Lisburn Standard - Friday, 6 September, 1918

Birth

PIM -- August 26, at Friends' Foreign Mission, Faratsiho, Madagascar, Mary, wife of Albert F. Pim, of a daughter.

Marriage

CHAMBERS--SCANDRETT -- August 28, at Kilwarlin Moravian Church, Hillsborough, by the Rev. C. W. Satchwell, Hugh William Chambers, Edenhill, Hillsborough, to Agnes E., elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scandrett, Bellevue, Hillsborough.

Death

M'CARTNEY -- Sept. 3 (suddenly), in Ulster Bank House, Dromore, Co. Down, David O'D. M'Cartney.

In Memoriam

WARING -- In loving remembrance of my second son, Jack, who died 3rd Sept., 1917, and was interred in Derriaghy Churchyard. JAMES WARING.

Clippings

SOME EXTRACTS FROM THE

RECORDS OF OLD LISBURN

AND THE MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

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Edited by JAMES CARSON.

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XCIX.

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SPORT IN LISBURN -- PAST AND PRESENT, 1910.

Compiled and Edited by R. C. Bannister and R. V. Hamilton.

This volume of almost 200 pages was produced in connection with a bazaar held in the Orange Hall, Lisburn, October, 1910, in aid of the Funds of the Cricket, Lawn Tennis, and Hockey Clubs. It contains fourteen good illustrations, and a considerable amount of interesting amount of interesting regarding cricket, golf, Rugby and Association football, hockey, athletics, lawn tennis, lacrosse, bowls, hunting, angling, chess, &c., as practised in Lisburn.

Preface.

Our primary object in compiling this work was to raise money for a stall in connection with "Ye Grande Athletic Bazaare." We also wished to produce a volume dealing with sport in Lisburn which would be a companion to the General History published some years ago under the editorship of Mr. W. J. Greene.

We readily acknowledge the valuable information supplied from outside sources, as a result of which ours has largely been a task of arranging the material. Had such help not been given most generously and unsparingly by many "old sports" the book would never have been even so complete as it is. We have, thanks to the courtesy of the present officials, had access to the old minute books of most of the local clubs. We are also indebted to the proprietor of the "Lisburn Standard" for the files of his paper. But such records in the hands of strangers give but meagre information compared with the recollections of "the Boys of the Old Brigade," and it is of these latter we are glad to say that our book is mainly composed.

In regard to the article on Cricket, we are indebted to Messrs. R. Bannister, M. Lyons, Joseph Stevenson, F. Williamson, Rev. J. I. Peacocke, and J. Beattie.

In Association Football, to Messrs. H. Mulholland, James M'Carrison, J. Fitzpatrick, J. Kinghan, H. Hunter, S. Williamson, P. Corrigan, and J. H. Gillespie.

In Rugby, our chief debt is to Mr. Arthur Williamson as regards the earlier club, and indeed we may say here that almost every member of the old Cup team of '88 with whom we corresponded displayed the greatest interest and enthusiasm in our attempt to create a permanent memento of Lisburn sport. As to the later club, Mr. William Mussen is our chief collaborator.

In Hockey, to Messrs. E. T. S. Wilson, T. L. Price, D. Stevenson, and H. Mulholland, for the Lisburn Club; and to "Homester" of the "Standard*' for the Lisnagarvey Club.

In Lacrosse, to Mr. H. Mulholland.

In Golf, to Dr. Rentoul, Messrs. James Carson, J. H. E. Griffith, H. M'Callum, and R. Pedlow.

In Tennis, to Rev. G. R. Bell.

In Bowls and Quoits, to Dr. Magill and Mr. R Bannister.

In Hunting, to Mr. James Davidson, well-known in hunting circles as "Nimrod;" and to Mr. G. H. Clarke, one who has been long identified with this branch of sport.

In Athletics, to Messrs. R. Bannister, A. Williamson, J. Hughes, J. Dorman, and W. H. Oliver; also to many runners of the old days.

Amongst those also rendering assistance were Messrs. T. E. Wethers, W. J. Murray, J. G. Hanna, and W. J. Greene.

Lisburn in 1854.

Cricket in Lisburn dates back to 1836. The club's first ground was in a field off the Ballinderry Road; afterwards a new ground was found on the Low Road, in a portion of the fields now surrounding the Fort House; and subsequently play was in a field at the junction of the Belfast and Derriaghy Roads, about where the eastern lodge of the Park now stands. The present ground was entered on in the year 1854, and the great changes to be made and difficulties to be overcome in rearranging, draining, and laying out the ground were successfully carried out largely owing to the support and help given by the sons of the late Dean Stannus and others.

A stream ran through the middle of the present field from east to west; this was turned out of its course to the north side of the field, where it now runs in a covered drain until it emerges again at the Railway Walk. The ground prior to this was used as a townpark grazing by Mr. John Finlay, who rented it from the Estate Office.

Walking from Market Square down Railway Street, in the year 1854, we have on our left Lennon's hotel and posting establishment, where now the Northern Bank is built; and on the right, opposite, Dr. Musgrave's dwelling-house and yard, with his dispensary shop in Castle Street. Further down on the right we come to the Police Barrack, afterwards the Post Office, and now a dispensary.

Passing on, we come to Kelly's yard, house, and garden. This yard was bounded at the back by a fine row of very tall yew trees, and the garden hedge in Railway Street was adorned with a row of the most artistic productions, in thorns, in the shape of cocks, hens, and other productions inside the range of the hedge shears. The Orange Hall now stands on a part of the space of this old garden. The only other house on this side was occupied by W. J. Knox, plumber, his garden extending to a stone wall which fenced the Dean's meadow, right down to the railway crossing. Coming down the street, on the left we pass the Friends' Meetinghouse and burial-ground, and Wardsboro, now the site of the Post Office, and then we come to a bit of old Lisburn, when Railway Street was Jackson's Lane. Three or four thatched houses with two steps up to a narrow terrace before getting to the level of the doorway. These were taken down to make room for Second Lisburn Presbyterian Church. From this until Armstrong's old wall is reached a hedge bordered the street, enclosing orchards; and passing to Bachelors' Walk we see a long avenue of large trees running down both sides its entire length, and a high wall with tower upon it protecting Graham's and other gardens on the south side, while a deep stream and hedge bordered the north side of this fine thoroughfare. The level crossing is reached, the gates are open, and we now cross over and reach the Dean's Walk. Before us, northward, rise two roads -- Pennington's Hill and School Ann Hill; the latter closed to the public, and overlooked by gatekeeper's house to the right. On walking along the Dean's Walk for about one hundred yards, we stop, turn southward, and coming to the end of Waring's field, we mount a ditch, pass the turnstile at its summit, and keeping along the pathway we arrive at a number of steps, up which we climb, and now find ourselves overlooking the Lisburn Cricket Ground.

Cricket.

The Lisburn Cricket Club was in the fifties one of the leading clubs in Ulster, and acknowledged at that time no superior. The N.I.C.C. was its principal rival. Later, in the sixties and seventies, Belfast, Armagh, Waringstown, and Comber furnished elevens equal to Lisburn's best.

A crisis in the history of the club occurred in 1884, just prior to the Wallace Park being handed over to the town. Some misunderstanding having arisen in the matter of the terms of Sir Richard Wallace's offer, caused a great divergence of opinion in Lisburn, and some of the Town Council of that day were in favour of voting a refusal to accept the gift of the Park unless the cricket field was included.

Sir Richard Wallace was petitioned. His agent, Mr. Capron, waited on by deputation in London, and every legitimate means was employed to influence opinion and retain the ground. The four granite boundary stones show how successful these efforts were, and to-day the wisdom of excluding the cricket ground is almost universally admitted.

In the years 1858-1862 the names of T. R. and Walter Stannus, Captain Clements, and C. K. Cordner appear prominently. Ten years later and after appear the names of H. Manley, Richardson, J. N. R. Pim, Clarke, C. H. M'Call, A. and W. T. Finlay, Mack, Robert and William Bannister, Stevenson, J. R. Bristow, Bedford, Smyth, Preston, M'Clure, Harlin, Mussen, O'Flaherty, D. E. Henning, Vint, Major Cowan, Moeran, Donnelly, G. Coombe, Meehan, and others.

For many years no protection from weather existed on the field but the trees. Only during matches was a tent used. Later a small house was built on the North side of the field, which remained till 1885. The present pavilion was designed by Mr. Geo. Sands and built by Mr. Aaron Sinclair. It was improved and enlarged somewhat in 1887, and repairs have been made of later date.

A goodly number of the players of the past decade were still available, and these, with the addition of A. D. White, Woods, Irvine, Stevenson, M'Comb, H. Stevenson, H. and H. W. Major, Mearns, Hull, Bullick, Ffennell, Alister, and J. Hale, maintained the club's reputation in 1896.

In the year 1898 a second eleven was formed, in which we see the following players:-- J. F. Robinson, C. B. Ffennell, J. Jackson, H. Nelson, E. T. S. Wilson, J. G. Wilson, J. A. M'Cloy, J. M'Culloch, E. Alister, D. B. Simpson; and later, B. Nelson, R. B. Belfridge, J. Kinkead, G. and L. Stevenson, S. R. M'Clintock, V. Thompson, and M. Stevenson.

Second eleven in 1903 -- S. B. Rentoul, H. Whitfield, W. H. Wilson, W. Crane, E. Wilson, J. Wilson, H. D. Kerr, H. J. Barclay, W. Mussen, J. Crane, E. T. S. Wilson.

Second eleven in 1906 -- J. Ellis, F. J. Clarke, D. G. Loughrey, E. E. Wilson, R. C. Bannister, W. A. Mussen, E. T. S. Wilson, W. Megran, R. L. Sinclair, J. H. Crane, R. J. Barclay.

Lisburn Cricket Captains -- 1878, Cordner; 1881-82, R. Bannister; 1883, D. E. Henning; 1884, F. Waring; 1885, G. Waddell (107 members); 1886, captain elected by ballot of members of team present (143 members); 1887-1892, H. W. Major; 1893, G. Mearns; 1894, B. R. F. Bedford; 1895, J. A. Woods; 1896, D. E. Henning; 1897, J. Stevenson; 1898-1901, J. I. Peacocke; 1902-03, J. A. Woods; 1904-05, J. A. M'Cloy; 1906-07, J. J. Carland; 1908-10, E. T. S. Wilson.

Vice-captains -- 1899-1900, H. Stevenson; 1901-05, W. H. M'Comb; 1906-08, H. M'Dowell; 1909-10, W, A. Mussen.

Second Eleven Captains -- 1900, J. F. Robinson; 1901-05, E. T. S. Wilson; 1906, J. Ellis; 1907-06, J. Barclay; 1909, C. O. Hobson; 1910, R. N. Stevenson.

(Next Week: Rugby Football.)

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LISBURN PETTY SESSIONS.

IMPORTANT MARKET TOLLS PROSECUTION.

This court was held yesterday, before Messrs. William Davis, J.P. (presiding); Alan Bell, J.P.; W. J. M'Murray, J.P.; and William Ritchie, J.P. District-Inspector Gregory, R.I.C., and Mr. T. J. English, C.P.S., were in attendance.

All Sides "Satisfied."

Charlie Smith, and his wife, Catherine Smith, Old Warren, summoned Christina Smith, Old Warren, for using threatening and abusive language on 24th August. Christina Smith brought a cross-case for a like offence.

Mr. W. G. Maginess appeared for Charles Smith and his wife, and Mr. Michael Lavery for Christina Smith.

All parties said the only thing they wanted was peace -- peace to go to their work. After hearing the evidence,

Their worships advised all the litigants to go home and not interfere with one another in future. They solemnly promised the Bench to do this, and the cases were all dismissed on these undertaking.

Market Tolls Prosecution.

Lisburn Urban District Council summoned John Brady, Lagan Street, Belfast, for "having occupied a space, including stall, in Market Square, did refuse to pay the amount of storage due thereon to the complainants."

