Arthur Trew. Belfast Custom House Steps
Speaker
By Joe Graham
The Springfield Road area is steeped in folklore and history and through the years it had more than its share of colourful characters. I spent my childhood years on the road, having lived at Ballymurphy and attended St. John’s School and was always fascinated with its stories. In adulthood we bought a house at 16 Elswick Street and even the house came with a story, believe it or not the property had a clause written into the deeds, words to the effect of, “That this property may never fall into papist hands”, how’s that for bigotry?. Somehow it did ‘fall’ into Catholic hands even before I came along because I bought it from a Catholic family. Interestingly whilst living there I got to meet and got to know quite well a neighbour there who lived a few doors from us at number thirty four. This neighbour, Ernie Trew, was the son of Arthur Trew, of one of Belfast most colourful and controversial local characters of all time. Arthur Trew was the forerunner to Paisley, he took on the official unionists, preached on the streets and was even imprisoned like him.
Recently a Canadian contacted me through the Rushlight Magazine web pages and was inquiring about background to the Arthur Trew story and this reader turned out to be the great grandson of Trew. Brad Trew’s father and mother immigrated to Canada in the 1950’s where Brad a celebrated musical producer was born. His father, Herbert was for thirty five years a policeman on the streets of Toronto and was the son of Herbert Trew, Arthur’s son, also called Herbert. Brad and I exchanged notes, he had researched so well I conceded he knew as much about Arthur as I did, but perhaps I could help out a bit more with the local stuff.
Perhaps the biggest event that ever took place in Elswick Street was that of the funeral of the famous, or infamous, street orator, Arthur Trew, on the 27th January 1943. Trew was buried from the home there of his daughter Ethel and his son in law, David Caldwell, his wife Annie having died back in 1925, Arthur and his family previously lived at 25 Clovelly Street then later moved to number 7. His wife died many years before him.
Arthur Trew, the son of a Markethill, Co. Armagh soldier was born in Barbados, West Indies, in 1866, not 1868 as some report.
As a boy he came to live in Belfast, although his father’s family had strong links with Portadown where at least two members of the family were leading lights in Portadown Orange Lodge. One of these two coincidently also called Arthur Trew, the other being Samuel Trew, who I strongly believe was the grandfather of the Springfield Arthur. With such a background it is of no surprise that young Arthur took the loyalist political road of life and was to become a firebrand street preacher who could have rivalled the enthusiasm of Paisley himself any day of the week. Of all the public speakers who used to assemble at the Custom House Steps , Belfast’s Speakers corner of those days, Trew was perhaps the most well known. Trew started speaking at “The Steps” as far back as 1894 . He was staunchly opposed to socialism and would barrack people like the famous William Walker, a supposed labour man,
He liked to relate the story himself of how he got into public speaking, he said, he had been in the crowd listening to the William Walker, who some would describe as a socialist and champion of the cross channel Dockers. Walker threw out a challenge for anyone in the crowd to debate socialism with him. Trew years later laughed at how he suddenly found himself , putting up his hand and shouting, “ I will accept your challenge”, and walking through the opening crowd to face the experienced Walker head to head. Walker was gob smacked and suggested they hold the debate in a public hall but the young Trew was not having that, he wanted the debate to be there and then. The crowd angrily demanded Walker to debate and at one point they surged forward as if to throw him into the River Lagan but luckily for him the police stepped in and saved him.
“Next Sunday”, said Trew, “I returned to the steps thinking no one would recognise me. The square was packed with people and as soon as they saw me. I was seized and put on a box”.
At this point Arthur Trew was living in Dublin but interestingly his first two children were born in Belfast and his third was born in Dublin. So popular did he become at the custom House steps that a regular collection was made to pay his train fare to and from Dublin. At some point he moved back to Belfast and became involved with the Grosvenor Hall Mission, and soon took charge of the Wilton Street Hall, off the Shankill Road, where he founded the Belfast Protestant Association, having taken up residence in 1900, at 52 Enfield Street, he soon after moved to Clovelly Street. Trew, pictured left as a young man, then entered into verbal attacks on Catholicism and indeed the ‘ritualism’ of the ‘Church Of Ireland’, he was a Methodist. He captured a lot of attention through organising protests at nationalist and at Catholic religious parades and processions. By now he was gaining notoriety in Belfast and had acquired a loyal following. It certainly wasn’t his appearance that inspired his followers for often enough he was described as ‘ a twisted gnome of a man ’, having apparently suffered severely from polio as a child. His deformity did not hinder him in any way and drew huge crowds to the steps, indeed so huge that in 1899 an old man, James Davis, was crushed to death among the crowd.
