§ MR. J. J. CLANCY (Dublin Co. N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that at the Petty Sessions held in Edenderry, King's County, on the 15th instant, charges were preferred against several parties by constables who were unable to attend in court to prosecute them; that in their absence the head constable of the district took upon himself the duty of acting as complainant, calling and examining witnesses; and, whether such a practice is sanctioned by the Constabulary Regulations; and, if not, what notice he intends taking of the matter?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe nominal complainants being absent on duty the head constable, with the permission of the Bench and the full concurrence of the defendants, proceeded to call the witnesses who proved the charge. The head constable did not examine any of the witnesses. There was nothing illegal in this course, nor was it contrary to the police regulations, and it was adopted for the convenience of the defendants, in order to spare them the trouble of attending on a second occasion.