At Pitmave is to be seen an ancient cemetery, called the Giant’s Grave, at the spot whence that town land derives its name. It is an enclosed vault, composed of large square stones; being about 35 feet long, 4½ feet wide, and 2 feet deep. About forty years ago, a person of the name of Skelton, at that time land-surveyor to the Earl of Hertford, had the curiosity to open it, and found in it human bones of a gigantic size, as the people of the country report. These bones, when touched, crumbled into dust. At the head of this ancient cemetery, stands a venerable thorn, of a remarkable size. Two other vaults of smaller dimensions are on each side.

The following names are taken from a list of persons applying to register their Freeholds at a General Quarter Sessions of the Peace to be held in Belfast on the 24th October, 1831.

No. 134

Name and Residence of Applicant: John Balance, Ballypitmeve
Description of Freehold, with the names of Barony and Townland in which situated: House and land, Upper Massereene, town land of Ballypitmeve.
Yearly Value to be registered: £10

No. 145

Name and Residence of Applicant: John Gracey, Ballypitmeve
Description of Freehold, with the names of Barony and Townland in which situated: House and land, Upper Massereene, town land of Tullynewbane & Ballymineymore
Yearly Value to be registered: £10

No. 148

Name and Residence of Applicant: Robert Gracey, Ballypitmeve
Description of Freehold, with the names of Barony and Townland in which situated: House and land, Upper Massereene, town land of Ballypitmeve
Yearly Value to be registered: £10

No. 157

Name and Residence of Applicant: William Moore, Ballypitmeve
Description of Freehold, with the names of Barony and Townland in which situated: House and land, Upper Massereene, town land of Ballypitmeve
Yearly Value to be registered: £10

No. 163

Name and Residence of Applicant: Roger Patterson, Ballypitmeve
Description of Freehold, with the names of Barony and Townland in which situated: House and land, Upper Massereene, town land of Ballypitmeve
Yearly Value to be registered: £10

Melancholy Event - On the 23d ult Mary Smith, daughter of Mr. John Smith, of Ballypitmave, Parish of Glenavy, put a period to her existence, as it is reported, under the following circumstances:- On that day, the family, with the exception of a child about 5 or 6 years of age and herself, had attended the funeral of a deceased relation. In their absence, she possessed herself of a loaded gun, which her father had kept in the house for some days. For his protection, he having had a large sum of money in his custody. Having seated herself in an arm chair, she placed the muzzle of the gun to her breast, and requested the child to pull the trigger. This the child refused to do, and ran out screaming. The unhappy girl, it is conjectured, then forced back the trigger with the end of the ramrod, and the gun exploding, the ball penetrated her heart. The cries of the child attracted some neighbours to the spot, but the vital spark was extinct. The deceased was a quiet, well-conducted young woman, and greatly esteemed in the neighbourhood where she resided.

Marriage

Mairs and Smith - February 7, in the Ballinderry Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. Henry Leebody, Mr. Robert Mairs, Maragall (Magheragall), to Anna, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Samuel Smith, Smithvale, Glenavy.

Antrim Quarter Sessions
Assault at Ballypitmave

Wm Kennedy pleaded guilty to assaulting Jas. Ballance at Ballypitmave on the 15th March.

The Chairman said the defendant had violated the laws of the country. Instead of seeking proper means of redress for any wrong he might have sustained from prosecutor, he had taken the law into his own hands. It appeared that there was some difference between the complainant and the defendant, and that the latter in consequence committed an assault upon the complainant. He had pleaded guilty, and there appeared to be extenuating circumstances in the case. Therefore the order of the Court was that the defendant enter into his own recognisances in £10, to come up for the judgement when called upon.

Ligoniel Petty Sessions - these sessions were held yesterday, in the Crown Court, Crumlin Road, before Samuel Archer, Esq. J.P. There were only a few cases entered for hearing. Robert Watters was brought forward on summons, by Constable McGowan on a charge of being drunk at Hannah town, and using offensive language towards complainant. The defendant was fined 10s and costs. Sub Constable John Carson summoned Henry Ballance, Ballypitmave, for leaving his horse and car without being under proper control on the public road at Englishtown. Defendant was fined 10s and costs.

In the High Court of Justice in Ireland.
Probate and Matrimonial Division.

In the goods of Isaac Ballance, formerly of Ballypitmave, in the County of Antrim, but who emigrated to America in 1871, and supposed to be dead. To the wife, child, executors, administrators, or assigns of the said Isaac Ballance.

Take notice that unless you communicate, in writing, to the undernamed, solicitor for James Ballance, a brother of the said Isaac Ballance, within 6 weeks from this insertion, Letters of Administration of the Personal Estate of said deceased will be granted by the above Court to said James Ballance.

Dated this 5th day of May, 1888.

