Jack O'Neill's Pages from The Past

Wednesday, 30th May 2012

Waterford News

March 1916

St. Patrick's Day was celebrated in the Protestant Cathedral by an afternoon service. A special feature of the occasion was the paying of the hymns by the band of the 5th Royal Irish Lancers under the baton of Mr. Bradley, Bandmaster. The attendance was large and Benediction was imparted by the Lord Bishop of Cashel after which, the entire congregation rose and sang 'God save the King'.

On Tuesday last, Rev. O.J. Fisher, M.A. T.C.D., was ordained Deacon in Christ church Cathedral by Right Rev. Dr. Bernard, Archbishop of Dublin. Rev. Mr. Fisher has won numerous prizes in Celtic Studies. He is a son of Mr. Harry D. Fisher and received his early education in Bishop Foy's High School.

Last Friday, St. Patrick's Day, procession had some excellent specimens of local craftsmanship including, a round tower and Irish wolfhound carved by Mr. J. Murray, a carpenter in the employ of Mr. John hearne. Rev. Bro. Bernard, O.F.M. was responsible for much of the organisation and displays ably assisted by the Gaelic League.

April: Mr. A. Monahan, Irish Volunteer organiser in Galway, has been ordered to leave Ireland in a few days. A choice of English towns where he may reside has been given to him. He was arrested in Cavan, tried in Belfast and imprisoned for three months. Messr. Earnest Blyth & Liam Mellows, now confined in Arbour Hill military Barracks have also been ordered to leave Ireland within six days and to live in specified English towns. They have been found guilty of organising dissension against their Majesty's Rule in Ireland.

The following is a summary of the taxation for 1916-17.

Income tax: Earned income up to £500 - 2/3 in £. £500 to £1,000 - 2/6 in £. Over £2,500 - 5/- in £. Unearned income up to £300 - 3/- in £. Exceeding £2,000 - 5/- in £. Super Tax unchanged.

Tax on Amusements: Theatres, Cinemas, Races, etc., from 1/2 penny to 1/= on each 10/=.

Railway tickets: from 9 1/2 pence to 1/=, one penny and so on for each 1/=. Sugar: 1/2 penny on each pound weight. Cocoa: 1 1/2 pence on each pound weight. Coffee & chicory: 3 pence one each pound weight. Matches: 3 pence tax per 1,000 matches. Mineral Waters & Cider: 4 pence per gallon. Motor Cars: 8 horsepower - doubled. Higher power - trebled. Motor Cycles: 4 horsepower £2.2.0. Above 4 horsepower £2.2.0 +3/4ths. 50% to 60% plus super tax and income tax, total 77%.

Monthly fair on Ballybricken.

Cattle 3 year old £18 to £22; Cattle 3 year old £14 to £18; Cattle yearlings £10 to £12. Dropped calves £3 to £4. Beef cattle 70/= to 80/= per 112 pounds. Mutton 10 pence to 1/= per pound. Milch Cows and springers £16 to £22. Pigs: Stores 40/= to 60/=, sows £12 to £16, Bonhams 25/= to 35/=.