Lee Road resident fires shots at burglars, and questions over turkey profits
THIS morning at about 2.30am, a number of men visited the residence of Mr. F. Daly, Ardnalee, on the Lee Road, the Echo reported 100 years ago today, on Saturday, December 29, 1923.
The house has, in recent times, been raided more than once, and valuable possessions stolen. A surprising reception, however, was accorded this party. Mr Daly was roused by the sound of a falling flowerpot outside and, going to the window, saw the men below. Silently he took his shotgun and returning to the window discharged four shots in quick succession.
Having no more ammunition convenient, he went to a drawer for some, and, going back, saw a motor car departing. To complete the rout, he fired two further shots after it.
A party of military from the Courthouse were quickly on the scene, but the raiders had fled. Two panes of glass at the side of the house had been broken, illustrating their intent.
We (Echo editorial) find that so far from being a slow Christmas business-wise, it was a really good one for most traders.
Those we spoke to have told us it was the best for several years past. In more than one instance, owing to the rush, shopkeepers were unable to attend to all who came to buy.
It is very gratifying to be able to say this, and we are sure that if prices could be revised in a certain direction, many more orders would be kept at home that go to London establishments.
We think we are right in saying the greatest loss to the shopkeepers was caused by the slump in turkeys. The high price at the start was a mistake because it had to be revised later owing to the glut in the market.
In many cases, traders who bought high for a rise were left with them, and unless cold storage was widely available many birds must have ‘gone off’, to use the nicest term.
Many farmers say turkeys do not pay, an observation that has also been applied to pigs. Neither will pay if not fed systematically. Otherwise, the waste in feed will discount the ultimate profit.
Of course, it is well known that turkeys are most uncertain birds. The breeder may raise a flock of 100 and not succeed in saving 20 for market. On the other hand, he may not lose a single bird, or an epidemic may sweep the lot away last moment.
There is one thing worth inquiring into, why it should not pay the Irish farmer to raise turkeys for the home market when it pays the French farmer to raise and send them to England for sale. We think the loss to the home farmer is caused by wasteful, unscientific, unsystematic feeding. The Agricultural Department should concern itself with this if it has not done so already.
At Cork Corporation’s meeting, Councillor Allen drew attention to the waste of water that was going on in the city. He gave one instance in which a tap was torn off and the water was flowing at full bore. In another case, a tap was left flowing on a bag of cabbage. He stopped this tap but when he passed again five hours later, it was again on and flowing on the cabbage.
Cllr Allen said a gentleman told him that a tap at a rented house was broken and flowing freely for three weeks. The tenant reported the matter to the landlord’s agent, but nothing was done until the gentleman got the Waterworks Department to attend.
Councillor Egan said: “I wonder was the tap flowing as long as you are talking about it!” (laughter). Mr Allen thought the landlord in this instance should be prosecuted. The issues raised were referred to the Waterworks Committee.
Judging by the continuous applause from packed houses each night at Fr. Mathew Hall, the Mathew Players have once again scored a hit.
Miss Lalor as Aladdin, and Miss Fogarty, as the Princess, filled their parts with distinction and their solos and duets were simply delightful.
Mr Foley, as Mr. Mustapha, Aladdin’s mother, gave a very fine performance and was greeted with hearty applause at each appearance. Mr Mahony, “the bad man”, gave a splendid characterisation, and Messrs Carroll as Emperor Winkey Wum and Doyle as Prime Minister Phatman, were all that could be desired.
Mr Townsend as So So, Phatman’s son, and Mr Murphy, the slave of the lamp, also won the audience’s appreciation.
As many of the public were unable to gain admission, a special performance will take place tomorrow night with more during the week.
At the Castletreasure grounds, Douglas, on St Stephen’s Day, the final of the Sunday Hurling League for boys under 16 was brought to an issue between St Anne’s and Geraldines.
St Anne’s were the stronger lot, and though the Geraldine lads figured unfavourably on the score - 6 goals to 1 goal - they played a really sound game.
International Snippets
London: Radio listeners in the British Isles had the unique experience of listening to a programme broadcast from America late last night.
