Irish News.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVI, Issue 43, 15 February 1889, Page 21

Irish News.

CttTHll. — The other day public attention was directed to a case beard before the Land Commission in Dublin, in which Mr. Robios-m, agent of the Castlestuart estate, was ordered to refund a sum of £75 which had been irregularly obtained by him under the Arrears Act. The court declared that the tenants of the townland of Mulrick, Oowna, in whose name the arrears had been obtained, were not bound by statutory agreements fixing f iir rents which the tenants had been induced to sign in the belief that they were signing papers in connection with the Arrears Act. The agent was not very happy at being obliged to hand over the £75, and at seeing tne tenants, whom he thought he h<d bound up for 15 years, declared free to go into court to hare a fair rent fixed, and he bad an opportunity on November 24 of showing bis respect for the decision of the Land Commission and what he thought of the temerity of those wicked tenants who ventured to appeal from hia office-made arrangements. Even while the case had been before the Land Commission Court this tyrant got ejectment dtcrees against five of the tenants, the Judge refusing to fix fair rents for them on the ground that the case had gone to a higher court, but still thinking himself competeat to pronounce sentence of eviction. Mr. Robinson, with the Sheriff and bailiffs, executed his sentences of death. He himself, with his bailiff, nailed up and fastened the doors and windows after the poor people had been driven forth into the storm of wind and rain that swept the hillside, and their little effects broken and scattered about. Rev. M. Corcoran, who, with Father Grey, was present all the day, offered two years' rent on behalf of the tenants, bat the offer was sternly refused, the agent declaring that he would not accept any rent, and that the only terms of settlement possible would be that the tenants should, afier eviction, pay a fine to the landlord and go back as future tenants at the old rent, or any other he might choose to fix. Clare.— An influential meeting of the Touclea branch of the League was held on November 25. Jeremiah Connolly occupied the chair. After enrolling several new memhers, the following resolution was carried : — That we sincerely regret the sad and untimely death ot Mr. Pyne, M.P., the hero of Lisinny Castle, and we tender our heartfelt sympathy to his family and fnendß. The annual celebration in commemoration of ths Manchester Martyrs was to have been held at Kilrush on November 23. The authorities posted policemen in the graveyard, but their number was too small to cope with the people when they arrived in large numbers and gathered round the memorial cross. Thomas Coote, a Protestant Nationalist, proceeded to address those present, but the police force, being reinforced, cleared the graveyard. Cork* — A Coercion Court sat at Skibbereen to hear charges of unlawful assembly at the Castletownsend meeting. The men charged were Patrick Driscoll, Daniel Murphy, and Jeremiih Walsh of Myros. G. K. Sherlock, Bandon, prosecuted, and Mr. Downes defended. The court was thronged, amongst those present being Father O'Leary, Rev. James O'Sullivan, Rev. J. O'Hea. Constable Baldwin stated that he saw one of the policenen strike a man with his sword during the meeting. After hearing several oiher witnesses, the Removables sentenced Murphy and Walsh to two months' imprisonment, and dismissed the case against Dri6coll. Derry.— The following circular has been sent out by Agent Clark to the Clark tenants in the Maghera district :— " Dear Sir :— In December, 1885, I addressed you a circular to the following effect — ' If any tenant desired it, my father would sell him his farm in such a way that the annual installments that he wou.d have to pay for the loan would be four shillings in the pound less than the present rent and would cease altogether in 49 years, when the farm becomea freehold, and that this purchase would be so arranged that the tenant should receive a reduction equal to four shillings in the pound on the rent due last November.' By not purchasing then you have practically