April 4, 2913

Date Published: 03-Apr-2013

 1913

600 strike

On Saturday morning last, as a result of the failure of the Galway Branch (No. 20) of the National Union of Dock Labourers to come to an agreement with the City Branch of the Employers’ Federation, in regard to working rules and rates of wages for the present year, between 500 and 700 men struck work. These comprised dockers and casual labourers, yardsmen, carters, builders’ labourers etc.

The situation thus created was unprecedented in the history of Galway, or, indeed, of any town in Connacht. It immediately resulted in an almost total dislocation of traffic, and in considerable injury to business.

The strike, which has been brought about by the consolidation and sectional organisation of practically all the forces of labour in the city within the past two years, was at first taken not very seriously by the citizens.

As a result of the trouble, the City police force has been considerably augmented, and its strength now stands at about 150. There is no unusual police activity, however, nor has the necessity for it arisen.

Police and civilians

The Achill magistrates on Monday agreed to adjourn several cases and cross-cases of assault between police and civilians, the later mainly women, arising out of an affray on 7th March last in connection with the agitation for the transfer of land.

Rev. Father Colleran, P.P., in applying for the adjournment, said there was peace on the island, and the people would guarantee to continue the peace, but it should be understood that they were not giving up the agitation, and would pay no rent until they got the land.

1938

Soldier badly injured

Martin Conneely, the Claddagh, Galway, a private in the Irish Free State National Army, stationed at Renmore Barracks, was admitted to the Central Hospital, Galway, late on Wednesday night suffering from severe head injuries received when, it is stated, he was dazzled by the lights of an oncoming car, while cycling near the Claddagh, lost his balance, and fell twenty feet into the Claddagh basin below. The tide was out at the time.

He was immediately removed to the Central Hospital, but a “Connacht Tribune” representative was informed on Thursday morning that Conneely was still unconscious.

Boy struck by car

A young boy named Keogh, from Canal Road, Galway, while on his way to school on Thursday morning at about 9a.m. was struck by a Ford Ten motor car at the Salmon Weir Bridge. The boy was suffering from shock and slight injuries and was immediately removed to the Central Hospital, but was not detained. He is a son of Mr. T. Keogh, N.T., St. Brendan’s School, Galway.

Vocational education

The evening classes in the Tuam Vocational School are such a success that practically all of them are filled with students, and a waiting list has been opened for new students. These evening classes include cookery, engineering, woodwork and domestic economy, Irish and art classes. There are a few vacancies in the art, Irish and commercial. Altogether 160 students are attending the evening classes, which continue from 8.15pm to 10 o’clock each night. We believe this is a record for a vocational school such a short time open.

The day classes, although satisfactory, are not so well attended. These classes include engineering, woodwork, art, commerce, domestic science and general subjects, and are intended as a continuation course for pupils after leaving school. They are held each day from 10am to 3.30pm.