Trew and his wife Annie, who died in 1925, had a total of 17 children, four of whom died in their childhood. It is said there was so little space in the little Clovelly Street house that some children had to stay with relatives and the others sleep in hammocks strung across the room. His first son, John, was a member of the U.V.F and later when the first world war started joined the Royal Irish Rifles, 12th Battalion, 36th Division and died in the fields of Belgium during WWI at the hands of the German offensive. His body was never recovered and he is honoured at the Ploegsteert memorial in Belgium, where his name is inscribed. Ethel Caldwell(nee Trew), with her daughter Anne on her wedding day, her two brothers Gilbert and Ernest and their wives, May and Molly,(left) and in the rear Ethel’s son, and the Groom. * (Photo's concerning this article are shown in a published Rushlight Magazine article)
Ethel’s husband, Davy Caldwell, died in 1960 and Ethel left her Elswick Street home to go and live with her daughter in California, where to this day she is alive at healthy at the age of 104. Her brother Ernest(Ernie) and wife, May, moved into her house at 34 Elswick Street. Years later when I moved into the street I was surprised to hear so many people whisper that “Arthur Trew lives in number 34 “, when in fact it was his son Ernie.
Ernie, unlike his father was a quiet inoffensive man and sadly was caught in the middle of a terrible incident on the 27th June 1970, the Orangemen on their ‘mini-12th’ parade attacked Elswick and Ernie was terrified.. His own were attacking and so easily Catholics could have turned on him , but he had nothing serious to fear from that quarter. No protestant neighbours were intimidated by their catholic neighbours, although, through their own fears, they eventually left the street. There was an incident when a couple of kids broke Ernie‘s windows and I and a couple of others intervened, sadly Ernie and his wife May, though politely thankful to us, felt they were in danger and couldn’t be reassured, so moved from the street soon afterwards. However back to Arthur Trew.
Trew’s following increased when newspapers reported the excitement each Sunday down at The Steps and In 1901 Arthur Trew, and a Richard Braithwaite, Secretary of the Belfast Protestant Association and some others were brought to court and charged with disorderly and threatening behaviour when on the 9th June they obstructed a Corpus Christie procession making its way from St. Patrick’s Chapel in Donegall Street to St. Malachy’s College on the lower Antrim Road. Trew was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, Braithewaite to six months. It seems when historians mention Trew they invariably link him totally with public speaking at ‘the steps’ but this incident showed he was much more involved in street agitation than that. It was also known that Trew and a band of his followers who were later derogatory referred to as ‘the 40 thieves’ by a Belfast solicitor, had attacked Young Liberal labourites in 1894-95.
To merely describe Arthur Trew as a Custom House Steps Speaker would indeed be playing down his role in the sectarian history of Belfast, a bit like how historians today forever speak of Buck Alec and his toothless lions but omit his violent part in the 1920 and indeed 1930‘s troubles as a Loyalist gunman and bomber.
Although Trew was never known to carry a gun or indeed personally physically attack anyone but was certainly accredited with the incitement of others who went on to attack Catholic people, and according to some, when it suited him other Protestants too.
During his time in prison his ‘post’ at ‘the steps’ was taken up by a ship yard worker, street preacher and fellow Protestant Association member T.H. Sloan. It was said Sloan even increased the crowds at the steps due to the following he had from the shipyard workers. Sloan, a working class protestant, and leading Orangeman, preached that the Unionist party Orange leaders cared little for the interests of working class protestants and on the death of M.P. William Johnston who died just the day before Trew was released from prison in 1902, Sloan then stood for the vacant South Belfast seat.
On his release from prison Trew received a hero‘s welcome and immediately threw his support behind Sloan in his election bid. Trew’s absence from the political street scene resulted in his popularity waning, Sloan had become the man of the moment. Perhaps this is why things went sour between the two and it even resulted in them name calling and a court action by Sloan against Trew. There was just no major position for Trew, Sloan even had picked his right hand man to be Thomas Galbraith, Trew was on the outside. There was even a court case when Galbraith’s wife accused him of leading a mob to her home to intimidate her.
But Trew wasn’t letting Galbraith and Sloan have it all their own way, he counter charged them with intimidating him and during the hearing the following report developed when Sloan’s defence asked Trew...
“Did you ever call Mr. Sloan a blackguard”?.
“Not on this occasion”.
“And did you ever do it Sir,”?.
“I may have long ago”.
“And did you ever call him a foul epithet”?.
“I may have called him a liar”.
“And did you ever call him a bastard”?.
“Not when there were any ladies present”. (loud laughter in court)
“Would you ever on any occasion use filthy language to Mr Sloan”?.
“I answer a fool according to his folly”.
“Is that meant for Mr Sloan or for me”?. ( again there was laughter)
“I read it in the book of proverbs”.
Sloan went on to win and hold the South Belfast seat for seven years, he had a major fall out with the unionist( conservative) party as well as the Orange Order which resulted in he and others setting up the Independent Orange Order , being founded by him and others
Although Trew never became an M.P, that opportunity having been hi-jacked by Sloan from him, he still is a significant figure in Belfast history and perhaps more so in folklore. I am very surprised the “Ulster History Circle” have not erected a plaque to his memory at the Custom House. I personally would support the erection of a plaque, if only to remind us of the futility of religious intolerance and hatred, and the follies of our past. A kind of lesson as it were, for as I said in my book, "Belfast Born Bred and Buttered".
On researching figures from our past I often wonder what ever happened to later generations of the subjects family and I found Arthur Trew’s descendants have indeed proved to be significant asserts to society. We know his grandson Herbert Trew, as I mentioned earlier became a Policeman in Canada, and Herbert’s son, Brad Trew , pictured here below left, runs the highly successful Cyclone Music Studio’s. Those interested in checking out Brad’s music can do so at www,cyclonerecords.com.
