6703-G- S.O. COAST OF IRELAND - Pt 3

He lunched and several officers of his ship and the C.O. of our ships with me at 12.45. 16 in all and after lunch we adjourned to the Drawing Room for cigarettes and coffee, where Olga received him. Mrs Fraser and Mrs West being there also.

Very soon he and Olga were talking away in Italian. Olga’s Italian being perfect and pronounced very prettily as HRH said to me afterwards, she spoke it better than he did and so she does.

He left about 2.30 and as I heard he was devoted to dancing, I told him that I would get one up for him on Tuesday night.

At 5 pm two cards were sent in bearing his name, ostensibly for the Naval Attaché, but not being in, he left the door. However, hearing of it I found him in the roadway standing under an umbrella and asked him in and soon afterwards the Attaché and Negrotto came. I happened to be playing the Piano for the children and the Drawing Room was cleared, so hearing this, he said he would like to see Lou dance, and I played the fairy dance for her, and she danced it beautifully amid cries of “Brava, Brava”. Madge all the time across Olga’s laps, staring at HRH. Then the children left. Olga whispered to Madge to curtsey, which she did, so Olga tells me, in a most delicious way, being complimented on.

This Monday evening the Count and I had a long talk on theology, continuing our talk of the previous evening (Sunday). He, like all R.C. men in Italy, will have nothing to do with the R.C. Church although nominally R.C.’s. I gathered he does not believe in purgatory or confession. He asked me a lot of questions as to my opinion on the Saints (worship) Virgin Mary as Interceder, etc. He was interested, I could see, more from curiosity than conviction and is very much in the dark.

He is a specimen of the fatuous Italian, well pleased with himself and not what one would call of the ‘first water’. He is married, has 5 Children and expecting a 6th in a fortnight’s time.

On Tuesday the 10th I went on board with all my staff to return HRH’s call and lunch with him, which was a very good one. Afterwards he shewed me over the vessel and worked the guns for me.

Everything is worked by Electricity and no alternative, which he does not like. He was very communicative about her weak points. Especially her rolling which she did as much as 30° coming from the Azores.

(I omitted to mention that yesterday afternoon after lunching with me, we all went over the D.Yard and walked all round and visited the Hospital and talked to the Officers and the French Captain.)

On Wednesday the 11th at 9.30 the Attaché and I met HRH and aide-de-camp at the Station and proceeded to Cork where I had engaged a Car.

We first visited the Crawford Institute and saw the enamelling and lace work etc, and then driving round the city, went to Shandon Church and mounting the Tower had the bells rung by the Ringer. Unfortunately the main tenor bell is cracked and a new one is being made, but several of the Tom Morris melodies were played on them and Abide with Me. He played the cords as you would the strings of a harp.

Then we visited several shops, but very little to be seen and eventually drove to the Queen’s College where we lunched with the President, Dr Windle and Mrs Windle and Miss Windle. I asked Miss Windle down for the dance and stay the night.

The dance commenced at 9.30. About 16 couples, rather too many as unfortunately, though asked by the Flag. Lieut. and myself to stop dancing to a certain extent, when crowded, few did and one or two were very bad in this way. The ladies were taken up in turn to HRH for each dance and he had not much rest, all waltzes. Unfortunately he never went away to sit down, so every one thought he wanted to keep at it the whole time, especially as he is such a keen dancer and de Vellarey said the same. However it appears even he found 2½ hours steady waltzing as much as he could manage.

We finished at 12 o’clock or a little after. He is a beautiful waltzer and as we only had good dancers to meet him, he thoroughly enjoyed himself. He has a very nice open face, constantly lit up with a smile when talking.

On Thursday the 12th, one of their men died unfortunately, or rather he died the day before, but the body was taken to the Mortuary in the D.Yard.

During the afternoon some of the Italian Officers came up to tea and at 8 o’c the Prince, A.D.C. joined our party at dinner. We carried out the Italian practice of the gentlemen going out with the ladies after dinner and had our cigarettes and coffee in the Drawing Room.

At 9.30 a few choice dancing young ladies came and some officers from the Italian Ship, about 7 couples altogether and danced waltzes until 11.30. The Prince this time chose his partners, no one dancing until he had done so, and after each dance a General Post took place so there was lots of room for dancing and more time between them for sitting out.

