HC Deb 23 March 1893 vol 10 cc879-81
MR. T. W. RUSSELL

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the treatment of the Rev. Mr. Eagar, Protestant Rector of Killorglin, County Kerry; whether he is aware that a man residing close to the Rectory laid claim to and took possession of a field belonging to the Rector, on the ground that his grandfather occupied it 40 years ago, and that, on being remonstrated with by Mr. Eagar, he threatened to shoot him; that, after this man's conviction at the Killorglin Petty Sessions, threatening notices were posted on Mr. Eagar's gate and hall door; that the men employed to plough up the field were threatened and forced to leave; and that Mr. Eagar, an old man of 80 years of age, is now boycotted; and what steps the police are taking in the matter?

MR. J. MORLEY

As regards this question and that of which notice has been given by the hon. Member for South Antrim for Monday next on the same subject, I am informed that it is a fact that a man named Russell has laid claim to a field belonging to the Killorglin Rectory on the ground that it had been rented by his father 40 years ago; he has not, however, obtained possession of it. Notices were posted in January tolling Mr. Eagar not to sow Russell's field, and warning one of Mr. Eagar's workmen not to work for him. It is not a fact that Russell threatened to shoot Mr. Eagar when remonstrating with him, but some children of Russell's appear to have threatened Mrs. Eagar, who, however, did not proceed against them. The conviction at Killorglin Petty Sessions was on the 3rd inst., and was subsequent to all the notices. It was for trespass of cattle belonging to Russell in another field of Mr. Eagar's. One man usually employed by Mr. Eagar has refused to sow the field in dispute, but the work has been done by others, and to this extent only is Mr. Eagar boycotted. No one has yet been made amenable for the threatening notices.

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

Is not Mr. Eagar actually under police protection?

MR. J. MORLEY

No, but I understand he is carefully watched; constant personal protection is not deemed necessary. The feeling is not so embittered as the question indicates, because a cow of Russell's having been seized in default of the payment of the fine, Mrs. Eagar magnanimously paid the amount of the fine and returned the animal to Russell.

MR. CARSON (Dublin University)

Will these facts appear on the official record?

MR. J. MORLEY

If they come within the proper category they will so appear. No change whatever has been made in procedure in these matters.