Another great grandson of Arthur is his namesake Dr. Arthur Trew, of Edinburgh University. This Arthur, son of Arthur Trew Junior, is perhaps one of the worlds leading figures in computer technology.
Other descendants include a world renowned artist, and another a leading figure in local rugby.
Trew's release from prison as reported by the Belfast Newsletter, 19th July 1902 .......
Mr. Arthur Trew, who, it will be remembered, was found guilty at the Summer Assizes in July last of having, with others, incited to riot in connection with the Roman Catholic (Corpus Christi) procession on 9th June, 1901, and sentenced to a period of twelve calendar months' imprisonment by the Lord Chief Baron, was released yesterday morning from his Majesty's prison, Crumlin Road. The members of the Belfast Protestant Association, with which Mr. Trew previous to the incarceration was so prominently identified, desired that their champion should be accorded a fitting reception, and they took every means in their power of making the date of his discharge known. The result was that a vast crowd gathered outside the jail. Ten o'clock was the hour mentioned for the release, but long before this people began to assemble, and at last at half-past nine the Crumlin Road, from Bedeque Street up to Agnes Street, was packed with spectators. Every point of vantage from which a good view could be obtained was availed of, and the railings of both in front of the Courthouse and the jail were mounted top-high by the more venturesome. The crowd, which numbered at least five thousand, was composed of nearly all classes of people. Many undoubtedly had come out of a spirit of curiosity, but it was quite evident there was a large number of sympathisers or followers. Seated on outside cars were members of the Protestant Association including Mr. Thomas Sloan, Mr. S. Boal, and Mr. R. Braithwaite, and relatives of Mr. Trew. Comparatively few policemen were on duty. Punctually at ten o'clock the gates of the prison were thrown open, and Mr. Trew stepped forth a free man. His appearance was the signal for a terrific outburst of enthusiasm. Cheers rent the air, hats and handkerchiefs were waved, and shouts of welcome could everywhere be heard. Hundreds of people, in one wild, convergent rush, tried to get shaking hands with him, and the crushing was something unbearable. Had Mr. Trew been caught by his excited admirers, he might have been rather roughly handled, so eager were they to extend a warm greeting, but he escaped the "shoulder-chair" ordeal, and in a jiffy got firmly seated on a car. He grasped hands, however, with hundreds, and the cheering continued. Mr. Sloan, standing on an outside car, said they would hear Mr. Trew in the Grosvenor Hall that night, and for the present he thought they should allow him to proceed home. There were fond cries for a speech, and Mr. Sloan said Mr. Trew would address a few words to them at the corner of Agnes Street. The car with Mr. Trew and the others was then driven to Agnes Street, the vast crowd following, and shouting, "Trew for ever," "Down with Popery," and "No Home Rule." Mr. Trew, rising amid renewed cheering, pointed to his throat, which he said was out of practice, and they would not expect him to say much. He thanked them for the enthusiastic reception they had accorded to him. He was more ardent in the cause of Protestantism that day then he was twelve months ago, and more determined to fight the battle. During the past year he had heard very little of what was going on; he had seen no newspapers, but from what he could gather he believed there never was a time in the history of this country when the Protestant religion was in such imminent danger as at present. They had traitors at the head of affairs, traitors in the Cabinet, and they had members of Parliament who did not represent them. They were hooted and scoffed at by the very Government which they were supporting, and why should they support a Government which would treat them like that? They would have to let their united voice be heard against everything which would in any way undermine Protestantism. He would say no more on the present occasion, but hoped he would see them all that night in the Grosvenor Hall. Mr. Trew then sat down, and the National Anthem was heartily sung. In appearance Mr. Trew has not changed in any way, and the close confinement does not seem to have had any ill effects upon him. Indeed, his face is somewhat fuller than when he stood in the dock, and his voice, though somewhat thin, has gained considerably in strength, probably due to the enforced rest. Having shaken hands again and again with numbers of admirers, Mr. Trew drove away with his friends amid ringing cheers.
The Belfast Protestant Association had arranged for a monster procession to start from the Crumlin Jail at 6-30 p.m., but long before that hour large numbers of people had gathered opposite the Courthouse. The first sign of the demonstration was a brake containing several leading members of the association including Messrs. Sloan, Galbraith, and Boal. This was followed by an open carriage, and shortly afterwards a cab drove up, from which Mr. Trew stepped out amidst loud and enthusiastic cheering. He took his seat in the cab, accompanied by his wife and son. After this a pause ensued till the bands arrived, and it was close on seven o'clock before the procession moved off in the direction of Agnes Street. Here considerable crowds had collected, and half way down the street an arch had been erected with the mottoes, "Success to the B.P.A.," and "Love Live Arthur Trew." In the Shankill Road flags were displayed on several houses, and the footpaths on both sides were lined with spectators. The route taken was by way of Upper Townsend Street and Denmark Street in Clifton Street, where loud cheers were given in front of the Orange Hall. At North Queen Street a few Nationalists, hemmed in behind a cordon of police, shouted derisively as the procession passed, but there was no attempt at disorder till Berry Street was reached. At this point a number of boys and girls in Charlemont Street threw stones at the police. Sergeants Cusack and Vaughan ordered the men to charge, and the mob fled immediately, but during the scuffle Constable Bryans, Donegall Pass, sustained an injury to the head from a piece of metal, and was forced to retire from duty. The procession proceeded by way of High Street to the Custom House, which was reached about eight o'clock. There were loud demands for a speech, but Mr. Trew contented himself by bowing his acknowledgements. Mr. Sloan said he was sure they would pardon Mr. Trew for not addressing them, as he was already due at the Grosvenor Hall. He thanked them from his heart for the magnificent reception they had given him, and hoped to say a word to them from his old place at the Customhouse steps next Sunday. The National Anthem was then sung, and immediately after the carriage containing Mr. Trew was driven quickly by way of Oxford Street and Chichester Street to the Grosvenor Hall.
