From the pages of the Down Recorder, March 19, 1914

From the pages of the Down Recorder, March 19, 1914

19 March 2014

EMIGRATION — The in emigration is rather sharply reflected in the bookings of the steamship companies.

In the Canadian trade, for example, there has been a distinct reaction as compared with the extraordinary activity of a year ago. Then it was quite common for emigrant accommodation to be fully booked up two or three months ahead. Indeed a considerable number of people travelled second cabin because third-class passages were unobtainable except after long delay.

At the present moment it is possible to secure berths without difficulty in ships which are due to sail at an early date. The greatly reduced work cast upon the passenger offices of the steamship companies is reported in some cases to have been followed by a reduction in their strength. Naturally the number of stewards and cooks have been diminished as there are fewer emigrants to be looked after.

Large additions to the fleets of the steamship lines running to Canada suggest a belief that any falling off in the stream of emigration is only temporary. As a matter of fact, the whole North Atlantic emigrant traffic is liable to severe fluctuations, and it is not expected that the bumper figures of 1913 would be maintained.

In the trade with Australia there has not been the same pressure to secure emigrant passages as has been noticeable during the past few years. For one thing, the available supply of ships is now much greater, and the threat of certain Australian States to build emigrant steamers for themselves is no longer heard.

SUFFRAGETTES — Mrs. Pankhurst, the leader of the Women’s Social and Political Union, was released on licence from Holloway Prison on Saturday forenoon. A few hours before a party of militant suffragette supporters had been smashing windows at the Home Secretary’s private residence as a protest against her imprisonment. In the afternoon Miss Sylvia Pankhurst was also released from Holloway.

A suffragette in male attire was arrested on Monday night in the Central hall of the House of Commons. Recognised when she entered, she was questioned and taken to a nearby police station, where it was found that a hunting crop was concealed under her coat.

ST. PATRICK — St. Patrick’s Day, now an Irish bank holiday, is exploited by various Irish organisations, both political and non-political. Every March 17 the Gaelic League organises a monster procession of its branches in Dublin. Mr. John Redmond, at a dinner of his compatriots in London, reviews the situation of the Irish nationality.

The Royal Irish Industry Association, which appeals to all kinds of London Irish people, opens its annual sale. Special services are held in Ireland by both Churches, and in one Protestant church the sermon is delivered in Gaelic.

PORTAFERRY — St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated in the usual manner in Portaferry. A number of the business houses and some of the public-houses closed for the day. Members of the AOH, in regalia, marched to church in the morning. In the afternoon the Nationalist band paraded at Ballynichol, where a football match was played between Corrog and Newcastle, resulting in a win for Corrog by 3-2. At night a concert was given in St. Patrick’s hall by the children of Ballyphilip schools, followed by a dance lasting well into the morning.

DOWNPATRICK — Companies A, B and C of the 1st Battalion East Down regiment U.V.F., with cycle riders, assembled on a few hours’ notice at the Mall at 8.30 on Monday night. ‘Fall in’ having been sounded, the roll-call showed that almost every man was accounted for, and the officer, Mr. J. A. McConnell, complimented them on their alacrity.

Each man wore bandolier, belt and haversack. One company, led by Rev. J. C. Pooler, captain, proceeded via the Bull’s Eye Road in the direction of the Steamers’ Quay, while the other two companies took the Crossgar-Killyleagh road. A junction was effected at the Quoile Quay, and headquarters were reached about 10.30.

SAINTFIELD — An inspector of the Department of Agriculture visited the town on tuesday in quest of five head of cattle, purchased at a fair in disease-stricken County Cork and said to have been shipped to Belfast for Saintfield. Apparently, a wrong name and address must have been given. There is nothing to show that the cattle came by rail, nor does anyone in the town or district answer to the deion of the consignee.

BALLYNAHINCH — during the past two years Munninabane national school has made remarkable progress. The average attendance has increased by 50 per cent, although the population has decreased. The proficiency of the pupils, too, has steadily improved.

The inspector expressed himself well pleased with the discipline and attainments of the pupils, and with the good work done by both teachers. As an encouragement to all concerned, the manager, Rev. J. Savage, provided a sumptuous treat.

SILENT VALLEY — Mr. Braithwaite, chairman of the Belfast Water Commissioners, stated that two years ago they got a Bill to complete one of the reservoirs in the Silent Valley in the Mourne Mountains. With a capacity of three thousand million gallons, it will be one of the largest natural reservoirs in the United Kingdom, and he believes too that it will be the cheapest work of its kind according to its size.

ARDGLASS — Ardglass Presbyterian church held its annual social meeting in the Masonic Hall. In spite of the bad weather, a goodly number sat down to tea.

After tea, Rev. J. C. G. Ball took the chair. An interesting item in the proceedings was the presentation on behalf of the congregation to Miss Annie McWatters of a purse of sovereigns in recognition of her services as honorary organist. Speeches acknowledging the congregation’s indebtedness to Miss McWatters were made by the chairman and also by Mr. Alex Hill, Mr. John Fleming and Mr. John Nougher, all of whom bore testimony to the value of the work done by Miss McWatters.

RAFFREY — A native of Raffrey, and long identified with the commercial life of Belfast, Mr. William Lowry, died at his residence, Strandtown, at the parochial age of 83. Half a century ago, in connection with his cousin, Mr. William Edgar, he established the firm of Messrs Edgar & Lowry, furriers and costumiers, of Arthur Square, whose business was afterwards transferred to Donegall Place.

HILLTOWN — Negotiations are in progress for the purchase by the tenants of the Hilltown estate of the Marquis of Downshire. A short time ago the Batt estate was sold at a reduction of 7s 3d in the £1 on first-term rents, and 5s 4d in the £1 on second-term rents. a mountain tract of sheep pasturage and turbary of 4,348 acres was disposed of for £850, and is now vested in a body of trustees for the tenants.

CASTLEWELLAN — A telegraph from Trenton announces the death of the Right Rev. John Scarborough, Protestant Episcopal Bishop of New Jersey. Dr. Scarborough, who was in his 83rd year, had been suffering from pneumonia. He was a native of Castlewellan, but was educated in America. He was ordained in 1858 and had been Bishop of New Jersey for 39 years.

DOWNPATRICK — At the Downpatrick Board of Poor Law Guardians’ meeting, the workhouse master, Mr. P. Fitzsimons, said he noted in his journal that at 10pm on the 11th inst. a man the tramp class scaled the wall and demolished 30 panes in two of the windows of the porter’s lodge, for which offence he was given into custody, with the result that he was sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment with hard labour.

INCH — Last night an enjoyable entertainment was given in Inch school-house in aid of the fund for improving the teacher’s residence. Mr. R. D. Perceval-Maxwell presided over a large audience who manifested their appreciation of an excellent programme.