HC Deb 30 June 1890 vol 346 c310
MR. T. W. RUSSELL

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether he has seen a paragraph in the Scotsman of the 25th instant, in which the following passage occurs:— One day, recently, Miss Holmes, daughter of Rev. Mr. Holmes, Presbyterian minister, at Tipperary, was returning home to the manse after doing some shopping, when she was attacked by a brutal crowd and horribly cut about the head "; and whether the police have made any Report on the matter?

MR. MADDEN

The Constabulary Authorities report that the daughter of the rev. gentleman mentioned was, while on her way home, after purchasing some goods at a boycotted shop at Tipperary, attacked by some people, and stones thrown at her, striking her on the back. So far as the police are aware, her head was not injured.

MR. J. O'CONNOR

Did the molestation consist of this: that on returning from a boycotted shop, this lady was remonstrated with by two girls for having dealt at that shop; that when the young lady threatened them with the police, the girls stated that they did not care; that next day, when she was accompanied by policemen, some children and girls attacked the police, when it was stated that the attack might be misinterpreted; and that since that time Mr. Holmes and his daughter had walked the streets of Tipperary every day without molestation or interference?

MR. MADDEN

My information does not bear out the information laid before the hon. Member.

MR. J. O'CONNOR

I will repeat the question.

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

May I ask whether, in view of this practice of remonstrating with people who have a right to purchase where they like, adequate protection will be given to persons like Miss Holmes?

MR. MADDEN

Certainly.