BELFAST GAS EXPLOSION: LICENSEE INVESTIGATES LEAKAGE WITH LIGHTED CANDLE

Northern Whig, Monday 5th December 1927

An explosion which caused much damage occurred at a public-house in Gresham Street, Belfast, on Saturday morning when Hugh Fitzpatrick, the publican, went to investigate the smell of gas with a lighted candle. No-one was injured, although Mr. Fitzpatrick's moustache and eyebrows have disappeared.

The ceiling of the bar was torn away, and a plate-glass window was scattered like chaff before the wind. The bottles and glasses on the shelves remained untouched, and a glass-filled partition in the bar also escaped damage.

Sergeant Stanfield, of Smithfield Barracks, who saw the window being blown out, found the licensee much perturbed, but otherwise little the worse for his startling experience.

SENT FOR TRIAL: WOMAN CHARGED WITH PERFUME THEFT AT BELFAST

Northern Whig, Tuesday 1st November 1927

Charged with the larceny of three bottles of perfume, valued at 14s 3d, the property of Andrew Wilson, chemist, of Albertbridge Road, Elizabeth Hill was, at the Belfast Police Court, yesterday, returned for trial at the Commission, bail being allowed.

D.I. Moore prosecuted, and Mr. B. Campbell appeared for the accused.

Detective-Constable Sharkey said that when he arrested Hill she said she had nothing to say, but explained that she went to the shop to buy some perfume but they had not what she required.

An assistant in the shop, Thomas Hart, stated that accused came in on Saturday afternoon and asked for a certain brand of eau-de-Cologne. He produced one size, but she said she wished to see a larger bottle. He then went round the counter to make inquiries and through a window saw the accused putting her hand up to a showcase. Returning quickly he saw her drawing her right hand quickly away from her bag, in which he noticed a bottle of perfume. As she was on the point of leaving the shop, he spoke to her and she offered to let him search her bag. She withdrew a bottle containing some gin, and he then saw a second bottle of perfume. An examination of the bag revealed three bottles of perfume in all and two of them bore his employer's label.

GALLAHER ATHLETES: FIRM’S SPORTING EMPLOYEES

Belfast Telegraph, Saturday 30th October 1937

CRICKET CLUB ANNUAL DINNER

“Gallaher’s is becoming quite famous for its athletic activities,” said Mr. A. Lindsay, who presided at the annual dinner of Gallagher’s Cricket Club, in the Midland Hotel, Belfast, last evening.

They had, he went on, clubs for all manner of sports, such as football, squash, gymnastics, physical culture, golf and cricket. Mr. Lindsay facetiously observed that he did not know whether a male voice choir came into the category of a sporting club.

The Chairman, who was proposing the toast of the club, spoke in appreciative terms of the services rendered by the club secretary, Mr. J. A. Kennedy. Reviewing the activities of the club, he said one of its greatest difficulties had been the securing of a proper playing ground, but in the past season that difficulty had been overcome. The club definitely promised to go on from strength to strength. (Applause.)

Mr C. J. Saunders, the outgoing captain, responded. They had, he remarked, enjoyed a very successful season, but there was no reason why Gallaher’s should not turn out three XI’s. The powers that be who engaged the staff, might cast a kindly eye on those who play cricket and not tiddlywinks. (Laughter.)

Mr. J. A. Kennedy, in the course of a racy speech, proposed the toast of the guests. It was, he said, very pleasant to see so many of their presidents and vice-presidents with them (Applause.)

Replying, Lord Ampthill spoke of the keen interest they all took in the affairs of the club. It was, he declared, on of the best run and most successful clubs that Gallaher’s had got, and the committee, as a whole deserved great credit for the manner in which the club was being run. (Applause.)

The chairman was thanked on the motion of Mr. Kennedy.

Among the guests present were Lord and Lady Ampthill, Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Ellis, Mr. and Mrs. J. Marsh, and Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Driscoll.

The club dance was held subsequently in the Plaza, Mr. Kennedy carrying out the duties of M.C.

To find out more about the firm's history click here.