Belfast Newsletter - 29 January 1906

Births

LAW -- January 24, at Georgetown, British Guiana, the wife of Wm. F. Law, Esq., M.D., F.R.C.S.I., British Colonial Service, of a daughter.

SHILLINGTON -- January 24, at Ardeevin, Portadown, the wife of D. Graham Shillington, of a daughter.

Marriages

BOONE--HARVEY -- January 23, at Ballinode Church, by the Rev. Canon Abbott, D.D., Benjamin, only son of the late William Boone, Aughagaskin, Co. Derry, to Isabella, second daughter of Mr. Thomas Harvey, Ballinode, Co. Monaghan.

GRUBB--M'CLINTOCK -- January 24, at Killea Church, Carrigans, by the Rev. J. Oswald A. Richardson, M.A. (cousin of the bridegroom), assisted by the Rev. W. Thompson, Rector of the Parish, Frederick Ernest, eldest son of F.E. Grubb, of Oakland, Califoria, and grandson of the late Richard Grubb, of Cahir, to Hilda Margaret, eldest daughter of the late Robert M'Clintock, D.L., of Dunmore, Co. Donegal.

PHILLIPS--STAFFORD -- January 24, at St. John's Church, Putney Hill, by the Rev. T. P. Stevens, Vicar of Bovingdon, Hemel Hempstead, Herts (cousin of the bridegroom), assisted by the Rev. F. Thorne, Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Gray's Inn Road, William Henry Symonds, son of William Henry Phillips, Lemonfield, Holywood, Co. Down, to Louisa Mary, second daughter of the late Manfred G. Stafford, of Doughty Street, London.

WATSON--GREIG -- January 18, at Hillhead Parish Church, Glasgow, by the Rev. David Strong, D.D., assisted by the Rev. Andrew Laidlaw, D.D., Thomas Haughton Watson, only son of Wesley Watson, 14, Cadogan Gardens, London, to Evelyn Margaret Gillespie Greig and Mrs. Greig, 6, Hughenden Terrace, Glasgow.

Deaths

ALLEN -- January 28 (suddenly), at his residence, 57 and 59, Dundee Street, John, the dearly-beloved husband of Margaret Allen. Deeply regretted. Interment notice later.

BEATTY -- January 23, the Rev. John Beatty, Minister of Ballycopeland Presbyterian Church. Funeral on Wednesday, 31st inst., at twelve o'clock noon.

CARSE -- January 26, at Ellenton, Ballynahinch, Mary Jane, widow of the late John Carse, Killinchy, aged 93 years. Funeral private.

EWING -- January 27, at the Maze, Jane, relict of the late Alexander Ewing, and daughter of the late John Hogg, Pilot Street. Belfast. Interment in Maze Presbyterian Churchyard, this (Monday) afternoon, at half-past two o'clock. Friends will please accept this intimation. R. J. PURSE.

GILLELAND -- January 22, at Clontibret, Co. Monaghan, Robert Stewart Gilleland (suddenly, as the result of an accident). "Ye know not the hour."

HAMPTON -- January 28, at 23, Willowbank Street, Antrim Road, Francis, second son of the late John Hampton, of North Queen Street. His remains will be removed from the above address, for interment in Saintfield Churchyard, to-morrow (Tuesday), at twelve o'clock noon. Friends will please accept this intimation. "With Christ, which is far better." -- Philippians, 1st chap., 23rd verse. DAVID and SUSANNA JOHNSTON.

HARKNESS -- January 28, at Coill-Mara, Cultra, Lizzie, second daughter of the late James Harkness, Coill-Mara, Cultra. Funeral private.

INGRAM -- January 28, at the residence of Mrs. Ramsay, Connor, Mary, relict of the late Samuel Ingram. Her remains will be removed for interment in Connor Burying-ground, to-morrow (Tuesday), at twelve o'clock noon.

