The Witness - Friday, 2 March 1917

Marriage

PAUL--SMYTH -- February 22, at the residence of the bride's parents, by special licence, by Rev. Jas. Stewart, M.A., Rev. David Paul, second-lieutenant R.I.R., eldest son of James Paul, Crewe, to May, oldest daughter of John Smyth, Kilrea.

Deaths

BELL -- February 25, at his residence, Ballynageeragh, Crumlin, John Bell.

BODDIE -- February 24, at Ardbana House, Coleraine, Mary Gilmour, dearly-loved wife of Geoffrey W. Boddie, only daughter of W. R. and M. G. Kennedy, Coleraine.

BRICE SMYTH -- February 27, at Gloucester Asylum (of which he was Medical Superintendent), Dr. Robert Brice Smith, second son of Dr. Brice Smyth, Belfast.

BROWN -- February 23, at Killaughy, Millisle, Agnes, relict of the late Hugh Brown, aged 80 years.

CALDWELL -- February 24, at his residence, Ballynaskeagh, Loughbrickland, William Caldwell.

CLARK -- February 22, at her residence, Ballyno, Antrim, Mary Isobella, younger daughter of the late Alexander Clark.

DE WIND -- February 27, at Kinvara, Comber, Co. Down, Arthur Hughes De Wind, C.E., in his 80th year.

DOUTHER -- February 24, at his residence, Hollow Farm, Islandmagee, Arthur Browne Douther.

DUNCAN -- February 27, at her residence, Carnmoney, Jane Strange M'Clung, the beloved wife of Peter A. Duncan.

FORRESTER -- February 23, at Granville, Helen's Bay, Matthew, youngest son of the late Alexander Forrester, Annadale, Newtownbreda.

GAULT -- February 26, 1917, at the Manse, M'Kelvey's Grove, Castleblayney, Annie, the dearly-beloved wife of Rev. S. Gault, LL.D.

HART -- February 23, at her residence, Ardeen, Bellahill, Carrickfergus, Mary Anne Mann, beloved wife of Robert Hart.

HOPPER -- February 25, at his residence, Drumshambo, Cookstown, Robert B. Hopper.

HUMPHRIES -- February 21, at her residence, The Avenue, Derryadd, Lurgan, Mary, relict of the late Thomas Humphries.

KENNEDY -- February 24, at Ballylinney Manse, Ballyclare, Ethel Louise, wife of Rev. W. M. Kennedy, and daughter of the late Rev. Robert Henry, Limavady.

KERR -- February 26, at her residence, Hinchago House, Rathfriland, Margaret Kerr.

LAVERTY -- February 26, at his residence, 8½, Clooney Terrace, Londonderry, Hugh Henry Laverty, T.C., son of the late Mr. Henry Laverty, builder, Belfast.

MAGILL -- February 23, at her residence, Drumlee, Susanna, relict of the late Robert Magill.

MONTGOMERY -- February 6, Mary A. Montgomery, widow of the late Henry Montgomery, Denamona House, Fintona, Tyrone.

MONTGOMERY -- February 29, at her father's residence, Milltown House, Ballyclare, Charlotte Elizabeth (Dolly), dearly-beloved daughter of Robert and Charlotte Montgomery.

MOORHEAD -- February 26, at Laurel Villa, Magherafelt, John, only son of the late Wm. Moorhead, Cornafaghey, Smithborough, Co. Monaghan.

MULLEN -- February 22, at her residence, Osborne Terrace, Portadown, Elizabeth, relict of the late John Mullen, Laurelvale.

M'ALISTER -- February 23, 1917, at her residence, 62, University Street, Belfast, Martha M'Gowan, wife of W. S. M'Alister, and only daughter of the late James Stevenson, formerly of Dromore, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

M'CANN -- February 24, at her residence, Mealough, Carryduff, Agnes, relict of the late Wm. M'Cann.

M'KEE -- February 28, at her mother's residence, Magheraknock, Bailie's Mills, Lisburn, Mary Ann, youngest and dearly-beloved daughter of Mary Ann and the late Robert M'Kee.

REA -- February 23, at her residence, Saw Mills, Antrim, Ann, relict of the late Samuel Rea.

ROBINSON -- February 21, at Casaeldono, Castlereagh, Thomas Robinson.

WADDELL -- February 22, at his residence, Ballygowan House, Banbridge, Hugh Waddell, son of the late James Waddell.

WALLACE -- February 27, at Loughries, Newtownards, Anna Jane Wallace.

WYLLIE -- February 25, at Troquair, Russell Gardens, Golders Green, London, N.W., Thomas William Wyllie, late of Osborne Park, Belfast.

In Memoriam

WALLACE -- In loving memory of Jane Annie, wife of Campbell Wallace, who died 2nd March, 1910.

Clippings

EPITOME OF GENERAL NEWS

In Kelso Parish Church the Duke of Roxburghe was ordained to the eldership of the congregation. The Duchess was among the worshippers.

While running to catch a train Dr. Isaac W. Usher, of Dundrum, County Dublin, was knocked down near Dundrum Station by a motor car and killed.

The Rev. Daniel Rowlands, ex-Principal of Bangor Normal College and ex-Moderator of the General Assembly of Wales, has died at the age of 90.

A memorial in support of some form of military training as a qualification for the first degree, is being circulated for signature among the resident graduates of Cambridge.

At the Matriculation Examination of the University of London in January, 112 students were successful in the First Division, and 523 in the Second. In addition twenty-four certificates in various subjects were awarded.

A German scientist, Professor, Jackenach, of Berlin, claims to have prepared a new kind of bread made principally of carrots. The dough is orange coloured. The crust is quite black. Taste and smell are described as "bearable."

Between, August 1, 1914, and January 31 last, the number of fatal accidents in London due to enforced darkness was 954, Mr. MacVeagh has been informed by the Home Secretary, while the number killed by Zeppelins was 137.

The Chemnitz "Volkstimme," a German Socialist paper, says -- The Vice-Chancellor, Herr Helfferich, informed a deputation of the municipality of Munich, that all private cooking will soon be abolished in Germany, and mass meals compulsorily introduced.

Under pretext of a coal crisis, the German Governor of Belgium has ordered all buildings devoted to public or private education to close, and has seized all coal supplies. The use of gas or electric light in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and theatres has been greatly restricted.

Commander Anderson, R.N., was awarded £930 bounty on behalf of the officers and crew of H.M.S. Amphion, and thirteen destroyers which took part in the destruction of the German minelayer, Konigen Luise, in which action the first shots of the war were fired.

Deported Belgians who are over military age will, it is now reported, be sent back to Belgium. Those of military age will no longer be obliged to work, but will be confined in concentration camps, to which those of military age who are still in Belgium will be deported.

Mrs. Maria Sawkins, a Co. Kildare woman, who has celebrated her 101st birthday at Deal, is cutting new teeth. Her husband went through the Crimean war, and she herself often saw the Duke of Wellington. She never used spectacles, and up to the present smokes a clay pipe.

At the Petrograd Museum of Enemy Methods of Warfare is a pen given to a Russian lieutenant by an Austrian sergeant who had been taken prisoner. When the lieutenant was removing the old nib the pen exploded, blowing off one of his fingers and wounding him in the leg.

The death took place on Saturday of Ven. Robert Walsh, D.D., Protestant Archdeacon of Dublin, and Rector of Donnybrook. Dr. Walsh was a man of wide learning and varied gifts, and held many offices importance in the Church, where his worth as a capable organiser and man of affairs was widely recognised.

Alderman William Tougher, J.P. of Danesfort, Annadale, was formally sworn in on Friday as High Sheriff of Belfast, the ceremony taking place in the City Hall. Mr. James Quail, solicitor, was at the same time re-sworn as Under-Sheriff. The High Sheriff, who is a leading member of Townsend Street Presbyterian Church, has been the recipient of many congratulations on his appointment to ancient and responsible office.

At Belfast judgment was issued in the Board of Trade inquiry relative to the conduct of the Newcastle lifeboat crew on the occasion of the wreck of the Danish schooner Fulvia. The Court, keeping in view the contradictory evidence, is unable to attach any blame to the coxswain or any member of the crew of the lifeboat, but regrets that the grapnel was not thrown. The Court finds that the Royal National Lifeboat Institution carried out its functions and its measures for saving life in all respects satisfactorily.

Mr. Neville Chamberlain, the Director-General of National Service, addressing a crowded meeting in St. Andrew's Hall, Glasgow, said he had been authorised to say that if compulsion was introduced those who now volunteered would then be automatically released from all the undertakings into which they might have entered, so that everybody should start fresh on the same fair footing. Regarding the classification of industries, another list would be issued immediately of restricted occupations, and an Order would be made that no more male labour was to be employed without express permission of the Director-General of National Service. He counselled women to have patience.

