§ MR. PARNELLasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is true that Mr. John Kelly, Currowinna, Ballyforan, Ballinasloe, has, on April 26th, been refused a gun licence by Mr. Paul, resident magistrate of his district, although he brought before Mr. Paul recommendations from three respectable gentlemen of his neighbourhood as to character, &c.; 23 whether Mr. Kelly, when the late Arms Act came into force, delivered up his gun to the police, and in every way complied with the requirements of the Law; whether Mr. Paul said he could not grant him (Kelly) a licence unless he was recommended by two local magistrates, and on its being pointed out to him that there was only one local magistrate in Mr. Kelly's district, and as he was not acquainted with him, he would not therefore recommend him, Mr. Paul then said that he should get a recommendation from the Chief Constable; whether the Chief Constable, on being asked if he knew of any reason why Mr. Kelly should not have a gun, replied that he did not know of anything against his character, but that he would not recommend him; whether he is aware that, in consequence of Mr. Kelly not having his gun, he will lose a considerable part of his crop, as there is a rookery within a quarter of a mile of his farm; and, whether, under these circumstances, he will consider the necessity of the application, and give instructions to the local authorities to grant him a licence?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTER, in reply, said, it was true that that John Kelly, of Currowinna, Ballinasloe, had been refused a gun licence by Mr. Paul, the resident magistrate of his district. His application was opposed by the parish priest of the district and the Constabulary. Two local magistrates who were on the bench declined to recommend him; and the licensing officer consequently declined, on his own responsibility, to grant him a licence, and he (Mr. W. E. Forster) did not intend to interfere with his discretion.