KIRKPATRICK -- January 27, at his father's residence, 71 Thistle Street, David Francis, only son of James Kirkpatrick, and nephew of the late Samuel Baskerville. Funeral to-morrow (Tuesday) afternoon, at half past two o'clock, for interment in City Cemetery. Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation. "Gone to be with Christ, which is far better." JAMES KIRKPATRICK.

LOWRY -- January 27, at his residence, Bloomdale Street, Belfast, David Taggart, son of the late William Lowry, Antrim. Funeral private.

MACDONALD -- January 27, at Castle Street, Comber, James, the dearly-beloved husband of Alice Macdonald. His remains will be removed from his late residence, for interment in New Cemetery, this (Monday) afternoon, at two o'clock. Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation. ALICE MACDONALD.

MAGEE -- January 26, at the residence of Miss Abernethy, Bresagh, Boardmills, Margaret, youngest daughter of the late Alexander Magee, Carricknaveagh. Her remains will be removed for interment in First Boardmills Burying-ground, this (Monday) morning, at ten o'clock.

MARTIN -- January 27, 1906, at 1, Castle Cottages, Bangor, John Martin, aged 87 years, late of Ballymagee. The remains of my beloved father will be removed from my residence, for interment in Bangor Churchyard, this (Monday) afternoon, at three o'clock. MARTIN STEVENSON.

MURPHY -- At her residence, 14, Kinnaird Street (suddenly), Ursula, second daughter of the late John Murphy, of Belfast and Newtownards. Funeral private.

M'PHERSON -- January 23, at her residence, Tottenham, Balmoral, Charlotte M'Pherson, relict of the late John M'Pherson, Great Northern Railway. The remains of my beloved mother will be removed for interment in the City Cemetery, to-morrow (Tuesday) afternoon, at half-past one o'clock. Friends will please accept this intimation. JOSEPH M'PHERSON.

PATTERSON -- January 28, at 40, Jameson Street, Belfast, Hannah Patterson. Funeral to Drumbo to-morrow (Tuesday) afternoon, at half-past one o'clock.

RODGERS -- January 23, at his father's residence, Mourne View, Ballynahinch, John Dorman, the eldest surviving son of John Rodgers, R.I.C. Interment in First Ballynahinch Meeting-house Green, this (Monday) afternoon, at three o'clock. Friends please accept this intimation.

WALLIS -- January 28, at his residence, Molesworth Road, Cookstown, Thomas Wallis, aged 63 years. Funeral to-morrow (Tuesday) afternoon, at three o'clock, for interment in the New Cemetery. Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation. No flowers, by special request.

In Memoriam

BEST -- In ever-loving memory of Annie, widow of the late Robert Best, who died at her residence, Richhill, the 29th January, 1891.

Clippings

THE BALLYMONEY QUARRY FATALITY.

INQUEST ON THE VICTIM.

On the 27th ins. Dr. J. C. Woodside, coroner for North Antrim, attended at Mr. Coulter's, Culduff, and held an inquest touching the death of Daniel Carmichael, labourer, and Robert O'Neill, labourer, both victims in the explosion of gelignite which took place on the 25th inst., at Ballyboyland, about four miles from Ballymoney, in a quarry worked by the Midland Railway Company. Carmichael was jailed instantaneously, while O'Neill succumbed to his injuries in the Ballymoney infirmary on the morning following the accident. Mr. Gerald Snapne, Governmant Inspector of Explosives, was in attendance.

Mrs. O'Neill, wife of Robert O'Neill, said that her husband left home on the morning of the accident, and was then his usual health. She saw him afterwards in the hospital. he was then unconscious. He died at six o'clock on the following morning.

Robert Coulter, one of the workers employed at the quarry at the time of the accident, and he received a blow on the head with a piece of flying rock. He could not account for the explosion.

Issac Adams, another workman, was also examined, but he could not throw any light on the occurrence.

