Transcribed by Jane from The Tyrone Courier Thursday, 25 October 1906
Dungannon Petty Sessions. Monday 10-30 a.m.
Lord Ranfurly presided at the Petty Sessions Court on Monday. There were also present Captain KNOX, J.P., Messrs. Richard ROBINSON J.P.; James CORR J.P.; J.M. DOYLE, J.P.; W.H. DARRAGH, J.P.; and R. DANIEL, J.P.
Town Court. Police Cases.
There was an adjourned case against James DYNES, for drunkenness. Defendant appeared and had been sober for a time. Fined 1s and costs.
Acting Sergeant RUSSELL v. Richard MAGEE. – Drunk on 30th August. An adjourned case. The Head Constable said the man was an inmate of the Workhouse and when he was allowed out he got drunk. 3rd offence. Fined 1s and costs.
Cycling on Footpath in the Urban District – Edward HODGETT summoned Wm. STEENSON for riding a bicycle on the footpath at Thomas Street. It was near seven o’clock. His Lordship – Had he a light? Witness – No, my lord. Mr. J.M. HAMILTON said the lad had spoken to him and promised not to offend again. Fined 6d and costs.
Drunkenness – Constable BARR v. Henry WALLACE. – Drunk on the 2nd of October and wanting to fight with the teacher of the school in John Street. The master sent for him and got him to take the defendant out of the school. The master told him that he went into the school to complain about boys throwing stones at him. Witness had to take him away. Fined 3s 6d and costs.
Ruining his Wife and Family – Head Constable O’HARA v. Christopher GILLOGLY; 4th offence. – The Head Constable said the defendant was a disgrace to his family, and was drinking them out of house and home. They had got cases adjourned for him and he did not behave any better. He would have applied to have him sent to an inebriate’s home, but the County Council did not subscribe to one. Fined 21s. or one month.
A Row in Church Street – Sergeant REILLY v. Joseph M’ATEER; for riotous and indecent behaviour. Mr W. J. REYNOLDS, solicitor, defended, and asked for an adjournment. The Sergeant said he was in Perry Street, and heard a row and saw a man trying to get into Hughes’ public house. He would not say that the defendant was drunk but he was hanging about and the publican complained on him. To Mr. REYNOLDS – He had drink taken but was not drunk. Mr. REYNOLDS asked for an adjournment for the presence of Mr. NEWELL, J.P., to whom the defendant showed himself to prove that he was not under the influence of drink. Adjourned for three weeks.
Interfering with a Drumming Party – Constable CARNEW v. John WILSON, New Row, for riotous and indecent behaviour. Mr. HOWARD, solicitor, defended. The complainant said the defendant interfered with a drumming party in Scotch Street and when he was remonstrated with, he challenged the constable to fight. The Head Constable said he saw the defendant going into the middle of the drummers and trying to kick up a row. His mother appeared in Court, and said she knew nothing about her son, but he was quiet except in drink, as he had a cut on his head.
There was a second charge for a like offence at 10 o’clock by Constable FAGAN who swore that in Georges Street he was with Acting Sergeant RUSSELL when he was struck with a stone. Later on he saw WILSON who was very disorderly. To Mr. HOWARD – He did not allege that WILSON threw the stone. Mr. HOWARD said the mother would have to pay the fine. Fined 10s 6d or 14 days in each case.
Constable CUNNINGHAM v. John HERRON: drunk. Fined 3s. 6d.
Constable BARR v. George GRAHAM, Tamnamore, drunk on 29th September and disorderly by interfering with a drumming party. Fined 5s.
Constable FAGAN v. Thomas PHOENIX, drunk on 13th October. Defendant appeared and said he came off the Glasgow boat, and was sick but not with the quantity of drink taken. Fined 1s and costs.
