From the pages of the Down Recorder, February 29, 1972

29 February 2012

ARDGLASS — Two young schoolboys on their way to gather whelks at Ardglass on Tuesday evening discovered a body in a little cove known as The Horseshoe. The boys, Martin Teggart (10) and Colm Crangle (10) came on the body as they made their way along the foreshore opposite the harbour around 4pm.

They contacted Mr. Brian Smith, of Seaview, who was nearby and he went immediately for the police. The body, in a badly decomposed state, is believed to be that of 22 year-old Mrs. Allison Agnew, who with her 27 year-old husband Martin, of Ramsey, Isle of Man, was drowned in a boating mishap off Ardglass in January.

A third person, William Thomas (35), also of Ramsey, was saved and after discharging himself from hospital said of his rescuers “they deserve medals.”

DOWNPATRICK — Downpatrick ratepayers will have to pay an extra 18p next year. The existing general rate of £2.77 goes up to £2.95. Originally it was thought that the rate would have to be £3, but by deciding to reduce the expenditure on weekend street cleaning, by councillors forgoing their expenses for the second successive year and by making other minor adjustments, it was possible to effect a five pence reduction in the rate estimate.

Mr. Maurice Hayes, town clerk, told members at a special rates meeting on Wednesday night that this year’s county demand at £90,000 represented an increase of 25 per cent on the figure for the previous financial year.

STRANGFORD — The Rev. Matthew Dillon, a curate at Kilclief, Strangford, was fined a total of £15 at Downpatrick Court yesterday on three summonses relating to offences against the Betting and Lotteries Act. He was convicted for conducting a lottery and for distributing tickets and matter relating to it on December 12.

Mr. Brendan McNamee, solicitor, defending, said Fr. Dillon was a curate of 900 souls who had built a church costing £45,000. “I think this Act is an anachronism. Someone can put £5,000 on a horse, but can’t buy a shilling raffle ticket.”

Chief Inspector Austen Anderson said Fr. Dillon had an excellent character. “He understood that the law in question would soon be amended. There can be no doubt that the proceeds of the raffle were to be used for the church building fund.”

The RM. Mr. Martin McBirney, said Fr. Dillon had been trying to act for the welfare of his parishioners. Bail was fixed in event of appeal.

NEWCASTLE — Newcastle’s declining tourist industry has taken another body blow with the cancellation of the Easter Rally — the last ditch effort to replace the axed Gallaher Circuit of Ireland event. The news was announced by the organisers, the Ulster Automobile Club, who said the event had been called off “on the advice of security authorities.”

The news must come as a major disappointment to Newcastle’s traders and hoteliers already suffering from the adverse effects of trouble hit seasons. They had hoped that some shred of financial benefit could have been salvaged over the holiday weekend.

BALLYNAHINCH — More than 1,500 people have already signed a memorandum which will be sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs in an effort to have pedestrian crossings provided in the town’s Main Street. The memorandum is being organised by the local branch of the East Down Tenants’ Association who had a caravan stationed in the town on Saturday to facilitate the public.

The need for pedestrian crossings has increased in recent years, especially since the Post Office in Main Street is now on the side opposite the majority of housing. Some years ago a census of traffic flow was found to be insufficiently large to merit the provision of crossings, but since then the amount of traffic has increased to such an extent as to alarm townspeople.

KILLYLEAGH — Members of Toye LOL No. 1077 honoured their oldest and most respected member, Mr. Robert Calvert, Downpatrick Road, Killyleagh, when he was their guest of honour at a reception in Island Glimpse Hotel on Friday night last. A company of over 80 including Lodge members, visiting brethren and lady friends attended a dinner and were welcomed by the W.M., Mr. Samuel Beers. Afterwards Mr. Beers called on Mr. J. H. Wightman, Deputy County Grand Master, to make a presentation to Mr. Calvert.

KILLINCHY — The retention of the Killinchy and Whiterock area within the new Down district as opposed to Ards is still undecided. The subject was raised at a further hearing before the local Government boundaries commissioner, at Banbridge on Wednesday.

Mr. Gordon S. Pentland, clerk to East Down Rural Council, again put the case for the inclusion of the Killinchy area in Down as it had always been a natural part of the Killyleagh social community rather than that of Comber. He was opposed by Mr. A. McNeilly, clerk to North Down RDC, and by Mr. W. G. Scott, Newtownards Borough Council.

KILMORE — The Rev, Dr. W. D. Bailie completed ten years as minister of Kilmore Presbyterian Church on Sunday. In his address he referred to his stay in the area and he considered the time opportune to look back and take stock, not of what he had accomplished, or of what the congregation had achieved, but of the purpose of the Church and the part to be played by Christians.

CASTLEWELLAN — Mr. Patrick Flynn, a 38 year-old farmer from Dunturk, Castlewellan, whose nomination was the only one received for the Seaforde division of East Down Rural Council, will take his seat the next council meeting as an Independent

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