Every sane man and woman in this country knows that Communism is diametrically opposed to everything that we hold dear . . . religion, freedom and justice . . .

therefore let us shake off our complacency and do everything possible to combat this evil. Let the government be courageous and tell the people what it proposes to do to minimise the effects of any possible bombing attacks on our beloved country . . . 'Be Prepared.'

Ballyshannon Herald 15 September 1854
WE deeply regret to state that cholera has visited Londonderry, six persons having fallen victims to this direful epidemic. The disease is of a very malignant type. A family of the name of Doherty, residing in Foyle-street, near the bridge, were attacked in the latter end of the past week. It appears that the family consisted of ten individuals, and of these seven were, one after another seized with the distemper; and, although the best medical assistance was promptly afforded them, death ensued, after few hours' illness, in six of the cases. As was natural, this occurrence excited considerable alarm throughout the city; but we feel grateful that, up to the present, the ravages of the disease have been confined to the family . . . from the fact that the epidemic has not extended throughout the neighbourhood, a belief is entertained that there was something special in the cases which have terminated fatally. This view is strengthened by the circumstance that the house in which these poor people resided has always been a remarkably unhealthy one, being situated in the most filthy part of a filthy district.

Belfast Evening Post 18 September 1786
A FEW days since, a shipwright drinking in haste some wine, he swallowed a wasp; it stung him in the gullet, yet he continued caulking the vessel that he was at work upon for a few minutes, till a strangulation seized him; upon which he hastened to a surgeon, assisted by his fellow workmen; but, before he could be got there, he was black in the face, and in the greatest agony. The surgeon bid him point to the place stung; he pointed, but still was in the utmost agony that can be imagined. The surgeon apprehended he would die before he should have time to apply something for his relief. He, however, mixed some honey and sweet oil with a little vinegar, and beat them all up together. The first spoonful put the poor man in fresh pain, as we could easily perceive, as did the second and third; but the succeeding ones were swallowed with less difficulty and he entirely recovered.