August 23, 2012

1912

Cinema theatreThe cinema theatre which since its inception has in reality provided Galway with an up-to-date music hall in all its aspects, will on Sunday night present a vivid picture of local history in the making. This is none other than a series of views showing the erection of the new Diocesan College (St. Mary’s) which will have opened that day, from the laying of the foundation stone to its completion.

During the week there will be illustrated songs in addition to the usual series of pictures. The success of the theatre is on a level with the enterprise, grit, courtesy, and popularity of the management.

Another warningThe lamentable drowning fatality at Wood Quay some few weeks ago, whereby an old woman lost her life, again emphasises the need for protecting the public from what has proved a veritable death trap. It is obvious the place needs to be railed off, and it is to be hoped that the necessary precautions will be adopted without delay. We understand that the public will soon hear of adequate steps being taken in this direction.

The “spy” farceDuring the week the Dublin press reproduced the following from the Brussels correspondent of “The Daily Telegraph”.

“The arrest of a military spy at Galway of the well-known Belgian barrister and writer, Mr. George Quitelet is hailed as a most ridiculous mistake. The prisoner is a wealthy and most honourable citizen. He is a grandson and great-grandson of illustrious astronomers and mathematicians, one of whom, Lambert Quitelet, whose statue embellishes the public squares in Ghent and Brussels, was tutor in London to Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s consort.

Mr George Quitelet, who was travelling for the third time in Ireland, is much addicted to camping out. Hence, he pitched his camp in Galway, but was unsuspicious of the proximity of a fortified position. His family, to whom he has written cheerfully, adding that he is perfectly treated in jail, takes his adventure gaily and is convinced that he will be released with apologies.

1937

Reported himself lostA Scotsman named McFarland went to spend a holiday in Sussex. He left his luggage at a boarding house and, feeling the intense heat, took off his jacket and went for a stroll. When he decided to return, he found that he had left the address of the boarding-house in his jacket and could not remember the name of his landlady.

After a search lasting for hours, he went to the police station and reported himself “lost”. The police are now waiting to hear from a landlady that her visitor is missing and they will return Mr. McFarland to her.

Poteen tipplers warned“The public should be warned that indulgence in crude spirit may lead to permanent dementia from which recovery does not take place,” warned Dr. Douglas B. M. Lothian. R.M.S., Down Mental Hospital to poteen tipplers in his annual report. He said that the recovery rate was, for certified patients, 14 per-cent for males and 29.8 per-cent for females, which was very satisfactory.

The proportion of the voluntary patients who departed completely recovered was not so high, but the proportion improved on departing was higher (54%) more cases being “relieved” than was the case among certified patients.

Renvyle monsterThe Renvyle “Merman” has re-appeared. Where he spent the winter, no one knows, but one thing is certain, and that is, that he is very hungry.

On Friday last he suddenly broke the surface a few yards astern of a currach near Fraoghlawn Island, in the mouth of Ballinakill Bay, sniffed the air in a businesslike fashion, and then made straight for the boat, using his favourite breaststroke.

The occupants of the currach, Messrs. Thomas O’Toole and Michael Warde, who were out for a few hours mackerel fishing said they got the fright of their lives. They had just had a good two hours’ fishing at the time and the bottom of the currach was covered with mackerel.When they saw the monster coming straight for them they thought he intended to climb on board and perhaps hurl them into the sea so they picked up their oars and took flight.

The description of the monster seems to agree with that of the Renvyle fisherman who first encountered him near the same place last harvest. He had the same straw-like shaggy hair and beard with very red lips and bushy eyebrows. He swam head and shoulders over the surface and looked about fifty years of age. He kept his mouth shut and whined through his nostrils. The men believe that he was hungry and ,having got the scent of the fish, followed them for some.

For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.