§ MR. HEALYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If it is the fact that on Sunday week a party of bicyclists from Kilmallock, on arriving at Rathkeale (twenty-two miles off) about 5.30 p.m. were refused refreshment at the hotel by order of Captain Hatcell, R.M.; whether police were stationed to see that the order was carried out, on the ground that a meeting to be held earlier in the day had been proclaimed; whether the tourists then waited on Captain Hatcell, and begged of him to be allowed food and drink, as they had not come to attend any meeting; whether he at first refused, but, after being informed that they would report him, he detailed two policemen to allow them to get what they wanted; and, whether this stipendiary has any instructions to override the bonâ fide traveller clause of the Sunday Closing Act; and, if not, what notice will be taken of his conduct?
§ MR. TREVELYANI have received a telegram from Captain Hatcell stating that, when the tourists referred to waited upon him and explained their case, he at once desired that they should be allowed to get the refreshment they wanted. It is not the fact that they were treated with any discourtesy, or that they threatened to report the magistrate. The telegram does not make quite clear the circumstances as to the order with regard to the public-houses 908 which was issued by the magistrates, and I have called for further particulars on the subject.
§ MR. HEALYAs the right hon. Gentleman has not had sufficient Notice, I will put the Question down for Thursday.
§ MR. TREVELYANI have had quite sufficient Notice; but that point has not been made clear.