Using a Knife – District Inspector MONSON charged Wm. and Samuel MOORE, Ballynakelly and John M’KAY, Ballynakelly, with assaulting Patrick MARLOW and wounding him on the hand and left side, and also with stabbing Charles O’NEILL on the shoulder, on the 8th September last. Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN, solicitor, defended. Charles O’NEILL, examined, swore that on the 8th of September he was in Dungannon and met the defendants at the Academy. They were sitting on the ditch. Thos. M’HUGH and Patrick MARLOW were with him. Witness struck a match and raised up the lads. He believed there was a fight. He could not tell who struck first. Witness got a wound on the shoulder. Dr. SCOTT dressed it. There was no other damage done. It was M’KAY who wounded him. To Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN – There were three of them. To Lord Ranfurly – He did not wish to prosecute. The Court ordered the defendant M’KAY to find bail in £5 and nilled the cases against the MOORE’S. The cross cases by MOORE and M’KAY against O’NEILL and MARLOW were withdrawn. His Lordship cautioned M’KAY and said he was getting off very lightly indeed.
A Boy of Wexford – Sergeant M’ELHENNY v. James Joseph BRADLEY, Coalisland: drunk on 5th October and disorderly by singing the “Boys of Wexford” behind an Orange drumming party. 1st offence. Fined 5s and costs.
Assault at Gortgonis – Constable BELL summoned John CARDWELL, Ballynakelly, for assaulting witness while in discharge of his duty, on 14th October at Gortgonis. Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN, solicitor, defended. There was a cross case. Complainant stated that on the Sunday in question there was a row, and the defendant caught hold of his cape, while he was trying to save a man M’QUADE who was knocked down. The defendant hit him with his head to the chest. To Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN – He was not a total abstainer. He had no drink taken that day. It was Peter M’QUADE, of Gortnaglush who was assaulted. CARDWELL was going about in a very excited state. He heard complaints about him, and told the complainants to summon him. It was in the discharge of his duty, that witness was assaulted when he was assisting another man (M’QUADE). Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN admitted that the defendant caught the constable, but said it was the dignity more than the person of the constable that was hurt. Fined 5s and costs.
Constable MORROW v. Gerald STEWART; drunk. Fined 3s. 6d.
School Attendance Matters – Attendance Officer DAVIS brought summonses against several persons for failing to comply with the Education Compulsory Act.
An attendance order was made against Joseph SCAWRIGHT, of Derry.
Pat CULLEN, Keenagan, was fined 1s, for failing to comply with an attendance order.
Orders were made against Robert M’CLELLAND, Farlough, and also against Michael CASSIDY of Agharan; Wm IRWIN, of Quintinmannus; and Francis M’KAY of Ballynakelly.
An order was made against Andrew M’ATEER, Mullaconnor, in one case and he was fined 1s for failing to comply with an order already granted.
Thos. M’CLUNG of Corr, was fined 6d each and costs in two cases. Defendant pleaded that the children were working.
Scissors at Drumrainey – District Inspector MONSON charged Robert KIRK, Drumrainey, with wounding John REID on 10th October, at Drumrainey, by stabbing him with a pair of scissors. Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN, solicitor, defended. John REID made a deposition to the effect that he was at Truesdale’s at a raffle, and left at ten o’clock. When he left he stood at the corner, when a bag was thrown and Robert KIRK accused him of throwing it, and told him not to do it again. He next struck him with his fist and knocked him down. When witness got up KIRK struck him with a pair of scissors. Witness shouted and boys came to his assistance and took him to a house. The police were sent for and the Sergeant put balsam on the wounds.
Dr. SUGARS swore that he examined the man. The wounds were not very serious. They might have been inflicted by scissors. To Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN – One of the wounds must have been made by a sharp instrument. They could not have been inflicted by a fall on cinders or stones. A pin would have done it. To Lord Ranfurly – The man was not very badly hurt. It did not require even a bit of sticking plaster. He only washed the wounds.
Adam M’WILLIAMS swore that he did not see the row, nor the scissors. The row was nearly over but he did his best to separate them. He did not hear any words. They were both lying on the ground quiet enough. They had a hold of each other. He did not see any blood till afterwards. He saw the marks before they were washed. The men just hugged each other on the road. To Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN – He did not see any marks on KIRK. The injured man recalled in answer to Mr. CORR, J.P., said he did not see the scissors, but they all carried scissors. They were lying hugging each other and were the best of friends. (Laughter.) To Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN – KIRK changes his clothes regularly at night. They were all in the house together at the raffle, when they both were on the ground he did his best to get the upper hand. The Court dismissed the case.
