World War Two dominated news as the forties started

World War Two dominated the news as the 1940s began for the Lurgan Mail, which then also incorporated the Lurgan Times.

Apparently six million pounds a day was being spent since war was declared in 1939.

“If that is what we must pay to defeat the spirit of aggression we must pay it. The ultimate prize - security - is worth all the money the world holds.

“When lives are offered willingly to secure the triumph of that cause who will boggle at the pouring out of wealth?” said a front page article.

During war time rationing was something housewives had to contend with.

In Lurgan shopkeepers were finding checking coupons time consuming, in particularly during the Saturday night rush.

The sugar allowance of 12 ounces a week seemed adequate while bacon could be afforded but butter was badly affected by rationing.

But as usual life went on in the community and a regular feature of any local paper was the court reports.

From allowing their dogs to wonder, killing a cow without a licence and drunk in charge of a bicycle they all appeared in the columns of the ‘Mail’.

One of the most popular local solicitors was John Gallery who popularity coined the well known phrase: “Say nothing ‘til you see Gallery.”

People were also fined for black-out offences which ranged from one shilling to two shillings and sixpence.

But there were others at home who were interested in another war.

Three men were detained after police found a quantity of arms and ammunition.

This included a complete Thompson machine gun, three Webley revolvers, seven automatic pistols, two Colt revolvers, 500 rounds of ammunition, a Mill bomb (empty), a Sam Brown belt, three bandoliers and a number of documents.

There was a proposed new canning industry for County Armagh with the establishment of a factory by Smedley’s, fruit and vegetable canners.

It was said that the factory would open up a new era and fruit growing in County Armagh.

The Lurgan College Old Girls’ Association was going strong and were sound both socially and financially.

A sum of £7 was raised for the Red Cross at a guest night while as a result of their annual dance £16 was forwarded to the Lurgan Sick Nursing Society and £16 to the Old Boys War Services Fund.

The College magazine ‘Ulula’ had paid its way.

The committee also joined with the old boys in running a social club for the soldiers.

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