§ MR. SEXTON (for Mr. MAYNE)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the constables who brought the charge against Mr. Thomas Dowling, J.P., on which he was convicted of drunkenness and fined, are being removed from the district; whether their removal is in pursuance of a threat made by Head Constable Ross Parkes that "he would scatter them like sheep through the country" as a punishment for their having brought and sustained said charge; whether, having regard to the relation of Head Constable Ross Parkes with Mr. Dowling and his treatment of these constables, the Government will consider the propriety of removing him from the locality; and, whether the Lord Chancellor of Ireland has decided to retain Mr. Thomas Dowling amongst the magistracy of Ireland?
§ MR. TREVELYANThe police on duty at the station referred to are, generally speaking, relieved about once a month. Such removal is by no means regarded as a punishment. No men were removed oil any such grounds as are stated in the Question, and Head Constable Parkes denies having used such words as are imputed to him. He is a man of whom his superior officers speak in the highest terms, and they protest strongly against the unfounded accusation made against him. Mr. Dow- 1672 ling's case is still under the consideration of the Lord Chancellor.