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DEATH OF MR. ARTHUR M'ILVEEN.

Deep and widespread regret is felt in the neighbourhood of Carryduff at the sudden and unexpected death of Mr. M'Ilveen. Belonging to a family which has in all its history been associated with and rendered enduring service to the Presbyterian Church, he nobly upheld the honoured traditions of the name he bore. He took an active interest in all branches of church work, and was a most generous supporter of all church funds. For charitable and benevolent objects no one ever appealed to him in vain. He was a man of the highest integrity of character, with steadfast loyalty to the convictions he bore. The genuine friendliness of his disposition and his kindly nature won for him a large circle of friends, by whom he was much beloved. Mr. M'Ilveen was a son of the late Mr. Allen M'Ilveen, and a brother to the late Rev. Dr. M'Ilveen and Mr. William M'Ilveen, Belfast. The funeral took place on Saturday morning. The large and representative cortege testified to the respect and esteem in which Mr. M'Ilveen was held by those who were acquainted with him. The devotional services at the house and graveside were conducted by Revs. S. Dickson, Saintfield, and S. Lindsay and William Colquhoun, Belfast.

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LATE LIEUT. D. I. INGLIS, DROGHEDA

On Sabbath night a memorial service for the late Lieut. Douglas Ian Inglis, eldest son of Mr. J. Inglis, St. James', Drogheda, who was killed by the explosion of an enemy shell in France, was held in the Presbyterian Church, Palace Street, Drogheda. There was a large congregation present, and the pulpit was draped with a Union Jack. The lessons were read by the Rev. Alex. Cairns, pastor of the Methodist Church, and Psalms and hymns appropriate to the solemn occasion were sung. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Alex. Hall, B.A., who selected as his text 2nd Timothy ii, 3 -- Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." At the conclusion of an eloquent discourse, the preacher said he desired to say a few words about the young man whom they mourned for that nighty Douglas Ian Inglis, known to most of them from a child. He joined the King's forces after the outbreak of war in 1914, and having undergone training in England, he went to the front. Subsequently he was given his commission, and he was killed in action on Wednesday, 7th Feb., by the explosion of a shell. They sorrowed for him, not as those who have no hope. As his pastor it had been his privilege to admit him to communion last year after the usual examination on the subject of Christian knowledge -- especially of the centrai truth of Christianity. That decision was taken by the young man on his own initiative and they were thankful to God for it to-day. They had no reason to doubt that he was a gallant soldier of King George, while he acted all through as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. They tendered to Mr. and Mrs. Inglis their heartfelt sympathy on this the terrible trial, and prayed that the God of all comfort may sustain them, and that under His providential hand their great sacrifice may prove not to have been offered in vain.

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DEATH OF MR. J. T. MILLER, DERRY

The death has occurred suddenly of Mr. Jas. T. Miller, Lisaghmore, Trench, Derry, one of the oldest and best known members of the Orange Order in the North-West. Deceased had been manager in the collar department of Messrs. Tillie & Henderson for almost thirty years. By his employers and all in the factory, as well as by the citizens generally, he was held in the highest esteem. He was Deputy Master of the City of Derry Grand Lodge, P.D.M. of the City of Derry L.O.L. No. 1 District, and P.W.M. of Glendermott No Surrender Lodge L.O.L. No. 1688. An elder of Glendermott Presbyterian Church, he was held in deep respect and honoured for his exemplary life and faithful service. Glendermott U.V.F. also had in Mr. Miller a true and staunch friend.

 

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The Witness - Friday, 9 March 1917

Marriage

RODNEY--LESLIE -- March 5, at Belmont Church, Belfast, by Rev. John MacDermott, M.A., D.D., Major Lennox George Brydges Rodney, 1st Battalion R.I.R., only son of the late Lieut.-Colonel Rodney, J.P., and Mrs. Rodney, "Berrington," Alverstoke, Hampshire, and great grandson of Admiral Rodney, to Gwendolen Agnes, second daughter of R. W. Leslie, M.D., LL.D., and Mrs. Leslie, "St. Helen's," Strandtown, Belfast, and granddaughter of the late Rev. John Knox Leslie, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone.

Deaths

ATKINSON -- March 5, Margaret Bruce, dearly-loved wife of Francis Atkinson, 3, Carrisbrooke Terrace, Upper Clifton, Bangor, Co. Down.

BEGGS -- March 4, at his residence, Scotch Quarter, Carrickfergus, William H. Beggs.

BELL -- March 2, at his father's residence, Clounagh Cottage, Portadown, Lewis George, eldest son of G. L. and L. Bell.

BOLAND -- March 3, at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. Wm. Robinson, Greenan, Hanna, beloved wife of James Boland, Moneycree, Armagh.

BRUCE -- March, 5, at Thorndale, Belfast, James Bruce, D.L., of Benburb Manor, Co. Tyrone, aged 82.

CORBETT -- March 4, at the residence of her brother-in-law, Knock Cairn, Jane Corbett.

DAVISON -- March 6, at her mother's residence, Lisnamintry, Portadown, Mary, wife of Thomas R. Davison, 16, Ballycarry Street, Belfast.

DOUGLAS -- March 6, 1917, at a Private Nursing Home, Belfast, Letitia Hanna, wife of James Douglas, Maine, Drumsurn, Co. Derry.

EDWARDS -- March 2, Helena Page, beloved wife of R. C. Edwards, Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, Nagasaki, Japan.

ERWIN -- March 3, at the residence of his sister, 43, Kansas Avenue, Rev. John Erwin, late of Islebank, Southland, N.Z.

GAILEY -- March 6, at her father's residence, 35, Atlantic Avenue, Joan Margaret Mearns Gailey, only daughter of W. J. and Nan. A. Gailey.

GAULT -- February 26, 1917, at the Manse, M'Kelvy's Grove, Castleblayney, Annie, the dearly-beloved wife of Rev. S. Gault, LL.D.

GILCHRIST -- March 3, at Northern Bank House, Londonderry, Mary Alexandra, the dearly-loved wife of Thomas J. Gilchrist.

GRAHAM -- March 2, at her residence, Erindale, Ballyholme, Bangor, Mary M. Graham, widow of the late George M. Graham, and eldest daughter of the late W. J, Seeton, Erindale, Ballynafeigh, Belfast.

HANCOCK -- March 1, at South Queensferry, Scotland, Helen Sarah, wife of Capt. Charles Strongman Hancock, 4th Highland Light Infantry, elder daughter of the late G. A. Johnstone Muir, Larne, and of Mrs. Muir, The Vicarage, Glenavy, Co. Antrim.

HEZLET -- March 3, at her residence, Rock Ryan, Portrush, Elizabeth Hezlet.

HILL -- March 3, at her residence, Loretto Cottage, The Parade, Donaghadee, Margaret Hill.

HOUSTON -- March 6, at her residence, Ballymacilcurr, Culnady, Maggie Elizabeth, dearly-beloved wife of Joseph A. Houston.

KNOX -- March 2, at his residence, The Cottage, Lisnaskea, Thos. Knox, L.R.C.S.I., L.K.Q.C.P.I.

LAUGHLIN -- March 7, at Chieveley, King's Road, Knock, James A. Laughlin.

MAGILL -- March 3, at her residence, Gransha, Islandmagee, Isabella, widow of the late James Magill.

MAYNE -- March 2, at her residence, Ballybracken, Ballynure, Margaret Graham, the dearly-beloved wife of Robert Mayne.

MILLAR -- March 5, at her residence, Ballyrobin, Mary Millar, aged 78 years.

MOFFETT -- February 24, 1917, at Leahurst, Douglas Road, Cork, Emily Beatrice, the dearly-beloved wife of John Moffett, aged 34 years.

M'COUBRIE -- March 7, at her residence, Mount Pleasant, Spa, Ballynahinch, Annie, relict of the late William Bell M'Coubrie, and second daughter of the late James Heyburn, Groomsport.

M'KEE -- March 7, at the residence of her grandfather, Alexander Duggan, Elmvale, Belfast Road, Lisburn, Eliza, dearly-beloved daughter of Martha and John M'Kee (the latter on active service).

M'MASTER -- March 4, at Killyless, Cullybackey, Eliza, beloved wife of Malcolm M'Master.

M'MULLAN -- March 6, at 76, Selby Street, Bella, eldest daughter of George and Mary M'Mullan, Ballycastle.

