§ MR. SMALLasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been directed to the conduct of Mr. John Eccles, Clerk of the Petty Sessions at Portadown, who, during the hearing of a case by the magistrates, there stated in open Court that a man named Patrick Byrne, who was about to be examined as a witness, was not to be believed on his oath; and, whether it is intended to tolerate such conduct on the part of Mr. Eccles, or what course it is intended to adopt towards him?
MR. CAMPBELL-BANNEEMANIt appears that the Petty Sessions Clerk did make the observation referred to, and in consequence an action was brought against him by Patrick Byrne, which he settled by payment of a sum of money. Mr. Eccles at the time thought it his duty to make the statement to the Bench which he did, but afterwards regretted it. The Lord Lieutenant has given directions that he shall be censured for his conduct.