§ MR. WILLIAM ABRAHAM (Limerick, W.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, when the train conveying Mr. O'Brien, M.P., was passing through the railway station, Newcastle West, county Limerick, on the 23rd ultimo, a number of the inhabitants of Newcastle West, with a band, had assembled in a field near the station for the purpose of showing sympathy with the honourable Member; whether on the arrival of the train some 20 policemen left the station, and, entering into the field where the people were, without any provocation being offered, proceeded to baton them indiscriminately, having first attempted to deprive the bandsmen of their instruments; and who is the officer responsible for giving the order?
§ *MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Constabulary authorities report that on the occasion in question a large and disorderly crowd had assembled. Some 18 or 20 police were told off to guard the train at the approach to it from the field; the crowd became very violent, and stoned the police, whereupon the officer in charge, District Inspector Wright, ordered the crowd to be dispersed. The Head Constable and two Constables were struck with stones, one Constable being severely injured, and unable to do duty for a week after- 1792 wards. No one in the crowd appears to have received any injury. No attempt was made to deprive the bandsmen of their instruments.
§ Mr. FLYNN (Cork, N.)Was there any disorderly conduct indulged in beyond cheering Mr. O'Brien?
§ *MR. A. J. BALFOURI gather, from the information supplied to me, that the crowd did not disperse until after violence had been displayed by the police.