Mr. Wellington Young appeared for the Council, the Mr. W. G. Maginess for the defendant.

Mr. Young, in opening the case, said there was only a matter of six shillings in dispute, but the case was one of the importance so far as the Council was concerned. Owing to the increase of expenses consequent on the war, the Council had found it necessary to raise the price of stallage space and stalls. All the stallholders, with the exception of defendant and another man, paid the increase without question. The "other man" has since paid, but defendant absolutely refused to do so, and the Council had no option but to bring the case to court.

Joseph Hutchison, collector of tolls, said that defendant had a stall in Market Square on 20th August. He refused to pay 1s 6d toll for it. He offered 6d.

By Mr. Maginess -- the Council had stalls of their own, and now charges 2s 6d each for them. They charge 1s 6d where a man provided his own stall. He did not know what defendant paid formerly. Defendant offered 6d, and he thought he told him that was what he paid formerly. Witnesses was only collecting the tolls for about a fortnight then.

Robert M'Creight, market superintendent, said that the charge where a man provided his own stall was 1s 6d a day. The Council had travelling stalls of their own, the charge for which was now to 2s 6d. the prices had been increased about a month ago. The charge where a man provided his own stall prior to this was 6d. All the stallholders were informed of the change, including defendant. They all paid but the defendant, who again refused to pay on Tuesday last.

Mr. Maginess said his case was a very simple one. His client, who was a poor man, had been coming to Lisburn market for a very long, long time. At first he was charged 3d, then the charge was raised to 6d. Now the Council wanted him to pay 1s 6d for occupying the very same space with his own stall. The only way one could read the bye-laws (produced) was that the 1s 6d charged was where the Council provided the stall. It could be read in no other way.

Mr. Bell, R.M. -- Have the market authorities power to reviews anyone a stall?

Mr. Young -- No. If there is room for stalls, no matter whether they belong to the Council or not, it is a case of first come, first served.

Mr. Bell, R.M. -- But if he does not pay can they exclude him from the markets altogether?

Mr. Young -- They can.

Mr. Maginess handed in a copy of the bye-laws, and reiterated that the only construction which could be put upon them was that the charge of 1s 6d was made in cases with Council provided stalls. He asked for a dismiss.

Mr. M'Creight, recalled, and replying to the Resident Magistrate, said it was always the custom to charge more for the Council provided a stall.

Mr. Bell remarked that no doubt the phrasing of the bye-laws was vague. A person might take the meaning Mr. Maginess read into it.

Mr. M'Creight said defendant was not the only man in the market that used his own stall. All the others had paid the increased rate.

Mr. Bell, R.M. (to Mr. Young) -- Why on earth don't you go against the man for the amount he did not pay?

Mr. Young -- We are going for a penalty.

Mr. Bell, R. M. -- Well, take this Act (handing over a book) and kindly show us what is the penalty if this man be convicted of this offence.

Mr. Young said that the penalty was £5; but as this was the first case of the kind brought, he would not press for a heavy penalty.

The Chairman said that the magistrates had decided to dismiss the case on the merits.

Mr. Bell, R.M. -- That summons is a vague summons, and it is not sufficiently clear for the magistrates or anybody else to know what jurisdiction they have.

Mr. Maginess asked for costs, but the application was refused.

Mr. M'Creight said that if the defendant did not pay the 6s he would have a fresh summons issued against him.

Mr. Young -- If he pays the 6s that will end it.

[Mr. M'Creight has written us stating that "toll and all costs have since been paid." -- Ed.]

Transfer of a Spirit Licence.

On the application of Mr. Joseph Allen (for Mr. D. B. Simpson), an ad interim transfer of a spirit licence was granted James Ellis from Gilpin Verner Deaver in respect of premises in Bow Street.

Alleged Larceny of a Bicycle.

Joseph Sharkey, York Street, Belfast, was charged by the police with the larceny of a bicycle, the property of Edward O'Neill, Belfast.

Mr. Maginess appear for the defendant.

From the deposition made by O'Neill it appeared that the bicycle had been stolen from outside his home when he was at his dinner. It was valued for £8.

By Mr. Maginess -- He knew the defendant, who [--?--] it with his brother John. The bicycle was as much John's as witness's.

Constable Kerr said that the defendant offered the bicycle for sale in Mr. Ross's. As he only asked £2 for it, witness became suspicious, and took him and bicycle to the police barracks pending inquiries.

Mr. Maginess said that defendant had O'Neill's brother John had been drinking together, and John asked defendant to take the bicycle to Lisburn and sell it. Unfortunately, defendant attempted to sell it.

Mr. Bell, R.M., said defendant had a right to go before a judge and jury, as the bicycle was value for £8.

Mr. Maginess asked the owner of the machine where his brother John was at present, and he said he had not returned since the "bike" was missed. He had joined the army.

After consultation with this client, Mr. Maginess said that he had advised him to plead guilty, in as much as he could not get John O'Neill (a co-owner of the bicycle with his brother) to come and give evidence, John having joined the army.

Their Worships ordered defendant to pay a sum of 4s 6d costs incurred in the case, and further placed him under a rule of bail in a sum of £10 -- himself in £5 and his mother in £5.

Assaults and Thefts.

John Flynn was charged with threatening his father, Edward Flynn, and assaulting Constable Kerr on 26th ult.

Edward Flynn, Wesley Street, deposed that his son John had been living with him for some weeks past. On the day mentioned in the summons he did not go to his work. At dinner time he had some drink taken, and when he came in again at night he began to abuse them (witness), threatened to choke him, and would have assaulted him only for the mother preventing him. The police were sent for, and when they arrived he attacked them also. He (witness) was afraid of his life.

Defendant -- There is not a word of truth in that. I was giving them £1 a week, but they wanted £3. I paid for the coal, and that is the reason.

Replying to the Chairman, witness said his son had been out of jail for the past seven months.

Constable Kerr stated that on his arrival at Flynn's house he found John under the influence of drink. His mother made a complaint about him, whereupon defender proceeded to attack him, and he had to put him down. While on the ground defendant kicked him on the shins and tried to bite him. They then brought him to the barracks.

Defendant -- The policeman said I was going to eat him. I have no teeth to do that, as they were knocked out by the kick of a horse.

Sergeant Rourke, referring to the record book, said that defendant had been twice sent to prison for assaults on the police, 34 times convicted of assaults and threats on his parents, and three times for minor offences.

Their worships sentence defendant two months for assaulting the police, and at the expiration of his imprisonment he would have to give bail for his future good behaviour, or, in default, go to jail for four months.

Knocknadona Neighbours at War.

David Belshaw, Knocknadona, summoned his neighbour, John Connor, for, on 13th ult., maliciously damaging a crock and tub. In a cross-case Connor summoned Belshaw for allowing 14 head of fowl to trespass on his corn field on 22nd ult. and diver occasions since that date.

Mr. W. G. Maginess appeared for Belshaw, Mr. Allen (acting for Mr. Lockhart) for Connor.

David Belshaw said, in reply to Mr. Maginess, that there had been a good deal of love between him and Connor. On the 13th ult. he (complainant) had a crock and small butter top sitting outside his house against the wall. There was 14 feet of a clear passage, but as he was bringing up the slipe Connor caught hold of it and slapped it on the bother club. The slipe was about 3 cwt. It was a deliberate act on the part of Connor.

By Mr. Allen -- I was here last court day with Connor, and the magistrates sent us all home. Connor has a right of way past my house. I did not receive a letter from Mr. Lockhart to have the road cleared. I had not the slipe on the road to keep Connor from getting past to his own place. I didn't see him with a horse and cart that day. The crock was just put out the night before. I don't use it for feeding the hens and afterwards for making butter in it. The sanitary sub-officer and medical officer were out at my place on one occasion and ordered me to clean up the place.

Regarding the trespass case, John Connor deposed that on the 22nd ult. he found 14 head of fowl belonging to the defendant trespassing on his corn field. There was a whole flock of them. On the same evening they were there again, and he took them down to Belshaw, telling him he would take a note of any further trespassing. They have been in the corn every day since.

To Mr. Maginess -- He had fowl of his own, but never let them into the corn. Supposing he did, that was nobody's business but his own. Belshaw's hens had destroyed more than half an acre of the corn.

Head-Constable Goolds stated that he had visited the place in consequence of the alleged threats. He saw the broken crock, but not the tub. The slipe was in the haggard. He looked across the corn field, and observed traces of trespass near the gate. If the fowl had been there every day they would have done a great deal more harm than he saw.

To Mr. Allen -- I had received complaints from both parties, which was the reason I went out the place. I don't think the slipe could have been in such a position as to prevent the free passage for a horse and cart.

David Belshaw denied that Connor, on the last court day, and ever spoken to him about fowl trespassing.

Their Worships fined Connor 2s 6d and 4s compensation, and allowed 10s 6d costs. In the trespass case Belshaw was ordered to pay 1s 2d compensation, and Mr. Allen was granted 10s 6d costs.

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FUNERAL OF MR. H. W. ANDREWS.

The funeral took place on Wednesday to Comber New Cemetery of the late Mr. H. W. Andrews. The Old House, Comber. Mr. Andrews, who was the eldest son of Mr. James Andrews. J.P., Carnesure, Comber, was well known to a large circle of friends and acquaintances in the North of Ireland. He was educated at Eastbourne and Bath College and at Cirencester Agricultural College, where he was gold medallist and took many other prizes. He owned and worked Carnesure Farm, Comber, and was the manager for Ulster of the Liverpool and Globe Insurance Company. He was a keen sportsman, fond of hunting, and expert at all outdoor games. He was a member of the North of Ireland Football Club and a former Irish Rugby internationalist, while for many years he was in the cup team of the North Down Cricket and Hockey Clubs. Mr. Andrews was a firm Unionist in politics. He was married to Cecilia daughter of Mr. James Combe, of Messrs. Combe, Barbour, & Combe, Belfast. His death at the early age of fifty-two years has evoked many expressions of sympathy and manifestations of esteem, as was to be expected in the case of one whose selfishness and kindliness of character, honesty of purpose, and business capacity had won him the goodwill and affection or a host of friends, not confined to any creed or class.

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THE WAR.

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GERMANS STILL RETREATING.

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ALLIES IMPLACABLY DRIVE THEM ON.

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110,000 PRISONERS IN A MONTH.

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Just four years ago today the German armies in the invasion of France crossed the Marne. The anniversary of that battle sees them engaged in a much greater battle, and it finds them, after losing 110,000 prisoners in a month, retreating on the whole front were fighting has taken place.

The news to hand this morning continues cheerful. At some points on the Somme the French yesterday made an advance of 3¾ miles, and are now within three miles of Ham. Last night's French communiqué reported that the enemy yesterday began to give way on the whole Ailette front. Pierremande and Autreville (barley seven miles from La Fere) are in our Allies' hands, as well as a great part of the lower forest of Coucy; and further east they have taken Folembray, Coucy-le-Chateau, and Coucy-la-Ville. Altogether they recaptured yesterday over 30 villages on this front.

British troops were advancing in Flanders, and have captured Hill 63, south-west of Messines, and Ploegsteert village. South of Neuve Chapelle, as far as Givenchy, we have regained the old line held by us prior to 9th April. North and south of Peronne our troops are advancing, driving in the retreating German rearguards.

The number of prisoners taken by the British since 1 August 70,000 (16,000 of them being taken within the past four days), while the French and Americans have taken in the same period 40,000.

In reply to a message of congratulations to Paris Municipal Council Marshal Foch says:-- "The German rush, which threatened Paris and Amiens, has now broken. We shall continue to pursue the enemy implacably."

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THE RECRUITING CAMPAIGN.

Since the present recruiting campaign was launched in Ireland the total number of recruits attested is 4,440, spread over the 10 areas as follows:--

Belfast 1,410
Dublin 1,200
Cork 350
Limerick 275
Waterford 275
Omagh 250
Galway 55
Armagh 100
Mullingar 110
Sligo 85

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KILLED IN ACTION

Captain E. L. Marshall, M.C.

