Marriage
M'KENNEY--ALLEN -- July 26th, Hillsborough Church, by the Rev. F. Matchett, B.D., rector, assisted by Rev. Canon Kernan, B.D., Rev. C. W. Harkness, M.A., and Rev. R. N. Morrison, B.A., Frederick Charles, youngest son the late W. J. M'Kenney, Eastbourne, Coleraine, and of Mrs. M'Kenney, 2 Evelyn Gardens, Belfast, to Isobel A., only daughter of George Allen, J.P., Hillsborough.
Killed in Action
BELL -- Killed in action on July 1, 1916, Private John Bell (Jack), 19383, R.I.R. (South Antrim Volunteers), aged 23.
Deeply regretted by his Sister and Brother-in-law, MAGGIE and WILLIAM IRWIN. 76 Bachelors' Walk.
Thanks
Miss ANN JANE and THOS. M'GURK and Friends desire to return their sincere thanks the many kind friends in Lisburn who sympathised with them in the death their beloved brother, Private John M'Gurk and especially to Millview Football Club and Friends also Reelers in Messrs. Robert Stewart & Sons and Friends in M'Keown Street for their beautiful floral tributes. Hoping this will be accepted by all.
12 M'Keown Street.
Clippings
LOCAL CASUALTIES.
FURTHER SOUTH ANTRIM VOLUNTEER LOSSES.
Rifleman Jack Bell, R.I.R. (South Antrim Volunteers), Mercer Street, Lisburn, killed.
Lance-Cpl. Robert M'Kechnie, R.I.R. (South Antrim Volunteers), Dunmurry, killed.
Rifleman Wm. M'Keown, R.I.R., (South Antrim Volunteers), Dunmurry, killed.
Rifleman Daniel Gorman, R.I.R., (South Antrim Volunteers), Canal Street, Lisburn, killed.
Rifleman William Leckey, R.I.R. (South Antrim Volunteers), 103 Longstone St., Lisburn, killed.
Private George Bratty, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 12 Barrack Lane, Lisburn, killed
Rifleman James Totten, R.I.R., 53 Antrim Street, Lisburn, killed.
Rifleman Marks, R.I.R. (South Antrims), Back Lane, Lisburn, killed.
Second-Lieut, William Ferris (Black Watch), Northern Bank, Lisburn, wounded.
Rifleman John Neeson, R.I.R. (South Antrims), Crumlin, wounded and prisoner.
Bugler A. E. Harrison, R.I.R., Old Hillsborough Road, wounded.
Rifleman Alex. Hanna, R.I.R. (County Down Volunteers), Tullynacross, Lisburn, missing.
Rifleman Fred Bell, R.I.R. (Co. Down. Volunteers) Maralin, wounded.
Sergeant Harry Connolly, R.I.R., Seymour Street, Lisburn, wounded.
Sergeant John Connolly, R.I.R. (South Antrim Volunteers), Seymour Street, Lisburn, suffering from shell shock.
Sergeant Archie Moore (Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers), Market Street, Lisburn, wounded and missing.
Sapper T. Bunting (122nd Field Coy. R.E.), 21 Ballynahinch Road, Lisburn, wounded.
The names of quite a number of Lisburn men appeared in the official War Office lists this week, but most of them have already been reported in our columns.
-- -- -- -- -- -- --
SOME PERSONAL NOTES.
Second-Lieut. William Ferris, wounded in the foot and in hospital in Manchester, was in the Northern Bank, Lisburn, prior to enlisting. He rose from the ranks. Although the bones of Second-Lieut. Ferris's foot are damaged the wound is not of a serious nature. He was seven days in the Big Push before "Mrs. Krupp" caught him. In a letter to a friend he mentions that "Co" Carson has been in to see him, and that "Co" (Second-Lieut.) is nearly all right again.
Mrs. Bell, Mercer Street, Lisburn, has now received official intimation that her husband, Rifleman Jack Bell (South Antrim Volunteers), at first reported missing, was killed in action on the 1st July. The late Rifleman's brother, Rifleman Harry Bell (South Antrim Volunteers), Old Hillsborough Road, Lisburn, was officially reported killed, but later he wrote home himself to his mother, mentioning that he was all right and had come safely through the Big Push. Another brother, Rifleman Andrew Bell (also a South Antrim Volunteer), was severely wounded on the 1st July. The father of these patriotic men enlisted himself on the outbreak of the was, but was invalided off some months ago.
