HC Deb 18 May 1893 vol 12 cc1270-2
MR. SMITH-BARRY (Hunts, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a meeting at Fethard, County Tipperary, on 7th May, reported in The Nationalist or 13th May, over which the Rev. Archdeacon Ryan, P.P., presided, and held for the purpose of denouncing a Mr. Ashmore for having taken a farm which had been surrendered by a man named Fenelly; whether he is aware that a resolution was adopted to treat Mr. Ashmore as a grabber, and the attention of the meeting called to the fact that a certain trader was supplying those on the farm with provisions; whether it has been brought to his notice that last autumn several outrages to cattle were perpetrated on a neighbouring farm which was being worked in conjunction with the farm in question; and whether he will take steps to prevent the holding of public meetings to intimidate individuals who are exercising their legal rights?

MR. J. MORLEY

My attention has been drawn to the proceedings referred to in the first and second paragraphs of the question. With regard to the third paragraph, it appeal's that two such outrages were reported to the police as having taken place. In one of these compensation was awarded by the Grand Jury, but in the other case the claim for compensation was rejected at Presentment Sessions. As regards the fourth paragraph, steps have been, and will continue to be, taken to prevent and to prohibit, if necessary, public meetings where there is reason to believe that they will endanger the public peace or intimidate individuals in the exercise of legal rights.

MR. T. M. HEALY

What is meant by the word "denouncing" in this case? Is it not perfectly legal for persons to maintain the advisability of non-grabbing of evicted land?

MR. J. MORLEY

I rather think that denouncing in this case meant pointing an individual out to public disapproval. If it leads to overt acts, or if the denunciation is so directed to the individual in question as to intimidate him in the exercise of his legal right, then the Government will interfere.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the decision of a London Magistrate within the last week, whereby persons circulating in front of his door handbills calling attention to the fact that an employer had refused to allow his servants certain holidays were held to have acted legally?

MR. J. MORLEY

I did not say this was illegal.

MR. SEXTON

On what ground was one of the two claims for compensation refused?

MR. J. MORLEY

I must ask for notice of that.