HC Deb 29 June 1882 vol 271 cc775-6
MR. J. LOWTHER

I do not see the Chief Secretary in his place, but I daresay one of his Colleagues can answer the Question I wish to put. I have to refer, first of all, to a Question I addressed to the Chief Secretary yesterday, in- quiring whether the Government were in possession of any information with regard to the alleged murder of a caretaker near Tralee, and whether the person alleged to be murdered was the same person whose life had been attempted a short time ago? I would further ask the Government whether they have any information respecting the sad rumour which has obtained circulation this evening as to another diabolical crime in Ireland which resulted in the murder of two persons in the county Galway?

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

In reply to the right hon. Member's first Question, I have to state that the Government have received no information with regard to the subject to which it refers. As to the second Question, I regret to have to state that the rumour is only too well founded. I have received the following telegram from the Crown Solicitor of Loughrea, in which he says:— John Henry Blake, the Marquis of Clanricarde's agent, and his steward, Ruane, were shot this day, quarter-past 11, within half an English mile of this town. The wall was loop-holed, and the murder must have been arranged. Mrs. Blake was on the car with her husband, coming to mass here.

MR. GIBSON

asked whether any arrest had been made?

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

No. I have also received another telegram from Colonel Brackenbury, dated from Dublin Castle, in which he says— Following telegram just received from Sub-Inspector Barry, Loughrea. John H. Blake, Esq., Rathville, agent to the Marquis of Clanricarde, and Thady Ruane, shot dead within half a mile of Loughrea, at 11.30. Police and military now in porsuit. No arrest.