Captain E. Leslie Marshall, M.C., Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, killed in action, was the son of Mr. A. C. Marshall, of Messers. William Marshall & Co., Ltd., Victoria Street, Belfast, and Craigavad, and cousin of Mrs. Cowden, wife of the Rev. W. C. Cowden, Hillhall. He was in his father's firm before entering the army in 1914, and had served at front since his division went overseas in October, 1915. He was an old boy of Bangor Grammar School and Methodist College, Belfast. For his gallantry at the capture of the Messines Bridge in June, 1917, he was awarded the Military Cross, and later on he was given a bar to that decoration. Captain Marshall was home on leave less than a month ago.

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Rifleman George Cochrane.

Rifleman George Cochrane, Royal Irish Rifles, reported missing on 22nd November, and now reported killed on that date, was the eldest son of Mrs. Agnes Cochrane, Ballyaughlis, Lisburn. His stepfather is on active service.

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Private W. G. Atkinson.

Private W. G. Atkinson, Canadian infantry, killed in action on the 8th ult., was the husband of Mrs. Atkinson, The Lodge, Hillsborough Castle.

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HOW CAPTAIN SINTON, M.C., DIED.

Tribute by Brother-Officer.

Particulars of now been received by his widow of the death of Captain Edwin Sinton, M.C., R.F.A., attached Royal Engineers, an old Ulster Provincial School boy, which was notified in our columns. A brother-officer writes:-- It is a terrible blow to everyone of us, and every man of the company feels it keenly. As for myself, I can hardly realise it. He was my best pal out here, and was simply worshipped by his men, who would have done anything for him, and well he deserved their trust. I was not beside him at the time of his death, as I had gone away two days previously to another detachment. The bomb which killed him dropped a short distance from were your husband and Lieut. O'Sullivan were standing. Death was instantaneous, and you can rest assured he suffered no pain. O'Sullivan was just beside him, and they were comrades in death as well as in life. Captain Sinton was very good to me. He was good to everyone, and I think he knew how fond I was of him. It will be a terrible thing for you to bear, but you must keep a stiff upper lip. Many and many a time when we were sitting together his spoke of you -- he was always thinking of you. They were buried at 6-30 yesterday evening with full military honours, and lie side by side in a peaceful spot out here. The funeral was most impressive, and his popularity was easily seen when I say that practically every officer of the light Railway Corps that possibly could be present was there; yes, and more, that every man from every company who could get was present, too. We have lost one of the best and straightest men who ever lived.

The death of Captain Sinton is mourned by a large circle of relatives and friends in Ireland and England, and by none more sincerely than his brethren of the Masonic Order. In both Royal Ulster Masonic Lodge No. 274 and Commercial Masonic Lodge No. 418 he had endeared himself by the exercise of the true Masonic virtue of brotherly love.

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ROLL OF HONOUR.

Pathetic and Congratulatory References at Urban Council Meeting.

At the monthly meeting of Lisburn Urban Council on Monday -- Mr. W. Davis, J.P., presiding,

Dr. St.George said as had been customary at their monthly meetings since the war began, he would like to say a few words about their gallant young men who had fallen on the battlefield and those who had won honours. Their sincere sympathy went out that morning to one of the members of the Council, Mr. Charles Scott, who had just received official intimation of the death of his grandson, Second-Lieut. Herbert Scott, of the Royal Air Force, who had previously been reported missing since the 23rd August. While they all deplored the cutting off of this young life in the terrible war, they sympathised deeply with Mr. Scott and the other relatives in their bereavement. They also extended their condolence to the relatives of Lance-Corporal M'Millen, R.I.R., who was recently killed, and who was the son of a late well-known and respected townsman; to the friends of Rifleman Thomas Griffen, who had died in Germany while a prisoner of war; and to the friends of Private Charles Nelson, R.I.R., who was killed on the same day as Corporal M'Millen. They were sorry to hear that Sergeant M'Farland, Hussars, has been wounded, and hoped for his speedy recovery.

Regarding those who had won awards, first on the list was Lieut. William Foster Wilson (now captain), of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, Special Reserve, who had won the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He worked his guns up over most difficult ground, and brought them into action under a close and accurate machine-gun and rifle fire with great courage and coolness. He repeatedly went forward to reconnoitre the best route for his next advance, and succeeded in getting his guns forward again in time to support the infantry attack. His energy resolution, and utter disregard of danger were most marked." Such, said the Doctor, was the official record of the deed performed by this brave young officer, who had come all the way from Canada and offered himself to fight in the ranks for the honour and glory of his country. Captain Wilson was a son of Mrs. Robert Wilson, Seymour Street, who had two other sons fighting, one of whom had also gained the military Cross; and a nephew of Mrs. Richard Boomer, Knockmore. Then there were Sergeant R. McNeill, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who had won a bar to his Military Medal; Corporal Isaac Cord and Sapper W. Coulter, R.I.R., who had each received a Military Cross. They were proud of these young soldiers, and warmly congratulated them on their successes.

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

ANOTHER LISBURN OFFICER PROMOTED.

A recent issue of the "London Gazette" contained the following announcement:-- "Lieut. J. G. Wilson, R.F.C., to be captain." Captain Wilson, who is the youngest son of Mr. George Wilson, U.D.C., Castle Street, Lisburn, has seen hard service at the front.

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GUILLEMONT AND GINCHY.

ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHARGE OF THE IRISH BRIGADES.

This week, two years ago, the Irish Division added another chapter to the history of Irish valour. France can never forget Guillemont or Ginchy.

The battle of the Somme had entered on its third month when the Irish Division was moved into the zone of operations. They came -- they saw -- and for all time they emblazoned on their colours the names of Guillemont and Ginchy. These two villages were key positions. Once in our hands, the whole of the German second line of defence was broken. Knowing their value, the Germans had made tremendous preparations for their defence and thrown their best troops into both. But the Irish Brigades took them in their stride.

Guillemont fell on Sunday, September 3rd, to a charge which was one of the most astonishing features of the war. The pipes playing and the green flag flying, the Irish battalions swept on like a human avalanche. They had been "fed up" with the weary months of trench fighting. Now they were in the open, the fighting every Irishman loves, and they thirsted to get to close quarters with the enemy. Right through the first, the second, and third German lines of trenches they swept with an irresistible rush till the whole of the village was in their hands. By Sunday night, victory was overwhelming and complete.

For six days the Irish Brigades held the captured ground, lying in shell-holes under constant shellfire, and without hot food or much water. Then, on the afternoon of September 9th, came the order for the attack on Ginchy. Amid a wild "Hurroosh" and the cries of "Up Dublin!" "Up Munsters!" and "Up the Rifles!" they swept forward, pipes again skirling and the green flag waving. In eight minutes after starting-time they had reached their first objective in the village, right across the first German trenches -- a distance of 600 yards, which is a wonderful record. The right was checked for a little by a post of German machine-guns, but a brilliant little encircling movement drove the gunners out and the whole line advanced. Reckless of snipers and machine-guns, the Irish swept through the village, searching out the "Jerrios" in their concrete dugouts and tunnelled chambers. They were Bavarians and fought savagely, but the Irish bayonet was too much for them. The work was short, sharp and decisive. Within ten minutes of reaching the centre of the village the Dublin's, who were in the van of the attack, had got 200 yards beyond the northern side.

But the rapidity of the advance was not without its drawbacks. The troops on their right and left had not been able to keep up with them, and so the Irish Division found themselves in Ginchy with both the right and left flanks "in the air," a situation full of disaster according to military experts. But the Irish Brigade recked nothing of their theoretical peril, they were determined to hold what they had got, and THEY DID IT.

"The splendid success of the Irish Brigade from a military point of view is their success of taking a hostile front of 900 yards to the depth of nearly a mile with no supporting troops on either flank."

This is the tribute of an Englishman, Mr. Philip Gibbs, the distinguished war correspondent. He goes on to say:--

"From a non-militarily, technical, human point of view the greatness of the capture of Ginchy is just in the valour of these Irish boys, who were not awed by the sight of death very close to them and all about them, and who went straight on to the winning-posts like Irish race horses. The men who were ordered to stay in the village almost wept with rage because they could not join in the next assault."

The following morning they came out of the battle, weary and spent, but marching erect with heads held high. The honours of the field were with them; they had done a good day's work for Ireland. Decked with German caps and helmets, and bearing many a souvenir of their victory, they met a battalion of the Irish Guards going up to the line. "Up the Dubs.!" shouted the Guardsmen as they passed. "Up the Micks!" came the answer in shoot. IRISHMAN ALL.

And they strode proudly along, back to the rest they had earned so well; and as the pipers played them out, now with a march of triumph for the deeds they had wrought, and now with a lament for the boys who never would march behind their flag again, each man felt sure if his heart that his countrymen at home would see to it that the dead would not be unavenged or the living be deserted by their brother Irishman.

WILL THEY?

Recruits, whether for the Army, Navy, or Air Force, can join in any area they choose.

 

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Lisburn Standard - Friday, 13 September, 1918

Birth

RUSSELL -- Sept. 9, at Clonevin Park, Lisburn, to Rev. W. A. and Mrs. Russell -- a son.

Marriage

COOK--ECCLES -- August 27, at Enniskillen Parish Church, by the Rev. Canon Webb, Major A. E. Cook, M.C., Royal Field Artillery, to Muriel Frances, elder daughter of the late R. J. Eccles, Newry, County Down, and Mrs. Eccles, Enniskillen.

Death

DODD -- Sept. 9, at the resident of his son, Dr. E. H. H. Lloyd-Dodd, Feenish House, 121 Crumlin Road, Belfast, Thomas W. Dodd.

Roll of Honour

BOYD -- Sept. 2, 1918, of dysentery on active service in East Africa, Lieut. Thos. M. (George) Boyd, R.A.M.C., second son of Mr. Francis Boyd, J.P., and Mrs. Boyd, J.P., and Mrs. Boyd, The Crescent, Ballybay.

Clippings

SOME EXTRACTS FROM THE

RECORDS OF OLD LISBURN

AND THE MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- --

Edited by JAMES CARSON.

-- -- --

C.

-- -- --

SPORT IN LISBURN -- PAST AND PRESENT. 1910.

Compiled and Edited by R. C. Bannister and R. V. Hamilton.

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

About the year 1878 the Cricket Club permitted the Rugby Club to erect their posts on the vacant ground on the north side of the playing pitch.

Among those who played for Hertford in the few years of its life as a Rugby Club the names which jump into mind include the Warings (Charlie and Sam), Bob, Jack, and Alfie Savage; Joe and Charlie Atkinson, Bob Alister, Hugh Mulhollahd, Sam Beggs, Johnston Watson, Charles Mockler, W. J. Meechan, Arthur Williamson.

In 1882-84 Rugby football in Lisburn was in a very flourishing condition. Bob Savage, whose value to the game can never be accurately measured, while captaining Hertford, organised in Stewart's Mill a team calling themselves Lisnagarvey. Of that team one man at least, given better opportunities, would have reached high, if not international class, to wit, Joe M'Mullan.

This club subsequently extended its borders, and many young townsmen joined it and became fine players and good sportsmen. Then the Good Templars organised a club, calling it "Triumph" after the lodge of that name. This club produced such stalwarts as Tom Getgood, Willie Lavery, Bob Greenfield, and Sam Waring. On one occasion Mr. Williamson, acting as hon. secretary for Hertford, found himself in difficulties for a team. He went to the Good Templar Hall in search of subs., and was met by the four worthies mentioned above. A bargain was proposed: the four would turn out, but the secretary must join the lodge. He did. There was also some good school football. There were two Intermediate Schools in the town, each having a team. On occasion these two joined forces and played as the Lisburn Academicals. The Ulster Provincial School also had a fine team, for which the Davies played.

