§ COLONEL HUGHES-HALLETT (Rochester)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he is aware that two old Snider rifles belonging to the 9th Battalion Rifle Brigade (Irish Militia) burst during the practice at Mullingar a few days ago; and, whether there is a certainty, in accordance with promises made, that all the Irish Militia will next year, in time for their several periods of training, be armed with the Martini-Henry rifle, the old Snider being withdrawn?
§ THE SURVEYOR GENERAL OF ORDNANCE (Mr. NORTHCOTE) (Exeter)(who replied) said: A Report has been received of the bursting of one Snider rifle belonging to the 9th Battalion Rifle Brigade (Irish Militia). The rifle had been examined and reported fit for use, and at present the accident cannot be accounted for. This is the last training at which the Irish Militia will be required to use the Snider rifle. They will have the Martini-Henry next year.