Sydney Smith deposed that he was in charge of the quarry at Badlyboyland and the morning in question saw the hole bored for the gelignite. It was twelve feet deep. He had no experience of hard cartridges. He was in the office, some distance away, when the explosion occurred.

Dr. J. R. Thomson, medical officer of of Ballymoney workhouse, gave evidence to the injuries. In Carmichael's case death must have been instantaneous. He had small wound on the top of his head, both arms were broken, and the left side of the chest was forced in. O'Neill suffered from a large triangular wound on the head. His right arm was broken close to the shoulder, and his left foot was almost gone. He died at six o'clock the following morning.

The inqury was adjourned till 1st March, in order to get the evidence of the other two injured men, who are still in hospital.

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WOMAN KILLED BY A RAM.

A married woman named Catherine Ryan met her death under peculiar circumstances on the 27th inst. near Templemore, County Tipperary. While passing through a field near her own dwelling, she was attacked by an infuriated ram. She endeavoured to escape, but was knocked down and was killed by the animal before assistance could reach her. The body was shockingly mutilated, the face being almost unrecognisable. At the inquest, which was held later in the day, it was shown that death resulted from shock and laceration of the liver.

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OBITUARIES.

REV. JOHN BEATTY, BALLYCOPELAND.

We regret to announce to-day the death of Rev. John Beatty, minister of Ballycopeland Presbyterian Church, which took place yesterday. The deceased was ordained in Ballycopeland in December, 1860, on the removal of the late Rev. Robert Black to Dundalk, and remained in his first charge until his death. He was educated in Queen's College and Assembly's College, Belfast, and after licence, spent two busy years, upon which he always looked back with pleasure, in town mission work in this city. He was for more than thirty years clerk of the Ards Presbytery, and always conducted the business in a most efficient manner. Though for many years an invalid, he bore his sufferings with exemplary patience, and continued to preach with great acceptance uptill quite lately. Mr. Beatty was an able and eloquent preacher, and during the summer months seaside visitors flocked in great numbers to his church, where they were certain to be both pleased and edified. His matter was solid, and he had the gift of exposition and illustration in a marked degree, and could illuminate the most difficult subject by his touch. He was always ready, when health permitted, to preach for his brethren, and every congregation over the district was delighted to receive a visit from him. All who knew Mr. Beatty will agree that he was one of the wisest and most prudent men of their acquaintance. In the discharge of his duties as clerk of Presbytery, the settlement of ministers, in vacant charges, and, indeed, in all matters ecclesiastical or social, one could excel him in sound judgment and tact, combined with unfailing good temper. In his relations with ministers he was most brotherly man, while to everybody around him he was genial and kindly friend. Though lately entirely confined to the house, he will be greatly missed by a large circle of acquaintances, who had learned to respect him very highly and to cherish a warm affection for him. He leaves a widow -- daughter of the late Rev. Robert Moorehead, of Loughaghery -- and a family of four sons and two daughters to mourn his loss, and deep sympathy will be felt with them in their bereavement. The sons are -- Dr. Beatty (Belfast), Rev. John Beatty, Mr. F. J. Beatty (Dunmurry), and Captain Cecil Beatty, R.A.M.C., India.

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REV. T. R. WHITE, BAILIEBOROUGH.

