HC Deb 08 August 1881 vol 264 cc1200-1
MR. HEALY

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to the language of Mr. A. E. Herbert, J.P. in the following Report from the "Kerry Sentinel," of 28th July, in the case of parsons charged at Brosna Petty Sessions with attacking a bailiff. Constable Carroll deposed:— That, on account of the attitude of the people, they went back to one of the houses, escorted by the police, and took down one of the writs which he had posted. Mr. Herbert—And no stones thrown? Witness—No stones thrown. Mr. Herbert—I may tell you if I was there I'd know what to do. One of the defendants cross-examined Constable Carroll, who admitted that he and men were supplied with plenty of new milk by the people on whom the writs were served. Mr. Herbert—I think the police on that day were like a flock without a shepherd; I think they were all the time drinking milk from this riotous and terrible mob. I always speak for myself, and that is my opinion of the Royal Irish Constabulary on that day. Drinking new milk from this riotous and dig-orderly mob; whether, in a cross case against the police, Mary Cahill and Ellen Cahill were examined, and deposed that, when the police fixed swords protecting the bailiff, Constable Carroll stabbed the complainant in the thigh; whether Mr. Herbert dismissed the case with the remark that He was sorry the police acted with so much forbearance. If he himself was there he would order the mob to be 'skivered,' and he would have buckshot used on them. There would be no peace in the Country until such people were 'skivered;' whether such language was used; and, if so, whether he has made any representations to the Lord Chancellor on the subject, or has taken any action in regard to it?

MR. W. E. FORSTER

Sir, I have seen the report in the newspaper to which the hon. Member refers; but I have no means of verifying it. The whole of the cases in which Irish magistrates are concerned are under the consideration of the Lord Chancellor, and I have communicated with my noble and learned Friend upon the matter.

MR. HEALY

wished to know if there was any proper authority in the House to which hon. Members could appeal in reference to the conduct of magistrates?

MR. W. E. FORSTER

The Lord Chancellor is the official whose business it is to consider these questions; and if, after allowing sufficient time to elapse, the hon. Member will ask me what the Lord Chancellor has done in this case, I will tell him.

MR. HEALY

said, he would ask the Question on Friday. He also wished to know if this same magistrate was arrested some time since for drunkenness and disorderly conduct at Farranfore?

MR. W. E. FORSTER

It is only justice to Mr. Herbert to state that I never heard of that charge being brought against him.