THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: From the News Letter of February 1931

Proposed new bridge for Lough Erne
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Mr Joseph Johnston, JP, the chairman of the Lisnaskea Rural Council, gave notice that he intended to move a motion at the next meeting of the council that its contribution to the expenditure on the proposed new bridge across Upper Lough Erne should be limited £10,000.

The News Letter noted that Fermanagh County Council was contributing £10,000 and the Northern government giving a free grant of £10,000, so that £30,000 was the total sum available for the building of the bridge.

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Mr Burkitt, the county surveyor, had estimated that the cost of the new bridge at £32,990, which, with new roads, would bring the overall cost to £37,060.

Devenish Island is located in Lough Erne in Co Fermanagh. Picture: Picryl.comDevenish Island is located in Lough Erne in Co Fermanagh. Picture: Picryl.com
Devenish Island is located in Lough Erne in Co Fermanagh. Picture: Picryl.com

It had been decided to prepare plans for its construction, and invite tenders for carrying out the work.

The News Letter correspondent wrote: “Should the lowest tender exceed £30,000, the government will likely be asked to make up the difference. If the bridge be built, the old-established ferry service between Derrylin and Lisnaskea districts will be abandoned. The service is of very primitive character, and consists of big flat-bottomed boats, motive power being the strong and brawny arms of the oarsmen. People going to fairs and markets bring their cattle, horses, donkeys, and cars with them these boats.”

Young farmers’ club celebrate its first year

A large number of people gathered in the Assembly Hall in Limavady’s Technical School for a social meeting this week in 1931 to mark the conclusion 
of the Limavady Young Farmers’ Club first year of its existence.

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Mr F W Steel, the honorary secretary of the club presided in the absence of the president.

Mr F W Kimber, “the organising secretary for the North of Ireland”, congratulated the club on “having shattered the prophecy that it would only exist a month or two”.

The Reverend R J McImoyle, BA, Dervock, speaking of the depression existing in agriculture, said they must “cultivate a spirit optimism”.

He told the gathering: “I am glad to know that the old spirit of individualism is beginning to break down under the influence of cooperation and unity, and that there is more an atmosphere of mutual trust existing.”

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