Lance-Corporal Robert M'Kechnie, South Antrim Volunteers, who has been killed in action, was the eldest son of Mr. James M'Kechnie, Milfort Avenue, Dunmurry.
Rifleman William M'Keown, South Antrim Volunteers, has been killed in action. Deceased served over seven years in the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Rifles. Prior to rejoining the army at the outbreak of war he was a carter in the employment of Messrs. William Barbour & Sons, Limited. He is survived by his widow and family, who reside at 5 Auburn Street, Dunmurry.
Rifleman Daniel Gorman, R.I.R. (South Antrim Volunteers),killed in action, was the son of Mr. Gorman, Canal Street, Lisburn. He was a member of the local battalion U.V.F., and enlisted on the formation of the 11th R.I. Rifles.
Miss Anne Leckey, 103 Longstone St., Lisburn, has received official intimation that her brother, Rifleman Wm. Leckey, R.I.R. (South Antrim Volunteers), was killed in action on the 1st July. The letter was received from the Infantry Record Office, Dublin, under the date 29th July. Prior to volunteering the late Rifleman was a painter to trade, and was employed by Mr. M. Bullick.
Private George bratty, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, killed in action, was employed with the Inland Navigation Co. prior to the war, and resided at 12 Barrack Lane, Lisburn. He leaves a wife and three little children to mourn his loss.
Private Alexander Hanna, C Company, County Down Volunteers, is missing since 1st July. He is a son of Mr. J. Hanna, Kesh House, Tullynacross, Lisburn, who has five sons in the army, one of whom is a prisoner in Germany.
The parents of Rifleman Fred Bell, Co. Down Volunteers, who reside at Maralin, Lurgan, have been notified that their son has been wounded in action.
Mr. Alex. Totten, 53 Antrim Street, Lisburn, has received official intimation that his son, Rifleman James Totten, R.I. Rifles, has died in a casualty station in France on the 3rd July from wounds received in action on the 1st ult. The late Rifleman had prior to the war ten years' service in the regular army, seven of which was spent in India, where he was stationed when the war broke out. On returning from India at the latter end of 1914 he was just allowed twenty-four hours' leave, which he spent with his parents in Lisburn before proceeding to the front. Shortly after going out he was frostbitten, but made a good recovery and was sent to the front again. Another brother, Rifleman John Totten, is serving with a regular battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles at the front. He also was severely frostbitten earlier in the war, and is now at the front for the third time. The late Rifleman Totten's grandfather was an old service man, and served the full period of twenty-one years in the army.
Mrs. Crone, Seymour Street, Lisburn, has received a letter from her brother, Sergt. Harry Connolly, R.I.R. (regulars), saying that he has been wounded, and is at present in a Canadian Hospital in France. Sergeant Connolly, who had ten years' service in the Rifles prior to the outbreak of the war, came home from Aden in October, 1914, and at once went to the Western front. He took part in all the fighting done since by the 1st R.I. Rifles, and no battalion bore a braver or better part. It is to be hoped that his wounds are not of a serious nature, as such an experienced and good soldier can ill be spared at the present time, much as we would all like to see the gallant fellows who have borne the hardships and fatigues of the campaign continuously since 1914 getting a long rest if not exemption from any further fighting. As a single incident (and one could not call it anything more in the long series of engagements in which the 1st Rifles took part) of what Sergeant Connolly came through we might mention that he was one of a party of 12 men who were left of the 100 Rifles engaged at Neuve Chappelle. A younger brother, Sergt. John Connolly (South Antrim Volunteers), is at present in hospital suffering from shell-shock. He was officially reported wounded following the opening of the present offensive on the 1st July; but this proved to be another War Office mistake. We might add that Mrs. Crone has a son, Rifleman Richard Crone, serving in the 11th Battalion R.I. Rifles, and that nine cousins responded to the call of King and country.
Sapper T. Bunting, Royal Engineers, Lisburn, wounded in the arm by shrapnel, was home on leave last week. He has since gone back to Newark. Prior to the war he worked with Mr. H. M'Cord, Barrack Street. His wife resides at 21 Ballynahinch Road.
Rifleman Marks, South Antrims, killed, leaves a widow and two children, residing at Back Lane, Lisburn. He was reservist and went through the Boer War. He worked in Messrs. Millar and Stevensons' coal yard.