By the death of the Rev. T. R. White, minister of the First Presbyterian Church, Bailieborough, which sad event occurred on the 26th inst., a highly honoured name has been removed from the roll of the General Assembly. The death has come as a great surprise, for, though Mr. White's health for some time was far from satisfactory, no one expected the end was so near. It was only recently that he had announced his intention of taking advantage of the permission given him at the General Assembly in June, 1905, to retire from the active duties of the ministry, and it was confidently anticipated that the relief would result in the improvement of his health, and that he still had some years of usefulness before him. This, however, was not to be, for he was overtaken by a sharp attack of congestion of the lungs, and, although everything that was possible was done to check the disease, it terminated fatally on the date mentioned. The pulpit which has thus been rendered vacant by the death of Mr. White has since the year 1810 been occupied by a minister of that name, the first being the Rev. Patrick White, who was ordained in Bailieborough on the 28th August, 1810. On his death, in 1862, he was succeeded by his son, Rev. P. White, who had formerly been minister of Donoughmore. On the 7th October, 1873, Rev. P. White, having received a call from a congregation in Liverpool, resigned his charge in Bailieborough, and was succeeded by the Rev. T. R. White, just deceased, he having previous to this held charges in Loughmourne, in the Presbytery of Ballybay, and in Athy, Dublin Presbytery. It cannot be said that the Rev. T. R. White ever came very prominently before the Church Courts, or that he took a very leading part in the debates; at the same time he followed with the keenest interest the business, whether it was in Presbytery, Synod, or Assembly. The foundation for his useful life work was laid in a school taught by his father, where he received a good elementary and classical education, and his subsequent collegiate career, both undergraduate and post graduate, which he pursued in Belfast, was of a highly creditable character. He was held in the highest esteem by the members of his congregation, and his preaching, which was characterised by clearness of expression in a remarkable degree, was always much appreciated by his attached people. One feature of his ministry was the unfailing attention which he gave to pastoral visitation, and whatever else might for the time being be neglected, the sick and dying never were. He was held in the highest esteem by the members of his own Presbytery, everyone of which mourns to-day the loss of a brother whose ideals of the Christian ministry could not have been surpassed. One of his five sons is in the ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. With his widow and family there will be the deepest sympathy felt by all who enjoyed the privilege of knowing him.

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A STRABANE MAGISTRATE.

Sincere regret is expressed in Strabane district at the death of Mr. James Brolly, J.P., Sandymills, which occurred at his residence on the 26th inst. from pneumonia. He was most popular amongst all classes. His business dealings, which were extensive in the corn and flax trade, were always characterised by strict integrity and uprightness, and he will be much missed from the several markets which he was in the habit of visiting. The funeral took place yesterday to the family burying-ground, Cloughlor, and was one of the largest seen in the district for years.

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SIR E. M. PALMER.

A Reuter's telegram, dated Cairo, Sunday, says Sir Edward Mitford Palmer, Governor of the National Bank of Egypt, died of typhoid fever to-day. Deceased was born in 1852.

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MR. THOMAS WALLIS, COOKSTOWN.

On the night of the 27th inst., Mr. Thomas Wallis, the representative of the Midland Railway in Cookstown, died at his residence. For practically his entire life he had been identified with the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway in Cookstown, and nowhere had the company a more zealous servant. His father had been the stationmaster in Randalstown, where the deceased was born. In 1856, when the broad line to Cookstown was constructed as an extension from Randalstown, the deceased's father was put in charge of the terminus, and occupied that position until his death. Mr. Wallis entered the railway service, and was placed at various stations. He was in Derry when the Fenian raid in Canada took place, and he volunteered to serve under Lord Wolseley in his Red River Expedition, and by his capacity for organisation was promoted in the short campaign to the rank of quartermaster-sergeant, for which services he received the very much belated medal three or four years ago. About 32 years ago, after his return to Ireland, he was offered the post in Cookstown, which he has since occupied. For a long time he had been in ill health, suffering severely from bronchitis, which affected his heart. He leaves a widow and seven children, with whom much sympathy wil be felt.

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TRAGIC DEATH OF A LABOURER.

INQUEST ON THE BODY.