The Prince thoroughly enjoyed himself and he with the Officers most cordial in their thanks for our hospitality. Olga so very friendly with him and several of the Officers and they all had long talks with her. She looked very pretty and distinguished (and regal as Mrs Mandeville would say) and talking Italian beautifully, was much sought after.

I think the A.D.C. and another young man, Grania, [?] were the most interesting. The A.D.C. Marquis Negrotto telling Olga of all his trouble and his inability to accept the R.C. doctrine and that in his heart he is a Protestant, as he is sure that they are right, but that on account of his family he could not say so.

The Prince told me, and Olga too, how dreadful it was that no Priests were allowed on board their ships and that when a man died no one but a priest was allowed to say any prayers, though as HRH said, reading a few verses from the Evangile could not do anyone any harm.

He told Olga that what made him desirous of trying to reach the North Pole was reading one of Jules Verne’s books when a boy of 16, but he is satisfied with one attempt and prefers heat to cold.

18 December - Wednesday

Stevie arrived home looking very well. I think has done well in his examinations. A very nice letter from HRH the Duke of the Abruzzi thanking Olga and myself for all our kindness and hospitality and hoping to meet us again.

19 December - Thursday

Wrote to Henderson, A.C.R, a day or two ago and said that having heard MacLeod wanted the Reserves, I did not propose taking any further action about it.

Heard from the D.C.N. about the visit of the Regina Elena at Kingstown not a success, I fancy on account of bad weather and not much notice being taken of them.

X.Mas Day - Wednesday

Passed off quietly. The children received many presents. A wretched day, blowing and raining from the S.E. This has been a heavy financial strain upon me, which I feel, still owing money and half pay looming ahead. I suppose I have had to disburse about £30 in money gifts and presents.

Stevie’s report from Osborne a very good one, it has given me much pleasure. He is improving on every report.

I learnt a great lesson yesterday from a little thing.

I felt that with reference to Stevie doing anything, I told him that unless he did it absolutely and entirely from motives desiring to please me and give me pleasure, from motives of gratitude for all that I have done for him, it would not give me pleasure. Anything done unwillingly or by constraint was of no value. So with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ the only acceptable service can be that springing from feelings of devoted gratitude and love at the thoughts of what Christ has done for me.

1908

1 January - Wednesday

A New Year. Dear Olga and I prayed together last night that we might live this year more to His Glory and pleasing to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

On Monday last I went up to Cork to the meeting at the Town Hall and the opening of the Tuberculosis Exhibition by Their Excellencies. Had a talk with them and presented Arethusa to His Ex. who had a talk with her. He left by the 5 pm train. All the speeches were good and they got a very good reception. I dined en famille with Her Ex. at the Imperial Hotel and afterwards attended the lecture in the City Hall by Dr Chalmers, Health Officer of Glasgow. Most interesting - he shewed a lot of slides.

After it was over Her Ex. and I with Hamilton, Ass. P. Sec., motored down in Her Ex. Landau to Admiralty House getting there at 11.30 pm, an hour coming down, the roads being so bad with stones. Olga and she embraced.

Next day 31 Dec, i.e. yesterday, we motored up to the City Hall, and Her Ex. took the Chair to inaugurate the Health Committee (Women). Only three resolutions, but two of the R.C. Bishops, Dr Kelly of Ross and Dr Browne of Cloynes, spoke for about 1h and 20m between them, much to everyone’s disgust.

Mr Augustine Roche MP next to me, spoke very briefly as did the others, except Dr Crewerne [?] who had been indirectly attacked by Dr Kelly, so he kept the ball rolling, getting quite excited.

I was to have spoken, but at 8 am this morning I was called up on the telephone and heard that the High Sheriff Dwyer had taken offence, as he had to speak after Bishop Dr Meade, so I quickly arranged matters by putting Dwyer in my place, to propose the 3rd Resolution and so all was peace again.

We lunched with General and Mrs Parsons and then returned to the City Hall for a demonstration of the Industrial Girls in Democratic Germany and I was much surprised what an extraordinary amount of good solid knowledge they knew. Then another meeting of Women’s Committee and at 5 pm Lord Mayor and others including myself saw Her Ex. off by the 5 o’c train. I took her hand, which she held and I told her God would bless her in her work. She replied she knew I was always thinking of her.