Rifleman John Neeson, South Antrims, has been wounded and taken prisoner, a postcard to that effect having been received by his wife, who resides in Main Street, Crumlin. He is a member of the U.V.F., Crumlin L.O.L. 471, and R.B.P. 379.
Bugler Albert E. Harrison, Royal Irish Rifles, has been admitted to Edmonton Military Hospital, London, suffering from wounds. Previous to the war he served seven years with his battalion in India. His brother is serving with the Y.C.V.'s. They are sons of Mr. A. Harrison, late sergeant-major Royal South Downs, who resides as Old Hillsborough Road, Lisburn.
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NEPHEW OF REV. R. W. HAMILTON KILLED.
COOL AND GALLANT CAPTAIN WHO STOPPED AT NOTHING.
Captain Geoffrey Boles Donaldson, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, who was killed in action on July 19, aged 22 years, was the only child of the late Dr. Donaldson, of Londonderry, and of Mrs. Donaldson, late of Lower Quinton, Stratford-on-Avon, and nephew of the Rev. R. W. Hamilton and Mrs. Hamilton, The Fort Manse, Lisburn. He was educated at Oundle School and Caius College, Cambridge, having gained an open scholarship of £80 at Caius College and leaving one of £50 at his school. He gained a first-class in Natural Science Tripos of 1914 and graduated B.A. When the war broke out he joined his O.T.C. at Cambridge and went into training. Commissioned in October, 1914, he was gazetted lieutenant the following December, and captain in March last. He went to the front in May. The late Captain Donaldson's mother has received many expressions of deep and sincere sympathy, among the most prized being letters from the deceased soldier's comrades in arms.
The following are extracts from the original letters:--
The Colonel wrote:--
Dear Mrs. Donaldson -- It is with the deepest regret I have to inform you that your son was killed in action on Wednesday last. We were ordered to attack and capture a part of the German lines. He was told off to lead his company in the front line, which he did in a most gallant manner. He succeeded in piercing the German first and second line, and was instrumental in killing or making prisoners a large number of the enemy. But unfortunately the battalion on our left failed to get over No Man's Land, and the consequence was your son's company got cut off, and he was unable to get back, and from the information have received there is no doubt he was killed by a bomb thrown at him by one of the enemy.
You have our most deepest sympathy in your irreparable loss, but you have the satisfaction of knowing that he died one of the noblest deaths a man can die, in fighting for the freedom of his country.
He was always a most reliable and painstaking officer; no work was too much for him, and I shall always feel that what he did during our training greatly helped in bringing my battalion up to a high state of efficiency.
R. Warwickshire Rgt., B. Exp. Force,
26th July. 1916.
Dear Mrs. Donaldson -- I am writing a few lines to express my deep sympathy for you in your severe loss, and enclose [photo here] the German second line trench. I was in the front line trench and saw and your son's cheque-book and also the only message we received from your son from talked with your son several times during the seven hours' bombardment before the attack. [text as printed] Both he and Captain Bethell were very cool, and encouraged the men by their example. As you may know the 2/7 Battalion was the only battalion in the whole Division to get across into the German trenches, and it was entirely due to the cool and well-timed leading of Captain Bethell and your son and the splendid discipline of the men that enabled them to achieve such glorious record for the battalion. But, alas! it cost them their lives. The gap they have left amongst us can never he filled, and the loss to you is, I know, terrible. Pray God that you may bear up under it.
Your son died for his country. What more could he do? -- Yours very truly,
------------ Second-in-Command.
Copy of last letter to Headquarters:
About 20 men hold enemy support line. It is being shelled.
G. B. DONALDSON, Capt.,
O.C. "C" Coy.
6-15 p.m.
2 Arundel Avenue,
Sefton Park, Liverpool,
28th July. 1916.
Dear Mrs. Donaldson -- I want to offer you my deepest sympathy in the loss of your son. We were always great friends, and became more so in France, and I regret his loss more than I can say.
He took command of "C" Coy. when Captain Rotherham was invalided home, and he made a splendid company commander. He was always cheerful, and every one liked him and worked well for him. I was knocked out earlier in the month, and was very sorry to have to leave him and the others. If you have a photo you can spare I should be very grateful. The regiment has done splendidly I hear, but has suffered very heavily. -- Yours very truly,
-------- Lieutenant.
