HC Deb 18 July 1890 vol 347 cc211-2
MR. GILHOOLY (Cork, W.)

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland by what right did Mr. W. Tower Townshend, J. P., of Myross Wood, County Cork, sit and vote at the Presentment Sessions at Skibereen on November 12th, 1889, May 13th, 1890, and at Ballydehob, on November 13th, 1889, and May 14th, 1890, as also on previous occasions; whether he holds any property in either division of the barony; whether he is aware that Mr. Townshend voted on one of the occasions mentioned for the appointment of landlord J.P.'s as directors of the Schull and Skibereen Tramway, to represent the cesspayers, and opposed the nominees of the cesspayers; and whether, if Magistrates should not go outside their own Petty Sessions district to vote at Presentment Sessions, he will bring the conduct of Mr. Townshend under the notice of the Lord Chancellor?

MR. MADDEN

I am informed that Mr. Tower Townshend is a Magistrate of the County Cork, and that as such he has power, under the Grand Jury Act, to sit at all Presentment Sessions in the county. Mr. Townshend is reported to represent large properties in the two Baronies referred to as agent for his brothor and other owners. I have no information as to the particular business which came before the Presentment Sessions, or how the justices assembled and associated ratepayers voted.