As a follow up to this little item and the Registry of Deeds this will be digitized and the originals locked up. As to having the Index on-line, perhaps if we ask them they might consider it, one never knows. In this vein, the folks over at the UHF, which run at least 3 different web sites, have another rather interesting little collection of "partial headstone inscriptions" all on its own. The JMD and like while they recorded "complete" inscriptions [about 100 years ago] for the most part did include a rather large number of "partials" and like the ubiquitous [excuse my language - horse trader mentality over there] these too are only available "if you pony up the loot" another famous Irish/Celtic expression. Since 1922 the Republic has run a policy of "poverty be thine neighbour" and the preservation of records was and continues to be, shall we say somewhat less than enthusiastic. Its actually very amusing to watch ship load after ship load of tourist landing in Belfast and Dublin who make a mad dash to the local Registry Office for this that and the other to fine their long lost aunt only to come away a little light in the pocket and none the less better off. This is to be expected due to the rather huge hole [holes] in the records over there. But to the defense of the various Registries over there, the mess that ensues is disheartening to the staff who try their best and it takes a few days to clean the place up pending the next cruise ship. Please get this stuff digitized and lock up the originals. Now then if more of this stuff was made available on line then the wear and tear can be lessened, more can be done and if the Irish [north or south] can get their act together more people would consider "ponying up more [not less] of the Celtic coin". Essentially what the Irish need is a better business model which would include keeping the cruise ship folks at bay, so to speak. How about doing this all on line at one of the famous pubs in Belfast? Research should be at least painless - the Irish way ... and we'll make the Cruise lines pay for it .... we do need an Irish American to do this right though. Can we get a seconder on this one? Fiona, you can be our Treasurer - include a view overlooking a graveyard for atmosphere and copies of the JMD's on the walls with blank spots for notes and visitors to sign in and post their pictures etc. Eric The Registry of Deeds in Henrietta Street will be moving soon after three hundred years in the same place. Is there any guarantee that they will continue to be accessible in their new home, wherever that may be? Will be indexed online? ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to NIR-DOWN-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message