Stoke House.
Near Coventry.
26th July, 1916.
Dear Mrs. Donaldson -- I hardly know what to say, I am so awfully sorry. I was very fond of him, and he was simply splendid in everything he did; always cheerful and ready to do any thing he was asked, and stopped nothing.
I won't say any more now, for I know how you must feel. Don't answer this letter, but let me know from time to time where you are, and I hope later or you will and see us. My wife is also dreadfully sorry about it, and sends her love. -- Yours sincerely,
------------- Senior Captain.
P.S. -- I feel I ought to have been there to have done my bit and taken my chance with the rest of them.
Edmonton Military Hospital,
London, 28th July, 1916.
Dear Madam -- May I have the honour of writing you, to offer my sympathy in the loss of your son, who was my captain; whose actual death I was not actually aware until I saw it in the "Times" to-day. Words do not convey much, but I should like, you to know that sine Captain Donaldson was called upon to take command of "C" Coy. his methods, treatment of men, and unconcern for danger have been the admiration of all his N.C.O.'s, and you can think of him conducting the grim business of war as calmly as his studies at home.
I was struck down just before the Captain, who I "went over" with, and he gave me a cheery word as he went on.
Please excuse any apparent familiarity in this letter, but the feelings of sorrow I have for those left behind by my gallant Captain will account for it. -- Yours faithfully,
-------------- Coy. Sergt.-Major.
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ANOTHER MILITARY FUNERAL IN LISBURN.
On Saturday afternoon last the remains Rifleman John M'Gurk (South Antrim Volunteers), M'Keown Street, Lisburn, who died from wounds received on the 1st July, were interred with full military honours in the family burying-ground, Lambeg Churchyard. The band the 5th Royal Irish Rifles and a firing party under the command of Lieut. G. S. Roe was in attendance, and an immense crowd of mourners followed the remains of the gallant Rifleman to their last resting-place. Prior to the funeral a touching service was held in the house by Rev. R. H. Cooper, who also conducted the burial service. The chief mourners were Messrs. Thomas M'Gurk (brother), and John, Jas. and Edward M'Gurk (uncles).
The funeral arrangements were carried by Messrs. Melville and Co., under the personal supervision of Mr. Thos. Oliver, Lisburn manager, chiefly through whose tact and energy the remains were forwarded from England to Lisburn br the military authorities.
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EDUCATION
ROYAL ACADEMY AND ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC.
Patron: His Majesty the King.
AT the recent examination the following pupils were successful:--
Miss MAY BESTALL, Park Parade, Lisburn, passed in Lower Division.
Primary Division (Passed).
Miss MAUREEN SCANNELL, Llewellyn Avenue.
Miss PATRICIA MOONEY, Clonevin Park.
Miss MARY BELL, Hillsborough.
Master HUGH BELL, Hillhall.
-- -- -- -- -- -- --
INCORPORATED SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS.
Grade I.
Miss MOLLY MEGARRY, Broomhedge, distinction.
Miss BEATRICE GREEN, Magheraleave Road, passed.
Preparatory Grade.
Miss NORAH PELAN, Circular Rd., honours.
Miss BETTY MEGARRY, Broomhedge, distinction.
Miss MURIEL GREENFIELD, The Square, distinction.
Miss ISABEL TATE, Clonevin Park, distinction.
Miss GLADYS ROBINSON, Hillsborough, passed.
-- -- -- -- -- --
Mr. DAVID WILLIAMS, Antrim St., won the Silver Medal for the second time for Tenor Solo at the Belfast Competitions.
Teacher: MISS HUNTER, 72 BOW STREET, LISBURN.
Lessons Resumed (D.V.) on MONDAY, 21st August. A punctual attendance of pupils is requested.
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ULSTER LADY DOCTOR FOR MALTA.