M'NAMEE -- March 1, at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Henry Joseph M'Namee, late Stationmaster, Randalstown.

NESBITT -- At Ballymena (suddenly), Robert Nesbitt, teacher, Groggan N.S.

PERRY -- March 4 (after a lingering illness), at 46, William Street, Newtownards, Martin, third son of the late Martin Perry.

PHILLIPS -- March 3, 1917, Mary Phillips, aged 82, daughter of the late Walter Phillips, Carnearney.

WALKER -- March 5, at The Sycamores, Drogheda, Eliza, widow of the late William Walker, Dungannon, aged 85 years.

WILSON -- February 20, at Johannesburg, Dr. W. Oliver Wilson, aged 31, son of John Wilson, Esq., Northern Bank House, Ballymena, and son-in-law of Rev. Lawson Burnett, senior minister of Donoughmore, Newry.

Clippings

DEATH OF MR. JAMES BRUCE, D.L.

The death has occurred, in his eighty-second year, of Mr. James Bruce, D.L., Thorndale, Antrim Road, Belfast. He was a noted philanthropist, having built the Thompson Home for Incurables at Lisburn, in memory of his father-in-law, the late Dr. W. Thompson; and contributed generously towards the Belfast Royal Victoria Hospital. He will also be remembered as a keen sportsman, especially in hunting circles. Many years ago he bought from Lord Powerscourt, as a country residence, the beautiful Manor House at Benburb, Co. Tyrone. He was a staunch Unionist, and in religion he was a member of the First Presbyterian Church (non-subscribing), Rosemary Street. His uncle, the late Dr. Bruce, was a prominent Unitarian clergyman in Belfast.

The funeral of the deceased took place yesterday, the remains being interred in the family vault at Holywood Old Church. By special request the funeral was strictly private, and only the nearest relatives and a few of the personal servants of the deceased gentleman were present. The service at the graveside was conducted by Rev. T. G. G. Collins, B.D., rector of St. James's Church. The funeral arrangements were admirably carried out by Messrs. Melville & Co,, Ltd., Townsend Street, Belfast.

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EPITOME OF GENERAL NEWS

Mrs. Clarke, of High Street, Killyleagh, died last week at the age of 101.

Two guineas a barrel were paid for oats in Roscommon market on Saturday.

Londonderry's Contribution to the U.V.F. Patriotic Fund now reaches £5,754.

The Government have decided to prolong the life of this Parliament for six months after April 30 -- which is the date when the previous extension period expires.

A fall of 14s a cwt. in flax, bringing the price to £11 a cwt. at Coleraine, was attributed to the Government Order fixing the price of best grades for aircraft purposes.

Amongst the 200 recipients of honour at Saturday's investiture by the King was Private D. R. Lauder, R. Scots, who won his V.C. by putting his foot on a bomb to localise its explosion.

The Secretary of the War Office states that a spy who was tried by court-martial last month was sentenced to death. The sentence has been commuted to one of penal servitude for life.

Exchequer returns to March 3 (four weeks of year to go) show -- Receipts, £494,418,996 (last week, £22,125,026), being £7,580,000 short of the estimate; expenditure -- £1,955,476,000 (last week, £44,921,883).

The Downpatrick Rural Council have refused to accede to a request by the local National Teachers' Association to make the notification of infectious diseases compulsory in the rural districts.

Mr. Bonar Law has written to the Chairman of the National War Savings Committee expressing thanks to the committee and to local authorities for the efforts which resulted in the War Loan triumph.

The Rev. J. B. M. Armour, of South Shields, son of the Rev. J. B. Armour, Trinity Manse, Ballymoney, has been appointed Chaplain to the Forces, with the rank of captain, and leaves for the front on the 13th inst.

The Marchioness of Aberdeen, it is stated, intends to visit Dublin shortly with the ex-Viceroy, to inaugurate an All-Ireland industrial movement, principally to employ women, with Dublin as an important toy-making centre.

Rev. John Batt died very suddenly at Sandown station (Isle of Wight) on Sabbath evening. Mr. Batt had completed half a century in the ministry, and was deputising at Cowes for a minister serving as chaplain in France.

The town workers of Cookstown, having notified the Urban Council that unless plots for tillage can be obtained at 10s each, and at a convenient place, they are not prepared to take them, the Council decided to proceed no further with the scheme.

The County Surveyor of the County Roscommon reports that he had to engage 1,400 men to clear the snow off the public roads after the recent snowfall, and that the expenditure will be equivalent to one penny in the £ on the county rates.

An appeal in the "Deutsche Tages Zeitung" says that 600 children who will be leaving the Berlin Municipal Schools on April 1 are so weak that they would collapse if they had at once to learn a trade, and suggests they should be sent to the country for three months.

G. Longfield Beasley, of Merton, was, at Croydon, fined £50 under the Realm Regulations for attempting to get an uncensored letter out of England to America. The letter had been handed to a Belgian woman, and was found on her at Liverpool by a female searcher just before a certain vessel sailed.

In his will the late Mr. H. M. Blyth, a Belfast man, of London and Mauritius, who xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

after his death a surgeon's knife should be inserted in his heart and left there till ------firmation, and that his heart and lungs should be removed for interment in the family vault.

The death has occurred at Brussels of M. Augusta Rinskopf, 65, son-in-law of the late Mr. H. Boas, Bromfield, Windsor Park, Belfast, and brother-in-law of Messrs. E. A. Boas, College Garden^; C. Boas, Windsor Park, and F. S. Boas, M.A., formerly Professor of History and English literature at Queen's College, Belfast.

The King has approved of the posthumous grant of the V.C. to Commander Loftus William Jones, R.N., of the Shark destroyer, killed in action in the course of the Jutland Battle. Commander Jones was hit by a shell, which took off his leg above the knee, but he continued to give orders to his gun's crew, while a chief stoker improvised a tourniquet round his thigh.

Ten gold medals won at Cambridge University by one of the most distinguished scholars of his year, were sent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer as a gift to the country to help to win the war. The medals have been returned, because, although the financial strain is great, it is not serious enough to permit the country to accept the sacrifice of a great scholar's laurels.

In the report of the Home Office Committee on Summer Time the committee unanimously recommended that summer time should be renewed this year and in subsequent years, and that the period of the operation should be from the second Sunday in April to the third Sunday in September each year, the variation from normal time to be one hour throughout the whole period.

Replying to Mr. Ginnell in Parliament, Mr. MacPherson said that the chief postal censor stopped four communications signed by the Town Clerk of Cork, and addressed to four Embassies and Legations at Washington with reference to the resolution of the Corporation demanding for Ireland admittance to the Peace Conference. Copies addressed to the Pope and the President of the U.S. were not stopped.

Mr. Justice Kenny, at Cavan Assizes, mentioned that there had been 1,000 applications in the country for certificates of honour to relatives of men who had joined the colours -- a remarkable record; but the most marvellous record he had heard of in connection with the war was that of Mrs. Lynch, of Arva, who had applied for certificates for nine sons, all, his lordship was glad to say, still alive.

The total supplies of meat dealt with at the London Central Markets during February, the first month of voluntary rations, weighed 23,453 tons, against 31,653 tons in January, a decrease of 8,200 tons, or 25.9 per cent. Assuming the area served by the markets to contain a population of six million, the decreased meat consumption for the first month of voluntary meat rationing is equivalent to three-quarters of a pound per head weekly.

Mr. A. W. Samuel, K.C., M.P., in an interview, said that the reason why recruiting had stopped in the North, as well as in the South, was that when Ulster workingmen went to the front they found their places were taken by men from the South. That did not seem fair. In the North the men had been afraid since the rebellion to leave their wives and children bo the mercy of the A.O.H. and other seditious bodies.

The monthly meeting of the Belfast Branch of the Secondary Teachers' Association was held at Ye Olde Castle Restaurant on Saturday. Mr. J. E. Conway, B.A., LL.B., who presided, called the attention of the meeting to the recasting of the English educational system, and said that the proposed all-round increase in the salaries of English teachers would have a permanent effect on the position of Irish secondary teachers.

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MILITARY WEDDING AT BELMONT.