A great public meeting was held in the Grosvenor Hall. There was a crowded attendance, among those present being - Rev. M. E. Bovenizer, Pastor F. E. Cable (London), Messrs. Arthur Trew, T. Sloan, Wm. Johnston, A. Montgomery, T. Galbraith, Samuel Boal, W. Brown, Alfred Dodd, John Trew, Wm. Liddell, James Ward, George Posnett, Dickson, Stewart, and Baird. Pastor Cable was called upon to preside, after which the secretary announced letters of apology from Revs. J. W. Gibson, James Cregan, Wesley Guard, J. N. Black (Ballynahinch), James Wylie, Jackson Smith, Hugh Gurin and W. H. Brownnrigg.
A hymn having been sung, the chairman extended a cordial welcome to Mr. Trew, and said he was sure Mr. Trew would not mind doing another twelve months in order to get another such reception. (Applause.)
Mr. Thomas Sloan, who was enthusiastically received, said it was quite true, as the chairman had remarked, that he stepped into the breach when Br. Trew was put into jail by their present rotten Government. He received letters, anonymous and otherwise, pointing out that it was just possible he might get the same sauce, but he replied that what was good for the goose could not be bad for the gander, and while he was not at all anxious to go to jail, yet he was prepared to suffer if it was because he was a Protestant. (Hear, hear.) During the twelve months he had not been, like Pope Leo XIII., infallible; he had made many mistakes, but he had done his best, and if the unjust sentence passed upon Br. Trew had been two years instead of one he believed God Almighty and the Protestantism with which he was possessed would have enabled him to have acted the part of Br. Trew for another twelve months. (Applause.) The question had been asked him why did he go to the Custom House Steps. He had three reasons. The first was Arthur Trew's conviction at the instigation of a traitor, John Redmond; the second it was too good a thing to satisfy the United Irish League, and the third was that bread and butter might be supplied to the wives and families of the men who were suffering for the Protestant cause. During the imprisonment of Br. Trew Protestantism had risen to fever heat, and those who were indifferent and careless before regarding their principles had become alive to a sense of their duty. Instead of two branches of the association in July, 1901, they had seven branches in July, 1902. They had during the year addressed at open air meetings about 600,000 people, and lifted in collections 500 odd. He had given advice in 260 branch meetings, interviewed in the interest of the association over 700 individuals, and written some 1,725 letters. Having referred to the progress which the association was making throughout Ulster, Mr. Sloan, in conclusion, called upon his fellow Protestants to stick to their guns. The time was past and gone when a half Popish Government could proclaim a Protestant meeting or put a loyal Protestant in jail for no offence whatsoever. He did not wish to run down the aristocracy, but if they had got the money the working men had got the power, and the time had come when Protestants must be alive to their own interests. (Applause.)
The Chairman said Br. Sloan had ably filled the gap during the imprisonment of Br. Trew. They had now another gap to fill. He referred to the death of Mr. Johnston, their parliamentary representative for South Belfast. He (Pastor Cable) was asked to put a resolution to that great and loyal Protestant meeting. It was - "That we offer our heartfelt sympathy to the relatives of the late Mr. William Johnston in their sad bereavement."
The resolution was passed unanimously, the entire audience rising.
The Chairman said they would need a good man to occupy Mr. Johnston's place, and it would be the duty of the working men, as they had the power, to select a successor. Let them take care that their candidate was a sound Protestant, and let them send him to Parliament not to voice his own views, but their views - to represent them, and not himself. (Applause.)
Mr. J. Galbraith said the Government could put loyal Protestants in jail for protesting against a Romish procession, yet they took no notice of the Roman Catholic priest and others who called upon the Nationalists to assemble in their thousands to break up an Orange gathering at Rostrevor. That was what was considered fair play and justice to all classes. The Government was the weakest on record. It allowed itself to be dictated to by Roman Catholics. Let the Protestants bestir themselves, let them show that they possessed the spirit of him who lay dead at Ballykilbeg, and that they would never permit their liberties and principles to be trampled upon. (Applause.)