Dr. Elizabeth Gould Bell (Mrs. Fisher), of College Gardens, Belfast, left yesterday for Malta to take charge of a military hospital there, a position for which she volunteered in response to a recent appeal from the War Office. A daughter of the late and a sister of the present clerk ot the Newry Union, she graduated in medicine and surgery in the Royal University of Ireland in 1893, being the first lady student of Queen's College, Belfast, to obtain those degrees. Since then she has been in practice in the city of Belfast, where she has established for herself a high reputation as a practitioner. Her husband, the late Dr. Hugh Fisher, of Belfast, died many years ago, and the only child of the marriage, Hugo Bell Fisher, is at present serving as second-lieutenant in the Royal Munster Fusiliers. He had passed his first medical examination when he responded to the call to arms. He received his commission last autumn, and is at present under orders to proceed to the front. Dr. Elizabeth Bell is a sister of the late Dr. Margaret Smith Bell (Mrs. Douglas Boyd), who graduated in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1894, and practised in Manchester until her death in August, 1906. She is connected by marriage with the Sinclair family of Lisburn, her brother, Mr. Wm. Bell, clerk of the Newry Union, being married on a sister of Mr. Wm. Sinclair's, Lisburn Union, and Mr. Thos. Sinclair's, chairman of the Lisburn Urban Council.
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ULSTER WORKHOUSE TO BE CLOSED.
Clogher Guardians on Saturday took definite steps to have the body of the workhouse closed up. A report of the House Committee as amended was unanimously adopted, and which proposed the closing of the body of the house and casual wards on and after 19th August, 1916, dispensing with the services of the master and matron, giving to the medical officer complete charge of the infirmary, the porter to assist the medical officer, the paupers to be transferred to another union; the porter to be given an increase of salary of £4, the master to be paid a lump sum gratuity of £100, and retiring allowance to the matron; that tenders be invited for the fabric of the body of the house, with the exception of the dining hall and laundry. The chairman (Mr. Montgomery, D.L.) explained that the Enniskillen Union had offered to receive their paupers at 7s per head weekly, Monaghan 8s, and Armagh 8s 8d. There were only ten paupers at present, and these could be transferred by rail to Enniskillen. The gross saving would be £465 year, and the net saving, after paying for paupers' upkeep in another union, would be £251 to the ratepayers every year.
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ALLEGED BIGAMOUS MARRIAGE.
YOUNG WOMAN'S PAINFUL ORDEAL AT BELFAST ASSIZES.
Before the Right Hon. Lord Justice Maloney, at Belfast Assizes on Saturday, Isabel Tyney, or Waters, or M'Bride was indicted on a charge of bigamously marrying William M'Bride on the 10th September, 1913, her husband, Francis Waters, being alive.
Mr. William Moore, K.C., M.P., and Mr. George Hill Smith, K.C. (instructed by Mr. J R. Moorhead, Crown solicitor), appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. T. W. Brown (instructed by Mr. John Graham) for the defendant.
Prisoner pleaded not guilty.
The Crown Evidence.
Edward Evans, verger and caretaker of St. Paul's Parish Church, Colwyn Bay, deposed that the prisoner was a party to marriage which took place church on 23rd August, 1911, the other party to the marriage being Francis Waters. The ceremony was performed by licence, and in the certificate the prisoner was described of Colwyn Bay, daughter of a manufacturer.
William Logan, North Street, Belfast, stated that he was present at the Registrar's Office Arthur Street, Belfast, on 10th September, 1913, when a marriage took place between the prisoner and a man named William M'Bride, described as divorcee, the prisoner being represented as a spinster.
Sergeant Allen Mitchell, Royal Irish Constabulary, deposed that he knew Francis Waters saw him alive in the previous week.
Cross-examined by Mr. T. Brown, the witness said at the time of the Colwyn Bay marriage Waters was a head-constable in the police force in Belfast, so that if he had described himself in the register as an ironmonger that would be incorrect.
Mr. Brown -- If he described himself also a widower is that a lie, too?
Witness -- Well, that was a question.
That is, on the 23rd August, 1911, it was a very moot question whether Francis Waters was a widower or not? -- That is so.
Did you know the lady that we will call the first Mrs. Waters! -- I knew her slightly.
Have you been able to trace her? -- No.
Have you ever had any proof that she was dead? -- None.
Up to the date 23rd August, 1911, did Francis Waters draw a married man's allowance from the Constabulary funds? -- I believe he did.
Was Waters afterwards tried at Colwyn Bay in connection with this marriage? -- He was in 1912. The charge against him was that of making false declarations as to his occupation and the period of his residence in Colwyn Bay.
Did the jury find him guilty without any intention to defraud? -- I believe that is so; he was acquitted.
Was the question raised as to whether at the date of the marriage he was widower or not? -- I believe that was the question.