A quiet but extremely pretty wedding took place on Monday afternoon at Belmont Presbyterian Church, when Major Lennox George Brydges Rodney, son of the late Lieutenant Colonel Rodney, J.P., and Mrs. Rodney, Berrington, Alverstoke, Hampshire, was married to Miss Gwendolen Agnes Leslie, second daughter of R. W. Leslie, M.D., LL.D., and Mrs. Leslie, St. Belier's, Strandtown. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Dr. MacDermott, M.A., the service being fully choral, and the solos, "O, for the Wings of a Dove" (Mendelssohn) and "Jesus, our Saviour" (Bach-Gounod) were rendered by Miss Sherrard. Mr. R. H. Horrobin presided at the organ. Miss Gladys Leslie and Miss Frank Leslie, sisters of the bride, and Miss Henry, an intimate friend, were the bridesmaids. Captain Leslie Barklie accompanied the groom as best man. Later in the afternoon Major and Mrs. Rodney left for a short honeymoon at Newcastle.

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DEATH OF REV. JOHN ERWIN, B.A.

On Tuesday, 6th inst., the remains of Rev. John Erwin, B.A., late minister of Isla Bank, Southland, New Zealand, who died at his sister's residence, 43, Kansas Avenue, Belfast, were laid to rest in the Clifton Street Cemetery. After being for some time at business Mr. Erwin proceeded to study at Queen's College, Belfast, graduating in the old Royal University of Ireland in the Central and Moral Science Honours course. For these studies he developed a peculiar aptitude, and he loved to ponder over and speculate upon the problems which they raise. Bent on devoting himself to the office of preaching the Gospel of reconciliation with God, he proceeded, next to Assembly's College, Belfast, where he studied theology, ecclesiastical history, &c., for three more years, and taking part in all intellectual life and missionary and philanthropic activities of the college. He was licensed in due course by the Presbytery of Belfast, which Presbytery also subsequently ordained him to the ministry of the Gospel, and appointed him to missionary service in New Zealand. Proceeding thither, he ministered successfully and with much acceptance in Cambridge, Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, and Southland. After about sixteen years' ministry in these places he returned home in 1916, intending to take service in the Church of Scotland. In Musselburgh, of which he took charge during the absence of the minister at the front, he made many friends. Last summer he returned to his native city, his health not being quite satisfactory, where he died, as has been stated, on 3rd inst. Mr. Erwin was a man of exceptionally fine character, an able and fearless expositor of Divine truth, much beloved by those who bad the privilege of his intimate acquaintance for his gentle and amiable disposition, and highly respected by all who knew him for his strict conscientiousness and unflinching adhesion to all that is right and true. He leaves a widow and four children to mourn his loss, with whom and with his sisters and all his relatives, including Rev. Robert Erwin, D.D., of New Zealand, his brother, the deepest sympathy is felt.

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DEATH OF MISS KERR, ST. LURACH'S COLLEGE.

We regret to record the death of Miss Kerr, principal of St. Lurach's College, Londonderry. Held in very high esteem, valued for her scholastic attainments, and enjoying the affection and regard of all who knew her, the loss of Miss Kerr will he felt by many as in the nature of a personal bereavement and by all as one that leaves, the city the poorer in many ways. Miss Kerr, who was a sister of Mrs. Woodburn, wife of the Rev. Professor Woodburn, M.A., M'Crea Magee College, Derry, came to the city in 1895 from Maghera, where she had carried on a very successful intermediate school, in the management of which she was assisted by the late. Rev. Professor Dickey, D.D., then minister of Maghera Presbyterian Church. A few years after she settled in Derry she started the school with which her name has been so honourably associated up to the day of her death. Under her skilful guidance and control St. Lurach's College grew to be one of the most prosperous institutions of the kind in the North. Miss Kerr was the elder daughter of Mr. James Kerr, Grillagh House, Maghera.

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DEATH OF DR. W. O. WILSON.

The news by cable has come of the death of Doctor W. Oliver Wilson, of Johannesburg, son of Mr. John Wilson, Northern Bank, Ballymena, at the early age of 31. Dr. Wilson was married fourteen months ago to Miss Dora Burnett, third daughter of the Rev. Lawson Burnett, senior minister of Donoughmore, Newry. His many friends will be sorry to hear of his demise in the, morning of a promising professional career. Dr. Wilson joined the South African Medical Corps as captain immediately on the outbreak of the war, and was attached to the Natal Carabiniers throughout the South-West African campaign. His brother, Captain Malcolm Orr Wilson, who was gazetted to the Army in 1906, is now serving with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force.

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DEATH OF MR. WILLIAM H. BEGSS.

Much regret is felt at the death of Mr. William H. Beggs, Cashier of the Midland Railway (N.C.C.), which occurred at his residence, Scotch Quarter, Carrickfergus, on Sabbath evening. The deceased entered the service of the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway Company as a boy, and rose gradually until he attained the responsible position of cashier. His unassuming and obliging disposition won for him the respect and goodwill of all with whom he came in contact. Mr. Beggs, who was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Carrickfergus, leaves a widow, two sons, and four daughters.

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DEATH OF MR. JAMES A. LAUGHLIN

We regret to record the sudden death of Mr. James A. LAughlin, which occurred on Wednesday, at his residence, Chieveley, King's Road, Knock. The deceased was seventy-four years of age, was head of the City Brush Company, and for the past nine years represented Woodvale Ward on the Belfast Corporation. He took a keen interest in civic affairs, and only a few weeks ago he was elected chairman of the Gas Committee of the Corporation. A Presbyterian, he worshipped at College Square Church, whose welfare he ever had at heart, and by his lamented demise the congregation has lost a devoted member, who always liberally supported its various activities. The deceased was also a loyal member of the Orange Order, and was one of our most popular citizens. To his sorrowing widow and family (three sons and five daughters) the utmost sympathy will be extended.

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THE LATE MRS. GAULT, M'KELVEY'S GROVE.

We regret to record the decease of Mrs. Gault, who passed away, after a brief illness, on 26th ult., at the Manse, M'Kelvey's Grove. The funeral took place on 1st inst., and the cortege, which was large and representative, testified to the esteem in which the deceased was held in the congregation and district, as well as to the deep and wide-spread sorrow occasioned by the sad event. The chief mourners were -- Rev. B. Gault, LL.D. (husband), and Mr. W. G. Brownlees (brother). The service at the Manse was conducted by Revs. J. M'Ewen and R. J. A. Morrison. At the service in the church Rev. R. H. Smythe delivered an eloquent address, appreciative of the life and work of the deceased. Revs. G. Kane and R. H. Smythe officiated at the grave.

 

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The Witness - Friday, 16 March 1917

Marriages

BECKETT--MILLER -- February 28, 1917, at Ballyalbany Presbyterian Church, Monaghan, by the Rev. James Steen, Cahans, Frederick William Beckett, draper, Lisburn, second son of Mr. James Beckett, Ivy View, Ballinderry, to Martha, fourth daughter of Mr. John Miller, Banaghroe, Strancoden, Co. Monaghan.

GORDON--HOGG -- February 28, at Ballyjamesduff Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. S. Fleming Stuart, B.A., Thomas Robert, younger son of the late Thomas. Gordon and Mrs. Gordon, Graddum, Ballyjamesduff, to Alberta Maud, only daughter of the late William Charles Hogg and Mrs. Hogg, Millview, Billis, Virginia, Co. Cavan.

Deaths

OMELVENA -- March 10, at her residence, Carrive Place, Larne, Annie, relict of Robert Omelvena, and mother of the Rev. John Omelvena, B.A., Irish Presbyterian Mission, Manchuria. Interred in family burying-ground, Rocavan, on Monday, the 12th inst.

BECKETT -- March 11, at his residence, Newfield, Ballinderry, William Beckett, in his 87th year.

BROWN -- March 9, at her residence, Ballykeel, Lougherne, Lisburn, Margaret, widow of the late James Brown.

CAIRNS -- March 11, at her residence, Lambs Island, Annaghanoon, Lurgan, Anne, widow of the late John Cairns.

CAMPBELL -- March 8, at her residence, 26, Edlingham Street, Margaret, beloved wife of John Campbell, late of Drumsough, Randalstown.

DUFFIELD -- March 9, at Sunbeam, Windsor Park, Catherine J., daughter of late Samuel Duffield, Summerhill, Dunmurry.

FOWLER -- March 11, at her residence, Laurel Lodge, Newry, Martha Cecilia, widow of the late Joseph Fowler.

FULLERTON -- March 9, at Newcastle-on-Tyne, Lewis Edmund, third son of the late Ephraim Fullerton and Mrs. Fullerton, 28, Abbey Street, Armagh.

HAWTHORNE -- March 11, at her residence, Pine Hill, Clogher, Lisburn, Isabella, dearly-beloved wife of Thomas Hawthorne.

HEANEY -- March 9, at his late residence, Flushing, L.I., Robert Heaney, foreign importers' agent for New York and the States, formerly of The Square, Comber.