Mr. Arthur Trew was most cordially received, the audience rising and cheering. He said that during his imprisonment he had heard very little of what transpired outside, but he had great faith in the enthusiasm, loyalty and practical sympathy of those who pledged their word to stand by his wife and children. The institution on the Crumlin Road was not a nice place to be confined in, but he would gladly do another twelve months in it before he would permit the sacred cause of Protestantism to be outraged in Belfast. (Hear, hear.) He had been through the mill; he knew what it was like. It was not a pleasant experience, but there were worse things than imprisonment. It was to live a life of dishonour. Protestants owed their liberties to the fact that thousands of men died before they would knuckle down to a Papist. Those dark days had gone, and they lived in happier times, but it was persecution that tested men, and he was afraid there were a great many Protestants in Belfast who could not stand persecution for the faith that was in them. He had not a single word to say about the jury that convicted him or the miserable judge who sent him to prison. He asked God to have mercy on him; but he could tell them there that night that he was not guilty of the offence for which he was sentenced. He had no witnesses in the case, but truth needed no testimony. He admitted there was a conspiracy, but that conspiracy was to crush the Protestant Association. ("Never.") No, they never would so long as men like those on the platform lived. (Hear, hear.) It had been asked did he intend going to the Custom-house steps again. He wondered that such a question was put. He might tell them he was not one bit afraid of going through again what he had gone through. (Hear, hear.) He was not going to leave Belfast until Belfast left him. (Hear, hear.) And as long as thee was a Papist in Belfast to fight, as long as there was a priest to keep in his place, as long as there was a Protestant cause to support and maintain, and as long as they (the working men) stood by him he would remain in Belfast. (Hear, hear.) Having denounced in strong terms the action of the Government in proclaiming the meeting of Orangemen at Rostrevor, Mr. Trew said they wanted representatives in Parliament who would not be afraid to embarrass the Government. What did they care about the Government? The Government cared nothing about them. (Applause.)
Mr. Braithwaite also spoke in denunciatory terms of the Government.
Mr. S. Boal, in moving a vote of thanks to the chairman, referred in touching terms to the death of Mr. William Johnston, M.P.
Mr. Pentland seconded the motion, which was passed by acclamation.
The proceedings concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.
Trew back in court for threatening his former comrades... Newsletter 2 June 1903
Belfast Protestant Association
The Rival Sections
Police Court Proceedings
Case Against Mr. Arthur Trew
Defendant Put Under Rule of Bail
Remarks by Mr. Hodder
In the Belfast Custody Court yesterday - before Mr. F. G. Hodder, R.M., and Mr. J. J. McDonnell, J.P. - the summons against Mr. Arthur Trew at the suit of Mrs. Sarah Jane Galbraith, that he threatened complainant and put her in bodily fear, and which had been adjourned from 29th ult. came on for hearing. Mr. J. S. Osborne appeared for the complainant, and Mr. Nathaniel Toghan for the defendant.
Mr. Osborne said he did not intend to support the evidence he had already given by additional civilian witnesses resident in the district, although he had several. He made an application for - and in his child-like innocence he had believed he would be furnished with - reports of the evidence of the police who were on duty at the time; but his friend, Mr. Clayton, who was a most courteous officer, said that to do so would contrary to the regulations. The district-inspector had, however, given him the names of the police, and these had been summoned; but under the circumstances he did not know what these witnesses would prove.
Acting-Sergeant Devere said he was stationed at Shankill Road. On the evening of 27th May he was present on duty at Trew's meeting. After the meeting broke up Trew and a number of his followers went up the Shankill Road. He knew where Trew lived, and if he wanted to proceed to his residence the most direct route would have been up Shankill Road, and not through the side streets into Berlin Street. He saw Trew turn up Snugville Street, and Constable Smith and Cooke were going up after him. He then, in consequence of information received, sent two other constables to Mrs. Galbraith's house, and went there himself. He saw a crowd opposite the door. Witness on the crowd leaving went over to the house. Mrs. Galbraith was considerably excited. Witness and the other two constables then urged the crowd to go home. Two hundred yards from Galbraith's house Trew addressed the crowd, saying that he went up to Galbraith's, and that the "Bubble Burster" would not come out. (Laughter.) He also made observation with regard to Mr. Sloan and Mr. Boal. Witness went to the house the next day, and observed the panels of the door were cracked. The crowd was conducting themselves in a very disorderly manner.
Mr. Hodder - Opposite Galbraith's house? - Yes. Witness (continuing) said he did not see Mr. Trew doing anything to restrain the crowd. He heard him haranguing them, but could distinguish the words.
Mr. Osborne - Was the demeanor of the crowd calculated to create a breach of the peace? - Yes.
To Mr. Tughan - Witness knew that there were a number of Galbraith's supporters in the crowd. Trew was carried on the shoulders of some people.
Constable Smith said he saw the crowd, which was very disorderly, and numbered about 200, collected near Galbraith's door. Trew spoke at the corner of Berlin Street, about 200 yards from Galbraith's house. At that meeting he heard Trew say he had gone to the "Bubble Burster's" house, but he wouldn't come out. He also referred to Mr. Sloan as "Peeping Tom." (Laughter.) He did not see Trew with a stick in his hand.
By Mr. Tughan - He was not aware that Trew had applied for police protection on the Shankill Road. Trew was carried up Berlin Street and down again. At the corner he announced another meeting for Friday, inviting them to come in there thousands. Witness understood the "Bubble Burster" meant Galbraith.
