HC Deb 24 February 1881 vol 258 cc1656-7
MR. W. J. CORBET

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If the statement in the "St. James's Gazette" and other papers on Saturday the 19th February is true—namely, that Several evictions took place yesterday on the estate of Mr. MeGeough, J.P. near New-townhamilton, county Armagh. The sheriff was attended by his bailiffs, and the decrees were enforced under the protection of fifty policemen. Many painful scenes were witnessed; children and aged persons, some of the latter being in very delicate health, were cast out on the road side. The peasantry gathered in large numbers; some of the women threw stones at the bailiffs, and invoked curses on the landlord; but the police behaved with forbearance and kindness, supplying with money the most destitute of those who were evicted; and, if the statement is true, whether he can give the House any information as to what has been done to relieve the poor people who have been thus left destitute by process of Law?

MR. W. E. FORSTER,

in reply, said, that ho would give the House all the information ho had received with regard to these evictions. It seemed that four distinct families were evicted from two houses, and a force of 50 constabulary were present on the occasion. They were evicted for non-payment of rent due for two years and two-and-a-half years. Two or three hundred people assembled at the eviction, having been called together by horns blown on the neighbouring hills, and there was very considerable excitement. The police were not in any way interfered with; but the landlord and the agent were freely abused — [Mr. HEALY: Hear, hoar!]—and although arrangements had been made by the relieving officers of the district for the reception of the evicted families in the workhouse, they were provided with lodgings at once by their friends.