Irish News.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 11, 16 July 1897, Page 9

Irish News.

CFrom Contemporaries.) ARMAGH.— Cardinal Logue on Secret Societies.— On Monday, May 10, his Eminence Cardinal Logue, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland, made his triennial vi>it to the parish of Stewartstown for the purpose of confirming a number of children and ascertaining the state of (.he parish. After Miss his Eminence ascended the alt<>r btep-. and congratulated the pastor and • eople on the state in which he found rt ligion in the parish. In the cour.se of his address his Lmin 'lice /< fuTcd to the danger y >ung peop^ were in of be< oruing e>it uppi 1 into secret soi leties through emissaries wbo we.*e con cr p bout through I he wintry entrapoiner youii? men into b' com in v *nenu>ei - oi tin -i dan.t-musi orsrani ations. lie warned the people t. run iwav fr mi thc^t men, a c they would from a mad dog. The'r moti.e was nn(, patriotism. Such societies were disturbing the pi a< c of the civilised w-rld at the present time In conclusion, he congratulated Ihc priests and people on the splendid new srhoo] which they had erected, and hoped that when it would be finished they would utilise it for the instruction of the youth of the parish. The education of the youth was one of the irost noble works which a people could be engaged in. His Grace then imparted the Papal benediction to a large congregation, and immediately proceeded w ith the examination of the children in the Christian Doctrine. Upwards of 100 children, boys and girls, presented themselves for examination. CAVAN — Death of Mr. Thomas o'Hanlon, ex-M.P.-We deeply regret to announce the death of Mr. Thomas o'Hanlon, who represented one of the divisions of Cavan in the Nationalist interest, prior to the Parnellite split. His death occurred on May 14, at about half-past eleven o'clock at his residence, 8 North Frederick street, and was due to acute pneumonia. Mr. o'Hanlon had been ailing for some time, and was attended by Dr. Kenny and also by Sir Christopher Nixon. It is stated that the death of his brother about two months ago caused him a rather severe shock, and that since the deceased gentleman has not be n in good health. He was about sixty years of age. Mr. o'Hanlon, it may be mentioned, was very successful in business as a wine merchant in Derry. He was unmarried. At the time of the split in Committee Room 1.") he took sides with Mr. Parnell, and at the general election which followed he did not seek re-election. He was universally recognised as a man of sterling, rugged honesty. He was fortified before his death by the last rites of the Catholic Church, of which he was a faithful member. CLARE.— Threatened Confiscation of the Famous Spa at Lisdoonvarna ; Public Meeting of Protest.— On Sunday, May it. an important meeting was held in Lisdoonvarna to protest against the action of the Representative Church Body of Ireland in their endeavour to grab the Lisdoonvarna sulphur springs, the use of which has been free to the public for a number of years. The people of the far-famed watering place have determined to resist by every legal means the threatened invasion of the public rights, and to fight out to the end the pretensions raised by the Representative Church Body. On the facts as disclosed the action of that body cannot be described other than as most unjustifiable. Something like the same claim endeavoured to be sustained now was put forward thirty years ago by Captain Stackpoole, the former landlord of the district. He built a well house on the site ot the principal Spa which was walled in, the people being denied the access that up to that time they had freely enjoyed. The indignation felt by the people manifested itself in a practical manner, and the gates set up by the landlord were blown up and the house damaged A claim for compensation by Captain Stackpoole was opposed, and the judgment of the late Chief Baron Pigott was that the putting up of the gates constituted an infringement of the public rights. For the injury to the hou^e some slight compensation was allowed, and there the matter rested until, some years after practically the same decision was delivered by Judge O'Brien Subsequently the estate went into Chancery, and a local improvement committee having been formed, a lease of the house, grounds and wall was obtained at a rent of £1."5 a year. Since then the c >mmittee by the aid of voluntary subscriptions have improved and beaut fied the Spa for the benefit of visitors. The house has been enlarged, modern pumps have been bought, new b iths have been erected out of the funds collected by the committee. Now it appears that the Church Representative Body, who were the largest incumbrancers on the estate have bought out the other interests having claims upon the property, and as a consequence of their ownership the court lease given to the c ommittee lapses. One of the first acts of the new landlords, regardless of the monies spent by the committee, has been to advertise the letting of the Spa, and even though the Improvement Committee made an offer to rent what is virtually the property of their own creation it has been rejected, it is said, in favour of a syndicate proposal to take over the springs and baths at £300 a year. These tacts demonstrate pretty clearly the injustice of the proceeding comteinplated by the Church Representative Body, and it is to be hoped that the people of Lisdoonvarna will succeed in defeating snch an aggressive and unwarrantable interference with public rights. CORK.— Consecration of the Bishop of Ross.— The conpecration of the Most Rev. Dr. Kelly as Bishop of Ross took place in the Pro-Cathedral, Skibbereen, on Sunday, May '.). The consecrating prelate was the Most Rev. Dr. Croke, Archbishop of Cashel. The assisting bishops were the Most Eev. Dr. M'Redmond. Bishop of Killaloe, and the Most Rev. Dr. MacCormack, Bishop of Galway. The Most Rev. Dr. O'Dwyer. Bishop of Limerick, and the Most Rev. Dr. O'Callaghan, Bishop of Cork, also occupied seats near the altar. About 50 priests, who came from the diocese of Ross and the counties of Tipperary, Limerick and Clare, as well as a crowded congrega-