Servant and Master – John CHAMBERS, Killyneal, summoned David REID for abusing his horse and neglecting his work. There was a cross case by defendant for wages. Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN for CHAMBERS and Mr. HOWARD for REID.
John CHAMBERS swore that on the 10th of May, he hired REID at £7 for the six months. He dismissed him on 19th September for abusing the horse. He emptied a load at the wrong place and galloped the horse to the County road. On the day of the election REID left his work, and went to work for some other people. REID got £3 7s. 9d. and there was £1 8s. 9d. due to him, but he claimed that amount as damage done to the horse. The horse was abused by over-driving. The defendant delayed on the road, and galloped the horse to make up lost time. To Mr. HOWARD – A gallop would not do the horse good, but it would do him (Mr. HOWARD) good. To Mr. CORR, J.P., – He would not say what injuries the horse got. He was stiffened up in his limbs, and would not walk, but wanted to trot.
Henry ATKINSON, R.D.C., Drummock, swore that he saw the horse being driven at a fast trot, as fast as a horse would go. Witness went on and in three quarters of an hour he saw the horse standing and REID was not with him. He also saw the horse standing for 10 minutes, and then REID drove him hard to make up for it. To Mr. HOWARD – REID was laying the lash on as well as possible. It was not good for a horse carting stones to be so trotted.
Wm. BROWN, a carter with Mr. CHAMBERS swore that he and REID went to deliver loads. REID did not go the full length with his load, but emptied it short and started back full gallop. Witness was back half an hour later and saw REID building a cock of hay in a field for a neighbour, and left the horse standing on the road. To Mr. HOWARD – He was not a “clash.”
The Cross Case;
David REID swore that on the 19th September, he drove the horse home. They mostly trotted the horse home after delivering loads. BROWN trotted that day also, and trotted harder than witness. Mr. CHAMBERS ordered him from about the place, and witness asked for his wages. To Mr. CORR – He was not more than 7 minutes in the neighbour’s meadow building hay. He worked since three weeks for Mrs. M’CLEAN.
Mrs. M’CLEAN swore that she saw BROWN driving the horse and trotting him. REID also trotted the horse. He assisted her through good nature to build the day [sic]. She did not know he had a horse waiting or she would not have allowed him.
The Court decided to dismiss the case of CHAMBERS v. REID, and to allow REID 25s against CHAMBERS.
A Lost Bag of Grass-seed – Patrick MACKIN charged James BLACK, Portadown, with having a bag of grass-seed his property, knowing it to be stolen. Mr. W. J. IRWIN for defendant. Complainant swore he had a cart load of grass-seed in Dungannon market with 11 bags of grass-seed in it. He left the cart in the market. He lost a bag and afterwards saw it against the wall, with other bags round it. He claimed it and the defendant refused to let him examine it, his mark was covered with a B. Witness went to Mr. PATTERSON, who examined it, and said the seed and marks were the same as MACKIN’s. To Mr. IRWIN – It was a finger mark put on blacking,
Alexander PATTERSON, Clerk of Markets, swore that on 2nd inst the complainant told him he had lost a bag. Witness sent him to search for it, and when he found it, witness examined the seed and found it the same. He believed the bag belonged to the plaintiff and advised BLACK to the give the bag up. He could have had BLACK arrested, but he did not think of such a thing. To Mr. IRWIN – He never heard any complaint against Mr. BLACK. There were 1,436 bags in the market, but none with the same marks on it except the complainants. Mr. CORR, J.P. to defendant – If you could bring evidence that the bag in question was a weighty bag, the magistrates would be willing to adjourn the case for a fortnight. Mr. IRWIN – We could not bring such evidence. Mr. ROBINSON, J.P. said there was no doubt the seed belonged to the complainant. His Lordship said it was a case of two people both being done, and the magistrates were of opinion that the complainant should get the value of his bag and the case be settled without them. They would recommend Mr. BLACK to hand over 8s. or 9s. The defendant said he kept the bag separate for a time then sold it for 5s. The case was adjourned for a few minutes, when it was announced that the parties had arranged the matter.
