ABSTRACT
25th (February). – The Relief Committee of Killybegs consisted of all the clergy in the town – rector, priest and Presbyterian minister, and also tradesmen. They appeared thoroughly in earnest. Out of the 600 families in the parish, they had 450 cases on their books, say 2,000 people out of 3,100 at a weekly cost of £70 to £80. The greater part are holders of small portions of land, from 155. to £3 or £4 rental, scattered over the wild mountain districts round Killybegs. Many formerly gained something of a livelihood by fishing, but the fish have nearly all left the Bay; where cod and ling abounded a few years ago they are now scarce; and mackerel have disappeared, so that the combined loss of fish and potatoes really leaves them destitute. Doubting the necessity for so many being relieved, we called the attention of the Committee to the very large number of families on their lists; but after many inquiries, and subsequent visits to families assisted. I cannot say that it is larger than is proper; at any rate, one-half of the population about Killybegs needs help. The fact is, the small farmers, paying from 15s. to £3, £4, or £5 rent, are permanently on the verge of want, and usually in debt for one year's meal, though the rents are fairly paid. During the past three years the bad crops and the failure of potatoes have plundered them deeper and deeper into debt, so that many a man owes £30 or £40 or more to the shopkeepers. 2 This year the shopkeepers, alarmed by the total failure of the potato, have declined to give more credit, leaving the majority of the small farmers without any resources. There is no employment for the people, and the extreme dampness of the climate and the want of proper drainage, prevent, in many cases, their being able to cultivate the land at present. I was very glad to hear that cultivation all round Killybegs was 228fully as forward as usual. This, I think, is in part owing to the wise resolution of the "Relief Committee." "that no relief should be given to able-bodied men except for work done- on their own lands or elsewhere." We were glad to hear that a new road was being surveyed in the neighbourhood, which would give some employment.
