THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Tributes are paid to ‘obliging and courteous’ Clerk of the Peace

From the News Letter, April 19, 1900
Bangor in Co Down, NLI Ref: L_CAB_06008. Picture: National Library of IrelandBangor in Co Down, NLI Ref: L_CAB_06008. Picture: National Library of Ireland
Bangor in Co Down, NLI Ref: L_CAB_06008. Picture: National Library of Ireland

It was reported in the News Letter on this day in 1900 that during the sitting of the Recorder’s Court held the previous day special reference was made in honour Mr William Carson, JP, of Carnalea House, Carnalea, outside Bangor.

His Honour Judge Fitzgibbon said he had just learned of the death of Mr Carson, who had for many years held the office of Clerk of the Peace.

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He said that the suddenness of Mr Carson’s death had taken him much by surprise as the last day that he had sat in that court he seen.

The News Letter noted that despite being of “advanced years”, he was aged 72 when he died, and Mr Carson had “enjoyed rigorous health had been able to discharge with efficiency” his duties as Clerk of the Peace for the city of Belfast.

On the Saturday past Mr Carson had attended the Recorder’s Court which had been held at the County Courthouse on the Crumlin Road. Continuing his tribute to Mr Carson His Honour Judge Fitzgibbon said that his, Mr Carson’s, would be a great loss to the legal profession and to the court. He said: “It will be a cause of regret to all who knew him.”

Mr William Harper said, on behalf of the solicitors practising in his Honour’s Court, that he wished to join in expressing their regret at the loss of Mr Carson.

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Mr Harper remarked: “He was a most obliging public officer and to all with whom he came in contact he with, most courteous.”

Mr George Hill-Smith, barrister-at-law, said he was the senior representative, of the bar present that day and that he wished to express the great sorrow which His Honour’s Court and the public in general experienced with reference to the sad news they had received.

Mr Hill-Smith said: “From time to time the members of the bar met him in discharging their professional duties and everybody coming in contact with Mr Carson found him an obliging and intelligent official.”

He continued: “It was a very sudden death. We all deeply regret it and tendered our earnest sympathies to his relatives.”