Alleged Arson – The King at the prosecution of District Inspector MONSON charged Peter CONNOLLY, of Creenagh, with unlawfully and feloniously setting fire to a dwelling house, the property of Elizabeth O’ROURKE, on 5th October, 1906. Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN defended.
Elizabeth O’ROURKE, Creenagh, swore that Peter CONNOLLY had a house from her. She brought an action at Petty Sessions on 13th August last, when the magistrates dismissed the case as they had no jurisdiction. She afterwards brought him to the Quarter Sessions and obtained a decree for possession on 4th inst. On the 13th August CONNOLLY was on his own street and threatened to burn the house. On Monday last CONNOLLY said he would hoist two black flags when the law would be over. On the night of the 5th inst about half past eight o’clock, James RAFFERTY came to her and said the house was on fire. Her two men went to put it out, and she went and told the police at Coalisland. Cross-examined by defendant – She had no angry feeling against him. She did not understand what furniture was in the house. There was not fifteen shillings worth of furniture. She did not examine the blankets, they were not fit to be seen. She added that the rent of the house was 6d per week. He is still in possession of the house although in custody. CONNOLLY was present when the fire was being put out. He gave no assistance. To Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN – RAFFERTY’s house also is hers. It is under the roof with CONNOLLY’s house. There are no back doors. There is an open gap at the back of the house. The fire was in the thatch. If the Sergeant swore that CONNOLLY was in RAFFERTY’s house it would not be true. She never slept in CONNOLLY’s bed.
James RAFFERTY, Creenagh, swore that on the 5th inst about half past nine, he saw CONNOLLY’s house on fire. There was no one there at the time but Peter CONNOLLY, who was coming from the gable of the house. Witness asked CONNOLLY what was wrong, and he said he did not know, he was looking to see. Witness then went round and saw the back part on fire. It took three quarters of an hour to put out the fire. He talked to CONNOLLY previously, and he told him it would be a queer place for a fire. To Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN – CONNOLLY left before witness and went to his own house. CONNOLLY asked witness to bring a naggin of whiskey and a quart of porter and he brought it. After the fire CONNOLLY had some tea and stayed till the Sergeant arrested him. He did not believe at the time, nor yet that CONNOLLY did it, CONNOLLY was inside trying to save his things. He kept calling to witness to help him. CONNOLLY had his windows broken once. He knew that CONNOLLY gave evidence at the revisions. After the burning his wife gave CONNOLLY tea. CONNOLLY then said it was some of O’RORKE’s party (the Nationalists) did it.
The deposition of Sergeant M’ELHENNY was read. He stated that Mrs. O’ROURKE came to him at ten o’clock at night and reported that Peter CONNOLLY had set her house on fire. At about 10-30 p.m. he visited the place and found the back portion of the roof of the house burned. There was about eight feet of it where the thatch had been torn off. The fire was out at the time. He shortly afterwards got CONNOLLY on the public road in a drunken state, and detained him in the barracks all night. He then charged him with wilfully setting fire to the house of Elizabeth O’ROURKE at Creenagh. He cautioned him. He added that he found a wax match and some money in CONNOLLY’s box. To Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN – There was eight or nine feet along the eave and not more than a foot and a half up. The burning was only for six inches in depth. Witness was not at the burning. CONNOLLY was always quarrelling and complained that his windows were broken.
Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN said no case was made as presented by the Crown, and he asked the Court to refuse informations. The Court by a majority returned the defendant for trial, and allowed him out on bail himself in £5 and two sureties of £2 10s each.
Adulterated Milk – Constable CARNEW charged Bryce BLAIR with selling milk adulterated with water. He was convicted last May for a similar offence, and fined 5s and 10s costs. The defendant said he brought the milk from the Creamery, and sold it as he got it. To Mr. CORR, J.P. – The last time he got the Creamery to pay the fine and costs. Fined 5s and costs.
