§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If it is a fact that on Sunday the 10th of July a number of Orangemen from Portadown proceeded to Drumcree Church, near the town; whether they marched, through the Catholic quarter of the town protected by police; whether, during the service, a portion of the congregation who came out attacked the orchard of a respectable Catholic farmer, named Patrick O'Connor; whether he was subsequently attacked by the mob and severely injured; and, why was it that the police escort did not interfere to preserve law and order, and prevent the attack?
THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet) (who replied)said: The District Inspector of Constabulary reports that on Sunday, July 10, the Orangemen from Portadown attended Drumcree Church, in accordance with their annual custom. They marched, without music, through O'Bin Street, as being the most direct route. There was no police escort; some constables were placed on duty in the street. The service was held in the open air at the church. Patrick O'Connor has an orchard adjoining the church, and he states that some small boys threw stones at the apple trees, and that he was struck by one of the stones on the side. He was not attacked. The police, on the following day, on hearing of the occurrence through his daughter, proceeded to the residence of O'Connor, and found him at work as usual. He states he does not intend to prosecute the boys.
§ MR. CHANCE (Kilkenny, S.)asked, what was the name of the District Inspector who supplied the information?
§ COLONEL KING-HARMANsaid, he had not got it.