Dear Olga could not run the risk of fatigue of accompanying me and I missed her a good deal as she always fills these positions so well and is such a grande dame in all she does, and looks it too.

Went on board Emerald to the children’s party. Stevie and Lou enjoying themselves.

2 January - Thursday

Played a game of golf with Stevie who is taking lessons from McNamara. Stevie will be a very good player by and by. He is taking 10 lessons.

The boy much improved and it has been a pleasure having him home this time. Olga received a long and most charming letter from Lady Aberdeen and I one from Lord A.

8 January - Wednesday

Yesterday I sent 75 wives of the D.Yard men up to Cork in the Stormcock to see the Tuberculosis Exhibition. They enjoyed themselves and thanked me.

Took Olga up in the Barge to see Townsend about her eyes, then to a meeting of Police Aided Society and back home, lunching in the Boat.

10 January - Friday

Dear E.D.’s 43rd birthday

13 January - Monday

Stevie left us by the Inniscarra for the Stewarts, 43 Ennismore Gardens, London....[half page missing] ...father has done or feels until he is one himself. He has the courage of his convictions and is high principled and I am very thankful. He has a talent for acting and know it and is told so... [half page missing]... of training of children. I was much cheered by what he said.

15 January - Wednesday

Went with Olga to Cork in Barge, first calling at the RN Hospital for Olga to talk to the Italian Sailor.

My Flag Lieut. West superseding Travers in the Skipjack. Thurstan coming here.

20 January - Monday

Left by Rosslare Express for Waterford and on board the Colleen. Took tram again and got out at Duncormick Station, drove 16 miles in outside car, inspected Bar of Lough and Bannow Stations and back to Colleen by 8.30 pm. Freezing hard and cold driving.

21 January - Tuesday

Returned to Q.town. Dear Stevie’s 15th birthday. Much gratified at hearing from him that he was in S1 Class.

23 January - Thursday

A large dinner party of 19 last night. Frenchs, Hares, Usbornes, Burts, Col and Lady Florence Beresford Ash, who slept in the house and this went off very well.

Lady Florence told us this morning that she was leaving some place in India to come home by the Indian Trooper, a free passage. The host, the Governor of Province ordered carriages for her to take her to catch the train. Carriage was late, train missed, Trooper sailed and she had to pay £80 to come home by private steamer, all through the slackness of an A.D.C. Moral - always be before time.

27 January - Monday

Took the Chair at a Temperance Meeting. Bellevue School Room. Mr Hinde from Dublin spoke so very well and most helpful.

1 February - Saturday

Dearest Olga and I went for an outing this afternoon to hear Aida by the Moody-Manners Company at the Opera House, Cork. House packed. Lady FitzGerald Arnott sitting next me and abusing the Aberdeens as usual. She is a crazy and a vicious woman.

Olga and I had not seen anything of this kind of performance for years, and we came to the conclusion afterwards that a little went a long way and also the nothingness of it all struck us.

VISIT DUBLIN

3 February - Monday

Left with Thurstan (Flag Lieut) and arrived at the Castle, Dublin in time for tea. Lady Aberdeen as usual most kind and affectionate.

The dinner party consisted of the Household about 40 - 50. I took in Lady Nixon and had Mary - Lady Inverclyde on my other side. After dinner we were all photographed by flash light in St Patrick’s Hall.

Lady A. told me that the reward was being increased to £10,000 for the recovery of the Jewels. She said that Vicars had not behaved well and had no right to publish letters marked private. She also told me that the King was acting in the whole matter and was most anxious the matter should not be made more public than possible. There is no doubt Vicars has been most careless in his office generally so I hear.

4 February - Tuesday

My dear sister Meta’s birthday, born in 1852, called away in 1881. What a loss to us. Dear Francie wrote me a day or two ago that Ted must have an operation for appendicitis in about 6 weeks. What an anxious time for them both.

Attended the Levée this morning and then lunched. Afterwards had a yarn with His Ex. and he told me about the Duke d’Abruzzi. I do not think he behaved well about the lunch and I told His Ex. so.

