DOWNPATRICK — Downpatrick Urban Council’s March meeting, interrupted when Civil Rights Association demonstrators invaded the boardroom on Monday night, will be held next Monday — and there is speculation in the town as to whether it too will be allowed to take place.
It is understood that the local CRA and SDLP branches will hold meetings over the weekend to decide on a course of action and, in the event of a further postponement, the weekly wage packets of approximately 15 council workers will be in jeopardy.
When four members of the council — Messrs James Clements, Terence McKee, Cecil Maxwell and Hugh Millar — turned up for Monday night’s monthly meeting they found the boardroom occupied by 22 placard-carrying members of the recently formed Downpatrick branch of the CRA.
Last month four more councillors — members of the Social Democratic and Labour Party who have been absent from the boardroom since internment was introduced in August — wrote explaining their reasons for not attending council meetings and calling for an election. It was stated that if they did not return by Monday their seats could be declared vacant and an election arranged.
Town clerk, Mr. Maurice Hayes, later told the Recorder: “I have been given no authority to make any payments and it would appear the council’s workmen will not get paid this week.”
DUNDRUM — Over 50 seabirds, killed by oil pollution, have been washed ashore in Dundrum Bay in the last two weeks and, according to the Newcastle-based USPCA inspector, Mr. Horace Ramsden, thousands of dead birds could be floating in the waters between St. John’s Point and Newcastle harbour. The birds have been swallowing lumps of crude oil scattered in the water. This paralyses their systems and makes then sick and stupid, says Mr. Ramsden.
Little can be done to help those birds whose feathers only are affected. “Detergent takes the natural oil from the plummage and leaves the birds with no defence,” he said.
Local opinion is that the blame lies with the big oil companies whose heavy tankers carry out ‘lightening’ operations in the bay. Thousands of gallons of oil are transferred from incoming massive vessels to lighten their cargo, enabling entry to docks.
ARDGLASS — The two bodies washed up on the Ardglass beach have been positively identified as those of the man and wife who perished in January’s boating tragedy. The body of Mr. Martin Agnew (27), of Ramsey, Isle of Man, was identified by his brother. The body of Mr. Agnew’s wife, Allison (22), was identified by her parents, who flew over on Friday.
KILLYLEAGH — Killyleagh Young Farmers’ Club’s recent February outing took the form of a visit to Messrs McCleery & L’Amie Ltd., spinners and dyers premises at Saintfield. Over 20 members were taken on a conducted tour of the factory which began at the raw material departments and went through to the spinning and dyeing departments, ending with the knitting yarn made into cones ready for despatch. The factory, which opened some years ago, has approximately 350 workers, but when a new extension is almost completely they hope to employ a further 80 people which should be beneficial to the community.
NEWCASTLE — Newcastle Chamber of Commerce are concerned that a sewerage scheme being carried out in the town may cause chaos over the Easter holiday period. In a letter read out at Monday night’s meeting of the urban council, concern was expressed at the slow rate of progress on the scheme and the chamber inquired if any steps could be taken to ensure that the Bryansford Road section would be completed before Easter.
SAINTFIELD — About 300 members and their friends attended Saintfield YFC District Agricultural Show Society’s dinner dance in the Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle, on Friday, and were welcomed by the president, Dr. J. S. McKelvey.
SAUL — We are proud that this area is known as Saint Patrick’s Country, but the visitor has had to make do with information gleaned from local residents or scanty references in tourist publications. This week an attractive little booklet has been published describing the Saint’s life, his coming to Saul, his establishing of churches, his burial and local legends.
Together with references to old stones, churches and holy wells in the area, plus an excellent map, it contains much hitherto uncollated material and tribute is paid to several local people who helped in different ways. It is on sale in Downpatrick and area, price 30p.
DRUMANESS — A new branch of the Social Democratic and Labour Party has been formed in Drumaness. A meeting was held in the old school on Wednesday night. Officers elected to the new branch include Mr. Dan Rice, chairman, Miss Ann Thompson, secretary, and Mr. Donald Rice, treasurer.
CASTLEWELLAN — Mrs. Miriam Goslyn, Scout leader of 1st Castlewellan pack, has been awarded the Wood Badge. This is a timely honour which recognises her diligence.
CROSSGAR — Mr. W. Gill, Crossgar, took first place in the three-furrow whole work section and Mr. R. Gill, also of Crossgar, took second place in the whole work section at Newtownards Young Farmers’ ploughing match at Ballycultra.
Killinchy — A Killinchy team comprising William R. Neill, Ian Morrison and Joe Tate came third in the 21-25 age group section of the Kesh Young Farmers’ debating competition at Armagh on Saturday.