Frederick W. Waring, Solicitor for said James Ballance, 83 Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin, and Lisburn, County Antrim. Robert Laver, assistant Registrar.

Scott v Scott

This was an ejectment brought by William John Scott against his father, Edward Scott of Ballypitmave, to recover a farm of land on the title.

Mr. Berryhill appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Wilkins for the defendant.

Before the matter was gone into, Mr. Wilkins asked that the case. be dismissed on the grounds that the ejectment had been wrongly drawn, and quoted~ from the authorities in support of his contention.

His Honor said that be would amend the civil bill, and allow the case, to proceed.

Mr. Berryhill having handed in the proofs of the judgment mortgage.

Mr. Wilkins stated that, although be could not go behind the proofs handed in in that Court, he was prepared to prove that a gross fraud had been perpetrated by the son against his father, an old man of eighty years of age.

His Honor said that he would give a decree, but suspend the execution for a fortnight in order to give Mr. Wilkins time to move in the Superior Courts. to have the mortgage set aside.

Sad death of a Balaclava Hero - a man named Thomas Higginson, who was in the famous charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava, died a few days ago at Ballypitmave. He had been injured by a fall from a cart about a fortnight previously, and ultimately succumbed.

Cattle disease near Glenavy

The telegram received by the Chairman at the meeting of the board of Guardians on Tuesday was sent to Mr Crighton V.S., and he at once went out to the farms of Mr Jas. Ballance. He carefully inspected the stock both at Ballypitmave and Lurganteneil, and gave it as his decided opinion that a number of them were suffering from pleuro-pnemonia. In order that the matter might be placed outside the domain of conjecture, Mr Ballance slaughtered one animal and a post mortem examination showed that it was far gone in the disease. Another was evidently about to die. It too was knocked on the head and Mr Crighton found that the lungs were in a bad state from pleuro pnemonia. The inspector at once telegraphed to the Vetinary Department, Dublin Castle and was informed in reply that the inspector would be down the next day. Mr Prentice arrived according to promise on Wednesday and Mr Crighton drove him out to see the cattle. One animal was then slaughtered and it was too found to be diseased. On Thursday another visit was paid to both Lurganteneil and Ballypitmave, and today (Friday) Mr Prentice accompanied by Sergeant Murray of Belfast, went out again. It is believed that about 50 head will be slaughtered on the two farms, and some cows on the neighbouring grazing fields may also suffer the same fate. How many altogether may be knocked on the head it is impossible to even guess. It seems Mr Ballance was of the opinion that his cattle suffered from blackleg and it was only on Monday night that he became convinced that the disease was pleuro pnemonia. He immediately reported the fact to Sergeant McCourt of the Crumlin constabulary and the result was as we have briefly stated.

The serious outbreak of Pleuro pnemonia

The Chairman read the following report:- Vetinary Institute 43 Bachelor's Walk, Lisburn May 31st 1892.

Dear sirs I have to report that last week I was informed as a suspected outbreak of pleuro pnemonia on the farm of Mr James Ballance, Ballypitmave. I visited the place on Tuesday evening 24th inst and found several animals affected with pleuro pnemonia. I also at once sent a wire to the Vet Department, Privy Council Office, Dublin Castle and on Thursday 26th inst, Mr D S Prentice, Government Inspector arrived and he and I visited Ballance's farm again, and were satisfied that pleuro pnemonia did exist on the premises and farm and as a consequence there are at present 92 cattle of all sorts marked to be slaughtered on Ballance's farm and adjoining farms and it is very probable that a greater number will be marked for slaughter in a few days. I again visited the place on the 30th inst. Up to the above date there were 60 animals slaughtered on the different premises. On Ballance's farm near Glenavy one animal was found to be affected with pleuro pnemonia. I shall be able to give you further particulars in due course.

The Chairman said he thought it a serious matter that so many healthy cattle were being slaughtered and if common report was correct, that such a high price was being paid to the owners of the animals knocked on the head

Mr Gilliand - Where does the money come from?

The Assistant clerk - from the Government

Mr Todd - for the present; but if the slaughtering goes on at the same rate as at present, the money set apart for the purpose will become exhausted and then the ratepayers of Ireland will have to pay a levy for the purpose of supplying the needed funds.

Mr Gilliand - How much had this union to pay for the former outbreak of this disease?

The assistant Clerk - about £180

Mr Todd said that owing to the high figure paid to the owners of the slaughtered cattle some people he was informed were anxious to get clear of their stock in the same way.

Mr Bell - Have we anything to do with this matter?

The Chairman - nothing. but we might pass a resolution, deprecating the slaughtering of sound animals, that would call the attention of the local government board to the matter. Mr Todd said it appeared that if a number of cows drank from a large stream of water, all the cattle that used the river were being followed by the Inspector.

