District Doings,
…
In Athy and Carlow.
On Saturday last Mr. George Ducros visited Athy, to which he
travelled by motor car, accompanied by his wife. He engaged
accommodation in Hamilton’s Hotel for a number of employees of the Panhard Lavasseur
Company, whose business interests in Great Britain are looked after by
the Dunlop Company, which Mr. Ducros represents.
***
Athy will, therefore, it appears, be the headquarters of the
Frenchmen as well as of the English representatives.
***
Already a number of rooms and some houses in the town have
been engaged at handsome figures, and even the police, with
extraordinary foresight, are looking out for accommodation! Inquiries have
been made at every house, public and private, where it was thought possible
to procure a room.
***
Many of the occupiers are holding “tight” a disposition of
mind for which they cannot be altogether blamed, especially if we are to
believe the assurance of an American visitor that “half New York
is coming over.”
***
The “Broadway swell” represents, after all, only a very small
portion of the American community. The man “out West” will
also come, and there remain the visitors from “jealous China, strange
Japan” the rebellious Filipinos, and the almost extinct Maoris! Perhaps
there will be also cheap trippers from the newly discovered islands on
the North West Passage!
***
With so many cosmopolitans likely to be pleading for admission
as paying guests, why would not Athy householders be not just
a little coy and squeamish in their financial dealings?
***
In all seriousness, however, visitors to Athy will be treated
in a reasonable manner, and – although the occasion would scarcely
seem to admit of it – with becoming hospitality.
In Naas & North Kildare
…
***
It is stated that every effort is being made to induce the
King to visit Ireland for the motor race, but the great difficulty in
the way is the early date at present fixed. His Majesty’s arrangements
are made so long in advance that, unless ample notice is given, it is
usually found impossible to make any change.
* * *
The incident to which Mr. J. S. O’Grady drew attention at Wednesday’s
meeting of the District Council, is an illustration of the recklessness
of some motorists. Although their machines are now rather common, horses
take a considerable time to become accustomed to them, and there may
perhaps be an instinctive prejudice amongst a section of the equine
race against an invention which will, no doubt, in time seriously affect
the interest now displayed in their welfare.
******
Drivers of motor cars and motor cycles should display more
caution and considerateness. The speed at which some of their
number dash through towns is both reckless and dangerous. The ordinary
pedestrian is still an important factor in the life of the community,
and, in his interest and that of the few quadrupeds yet left in the
land, the motorist must keep his machine under proper restraint.