§ MR. JOHN O'CONNORasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether George Napier, of Roscrea, was fined in a penalty of £2 10s. at Nenagh Petty Sessions for having in his possession a revolver without having paid the usual Excise Licence; whether this is the same George Napier who was accused of "riotous behaviour" and "presenting a revolver at children" in the streets of Nenagh; whether he will receive sworn affidavits to the effect that, on the occasion of George Napier's trial before Petty Sessions Court at Nenagh, Major Waring used the words that—
The magistrates who gave the defendant licence to carry arms did not use discretion in doing so," "and that he handled the revolver 617 in a manner he ought not to have, done." "You are a Northman, and being such you ought to know better when and where to use arms;and, whether, taking into account the published reports of these words of Major Waring, and his subsequent denial of their accuracy, he will cause inquiry to be made into the conduct of this magistrate; and also whether he will furnish a Return of all licences to carry arms granted by the Roscrea magistrates?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI understand that George Napier was fined, as stated, for not having an Excise licence, and that he is the person mentioned in the Question. I have received an explanation from Mr. Waring which satisfies me that he did not impute want of discretion to any magistrate; and I see no cause for an inquiry into his conduct, nor for a Return of the arms licences issued in the Roscrea district.
§ MR. JOHN O'CONNORThe right hon. Gentleman has not said whether he will accept the sworn affidavits?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANIf the hon. Member sends me any document I will inquire into it; but the magistrate has already given me a full account.