Re-examined by Mr. Osborne - Wednesday was not one of Mr. Trew's ordinary nights of meeting.
Constable Lawrence said he was present when Trew was being carried up Berlin Street. He did not seem to object, and made no verbal protest. The crowd with Trew were shouting and behaving in a disorderly manner. He also heard the statement made that the "Bubble Burster" wouldn't come out.
Constable Cooke said the reason the police followed Trew was that they feared a breach of the peace.
By Mr. Hodder - Witness did not hear anything transpire opposite Mrs. Galbraith's house.
Constable James Rankin confirmed the statements of the previous witnesses. He did not see Mrs. Galbraith.
Mr. Hodder - I am satisfied on the evidence that Mrs. Galbraith was in a state of nervousness and terror.
Sergeant Devere (recalled) said that the affair occurred about twenty minutes past ten at night.
Mrs. Galbraith was re-examined. She said that since this occurrence she has been obliged to attend Dr. Thompson.
Mr. Tughan - I object to this evidence.
Mr. Hodder - The magistrates are satisfied that Mrs. Galbraith was in a state of nervousness and terror.
Mr. Osborne said that was his case, and he appealed to their Worships to put the defendant under a rule of bail.
Mr. Tughan addressed the Court for the defense. He said he was not sorry the adjournment had taken place, and that the Bench been afforded an opportunity of hearing police testimony. Mr. Osborne had made use of an expression in opening the case calculated to create suspicion. He said if his client failed to prove his instructions he would not be to blame.
Mr. Osborne said that the remark referred to by Mr. Tughan had been completely misunderstood, and had reference to a different case.
Mr. Tughan stated that the very feeling statement made by Mr. Osborne in opening the case had not been borne out by the independent police testimony they had heard that morning. At the outset he would say that, so far as he was concerned, he would discharge the duty allotted to him without any heat. The matter was as plain a row between two rival sections as could possibly exist, and what might take place between two old women in the adjoining court. (Laughter.) The charge was one of threatening Mrs. Galbraith, and there was not a scintilla of truth to show that Trew had used any threatening language.
Mr. Hodder - To sustain this summons it is not necessary to prove that words actually passed.
Mr. Tughan said he knew that, but it was sought to prove that Mr. Trew on that occasion made use of observations of an insulting threatening nature towards Mrs. Galbraith. Whatever occurred on that occasion, the individual sought after was the "Bubble Burster," Mr. Galbraith; not his wife. (Laughter.)
Mr. Hodder - If you, having an animus against a particular individual, go down, accompanied by a large number of people, to the house of that individual - through your action at the time not be done with the intention of operating against this particular individual, if you, by your general conduct and disturbance, alarm and terrify a woman occupying that place, and she then swears that she had been alarmed by the course of conduct, she is entitled to apply to the Court for the security of the peace.
Mr. Tughan said he was aware the magistrates had a wide jurisdiction in the matter; but he submitted that in this case Mrs. Galbraith was a figure-head in an endeavour to stamp out Trew and his meetings, and this was a thing for which the Court should have consideration in the case. Mr. Trew was there against his will.
Mr. Hodder - I think, on the evidence of the police and everybody else, he went down to "draw" Galbraith. (Laughter.)
Mr. Tughan said that Trew had been legitimately addressing a meeting, and the crowd were so delighted with his eloquence that they actually carried him on their shoulders and brought him in the direction of the "Bubble Burster's" door. (Laughter.) He could not restrain the crowd, and, as a fact, he had the highest respect for Mr. Galbraith, whom he had put into the position of a leading light of the B.P.A.
Mr. Hodder - Did he in fact put him into the position of a "Bubble Burster?" (Laughter.)
Mr. Tughan - No; that is Galbraith's own name, because he is always talking about having a bubble up his sleeve to burst. (Laughter.) Mr. Tughan said that this was not a bona-fide application, but an attempt to stamp out a man who had really been the founder of this association, who had suffered for the cause, and had spent his life in trying to propagate it in every way he could. He had hoped at one time to work with the member for South Belfast in a different sphere - (laughter) - but now they were at loggerheads. His client was sorry that, in the interest of the case, Mr. Sloan, Mr. Galbraith, and others should have been put to the trouble of coming there that day.
Mr. Osborne - They are here because cross-summonses have been issued on a bogus charge.
Mr. Tughan quoted a decision to show that such a summons could not be sustained merely from malice and vexation, and without just cause or fear; it could not be granted simply because a man was at variance with his neighbour.
Mr. Hodder said that Mrs. Galbraith was undoubtedly in a state of abject terror, and her children were screaming from terror in the house.
Mr. Tughan said that this was not brought about by his client, because he had been carried there involuntarily. He could not dispute the proposition of Mr. Hodder, but he asked that the fact should be taken into account having regard that Mrs. Galbraith was the wife of Thomas Galbraith, who was a leading light of the opposition.
Mr. Hodder said that no one regretted more than he did these scenes of disorder and turmoil, because to go back to the cause of these matters there appeared to be no reason for them at all. What they were considering in this case was not one section or another, but the peace of a woman in her house at half past ten o'clock at night surrounded by her family. Was she to be subjected to such a gross attack as to cause absolute terror on the part of her children and excitement on her part?
