BARONET AS POLICEMAN

Evening Star, Issue 19918, 14 July 1928, Page 5

BARONET AS POLICEMAN

WASTEFUL ANCESTORS’ FOLLY. The Royal Ulster Constabulary is probably the only police force in the world with a baronet serving in the ranks. He is Sergeant Sir John Echlin, who is in charge of the police barracks outside Enniskillen. Sir John gave evidence at Fermanagh County Court recently, and was given his correct title by the judge and counsel. Ho is the head of one of the oldest Scottish families. At tho barracks the accommodation is so restricted that Lady Echlin is living in lodgings in Enniskillen. Two centuries ago the Echlins possessed large estates in Scotland, and were lords of domains in Kildare, Carlow, Dublin, Galway, and Mayo, but to-day Sir John dravs about £6 a week as pay, and is cpjitc content with his lot. Wild ancestors dissipated the family fortunes. Tho third, fourth, and fifth Ivronets sold land recklessly to raise money till all was gone. Tho fifth and sixth baronets worked as agricultural labourers, and the eighth baronet, Sir John’s uncle, kept an inn. Sir John’s father was station master in a remote country district in Ireland.