Called on Lady Ross of Bladensburg, Lady Liverpool and went with General Parsons to tea with Lady Grenfell. She is leaving Ireland for good on Thursday as Lord G’s time is up in April She sent all kinds of messages to Olga - had the two fine children down. One girl of 3 like her and the other a boy of 2 like old Grenfell. I think another is expected soon.

Had a very interesting talk to Lord Pirrie after dinner this evening. He told me that May was the best Controller that he ever had to do with. Very business like and used to look into every thing himself. Now he never sees Controller officially and says Fisher won’t allow anyone to be seen, unless he sends for the person himself. Pirrie is a hard headed business man and gave me many instances shewing Wilson’s stubbornness when he was Controller.

5 February - Wednesday

Last night the House Party of about 40 including guests dined. I took in Lady Anderson, the wife of Sir Robert Anderson, Lord Mayor of Belfast, very nice people and Christian people. Made some calls on Lady Liverpool and others.

Sat next Her Ex. at lunch. We had a talk about the Vicar case, how it has worried them both.

6 February - Thursday

Had a long talk with His Ex. at lunch on Irish matters. He told me that he had received a letter from a member of the Kildare Street Club, he could not make out the signature. The subject of the letter being that he would be boycotted. We both agreed that the only thing to do, is to do what is right and go straight ahead.

Last night the Drawing Room took place, about 450 attended, not many County people, I thought. I walked in the procession and sat on the right of their Ex’s and staff. About 40 ladies walked in the procession. The Drawing Room was a very brilliant affair in St Patrick’s Hall.

Not many ladies either walked or curtsied well, all were much too hurried and flurried. As they passed, they went round to Chairs, facing their Excellencies and in time the whole of the beautiful Hall was full of ladies and men in every variety of uniform.

After walking out again, I returned and meeting Sir Herbert Plumer asked him where Lady Plumer was. He pointed out a lady to me, and I promptly shook hands with her, much to her surprise, and that of her husband. General Plumer following me, he laughed and pointed out Lady Plumer, who was standing by, with the Miss Plumers. I hurriedly apologised all round and there was much laughter and merriment. The General said “You must make it up by taking her in to dinner at the State Banquet.”

Grenfell told me he had written to C. Beresford urging him not to go dashing into print at this juncture.

His Ex. talking to me, about Cork, said a great deal of the better feeling down at Cork was due to me and he much appreciated all I had done. He said he wished to give the best photograph of himself and Her Ex. to us, as he heard my wife would like them. Judge Wylie and I had a talk together on the land question.

The dinner this evening, 118, was a very great success. I took in Lady Plumer and had Lady Weldon on my right. We got on capitally. After dinner Mrs Wynne, a pretty young woman, informed me that I had been very kind to her in past years when she was a Miss Mansfield, d. of Col Mansfield of Castle Wray.

Talking to His Ex. about the D. Room, he said the reason why he sat through it all, was that if he stood everyone else would have to stand. I suggested that Her Ex. should sit and he stand and an order given that ladies should sit when Her Ex. sat. He thought this a good idea.

My reason for his standing is that some ill natured people make ill natured remarks about his sitting, whereas he does it entirely through his good nature and kindness and consideration for others. Lady FitzGerald Arnott, who is a bitter opponent of theirs is not only crazy, but she is a vicious woman.

Visited the Picture Gallery of which Mrs Lane is the Honorary Director, with a party of ladies; Lady Drogheda, Lady Fingall and others. The pictures are of the impressionist style and English and foreign painters. Very good and I was much interested in every thing. Called on Bowen-Colthurst and his wife a very charming young couple and installed in a very good house in Fitzwilliam Square.

Walked back with Hesketh-Pritchard, one of the Staff and author of Don Q. Left the Castle at 11 pm this evening (Thursday) after the State dinner and told Lady A. how much I respected and had an affection for her. This she knows and they are I think attached to us both.

TO QUINTON CASTLE

7 February - Friday

Ella arrived at North Wall and Savage took her on to Kingstown, Olga having arrived the night before. We sailed at midnight last night and arrived off Carlingford at 6 am. Took Lel ashore and had a 12 mile drive to Whitestown W.S.S. Lel doing so well with her music, her song Forbearance selling very fast and Adelaide Genée, the great dancer, has taken some of her dance music over to America. She is the first dancer of the day and gets £200 a week. So if she dances to Lel’s music, Lel will do well and her other pieces are also very good.

