HC Deb 01 June 1893 vol 12 cc1734-5
MR. DANE (Fermanagh, N.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, with reference to the attack on a farmer named John Collins, whose house at Cree North, in the County of Clare, was attacked upon the night of Monday, May 22, by a band of disguised moonlighters, and several shots fired into it, whether shortly previous to this outrage notices had been posted in the district, signed "Captain Moonlight," threatening Collins with death if he persisted in exercising his legal rights against his under tenants; have any arrests been made; and what steps have been taken to render Collins and his family protection?

*MR. WILLIAM KENNY (Dublin, St. Stephen's Green)

At the same time, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that a threatening notice, signed "Captain Moonlight," had been posted on Collins' door some time before the out- rage; whether he is also aware that Collins has recently been obliged to take ejectment proceedings against his subtenants, and had obtained decrees for possession of some small holdings; whether this outrage will appear in the official Returns as an agrarian one; and if any arrests have been made in connection with it?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. J. MORLEY,) Newcastle-upon-Tyne

I am informed that it is true that an outrage of the nature indicated took place on the night of May 22, and that about a fortnight previously a threatening notice was received by Collins. No report of this notice was made to the police until after the attack on his house. Collins has taken proceedings against two of his sub-tenants, but has not, so far, obtained decrees. No arrests have yet been made; the police have taken steps for affording adequate protection to Collins and his family. The outrage referred to has been recorded in the official Returns as agrarian.

*MR. W. KENNY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if the place at which this outrage was committed is not 30 miles outside the disturbed area which he recently referred to?

MR. J. MORLEY

I cannot answer that without notice.