June 10, 2010

Tramcar struggleA reliable correspondent sends us an account of a sensational struggle on one of our local trams, which certainly had an exceedingly ugly side. On an evening some time ago, as he travelled to Salthill with a friend from abroad, the latter missed a half-sovereign from his pocket after having paid for tickets.

Suspecting that he had given it in mistake for sixpence to the conductor, he demanded he should turn out all the money in his bag. The conductor showed his money, but it did not contain the missing half-sovereign, which, our correspondent alleges was found concealed in the conductor’s mouth, and only displayed after a sharp struggle, during which the driver came forward and raised his whip in defence of his companion.

Sheriff’s saleOn Saturday the machinery, type, etc., of the ‘Western News’ office was sold on the instructions of the Sheriff, by Mr. E. Rothwell, auctioneer, Ballinasloe. The warrant under which the goods were seized was for £1,230 7s. 6d., being judgment in a libel action at the suit of Mr. N. O’Carroll, Master of Ballinasloe Workhouse, against Mr. Wm. Hastings, proprietor of the ‘Western News’. There was some bidding for the different lots offered, which were in each case purchased by the judgment creditor.

Rent demandA deputation of the labourers from Athenry waited on the District Court on Saturday, requesting a reduction of rent. Mr. McDonogh gave notice that he would move a reduction at next meeting. At the passing of this Labourers’ Act in 1906, members of Parliament preached off many platforms that these cottages would not exceed 1s. per week, whereas it would require 2s. 6d. a week to save the ratepayers.

No blame can be attached to the sites committee in Athenry, so far as the Local Government Board arbitrator and his high award is concerned, as he came and went without anyone being apprised of his visit. He gave the full amount the Act allowed, £60 per statute acre.

1935

Playful monstersLarge shoals of basking sharks (Liabhan Greine) are now frequently seen off the Southern Connemara coast at Lettermore and Lettermullen. Reports of their presence also came from the Aran Islands. At Lettermore and other places off the mainland, they have done a great deal of damage to nets and other fishing gear.

A fisherman called Flaherty, from Lettermullen, had a thrilling experience a few days ago. When he was rowing ashore with a load of weed one of the monsters rose within a few feet of the currach. Accidentally, he struck it with the oar and immediately it leaped clear of the water, nearly swamping the frail craft with the resultant splash. For a few minutes, Flaherty was in a perilous position until another currach which was following, witnessed his plight and came to his assistance.

It is many years since the monsters have been seen in such numbers on the western coast. For the making of ‘Man of Aran’ actors and photographers had to travel to Inishbofin, to find one. Local people are at a loss to account for the sudden return of the monsters.

Office robberyA robbery took place in the farmyard office of Mr. R.M. Burke, Tohermore, Tuam, on Wednesday night last. A sum of £3 is missing. It is believed a key was used by the thief, as he did not make a forced entry into the office, but the cash-box was forced open and left there with the balance of the money it contained amounting to £7 or £8 more.

Mr. Burke was away in Dublin since the previous Monday. The office was locked in the usual way by the clerk on Wednesday and on the following morning when he opened the door and entered the office, he found that the cash-box had been forced open. The Gardaí are making close inquiries into the affair.

Electorate figuresIn the Galway constituency, there are 111,000 available electors in a population of 169,366 inhabitants. The figures present a striking contrast to those of a century ago at the general election in 1832. At that time in Galway County, there were 3,057 voters in a population of 394,887 inhabitants. In the Galway Town Constituency, which is now merged in the county, the electorate numbered 2,062 in a population of 35,150 inhabitants.

For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.