tion from Baltimore and Schull, attended the ceremony. After Mass a sermon was preached by the Bishop of Limerick. Subsequent to the con-ccration ceremonies the Most Rev. J>r. Kelly wa-t wnited on at his residence by a number of the clergy and laity of the dio ese of Ki Hal oe. with which his Lordbhip, as precedent of the dine san college, Ennis, was associated prior to hi* election to the S^e of Ross. An address from the clergy was read by the Rev. E L. Galligan. (J.C., Lab.ibhecda. Addro^cs were also presented trom the peoi)lo ot KnnK the Skibbereen Town Commi-hion. rs. the Baltimore Harbour Hoard, and the religious societies in the town ; the >kibbeiven St \ iiiccnt de Paul Society the Youn"- Men's Society, tlu Confratcrniiy of tli Holy Fan.iJy. and th Uaehc Athletic

St. Cobnan's Cathedral, Queenstcv/r..— A -pi end id effort > irin;_ n ade by t v- Most Rev Dr. Browne ,oc > nuMe St. Colman's '_ "'" '' ' Oi een-tov, n. The undi rtaking is ; «..•-■ intie (mo. and It i'l-.i ._)io! j lorn tic support oi the people oJ (.'i.ipie but -jf the •■) ne lii h r. cc. To the liish in An.uua M dolman's is particuii'lyei (Uarinj: hv odious reiw>'is. To ihcia i' w;.s practically the ii L -1; npsi- i>{ J.rin. What tlmn-hN of t.it 1 . ;. nd fatherland crowded -ipoi, their memories as the view of M. ('damn's 1 ecame fainter and fainter ii is easy to imagine. But to Catholics everywhere the noble building when completed will be an object of pride. Within recent years nothing to equal it has been erected to the honour and glory of God in the United Kingdom. The Most Rev. Dr. Browne spoke on the subject of the completion of th& church at a recent meeting of the people of the parish, when a. sum of about £().")() was subscribed. As .C 12.000 are required to finish the work, help from outside is absolutely necessary, and the good people of Cloyne who are ever foremost in subscribing to deserving objects should be warmly supported by all who are blessed with means. The Most Rev. Dr. Browne. Bishop of Cioyne, has received the following letter from his Grace the Archbishop of Cashel : " I have read in the Cork papers, with much pride and satisfaction, an account of the numerously attended and successful meeting held in Queenstown on Sunday last, under the presidency of your lordship, w ith a view to provide funds for the completion and general equipment of St. Colman's grand cathedral. Though I have already given more than one subscription towards that same end, I nevertheless now beg your lordship's acceptance of the enclosed cheque for £100, as a small token of my regard for yourself personally, as well as of my high appreciation of the glorious work for God'a honour and glory in which you. together with your devoted priests and people, are engaged. Wishing you every success in this and all your other diocesan undertakings."

DUBLlN.— Conference of Postal Telegraph clerks — The Conference of Postal Telegraph Clerks held in Dublin is, perhaps more important than any yet previously held under the same auspices. Discontent is rife throughout the telegraph service owing to the unsatisfactory recommendations ot the Tweedmouth Committee, and the strongly worded resolutions indicate the feelings that animate 7.(i<)() members of the association like one man. Inadequate salaries, extensive working hours, unfair methods o$ promotion, and a system of classification, which has b -en time and again protested against, constitute but some of the grievances that this important branch of theChil Service seek to have removed. One of the first resolutions d< alt with affirmed the principle of the necessity of direct parliamentary representation. The subject provoked an exhaustive discussion, and. as one delegate pointed out, the difficulty was how the telegraphist* who were scattered throughout the country were to return the man of their choice. The motion was, however, declared carried by a large majority, and a resolution having been adopted expressing dissatisfaction with the I'weedmouth report it was decided that on the Mh ol June next an identical petition should be forwarded from every office in Great Britain and Ireland to the Postmaster-General, in proof of the discontent that now pervades the whole ser\ice. The delegates concluded the business portion of their programme with the adoption of some important resolutions. A Birmingham delegate moved a resolution to the effect that the association should be placed upon a trade union basis, but the proposal, not meeting with any considerable body of support, was withdrawn. A discussion then took place upon a suggestion that the subscriptions of members should be raised, so that the association might be prepared for any contingencies arising out of the present crisis. Eventually the whole question was left over for the consideration of the London committee. The most important business transacted during the sitting was the decision arrived at by a large majority ot the conference that the time had come w hen all branches ot the postal service should unite in pressing the attention of their grievances upon Parliament.