8 February - Saturday

Quinton Castle. Arrived here 1 pm and all of us overjoyed at receiving a wire from dear Francie to say that the operation on Ted for appendicitis had gone off safely.

Nini still at Glass Lough, her car broken down, arrived at 8 pm.

9 February - Sunday

Lel and I walked into Church and got a lift back in McLellan’s trap.

10 February - Monday

West turned up in the Skipjack and both that ship and Colleen lay in the Bay, under Quinton Castle and looked very well. I had a long talk with Nini about our all coming to Quinton on my leaving Queenstown. Many pros and cons. Olga spoke out very straight on the objections, our different views of life.

11 February - Tuesday

Dick Ker of Portavo turned up unexpectedly. I had not met him since all that disagreeable correspondence four years ago. However, we met as usual, he boisterous and good humoured.

Jack Leslie, the eldest son of S. Leslie, son of Sir John came over to go with me on my trip, clad in kilt. A fine strapping fellow. Nini says he won’t have anything to do with his people and wants to be a monk.

That evening we had a merry dinner party. Dick Ker keeping us all laughing, all four men in various rigs, I in dinner jacket, Rivers in morning suite, Leslie in kilt and scarf and D.K. in smoking lounge jacket of a blue colour and soft blue shoes, he having nothing else with him.

TOUR OF DONEGAL COAST

12 February - Wednesday

Leslie and I went off by motor to Belfast, visiting Orlock Hill W.S.S. en route and then on by train to Londonderry and by a very slow light railway to Killybegs, County Donegal, getting there just before 9 pm and going on board Colleen.

13 February - Thursday

A long 42 mile drive in a tandem car, visiting Teelin Head W.S.S. and Teelin. Very fine scenery going through the Donegal Mountains. Stopped en route and visited an old Cromlech and Druidical Stones.

14 February - Friday

Visited Mullaghmore C.G. in Colleen but it coming on to blow, had to return to Killybeg.

Inspected Station here and in the afternoon visited the Industrial School (boys) and the Carpet Manufacturing - about 70 girls employed from the surrounding country. Commence work 7 am until 6 pm (1½ hours off for dinner and tea). Work by piece work, and get from 8/- to 10/- a week. I calculated they earned about 2d and hour, which is very little.

15 February - Saturday

Visited Balls Hill and Tribane C.G., going to Donegal by train and driving from Tribane in a car tandem. The C.O. of Balls Hill dying from heart and dropsy. Sat with him and prayed with him and his wife, that God would give him the needed support and strength.

17 February - Monday

Drove in tandem Car to Port Noo and Burton Port C.G. over 40 miles, part of the time through driving mist, in the mountain passes.

Young Jack Leslie left us 10 miles out to walk back to Killybegs and on to Donegal and Pettigo, his father’s place.

Great excitement at B.Port. Bands of fishermen playing, demonstrating against a Company seeking to establish a whaling place on the Island of Aranmore, for it appears that the whaling industry drives the herring away through pollution of the water.

Hotel filled with fish buyers and solicitors brought over to give evidence. Kept the whisky going until 3.30 am, then one of them blew a penny whistle for a short time.

18 February - Tuesday

Drove to Bunbeg, the way being through Gweedore, wild desolate scenery which reminded me of parts of Southern Connemara. Saw a horse in a stall in a small one roomed cottage.

Took the train from Gweedore to Buncrana.

19 February - Wednesday

Drove in a carriage and pair round the Inishowen Peninsula, some 30 miles inspecting.

20 February - Thursday

Returned to Quinton. Rivers in the motor meeting me at Belfast.

22 February - Saturday

Dear Lou’s 11th birthday. Sent her a wire from us both. Blowing a gale of wind, so unable to leave in Colleen as we had intended.

23 February - Sunday

Left Quinton in Colleen at 1 pm and had a regular dusting getting down to Kingstown, a beam wind but very nasty sea. Every one turned up, especially dear Lel who was very bad.

RETURN TO QUEENSTOWN

24 February - Monday

Arrived at Admiralty House by train at 3 pm and delighted to see our little ones again.