In 1884 all this activity stopped with a crash. By a majority the Hertford Club decided to take up the Association game. The Ulster Provincial School followed suit; the two Intermediate Schools were combined; the Triumph and Lisnagarvey clubs ceased to exist. It seemed as though the death-knell of Rugby football in Lisburn had been sounded. The darkest hour had been reached: the dawn was at hand.

In January, 1885, in response to letters notifying the purchase of a cup for competition among the senior clubs, a meeting was held in the Tea Rooms in Market Street. Only seven men turned up -- Sam Morrison, Jack Savage, W. J. Meehan, Arthur Williamson, Bob Alister, H. W. Major (a mere schoolboy), and Bob Greenfield. It was decided to enter a team for the cup competition. The colossal cheek of that decision makes one, looking back over the long interval of time, both sad and merry. The Union fee and the cup subscription were made up at the meeting. Morrison became captain; Meehan, secretary; and Williamson, treasurer, the greatest sinecure ever invented.

The young team, however, found itself in the final at the first time of asking. The result was remarkable. R.W. Morrow now joined, and Stavely Dick, then at Queen's College, Cork, hurried home to assist. But North were taking no chances. They put on a side containing nine international. Lisburn were beaten by two goals and two tries to a goal dropped by Morrow, and worthy of even his great reputation. Gathering the ball near his own twenty-five, and bursting through, he ran almost to half-way. Then wheeling between two opponents he took his shot. Those who saw that goal agree that no finer score was ever made. The position of the club was now firmly established, and the season 1885-6 opened with every prospect of success. Morrow took up the captaincy, and Williamson combined the offices of secretary and treasurer, retaining thorn until the dissolution of the club in 1889.

The cup team of 1886-7 was made up as follows:-- Full back, F. W. Armstrong; three-quarters or quarters, Morrow, Holmes, Wheeler; halves, Jim Stevenson, Gardiner; forwards, R. Stevenson, B. Gibb, Major Greenfield, Totten, Mockler, Forsythe, Ashcroft, and Williamson.

Stewart Irwin, who rendered the side good service during the season, had to stand out of the cup match as the result of an accident. Waring had cracked his knee in a practice match. J. S. Dick was at Cork. He and R. Stevenson were capped in this year in all international matches, assisting Ireland to beat England for the first time in the history of these games. North beat Lisburn in the cup tie by a try to nil.

On 30th March, 1888, the Lisburn team was -- Full back, F. W. Armstrong; three-quarters, Dunlop, Holmes, Morrow: halves, J. Stevenson. G. Waring: forwards, Dick (captain), Stevenson, Mockler, Irwin, Major, Greenfield, Totten, Keery, and Williamson.

That is was a great team goes without saying. Morrow was unquestionably one of the greatest full backs the game has yet produced. Holmes was one of those superb players who excel at every game they play. As Morrow's successor at full back for Ireland he shared in the eventful period when Ireland at length attained the measure of her great rivals, England and Scotland. Dunlop was for several years Ireland's best wing "three." Jim Stevenson, capped at "half" in the following year, 1889, was the last "big" man to occupy that position. Waring but for his injured leg, would without doubt have also got his cap. Bob Stevenson may dispute with J. W. Taylor in earlier days and with Tedford in recent times the title of Ireland's greatest forward. J.S. Dick, capped 1887, probably holds the record for captaining cup-winning teams. Mockler and Major both represented Ulster in their day and generation. The rest did their best to prove themselves worthy of such august company.

But the end was at hand. Time moving forward brought closer to many of the team the inevitable process of "getting qualified." And when the earlier matches of 1888-9 came round the personnel showed many changes. Still, when at Christmas, Bective Rovers, holders of the Leinster Cup, met Lisburn, holders of the Ulster Cup, a scoreless draw was the result of a very hard tussle. Later, in Dublin, Wanderers beat Lisburn by a try, the feature or the game being Wheeler's display at half after an absence from the game of over twelve months. Our defeat by Queen's in the second round of the cup by a try to liil closes the tale of the grand old club.

Rugby football was practically defunct in the town till the Lisburn Wheelers' Cycling Club, feeling the necessity of having some form of winter sport in which their members could engage, decided to take up the game of Rugby football, and in the autumn of 1899 formed a club called the Lisburn Wheelers' Rugby F.C. The following officials were appointed:-- Captain, J, T. Kirkwood; committee, James Stockman, John Jefferson, J. T. Wilson, F. M'Murray, J. F. M'Kinstry, Joe Keery, W. A. Mussen, with E. B. Waring as hon. secretary.

The first practice game was held in a field at Hogg's Locks, but the club was afterwards able to secure the use of the ground inside the cycling track in Wallace Park for their games.

The following players comprised the first team:-- Back, Wm. Dickson; three-quarters, Joe Stewart, W. A. Mussen, James M'Intyre, and Wm. Mussen; halves, J. T. Kirkwood (captain) and W. Keery; forwards, J. F. M'Kinstry, J. T. Wilson, H. Wilson, Joe Kerry. R. Gilmore, Fred Bestall, James Stockman, and E. B. Waring.

LISNAGARVEY HOCKEY CLUB.

It was in September, 1902, that a group of three met in the Temperance Institute. The subject of discussion turned on winter games; and a suggestion made by one to form a Hockey club soon became the resolute determination of Messrs. R. C. Bannister, W. S. Duncan, and E. E. Wilson. Likely members were at once interviewed, and many promises of support obtained. A meeting was called, and after many and varied proposals, the new club was finally named the Lisnagarvey Hockey Club. The club colours chosen were dark and light blue. The first office-bearers were -- Captain Mr. R. C. Bannister; hon. secretary, Mr. W. S. Duncan; hon. treasurer, Mr. E. E. Wilson.

The following is the list of original members:-- Messrs. R. C. Bannister, B. Boyd, E. Boyd, W. S. Duncan, F. Garrett, R. V. Hamilton, Hector B. Hanna, J. G. Hanna, N. Kilpatrick. E. S. H. Thompson, J. H. Wilson, and W. J. Wilson. During the season Mr. R. C. Bannister resigned the captaincy and Mr. E. E. Wilson the treasurership, and at a general meeting Mr. W. S. Duncan was elected, captain, Mr. R. C. Bannister hon. secretary, and Mr. J. H. Wilson hon. treasurer.

Winners Minor League (Mulholland Shield), 1904-05 -- Wm. J. Wilson, H. B. Hanna, B. Boyd, A. M'Cluggage, A. T. Annesley, J. H. Wilson, A. E. Boyd (captain), F. G. Hall, R. C. Bannister, J. H. Simpson, and N. B. Kilpatrick.

Winners Junior League, and Junior Cup 1906-07 -- A. M'Cluggage, F. Haten, R. V. Hamilton, R. C. Bannister, Wm. J. Wilson, W. S. Duncan, J. H. Simpson, H. H. Burrowes, E. Boyd, J. H. Wilson (captain), F. G. Hull, B. Boyd, J. L. Barclay, and R. P. MacGregor.

Players in 1910, with the eleven they most frequently play for:--

The First XI. custodian is E. F. C. Holmes, too well known in hocket circles to require any laudatory remarks; Hull and M'Murray are those usually seen in the rear division; while Hamilton, Patterson, and J. H. Wilson form the half line. In the fore-rank Lester, Bannister, Boyd, Hanna, and Boyd may be seen; Simpson and Garrett being next in order.

The Second XI. goal is graced by E. Brown; the back division manned by Duncan, Allen, or J. Hanna; in tho half line, Gillespie, John Wilson, M'Cluggage, or Arnold; forwards, Smith, MacGregor, Simpson, Garrett, Stevenson.

T. Malcolmson is goalkeeper for the Third XI. The backs are a changing quantity, Wm. Wilson, Rice, Bannister, Murray, and others appearing. In the half line they have Russell, Harty, D. M'Gregor, S. Boyd, Cunningham, Greene: and fore, Allen, Goldsmith, J. C. Carson, T. Wilson, Gray, Boyd, Kilpatrick.

The Fourth XI. is composed of the lesser lights of those mentioned in Third XI., with Q. Dunlop, H. Morrow, J. Alexander, S. Goldsmith, and C. Garrett.

Many Lisnagarvey players have been selected for representative matches. In junior circles Messrs. E. Boyd and F. G. Hull were chosen for Ulster v. Leinster, and last season Mr. J. H. Simpson got his place for Ulster; and in senior circles F. G. Hull has, of late years, been selected regularly for the Provincial matches. Those appearing in other representative matches in junior or senior circles include Messrs. E. Boyd, H. Burrowes, Wm. J. Wilson, C. Lester, F. G. M'Murray, W. Patterson, and R. V. Hamilton.

(Next week: Golf.)

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

THE WAR.

-- -- -- --

BIG AMERICAN ATTACK

-- -- -- --

8,000 PRISONERS TAKEN YESTERDAY.

-- -- -- --

YANKEES FIGHTING WITH INTENSE ENTHUSIASM.

-- -- -- --

The Allies continue to make headway in France and Flanders, and in addition to substantial gains in prisoners, territory, and material made by both the British and French, the Americans yesterday launched a big attack on a new part of the line. They attacked in force on both sides of the St. Mihiel salient (south-east of Verdun) on a total front of thirty-eight miles.

The American communique gives few details of the operations, but it is clear from the unofficial telegrams that a very considerable success has been achieved. On the southern part of the salient (to the east of St. Mihiel) the Americans between Fay-en-Haye and Xivray (a front of eleven to twelve miles), penetrating to a depth of five miles and capturing the towns of Thiaucourt, Pannes, and Nonsary. South-west and west of St. Mihiel the French were in action, and penetrated into the western outskirts of the town. To the north the Americans have captured Combres, and are reported to be on the western outskirts of Dommartin. They have already taken 8,000 prisoners. The fighting continues, the Yankees showing great fire and intense enthusiasm.

The British yesterday achieved further successes in the Havrincourt sector. Attacking in unfavourable weather, our men carried Havrincourt and Trescault and completed the capture of Moeuvres. In these operations 1,000 prisoners were taken. The strongly fortified position known as the railway triangle (south-west of La Bassee) was taken during Wednesday night; and Attilly, Vermand, and Vendelles (west of St. Quentin) are also in our possession.

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

IN THE CASUALTIES.

Major Campbell M'Neill M'Cormack, M.C., R.A.M.C, reported slightly wounded, is the youngest son of Mr. W. M'Cormack, Hillhall House, Lisburn. He graduated at Queen's University, Belfast, in 1914, and entered the army shortly afterwards, winning the Military Cross for gallantry last year. Major M'Cormack was married last September to Miss Ella Warnock, of Fernlea, Eastleigh Drive, Belfast, only daughter of the late Rev. James Warnock, Drumbo, County Down. He was one of the original Expeditionary Force.

Captain and Adjutant W. J. Lyness, M.C.. Royal Irish Rifles, wounded, is a son of Mr. W. J. Lyness, Tullyard House, Moira, and nephew of Mr. R. Logan, Belfast Bank, Bangor. Before the war Captain Lyness was on the Belfast Bank's Dublin staff. He was a cadet in Colonel Shannon-Crawford's battalion prior to receiving his commission. Captain Lyness, who has been adjutant of his battalion since 22nd March, has a fine record of service, having won both the Military Cross and a bar thereto. His brother, Lieut. I. Lyness, of the Tank Corps, also holds the Military Cross. Captain Lyness has been wounded in the shoulder by a bullet, but his injury is not serious.

Lieut. Ernest H. Shaw, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who is suffering from a severe bayonet wound in the right thigh, is a son of Mr. Joseph Shaw, Strathavon, Balmoral, Belfast, and formerly of Lisburn. Lieut. Shaw was previously on the casualty list following the Somme fighting in 1916, and only recently returned to the front.

