§ MR. HORACE PLUNKETTI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord; Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has been informed that the Rev. S. G. Cotton, incumbent of the parish of Carogh, County Kildare, who was recently convicted of gross cruelty to, and neglect of, the inmates of the Carogh Orphanage, and who was sentenced to six months' imprisonment and a fine of £400, is now out of prison and is again conducting an orphanage; whether he is aware that the Rev. S. G. Cotton's effects were recently seized for payment 1190 of the fine; and whether, under the circumstances, he will cause such orphanage to be officially inspected?
MR. J. MORLEYAs far as the police have been able to ascertain, there are two children at this so-called orphanage. The Rev. Mr. Cotton recently informed the District Inspector of Police that he had three other children in the place; but when that officer asked to be allowed to see these children he was directed by the rev. gentleman to leave the premises. The District Inspector has been informed by Government that if any person acting in the bonâ fide interest of any child at this place will make an information, pursuant to the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Act, 1891, that there is reasonable cause to suspect that the children, being under the statutable age, have been or are being ill-treated, or neglected, in the Carogh Orphanage, it will be competent for a Magistrate to issue a warrant to search for the children. Should it turn out that the children have been ill-treated or neglected the proceedings indicated by Section 6 of the Act can then be taken.