People We Hear About

New Zealand Tablet, 3 August 1911, Page 1477

People We Hear About

Major P. W. Fallon, the new commander of the Irish Rifles in Sydney, enjoys the distinction of being the youngest officer commanding a battalion in Australia. He is 33 years of age. Sir Francis Burnand was requested one night in company to make a pun extempore. 1 Upon what subject V asked Burnand. ‘The King,’ was suggested. ‘ Oh, sir,’ replied Sir Francis, ‘ that will not do at all. The King is no subject.’ Most Rev. Dr, Prcndergast, the new Archbishop of Philadelphia, when in Ireland always spends an enjoyable holiday in Lismore, where his sister. Rev. Mother Peter, is a member of the Presentation Community. Rev. F. C. Prendergast, Dungarvan, is a brother of the distinguished prelate. At the June Convocation of the University of Durham, the degree of Doctor of Music Honoris Causa’) was conferred on Mr. R. R. Terry, organist of Westminster Cathedral. This, is the first instance of such an honor being offered to a Catholic organist by an English University. _ A striking illustration of the prompt manner in which the Chancellor of the Exchequer tackles a problem is afforded by the story of how he included a war fund, against consumption in his State insurance scheme. ‘ Interest in a personal case,’ lie says, * led me to pick up a book on consumption. Reading that book late into the night, I learned for the first time the full dimensions of that scourge in this country; I was so impressed that the next morning I sent for my officials, and asked them to enter into a thorough investigation of the matter. They did so, and I found that the appalling figures given were absolutely correct. I made up my mind instantly that something must be done, and so I devised this scheme, which I hope may diminish, if not abolish, that terrible evil.’ The O’Connor Don, who bore the Standard of Ireland at the Coronation, resides at Clonalis, Castlerea, County Roscommon. He is a direct lineal- descendant of King Roderick O’Connor, who exercised supreme sovereignty in Ireland until in 1172 he surrendered his sceptre to Henry 11. of England. But the O’Connor Don is able to trace his ancestrv much farther back than this. For he is a descendant of Eocheidh Morghmeodhm, who ruled as king over Ireland until his death, A.D. 366, and also of the latter’s grandson, Dush Galach, the first Christian king of Connaught. Conchobahr, popularly known as Connor, who died as king of Connaught in 937, represented the ninth generation from "the foundation of the dynasty, and it is from that time forth that tho family have been known by the name of. O’Connor. The Right Rev. Richard M. Phelan, Abbot of Mount Melleray Monastery, Waterford, was on a visit to the monasteries of his Order in the United States in June. In the course of an interview with a newspaper representative, Abbot Phelan said : ‘ Everything is bright and rosy in Ireland now, and her hopes are brighter, I might say, than ever. Home Rule is to come, undoubtedly, and although I do not believe it will be gained immediately, it is to come in the near future. The principal opposition of the English Government to Home Rule has. been because the English have been afraid to trust Ireland, believing that if the Irish gained Home Rule they would then desire to sever their connection entirely with the crown. This opposition is being gradually overcome, and as the English are getting to know Ireland better, they are beginning to place more faith and confidence in her. While Ireland may be said to be prosperous, a great obstacle to her prosperity is the emigration froni her. shores, which has continued for years and is still continuing, while the immigration is small. When Home Rule is gained this obstacle will undoubtedly be overcome.’