MR. T. M. HEALYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland—(1) has the attention of the Lord Chancellor been called to the conviction of Major M'Farlane, J. P., at the last Dundrum petty sessions, for assaulting his servant on 8th August; (2) whether he is aware that four or five years ago the same defendant was convicted of assaulting a solicitor named Davis; and that he was also arrested in Rathmines, within the past two years, and convicted of another offence; and, (3) is it intended that Major M'Farlane shall retain Her Majesty's Commission as Justice of the Peace
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe Lord Chancellor informs me that when his attention was drawn by a Press report to the conviction referred to in the first paragraph, he at once requested Major M'Farlane to furnish him with an explanation. An appeal has been entered by this gentleman against the decision of the magistrates, and the Lord Chancellor awaits its determination before deciding what further action it may be necessary for him to take in the matter.