March 14, 2013

Date Published: 13-Mar-2013

1913

Police in pub

At Milltown Petty Sessions, prosecutions were heard at the suit of District Inspector Comerford, Tuam, against Sergeant Maurice Reidy and Constable James Sullivan, of Castlegrove Station, for being on the licensed premises of Mrs Mary Blake, publican, Kilconly, Tuam.

D.I. Comerford stated that he was on duty on the night of February 12 in the company of Constable McLoughlin, Tuam. He called at the public-house. The premises were on the side of the road, and when he got there he saw a light through one of the windows on the left-hand side of the door.

He arrived there at 10.40 and immediately he heard the voice of Sergt. Reidy inside. His object was to visit Sergt. Reidy and Constable Sullivan, who were on patrol.

Constable Sullivan said he “would not have any more” or words to that effect. Sergeant Reidy said he “would be able for this one” or “have another”. They remained until 11.25. Sergt. Reidy, during the time, was telling very interesting stories. At 11.25 they came to the front door.

Witness stepped inside the door and found Sergeant Reidy with his gun. Constable Sullivan, and the publican’s son right behind the door.

Sergeant Reidy appeared to be most surprised at seeing the witness.

The Sergeant was asked what he was doing there, and he said he saw a light on and came in for a couple of minutes. There were two pint glasses with fresh traces of porter on them, a glass bearing the trace of ale or hop bitters, and a small wine glass.

Mr Concannon, opening the case for the defendants, said he regretted to state that during his long experience, he had never come across a more extraordinary case. If there was anything to take it out of the ordinary circumstances, as there was not by the summoning of the sergeant and constable in the same way as any ordinary persons for being on licensed premises, why was not the publican summoned?

She must have committed some offence if the police did on that occasion. Instead, the case against them was pitched in for their worships to say that the defendants were not on duty.

The reason for the publican not being summoned was quite obvious, as these men did not get any drink.

The magistrates said they had no option but to find the men guilty, fining the Sergeant 10s and costs, and the constable a lesser amount of 2s 6d and costs, as he was under the control of the sergeant.

1938

Beet industry threat

A report issued to the Press by Mr. James Haverty, chairman, Tuam Beet Growers’ Association, and Mr. Mark Killilea, T.D., secretary to the Association, conveys a warning that the Tuam beet factory is in danger of closing down if more beet is not grown in the area.

Some months ago, attention was drawn to this grave possibility in the columns of “The Connacht Tribune”, and unfortunately the information is proving to be only too true.

So far there are not more than 6,000 acres of beet returned in the official applications, whereas the factory requires at least twice that quantity for the sugar making campaign. The dissatisfaction felt by the farmers at the price they have been receiving for the crop is one cause of the trouble, but it is not the only cause.

Mayoral chain

The collection for the chain of office for the Mayor of Galway is meeting with a generous response. Although opened only on Thursday week last, close on £90 was collected up to the middle of last week.

It is hoped that every citizen will contribute. It is the desire of the Borough Council that every person in the city should have an interest in the mayoral chain, and for that reason, even the smallest contributions will be welcome.

The chain, which will be of solid gold, may cost up to £200. It will be the property of the people, and not of any section or sections.