HC Deb 17 March 1887 vol 312 cc529-30
MR. LANE (Cork Co., E.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he has seen a copy of the following letter, which was addressed by Dr. Charles Ronayne, J.P. (the only magistrate living in the town of Youghal) to Mr. Kerin, the District Inspector of Youghal:—

"Dear Sir,—I am just after coming from the death of a fine young man, who was stabbed by a policeman. I went to the barracks to see who was in charge of the police, and to inquire what circumstances produced the sad business. I found there a number of strange police, and a young officer, Mr. Somerville, who assumed the responsibility of having ordered the charge that caused this young man's death. Now, as I have taken great pains for the past 24 hours to preserve the peace in this usually quiet town, and as I am of opinion that there was not the least danger to apprehend any public disturbance, and as I am afraid 'that it was the advent of these new men led to this calamity, I desire to know from you, as the residing District Inspector, under what circumstances they were brought or sent here.—Yours faithfully,

" 8th March 1887. CHARLES RONAYNE; "

whether this magistrate had been taking a very active part for some days previously, in co-operation with the Catholic clergymen of Youghal, in allaying the excitement caused by the threatened arrest of the Reverend Father Keller; why the police authorities ignored him by not consulting him as to the necessity of bringing a force of strange police into Youghal; and, whether the preservation of the peace of Youghal has been transferred from the magistrates of Youghal to the police officer?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR (Manchester, E.)

This Question has been referred to the District Inspector for the local inquiries necessary. There has not been time for the receipt of his reply.

MR. LANE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman the number of days' Notice he will require to be given of a Question for the purpose of receiving an answer by telegraph from an official in Ireland?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

It entirely depends upon the special circumstances of each case.