LAVENDAR -- March 9, at her residence, Ballymoney Road, Margaret Montgomery M'Ilroy, widow of W. J. Lavender, Ballymena.

LIVINGSTON -- March 8, at her residence, Avenue Road, Lurgan, Elizabeth, widow of the late Andrew Livingston.

MULLIGAN -- March 9, at his uncle's residence, Farransbane, Samuel John Mulligan.

M'CORMICK -- March 12, at his residence, Park Parade, Lisburn, William James, much loved husband of Eliza Jane M'Cormick.

M'KEE -- March 9, at the residence of her son-in-law, Wm. Orr, Kilkeel, Margaret, widow of the late Henry M'Kee, Derryogue.

M'NEILL -- March 12, at Thornlea Lodge, Larne, James, beloved husband of Annabella M'Neill.

RAINEY -- March 10, 1917, at Umery, Antrim, David Rainey.

REA -- March 11, at 21, Frederick Street, Newtownards, William H. Rea.

ROBINSON -- March 11, at her son's residence, 10, Windsor Villas, Victoria Street, Larne, Eliza, relict of John Robinson.

SPIERS -- March 8, at her residence, Low Cross, Tullyhogue, Co. Tyrone, Elizabeth, widow of the late Joseph James Spiers.

THOMPSON -- March 8, 1917, Elizabeth A. Thompson, dearly-beloved wife of Dr. G. W. Thompson, Doochary, Co. Donegal.

YOUNG -- March 12, at his residence, 121, Fitzroy Avenue, Belfast, James Young, late Clerk of Ballinasloe Asylum, and formerly of Strathaven, Scotland.

In Memoriam

DOUGLAS -- In loving remembrance of Rev. Gawin Douglas, Loughbrickland, Minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church for almost fifty-two years, who died 15th March, 1915, aged 83 years. Inserted by his loving daughter. A. J. I. BOGGS.

Clippings

The V.C. has been awarded to Captain H. V. Murray, D.S.O., Australian Infantry, and Sergeant E. J. Mott, Border Regiment.

-- -- -- -- --

One hundred and fifty emigrants left Irish ports during Feb., being a decrease of 213 on the figures for the corresponding month of 1916.

-- -- -- -- --

At a meeting of the Belfast and North of Ireland Home Bakers' Association a reply was received from the Food Controller on the important resolution sent from the first meeting, requesting that the use of buttermilk should not be prohibited in the baking of bread. A telegram was read from the Food Controller to the effect that the use of buttermilk was not prohibited.

-- -- -- -- --

At midnight on Sunday a fire broke out in the drapery premises of Mr. Johnston, Diamond, Derry, and spread with extraordinary rapidity. The upper part of the house is used as a Presbyterian Working Men's Institute, where a caretaker and his family reside. Efforts to rouse them proving futile, the police burst in the door, and helped them to make a hurried exit.

-- -- -- -- --

Herr Hofer in the Prussian Diet is reported as having said that German junkers and not the wicked English were responsible for the hunger in the land. Mortality amongst the elderly people was increasing at a terrible rate, while academics were spreading. Suicides were increasing, while parents were killing their children as they could not obtain food -- yet prices of potatoes were to be increased.

-- -- -- -- --

Wheat reached the record price of 84s 6d a quarter (1s 6d increase on the week) at Redford on Saturday.

-- -- -- -- --

Mrs. Muir, an Ayrshire miner's wife, has, for the second time, presented her husband with triplets, and once with, twins, the whole eight being [--?--]

-- -- -- -- --

The Kaiser has telegraphed to Countess Zeppelin expressing great regret at the death of the Count. "The whole German people," he says, "stands with me mourning before the hier of one of the greatest sons of the Fatherland."

-- -- -- -- --

James Dobbyn, National school teacher, Belfast, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment on conviction under the Realm Act, for writing statements likely to cause disaffection in letters addressed to persons in Reading barracks and Frongoch camp. An addressee was called to prove that a particular letter referred only to the Ulster partition proposals. The Court agreed to state a case for the King's Bench.

-- -- -- -- --

The trial concluded on Saturday, at the Old Bailey, of the four persons charged with conspiring to murder Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. Arthur Henderson. Three of the accused were convicted, but Harriet Wheeldon (otherwise Hetty) was found not guilty, and was discharged. Alice Wheeldon was sentenced to ten years, Alfred Mason to seven years, and Winnie Mason to five years' penal servitude.

-- -- -- -- --

Mr. James Chambers, K.C., M.P., has, it is stated, been appointed Solicitor-General for Ireland, but the official announcement will not be made until the end of the session. Mr. Chambers is a Presbyterian, and a member of the Ulster Unionist Council, and has represented South Belfast since 1910, when he defeated Mr. Tom Sloan, the Independent Unionist candidate. A bye-election will be necessitated.

-- -- -- -- --

With a revenue income for last week of £18,914,450 the estimate for the financial year ending on the 31st inst. has been exceeded by upwards of £11,000,000, and with three weeks of the period still to run the Chancellor of the Exchequer is assured of a substantial surplus. Towards an estimate of £195,000,000 property and income-tax has yielded to date £179,759,000, while the receipts from excess profits duty have aggregated £127,000,000, exceeding the forecast by £43,000,000.

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DEATH OF MRS. WRIGHT, CRAIGS, CULLYBACKEY.

It is with sorrow that we record the death of Mrs. Margaret (Aikin) Wright, the beloved wife of Mr. Hugh Wright, Strathview, Craigs, Cullybackey, and mother of Rev. J. R. Wright, B.A., Ballyclabber, Coleraine, who, after a short illness, passed away quite suddenly, but most peacefully, on 7th inst. The funeral of the deceased lady took place from her husband's residence on the 9th inst., amidst manifold tokens of genuine grief, to the family-burying-ground at the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Cullybackey. It was one of the largest and most representative funerals seen in the district for many years. The services in the home and at the graveside were conducted by the Revs. Wm. M'Cullough, Ballylaggan, Ballymoney; A. Holmes, Kellswater, Ballymena; and J. A. Lyons, Cullybackey, to whose congregation the late Mrs. Wright belonged all her life, and in whose church her husband is the highly-respected senior elder.

In the course of a short address given in the home Mr. Lyons said that the life of their departed friend was a beautiful life, and drew forth the highest admiration of all God's people. In all the relationships of life, as daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother, in her own home, among her friends, and among the people in the district, she was enabled by the Holy Spirit to maintain a high Christian character. To a remarkable degree she possessed the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of the Lord of great price. This beautiful life had a beautiful ending, "the finger of God touched her and she slept." The Church of the Covenants had always been rich in the possession of noble female character, whose consecrated womanhood had been one of the greatest assets of the cause. They were thankful to God that they had such "ladies of the Covenant" in their congregation; women of piety, clear intelligence, holy enthusiasm, true fidelity, and spiritual strength in principle and practice. They might wish to keep them with them longer, but when the Master called them to be with Himself in His glory, where He is, by faith they must let them go. He would commend all the bereaved ones to the God of all comfort.

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BELFAST MINISTERS FOR FRANCE.

Rev. William Park, M.A., D.D., and the Rev. Henry Montgomery, M.A., D.D., two ex-Moderators of the General Assembly, are about to visit the Irish Presbyterian troops at the Western front, and convey to them the greetings of the Church. Dr. Park left Belfast last evening and Dr. Montgomery will leave to-night. They will both cross the English Channel on Tuesday, and expect to be back in Belfast about the 29th inst.

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BELFAST IN 1816.

Over 100 years ago wide (vide "The Story of Belfast," by Mary Lowry) two men were hanged in front of The Bank Buildings for burglary. Now (1917), all sensible people protect their valuables in safes supplied by Mr. T. Edens Osborne, 11, Wellington Place, Belfast.

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On Friday evening last, under the auspices of the congregation of Ballylinney Presbyterian Church, a concert was given in the church in aid of the Limbless Hospital and other war charities. Rev. W. H. Kennedy presided. The programme was an "all khaki," being given by the glee party of the North Irish Horse from Antrim. There was a large attendance.

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THE LATE MR. J. A. LAUGHLIN.

In our report of the funeral of the lata Mr. J. A. Laughlin, chairman of the Gas Committee of the City Corporation (published on another page), we omitted to give the list of the chief mourners, which was as follows -- Messrs. James, Harry, and J. K. Laughlin (sons); Samuel M'Neilly, E. Lucas, Jack Sinclair, London (sons-in-law); Harry, George, John Laughlin, Harry M'Neilly, Geo. Lucas (grandsons); Robert, Willie, Dick Laughlin (brothers); Jas. Clarke and Albert Laughlin (nephews). The general public included Mr. Harry M'Dowell, a devoted personal friend of the deceased, and Messrs. Adam Graham and Harry Taylor, two other attached friends.