An inquest was held by the city coroner (Dr. Graham) in the Recorder's Court on the evening of the 26th inst., relative to the death of Patrick M'Kenna, labourer. Mr. J. S. Finnigan appeared for Messrs. Burns Bros., stevedores, and Captain Haddock, cargo superintendent, Messrs. G. Heyn & Sons, and Gerald B. Snape, Inspector of Factories, were also present. Head-constable Moore watched the proceedings on behalf of the police. James Connor, foreman in the employment of Messrs. Burns, deposed that he knew the deceased, who was a steady workman. Witness engaged him on the morning of the 24th to assist in discharging cargo of grain. About four o'clock in the evening he heard there was an accident, and looking over the hatch he saw deceased lying in the hold. It was thirty feet, in his opinion, from the combings to the bottom of the ship. There was nothing wrong with the ladder. Witness could not say that the man fell from the ladder. He might have taken a weak turn and slipped. Mr. Snape said for the satisfaction of the jury he wished to state that he had investigated the matter. When he went down to the York Dock he found the vessel had left, but he had received a letter from Messrs. G. Heyn & Sons, in which they expressed their sorrow at the death of the unfortunate man. They wished to inform the coroner and the jury that when the man was taken ashore it was not considered by those in charge that he was fatally injured. The steamer was on the point of sailing, and it was only the following morning the report reached them of the unfortunate man's death. They were sending their cargo superintendent, Captain Haddock, to the inquest. Thomas Gourley stated that he was working in the same hold as the deceased. Witness saw him go up the ladder, and the next time he saw deceased he was lying on his back in the hold. M'Kenna appeared to be in his usual health. Witness believed that deceased was sober. Captain Haddock stated that the ladder was in accordance with the Board of Trade regulations. Dr. M'Connell deposed that when deceased was admitted to the hospital blood was flowing from his mouth and nose, and he was unconscious. The base of the skull was fractured through the injuries received by deceased falling into the hold of the vessel. Mr. J. S. Finnigan said that Messrs. Burns Brothers had taken charge of the funeral arrangements, had compensated the widow, and promised to look after her future. He believed they had actually made arrangements for starting her in a small business. They desired to express their sympathy with deceased's relations. As a result of inquiries made by Messrs. Burns, they believed that the deceased had taken a weak turn, and that he fell in consequence. The coroner, in summing up, said Messrs. Burns appeared to be very generous in regard to the deceased's friends. He was sure they all felt obliged to them. They had given every information in regard to the case. The verdict of the jury was to the effect that deceased accidentally fell distance of 15ft. from a ladder in the Glenarm Head, whereby he received fracture of the base of the skull.

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FATAL BICYCLE ACCIDENT.

A young man, William Pascoe, was killed on the 27th inst. while cycling at Seaham Harbour. He lost control of his machine while descending a hill, and was dashed with great force against a house.

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BELFAST POlICE INTELLIGENCE. -- In the Custody Court on Saturday, before Messrs, F. G. Hodder, R.M.; R. M. Young, Alex. Crawford, and N. J. M'Donnell, M.D., George Riddell was charged with having assaulted his father. It appeared that the old man was in hospital, and remand was sought and granted. James Foster was charged with the theft of a hammer, the property of Mr. J. G. O'Malley. Seven days' imprisonment was ordered. Mr. Samuel M'Clure, pawnbroker, was complimented by Mr. Hodder for his action in reporting a suspicious case to the police.

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THE ARMY.

Second-Lieutenant Hartigan, appointed to his commission from the Royal Military College, joins the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, at Belfast.

Major-General O'Moore Creagh, a distinguished Irish officer in the Indian service, who rendered valuable service during the operations in China a year or two ago, has been promoted lieutenant-general. He is now in command of the Mhow Division of the Indian army.

The 1st Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers, which corps was lately at Belfast, will go to Egypt during the ensuing relief season, replacing the 2nd Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment, which will then go from Egypt to India.

Captain Marsh has been appointed to the Middlesex Regiment, at Londonderry, on transfer from the Indian army, he having effected an exchange with Captain Haslehurst, who now joins the Indian army.

Captain Oyston has been appointed adjutant of the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders, at Cork, in succession to Captain Gordon, who, having completed his term of three years' service, has reverted to the command of a company.