The Chairman remarked that he would not let Mr Crighton V S, if he had been visiting a place where there were infected cattle, come near his cows, as his clothing might carry infection. If necessary he (the chairman) would use force to prevent the inspector coming near his stock.

Mr Henry - It is well know that nothing carried infection so effectually as woollen garments.

Mr W J Wilson thought they should adopt a resolution of the kind referred to by the Chairman.

Mr Samuel Wilson thought it might be taken for granted that the Vet Department had employed a competent man as inspector, and to pass a resolution of the kind might be looked upon insulting to the official concerned. He (Mr Wilson) would be in favour of allowing the matter to remain for future consideration. The discussion then terminated. The Assistant Clerk read the following telegram ; Chief Secretary's Office, Dublin Castle, Clerk of Lisburn Union, Sir with reference to the reported outbreak of pleuro pnemonia at Lurganteneil which has been confirmed on Post mortem examination of the lungs of the affected cattle, the Local Authority should declare the premises an infected place on which the cattle belonging to James Ballance are, in accordance with sec 16 subsection 6 of the Act of 1878 Clerk of Council Vet Department Dublin Castle.

It was then decided to carry out the directions.

Alleged case of Pleuro -Pneumonia

The Assistant Clerk (Board of Guardians - Lisburn) read a letter from Sgt. Smith, of the Crumlin Constabulary, reporting that the police there were notified on the 23rd inst. that pleuro - pneumonia, or disease believed to be pleuro - pneumonia, had appeared on the lands of Mr. James Ballance, Ballypitmave. On the lands there were twenty-three head of cattle, but only one was reported to be affected. The sergeant added that he had communicated with the Veterinary Inspector.

Dublin Law Reports
Court of Appeal - Jan 17
Before the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Justice Fitzgibbon, and Lord Justice Barry.

Ballance v the Belfast Water Commissioners.

In this case, which was tried at Belfast spring assizes, 1894, Mr. Justice Holmes directed a verdict for the plaintiff, which was subsequently set aside by the Exchequer Division. Hence the appeal. The action had been brought to recover £221, the price of certain minerals which the Commissioners had taken from the plaintiff’s holding for the purposes of their new works at Stoneyford. Bt an agreement dated 23rd December, 1890, the plaintiff gave the Commissioners liberty to enter upon, raise, and take away stones from his holding at Ballypitmave. At that time the plaintiff was a judicial tenant of the holding under Lady Wallace, and had no interest in the minerals. He subsequently purchased his holdings under the Land Purchase Acts, under an agreement dated February, 1891, after which date the Commissioners had removed from the holding the admitted value of the amount claimed. The Commissioners contended that under the agreement they were entitled to the stones which the plaintiff subsequently acquired by virtue of his purchase under the Land Acts. On the other hand, the plaintiff contended that by the agreement he had given to the Commissioners liberty to use the surface of the soil only, and they were bound to pay for the stones in addition, as they would have been bound to pay Lady Wallace if he had not bought the holding under the Land Purchase Acts.

Mr Carton Q.C., with whom were Mr. James Campbell, Q.C., and Mr.Chambers (instructed by Mr. George B. Wilkins, of Lisburn), opened the plaintiff’s case, and had not concluded when the court rose.

Mr. Walker Craig Q.C., and Mr. A.H. Bates (instructed by Messrs McLean and Son) were for the Belfast Water Commissioners.

Dublin Law Courts
Court of Appeal - January 30
Before the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Justice Fitzgibbon, and Lord Justice Barry.

Ballance v the Belfast Water Commissioners.