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DEATH OF MR. W. FLETCHER, WHITEHOUSE.

Tribute by Rev. Dr. Barron.

In a special memorial service to the late Mr. W. Fletcher, a prominent member of Whitehouse Presbyterian Church, on Sabbath morning last, Rev. Dr. Robert Barron, preaching from the words, "He was a good man," Acts xi. 24, said -- When Mr. Fletcher came to reside in Whitehouse he joined the church, joined the company of God's people, became one of them, and identified his interests with them. He had been brought up in a godly home, he was the son of pious parents, he had been a lover of the Church and a regular worshipper from his earliest days. When he married and had a home of his own, along with his dear wife, who was like-minded with him in every good thing, he made his home a Christian home. William Fletcher was a believer in Christ, and in faith in Him he lived, and in that faith he died. In such a faith he bore his long and trying illness, the disappointment of many hopes, the closing of a successful business career, the parting from those he so dearly loved. It takes great faith and great grace to bear calmly and patiently what he had to endure. But he received such grace, and he bore it all patiently. It seemed all dark and mysterious, but he knows the reason of it now, and he sees that it was all love. So we say he was a good man by reason of his faith in Christ. He was for many years in the employment of a firm of high character and repute, one of those business firms that are the pride and glory of Ulster. He was much esteemed and respected by his employees. He rose until he reached a high position in the firm, and a very fair and favourable prospect opened in his view. He earned his success by his, diligence, attention to business, and high character! The affection and kindness of his employers was shown during all his illness and up to the time of his death. It was so in all his life. All who came in contact with him esteemed him and looked upon him as a good man. I never once heard any one speak a hard word of him. His upright life and high character set the seal upon his religious belief and proclaimed that he was a good man. He was a communicant and member of the congregational committee. He would have been elected an elder but he shrank from the responsibilities of that position owing to his great modesty. Along with others he organised our Band of Hope, and had many large and successful meetings in connection with it. When the war broke out our Sabbath-school suffered much. Our secretaries and many of our teachers enlisted and went away leaving blanks hard to be filled up. Mr. Fletcher volunteered for work in the school. The post of secretary was vacant and he offered to discharge its duties. That post was a sacred one, it had been filled with rare devotion and success by our ever to be regretted and dear friend, Charles Hamilton, whose early removal from amongst us we all mourn. Then it was taken up by Edward Coey and James Arthur Coey until these gallant young men responded to their country's call and volunteered for active service. In succession to them Mr. Fletcher was appointed and devoted himself to the work of the school until laid aside by illness. He was never absent, morning or afternoon, he was most careful and accurate in discharging his duties. He did the work well, as indeed he did all his duties, for he was a good man. We offer our sympathy to those who mourn his loss; to his sweet and loving wife whose brief and bright career of love and happiness has been so early brought to a close. We mourn with her, we pray that she may be comforted by a Saviour's love and grace. We mourn with all his dear ones whose affection and care surrounded and soothed his last moments. We, too, loved and esteemed him, and we shall miss him sorely, for such men are scarce -- it is hard to lose them.

At the conclusion of the service the Dead March in "Saul" was played by Miss Buckley, organist.

 

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The Witness - Friday, 23 March 1917

Deaths

ABRAHAM -- March 17, at his residence, Ballydougan, Portadown, William John Abraham, aged 76 years.

ARNOLD -- March 21, at her residence, Greenan, Dromore, Co. Down, Maria, widow of the late John Arnold.

BLACK -- March 18, at her husband's residence, Church Street, Cookstown, Margaret, the beloved wife of William Lowry Black, Midland Railway Guard.

BOYLE -- March 16 (suddenly), at his residence, Mount Pleasant, Galaway, Millisle, William Boyle.

BROWN -- March 20, at her residence, Carricknaveigh, Mary Jane Brown, aged 66 years.

COULTER -- March 20, at her residence, Ballyminstra, Killinchy, Mary Coulter, aged 86 years.

CRAIG -- March 17, at her father's residence, Huntly, Banbridge, Maggie, dearly-beloved daughter of William and Annie Craig.

DAVIES -- March 15, at his residence, Parade, Donaghadee, Wm. Henry, beloved husband of Margaret Davies.

DONALDSON -- March, 16, at his residence, Rocklyn, Islandmagee, John Donaldson, in his 86th year.

DOUGLAS -- March 19th (suddenly), at Helen's Bay, Lillie, the beloved wife of John Douglas.

DUNWOODY -- March 19, at her residence, Marine Parade, Holywood, Jane, wife of Wm. J. Dunwoody.

GAUSSEN -- March 21, at her residence, Portstewart, Catherine Hayland, wife of Horace T. Gaussen.

GILLILAND -- March 18, William, fifth son of the late Joseph Gilliland, Legacurry, Lisburn.

GREER -- March 19, at his residence, Ballycarrickmaddy, Magheragall, William James Greer.

HENRY -- March 21, at her residence, 15, Best's Row, Warrenpoint, Mary, the third and dearly-beloved daughter of the late John Henry, Ballynafoy.

JOHNSTON -- March 15, Rachael Johnston, beloved mother of Isaac Johnston, No. 2, The Mall, Armagh, and John Johnston, Post Office, Ballysillan.

KENNEY -- March 17, at The Pass View, Poyntzpass, Jemima, beloved wife of Alexander Kenney, late of Barmeath Lodge, Dunleer, Co. Louth.

KINGSBERRY -- March 17, at his residence, Drumbeg, Dunmurry, Andrew, dearly-beloved husband of Annie Kingsberry.

KIRKPATRICK -- March 14, at his residence, Lake View, Boardmills, Lisburn, Joseph Todd, eldest son of the late David Kirkpatrick, Mossgrove, Boardmills.

LAVERY -- March 18, at his residence, Lee-Straidnahanna, Samuel Lavery.

LECKEY -- March 15, at the residence of her son-in-law, William Carnahan, Maze, Lisburn, Eliza Ann, relict of the late Thomas Leckey, Mullacartan.

LOWRY -- March 16, at, the residence of her son-in-law, Kilgreel, Isabella, the relict of the late James Lowry, Mullusk.

MAZE -- March 15, at her residence, Killultagh Cottage, Upper Ballinderry, Elizabeth Maze.

MEGAW -- March 18, at his residence, Broughdone, Cullybackey, William Megaw, in his 90th year.

MUNN -- March 15, at his residence, Ballyalloly House, Comber (suddenly), David Munn.

M'CALL -- March 20, at his son's residence, 11, Farnham Park, Bangor, John M'Call.

M'FADDEN -- March 17, at her husband's residence, Primrose Mount, Randalstown, Jeannie, beloved wife of Hugh M'Fadden.

M'GIVERN -- March 20, Jeannie M'Givern, grand-daughter of the late Wm. M'Givern, Ballyboley.

M'KEE -- March 17, at 82, Little Frances Street, Newtownards, May M'Kee, aged 98.

M'MURRAY -- March 17, at Congregational Manse, Richhill, Rev. George M'Murray, late Cliftonpark, Belfast.

READE -- March 16, at Clonmore, Lambeg, Clare Emily, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Reade, aged 10½ years.

REID -- March 19, Hans Harper Reid, second son of Alexander Reid, Ardigon, Killyleagh.

SALTER -- March 21, at Pickie Terrace, Bangor, Co. Down, Mary A., widow of the late W. J. Salter.

SEMPLE -- March 16, at his father's residence, Kilbride, Doagh, Thomas, eldest son of William Semple.

SHANNON -- March 18, at the residence of Joseph Jackson, Balloo, Antrim, Margaret, relict of the late Richard Shannon, Tirgracey.

TEMPLETON -- At his residence, Barstow, California, James, eldest surviving son of the late James Templeton, of Rockcorry, Co. Monaghan.

WALKER -- At Armagh, Lily Walker, late Superintendent Cripples' Home, Bangor.

Killed in Action

UPTON -- Killed in action in France, Private William Frederick Upton, Canadian Royal Highlanders, aged 19 years, second son of Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Upton, 100, Cooper Avenue, Toronto, formerly of Budore, Dundrod.

In Memoriam

FINLAY -- In loving memory of William Finlay, who departed this life on the 22nd March, 1916, and was interred in the City Cemetery. Ever remembered by his sorrowing, daughter and son-in-law, Jennie and James R. Grainger, 28, Lothair Avenue, Belfast.