allowed three yenrs to be added to the price of your farm, for any payment you have since made would have gone to reduce the 49 installments you have to pay. Instead of this you have paid three years' rent which, as regards any benefit you derive from it, might have been thrown into the fire. As we wish that this estate ■hould get the benefit of the Ashbourne Act, father desires me to say be repeats the offer contained in the circular of December, 1885, as far as regards puichase, with this limitation — that last November's rent be paid before the first of February. I understand applications for a million and a half of this proposed loan (which is only for five millions) have been lodged with the Commissioners. There ought, therefore, to be no delay in sending in your application if you decide to buy. — Yours truly, J. Jackson Clakk." No steps have yet been taken by the tenants. It is expected they will not buy. Donegal.— Bishop O'Donnell of Raphoe delivered a grand speech at the annual social reunion of the natives of Donegal resident in Glasgow, Scotland. He was happy, he said, to rind such a large and enthusiastic gathering of Donegal people who, driven from their Dative land by a cruel and tyrannical Government, still cherished the scenes of their childhood and worshiped their fatherland through weal and woe. It is reported on good authority that the dispute which has existed for nearly twelve months between the Marquis of Oonyngham and his Glenties tenants has been settled, notwithstanding that at the Glenties Petty Sessions a large number of warrants for possession were granted against tenants and evictions were expected to take place soon. The new agent, Wm. Hammond, attended at the rent office and accepted the rente, le^s the reduction demanded by the tenauts, having forgiven all costs and reinstated those tenants who were under . notice o/evlcion. Fermanagh. — The Michaelmas Quarter Sessions for the Newtownbutler district of the County Fermanagh were opened in that town before J. C. Neligan, County Court Judge. J. W. Hanraban, Clerk ot the Crown, having called ovei the names of the Giand

Jurors, the Jadge, in addressing them, said he was glad to be in a position to congratulate them on th« light calendar they had to deal with. They had only one bill altogether to consider, which was of a trivial nature, and which he was sure they would hare no difficulty in dealing with. Gal-way,— James Kilmartin, of Shralea, Ballinasloe, has advised tue tenants of this county to^prevent the land-robbers from hunting on their farms. . On November 27 considerable excitement was caused in the House of Commons by the service of a summons on David Sheehy, tb« member for South Galway. Mr. Sbeehy was about to leave the House, after having concluded his speech, when one of the attendants handed him a card. He proceeded at once to the lobby and was there served with a summons under the Crimes Act by Constable Sullivan, from Ireland. Several members of Parliament witnessed the unusual incident, and the policeman's conduct was afterwards declared to be a breach of privilege. Klldare.— Rev. B. Byrne presided at the recent meeting o* the Iwo-mila House branch of the League. Proposed by Jame* Dillon, seconded by Peter Daly, and passed :— That we condemn the action of the trustees of the O'Kelly estate in casting upon the roadside their unfortunate tenants, who were peacefully seeking a reduction in their rents which the past bad times rendered necessary, ana we pledge ourselves to support them by every means in our power m their struggle againßt such tyrannous and barbarous treatment. Kilkenny.