Pages from the Past

1860 - 150 Years Ago How a constable sacked for drunkenness was reappointed The Athlone Town Commissioners reappointed a man as town constable in 1860, who had been previously dismissed from the post for repeated drunkenness. The development occurred in January, 1860, after the resignation of the previous constable Arthur Ward.The commissioners advertised the vacancy and five candidates applied; John Bradbury, T. Hanley, T. Lowe, William O'Shaughnessy and P. Costelloe.One of the commissioners, J. Stokes, reminded his colleagues that Bradbury had been dismissed for repeated drunkenness and for abusing not alone the chairman Patrick Rourke, but almost every other member of the board. The chairman said, so far as he was concerned, he would overlook the conduct. It was he who had sought the dismissal of Bradbury and he felt he was sufficiently punished.Other members said they would only vote for Bradbury if he gave up his public house.J. Murtagh objected to Bradbury's application being considered, stating that he had disgraced himself in the job before and that it would be a disgrace for the board to reappoint him.On a vote, Bradbury was elected with eight votes to O'Shaughnessy's five, on condition that he gave up his public house. Bradbury consented and was formally installed to the office with his uniform presented to him. Mineral teeth on rubber bases arrive in Athlone Those with dental problems need not panic, according to the Westmeath Independent of January 14, 1860.That's because a new treatment on the market, comprising hardened gum-coloured India Rubber, would provide an excellent base for the construction of artificial teeth.An advertisement in the paper, promoting the visit on January 25 of Dublin-based dentists, Davies, to a local hotel, outlined the benefits of this new invention, a base for their mineral teeth."Neither stumps nor teeth are extracted and sharp edges are avoided ... It is permanent, wholesome, and more congenial to the mouth than either bone, silver or gold and warranted to remain free from either taste or smell. Mastication and articulation being guaranteed, even in cases where other methods have failed." 1910 - 100 Years Ago Anti-drink campaign slandered Athlone's in international press In late 1859, a temperance movement had been established in Athlone. Politicians, campaigners and the clergy had highlighted the level of alcohol abuse in Athlone. Unfortunately, the matter made local, national and indeed international headlines with the English 'Daily Telegraph' referring to the issue.It prompted the local resident magistrate at the weekly petty sessions (court) to speak out on the issue. Mr P. J. Byrne RM said: "On the subject of drinking in Athlone, there had been a great deal recently in the Press and Athlone was getting a very unenviable name in consequence, not only locally but elsewhere." Referring to coverage in the Telegraph, he said if it was true, "Athlone should blush for its sins". However, he insisted it was not true, and produced statistics from the court to back up his claim. Only 186 prosecutions for drunkenness were heard in that court for a year, a rate of 3 and a half per week. Considering the size of Athlone and the district which the court embraced, that was a small proportion, which he said would compare favourably with other towns of the size. The issue was raised at the local urban council that same week, with Cllr Michael J. Lennon stating: "The press exposes everything that occurs in a very broad way, and it goes outside Athlone and outside Ireland and the character of the town is shown up very badly". 1960 - 50 Years Ago Ballinahown water samples: In a pint bottle and whiskey bottle In recent years, water quality in Ballinahown was badly affected, with boil water notices in place for some months. Samples were taken and tested by the HSE for some time, before the all-clear was given.Back 50 years ago, the samples were less scientific, at least, if those presented at Westmeath County Council were anything to judge by.A report in the issue of January 9, 1960, read as follows: "Two samples of water were handed in by Mr F (Frank) Waters at Westmeath County Council on Monday. "One was in a pint bottle and the other in a baby whiskey bottle. Mr Waters told the council that the samples were from the famous pump in Ballinahown village. They could see from these samples how very discoloured this water supply was."He pointed out that the smaller bottle contained some whiskey as well, and from the sickly hue of the contents of the bottle, the members would appreciate how a drop of good whiskey was ruined by the addition of the water. "He asked the council to have the samples analysed and said he was looking forward to seeing the analyst's report."