Today, in the court of appeal, judgement was given in the case of Ballance v the Belfast Water Commissioners, which was originally tried before Mr. Justice Holmes and a special jury at the March assizes 1893, when, by direction of the judge, the jury found for the plaintiff the full amount claimed £221. The defendants then removed the Exchequer Divisional Court to have this verdict entered for the defendants, on the ground that on the true construction of the agreement between the parties out of which the action arose, the plaintiff had already paid in full all that he was entitled to. The Lord Chief Baron and Mr. Justice Andrews agreed with the construction placed upon the agreement by the defendants, while Mr. Justice Murphy dissented from their view, and held that Mr. Justice Holmes at the hearing had placed the true construction on the document. By the finding of the majority of the Court, the verdict returned in favour of the plaintiffs at the trial was set aside, and a verdict entered for the defendants, without costs. The plaintiff appealed against this decision to the Court of Appeal, and the case was argued by counsel on both sides on the 15th and 16th last. The facts were that in the month of December 1896 the plaintiff being then a judicial tenant of certain lands in Ballypitmave, near Stoneyford, Lisburn entered into an agreement, in writing, with the Water Commissioners, whereby, in consideration of the payment by them of £100, Ballance agreed to permit the Commissioners and their servants and workmen to enter on his lands, and, without let or hindrance, to raise, take and carry away stones and gravel from a portion thereof, containing two acres and thirty perches, for a period of two years. In said agreement the plaintiff was described as a farmer in occupation of the lands, and it was admitted that the defendant  knew that he was a judicial tenant, and had no right at that time to give away the minerals. In February 1891, the plaintiff Ballance purchased his holding from Lady Wallace, under the Land Purchase Acts, and thereby became owner in fee simple, both of the soil and all minerals thereunder. The defendants contended that at the time the agreement of December 1895 was entered into, the plaintiff represented to them, or to Mr. John Laird who was acting on their behalf, that he was about to purchase under the Land Purchase Acts, and would therefore become owner of the minerals, so that the Commissioners would have to pay him only and no royalties could be demanded from them by Lady Wallace, and that, on the strength of this representation, they agreed to pay the sum of £100, as the price for both surface damage and stones, though they admitted, having offered £75 for surface damage alone, and increased their offer to £100 on the strength of the above representation of intended purchase of Ballance - that is to say, they offered £25 for all the stones they could remove from the holding in 2 years.  Ballance denied this, and said that he asked £100 for surface damage and his interest as a tenant, and that Mr. Laird had first offered him £75, and subsequently increased this offer to £100. He denied that he ever made any representations as to his intention to purchase under the Land Purchase Acts, and claimed that the Commissioners should pay him £221, the admitted values of the stones removed, and which sum the defendants would have had to pay Lady Wallace if he had not purchased under the Land Purchase Acts.

In delivering judgement, the Lord Chancellor said that the case must turn upon the true construction of the agreement of December 1890. At that time Ballance as tenant of the holding from which the stones were taken, had a limited interest in the stones, and a right to prevent anyone from removing them except his landlord, who had certain rights reserved to him by the Land Acts. The words of the agreement were suitable and apposite fro granting to the defendants their interest, and in his view nothing more than this interest passed under the agreement. The subsequent interest in the minerals acquired by Ballance did not go to feed the grant already made by him, for the words of the agreement, though sufficient to pass the fee-simple in the stones, if Ballance had had it at the time the agreement was entered into, could not in law be held to pass an interest subsequently acquired. If Ballance had had no interest whatever in the stones at the date of the agreement, then having subsequently acquired an interest, he would have been bound to give this interest over to the defendants, but having had the tenant’s interest in the stones at the date of the agreement, and the words of the agreement being apposite to pass this and containing no reference to an intention by balance to afterwards acquire the fee, he (the Lord Chancellor) held that this tenant’s interest of Ballance alone passed under the agreement to the defendants, who must, therefore, pay for the stones, which became the property of Ballance after the agreement was entered into.

The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Justice Fitzgibbon, and Lord Justice Barry concurred in the judgement of the Lord Chancellor, upholding the decisions of Mr Justice Holmes and Mr. Justice Murphy, as against those of the Lord Chief Baron and Mr. Justice Andrews. The verdict was accordingly entered for the plaintiff Ballance for the sum of £221, with all costs of the original hearing, arguments, and appeal.

Counsel for the Plaintiff - R.P. Barton Q.C.; J.H. Campbell Q.C.; and James Chambers, Barrister-at-law (instructed by Mr. George Wilkins, Lisburn). For the defendants - J. Walker Craig, Q.C.,and A.H. Bates, Barrister-at-law (instructed by Messrs James McLean and Sons, Belfast).

Deplorable State of Affairs

Sergeant Smith, Crumlin reported, for the information of the guardians, that at about 12 noon on 13th inst., when on duty in the town land of Ballypitmave, he found an old man named Witherup, aged about 80 years, in bed in portion of a house unfit for human habitation. The roof was altogether off the front of the room where the old, dirty bed was situated, and only a portion of the roof on the back part of room remained. In the room where Witherup was lying in bed there was only a donkey, and the floor was all covered with manure. The kitchen was also in an unsanitary state, as was also the lower room, which was occupied by a large number of fowl. The sergeant was of opinion that steps should be taken, otherwise something serious would result. He (the sergeant) was informed by Mr. Ballance that Witherup's wife resided in the house and slept on the kitchen floor near the fire.

Dr. Mussen also reported that on 15th May he inspected the house occupied by John Witherup, of Ballypitmave. Mr. Ballance repudiated all responsibility in connection with this house, he not having yet received possession of it from Witherup. He (the doctor) recommended that the house be either demolished or re-roofed. It was Mr. Ballance's intention to adopt the former recommendation when he got possession.

It was resolved that notices be served on the owner and the occupier of the house, with a recommendation that the house be re-roofed within six weeks.

A Lisburn Slander Action.