Sergeant William M'Mullen, R.I.R., who was wounded in the leg by shrapnel in the recent severe fighting, is a son of Mr. Robert M'Mullen, proprietor of the "Lisburn Herald," Lisburn. He was admitted to French hospital early in the week but has now arrived in London. Writing home yesterday morning, he says the wound was more serious than he thought at first, nevertheless he is looking forward to getting home on leave soon. His brother, Corporal Samuel M'Mullen, was in the same fight, but, fortunately, he came through unscathed. Both these young soldiers joined up on the formation of the South Antrim Volunteer Battalion of the Rifles, and both went to the front with the Ulster Division in October, 1915, and have seen hard service. In addition to being gassed, this is the third occasion on which Sergeant M'Mullen has been wounded.

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

FULL OF GOOD CHEER.

Soldier's Example to People at Home.

A very interesting "congregational letter" was read in Hillsborough Presbyterian Church on Sunday from the minister of the Church, Rev. J. H. Orr, who is now serving as a chaplain at the front, and permission has been given to us to quote the following extract:--

"It is difficult to realise that six weeks have elapsed since I left Hillsborough to undertake the work of an army chaplain, but it is still more difficult to realise that I am penning these words in a dugout on the Western front a short distance from the enemy. His shells are bursting all around and overhead, but it is extraordinary how few casualties there are, such is the cover and protection afforded by the earth.

"I was extremely fortunate in being sent to our own Ulster Division, and to a battalion which includes some of our own Hillsborough men. I have already met several, and hope to find the others in a few days.

"During the week my work with the battalion in the line largely consists of dealing with the wounded, making them as comfortable as possible, and writing home to their friends. Then I have always a number of burial services, and have to communicate with relatives. On Sundays I have often as many as five or six services in different parts of the line. The services are of course very brief, about half an hour in all, but they are often miles apart, and this necessitates much riding and cycling, so that my Sundays at least are pretty well filled up. s chaplains we have no difficulty is that the men on the whole appreciate our work and are glad of this short spiritual break in a week of secular monotony. The services remind them of home (if any reminder were necessary), and of loved ones far away worshipping their common God in peace and security.

"It is too early yet to collect and formulate any definite impressions of life and conditions out here, and any attempt to do so would lead either to exaggeration or under-estimation; but one's most prominent and persistent feeling is that of profound admiration, mingled with profound sympathy for the glorious lads who are fighting our battles out here on the Western front... Their spirit is most wonderful. They are full of good cheer even when their condition is most pitiable; they smile though suffering the tortures of hell; and death itself finds them undismayed.

"Such cheerfulness, such courage, such self-sacrifice and unselfishness, such generosity and true brotherly-kindness, such Christian heroism, make one utterly ashamed at times of one's own weakness of faith and practice.

"The soldier has his sins -- oh, yes, many of them -- but most of them pale into insignificance beside the pride and selfishness and envy and hypocrisy of even best-regulated church society at home. It is inspiring, to say the least, to live and work amongst these men, and I feel certain I shall return home a better man in every way from their influence and example."

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

ANOTHER MILITARY MEDAL AWARD.

Sergeant William Brown, R.I.R. (since promoted sergeant-major), who has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field, is a son-in-law of Mr. Robert Irvine, 112 Longstone Street, Lisburn. Sergeant-Major Brown, who worked at the Island (and resided at Durham Street), Belfast, enlisted in the West Belfast Volunteers, and went out with the Ulster Division in 1915. He has come through all the fighting without serious hurt. He was mentioned in despatches following the Somme fighting in 1916.

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

DR. RENTOUL MENTIONED.

Amongst the officers whose names have been brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War for valuable services rendered on the occasion of the sinking or damage by enemy action of hospital ships, transports, and store ships is Captain J. L. Rentoul, R.A.M.C, Railway Street, Lisburn.

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

LISBURN MAN JOINS AMERICAN ARMY.

Mr. Jack Logan, son of Mrs. Logan, Llewellyn Avenue, Lisburn, has thrown up a good position at the Panama Canal and enlisted in the American army, being quickly advanced to non-commissioned rank. Prior to emigrating about eight years ago he was employed in the office of Mr. Hugh Mulholland. solicitor. Market Square. He was a sergeant in the North of Ireland Imperial Yeomanry, now North Irish Horse. A brother of this soldier, Mr. Simon Logan, who was foreman printer in the "Lisburn Standard" Office before volunteering for service with the North Irish Horse, is now an officer in the Royal Irish Fusiliers, and is at present, "up the line" in Flanders. A third brother, Mr. Charles Logan, has also volunteered, and is serving with a battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles.

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

LISBURN SPORTSMAN SERVING WITH NEW ZEALANDERS.

Private John Thompson, New Zealanders (Machine Gun Corps), son of Mrs. Thompson, Longstone Street, Lisburn, is at present home on a wel-earned leave, and is renewing acquaintances with his old friends in Belfast and Lisburn. Private Thompson, who emigrated to Auckland about nine years ago, was a racing cyclist of no mean ability, and in his time brought many honours to Lisburn. Like the good sportsman he is, he volunteered for service after the outbreak of war, and was one of those gallant band of heroes who landed at Gallipoli. His battalion is just after adding to its laurels in France, whither he came direct on leave.

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

The Dublin "Evening Telegraph" says:-- "It is stated that police have been stationed outside the buildings in Ulster where it is known the rifles of the Ulster Volunteers are stored, and this step is naturally regarded as a preliminary to the seizure of the 50,000 stand of arms which are held by the Unionist revolutionary forces."

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

A correspondent of the "Weekly Dispatch" states, on the authority of a repatriated war prisoner from Holland, that 600 of the British interned there have married Dutch girls, and that 300 more "have their names down" for contracting like unions.

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

Captain J. G. Cecil, nephew of the Marquis of Salisbury, is unofficially reported killed in action, and, if true, he is the third son which the Bishop of Exeter has lost in the war.

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

Containing the bodies of Belgian soldiers, a mausoleum was dedicated at Shortcliffe on Saturday and handed to the care of the Folkestone Town Council.

 

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Lisburn Standard - Friday, 20 September, 1918

Marriage

CHAMBERS--CORRY -- On September 4th, 1918, at, Trinity Presbyterian Church, Letterkenny, by the Rev. Ross Millar, Robert Laird Chambers, L.P.S.I., The Central Pharmacy, Lisburn, second son of the late Joseph Chambers, and of Mrs. Chambers, Fortview, Drumiller, Dromore, Co. Down, to Mary Wilson Corry, L.P.S.I. only daughter of the late William Corry, Bohurl, and of Mrs. Corry, Scotch House, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

Clippings

SOME EXTRACTS FROM THE

RECORDS OF OLD LISBURN

AND THE MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- --

Edited by JAMES CARSON.

-- -- --

CI.

-- -- --

SPORT IN LISBURN -- PAST AND PRESENT. 1910.

Compiled and Edited by R. C. Bannister and R. V. Hamilton.

GOLF.

On the 3rd April, 1905, a meeting was held in the Courthouse to consider the advisability and possibility of forming a Golf Club in Lisburn.

The meeting decided that a local Golf Club he formed, that the annual subscription be: gentlemen, £1 1s; entrance fee, a similar amount; ladies, 10s 6d; entrance fee, a similar amount; juveniles, 10s 6d; no entrance fee; and that all members whose subscriptions were paid on or before the 1st May should be known as "original members."

The picturesque and lovely grounds known as "The Manor House Lands," some 43 acres in extent, adjoining Longstone Street and Dublin Road, were secured on a lease for 20 years, and steps, immediately taken for the laying out of a nine-hole course.

The following were the first office-bearers, i.e., for season 1905-06:-- President -- H. A. M. Barbour, M.A. Vice-presidents -- C. C. Craig, M.P.; S. R. Keightley, LL.D.; T. R. Stannus, J.P.; and O. B. Graham, J.P. Captain -- Geo. H. Clarke, J.P. Hon. secretaries -- J. H. E. Griffith and Thomas Sinclair. Hon. treasurer -- Thomas Malcolmson. Council -- John Hall, H. S. Murphy, M.D.; Geo. Sands, C.E.; A. Stevenson, T. J. English, John Preston, Robert Pedlow, John Stalker, James Allen, J. B. Campbell, H. Mulholland, and E. A. Sinton. Trustees -- H. A. M. Barbour, T. J. English, John Stalker, and R. Pedlow.

The membership for 1905-06 consisted of 119 gentlemen and 95 lady associates and juveniles. During the first year of the club's existence a suitable clubhouse, with separate accommodation for ladies and gentlemen, was erected at a cost of some £300.

At the outset Mr. H. A. M. Barbour presented a magnificent challenge cup. This was called "The Barbour Cup," and is played for each year. Up to the present the winners have been -- 1906, W. L. Agnew, Malone G.C.; 1907, L. C. Gotto, Malone G.C.; 1908, Cecil E. M'Connell, Bangor G.C.; 1909, W. K. Smith, Dungannon G.C.; 1910, R. Swanston, Fortwilliam G.C.; 1911, Captain J. G. Faris; 1912, J. C. Carson, Lisburn; 1913, Robert Swanston; 1914, J. C. Carson, Lisburn.

Mr. Barbour also gave the "Hilden Challenge Cup" for competition inside the home club. The holders of this trophy have been:-- 1907, Hy. M'Callum; 1908 and 1909, E. T. H. Richardson; and 1910, D. Morrison.

Mr. C. C. Craig also presented a challenge cup for competition among members of the club whose handicaps are over 18. This, the "Craig Cup," has been won, so for, by W. S. Duncan in 1908 and T. Malcolmson, jun., in 1909.

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

IRELAND UNDER THE COMMONWEALTH -- 1651-1659.

By Robert Dunlop, M.A. -- 1913.

This work, in two large volumes, contains numerous references to Lisburn, Lisnegarvey, the Conway family, the Hill, family, Sir George Rawdon, etc.

An extract from the Preface sets forth the plan of the work and the author's position:--

The documents printed in these two volumes form part of a collection made many years' ago. At the time I was of opinion that the view taken by Prendergast in his well-known book -- The Cromwellian Settlement of Ireland -- was not an entirely impartial one. I thought it possible to present the Cromwellian policy in a more favourable light than either he or Carte, with his royalist predilections, had done. The Rebellion presented itself to me as an episode in the great European struggle between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism, in which England and Ireland found themselves in opposite camps, accentuated by the special difference between them in the matter of the legislative independence claimed by Ireland and denied by England. It was a square fight between Ireland and England, and England won.

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

THE VICEROY'S POST-BAG

By Michael MacDonagh -- 1904.

This is a collection of letters dealing with Ireland, political and social, after the Rebellion of 1798. One of considerable local interest appears from the Rev. Philip Johnson, Derriaghy, to the Viceroy, dated 1807, detailing his public conduct in the years 1793 and 1796, and claiming recognition from the Government. The appeal was made in vain.

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

BESSIE GRAY.

In M'Comb's Guide to Belfast and the adjoining Districts (1861) it is stated that Bessie Gray, the heroine of Ballynahinch fight in 1798, was a native of Killinchy. M'Comb further wrote a poem commencing --

     If through Killinchy's woods and vales
          You searched a summer day,
     The loveliest maiden to be found
          Was bonny Bessie Gray,

and going on to describe her death.

A writer in the "Newtownards Chronicle" challenges the accuracy of M'Comb's statement, and describes the poem (see article 65) as misleading:--

The charming verses written by Mr. M'Comb concerning this dead Irish Joan of Arc, whose memory is revered by countless thousands of the Irish race at home and abroad irrespective of politics or religion, are misleading, and not all accurate.

The house in which Betsy Gray was born stands within a short distance of the mansion erected at Bangor Granshaw by Mr. James Knox, and which is at the time of writing (1918) owned and occupied by Mr. Robert Warden, senior member of the firm of Messrs. Warden Bros., ironmongers, High Street, Newtownards. It is named Summerhill. The house in which Betsy Gray first saw the light is, at the period of writing, occupied by Mr. William Gray M'Cartney, who is a direct descendant of the Gray family, and who possesses many priceless relics once owned by his ancestors, and handed down from generation to generation, along the ailes of time. Let me mention one. It is the lease held by Hans Gray (Betsy's father) of the farm he occupied. This lease proves beyond all dispute that here in the townland of Granshaw was born this leader of patriots, who met her death at Ballycreen, within two miles of Ballynahinch.

