§ MR. MELDONrose to call attention to the Correspondence which passed in 1873 and 1874 between a Special Committee of the Benchers of the Honourable Society of Kings Inns in Dublin and the late Lord Lieutenant and Lords Justices of Ireland on the subject of the 1063 removal from Henrietta Street, Dublin, of two Militia Depôts quartered there for recruiting purposes, and also to a Return ordered by this House to be printed on the 23rd day of March 1875, exhibiting the amount of Stamp Duty paid during each of the past seven years by Law Students in Ireland, and the amount of Stamp Duty for the same period paid on foot of the Indentures of Attorneys' Apprentices in Ireland; and to move—
That the maintenance of the Militia Barracks as used and occupied in Henrietta Street, Dublin, in immediate contiguity with the Law Library, King's Inns, and other buildings in possession of the Honourable Society of King's Inns, the Law Chambers provided for the accommodation of members of the legal profession and law students, is injurious and prejudicial to the interests of private property, the peaceful enjoyment by the members of the legal profession of their law library and chambers, to the property of the Honourable Society of King's Inns, used for public purposes of the utmost consequence, the study of the law and the administration of justice, and should be discontinued.The law library and other buildings for purposes of legal education were erected at a time when Henrietta Street was most suitable for that object, and they had expended about £82,000 on them; but it was idle to suppose that legal education could be carried on there if these Militia barracks were to be continued. Under existing conditions, the street in question, through which the members of the legal profession had to pass on their way to their chambers and their library was frequently thronged with recruits and their followers, it was made a perpetual play-ground not only by the children of the Militia but by numbers attracted from the district to participate with the Militia children in their uncontrolled games and sports, to the great obstruction of the street. The old Marshalsea, which was now empty, might easily be utilized for the purpose of Militia barracks. Under those circumstances, he hoped the Government would re-consider the matter.
§ MR. LAWsupported the proposition. It was a very serious matter to the Benchers of King's Inns, whose property had become depreciated year by year, and who were put to great inconvenience in consequence of the existence of these depôts. He hoped, therefore, the Government would re-consider the matter, and take steps to have the depôts transferred.
MR. GATHORNE HARDYsaid, that he found that his Predecessor in office had considered this question on the invitation of Lord O'Hagan, and yet, in spite of the pressure put upon him, Lord Cardwell did not think he was in a position to, and, indeed, distinctly declined to, interfere because he found these houses convenient for the Militia, and because he could not find sufficient space available elsewhere. The Benchers of King's Inns should, when they purchased the adjacent property, have secured themselves against any nuisance by buying these houses. That they did not do, and yet it was worthy of remark that this so-called nuisance had existed for 12 years before any complaint was made about it. The question was one which could hardly be advantageously discussed in Parliament. However, some documents had been sent over by the Lord Lieutenant to the War Office, and he would take care that the matter should be carefully inquired into.
§ SIR JOSEPH M'KENNAexpressed his satisfaction at receiving this assurance. From personal knowledge he assured the House that the barracks in Henrietta Street were complained of as great nuisances to the neighbourhood.
§ SIR PATRICK O'BRIENalso hoped that the Government would consider the propriety of removing the barracks from Henrietta Street at an early date.