§ MR. ALEXANDER BLAINEasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether by the direction of the Judge of the Court of Probate in Ireland, Mr. George Hill Smith was a speaker on the platform at the Scriptural Schools, Downshire Road, Newry, on Friday, February 19th, 1886, where he is reported to have said that—
He was glad of the opportunity in Newry, where they had assembled in public meeting, to send to Mr. William Ewart Gladstone, our answer to his recent request not upon a postcard (laughter), but in the shape of resolutions which would be passed there that night;and further he is reported to have said—these eighty-six Parnellite Members were the representatives of the moonlighters, the murderers, and the cattle maimers;whether Mr. George Hill Smith is the district registrar of the Court of Probate at Armagh; and, whether his conduct will be taken into consideration?
THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. JOHN MORLEY)Mr. George Hill Smith is the District Registrar of the Court of Probate at Armagh. The attention of the Judge of the Court has been called to this question, and he states that the attendance and speaking of Mr. Smith on the occasion referred to were not by his direction, and without his knowledge or sanction. The Judge has applied to Mr. Smith for an explanation, and he has written disclaiming the accuracy of the report.