— One of the most extraordinary scenes ever witnessed in a court of justice took place in Kilkenny on November 28. Several persons were prosecuted for riot in connection with the late Manchester Martyrs' celebrations. Mayor Egan presided, and with him on the bench were Mr. Kou*h, Alderman McDermott. and Mr. Kennedy, R.M., who is a Removable for the County of Owlow. mere was exceptional excrement, and at one time Alderman Mcuermou, emulating the example of Justice Hannen, gathered up his papers and left the bench in a huff. He came back again. The magistrates subsequently had some very warm words on the bench, which greatly amused the audience. Objection was taken to Mr. Kennedy s sitting on the bench on the ground that he had no Commission of Peace lor zae city, wkich Mr. Buggy, who appeared for the defence, said was quite separate from the County. A lengthy and animated conversion ensued. Mr. Kennedy continued to sit on the bench for some time. The moment he asked the first witness a question the Mayor directed the witness not to answer him and requested Mr. K-mneiy not to interfere with the court. Mr. Kennedy then retired from i tb« bencn amidst a scene of wild confusion, the people cheering loudly. Kinsr'S County,— W. D. Whelan, solicitor, Tullamore, holds a unique position regarding the Parnell Commission if it is true, aa reported, that for some time he has beea preparing evidence on behalf of the Parnell side in the present commission of in l vir J,"| London. At all events, he has been made aware that his knowledge of the League will be required by the Tiiies. Kerry.— At the recent meeting of the Killarney Guardians, Daniel Cowlry, relieving officer, laid before the Board notices oi intended evictions on the Kenmare estate served on bun. The parties to be evicted are James Mahony, Denis T. Houlihan, Kate Kelly, Jonn Houlihan, and John Leary. . »,__,_ The other day, as a farmer named John Denneby was going homo from Killarney to Headford. he was arrested by Bergeant Bmytne, or Headford station, and taken before Calonel Turner at the Police Barrack, where hs was searched for documents in connection wun the Plan of Campaign and questioned as to having handed over money. He was discharged, and was accompanied to his home by the neaaI constable, who on the wav tried to get information from him ai to the working of the Plan of Campaign on the estate, assuring him tnat he would not suffer for having given information. But Denneny gave no information, having none to give, and the Sergeant was foiled. Umerick.-A National League Convention, com P°" d of the League branches of the surrounding districtß,was held at UalDaiiy, November 18. Delegates from the Angb sborougb, Ballylanders, Emly, Knocklong, Pallasgreen, Bansha and Kilmoyler, and U*lDauy branches attended. Very Rev. Canon Ryan was called upon to preside. He said they would have many matters to consider peitaining to the working of the League in the district, some suggested Dy resolutions passed at the recent Tnurles Convention. The referena chairman then referred to the case of the O'Neills, evicted by Oounc Moore, and defending his action in supporting them in their struggle. In conclusion he said the eviction of a tenant for a years rent, especially in the present depressed times, was establishing a leanui precedent. A number of resolutions were then adopted bearing on the case. . -p M On November 29 a proclamation signed by Mr. lrwin, a.m., was posted throughout the city forbidding the holding of a ™ ee " a ß next day "to spread and encourage sedition,"' this being ; the nr« intimation to the people that such a meeting was to be held, uxtra police were drafted into the city. A circular was then posted on me walls calling on the Nationalists of Limerick to visit the memorial crosa at the cemetery in commemoration of the Martyrs. This placard was torn down by the police during t u c night, and the Government; proclamation was effaced by the people. November 23, 60 ponce were posted at the memorial cross, Major Rolleston and Mr. irwin commanding. During the day the gates of the cemetery were locked, but large numbers visited the cross, which is just outside tne cemetery. Prayers were offered up for the Martyrs iv several of the churches. LrOUtn.— Removable Magistrates Kilkelly and Branson held a Crimes Act Court at Dundalk recently. John Mapuire, Patrick M'Guinness, Bernard O'Hagan, Patrick O'Hagan, Joseph Kelly, James Keating, and Peter Jackson were arraigned on a charge of si n g»?8 "The Memory of the Dead"— a celebrated patriotic song by Dr. Ingram, a Fellow of Trinity College— commencing with the line, " Who fears to speak of '98 ?" Maguire, in whose possession a revolver was found, was sentenced to three months' hard labour, and the others to two months' bard labour.

