DUNDRUM — The body of a 15 year-old boy, who had been missing since Sunday, was recovered off the bar mouth at Dundrum bay on Monday night. Two people who were fishing found the body after an organised search had been called off.
The boy, Bernard McDonagh, of Coalisland, and his brother, John (13), had set sail in two small punts on Sunday evening. When the current began to carry them out of the bay, Bernard jumped out. John was rescued by Thomas James Johnston (17), of Ballynahinch, who noticed the boy was in difficulties. Thomas swam out and rescued John and the boat. Bernard was one of a family of 13 children.
Local men who made every effort to locate the missing boy included Charlie Graham, son of a Main Street garage owner, Mickey McConvery, water bailiff, Church Avenue, and Mr. Terry Hutley, of Main Street.
Young Mr. Graham borrowed a friend’s boat on Sunday to join the search. And next day he donned a wetsuit and snorkel to spend several hours searching underwater.
CASTLEWELLAN — Another poteen-making still has been found in the Castlewellan area. A security forces patrol uncovered the equipment at a vacant house in Moneyscalp on Monday night. The ‘moonshine’ gear included a forty gallon drum and tubing, a barrel, a tank and a small wooden basin. Earlier this year a local man was fined £50 for possessing similar equipment.
LISTOODER — Tributes to the popularity of the former sub-postmistress at Listooder, Mrs. E. D. Rea, were paid at a social evening in Kilmore Presbyterian church hall at which she was presented with gifts from her friends in the Post Office, the Ulster Savings movement and, of course, those in her own locality. The chairman, Dr. W. D. Bailie, in welcoming those present, said that they had met to pay tribute to one who had lived and worked for many years in the district as sub-postmistress and proprietor of the shop at Listooder.
Mr. James P. Kirk, in paying a glowing tribute to Mrs. Rea, recalled her coming to the district as a bride 30 years ago, losing her husband four years later and her erection of a new shop and home where she carried on her business, despite even the intrusion of burglars a few years ago. Mr. Kirk spoke of her assistance to farmers and pensioners and of her pleasant manner which endeared her to the general public. He concluded by wishing Mrs. Rea a long and happy retirement.
DOWNPATRICK — Downpatrick police are anxious to hear from anyone who witnesses an incident in the town last Saturday night during which bottles were thrown at police and a number of windows smashed. The confrontation came after a hoax bomb scare at the bus station earlier in the evening. An army bomb disposal expert blew up a suspicious parcel at the depot.
Windows were broken in Mr. F. Muldrew’s chemist shop, the Horse and Hound bar and, later, in the Electricity Board’s offices.
RAFFREY — Saturday’s Raffrey Flower Show again drew large crowds of horticultural enthusiasts from a wide area. The event lived up to its high reputation and many visitors remarked on the magnificent array of blooms and plants. The chairman, the Rev. J. Carson, began the proceedings with prayer and Psalm 100. Mrs. J. Harper, of the Manse, Killyleagh, opened the show and was presented with a gift by Elizabeth Morrow. Mrs. Angela Kenmore arranged a fancy dress parade which was led by Freymont Pipe Band.
SAINTFIELD — A young Saintfield man had a lucky escape on Saturday when his tractor overturned twice after being involved in a collision with a bread van. He is Mr. W. J. Prentice (17), of Carricknaveigh, who got away with scrapes and bruises. The driver of the other vehicle, Mr. Herbert Carson, of Belfast, was unhurt. The accident happened at the Temple.
STRANGFORD — Ever since Down County Council introduced a ferry service at Strangford three years ago it has been held that there is a need for a second vessel. A deputation to Lord Windlesham, Minister of State, will attend at Stormont Castle on Tuesday when proposals for the introduction of a second ferry vessel will be considered.
The present vessel will go out of service for her annual refit on October 1 and it is anticipated she will be away from the lough for approximately three weeks.
NEWCASTLE — Four members of 2nd Newcastle Cub Scout pack were received into Newcastle Troop by the Scout leader on Monday last. They were Richard Cleland, Gary Law, Paddy Laverty and Frank O’Donoghue. Assistant leader Marcus Bailie introduced each new boy to every individual Scout. Patrol leader Stephen Goslyn was in charge of the colour ceremony and the opening prayers were read by patrol leader John Rusk.
DRUMANESS — East Down Rural Council members this week welcomed news from the Ministry of Education that they were now prepared to pay a grant at 65 per cent of the total cost of the work to the recreational hall at Drumaness. The clerk, Mr. Gordon Pentland, said that the Ministry’s technical advisers were examining the details of the scheme.
BALLYCULTER — The 250th anniversary of the consecration of Ballyculter Parish Church will be celebrated next year. The rector has so far been unable to determine what type of church was on the site prior to 1723, but the oldest gravestone dates back to 1691. Mr. H. Matthews and Mr. Hugh King have found what appears to be an old font and part of an arch or window and have removed them to the parish church.