Captain Henry, adjutant of the Irish School of Mounted Infantry, at Kilworth Camp, has been promoted to the rank of major in the Royal Fusiliers, in succession to Major Wilkinson, second-in-command of the 4th Battalion at Dublin, who has retired.

The revival of the old military districts as proposed is a matter of considerable local importance, for naturally under these circumstances we shall see once more the Belfast district come into existence, and Belfast will become as important military centre as it was before Mr. Arnold-Forster tried his hand at reorganisation of the army. Under the scheme of the late member for West Belfast this centre suffered more than any other military centre of importance in Ireland, for it was reduced from the position of being the head-quarters of a to division, with a major-general in command, to the appointment of a brigadier-general in command of a brigade. With the revival of the old Belfast district it will naturally become once more the command of a major-general, and, in addition, the staff will be augmented to its former dimensions, and an assistant general will become the chief staff officer of the Belfast district.

When under the scheme of Mr. Brodrick Belfast became the headquarters of the 9th the Division, Third Army Corps, the area of the Belfast District was considerably increased at the expense of the Dublin District, King's County, Queen's County, Meath, and Longford being added to the Belfast District. When 1904 Mr. Arnold-Forster's plan was put into operation, King's County and Queen's County were detached from the Belfast command. It is anticipated that with a return to the old system of district commands, the Belfast district will, as it did a few years ago, comprise the 27th, 83rd, and 8th regimental districts, or practically the province of Ulster.

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THE NAVY.

WARSHIP IN BELFAST LOUGH.

About midnight on the 27th inst. H.M.S. Amethyst dropped anchor in Carrickfergus Roads. The Amethyst, which is of the fast cruiser type, is a recent addition to the navy, and is at present doing duty as a scout in connection with the torpedo manœuvres. It is probably owing to the heavy fog and the exposed position of Whitehead, which is one of the stations set apart in connection with the manœuvres, that the vessel anchored at Carrickfergus and signalled to the coastguards station. It is expected that the ship will leave the lough early to-morrow.

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The first-class gunboat Hebe, which, as already indicated, is to be paid off at Haulbowline in a few days, will subsequently undergo a thorough refit at Haulbowline yard, and will afterwards be attached to the Devonport command.

Vice-Admiral Sir C. Drury, who is now Second Sea Lord of the Admiralty, will shortly vacate that appointment, and it in understood he will be given a command afloat.

Rere-Admiral Prince Louis of Battenberg, who now commands the second cruiser squadron, has been named as likely to be appointed to the Board of Admiralty, in succession to Vice-Admiral Drury. He has had some experience of service at Whitehall, having been a short time ago employed as Director of Naval Intelligence. It is, however, not yet decided that he shall join the Board, for I notice that the name of Vice-Admiral Jeffreys has also been mentioned in connection with this appointment. This officer is now unemployed, and he has been on half pay since he gave up the Irish command a year or two ago.

The first class cruiser Hawke, as well as the first class cruisers Edgar and St. George, will in a few days leave for Bermuda, and will rejoin the particular service squadron.

The proposed reduction of the Royal Garrison Artillery, although it is a matter which affects the sister service, is nevertheless of importance to the navy, because it will to a certain extent add to the responsibilities of the navy. The garrison artillery is to be withdrawn from distant stations under the erroneous notion that the navy will be well able to safeguard these places in time of war. It is not an idea that meets with the approval of the naval service, for, as before now indicated in these notes, the true function of the navy is to destroy an enemy's sea power, and not be burdened with the task of protecting naval bases. Work on land always has, and always should, devolve upon the soldier, and not the sailor.

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DERELICT PICKED UP.

The trawler Lyric has arrived at Grimsby, having in tow the Plymouth ketch John Rees, which was picked up as a derelict yesterday off Spurn Head. She had evidently been in collision, her bulwarks and stanchions having been carried away. It is thought the crew of the ketch were taken off by the colliding vessel.

 

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