If anyone wish to verify the truth of the foregoing facts they have simply to journey, by road or rail to the Six-Road-Ends. On rail Groomsport Road Station is where to step off. Five minutes will then take you to the Six-Road-Ends, and the residents of this historic neighbourhood will point out with pleasure, not unmixed with pride, the old landmarks, and give freely all information they can to all those who seek for the truth about the past happenings of the long ago.

The following verses are taken from "Betsy Gray," or "The Hearts of Down," by W. G. Lyttle, and have the merit of being true:--

BETSY GRAY.
(A Ballad of Ninety-Eight).

Oh, many a noble lad and lass
     Who joined the fight of ninety-eight,
To right the cruel wrongs of years,
     Did meet with sad and bloody fate.

On Ednavady's sloping height's,
     In June, upon the thirteenth day.
In thousands stood the Patriots bold,
     To fight for home and victory.

But bravest of them all, I ween,
     Who mustered there upon that day,
And drew the sword for fatherland,
     Was lovely, winsome Betsy Gray.

From Granshaw, near to Bangor town,
     With Willie Boal that day she came;
Her brother, too, was by her side,
     Inspired by patriotic flame.

And when the tide of battle raged,
     And showers of bullets fell around,
Still in the thickest of the fight
     Was noble-hearted Betsy found.

When adverse fate with victory-crowned
     The royal host upon that day,
Poor George and Willie joined the flight,
     And with them lovely Betsy Gray.

Along the Lisburn Road they fled,
     Pursuing Yeomen keeping watch;
Then Betsy drew her gleaming sword
     And hid it in a farmhouse thatch.

She reached the vale of Ballycreen --
     Her friends some distance were behind --
And quickly did she look around
     A quiet hiding place to find.

But, ere 'twas found, she heard a cry,
     Alas! too well she knew the sound;
Her brother and her sweetheart true.
     Had by the Yeoman band been found!

Then from the grassy vale she sprang --
     This beauteous, noble, fearless maid --
And back she ran with bounding step,
     That she might seek to give her aid.

Ah, what a sight then met her gaze!
     Her Willie weltering in his gore,
And George, her brother, by his side,
     Pleading for life in accents sore.

A Yeoman raised his sword to strike,
     As Betsy to the rescue ran --
"Oh, spare my brother's life!" she cried,
     "Oh, spare him, if you be a man!"

She raised her white and rounded arm
     As if to ward the dreaded stroke;
Vain was her prayer -- the weapon fell
     And smote her hand off as she spoke.

Another of the murderous crew,
     A man who come from Anahilt,
Laughed at the brutal deed and cried --
     "More rebel blood must yet be spilt!"

He drew a pistol from his belt,
     And shot poor Betsy in her eye;
She sank upon the heathery mound,
     And died without a sob or sigh.

That night the murdered three were found
     By Matthew Armstrong -- then a lad --
Who, quickly running to his home,
     Related there his tidings sad.

No tombstone marks that humble grave,
     No tree nor shrub is planted there;
And never spade disturbs the spot
     Where sleeps the brave, where rests the fair.

Shame on the cruel, ruthless band
     Who hunted down to death their prey!
And palsy strike the murderous hand
     That slew the lovely Betsy Gray!

(Next week: Hilden.)

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

LISBURN PETTY SESSIONS.

Interesting Railway Prosecution.

This Court was held yesterday before Messrs. Thomas Sinclair, J.P.; W. J. M'Murray, J.P.; and Augustus Turtle, J.P.

District-Inspector Gregory, R.I.C., and Mr. T. J. English, C.P.S., were in attendance.

Smart Fine in Railway Case.

Robert Gillespie, Belfast, was prosecuted for assaulting Thomas Mitchell, ticket collector, at Lisburn, on the 19th August.

Mr. Wellington Young appeared for the railway company. Defendant was not professionally represented.

Collector Mitchell said that he found defendant sleeping in the 10-32 p.m. train at Lisburn (ex-7-25 Derry) He had trouble in rousing him up, as defendant seemed very much under the influence of drink. Defendant became very nasty, struck witness a severe blow on the jaw, and caught him by the coat. A number of women and children were in the compartment, and they commenced to squeal, and ran out. Witness got assistance, and took defendant to the barracks.

Defendant's wife said her husband was at work, and could not appear. She pleaded guilty on his behalf. It was the first time he ever got into trouble of any sort, and he travelled regularly on the G.N.R. He was a discharged soldier, a quiet man, and a good husband and father.

Mr. Young asked for a conviction. He added that he did not care what the magistrates fined defendant, but he (Mr. Young) wanted 20s costs (Laughter.)

The Chairman said the magistrates must convict in a case like that. Passengers in railway trains must be protected. Conduct of that kind would not be tolerated under any circumstances, and defendant would have to a fine of 20s and 20s costs.

Peter Fusco summoned Arthur M'Mahon, Canal Street, for assault on the 31st August.

Mr. W. G. Maginess appeared for Fusco.

Fusco said that his bar-tender came to him, and told him that M'Mahon had broken a plate on which he had been served with ice cream, and refused to pay for it. M'Mahon had some drink taken, and witness asked him to go home like a good fellow and never mind the plate. Defendant went out on the street, threw off his coat, and came in and struck witness. His comrade tried to get him away, but M'Mahon returned to the shop four times, and caused a lot of annoyance.

Defendant said he was willing enough to pay for the plate, but Fusco threw him out on the street, and kicked him. He had some drink taken, or he would not have got into the trouble. He had no witnesses, as his comrade was at his work.

Mr. Maginess said that only aggravated the offence. Fusco was a very quite man, as everybody knew, and he conducted his business in a most respectable way.

The Chairman said it would have been much better if defendant had apologised. His conduct must have been very bad. He would be fined 10s and Court costs.

Mr. Maginess asked for special costs: but their Worships refused.

Causing Annoyance.

David Pearson was summoned by Mrs. Moore, widow and shopkeeper, Hill Street, for causing her annoyance.

Mr. W. G. Maginess, solicitor, appeared for the complainant, and Mr. Joseph Allen, solicitor, for the defence.

It appeared that on the night of the 6th inst. at a late hour when complainant was in bed, Pearson knocked at the door, his object being to obtain some lemonade. When told to go away he proceeded to hammer the door and use offensive language. Then on the 12th inst. he returned, and repeated his objectionable conduct.

Mr. Joseph Allen said the defendant had come to him that morning and expressed his sorrow for what had happened. He was a wounded soldier; had a wife and two children and was willing to pay any compensation, as well as give an undertaking not to go back to the complainant's place.

Mr. Maginess said that all Mrs. Moore wanted was peace. She had no desire to have the defendant severely punished. The Chairman said the magistrates considered that Mrs. Moore was treating defendant very decently, and they would sojourn the case for six months, on his paying 12s.

Defendant -- Thank you very much.

Alleged Indecent Behaviour

Elizabeth Heron, Bullick's Court, summoned Elizabeth Flynn, Hill Street, who is a relative, for, as alleged, indecent behaviour towards her on 9th inst.

Complainant deposed that Flynn had abused and threatened her, and had also struck her own father with a poker (produced), which was aimed at her (complainant).

Mr. English -- What was the abusive language she used?

Complainant -- She called me a "precious jewel." (Laughter.)

Defendant denied the allegations, but agreed not to interfere with the complainant, in the future.

Mr. English (to complainant) -- You can take the poker home.

Complainant I will, sir; it will do to "poker" the fire. It's a credit to the court. (Laughter.)

Irish Education Act.

On the application of Mr. M'Creight, an attendance order was granted against Wm. M'Kee, whose child had been absent, from school 72 days in the period.

On the evidence of John M'Kinstry, attendance officer in the rural district, order were issued against Mary Wilson, Jame M'Cullough, and Sarah J. Kirkwood; whilst Isabella M'Donald was fined 1s and 4s costs.

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

THE WAR.

The war news continues encouraging. The British have replied to Austria's peace proposal by capturing 10,000 prisoners inside the last two days in the West, while our Allies operating in Macedonia have bagged about 20,000. Hard fighting is going on, with the Allies making slow progress.

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

IN THE CASUALTY LISTS

Private Joseph Shields, R.I.R., who has been admitted to hospital, suffering from severe gunshot wounds in the right arm, is a son of Mrs. Shields, 75, Sloan Street, Lisburn. His brother, Corporal John Shields, won the Military Medal while serving with the Canadians.

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

Corporal Edward Gorman, R.I.C. Wounded For Fifth Time.

Corporal Edward Gorman, R.I.C., wounded for the fifth time, is a son of Mrs. Gorman, 48, Millbrook, Lisburn, and husband of Mrs. Gorman, Bridge Street, Hilden. Prior to the war he worked in the Combing Dept., Hilden. He enlisted in 1914, and was wounded for the fifth time last week in France, He is at present in hospital in England. A younger brother, Private Charles Gorman, R.I.R., is serving in Egypt. He enlisted in November, 1914, and was in the trenches before he was seventeen. He has not been home on leave for over three years.

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

IRISH BRIGADE HELD DERRY WALLS.

In Trust for Ulster Division.

Captain Stephen Gwynn, M.P., Irish Recruiting Council, in a letter to Alderman Sir Robert Anderson, Mayor of Derry, regarding recruiting in the Maiden City, says -- "where I last met Derry men in large numbers there was no thought of anything but our common credit -- that was on the ridge in front of Messines, where the 16th and 36th divisions lay side by side. Once it happened that our right flank was moved up a little, and I was the officer sent up to take over the section of the line from the Ulster troops who were holding it. They were the 10th Inniskillings, and their Commanding Officer, Colonel Macrory, showed me round the line. All the trenches had names that were familiar to me, but at last we came to a strong point about the head of a mine shaft where there was a great accumulation of sandbags. Colonel Macrory said to me rather sadly, 'We call this place Derry Walls, but I suppose that when your fellows come in here they will be changing all their names?' I said to him, 'Colonel Macrory, we wont change a name of them, and we will hold Derry Walls for you.' 'We did hold Derry Walls for six months, and I may say that I myself nearly got my death in it in more ways than one between shellfire and sickness. And after six months, we gave it back to the Ulstermen, and it was from there they went over on the day when the two divisions, side by side, captured Messines and Wytschaete, the day when Willie Redmond fell gloriously and was carried out dying by Ulster troops. Those are the memories on which I should like to see every man in Derry fix his mind. Any man who really cares for the record of Irish troops will not wish to see the ranks of Irish regiments filled with unwilling conscripts. The trust of their fame is too high a thing to be committed by those who freely undertake it.

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

DROWNED WHILE GOING TO GATHER BLACKBERRIES.

Dromore Woman's Sad End.

A sad drowning accident occurred at Moreland's Meadow, a short distance from Dromore, resulting in the death of a woman named Mary Ann Taylor, of Mount Street. It appears that, accompanied by a Mrs. M'Keown, wife of Private George M'Keown, Mrs. Ward, wife of Sergeant James Ward, and some children, she set out to gather blackberries at Morelands Hill, which is approached by crossing the River Lagan over a small footbridge of planks. On arrival at the footbridge she and Mrs. M'Keown proceeded to cross over, Taylor being in front. She got dizzy in mid-stream, and clutching at Mrs. M'Keown's hand, both fell into the water, which was flowing very strongly owing to the recent floods. Those still on the bank raised the alarm, and Mrs. M'Keown was able to get out with assistance, but Taylor was carried away far the rush of water. Mr. John F. Diamond, hearing the cries of the woman, divested himself of hat and coat and, running along the river bank for a quarter of a mile, plunged in and succeeded in bring the body to land. He says that there seemed to be signs of life, but he was too exhausted to be able to render much assistance. Dr. Carlisle arrived on the scene a few minutes later, but pronounced life extinct.