I omitted to mention that last Sat, Nini, Ella and I motored into Portaferry in the afternoon, to attend the service at the Church for the Consecration of the new organ by the Bishop of Down, Dr Crozier who preached a most earnest and eloquent sermon.

We had a long talk afterwards and he much interested hearing that I was the one who got the King to give permission to drink his health in water. I took a great fancy to him. He said in his sermon that a young curate, who died of consumption, I think in County Wicklow or Wexford, was grieving that in his short life, he had done so little for the living Master and then composed that beautiful Hymn Abide with Me.

We talked over many things. I told him that the Protestant Schools in the South and West in my experience could not hold their own against the R.C. ones, as the former were too poor and I also said a great mistake was made in not teaching Gaelic in the Protestant Schools as by and bye most of Ireland would be bi-lingual and many situations would be only opened to those knowing the Irish language and I thought the young Irish gentry should learn Irish, so as to lead by and bye.

28 February - Friday

Mrs Thorneycroft arrived yesterday. Arethusa and Edward today went with Olga and party to hear the Choral Society at Queens Hotel. Miss Honey sang some solos most beautifully, a very nice face.

A dinner party to-night of 9.

1 March - Sunday

Stayed to Communion Service with Mrs Thorneycroft. Ella played some of her music yesterday. She will make a name for herself later. Olga looking well.

Poor Kidney dying and yesterday Mrs Keefe wife of Coachman was buried - very sad, leaving 6 young children.

2 March - Monday

The Leigh-Whites and Thorneycrofts left us.

3 March - Tuesday

Called on Tom Donovan, the Lord Mayor of Cork. He told me he was having the Ink Pots screwed to the Table.

9 March - Monday

Doris and T.B. Destroyers delayed by the heavy gale.

10 March - Tuesday

Doris arrived and this evening we commenced the testing of the Examination Service. Skipjack, Colleen and other vessels taking part in it.

11 March - Wednesday

Our dear old father’s birthday, born in 1816.

A large number of ladies up at Olga’s At Home.

12 March - Thursday

A lunch party.

13 March - Friday

Ditto.

14 March - Saturday

Operations finished last night, testing the Exam. Service. I have been up and out in Barge and Colleen and Exam. vessels every night to 1 and 2 am, sleeping on board Colleen and coming on shore every morning early.

Yesterday I heard from Bertie the very disquieting news of Aldrich’s retiring this month. This, with Bosanquet and Bickford, will make me No 2 on the list and Pearson and Jeffries go in June, so my time is up then and I shall be Vice and must go. I do not know where to go and have a frightful amount of things to pack.

Last Thursday 19th I went to Cork and attended the Annual Meeting of the Deaf and Dumb and spoke at it. The Missioner spoke very well.

On Friday 20th I took the Chair at a Meeting held in the Assembly Rooms at 8 pm. Life Boat Saturday Fund, a large number there and very attractive programme.

22 March - Sunday

Stevie confirmed at R.N.C. Osborne. Edie kindly went over from Emsworth to be with him. Lady Carbery and Dr Landford motored down to tea. Lady C. I cannot quite make out. She is a good well meaning woman, but I think always anxious that she should play the rôle of Lady C, not being to the manner born.

23 March - Monday

We had a large meeting at Ad. House and inaugurated a Branch of the Women’s National Health Association. Lady Mary Aldworth, President.

24 March - Tuesday

I am now practically third on the list.

Commander Parker of Doris told me that one of their Marine Officers Intelligence Dept. went as a tourist to Germany, but was evidently spotted from the time he left England, for he could go nowhere without being followed when in Germany if near any of the Naval Ports. He also told me that German Officers hunted regularly in England, and in fact carried out Staff rides in the Eastern Counties.

In confirmation of this, Engineer Comd. Westaway, Chief Engineer of the D.Yard, told me that quite lately when in King Edward VII, one of the Officers when hunting in the Midlands, his horse cast a shoe and not knowing where the nearest Black smith was, asked his neighbour, who happened to be a German Officer, and he promptly told him.

As a matter of fact they know where every forge and every flour mill is in England and Parker told me, that they have enough shipping and can embark 60 to 80,000 men in a couple of hours. They have miles and miles of piers specially constructed for embarking troops.