f Mayo.— Thomas Byrne presided at the recent meeting ot the Bohola I.N.L. The following resolution was passed :— That we condemn the action of Judge Morris in confirming the barbarous gentence of six months' imprisonment which had bean recorded against the Mayor of Sligo by Removables Henn and Turner, and we believe the article for which Mr. M*Hugh is suffering was a just and reasonable comment, the sentiments contained in which shall be cherished by the people of Ireland when Bloody Balfour and his infamous tools will be beard of no more. Tbe match between the Newport Wolfe Tones and the Westport John Mac Hales was played at Newport on November 18 and resulted in a draw. Precisely at two o'clock the VVestport team arrived on a number of cars, and, being joined by the members of the Wolfe Tone Club headed by their brass band, immediately repaired to the trystingplace. John M'Ney and W. Dorris acted as field umpires, and Alex. Karanagh as referee. The Tones won the toss and played with great energy, keeping the ball well on Westport territory until half-time was called. On sides beiug changed the Mac Hales seem confident of success, but the Tones charged with great determination and after a hard struggle scored one point. Witbn two minutes of time being called the Mac Hales skilfully forced the leal her on to their opponents' ground and succeeded in scoring a. point. After the game both teams returned to Newport, the band playiDg and all the people singing the national anthem," God Save Ireland." Dlonaghan.— The Irishmen of Kimberly, South Africa, have sent to P. O Bnen, M.P. for North Monaghan, a very handsome present in token of their admiiatiou of hi-*courage in the fight against Coercion in Ireland, and of s\m.>a.bv wiih him i 1 his long term of imprisonment. It consists of a large Cap^ diamond of extremely pure quality set in a massive ring of Soivh Atricau gold. Tippei"ary.-The celebration of the anniversary of the Manchester Mai lyrs at Cam •k-on-Suir, was interfered with by the police. A black flag displayed from the windows of the Gladstone Temperance Society, was seized after sorno resistance on the part of the members, A barbel's shop was also entered, and another black flag was seized. Borne stone-throwing prevailed in the evening and the p >lice charged the crowd several times. Forty prosecutions will be initiated at the forthcoming sessions Tbe excitement subsided in the evening and the town is now quiet. At a Crimeß Act Court held at Thurles by Removables Meldon and Carew, an Emergency man. named John Tappins, was charged •with having a loaded revolver in his possession in a proclaimed district without a license. It appeared that he was under the influence of drink, and that he deliberately jostled against a reputable farmer named Dwyer. A police constable deposed that he heard Tappins call Dwver a " bloody Land Leaguer," and say to him, " You Bhould get a bullet in thf backbone. I have authority to do that.'" The police had great difficulty in taking the revolver from accused. Tappins was sentenced to one mouth's imprisonment. "Westmeatll.— The anniversary of the execution of the Manchester Martyis was celebrated in Athlon* on November 23. The band < f the Worki fima'i'n Club par tded the principal streets of the town playing the" Dead Maich in Saul." and prajei 8 were offered up at all i he Catholic churches for the repose of the souls of the Martyred Three. There was an influential mce'ing of the local branch of the League on November 25, under the piesidency of Rev. E. O'Reilly. Andrew Allen said — The Turn v C'ommis-sion was now sitting 20 days, and with all the resources which were at the command of the Tory Government, and they were wonderful indeed, nor did they refrain from entering into the lowest cbanr.ols to obtain the much-prized information — it was satisfactory to every Irishman to know that they were not able to prove the L-ague guilty of one particle of crime or outrage. A dark plot had been instituted to drag down the Irish Members and to lower them in tho estimation of their countrymen and the world. Not alone across the Channel were their enemies at work, but :f they came nearer home they could pick out plenty of men of the game stamp who were too willing to defame the National cause. If the National League were in prosperity everyone would be ready to strew flowers in their wav, but when any little adversity had to be contended with then they lent their assistance in heaping contumely upon it. It was the duty of members to stand up in defence of 8 cause instilled with pure National spirit. The path of true Nationalism was never one of rot>es , on the contrary , it was always a path of sorrow, and the Irish ppople should be determined to bear with all trials in order to win their Natio lal rights. Wicklow.— The Home Rule football tournament was commenced on November 2"i. Owing to a local meeting but one of the ties could be played, the clubs engaged bt ing the O'Donnell Aboos, Miltown, and the Michael Dwyere, Rathfaraham. In the first half the Dwyers, playing with the wind, put six points to their credit to their opponents' nil. When change of ground was called it was expected the Miltown boys would easily wipe out the score, but though they fought a determined match with the Dwyers, they were unable to do so, and had to put up wi'h another two points against them, which left the scjre — Michael Dwyers eight points, to O'Donnell Aboos ml.