A., and Rev. Wm. Mitchell, B,A., and at the graveside by Rev. Samuel Gourley and Rev. Mr. M'Kee. The chief mourners were her three sons -- Messrs. William L. Lynd, Thomas G. Lynd (Coleraine), and Dr. J. C. Lynd (Limavady).

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THE LATE MR. PERCY C. HUNT, WHITEABBEY.

Preaching last Sabbath morning upon the text, "For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost" (Acts xi. 24), Rev. W. B. M'Murray said -- "I have chosen this text mainly because it is the best description I could find of a friend whose loss we mourn today. Mr. Hunt was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost. For many years his presence has been a benediction to us. He was a man of God, and we all knew it. It is revealing a secret, perhaps, but it may be interesting to learn that at the recent election for elders for the congregation Mr. Hunt's name stood at the very head of the poll; and although we had not the privilege of seeing him occupying this position, yet we all must feel that for such an office, when the outstanding qualifications are godliness, and an interest in the advancement of the kingdom of God, Mr. Hunt had pre-eminent qualifications. Like many Christians, Mr. Hunt found one minister whose fellowship he supremely enjoyed, and whose memory he revered. The late Rev. Dr. Rodgers was his ideal preacher and pastor. He loved to recall his words; he took pleasure in pointing out his memorial tablet to strangers; and he purchased and distributed many thousands of Dr. Rodgers' little book, 'The Unspeakable Gift.' During the war Mr. Hunt has been active and earnest and successful in his work amongst soldiers and sailors, and of his method of carrying on this work I happen to be able to bear testimony. A few months ago, when travelling up to Belfast with him, a young soldier happened to be in our carriage. Our friend went over and sat down beside him, and began to speak to him in the most gentlemanly and even fatherly fashion. Pulling out the little book in which he had such faith, he asked the soldier to do him the kindness of accepting it, for it had been a means of blessing to many gallant soldiers to whom he had given it. Then he added that we in Whiteabbey had sent a band of young men to join the army, and that we were working hard to provide comforts for our soldiers and sailors, and we were remembering them before the Throne of Grace, and doing all we could for their temporal and spiritual welfare. No man could have performed that little act of Christian service better. It was an object lesson to me. I could not help wishing that railway carriage could have been full of ministers and Christian workers that they might receive that demonstration of how a good word for the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ might be spoken." Mr. M'Murray spoke also of his work as leader of the Saturday evening prayer-meeting and as teacher in the Sabbath-school, and of his visitation in homes where sickness and sorrow had come. He conveyed the sympathy of the congregation to his daughters and his son, and he trusted that, as when a soldier falls another steps into the breach and the battle is carried on, so might God raise up another to carry on the work of His honoured servant who had been called to his rest and reward.

 

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Births

MACONACHIE -- May 20, 1917, at 5, Maymount Villas, Portadown, the wife of Wm. Maconachie, of a son.

M'CAUSLAND -- May 11, 1917, at Geraldine, Limerick, the wife of the Rev. D. M'Causland, Tipperary, of a son.

Deaths

MACAULEY -- May 20, at her residence, Pleasure Hill, Moneyslane, Ballyroney, Sarah, widow of the late William Macauley, aged 75 years. Interred in the family burying-ground, Closkelt, on Tuesday, 22nd inst.

M'CAW -- May 20, 1917, at Waringsford, Dromara, William John, second son of John M'Caw. Interred in First Dromore Presbyterian Church Burying-ground, on 22nd inst. "Our wills are ours to make them Thine." Inserted by his deeply sorrowing brothers and sisters.

BLAKELY -- May 23, at 14, Queen's Parade, Bangor, Mary Jane, widow of the late Thos. Blakely (Upper Balloo).

CARLISLE -- May 21, 1917, at Sunnybank, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan, Eileen, dearly-loved eldest daughter of Samuel and Maggie Carlisle.

CARRUTHERS -- May 16, at her residence, Maryfield House, Dumfries, Annie, dearly-beloved wife bf William Carruthers, and third daughter of the late William J. Hooks, Armagh.

CONNOLLY -- May 19 (suddenly), at his residence, Shandon, Donaghadee, Wm. Henry Connolly, dearly-loved husband of Emma Connolly.