The " Moy Mell " Bazaar.— ln deference to an almost general expression of desire on the part of the public the great bazaar and fancy fete, '• Moy Mell," was prolonged. The bazaar has been a «reat centre of interest. Its object— the benefit of the Children's Hospital. Dublin — of course made its appeal irresistible. It is indeed gratifying to know that the result has been bo good, and that one of the greatest, if not absolutely the greatest, of our city charities has benefited largely by this most admirable, and, in every sense, ideal fete.

KERRY.— O'Connell Memorial Church.— Canon Brosnan has issued the following appeal : — Fellow-countrymen, — Within a few minutes' walk of the birthplace of the Liberator, and beside the now dilapidated structure in which ho so often worshipped, rises the unfinished O'Connell Memorial Church. Since the happy resumption of the works last November very satisfactory progress has been made bringing the unfinished walls almost to the height required for roofing. Through the devotion of our people and the generosity of the friends of Ireland throughout the world, £14, ."HH 18s i)d has been paid to the contractor, and there is nothing more now due on the building except the ÜBual drawback

of 12.J per cent., and £153 9s 2d overdrawn in the Munster and Leinster Bank, whilst payment to the contractor is guaranteed up to the roofing' inclusive, when, as per agreement, the key of the church is to be handed over. All further particulars at hand are open to inspection. The good work proceeds ; and so much having been achieved, surely the final effort to roof and prepare the church for Divine service will not be found wanting. In a few days the Catholic Church throughout Ireland and in other lands will commemorate by solemn celebrations the fiftieth anniversary of O'Connell's death ; and may I not be humbly permitted to express the hope that in so memorable a year this commemorative and votive church may be completed. Religion sind nationality are alike my advocates in this hour of need, when the funds of the O'Conncll Memorial Church are exhausted. — I am. dear fellowcountrymen, your faithful and humble servant, T. Canon Brosnan. Cahirciveen, May .">, l!S I J7. KING'S COUNTY.-The Late Mr. Patrick Egan, T.C., Tullamore. — The interment of the late Mr. Patrick Egan, T.C. of Tullamore. which took plae > at St. Mary's Cemetery, Spollinstown, near Tullamore. was attended by the largest and most representative rortf'f/r seen in the district for many years. The remains had been removed to the Church <>f the Assumption, the coffin beingborne by the commercial staff of the Bridge House, and placed on a i"atnftth[uv in front of the High Altar. Solemn llvqv'u m Office and High Mass were offered up. Right Rev. Monsignor Gaffney, P.P., V.G., Clara, presided, the chanters being the Very Rev. Hugh Behan, F.P.. V.F,. Tullamore. and Rev. Dermott Cole, P.P.. Kilbeggan. High Mass wa* celebrated by Rev. James Murphy, C.C. ; deacon, Rev. .T. Smyth. C.C. : sub-deacon, Ray. P. Fitzsimons, C.C. ; master of ceremonies. Rev. W. Bracken, C.C. The Tullamore Town Commissioners attended in a body. At 2.30 p.m. the funeral started for the beautiful cemetery at Spollinstown, all the business establishments being closed and shuttered, and blinds drawn on the windows of private houses. TIPPERARY — One of Ireland's Great Pipers.— Amongst the famous Irish pipers of the present century few reached a greater perfection in the art than Thomas OHmnigan, a native of Cahir, County Tipperary. He was born about 1807, his parents being farmers, and he died at the early age of 4K. It is related of him that when quite a child he became so captivated by the performances of the blind piper at the cross roads that he prayed that he too might become blind in order that, like the object of his admiration, he should make the playing ot the pipes his profession. As if in answer to his prayer, he lost the use of sight when he waa about ten years of age, and aferwards became a noted member of a too scarce fraternity. When about :H years of age he left Cahir and proceeded to London, where he remained for nearly twenty years. While in London he beoamely known, and his skill on the pipes (the greater part of which, by the way, were his own particular invention) was requisitioned at sojial gatherings even of the aristocracy. He also played before Royalty, being admitted to the presence of Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort at Windsor Castle. Among airs which he drew from the pipes on that occasion were "The last rose of summer," '• The harp that once through Tara's halls " and '• The Coulin." It is stafel that on hU having ventured on a G-erman air during the interview the Queen evinced a marked preference for the Irish music, and requested him to continue the Irish airs. He also played at a commemoration of Irish students at Oxford University. He returned to Ireland in order to perform at the Dublin Exhibition, and he died shortly afterwards at Bray, being carried off by apoplexy. There is a fivsimile of O'Hinniiran's professional cird. >he back of the c ird is al.-o shown, on which is written his authority to obtain an entr.moj to Windsor Castlj. WESTMEATH. — New Bacon Caring Factory for Athlone. — A movement is on foot for the eijabli-iuijit of a bacon curing industry on a large scile in th it to.vn. Th » project, it appears, has baen started by .some of the leading merchants of the district, who it is statad, are convinced that the uulertakng will prove a success, and intend, at all events, to give in a f lir trial. The central position of Athlone. th? exc 'lloiae of its railway and canal facilities that the promoters rely up m to help them in bringing their project to a successful realisation. GENERAL. Mr. Harrington in London.— Mr. T. Harrington, M.P., resumed hi.s Parliamentary duties on Tuesday, May 11, for the first time since his withdraw 1 from the Parnellite Party, and was interviewed at the House of Commons by a lobby representative of the Press Association. Mr. Harrington states that he has written a letter ' to the Whip of Mr. Redmond's party severing his connection with them, but it is not true thut ho has made any approach toward-, joining either tho Irish Nationalists who follow Mr. Dillon's leadership or the section more especially associated with Mr. Healy. He prefers tor the present to remain in a more independent position, although the chief reason for his recent attitude is a strong desire to bring about a reunion of all Irish Nationalists. Mr. Harrington states that he intends shortly to address the Irish people on the necessity of reuniting the Nationalist forces and having only one Irish Parliamentary Party. The hon. member expresses his regret that Mr. John Redmond did not fall in with a reoent suggestion that lie, Mr, Redmond, should accept the leadership of a united Irish Party. Mr. Harrington declared that a short time ago he privately interviewed Mr. Dillon, who conditionally consented if his followers were willing, as some of them are said to have been, to surrender the chairmanship of the party to Mr. Redmond, and Mr. Healy is stated to have been at the time favourable to this same proposal. The Government and the Irish Butter Trade.— The representatives of the Irish butter trade who waited recently on Mr. Gerald Balf our made out an excellent case for the legislative reform they seek in connection with that important industry. Of late years