 

^ top of page

Lisburn Standard - Friday, 27 September, 1918

Marriage

M'GEOWN--QUINN -- Sept. 11, 1918, at Ballinderry Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. J. Meek, B.A., assisted by Rev. R. G. M'Farland, B.A., James E., eldest son of Joseph M'Geown, Prospect Hall, Aghagallon, to Sarah G., eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Quinn, Laurel Hill, Ballinderry.

Death

M'NALLY -- Sept. 22, at Sprucefield, Lisburn, Elizabeth, widow of the late William M'Nally. Her remains were interred in the family burying-ground, Blaris, on Tuesday afternoon at 4 o'clock.

Roll of Honour

M'CORMACK -- Killed in action in France on Sunday, 22nd inst., Major Campbell M'Neill M'Cormack, M.B., M.C., R.A.M.C., dearly-loved husband of Ella Todd M'Cormack, aged 27 years.

M'CORMACK -- Killed in action in France on Sunday, 22nd inst., Major Campbell M'Neill M'Cormack, M.B., M.C., R.A.M.C., youngest and dearly-loved son of William and Sarah E. M'Cormack, Hillhall House, Lisburn, aged 27 years.

Clippings

SOME EXTRACTS FROM THE

RECORDS OF OLD LISBURN

AND THE MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- --

Edited by JAMES CARSON.

-- -- --

CII.

-- -- --

WILLIAM BARBOUR & SONS, LTD., HILDEN.

(London "Times," March 17th, 1913.)

At Hilden, on the River Lagan, about seven miles south of Belfast, and close to Lisburn, on the line of the Great Northern Railway Company, stands one of the most interesting village industrial communities in the United Kingdom; for it is here that are to be found the world-famed Linen Thread, Twine, and Net Works of Messrs. William Barbour & Sons, Limited, which for the last 130 years have been associated with the same family.

Of Ulster's industrial centres, no place has a more varied and interesting history than Lisburn, one of the handsomest and most prosperous towns in Ireland. Through all the ups and down of Irish affairs the development of Lisburn's principal industry -- namely, the manufacture of linen thread -- has consistently progressed, until now the products of this town and of the adjacent village of Hilden, penetrate into every civilised region, and are universally recognised as the best of their kind in the world.

The establishment of the Linen Thread Industry, which has brought such fame to this portion or Ulster was due to the enterprise of Mr. John Barbour, a native of Paisley, in Scotland, who in 1784, when engaged on one of his frequent visits to Ireland for the purchase of linen yarns for Scottish factories, was impressed with the opportunities existing for the introduction into Ireland of the linen thread-making industry, which had not as yet been taken up by the Irish linen manufacturers. So satisfied was he that this adjunct would prove successful if grafted on to the Irish linen trade that he forthwith took steps to establish it, in what he regarded as its proper environment; and for this purpose he erected small mills at the Plantation, Lisburn. As it was an entire novelty in the country, it became necessary, at the same time, to undertake the instruction of young women of the neighbourhood in the art of thread-making. They proved apt pupils, and at their new work they found themselves able to earn higher wages than they had ever before known. The industry thus inaugurated in 1784 has now grown to stupendous dimensions. Its history is interesting.

In 1823 Mr. John Barbour was succeeded by his two sons, John and William. Dissolving partnership with his brother, William Barbour removed to the present admirable site at Hilden, adjoining the River Lagan, and facing the Great Northern Railway subsequently constructed. Twelve years later he purchased the original business at the Plantation, and removed the plant to the works at Hilden which be had previously erected. Having now become sole proprietor, he pushed the business with unflagging energy, enlarging the works from time to time to accommodate the ever-growing demands for the firm's products.

Mr. William Barbour died in 1875, but the business still remained in the hands of the family, the management descending to his sons, John D., Robert, Samuel, and Thomas Barbour, who added still further to the extent of the works, whilst at the same time they maintained the high reputation of the firm's productions.

Advantage was taken of the Limited Liability Act in 1883 to incorporate the firm as a limited company. In 1898 it widened its scope of operations by joining with other Irish, Scotch, and English thread manufacturing firms, and forming the Linen Thread Company, Limited. For the purposes of the present issue one need only mention the four Irish mills comprised in this company, vis.:--

     William Barbour & Sons, Ltd, Hilden.      Robert Stewart & Sons, Ltd., Lisburn.      F. W. Haues & Co., Ltd., Banbridge.      Dunbar, M'Master, & Co., Ltd., Gilford.

Employed in these different Irish mills is an aggregate of 4,000 hands.

The oldest and most important constituent in this group is the firm of William Barbour & Sons, Limited, started, as above described, in 1784, and continued down to the present day by the direct descendants of the original founder, one of whom -- Mr. J. Milne Barbour, D.L., J.P. -- occupies the position of chairman and managing director of the Linen Thread Company, Limited, Glasgow. The present directors of William Barbour & Sons, Limited, are -- Messrs. Frank Barbour, J. Milne Barbour, D.L., J.P.; Harold A. M. Barbour, W. Barbour Ardill, Sir James Knox, and Mr. Malcolm Gordon, who is the director in charge of the management of the Hilden and Dunmurry mills.

At the present time the works, with their environments, cover about 50 acres, and including the adjacent Dunmurry Mill, give employment to over 2,000 people, engaged in the manufacturing of linen threads, linen yarns, twines, and nets of every size and description. Linen threads are used largely by bootmakers, tailors, saddlers, bookbinders, tent makers, brush makers, and other trades, as well as for general domestic use. Fancy linen threads are required for lace making, embroidering and crochet work; whilst upholsterers employ many sorts of twine of all sizes. The amount of twine need annually in the shops for parcelling, etc., accounts for no small fraction of the company's output; whilst yarns and twists of all kinds for weaving, plaiting, braiding, lace making, knitting, etc., each form a special department of the firm's industrial activities.

One noteworthy feature with which William Barbour & Sons, Limited, is very intimately associated is the production of thread and twine for fishing lines and nets. Not only do they supply the fishing industry with these twines, but the nets and seines manufactured at Hilden, and bearing the firm's famous trade mark of the Open Band, have earned for themselves a reputation among fishermen in all parts of the world.

The exhibits of William Barbour & Sons, Limited, at the principal international expositions have met with conspicuous success, medals having been awarded for their threads at London in 1862, at Vienna in 1873, Philadelphia in 1876, at Berlin in 1877, at Paris in 1878, at Dessau in 1879, at Sydney in the same year, as well as in later years at Melbourne, Dublin, Cork, London (1883), Boston, Mass.; the World's Fair, Chicago; and the Truro Fisheries Exhibition.

Branches.

The branch factory at Dunmurry, close to Hilden, has already been mentioned; but the manufacturing enterprise of Messrs. William Barbour & Sons, Limited, has extended itself far beyond Ireland. In 1863, at Paterson, New Jersey, in the United States, and in 1886 at Ottensen, near Hamburg, in Germany, large works have been erected, the former for the production and extension of their trade in America, and the latter for the same purpose within the German Empire. Incidentally it may be mentioned that the hostile tariffs raised by those countries against British manufacturers rendered it necessary for the company to establish German and American mills if they were to retain any appreciable trade with such highly protected nations.

Thus Messrs. William Barbour & Sons, Limited, through their foreign branches, taken in conjunction with the home factories, give employment to a total of about 5,000 operatives, thereby entitling the firm to the claim of being the largest linen thread manufacturers in the world. A network of agencies has familiarised every user of linen threads, twines, etc., with the famous productions distinguished for over a century and a quarter with the device of the "Red Hand," carrying across the open palm a single word -- "Flax." The despatch department, at the mills daily demonstrates not only the multiplicity but the varied nationalities of the patrons of the firm. Indeed, William Barbour & Sons are obliged to describe the vast range of their products in their price lists in practically all the civilised languages in the world.

Model Village.

The village of Hilden -- the existence of which is due almost entirely to the growth of the Linen Thread Mills of William Harbour & Sons, Limited -- comprises with its surroundings some 36 houses built by the firm for their operatives, containing a population, including women and children, of over 2,000 inhabitants. The "housing question" has been solved at Hilden, which now affords a model village for the imitation both of employers and municipalities. The foremen live in semidetached cottages standing in their own grounds, built not with a mere view to utility but also with a sense of artistic fitness. The houses are indeed quite neat little villas. The less elaborate red brick cottages for the use of the workpeople are wholly free from that sordid aspect which so often appertains to working-class dwellings in manufacturing centres.

For the younger members of the community the firm hare recently erected one of the most admirable primary schools in Ireland, lacking nothing that can minister to the health and comfort of the teaching staff and the scholars, who number over 350. Evening and recreative classes are also in contemplation for those of older growth.

In addition to the ordinary class-rooms the school building is provided with a spacious model kitchen equipped with an up-to-date cooking range and all the necessary utensils. The kitchen has been designed to serve a strictly utilitarian purpose. Lessons in cooking and domestic management are given to the girl pupils with a view to rendering them better able in after life to undertake the care and duties of a home of their own. Everything, in fact, is done at Hilden to promote the bodily and also the intellectual welfare of the firm's employees. Not the least of the many amenities provided for the employees is a large dining hall, situate in close proximity to the works, in which hot meals are served at cost price.

The mills of Messrs. Robert Stewart & Sons, Limited, are situate in the town uf Lisburn itself, being only about a mile and a quarter distant from the works of Messrs. William Barbour & Sons, Limited, above referred to. Here about 600 hands are employed. This firm was established in the year 1835, and its name and trade mark is well known all over the world for all classes of threads that are used in tailoring, shoe manufacturing, and leather industries.

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

THE ISLAND SPINNING COMPANY, LTD.

The island in the River Lagan was originally known as Vitriol Island, and was the site of famous chemical works, with which was connected Dr. Crawford, a renowned chemist, who then lived in the old mansion now known as Roseville and occupied by Mr. George H. Clarke, J.P.

Messrs. John M'Cance and William John Handcock were then owner's of this island, which contains more than three statute acres.

The Island Spinning Company was established in the year 1867, the premises having been purchased from Mr. J. J. Richardson. This gentleman represented Lisburn in the Imperial Parliament from 1853 to 1857. The original flax spinning mill was built by Mr. Samuel Richardson in 1840, who, having died in 1847, was succeeded by his brother, Mr. J. J. Richardson, who added materially to the size of the mill.

In 1871 the company added an extensive weaving factory, and in 1882 they introduced into their business the production of linen threads of all kinds for hand and machine sewing. About 1,000 persons are employed, many of whom reside in the firm's houses; the workers are also supplied with a suitable and comfortable dining hall. The chairman of the company in 1906 was Mr. Joseph Richardson, of Springfield -- a gentleman long connected with the linen trade of Ulster -- the managing director Mr. George R Clarke.

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ROBERT STEWART & SONS, LTD.

Close to the railway station at Lisburn the flax spinning mills and thread manufacturing works of Messrs. Robert Stewart & Sons, Limited, are seen from the trains of the Great Northern Railway. The works are very conveniently and pleasantly situated within the town limits, and with workers' houses, etc., cover about ten statute acres. The history of Robert Stewart & Sons, Limited, as flax spinners, linen and shoe thread manufacturers; commenced in the year 1835. In that year Robert Stewart, of Lisburn, began twisting thread here by hand, and in the course of a few years afterwards he had about 3,000 spindles at work, spinning the yarn used in the manufacture of the thread. In the year 1845 Mr. Stewart took into partnership his sons Robert and James Andrew, from which date the firm traded under the style of Robert Stewart & Sons. Robert Stewart, senior, died in the year 1858, but the business was actively continued by the brothers until the year 1882, when Robert Stewart, junior, died as the result of an accident, leaving his brother James Andrew sole proprietor of the concern. Many extensions had been carried out in the lifetime of Robert Stewart, junior, and the continued growth of the trade of the firm rendered it necessary a few years after his death for the surviving partner to erect an entire new spinning mill, which was completed in the year 1889. This is a handsome structure, built on the most modern designs, and fitted throughout with the most approved sanitary arrangements. The comfort of the workers is ensured by the installation of the most efficient ventilating arrangements. The works are lighted throughout by electricity, and employ almost 1,000 hands, a large proportion of which are females. Tailors' threads and shoemakers' threads, both for hand and machine sewing, are specialities of this firm. In the year 1899 the firm became incorporated in the Linen Thread Company, Limited.

