§ MR. J. R. CAREW (Dublin, College Green)I beg to ask the Chief Secre 26 tary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether a patent was ever granted for the holding of a fair at Spancilhill, in the county Clare, on the 23rd and 24th June in each year, and to whom and when it was granted; and whether the patent granted in the reign of James the First for the holding of a fair at Spancilhill, otherwise Muckinish, on the 14th September of each year, can be utilised for the purpose of the fair on the 23rd and 24th June; and, if not, under what authority is the fair of the 23rd and 24th June held?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, CentralI believe that the patent mentioned in the hon. Member's Question is for the holding of a fair on the 14th September of each year, and that it was granted to Mr. Valentine Blake in the month of June 1621. A recent judgment of the Vice Chancellor of Ireland has apparently recognised that the fair authorised by this patent may be held on the 23rd and 24th June in each year, inasmuch as he has granted an injunction, after full argument, restraining any interference with the fairs held on those latter dates.