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New Zealand Tablet, 18 February 1915, Page 17

There are three eminent personages who linger on in old age, having had more than an average share of sorrow and misfortune. The Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria, now in his 87th year, is tottering on the brink of the grave, and yet he may live to see the last of his empire, which can hardly escape disruption. The ex-Empress of the French, Eugenie, still lingers on in her English home, though the friends and greatness of her youth have long since passed away. A more pathetic figure is that of Charlotte, who lost her senses when her husband, Maximilian, was executed by his Mexican subjects nearly half a century ago.

The Hon. John Meagher, M.L.C., K.C.S.G., who is now in his 79th year, returned recently to Australia after spending twelve months in Europe. Mr. Meagher’s primary object in undertaking the trip was that he might be present at the opening of the Irish Parliament. In this he was disappointed owing to the outbreak of the war. It is his intention, however, to visit Ireland again when this long-expected ceremony takes place.