COSTELLO -- At Moree, New South Wales, William Clark, eldest son of the late Rev. J. E. Costello, M.A., Rector of Whitehouse, Co. Antrim, and of Mrs. Costello, Orlock, Bangor.

DICKIE -- May 20, at the Cottage, Ballysculty, Muckamore, Mary, the dearly-beloved wife of W. P. Dickie.

FRENCH -- May 22, at her residence, Styles, Margaret, the beloved wife of Wm. French.

GEDDIS -- May 10, at her residence, Anyart, Castleblayney, Eliza Jane, widow of the late Robert Geddis.

HAMILTON -- May 19, at Clandeboye, Mary, relict of the late, John Hamilton.

HERBERT -- May 22 (suddenly), at her residence, 36, Queen Street, Lurgan, Marianne, dearly-beloved wife of Arthur Herbert.

KEENAN -- May 20, at her residence, Ballymacreely, Killinchy, Sarah Keenan.

KELLY -- May 23, at her residence, Ballynure, Magheragall, Lisburn, Mary Ann, relict of the late Hugh Kelly.

MILLAR -- May 23, at her father's residence, Ballycarry, Ellen, youngest and dearly-beloved daughter of William and Jane Millar.

MOORE -- May 21, at Springfield, Lurgan, Adeline Moore.

REID -- May 20, at 152, Corporation Street, Thomas Reid, late of Islandreagh, Dunadry.

ROBINSON -- May 21, at Cloughsinn, Islandmagee, Jane, the relict of the late David Robinson, Brookville, Whitehead.

WATSON -- May 23, at his residence, 112, Ballymagee Street, Bangor, John P. Watson (late of Lindsay Bros., Ltd.).

WATT -- May 21, at, her residence, 32, Kerr Street, Portrush, Isabel, youngest daughter of the late J. R. Watt.

WILSON -- May 23, at her brother's residence, Edenderry, Sophia, youngest daughter of the late James Wilson.

Clippings

EPITOME OF GENERAL NEWS

Captain Ball, D.S.O., M.C., the fearless airman, who was reported missing, is a prisoner in Germany.

Colonel Sunderland, J.P., of Ravensden Grange, was fined £100 at Bedford for feeding pigeons and fowls with com fit for human food.

At Tuesday's meeting of the Irish Unionist party Mr. Hugh Barrie was elected Acting-Secretary in succession to Sir John Lonsdale, who is now the Acting-Chairman.

Sir Robert Borden has announced that the Canadian Government propose to provide by compulsory enlistment on a selective basis necessary reinforcements for Canada's army.

During the Royal tour last week, the King and Queen covered 820 miles of ground, and in the munition centres visited at least 300,000 men, women, boys, and girls employed.

Diplomatic circles at The Hague understand that the Turkish authorities have decided to evacuate Jerusalem within a week. The preliminary steps have been ordered by the Turkish Generalissimo.

Sir R. A. Binnie, Chief Engineer, London County Council, has died in his seventy-eighth year. He was associated with the construction of the Blackwell Tunnel and the Strand Kingsway improvements.

The public were advised by the Board of Trade in Parliament to store coal for the coming winter, irrespective of whether the war was going on or not. He also urged economy of petrol.

The Tyrone Grand Orange Lodge have decided to permit District Lodges to hold demonstrations in their own areas on 12th July. It is left to their individual discretion what form the celebrations may take.

Full military honours were accorded at the funeral at Atherstone of Major C. H. Beatty, D.S.O., brother of Admiral Sir David Beatty, who died from wounds received in action. Admiral Beatty was unable to attend.

The Right Rev. Thomas Dunn, Bishop of Nottingham, while driving along the timber embankment at Rome, received a blow on the head from a stone thrown by a boy. The injury was not serious, though the wound bled profusely.

Count von Hertling, Bavarian Premier, is reported as having said to a Budapest Press representative that, without indulging in prophecy, he was convinced that the war would be ended in autumn, and that there would be no more winter campaigns.

Three men were slightly burned, and considerable damage was done to factory buildings in Kent, where work for an Allied Government is being carried on, as the result of an explosion due to one of the buildings being struck by lightning on Sabbath night.

A saving of £3,330 per annum, it is estimated, will be effected by a revised scale of rationing for the officers and inmates of the Belfast Workhouse. A change in the supply of soup in lieu of that made for meat will reduce the amount by over £2,200 per annum.

