MR. T. M. HEALYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland when was Mr. Beresford, R.M., appointed to the County Louth; how often has he attended at the Louth Petty Sessions during that time; and is he aware that a number of cases at this Petty Sessions were adjourned on the 16th of March that required a second Magistrate?
MR. J. MORLEYThe Resident Magistrate referred to was appointed to the Drogheda District in February, 1892. Since his appointment Petty Sessions have been held at Louth 30 times, at eight of which he was present. On the remaining occasions he was either in attendance at other Sessions in his district or employed in various duties at his station, on leave of absence. I understand that four cases wore adjourned at Potty Sessions on the 16th March owing to the non-attendance of a second Magistrate. No steps were taken by the Clerk of Petty Sessions to secure the attendance of a second Magistrate, as there is generally, he explains, a full attendance of Justices at the Louth Sessions.