Some time before 23rd August, 1911, had Francis Waters and his first wife Maud been living apart? -- Yes.
Are you aware she threatened to turn up at the time that would be most suitable for herself? -- No.
Are you aware that she was at work in London in August, 1911? -- I heard that, but I cannot speak with certainty about it.
You heard that in the course of your investigations? -- Yes.
Was it the Belfast police or the Welsh police who were put in motion in the matter of the charge against Waters? -- It was the Royal Irish Constabulary.
Was it on information given by the first Mrs. Waters that the police acted? -- I cannot say as to that.
Will you swear it was not the first Mrs. Waters who gave the information? -- Without any reservation I know nothing about that matter.
I suppose the file is somewhere? -- It is in Dublin Castle.
Then, of course, that is hopeless (Laughter.) When did you see Mrs. Waters last? -- It was a great many years ago.
When Waters came back from Colwyn Bay did he resume his duties in the police force? -- He did.
Where did he live? -- In Franklin Street.
Did he continue without interruption to draw the married man's allowance? -- He did.
In further cross-examination the witness said that the present proceedings, were instituted about three months ago -- nearly three years after the prisoner's second marriage -- and the police issued a summons in the case, no arrest being made. After the trial of Waters, following his marriage with the accused, the latter, on returning to Belfast, stopped living with him, and went to reside with her parents.
In reply to Mr. Moore, K.C., M.P. witness added that Waters was head of the detective department in Belfast for a considerable period. After 1911 he got into trouble over the Colwyn Bay incident and resigned. Witness had never heard of any proceedings being taken by any person with a view to declaring the Colwyn Bay marriage void.
Statement by Accused.
The prisoner made the following statement to the jury:-- "When I married Waters he told me that he was a widower. I believed him. He could not give me any satisfactory answers. When he could not do so I refused to live with him. I returned to my father's home. I had often been informed that his wife was still living. He also told me that his wife committed suicide, and that she had fled from the country because she tried to poison his father."
Mr. Moore said his Lordship would of course explain to the jury that her statement had not the effect of a statement on oath.
Counsel for the Defence.
Addressing the jury on behalf of the prisoner, Mr. Brown said her story was a very sad one. In its entirety it would draw tears from stones. It was a story of deception and of imposition -- enough to have driven any girl who had not a fond parent behind her and who had not a good grip of herself to seek only that rest from turmoil that the grave affords. She had battled with her troubles. She had resisted the temptation that had come to her from time to time get clear of it; she had faced it four square, with her head erect, and her life bright, fearing no one. She had come through it all to that stage after three years of happy wedded life, when everything might have been forgotten. They might be told that the evidence against her was strong, and that by the rules of law in this country they must convict her. If she were to be tried by a jury of lawyers bound up as they were by technicalities he had no doubt she would be found guilty, but the essence of their jury system was and always had been that they brought to bear upon a question of fact the minds of men who were not prejudiced any legal tradition, men who could only see clearly before them, and who could bring to the consideration of a case that clearness of vision that they brought to their own business and decide a question of fact entirely free from all prejudice. That girl was the daughter of a respectable manufacturer engaged in the linen business in the city of Belfast. She was a girl who had received an education which her position entitled her to. She had been educated for some time in a school in England, and had been sent abroad to France. Returning here, a lady in every sense of the word, she became enamoured should he say, of a man who occupied the position in this town of head-constable in the detective force. Counsel submitted to the jury Waters represented to the accused that he was a widower, and that she believed him at the time. After the trial at Ruthven she had tired of him, and they had heard her statement. It was under the belief that she had never been married that she had gone to the registry office, and there married her present husband, Mr. M'Bride. If the jury came to the conclusion that on the 23rd August, 1911, the first wife of Francis John Waters was alive there valid marriage as between the accused and Waters, and they were bound to acquit her.
Mr. George Hill Smith submitted to the jury that if they were satisfied that proof of the two marriages had been given they must in duty bound return a formal verdict of guilty.
The Question for the Jury.
