THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE MANCHESTER EXECUTIONS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume IV, Issue 203, 23 February 1877, Page 7

THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE MANCHESTER EXECUTIONS.

The torchlight funeral procession in celebration of the ninth anniversary of the execution of the Manchester martyrs came off on Thursday, November 23, and was one of the most orderly and most successfully conducted public demonstrations ever witnessed in Tralee. Some of the local authorities had been very much " exercised " regarding the event, and would have prohibited it 3 taking place at all if they could, but we are informed they were instructed from Dublin Castle not to interfere unless a breach of the peace occurred. A large reinforcement of police were drafted into town, but they made no show. The weather was fearfully inclement during the greater part of the day, but towards evening it cleared up in a remarkable way. The moon shone out brilliantly, and a more favorable evening for the display could hardly be desired. The procession formed in Day Place, and proceeded through the town on to Rath churchyard, near the Union Workhouse, about a mile and a half outside the town, where a site had been secured and a large black cross erected, bearing the names of " Allen, Larkin, O'Brien and Barrett." The procession was led by an immense black banner bearing the names of the four whose deaths were commemorated in large, white letters. These the glare of the torches brought out into bold relief. .The Mechanics' Fife and Drum Band followed, playing the Adeste Fideles in slow and mournful tones. The following was the order of the procession — Nationalists and Laborers, Bakers, Harness Makers, Carpenters, Tailors, Slaters, Stonecutters and Masons, Shoemakers, Painters, Coachmakers and the general public. A badge was worn on the left arm with crape tied with green ribbon. The streets were thronged to excess along the line of route, and almost all the shops were closed as the procession passed. Arrived at the churchyard, Mr. Michael Power delivered the funeral oration. He said the time had not yet come when full justice can be done to the martyred dead of Ireland. Till that day dawns they could give but the homage of a few feet of the consecrated soil of the KingI doin of Kerry — sacred to their memory — the homage of their living I and lasting protest against the oppression of their country, the i homage of a stern resolve to leave nothing undone that true Irishi men and Catholics should do for their native land. Prayers for the dead were then solemnly recited, and the throng quietly dispersed.

Amongst the leading houses of business in Christchurch may be reckoned the Ironmongery Establishment of Mr. Isaac Sheath. In addition to house furnishing requisites, of which a large stock of first-class quality is always kept on hands, coach-builders are supplied with all trade requisites, and goods suited to the requirements of all classes of artisans are supplied. The utmost attention is given to country orders so as to insure the satisfaction of customers, and nothing is left undone to secure tho approbation of all who patronise the establishment.