Dublin, Thursday. Today - before Master Bruce and a common jury - an action for slander was brought by Sarah Hyland of Ballypitmave, near Lisburn against her brother in law Joseph Hyland, a schoolteacher at Irishtown, Dublin, was heard to assess damages, judgement being allowed to go by Chambers (instructed by Mr. Wilkins) was for plaintiff and Mr. Andrew Todd ( instructed by Mr. Lynch) for the defendant.

Commission.

Second-Lieutenant S.H. Ballance, R.I.R who is the second son of Mr. Henry Ballance, J.P., Eden Lodge, Ballinderry (chairman of the Lisburn Rural Council and member of the County Council), and nephew of the late Hon. John Ballance, Premier of New Zealand. He received his preliminary training with the Cadet Corps of the 19th battalion RIR at Newcastle, County Down, and was then transferred to the 7th Officer Cadet Battalion, being in training with that Corps from Nay to August, 1916, both at the Curragh and Fermoy, County Cork. He has now been gazetted to a commission in the 20th Battalion, R.I.R.

"No Jurisdiction"

Mary Erskine, Ballynacoy, summoned William Crawford, Ballypitmave, for, as alleged, allowing his greyhounds to kill 8 head of fowl, her property, value £2.

Mr. Joseph Lockhart, solicitor, appeared for the complainant; and Dr. H.A. Maginness, solicitor, for the defence.

Dr. Maginness raised the point that the Court had no jurisdiction, and the Chairman concurred, remarking that it was a case for another court.

Mr. Lockhart agreed, and said he had been trying to impress that on his client.

The case was accordingly ruled "no jurisdiction," and no order made in regard to costs.

Sheep killed by dog

John Ballance, Ballypitmave, Glenavy, processed Mrs. Catherine Horner, Lurganteniel, for £5, the amount of damage sustained by the plaintiff by reason of the defendant's dog by worrying sheep, the property of the plaintiff.

Dr. B. Maginess, B.L. (instructed by Messrs. W.G. Maginess and Son, Lisburn) appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Austin D. Campbell appeared for the defendant.

Ballance said that he was a farmer near Glenavy. On September 19 he bought fifty sheep for which he paid £41 9s. The defendant, Mrs. Horner, lived about a quarter of a mile from witness, and she had a dog with which witness was familiar. On October 9 his sheep were worried by a dog, and although he could not swear it, he was of opinion that it was the defendant's dog. On Monday, October 12, he was on the county road and he saw a sheep jump. He went over and found two dogs on top of the sheep, one of the dogs being the defendant's. He tried to catch the dog but was unsuccessful. he followed it, keeping it in sight, and got to Mrs. Horner's place first. He asked her where her dog was and she said it was in the box. Witness knew that it was not there. Witness then saw the dog coming about one hundred yards off and asked her was that her dog and she replied in the negative. When it came up she recognised it and witness showed her the wool in its mouth.

Mr. Green, Lisburn, said he bought eight sheep off the plaintiff after the incident he had described. Witness gave him 24s a piece for them, but they should have been worth 30s each.

Mrs. Horner said that she let her dog out for a run about ten o'clock in the morning, after the children had gone to school. The plaintiff came to her on October 12 and asked her where her dog was. He alleged that it was loose all night and that it had worried his sheep. He then made to strike witness. When the dog came witness asked plaintiff to show her the blood on the dog's mouth and he said blood or not he would make her pay for the sheep.

Cross-examined, witness said that she did not see the wool in the dog's mouth, and Mr. Ballance did not show it to her.

His Honour said that with regard to damage to the flock the evidence was hardly clear enough. He would give damages in respect of the sheep killed, and made a decree for 32 10s.

Ballypitmave, Glenavy

Mr. James Thompson (who is retiring from farming) has instructed us to sell and let by auction on premises, Monday 19th march, 10.30 o'c. a.m., 2 farm horses, 5 and 6 years, good workers; 10 dairy cows, part springing and others in full milk; brood sow, carrying young; quantity turnips; bam ford reaper; swathe turner; hay collector; chill; drill and lea; ploughs; grubber; harrow; slipe; metal roller; D & S trees; 2 farm carts; 2 sets cart harness; 2 sets plough chains; hay frame; hay cover; wheelbarrow; 6 rundlets; butter butt; troughs; 2 boilers. Barrels; kieves &c. Also 16 acres grazing and cutting and 4 acres potato and turnip ground for oats, in lots. Usual Credit.

J.D. Martin & Co., F.A.I.,
Auctioneers, Belfast and Lisburn.

The Birthplace of the Co. Antrim Farmer's Son who became a Premier

If you are a New Zealander and don't know the country around Belfast very well, this is what you do. You take a bus to Glenavy via Hannahstown, get off at certain crossroads, take the road to the left for half-a-mile, turn to the left till you come to the main road and walk up the drive of the first farm on your left to find yourself looking at the birthplace of John Ballance, one time Premier of New Zealand.