His Lordship, addressing the jury, said Mr. Brown had pictured to them a ruthless law driving them one way, and the great principles of justice, and mercy and commonsense putting in another direction. But the longer he (the speaker) lived the more satisfied he was that when they examined them their true light and in their true spirit, the principles of law, and the principles of justice, and the principles of common-sense all harmonised. And according to the view which he took of that case there was no such between law and common-sense as was suggested to them by Mr. Brown. The charge of bigamy was a charge of felony, and felony always counted a criminal mind. The question was whether the second marriage was a bigamous marriage rendering the prisoner liable to the punishment of the criminal law. The question for the jury to consider was -- Did the accused at the time the celebration of the second marriage on 10th September, 1913, believe in good faith and on reasonable grounds that the ceremony of marriage solemnised between her and Francis Waters was void by reason of the wife of the said Francis Waters being at the time of the said ceremony alive? If they, upon the whole case, answered that question the affirmative, then he thought they ought to find the prisoner not guilty.
The jury retired to consider their verdict.
Mr. Moore then said he respectfully objected to his Lordship's action in leaving a special question with the jury. He submitted that the doctrine of reasonable belief and inquiry could only apply in his case if Waters was being tried.
His Lordship said that was the effect of the case King v. Tolson. He admitted that he had extended King v. Tolson.
Mr. Moore submitted that the doctrine could not be extended to a subsequent marriage unless the person tried was one the parties to the original marriage in which it was sought to establish the death of the missing person. He also contended that the entire onus of traversing the validity of the 1911 marriage rested on the prisoner, and she had offered no evidence.
His Lordship said the question would not arise if there was a conviction, and if there was a conviction there was nothing to put in train.
The jury returned a verdict of not guilty and the accused was discharged.
His Lordship ordered that the verdict and the question be placed on the records.
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YOUNGEST ARMY SERGEANT.
A BOY IN AGE BUT A MAN IN COURAGE.
A youth has been wounded in the Big Push on the Western front of whom not only his own folk but all Lisburn people have a right to feel mighty proud. He is Sergeant Edward Kelly (son of Mr. Wm. Kelly, 2 Ballynahinch Road, Lisburn), who, although only seventeen years of age, has risen to that rank through sheer merit and pluck in the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Sergeant Kelly was serving his apprenticeship as a law clerk with Mr. D. Barbour Simpson when the war broke out, but, following the splendid example of his four older brothers, he left aside the pen for the sword. Just how he progressed and how much was thought of him in the army can be gathered from the following letter sent to Mrs. Kelly by the Second-in-command of young Kelly's battalion on the eve of the boys' departure to the front:--
16th April, 1916.
Dear Mrs. Kelly, -- Your son Edward leaves with a draft for the front to-morrow. I did not like his going at all, but as you have offered no objection on the score of age, and he has never ceased begging that he might be sent, I felt no one could stand in the way. It is just that cheerful and courageous spirit which makes our final victory certain, and nowhere is it more evident than among lads with Irish blood.
Photo: Sergeant Edward Kelly.
He will do well at the front, for though he is probably the youngest sergeant in the British army, he has courage and common-sense. Throughout all his training here and his association with men of varied character and dispositions he has retained the freshness of youth and a sterling honesty and straightness which has endeared him to us all. I am sure his mother will like to know that the good training he must have had in his Irish home has borne such good fruit and is now to he given to the service of the country. I shall always be very interested, both during the war and afterwards, to hear how he gets on, and if he gets wounded I hope you will let me know at once. You must naturally be a very anxious but you may also be a very proud mother, to have so many sons serving their King. With every good wish for the safe return of them all. -- Believe me, your very sincerely.
E. A. BELCHER. Major. Second-in-Command.
Sergeant Kelly is at present in Mile End Military Hospital, London, and as his wounds are not of a very serious nature he hopes to be soon ready for the fighting line again. As we said, he has four brothers serving -- Sergeant James Kelly in the R.F.A., Sergeant William Kelly in the Royal Irish Rifles, and John and Tom with the Canadian Expeditionary Force.
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THE LATE SEC.-LIEUT. ALEXANDER.
Mrs. Thomas Alexander, Drumbeg, Lisburn, has received the following letter with reference to the death of her son, Second-Lieut. John Alexander, Leicester Regiment (reported in our columns last week):--
I have been asked by the officers of this battalion to write and express their deepest sympathy for you in your sad bereavement. It was in the attack on -------- that your son met his death. He led his men most gallantly, and it was while bombing a German trench that one of their grenades fell near him. He did not suffer any pain. The colonel was most shocked, and went to his assistance, and unfortunately met his death. His platoon simply adored him, and only the day before made the remark that they would go anywhere with their new officer. John was in the same company as myself, and we were the greatest of friends, which makes it very hard, but I have the satisfaction of knowing that he died a hero's death. No officer could have done more than he did. Once again we express our deepest sympathy. -- Yours sincerely.