Mr. Tughan said there was no evidence of any breach of the peace, and no arrests were made.
Mr. Hodder - I will go with you so far as to say that initially perhaps Trew had no intention of intimidating or annoying Mrs. Galbraith at the same time he went to her husband's house with the intention of "drawing" him.
Mr. Tughan said that as showing Trew's attitude he had actually sent a notice the meeting called for Friday.
Mr. Hodder - I that is very much to his credit.
Mr. Tughan - No sooner did he postpone it than a platform was put up and a meeting was addressed by the opposition.
Mr. Hodder said he was always against the court being made a platform for any party, and that was really what was being attempted that day.
James Smith was then called for the defense. He said he lived in Ballymacarett. He was at Mr. Trew's meeting at Northumberland Street on the occasion in question. The crowd raised Mr. Trew on their shoulders and carried him up the Shankill Road. That was on his way home. They went up a side street, and witness heard Mr. Trew saying that he would go on home. He could not get away from the crowd, however. They carried him round by force to this house.
Mr. Hodder - They were principally young people? - They were young and old. Continuing, witness said the crowd called for a speech, and they got three or four words. He spoke to the inhabitants of the street, inviting them to Northumberland Street, where he holds his meetings.
Did you see people hammering Mr. Galbraith's door? - I did not.
Did you hear the children crying inside? - No, I did not.
To Mr. Tughan - He did not see any person beating or hammering the door while Mr. Trew was there. Witness added that Trew's sole anxiety was to get on home.
Mr. Hodder - Had you hold of Mr. Trew at this time? - No, I was standing beside him and he had his hand on my shoulder.
Cross-examined by Mr. Osborne - He was a labourer, and resided at Lisbon Street, Ballymacarett. Mr. Trew's meetings were usually held at Northumberland Street on Friday night. Witness accompanied Trew to Berlin Street, and didn't hear Trew say that he had been at the "Bubble Burster's," and that he would not come out.
David Hasper said he was not a member of the association. He was present at Agnes Street, and heard Mr. Trew addressing the crowd. The meeting lasted till ten o'clock. At the conclusion the crowd lifted him on their shoulders and carried him up the Shankill. When they got to Snugville Street they turned off. He heard Trew telling the crowd it was late and to go home. Witness was near him, and did not hear him incite the crowd to use violence towards the house. Witness did not hear Trew shout anything of an offensive character.
Statements in regard to other occurrences were about to be made, when [text ends]
Mr. Hodder observed that he did not want people to come to that court to wash their dirty linen.
Alex Irvine Thompson was the next witness.
Mr. Hodder - Is this one of the "Bogey Clan?"
Mr. Osborne - That's what I was going to ask. Your Worship has a good memory for faces.
Witness said that he was at the meeting on the 26th ult., and saw the crowd lift Mr. Trew and carry him up the Shankill. Witness went with them as far as Belin Street. While there Trew, so far as witness could hear, did not make use of any offensive observation to Mrs. Galbraith. He saw three girls at the door.
Mr. Osborne - Do you know anything more calculated to terrorise a woman than the whole "Bogey Clan" coming outside her door?
Witness - They were not all there. The clan are all Sloanites except myself. (Laughter.)
Mr. Tughan - I am sure Mr. Osborne is sorry he asked that question. (Laughter.)
Samuel John Verner and Alexander McConnell gave evidence to show that Mr. Trew did not go to Mrs. Galbraith's house of his own consent.
John Livingstone, who said he was secretary to Mr. Trew, said that Mr. Trew was carried to Galbraith's house and told he would have to speak opposite the door. He did not want to do so and expressed himself to that effect.
Mr. Hodder - Why did you go to the house?
Witness said it was owing to the meetings of Mr. Trew being broken up on Monday and Tuesday nights. The crowd took him there to challenge Galbraith to come to the meeting on Friday night.
By Mr. Tughan - The Friday meeting was postponed.
Mr. Osborne - You are the Great Livingstone? - Not the doctor. (Laughter.)
George Hood, who also gave evidence on behalf of Mr. Trew, was asked by Mr. Osborne whether he was one of the gentlemen known at the Forty Thieves. (Laughter.) He indignantly replied in the negative, and said he did not know any of them.
Mr. Tughan - You made a bad shot that time.
A witness named Mrs. McDowell stated that she had seen the platform Mr. Trew was using taken away from him.
Mr. Osborne - When his platform is taken away he takes a lamp-post, like a monkey on a stick.
Mr. Tughan said that that was an improper expression to make.
Mr. Hodder - I think it's not fair.
Mr. Osborne - I apologize; it was a joke.
Mr. Tughan said he had a number of other witnesses, but he would not call them. His client wished for protection at his meetings, and did not want, on his side, to give any provocation. On more than one occasion Mr. Trew had been mobbed - even so late as the previous day - and was at those times in danger of his life. If any arrangements could be made whereby they could hold their meetings on each side, without coming into antagonism, it would be better for themselves personally, and for their cause. They were fighting the same cause, and yet tearing each others' throats on every possible opportunity.
This concluded the evidence.