If you know better, you go via Lisburn and the filter-beds. I went the other way.

John Ballance was born the son of a poor farmer at Glenavy in March 1839.

His father was unable to provide him with a good education, but the lad's own natural desire for learning overcame this handicap. A craving for wider experience and self-expression took him to New Zealand where he took up sheep farming at Wanganui.

This project was not successful, but he had sense enough to pull his money out in time. Words, not wool, were to be the means of his success. He started a paper called the "Wanganui Herald" and suffered the usual setbacks of the young journalist. Soon, however, his real writing ability was recognised, and this coupled, with a newly discovered gift of oratory, eventually won him a seat in Parliament.

His deep understanding of the native question secured him a post in the Cabinet, and shortly afterwards he became Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1891-93.

Being a New Zealander, I was naturally eager to visit his birthplace when I learned of it. John Ballance's nephew of the same name still lives in the same old cottage at Glenavy.

I reached the end of the drive and there it stood, not quite the same as in our Premier's day, but picturesque still. Then it had a thatched roof, white mortar walls, tiny windows, a huge open hearth.

But time marches on, and with it decay. One day part of the roof fell in. Now the front of the house is faced with concrete, larger windows have been built in, the roof is covered with slate, the fireplace has changed, but the pots and the kettle still hang over an open fire, suspended by the old crook and crane. Hens and geese still peck nervously about the yard, while the old leaky pump remains swathed in dripping sackcloth.

Stepping gingerly through the indignant feathered community I found Mr. Ballance in the cow byre. After greeting me warmly in true Ulster fashion, his first words were: "Tell me, sir, how high is my uncle's statue in the grounds of Parliament House".

The nephew of the John Ballance wouldn't have called King Billy his father when I told him the statue was as high as his barn.

Inside his kitchen Mr. Ballance spared me a few moments of his precious time (for milking was in progress) to show me newspapers from New Zealand, which he cherished greatly. There were photos and articles of his famous uncle, scenes from new Zealand cities and national life. I was able to mark with a cross for him the very house in which I was born, in the capital city.

Former NZ Premier's house may be restored.
Ceremony unearths Interesting facts.

Local people and others in various parts of Northern ireland have been interested in the ceremony at Lakeview House, Ballypitmave, Glenavy, when Lisburn's Mayor Alderman Mrs. Elsie Kelsey, unveiled a plaque to mark the birthplace of Mr. John Ballance, Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1891 to 1893.

The Prime Minister's old house is still standing and I hear that there is a possibility of it being restored.

Many interesting facts about Mr. Ballance came to light through the ceremony and a lot of research went into compiling of information which was described as a unique occasion in the history of Lisburn.

No doubt some New Zealand folk who may have occasion to visit Northern Ireland during the coming years will be interested to hear all about the famous Ulster emigrant.

As Alderman Samuel Semple, Deputy Mayor, said at the luncheon, there have been some famous personalities from the borough who made a name for themselves in various places through their talents and it is hoped that in due course every effort will be made to ensure that they are not forgotten.

The Deputy Mayor referred to efforts to have a museum in Lisburn where members of the public can have the opportunity to see and learn more about things of the past and it is hoped that such a museum will one day become a reality. it is a big subject and will entail much discussion but all the efforts towards such a project will not be in vain it is hoped.

Glenavy - A memorial to John Ballance, who was born in the Co. Antrim village and became Prime Minister of New Zealand towards the end of the last century, was unveiled yesterday at Ballypitmave.

The Mayor of Lisburn, Alderman E. Kelsey unveiled a memorial plaque.

John Ballance was born in 1839, the eldest son of Samuel Ballance, a farmer. He was apprenticed to an ironmonger in Belfast, but emigrated to New Zealand, becoming a journalist. He entered the House of Representatives in 1875. In and out of Government over the next 16 years he became Prime Minister in 1891.

His achievements included tax reform, suffrage for women and a humane treatment of the Maoris. He died in 1893 after a severe operation. Twice married, he left no children.

Ballypitmave, Glenavy

Auction of Cattle, Hay etc.
And letting of lands.
I have received instructions form Mr James Balance (owing to ill
health) to sell and let by auction on the premises on Wednesday,
the 19th March, 1953 at 12.30pm.

15 store cattle, a8 small calves (2 - 5) months, Shorthorn pedigree cow (carrying 3rd calf),
Heifer cow (carrying 2nd calf), 2 sows,
tractor trailer for cattle, Austin 10 converted tractor, approximately 45 ton
First-class Meadow hay, quantity of secondary hay.
Also will be let - 73 acres of land for cutting and grazing, in lots.
Terms: Cattle, Hay etc., Cash with commissioner, lands, usual credit.