the Irish butter trade has suffered from two causes, one being the fraudulent competition of margarine with the genuine article, and the other being the absence of a satisfactory standard by which to settle once and for all the water in butter question. With reference to the first point the deputation asked that the colouring of margarine so as to resemble butter an I the mixing of margarine in the butter should be forbidden by law. The state of the law at present is such as to permit frauds of the most glaring kind and to cause serious financial loss to Irish buttermakers. Nor is the grievance as to the fair proportion of water permissible in butter less intolerable. According to one of the deputations not only was there no definite standard laid down by Somerset House, but in point of fact publio analysts, upon whose evidence convictions had been obtained, had no legal standard, and simply applied a rule of thumb. The Chief Secretary expressed his anxiety to protect the trade from illegitimate competition, and said he hoped that many, if not all, of the recommendations urged by the deputation would find a place in the proposed legislation on food adulteration.

The Fiftieth Anniversary of O'Connell's Death.— The fiftieth anniversary of the death of the Liberator was celebrated throughout Ireland with befitting solemnity. The most imposing celebration took place in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, his Eminence Cardinal Logue presiding. Solemn Iteyui-m Mass commenoed at 12 o'clock. The Very Rev. Father Hills, S.M., Dundalk, was celebrant ; Rev. Hugh M'Oscar, P.P., Moy. deacon ; and Rev. M. Gavin. CM., sub- leacon. Rev. Joseph l\ O'Ne : ll, C.C, Newtownhamilton. and Rev. Patrick Kenny, C.C, Loughgall, officiated as masters of ceremonies. The assistants at the throne of the Cardinal Primate were the Right Rev. Mgr. Byrne, P.P., V.G., Dungannon, Dean of Armagh, and the Right Rev. Mgr. Murphy, P.P., V.G., Drogheda. The panegyric of the illustrious Irishman was preached by the Very Rev. Dr. Keane, a gifted and eloquent member of the Dominican Order. It is scarcely necessary to add that the beautiful Cathedral was filled to its utmost capacity. In St. Colman's Cathedral. Queenstown, and in various other churches throughout tho land Solemn Requiems were celebrated.