(Nest week: Old Belfast and its Vicinity, by R. M. Young.)

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INTERESTING RECRUIT.

Mr. Patrick Kehoe, Skeeter Park, Murrintown, County Wexford, a prominent figure in Sinn Fein and Gaelic League circles, has joined the Navy. He was captain of the Barntown Volunteers, and was deported after the rebellion. On his release from Frongooh he resumed his Sinn Fein activities, and was secretary of the Barntown Club.

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THE WAR.

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GREAT WEEK FOR ALLIES

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TURKS STILL ON THE RUN.

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ANOTHER BIG OFFENSIVE IN THE WEST.

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The past week has been crowned with further important successes for the Allied armies, and bigger things are imminent. Yesterday morning Marshal Foch launched a big Franco-American attack on both sides of the Argonne, a forty-mile front between the Snippes and the Meuse. To the left of the Argonne the French have advanced almost four miles, and "operations are developing under satisfactory conditions."

The American attack was on a twenty-mile front north-west of Verdun, and penetrated to a depth of seven miles. They have stormed many of the places famous during the great Verdun fighting, and so far taken over 5,000 prisoners.

On the British Western front only local operations are reported,, in which we made progress and defeated sharp counterattacks both at St. Quentin and La Bassee. Sir Douglas Haig especially praises the work of two divisions of the Ninth Corps.

Following the great successes achieved in Macedonia, British forces have invaded Bulgaria itself, and the rout of the Bulgarians proceeds apace. Ishtip and Veles have been captured, 10,000 prisoners and 200 guns taken, and two of the enemy armies definitely sundered.

In Palestine the pursuit of the Turk continues. The prisoners taken here, according to the latest official return, amount to over 40,000, but further captures have been made at Lake Tiberias and on the Hedjaz Railway, where we have occupied Amman and are advancing swiftly swiftly north. Our total casualties in Palestine since the 18th inst. are less than one-tenth of the prisoners taken.

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KILLED IN ACTION.

Major Campbell M'Neill M'Cormack, M.C.

No death since the war began has been learned of with more profound and poignant regret in Lisburn and neighbourhood than that of Major Campbell M'Neill M'Cormack, M.C, R.A.M.C, youngest son of Mr. William M'Cormack and Mrs. M'Cormack, Hillhall House. Most of Major M'Cormack's friends had begun, to look upon him, as the saying goes, as one of the lucky ones of the war, and when a little time ago it was announced that he was wounded, the news quickly followed that his injuries were not of a serious nature, and it was felt that his good luck would hold. Alas! we were all disappointed in that, and Major M'Cormack was killed in a forward area on the 22nd inst., just two days after rejoining his unit after coming out of hospital.

The late Major M'Cormack received the rudiments of his early education in the Carr and Ballymacbrennan National Schools. He proved a particularly clever boy, and it was looked on as only a matter of course when he won an entrance scholarship to the Lisburn Intermediate School. He entered on his studies here with zest, and he fulfilled the expectations of those who new him when he won the exhibition in the junior grade. An exhibition in the middle grade followed, and keeping the sequence unbroken he annexed the premier honours in the senior grade -- an exhibition and gold medal -- and he crowned his studies by securing an entrance scholarship of £30 to that famous nursery of famous men of which we in Ulster are so proud -- Queen's University.

Having decided to go in for medicine, he made rapid progress in his studies at Queen's. He passed through all the necessary stages with flying colours, and obtained his M.B. degree in June, 1914. On entering the University he joined the Officers' Training Corps, and here again brains and sound commonsense stood him in good stead. He not only gained his proficiency certificate in the shortest possible time, but in his second year had the much-coveted distinction of having his name inscribed on the silver cup which is presented annually for the best shot in the company. He also won four bronze medals for training.

Following the obtaining of his final, Dr. M'Cormack decided to join the Reserve of Officers (R.A.M.C), and at the end of June he proceeded to Aldershot for preliminary training. He qualified just a few days before the war broke out, and had written home to friends expressing the pleasure he entertained at getting a few days holiday after his hard studies when he got orders from the War Office to "stand by.". The war cloud darkened, then burst, and the longed-for holiday was not to be thought of. Lieut. M'Cormack was ordered at once on active service, and by the irony of fate his first duty was to proceed to Dublin in charge of two companies of soldiers -- so near home and yet so far. On returning to Aldershot he was straightway packed off to France with the First Expeditionary Force, the gallant old "contemptibles," arriving on French soil on August 8th, 1914

In the early days of the war the young doctor had many trying and terrible experiences, particularly on the retreat from Mons and at the fighting at famous Hill 60. Writing home immediately afterwards, he said it was really a miracle more of them did not get knocked out. In January, 1916, Major M'Cormack (then Captain) was mentioned in Sir John French's (now Viscount French, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland) despatches "for gallant and distinguished conduct in the field; and in September of the same year he was awarded the Military Cross.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations. He directed the stretcher-bearers, under heavy shell fire, with the greatest coolness and courage. He succeeded in entering a village which had been heavily shelled, and, with another captain, a sergeant, and four men, collected the wounded into a dugout and succeeded in getting them back later. He has frequently shown great courage.

About two months ago Major M'Cormack won a bar to his M.C, but the deed for which this was granted has not yet been officially gazetted.

On September 12, 1917, in Drumbo Presbyterian Church, in the presence of many well-wishers and friends; he was married to Miss Ella Todd Warnock, Fernlea, Eastleigh Drive, Belfast, only daughter of the late Rev. William James Warnock, B.A., D.D., formerly minister of Drumbo, and of Kroonstad, South Africa. His death is lamented by all who knew him, and deep sympathy is extended to the sorrowing family at Hillhall, and to his young wife, so suddenly and sadly bereaved just a year following her bridal day.

Fitting and appropriate reference was made to Major M'Cormack's death at the Lisburn Board of Guardians on Tuesday, where, on the motion of Mr. Arthur Maxwell, seconded by Mr. M'Connell, a vote of condolence was passed in silence, and ordered to be forwarded to the bereaved widow and parents. Lady Keightley (chairman) said she had not the pleasure of knowing Major M'Cormack personally, but she had watched his marvellous career with keen interest. It was dreadful to lose such brilliant young men.

Sergeant James Kane.

Sergeant James Kane, R.I.R., who was killed in action on the 25th ult., resided at Lisburn Street, Hillsborough, and was a member of the local battalion U.V.F. His widow is at present living at 262 Conway Street, Belfast.

Rifleman Albert Hawthorn.

Rifleman Albert Hawthorn, R.I.R., killed in action on the 2nd inst., belongs to Magheragall, where his wife resides. His brother-in-law, Sergeant John Phillips, is on active service.

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DUNMURRY V.A.D. NURSE DIES AT GENOA.

The death took place at a military hospital in Genoa on 23rd inst. of Nurse W. M. I. Baily, youngest daughter of the late. Mr. William Charley, D.L., Seymour Hill, Dunmurry, and sister of Mr. E. J. Charley, J.P., now of Seymour Hill. Deceased was formerly in the Dunmurry V.A.D., and served in the U.V.F. Hospital, Belfast, in 1915, and in York Military Hospital in 1916. In 1917 she volunteered for foreign service, and was posted to Salonica, and later to the Italian Expeditionary Force. Deceased was married at Los Angeles to Mr. S. Baily, an English gentleman.

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WAR HONOURS.

Distinguished Flying Cross.

Second-Lieut. WILLIAM RUSSELL PATEY, Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross

For consistent good work, gallantry, and skill as an observer on long-distance bombing raids and photographic reconnaissances. During a raid three months ago his machine was heavily engaged by hostile aircraft. By very judicious management he remained master of the situation, and eventually destroyed one of the enemy machines. During the past month he has again displayed notable qualities or airmanship whilst encountering large numbers of enemy aircraft. Lieut. Patey is always prepared to carry out any kind of operation entrusted to him, and the spirit he has shown when attacked has been of inestimable value to the squadron.

Second-Lieut. William R. Patey is a son of Mr. F. R. Patey, Magheragall, Lisburn. He obtained his commission in the Rifles on 10th December, 1916, and was wounded while serving with a Belfast battalion in June, 1917. Subsequently he was attached to the Royal Air Force.

Military Cross Awards.

Lieut. WILLIAM ERNEST COULTER, Leinster Regiment, son of Mr. Stewart Coulter, Railway Street, Lisburn --

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in commend of two platoons attacking a hill held by four machine guns and about sixty rifles. On nearing the position he rushed ahead of his men and forced nine of the enemy to surrender, shooting one who was about to fire point-blank at one of his men. His personal courage and coolness inspired his men to carry out the attack with vigour and celerity, enabling then to capture an officer and 28 men.

All Lieut. Coulter's service has been in the East. He left for Salonica immediately following the Irish rebellion, Easter, 1916, and after several months' service there was sent to Palestine. He was mentioned in despatches some time ago. A brother, Lieut. Victor Coulter, who is serving on the Western front, has been twice mentioned in despatches.

Lieut. SAMUEL DEANS, Royal Irish Rifles, youngest son of Mr. James Deans, principal of Ballymacbrennan School, Lisburn --

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy attack. Under heavy fire, he showed disregard of danger, and by his cool cheerfulness and spirit greatly encouraged his men.

Lieut. Deans was commissioned on the 8th February, 1916, and went to Flanders in

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July of that year. A year later he received his second star, and for a period has been acting captain. In October last he married Miss Elizabeth M'Keown, eldest daughter of Mr. James M'Keown, Graham's Place, Lisburn.

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MAJOR WILLIAM RUSSELL, M.C., GASSED.

Major William Russell, M.C., M.B., R.A.M.C., who was gassed on the 15th September, is a son of Mr. Frank Russell, veterinary surgeon, Ballynahinch, and brother of Mr. Frank Russell, V.S., Lisburn. Major Russell is a graduate of Queen's University of Belfast. He was awarded the Military Cross last winter for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, the "London Gazette" stating that when his regimental outpost was blown in, and most of the personnel and wounded killed, he went up to it through a heavy barrage and succeeding in evacuating all the survivors. On six occasions during the day he guided parties of bearers and brought back wounded, always in the open under heavy fire. Major Russell was mentioned in despatches by Sir Douglas Haig in May, 1917.

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WAR SONG.

"STAND TO YOUR ARMS."

Ev'ry man to the Ships, ev'ry man to the Ranks,
     Ev'ry man to his place of pride,
Till ye line as one, by the grim grey gun,
     On the torn and trench'd hillside!
Wherever ye be, on land or sea,
     At this hour of a world's alarms.
There's only one clarion call for all,
     And that is "Stand to your arms."

Refrain.

Aye, "Stand to your arms" with the shoulders squar'd,
     And the brave blood beating high,
For your Right is your Might in the tangl'd fight,
     And your password is "Do or Die."

O ye of old whose lifeblood flow'd
     in the war or the long ago,
Fill high the hearts of our lads, to-day
     With the same immortal glow,
Till the strife is done, and the battle's won,
     And Victory waves her palms.
And Freedom clasps her sons to her breast--
     Her sons who "Stood to their arms."

Refrain.

Aye, "Stand to your arms" with the shoulders squar'd,
     And the brave blood beating high,
For your Right is your Might in the tangl'd fight,
     And your password is "Do or Die."

Chorus

Aye, "Stand to your arms" with the shoulders squar'd,
     And the brave blood beating high,
For your Right is your Might in the tangl'd fight,
     And your password is "Do or Die."

Words by the late Lieut.-Colonel Dudley Sampson. Set to music by Lady Arthur Hill.

 

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