W.I. Bailie, F.V.I., Auctioneer and Valuer
5 Smithfield Square, Lisburn. Telephone: Lisburn 3396

George Johnston

Date of Death 24 12 1860
Date of Grant 18 04 1861
Effects under £300
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

Letters of Administration (with the Will annexed) of the personal estate of George Johnston late of Ballypitmave in the County of Antrim Farmer deceased who died 24 December 1860 at Lisburn in said County were granted at Belfast to Jane Johnston of Ballypitmave aforesaid the Widow of said deceased.

John Lowery or Lowry

Date of Death 01 11 1859
Date of Grant 12 08 1861
Effects under £100
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of John Lowery late of Tully rush (Tullyrusk?) in the County of Antrim Farmer deceased who died 1 November 1859 at same place was proved at Belfast by the oaths of Samuel Ballance of Ballypitmave and Robert Garret of Tullynewbane both in said County Farmers the Executors.

George McIntyre

Date of Death 28 10 1865
Date of Grant 10 02 1869
Effects under £200
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of George M'Kinstry late of Aghadavey Ballinderry County Antrim Farmer deceased who died 28 October 1865 at same place was proved at Belfast by the oaths of Margaret M'Kinstry of Aghadavey (Widow) and Isaac M'Kinstry M'Niece of Crew Robert M'Cord of Tullyballydonneil (Tullyballydonnell) and Samuel Ballance of Ballypitmave (Farmers) all in Ballinderry aforesaid the Executors.

William Hylands

Date of Death 20 06 1875
Date of Grant 01 03 1876
Effects under £200
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of William Hylands late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Farmer deceased who died 20 June 1875 at same place was proved at Belfast by the oath of William Thompson of Ballypitmave Farmer the Executor.

William John Geddis

Date of Death 13 11 1879
Date of Grant 24 12 1879
Effects under £600
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of William John Geddis late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Farmer deceased who died 13 November 1879 at same place was proved at Belfast by the oath of Harriet Mirian Geddis of Ballypitmave Widow one of the Executors.

Samuel Ballance

Date of Death 01 10 1879
Date of Grant 28 01 1880
Effects under £450
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of Samuel Ballance late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Farmer deceased who died 1 October 1879 at same place was proved at Belfast by the oaths of William Wheeler of Tullyrusk and Michael Collier of Ballynacoy both in same County Farmers the Executors.

William Cairns

Date of Death 21 05 1879
Date of Grant 06 02 1880
Effects under £100
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of William Cairns late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Farmer deceased who died 21 May 1879 at same place was proved at Belfast by the oaths of William Sinclair Clerk of the Lisburn Union Workhouse and John Dickson Hamilton Merchant both of Lisburn two of the Executors.

George McKnight

Date of Death 06 02 1880
Date of Grant 14 04 1882
Effects £318 15s 6d
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of George M'Knight late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Farmer deceased who died 6 February 1880 at same place was proved at Belfast by John Connor of Stoneyford and Joseph Hyland of Ballypitmave both in said County Farmers the Executors.

William Kennedy

Date of Death 14 02 1884
Date of Grant 05 03 1884
Effects £282 11s
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of William Kennedy late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Farmer who died 14 February 1884 at same place was proved at Belfast by Thomas Kennedy of same place Farmer one of the Executors.

Thomas Gillen

Date of Death 08 02 1884
Date of Grant 20 02 1885
Effects £82 3s
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of Thomas Gillen late of Ballymote County Antrim Farmer who died 8 February 1884 at same place was proved at Belfast by William John Smyth of Ballypitmave in said County Farmer and Thomas Millen of 58 Verner-street Belfast Shopman the Executors.

James Ballance (senior)

Date of Death 23 05 1885
Date of Grant 18 02 1887
Effects £298 13s
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

Letters of Administration of the personal estate of James Ballance (Senior) late of Lower Ballypitmave County Antrim Farmer who died 23 May 1885 at same place were granted at Belfast to James Ballance of Lower Ballypitmave Farmer a Child.

John Officer

Date of Death 09 03 1886
Date of Grant 14 03 1887
Effects £65 18s 9d
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of John Officer late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Farmer who died 9 March 1886 at same place was proved at Belfast by James Ballance of Ballypitmave Lower in said County Farmer one of the Executors.

James Johnston

Date of Death 11 11 1888
Date of Grant 10 12 1888
Effects £143 12s 6d
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

Letters of Administration of the personal estate of James Johnston late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Farmer who died 11 November 1888 at same place were granted at Belfast to Margaret Johnston of Ballypitmave the Widow.

