§ MR. MACALEESEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland—(1) whether he is aware that Orange flags were displayed from all the windows of the Newbliss courthouse on Monday the 13th July; that the courthouse was occupied during a portion of that day by a numerous body of Orangemen, including a band which crowded the magisterial bench, and played "Kick the Pope," "Boyne Water," and other party tunes; and that two justices of the peace, adorned with Orange sashes, took part in this demonstration; 268 (2) is he also aware that there was suspended across the principal street of the town an Orange arch, under which the Roman Catholic inhabitants of the place, in proceeding about their ordinary business, were obliged to pass, amidst the gibes of persons assembled there; (3) will he take notice of the conduct of the magistrates who gave encouragement to these proceedings; and (1) will he advise that some other building than the present be obtained for judicial purposes in Newbliss?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOUROn the 2nd and 9th instant I stated, in answer to Questions put to me, that the room in which Petty Sessions are held at New-bliss had never been used for party purposes, nor had flags or emblems ever been displayed from this room. That statement was, I believe, correct; but I am informed that on the 13th instant Orange flags were displayed from the windows of this room, that the room was occupied by Orangemen, including a band which played several tunes, the names of which I have not been able to ascertain. Regarding the second paragraph, the police inform me that so far as they can ascertain there is no foundation for the statement that insult was offered to Roman Catholics who passed under the floral arch. As to the use of the Petty Sessions room in the manner described on the 13th instant, I have referred the matter to the Lord Chancellor.