§ MR. JOHN O'CONNORasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is a fact that on the 20th ultimo, a young man named George Napier, of Roscrea, was charged before the magistrates at Nenagh with having, on the 6th of the same month, "presented a revolver at a number of children;" whether several witnesses deposed to his having gone through the streets of Nenagh shouting "for the north," and calling the people "papists and rebels," and saying that be would "put a bullet through a Catholic or a rebel;" whether he was discharged without punishment on the occasion, and on what grounds; whether Major Waring, E.M., in giving the decision of the Bench said—
The magistrates who gave the defendant license to carry arms did not use discretion in doing so, and that he handled the weapon in a manner he ought not to have done;whether it is the custom with the magistrates of Roscrea to grant largely licenses to carry arms to persons of the same class as George Napier; and, whether the Government will make inquiry into the manner in which these licenses have been granted as well as into the decision of the magistrates in this case?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe charge in this case was "riotous behaviour." The evidence was very conflicting, and the magistrates unani- 137 mously decided to dismiss the case. Mr. I Waring informs me that he did not say there had been a want of discretion on the part of any magistrate. He made the remark with regard to the defendant. He also states that he fully concurs in the decision of the Bench, and does not consider any action called for as regards Napier's arms licence. In this view I concur.
§ MR. JOHN O'CONNORHas the right hon. Gentleman made any inquiry as to the licences granted in this town by the Resident Magistrate?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANPerhaps the hon. Member would put down a Question to that effect.
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI am not aware.