John Arthur

Date of Death 03 02 1889
Date of Grant 01 04 1889
Effects £276 17s 10d
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

Letters of Administration of the personal estate of John Arthur Thompson late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Farmer who died 3 February 1889 at same place were granted at Belfast to William Thompson of Ballypitmave Farmer the Father.

Joseph Campbell

Date of Death 01 03 1890
Date of Grant 04 06 1890
Effects £287
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of Joseph Campbell late of Drumnakelly County Antrim Farmer who died 1 March 1890 at same place was proved at Belfast by Joseph Campbell of Drumnakelly and Joseph Hyland of Ballypitmave said County Farmers the Executors.

William Thompson

Date of Death 11 03 1890
Date of Grant 02 04 1890
Effects £354 11s 9d
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of William Thompson late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Farmer who died 11 March 1890 at same place was proved at Belfast by Joseph Hyland of Ballypitmave William John Adams and Geddis Thompson both of Killultagh said County Farmers the Executors.

William Scott

Date of Death 16 01 1892
Date of Grant 17 02 1892
Effects £2
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of William Scott late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Labourer who died 16 January 1892 at same place was proved at Belfast by William J. M'Keown of Glenavy said County Shop Assistant and Sarah Scott Widow of Ballypitmave the Executors.

William Crawford

(Glenavy Parish Church, Grave 56)

Date of Death 26 03 1894
Date of Grant 16 05 1894
Effects £204 0s 6d
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of William Crawford late of Ballinacoy County Antrim Farmer who died 26 March 1894 at same place was proved at Belfast by Thomas Green of Ballypitmave said County Farmer the surviving Executor.

William John Green

Date of Death 01 04 1894 approx
Date of Grant 07 12 1894
Effects £244 14s 4d
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

Letters of Administration of the personal estate of William John Green late of 95 Cambrai-street Belfast Master Mariner who died in the month of April 1894 at Sea were granted at Belfast to William Green of Ballypitmave County Antrim Retired Fireman the Father.

Joseph Hyland

Date of Death 08 01 1894
Date of Grant 23 02 1894
Effects £149 1s 3d
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of Joseph Hyland late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Farmer who died 8 January 1894 at same place was proved at Belfast by Elizabeth Hyland of Ballypitmave Widow one of the Executors.

Robert Mayers

Date of Death 26 12 1896
Date of Grant 05 02 1897
Effects £251 18s 6d
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

Probate of the Will of Robert Mayers late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Farmer who died 26 December 1896 granted at Belfast to Anna Mayers of Ballypitmave Widow and Joseph Neill of Crewe Farmer both said County

Charles McCorry

Date of Death 12 05 1896
Date of Grant 18 01 1897
Effects £121
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

Probate of the Will of Charles M'Corry late of Crew County Antrim Farmer who died 12 May 1896 granted at Belfast to James Ballance of Ballypitmave said County Farmer.

George Ferris

Date of Death 08 03 1898
Date of Grant 01 06 1898
Effects £262 17s 6d
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

Probate of the Will of George Ferris late of Glenavy County Antrim Farmer and Publican who died 8 March 1898 granted at Belfast to Sarah Ferris of Glenavy Widow and James Ballance of Ballypitmave said County Farmer.

William John Smyth

Date of Death 08 03 1898
Date of Grant 30 03 1898
Effects £351 14s 6d
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

Probate of the Will of William John Smyth late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Farmer who died 8 March 1898 granted at Belfast to Thomas Kennedy and Robert Bailey both of Ballypitmave Farmers.

Robert Bailey

Date of Death 07 10 1903
Date of Grant 06 11 1903
Effects £52
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

Administration of the estate of Robert Bailey late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Farmer who died 7 October 1903 granted at Belfast to Martha Bailey the Widow.

Daniel McIlroy

Date of Death 24 02 1905
Date of Grant 22 03 1905
Effects £208
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

Probate of the Will of Daniel M'Ilroy late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Farmer who died 24 February 1905 granted at Belfast to James Ballance and Thomas Kennedy Farmers.

Isabella Maria Hunter

Date of Death 02 01 1907
Date of Grant 15 04 1907
Effects £593 16s 7d
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

Probate of the Will of Isabella Maria Hunter late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Widow who died 2 January 1907 granted at Belfast to William John Geddis Farmer.

Anna Mayers

Date of Death 08 04 1910
Date of Grant 25 04 1910
Effects £360 16s 7d
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

Probate of the Will of Anna Mayers late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Widow who died 8 April 1910 granted at Belfast to Joseph Neill Farmer.

Thomas Hall

(Glenavy Parish Church, Grave 356)

Date of Death 01 04 1912
Date of Grant 09 06 1913
Effects £337 9s 2d
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

Probate of the Will of Thomas Hall late of Ballypitmave County Antrim Farmer who died 1 April 1912 granted at Belfast to James Johnston Farmer.