From the pages of the Down Recorder, December 7, 1941

12 July 2011

DROMORE — It has occurred before now that a man, when suddenly asked, could not tell the colour of his wife’s eyes. Before Mr. Austin, R.M., the other day at Dromore, in an alimony suit, to which the Board of Guardians were a party, the wife, aged 55, professed not to know the age of her husband, one Joseph Bailey As afterwards disclosed in evidence, Bailey is a pensioner over 70.

The wife alleged that four years ago he deserted her, saying he would not live under the roof that covered her, that he contributed nothing to the support of herself and daughter, and that he had consorted with another woman. This he denied, and he was now unwilling to join her in a house little more than a salt box; but he consented to a weekly payment of 8 shillings and sixpence.

CASTLEWARD — His County Down friends heard with dismay that Edward Ward is with several other journalists in Libya an Axis prisoner. Naturally, the Castleward family and his wife, who is in a nursing home, are anxious about his future. Before joining the B.B.C., Ward, an accomplished linguist, was Reuters’ special correspondent in the Far East. His successive vivid messages from Finland, then from Greece lastly from the Middle East are on record.

SAINTFIELD — Mr. W. Rankin, B. Agr., addressed Saintfield Young Farmers’ Club on Tuesday evening in the Recreation Hall. The programme, entirely in the hands of the men’s committee, was a very satisfying one. Bennett’s dance band sparkled, and Messrs William Geddis and William Maxwell were popular M.C.s. Prizes for a heads and tails dance were won by the Misses I. and R. McVeigh. Dancing and games were fully enjoyed until about 11 o’clock when, after a resounding set of lancers, a delicious supper was served by the men. On behalf of the ladies, appreciation was expressed by Miss L. McVeigh and Miss B. McVeigh. Finale: the National Anthem.

NEWCASTLE — Miss Lusk, presiding at the meeting of Newcastle Women’s Institute, on Thursday at Glenmore Cafe, reported the sending of several Christmas parcels to sailors belonging to Newcastle; other parcels to follow; also, that a whist drive had been arranged for December 9 to raise funds to buy wool. Miss Redlich, who will presently tell of Czechoslovakia, her own country, gave an illuminating talk on Russia through which she has travelled extensively, with particular reference to Rostov, Sebastapol and other places now in the war headlines. A hearty vote of thanks was conveyed by Miss Cochrane and Mrs. Pithers. Then, tea and music.

DOWNPATRICK — On Mr. T. Wright’s retirement from the managership from Downpatrick branch of the Northern Bank, the last of a series of notable public tributes in the form of gifts and expressions of regret at his leaving, and of wishes for his future happiness, took place on November 28 at Infirmary House. In the name of the bank customers, Mr. J. Macauley being treasurer to the committee, and Mr. M. J. Hayes, secretary, Mr. Wright was presented by Mr. Fred Gifford with a substantial cheque, and Mrs. Wright by Mrs. Robb with a silver fox fur. Dr. and Mrs. Robb hospitably entertained the committee at tea.

KILLYLEAGH — His friends will be sorry to learn of the death on Wednesday in his 86th year of Mr. Samuel Morrison, for 30 years gardener at Gocean. He was a past master of Masonic Lodge 30.

STRANGFORD — Lady Una Ros is president of Strangford savings group, and Mr. J. W. MacMurray is hon. secretary. It is hoped to provide a naval launch at £2,500 from savings between September 31 and December 1. A large proportion of the required sum is already in.

NEWCASTLE — Newcastle Urban Council have no liking for that ugly word, ‘decentralisation,’ still less for its meaning, as touching home defence measures, shaped for things to come. It is with obvious reluctance and some misgiving that they are joining the group committee who are to be entrusted with A.R.P. over a wide area far beyond the confines of the urban boundary. One impression of the whole business is its leisureliness.

BALLYNAHINCH — Among last night’s functions in Ballynahinch were a concert by Second and Third Presbyterian Girls’ Auxiliary in Ballymaglave school, and St. Vincent de Paul Society’s popular in the parochial hall.

HOME GUARD — The Home Guard’s best wishes go to with Company Commander J. E. Glendenning, of Downpatrick, leaving for the R.A.F. He can ill be spared, but he is certainly taking up a more important job. On a recent patrol inspection, Dundrum sub-district members were hearteningly keen. ‘Make the best use of shadows in moonlight’ was one lesson; self-protection must always be in mind, no matter how small or large a party may be. P/Commander Kirby had his men on Tuesday night ousting military parachutes from a small coastal hamlet, blank and crackers adding a touch of realism to the operation. The section coming in by road from the west, bunched badly, but certainly scattered when the crackers got amongst them. What would a hand grenade have done?

RATIONING — Points of rationing for tinned foods came into vogue on Monday. Among the shop offerings are some sent from the United States under the Lease and Lend Act. ‘Spam’ is a high quality ham with a flavouring of sugar and spice. ‘Mor’ is minced pork shoulder, very appetising. Also now on sale are twelve millions tins of national household milk powder and block suet, a special pre-Christmas distribution.

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