DEFIANT ISLAND.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 22, 19 September 1911, Page 6

DEFIANT ISLAND.

♦ • WILL NOT PAY HATES

The Sligo County Council is much exorcised in regard to an ielaucl whose inhabitants will not pay rates. Innishmurry, in the Atlantic Ocean, between Sligo and Killybcgs, County Donegal, is the island in question. In his report to the Local Government Board the rate collector stated that he could not get a boat on the mainland to I take him to the island on such an errand as collecting rates, and at the last meeting of the Sligo County Council if, wa6 stated that some years ago two officials of the council Who tried to land on the island for the same purpose were stoned off the shore by the inhabitants. The question as to how a landing could be effected was discussesd by the council at their last meeting, and one member stated that a Dreadnought would be required for the purpose. The island is one and a-half miles long and a-half mile broad, and there is no direct communication with it. About 14 families reside on the island, and they Jive chiefly on barley, potatoes and fish. A special day is fixed every year for the celebration oif marriages, as there are several months in the year when it is impossible for a clergyman to visit the island.

Although out of humanity's reach and with few opportunities of reading the newspapers, they are a quick-witted and intelligent people, and are well versed in current affairs. There are several curious stones on the island called "cursing stones," and it is considered an unlucky thing for a person to turn these stones apon himself or disrespect them. The islanders conduct their own religious services on Sundays. At mid-day they all assemble in the remains of a little sixthrccntury church, and recite the rosary and other prayers. One of the islanders, an old man, acteas lung and settles any disputes that arise, hut as a rule the greatest harmony prevails.