NORMAN W. REEVES.
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JULY 1st, 1916.
Nigh three and twenty months have passed
Since the war-drum beat to arms.
And Britain woke from a dream of peace
To the shock of war's alarms.
"Ready, aye ready," our Ulster men
Have answered their country's need.
Willing to do a soldier's part
Where duty's call shall lead.
From the city's busy streets they go,
From lonely hill and glen,
Our eager lads, so bright and brave,
Our sturdy, serious men.
In sultry summer camp at home,
In frozen trench in France,
They wait till on July the First
Begins the great advance.
July the First--a day of old
Our Ulster men knew well.
When William stood beside the Boyne
And many a good man fell.
July the First shall henceforth bear
A new fame in our story,
Since the Ulster boys, 'mid battle', noise,
Leaped forth to death and glory.
What were their thoughts on that summer day
When death met them on the plain?
Did thet think of mother and wife and child,
Whom they ne'er might see again?
Did memory see the church at home?
Hear "French's" stately sound
Sing of those witnesses unseen
Who compass us around?
Or was it Israel's Shepherd Psalm
Came to their dying ear?
Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale
No evil will I fear."
Weave the willow and weave the palm
In your garlands for the dead:
The willow for tears, and the palm for pride,
In those who have fought and bled.
When July the First shall come again
May it be day of peace.
When the great world war shall at last be o'er.
And faction and strive shall cease.
But in peace or war, in every land
Where Ulster's sons are found,
They will think with pride of that gallant band
When July the First comes round.
H. M.
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LITANY FOR OUR SOLDIERS.
The following verses, which are the composition of the Rev. Dr. Downes, editor of "Great Thoughts," may be sung to the tune "Melita" ("Eternal Father, strong to save"):--
God ot our fathers, at whose call
We now before Thy footstool fall:
Whose grace has made our Empire strong,
Through love of right and hate of wrong;
We pray Thee in Thy pity shield,
Our soldiers on the battlefield.
If there be eloquence in grief,
Or if in Diety relief,
If heaven regards the valorous deed,
Or sighs to see the patriot bleed;
We pray Thee in Thy pity shield,
Our soldiers on the battlefield.
Asleep beneath Thine ample dome,
With many a tender dream of home;
Or charging in the dust and glare,
With bullets hurtling through the air;
We pray Thee in Thy pity shield
Our soldiers on the battlefield.
If wounded in the dreadful fray,
Be Thou their comfort and their stay;
If dying, may they in their pain
Behold the Lamb for sinners slain.
And thus in Thy great pity shield,
Our soldiers on the battlefield.
And soon, O blessed Prince of Peace,
Bring in the days when war shall cease,
And men as brothers shall unite
To fill the world with love and light:
Meanwhile, in tender pity shield,
Our soldiery on the battlefield.
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DISTRESSING DROWNING ACCIDENT AT MAGHERAGALL.
A distressing drowning accident occurred at Magheragall, near Lisburn, on the evening of the 28th ult., the victim being a child named Edward Watson, aged 3½ years. The mother, when going to milk in the evening, brought her three children along with her, and when the time came for her to return home the deceased could not be found. Some time later the body was found in a neighbouring mill dam. At the inquest on Saturday evening a telegram was received from the father -- Pte. Joseph Watson, Royal Irish Fusiliers -- intimating that he had been wounded at the front, and was in Leeds hospital. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death, adding an expression of sympathy for the bereaved parents.
Lance-Corporal F. J. Lennox, killed in action on the 1st July was in charge of the woollens and ready-made department in Messrs. Duncan's for two years prior to joining the South Antrim Volunteers. He was member of the local battalion U.V.F. and a member of L.O.L. 557. Lisburn. He was a son of Mr. W. G. Lennox, Aughrim, Castledawson, Co. Derry.
Rev. J. H. Orr, B. A. Minister of Hillsborough Presbyterian Church. who has been presented with substantial cheque by his hearers to mark his return from Y.M.C.A. work in France. Rev. Mr. Orr expressed deep appreciation of the gift which, with the permission of his congregation, he handed over to the treasurer for the benefit of the church funds.