Sir M. Levy, M.P., who visited Ireland in connection with munitions development, has been appointed by the Army Council in an honorary capacity to supervise the Government scheme as it affects merchants and clothiers in regulating priority of work in the worsted and woollen trades.

The Food Controller has reduced the amount of sugar which may be used by manufacturers from 40 per cent, of the amount used by them in 1915 to 25 per cent. The order, which does not apply to sugar used for jam, marmalade, and condensed milk, comes into operation on 1st June, 1917.

Thousands have been left homeless By a fire which broke out in an obscure negro quarter of Atlanta, Georgia, and spread to the finest residential quarter of the city. The only fatality was that of a woman who died of shock. The damage is estimated at between two and three million dollars.

Mr. Geo. Nesbitt, J.P., son of Mr. Nesbitt, late master of Castlederg Workhouse, has been re-elected for the Lismore seat in the New South Wales Parliament. He went to the Colony in 1885, and has attended Congresses in London, Paris, Sydney, and San Francisco as president of various organisations in the State.

Dr. Fisher, Education Minister, urged by an influential deputation to increase the grant for educational purposes in London, replied that he was prepared to recommend an increase on condition that the money was used for education and not for relief of rates. It is believed the increase will amount to £1,000,000.

At the half-yearly meeting of the County Armagh Grand Orange Lodge, held in the Portadown Orange Hall under the presidency of Br. Sir James H. Stronge, Bart., D.L., it was decided to hold demonstrations this year on the 12th July, and permission was given to each district in the county to make its own arrangements.

For the quarter ended March 31 the Irish birth rate is 2.9 below the average for the corresponding quarter of the ten years, 1907-16. In Ulster the birth rate per 1,000 of the population was 20.7 and the death rate 23.5, the figures in Munster being 20.1 and 22.4, in Connaught 20.7 and 20.4, and in Leinster 19.6 and 24.1.

New Defence of the Realm Regulations empower the police to destroy a stray dog three days after its seizure unless it has been claimed, and requires any person who takes possession of a stray dog to hand it over to the police unless he immediately returns it to the owner. Dog shows or exhibitions for sale or otherwise are prohibited.

The Lancashire cotton trade employers, in response to an application from the weavers for an advance of wages of 20 per cent., have offered an advance of 10 per cent., dating from July 1st. The offer will he submitted to a meeting of operatives to-morrow. The advance now offered will place all sections of the trade on an equal footing.

The new system of higher tram fares and shorter 1d stages came into operation in Belfast on Monday. The necessity for the change is revealed by the fact that during April the loss on the working was £2,200, compared with a profit of £1,212 in the corresponding month of 1916. The deficit is due to increased expenses, including working expenses and wages.

A sum of £104,000 was spent on the National Service Department up to April 30, it was stated in Parliament, £78,000 of which went in advertising. Of the 307,000 volunteers enrolled, 130,000 were munition workers or otherwise unavailable for other employment, and the number placed in employment up to the 4th inst. was 9,092. Each man had cost £8 10s in advertising.

A War Office Order for a census of horses and mules in Ireland is published in the "London Gazette." Every person who has in his custody any horse or mule within Ireland on 1st June next must make a return in duplicate on a form which, if not delivered to him, must be obtained at a police station, and completed and returned to the police within three days.

Lady Mary Hamilton has received from the women's societies of Londonderry with whom her mother, the Duchess of Abercorn, is associated as president a wedding gift of a handsome old Irish silver cup (date 1739). The societies in question are the Londonderry Unionist Women's Association, the District Nurses' Society, the Girls' Friendly Society, and the North-West Needlework Guild.

News has reached Tamworth that the Rev. and Hon. Maurice Berkeley Peel, vicar of the parish, has been killed in France, where he was serving as chaplain to the forces. The youngest son of Speaker Peel, deceased had been vicar of Tamworth since 1915. He was wounded at Festubert, when he gained the Military Cross, and went to the front for the second time last January. Deceased was recently awarded a bar to his Military Cross.

Mr. T. W. Russell, in reply to a deputation from the Ards peninsula as to regulations in regard to potato-growing with a view to the prevention of black scab, postponed a decision in the matter pending the return to Dublin of Mr. Campbell, head of the agricultural branch of the Department. It was stated that about fifty farmers have been summoned for refusing to dig or plough up about 200 acres of potatoes planted within the three-year limit without a licence.

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