Clippings

Londonderry Y.M.C.A. has reached its Diamond Jubilee, and the committee have decided to celebrate it by erecting a large recreation hall and cafe as a memorial to the young men of the city who have fallen on the battlefield. The work is to be carried out at the close of the year. At a reception given by the committee the Mayor, the newly appointed president, stated that the committee had decided to place upon the wall of the recreation hall portraits of the young men from Londonderry who made the supreme sacrifice in the war.

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PORTRUSH CLERGYMAN'S MARRIAGE

Pyper -- Hunt.

The marriage of Miss Lucy M. Hunt, elder daughter of Alderman and Mrs. E. J. Hunt, The Grange, Bescot, Walsall, and the Rev. J. S. Pyper, B.A., of Portrush, was solemnised at Block Wesleyan Church last week. The service was fully choral, and the officiating ministers were the Revs. Frank Noble, W. A. Jones, and W. Arrowsmith. The bride, who was given away by her father, was attended by three bridesmaids -- her sister, Miss Kitty Hunt, Miss Joyce Smith, niece of the bridegroom, and Miss Ruth Field, the bride's cousin. Owing to the war no reception was held, only a few of the relatives and friends being received afterwards at the residence of [----?-----] After the happy couple had left en route for North Wales, an "At home" was held at the residence of the bride's parents to give friends an opportunity of viewing the presents. Mr. Pyper is a member of a well-known and esteemed Belfast family, and is a brother of Rev. James Pyper, minister of Duncairn Presbyterian Church. Numerous telegrams of congratulation and good wishes were despatched from Portrush to Mr. Pyper, including one on behalf of his congregation.

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DEATH OF MISS LILY WALKER.

The many friends of Miss Lily Walker, superintendent of the Cripples' Home, Bangor, for many years, will be very distressed at the intimation of her death, she having passed away at Armagh, whither she had gone after her recent breakdown in health. Miss Walker was one of the best friends the cripple children of Ireland ever had. She was not only a devoted superintendent, but a true friend to every cripple boy and girl who came into the institution. She managed the home with the greatest possible economy and care and made it a model institution. The council of the Cripples' Institutes will feel her loss deeply, and the people of Bangor, amongst whom she was so well known, will sorrow for her, as a real force taken from their midst in active Christian work. The sincerest sympathy will be tendered to her relatives in then bereavement.

 

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The Witness - Friday, 30 March 1917

Roll of Honour

HAMMERSLEY -- Killed in action, March 14, Alan George Hammersley, Lieutenant North Staffordshire Regiment, son of the late Gilbert Hammersley, Alsager, Stoke-on-Trent, and nephew of Mrs. William Allison, 14, Orient Gardens, Belfast, aged 21 years.

Deaths

PORTER -- March 29, 1917, at 260, Ravenhill Avenue, Samuel Porter, of 9 and 11, East Bridge Street. His remains will be removed from above address for interment in the family burying-ground, at Tyrone's Ditches, to-day (Friday), 30th March, 1917, at 11 o'clock. Funeral private. No flowers.

ADAIR -- February 25 (suddenly), at Mountain View, Santa Clara Co., California, James, youngest son of the late James Adair, Bryansburn, Bangor, Co. Down.

CRAWFORD -- March 27, at his residence, Mealough, Purdysburn, John Crawford.

CURRIE -- March 24, at his residence, Ballydunmaul, Randalstown, John Kerr Currie.

DOBSON -- March 23, at the residence of his nephew, George Dobson, Bleary, Portadown, John Dobson (late of Moy), aged 97 years.

DRUMMOND -- March 25, at the residence of his father, Pound Street, Larne, David Nelson Drummond, youngest son of John Drummond.

FISHBOURNE -- March 22, at his residence, Mount Donard, Spa, Ballynahinch, William Fishbourne.

HALIDAY -- March 23, at New York, George Beattie, eldest son of William Haliday, of Belfast, and Crescent, Holywood.

HANNA -- March 22, at 13, Court Street, Newtownards, Annie, Hanna, widow of John Hanna, formerly of Belfast.

HARPER -- March 23, at his father's residence, High Street, Ballynahinch, Thomas Hunter Martin (Tommy), third son of Robert and Agnes Annie Harper.

HENDERSON -- March 26 (suddenly), at his residence, Forthill, Bangor, David, husband of Elizabeth Henderson.

HOOD -- March 24, at the residence of his son-in-law, William Campbell, Lurganure, Mage, Edward Hood.

JELLIE -- March 25, at Church Street, Newtownards, Mary Jellie, late of Ballydrain.

LONG -- March 23, at his residence, Dandy Row, Magheramorne, William Long.

MACARTNEY -- March 21, at his residence, Riverside House, Islandmagee, Robert Macartney.

MITCHELL -- March 22, at Fakumen, Manchuria, N. China, Isabel Deane Mitchell, M.B., Missionary of the Irish Presbyterian Church, youngest daughter of Rev. D. K. Mitchell, Belfast.

M'CONCHIE -- March 27, at Ruddicot, Stranraer, Grace Margaret M'Cracken, wife of William M'Conchie, Larne and Stranraer Steamers.

REA -- March 21, at her residence, Ballymacreely, Mary E. Rea (nee Bennett).

SHIPCOTT -- March 26, at her residence, 12, May Avenue, Bangor, Beatrice, dearly-loved daughter of the late Wm. B. Shipcott.

SPEARING -- March 23, at Shiel's Institution, Carrickfergus, Eliza, relict of the late Dr. Spearing, Antrim,, in her ninety-first year.

SPENCE -- March 27, at her father's residence, 11, Bellevue Street, Minnie Spence.

TAYLOR -- March 23, at, her residence, Post Office, Ballyronan, Mary Taylor.

THOMPSON -- March 23, at his residence, Ballyearl, Carnmoney, Andrew Thompson.

TURNER -- March 24, Francis Turner, Tonagh Cottage, Lisburn.

In Memoriam

BOYLE -- In sad and loving remembrance of Robert Boyle, who departed this life on the 27th March, 1915, and was interred in the family burying-ground, Ahoghill. Ever remembered by his sorrowing Wife and Family. 5, Bedeque Street, Belfast.

Clippings

EPITOME OF GENERAL NEWS

Professor Robertson Watson, of Glasgow, is standing as an "independent citizens' candidate" for South Aberdeen.

The Royal Mail Steam Packet Company have acquired the business of Messrs. R. MacAndrew & Co., shipowners, London.

An explosion took place on Tuesday at a munitions factory in the North of England, one person being killed, and nine injured.

Lord Devonport has appointed Mr. Kennedy Jones, M.P., as Director-General (unpaid) of the Food Economy Department of the Food Ministry.

The Home Office Committee's report on the London explosion of 19th January offers no solution of the problem of how the disaster was caused.

Sir E. Geddes has been appointed Inspector-General of Transportation in all theatres of the war. Sir Guy Granet succeeds Sir Eric at the War Office as Director-General of Movements and Railways.

Belgian deportees in Germany are, according to a Reuter's story, dying by dozens daily from starvation. The doctors repudiate all responsibility. In one camp the famished men actually devoured live rats.

Some rioting occurred in Limerick on Friday night on the occasion of the return of a released prisoner. The police charged the mob, and two of them were injured by being struck with stones. Some shots were fired.

At Monday's meeting of the London Flour Millers' Association the price of G.R. flour was unchanged at 59s to 61s, according to quality. Bran was £11 10s and middlings £13 10s per ton.

The Exchequer returns show that the receipts to the 24th inst. were £556,169,790 and the expenditure £2,121,933,293. The revenue to date is nearly £54,000,000 above the estimate for the complete year.

The Post Office announces that the parcel mails for Mauritius by the long sea route, and the letters and parcel mails for Ascension and St. Helena, containing parcels and correspondence posted between 20th February and 14th March, have been lost at sea.

The President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries has appointed two committees, with Mr. Cecil Harmsworth, M.P., and Lord Desborough as chairmen, to consider means for increasing the supplies of sea and freshwater fish for the home markets.

The clearings of Manchester banks for the first quarter of the year amount to £123,000,000, almost £20,000,000 more than in the corresponding period of last year. This is the largest amount that has been dealt with during any three months in the history of Manchester banking.

The annual report pf the Commissioners under the Irish Land Acts states that up to March £96,418,298 has been advanced under the Irish Land Acts 1903-1909, and that lands representing a purchase money of £25,870,325 were pending for sale, but the advances had not been made.

It was reported to a meeting of the Belfast Teachers' Association that Dr. Starkie has promised on behalf of the National Board that it will receive a deputation of Belfast teachers to consider educational matters, and that the Board will consider any programme submitted by those teachers.