A Green Sash Lost at the Redmond Demonstration – Peter M’QUADE charged Edward FERGUSON with assaulting and kicking him, and on second count with taking his sash and cap. Mr. CORR for complainant and Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN for defendant.
Peter M’QUADE swore that he was in Coalisland on Sunday 14th October. He left for home at 5-30 and had his little son with him. When he got to the Green Bridge five men asked him what he was wearing the sash for. They all knocked him down and kicked him. He shouted “Murder” and people came up. Constable BELL came up also. He saw the defendant but did not know his name then. He got kicked in the back and ribs. He saw the defendant take the sash off him, and some other person took his cap. To Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN – He never cursed King Edward, nor would he do such a thing. Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN – I’m glad to hear that. Mr. CORR – Your party has threatened to kick his crown into the Boyne before now. We are very fond of the King. Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN – Well, you have a queer way of showing it. (Laughter.) Witness continuing said he never knew a soldier called LUCAS. There was a soldier there.
Constable BELL swore that he was on duty. There were about 20,000 people in Coalisland. He saw M’QUADE and his son. He did not say anything about the King. Witness saw FERGUSON with four others. They had bad conduct all day, lined the ditches, and annoyed stragglers. He saw FERGUSON strike M’QUADE and bring blood out of his ears. He also saw FERGUSON kick M’QUADE. M’QUADE told him that FERGUSON took his sash. M’QUADE was in a very weak state. He had no doubt at all about FERGUSON. To Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN – He saw FERGUSON there at ten o’clock. Mr. CORR, J.P., objected to Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN calling the constable a partisan. Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN said he would conduct as he jolly well liked. Mr. CORR said he was not a partisan, as he was of a different religious persuasion. Later on Mr. CORR again objected to cross-examination when Lord Ranfurly said that the Head Constable should be reported to headquarters for the way he was behaving. He was prevarocating and trying to mislead the court. The witness said he saw the defendant again at twelve o’clock and again after dinner. He was only five yards from the row. He could not arrest FERGUSON as CARDWELL held him till FERGUSON got away. He did not see either the sash or the cap in FERGUSON’s possession. There was a reserve constable with him. He could not say what prevented him from arresting FERGUSON. There was never a charge against FERGUSON before as far as he knew.
Sergeant M’ELHENNY swore that he received a complaint about Constable BELL having drink taken. He saw him ten minutes before the complaint was made, and he had no drink taken then. There were lots of rows at the Green Bridge.
Patrick M’QUADE, a lad of about eleven years old was examined he saw the men coming, and after his father was knocked down he ran for the police. To Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN – The policeman was farther than twice the length of the Courthouse away. His father was knocked down and kicked before he went for the police.
The Defence;
Robert JENKINSON swore he was walking with FERGUSON that Sunday evening. FERGUSON came to his place about one o’clock at Coash. He was with FERGUSON in Cavan at ten o’clock. Cavan is three miles from Coalisland. LUCAS a soldier was with them. They met M’QUADE and his son. M’QUADE was cursing the King and the soldier went for him. FERGUSON did not touch M’QUADE at all. The only man who hit M’QUADE was LUCAS. When the Constable came up, the soldier ran away, but FERGUSON did not interfere with him. To Mr. CORR – He knew there was a meeting. He had his dinner before he left home. Constable BELL came running up to save the man. The constable did not arrest him because he could not catch him. Witness ran so as not to get into trouble.
John CARDWELL swore he met FERGUSON with JENKINSON and the soldier about two o’clock on the Ballynakelly road. They were going to Coalisland. The soldier hit M’QUADE for cursing the King. The police came up afterwards. He caught the constable by the cape. He saw FERGUSON all the time. He did not see him touch M’QUADE. To Mr. CORR – He was going to feed Mr. CLARK’s horse. He had fed the horse that morning. He did not see FERGUSON running. He surely saw Constable BELL as he caught him. He allowed the soldier to knock M’QUADE down.