Mr. Hodder, in giving the decision of the Court, said in that case the summons had been brought by Mrs. Galbraith against Arthur Trew, and the charges was that he did threaten the complainant and put her in fear. To establish such a case two things must be proved in evidence, first, that he threatened the complainant; and, secondly, that she herself was in fear. Into the merits of that case so far as the rival associations were concerned he did not intend for one moment to enter. He regretted very much that this division of opinion should take place. These scenes of turmoil and tumult at those meetings had brought a very considerable amount of discredit on the parties who took part at the meetings. No one could have lived for such a long period in Belfast as he had without feeling admiration for the inhabitants who occupied it; their industrial habits, their independent manner, and the magnificent city which their industry had built up, totally independent of any outside help. He thought the people of the city ought to be careful of their reputation, and should abstain for any discreditable scenes such as had been entered into that occasion without thought of the consequences. He believed on that particular occasion the conduct of the parties arose from what of thought, and was not due to malice in the first instance. It had been abundantly established in evidence, first, that a crowed of about 200 people came down to Mrs. Galbriath's door, and she herself was put into a state of terror and nervousness, and that the children inside the house were put into a state of fear. To combat that the defendant's case was that he was brought there involuntarily, and that it was an involuntary action on his part in being present. In the face of the police evidence and in face of the evidence of the witnesses produced for the prosecution, he could not think for one moment - he did not think the defendant went there with the intention of threatening Mrs. Galbraith - he did not believe his presence was an involuntary act. It was not necessary as a matter of law that a threat towards a person should, be a threat used by language, the action, the gestures, were quite sufficient to constitute a threat within the meaning of the summons. He believed there was abundant evidence to prove that the defendant did threaten the complainant, Mrs. Galbraith, and that being so, the other question he had to consider was whether she was in fear or not. That was a matter that was always determined by the evidence of the complainant. If she said she was not in fear then the magistrates must dismiss the case, but if she said she was in fear then the magistrates were bound to take sureties against the defendant. That was their duty, and one which they had to discharge in the present case. In binding a party over there were several things to be taken into consideration in measuring the amount of the surety; there was the actual position of the party, the circumstances under which the action took place. He did not think that Mr. Trew himself considered or realised the alarm he created by bringing the crowd to the complainant's house, and, therefore, he did not think it was a case in which the magistrates should impose a heavy rule of bail. He must take into consideration the actual position the defendant occupied, which would not enable him to give very large or substantial sureties. In that case the magistrates proposed to measure the surety of the defendant at 10 [pounds], with two sureties in 5 [pounds] each; or, in default, one month's imprisonment.
John Laird another Springfield Unionist Bigot
But getting back to the Springfield Road, Arthur Trew was not the only ultra unionist from Clovelly Street. Many will remember John Laird who also lived at Clovelly Street, he was not behind the door in showing his political views,
John who had a short leg and had to wear a steel stilt apparatus affixed to his boot was cruelly nicknamed “The Hoof”, but by some “Beetler Laird”, due to have having worked at the Beetling mill in the nearby old Cotton Mill Lane at some time, although in old directories John is described as a Blacksmith. Back in the 1950’s it was not unusual to see John paddling out in a homemade rowing boat on the Springfield dam and placing a long pole with a Union Jack affixed to it right in the middle of the dam. Needless to say us kids on their way to St John’s school let John know what we thought about his pranks, but no matter how many stones we threw we couldn’t sink John’s old boat. The Springfield Cotton Mill later became Scribbon’s Kemp biscuit factory. Watt’s old Beetling Mill could also plainly be seen in my childhood, the old Clovelly Street was perhaps the last remaining remnant of Springfield Village before it was redeveloped. Today Springfield primary school stands as the last indication of what was once a very predominantly protestant rural area.
For many years the Springfield Road at the school was bedecked with flags and an Orange Arch was erected every 12th July. The row of houses opposite the school were so highly decorated with bunting and flags that they became known as “Orange Row”.
On mentioning St,. John’s school , sadly now the old school has been pulled down. As I stood watching the big machine tumble the walls memories rushed through my head. I remember as a child coming home up the Springfield Road and a few of us stopped to watch the builders building the “S.P.D” , now called the “Farset”, and one of the building workers said, “I wish I was back at school, they’re the happiest days of your life.” I don’t think any of us would have agreed with him back then. But you know, looking back he was right. That little school holds nothing but the most pleasant memories for me and before I left that day they were pulling it down I took home a brick as a souvenir...then that night our door knocked and , no names, and when I opened it a man standing there handed me a brick.. ”for you Joe.. A brick from the old school”.. and you won’t believe it but over the next couple of days a dozen more bricks were brought to my door from fellow ex-pupils. I was amused but grateful... at least they didn’t throw them though my window.
I am also thankful I have recorded on DVD so may memories and history of the old school from past pupils, gathered and recorded on video when we organised the past pupils re-union a few years ago. Here we have not only audio history but a visual history straight from the horses mouth. And here...yes, I would be only too pleased to help out in organising a last re-union to commemorate the old school, if anyone wants to contact me they can Tel 90626631.
Similarly Rushlight The Belfast Magazine still has available on DVD the memories of the past pupils of the old St. Kevin‘s School, Falls Road.