The St. Louis, the first armed American liner to cross the Atlantic, has arrived in Liverpool from New York. She had only thirty-three passengers, including four ladies and five New York journalists. No submarine was seen, and barrels with periscopes were used for target practices at a two mile range.

Constable S. Patterson of Benburb Police Station, County Tyrone, has been given a certificate and a money grant from the Irish Police and Constabulary Recognition Fund for good police duty during the Irish Rebellion. Constable Patterson was one of the party of policemen that came in contact with a force of rebels at Ashbourne.

When an allegation of intolerance was made against the Unionists on the Tyrone County Council at the meeting of the Council in Omagh, Mr. Wm. Coote, M.P., said that since the passing of the Local Government Act the Unionist County Council of Tyrone had appointed more Roman Catholics to offices of emolument than all the Nationalist counties in Ireland had appointed Unionists.

According to returns issued by the Board of Trade, the total quantity of coal raised in the United Kingdom during 1916 was 255,846,000 tons, compared with 253,179,000 in the previous year, and 265,643,000 in 1914. Of last year's output 42,013,000 tons were exported, as against 46,322,000 in 1915 and 62,458,000 in 1914. One point nine per cent, more persons were employed last year than in 1915.

The Bill prolonging the life of Parliament will be taken to-day, the further extension, it is understood, to be for seven months -- until Nov. 30. Mr. S. MacNeill said Mr. Dillon protested against the Bill being introduced without notice, as it was contrary to the spirit of the rule. The Speaker, amidst laughter, pointed out that the Home Rule, Welsh Church, and Plural Voting Bills were all presented on one day.

Replying to Mr. Ginnell, Captain Bathurst said it is a fact that the reduction in the price of bacon involved a reduction in the price of Irish pigs to the extent of 6s per cwt. Prior to the intervention of the Food Controller the prices of pig meat were forced to a high and speculative level. It was considered that the bacon prices now authorised will not involve hardship or the risk of any decrease in production.

The Board of Trade has authorised the Paper Commission to extend by general license from 24th March to 21st April the time allowed for the completion of posters and the despatch of catalogues, price lists, and circulars, when the production of such posters, catalogues, price lists, and circulars was actually commenced before 3rd March. No-application to the Paper Commission for licenses is necessary in these cases.

In their final report the Royal Commission on the Natural Resources, Trade, and Legislation of the British Dominions, urge the vital need of the Empire being in a position to enable it to resist any pressure which foreign Powers could exercise in time of peace or war in virtue of the control of essential raw materials and commodities. For this purpose they urge a complete survey and investigation by an Imperial Development Board of the relation between, the Empire's production and the Empire's requirements. Other recommendations are cheap, speedy, and efficient transport, larger vessels and larger harbours, improved mail facilities, cheaper cable rates, and a Government cable across the Atlantic.

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DEATH OF MR. JOSEPH T. KIRKPATRICK, BOARDMILLS.

The death of Mr. Joseph T. Kirkpatrick, son of the late Mr. David Kirkpatrick, Mossgrove, Boardmills, and nephew of the late Rev. George H. Shanks, First Boardmills, took place at his residence, Lake View, Boardmills, on 14th inst., and his remains were laid to rest in the family burying-ground, First Boardmills, on the afternoon of the 16th inst., the service at the graveside being conducted by Revs. John Moody (Boardmills Secession Church) and Stewart Dickson (First Saintfield). The deceased was for twenty-one years a ruling elder in First Boardmills, and on Sabbath, 18th inst., the Rev. J. L. M'Candless made appropriate reference to his worth and work, specially noting Mr. Kirkpatrick's becoming walk and conversation, his deep attachment to his church, his knowledge of the Scriptures, his unfailing regularity in attending the services of the sanctuary, his total abstinence principles, his kindly spirit, and his loyalty to his friends, and concluded with a message of sympathy and comfort to the bereaved and sorrowing widow and family. Suitable Psalms and hymns were sung and the service was most impressive.

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DEATH OF MR. W. FISHBOURNE, BALLYNAHINCH.

The remains of the late Mr. Wm. Fishbourne, Ballynahinch, were laid to rest on Saturday in the family burying-ground of the Parish Church, Magheradroll. The funeral cortege was very large and representative, many having come a long distance. The services in the house, Mount Donard, Spa, and at the graveside were conducted by the Rev. Samuel English and the Rev. John M'Adam. Deceased, who was universally respected, was a member of Third Ballynahinch Presbyterian Church. He took a deep interest in the welfare of the congregation, and was a generous contributor to Missions, to all the enterprises of the Church, and to every worthy object. He was known over a wide district for his benevolence, and his death at a comparatively early age is greatly deplored. We tender to his nephew, Mr. H. Fishbourne; to his sister, Mrs. A. Hill, and to his other relatives our sympathy in their bereavement.

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OLD BELFAST (115 Years Ago).

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

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Second-Lieutenant Thomas W. Knox, Royal Irish Rifles, who was wounded on the 21st inst. is a son of Rev. H. M. Knox, minister of Ballymote Presbyterian Church, County Sligo, and Clerk of Connaught Presbytery, and a grandson of the late Rev. Professor Witherow, D.D., of Londonderry. His father belongs to County Antrim, and was licensed by the Route Presbytery.

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LATE MR. GEORGE DUNCAN, DUBLIN

Appreciation by Rev. Dr. Osborne

The funeral of Mr. George Duncan, late of the Ordnance Survey Office, took place on Wednesday from his residence, 3, Chareville Road, North Circular Road, Dublin. After a short service in the house, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Osborne, the remains were conveyed to Rutland Square Presbyterian Church, where the coffin was borne to the front of the choir by the office-bearers. The service was conducted by Rev. J. C. Johnston, M.A., and the Rev. Dr. Osborne.

In the course of his address Dr. Osborne said -- Conspicuous among their links with the past, was the revered and loved member whose spirit passed to its rest in God early on the morning of Monday last, George Duncan. Here in our midst to-day, within the church which for so many years Mr. Duncan served with rare devotion, lies all that is mortal of as bright a spirit, as whole-hearted a lover of Christ and His Kingdom as this congregation ever possessed. Born in this city eighty-four years ago, of Scottish parents who were members of Old Mary's Abbey Church, George Duncan was the spiritual child, as in later life he became, the spiritual father, of this congregation. Early in his career as a church worker he exhibited that love of the sanctuary and passion for its welfare, its worth, and its dignity which characterised him all his long life, up till the hour, indeed, when, but a short time before his death, consciousness failed. Forty-five years ago Mr. Duncan was chosen an elder and ordained in this church. Twenty-seven years later he succeeded Mr. Richard MacMullen as clerk of Session; Mr. Duncan, devotedly loyal as he was to his congregation, was a true Presbyterian in his catholicity of interest and sympathy. At the meetings of our Church Courts he was a familiar and valued member. Towards all the Evangelical Churches he cherished brotherly feelings. To him, to love the Saviour whom he loved was sufficient to qualify for Christian fellowship. He had a lofty ideal of what church worship should be. In the efforts, difficult at the time of their origin, made by the Dublin Presbytery to render our services more seemly and satisfying to earnest worshippers, he took an active part. Prizing the faith of his fathers, Mr. Duncan's mind was never blinded by mere tradition. He was a wide and discriminating reader, and knew how to disentangle truth from sophistry. What was most striking about his spiritual experience was his unclouded and unshakable faith in God and God's love in Christ. So real was his experience of that love and the divine forgiveness that death meant, to him nothing more than an incident in the history of his real life. He seemed to regard death and to think of it much as we would think of going from a darker room to one where the sun shone, as Bunyan would say, "allanearly." This is the friend we have lost, and the father which the sorrowing home has lost. And yet nothing of all that bright, genial and capable life is lost. Passed within the veil "He being dead yet speaketh," and for long shall speak. Of this friend of ours the Psalmist's words are true -- "Mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace."

"Nothing is here for tears, nothing to wail
Or knock the breast, no weakness, no contempt,
Dispraise or blame, nothing but well and fair,
And what may quiet us in a death so noble."

All this is our comfort, and to this comfort and the everlasting consolation of the Risen Christ we commend the widow and all the bereaved.

The service concluded with the singing of the hymn, "For all the saints who from their labours rest." At the interment, which took place in Mount Jerome, the service was taken by Rev. Dr. Osborne and Rev, J. L. Morrow, M.A. The chief mourners were -- Mr. James Duncan (son), Miss Mary A. Duncan (daughter), Miss Beatrix Duncan (grand-daughter).

 

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