_ MARSHALL swore that he was at the Green Bridge at his own house. He saw the row. Constable BELL was near O’NEILL’s and knew nothing of the row till the wee lad came up. Witness was at the corner and Constable BELL could not have seen the first of the row. To Mr. CORR – He saw the soldier hit M’QUADE, but he did not know about the kicking. He heard M’QUADE curse the King. He saw Constable BELL running. He also saw FERGUSON run when Constable BELL made the grab for him. The Court was equally divided, and the case was adjourned till next Court day.
Price of a Calf – James M’KEOWN sued Wm. J. SMITH for 15s the price of a calf. Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN for complainant. Plaintiff swore that he sold a newly dropped calf at 15s. It died a few days after and he was not paid for it. The defendant stated that he offered 10s. The Court gave a decree for 15s with 3s costs.
Possession – The Earl of Ranfurly summoned John OWENS for possession of a house and premises in Union Lane. Mr. MEGLAUGHLIN for plaintiff. Decree granted.
Alleged Theft – A man named George GINN, a tailor, working in Caledon, was arrested on Saturday night on a charge of theft, and on Sunday morning was brought before Dr. PATTERSON, J.P., and charged with having stolen a bird the property of Mr. W.H. GRANT, the proprietor of a travelling bazaar. The prisoner was remanded to Armagh Jail to await trial at the next Petty Sessions to be held in November.
Union Road Church, Magherafelt – Special harvest thanksgiving
Special harvest thanksgiving services were held in Union Road Church, Magherafelt, on Friday evening the 12th inst, and on Sabbath 14th. The church was tastefully adorned with flowers, fruits, and vegetables, by the ladies of the congregation, and was filled on each occasion by a large audience. On Friday evening the special preacher was the Rev. David GRAHAM, B.A., the newly-installed minister of Coagh, who took as his subject “The Duty and Privilege of Thanksgiving” and preached with great power a sermon fresh in thought and beautiful in phraseology. The choir, kindly assisted by one or two strangers, rendered some suitable anthems in a manner that called forth the well-deserved praise of all present. A sacred solo, “Angels ever bright and fair” was sung charmingly by Master Alec HOAGLAND, a young American visitor, whose beautiful voice delighted his hearers with its sweetness and richness of tone. Mrs. ALLEN, the amiable wife of the local Methodist minister, very kindly played all the accompaniments with her characteristic skill. On Sabbath morning and evening the services were conducted as usual by the minister of the Church the Rev. G.W.D. REA, B.A., who preached sermons appropriate to the occasion from James 1.5 and from Ecclesiastes 3.2. The special collections at each service were in aid of urgently needed repairs to the church property, and very liberal responses were made to the appeals of the pastor. The Committee desire to thank more heartily all those who so willingly helped in decorating, in singing, and in contributing so generously.
They thank particularly the following gentlemen for their kindness and liberality:
1. Special Collectors – Messrs. M. M’CLEERY, John BODEN, William MUNRO, Walter BELL, John KEIGHTLEY, Bryce GALWAY, senr; Bryce GALWAY, junr; S.S BADGER, _ CALVIN, M.A., L.L.B.; John M’INTYRE, Hamilton CRAWFORD, John STEWART, William STEWART, James BROWN, solicitor; R.J. HURL, Thos. HENRY, F.J. M’LERNON, Dr. HUNTER, William HOGG, Samuel BARCLAY, Samuel BLACK, Hugh M’LERNON, Thos. M’LERNON, solicitor; J.K. CRAIG, W.K. HOUSTON, John KELLY.
2. Special Contributors who sent subscriptions – Messrs. R.K. BURNSIDE 2s; R. COUSLEY 2s 6d; Arthur SMYTH 10s; Hugh PATTERSON £1; A. WELL-WISHER 10s; Thos. JAMESON 10s; Smylie ROBSON 10s; C. HENRY 5s; Thos. MILLIGEN 10s; John PARK 5s; A. BROWN 5s; W. DERBY 5s; Thos. HOUSTON 5s.