§ MR. D. KILBRIDE (Galway, N)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Captain Higginson, who was appointed for 1897 high sheriff for the county of the town of Carrickfergus, refuses to act; whether any, and if so, what proceedings have been instituted by the Attorney General in the matter; under what authority can a citizen in Ireland be compelled to accept an office which frequently involves considerable loss of time and money; and if he will give the name and address of the person now discharging the duties belonging to the office of high sheriff in Carrickfergus?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURCaptain Higginson has refused to serve. Proceedings by criminal information have been instituted against him at the suit of the Attorney General. It has long been established that any person who, having been appointed Sheriff, refuses to serve, is guilty of a misdemeanour. A gentleman named Hutchinson was proceeded against similarly for a like refusal in the year 1893 by the late Government. The Sheriff of last year, Mr. Wilson, is bound to discharge the duties of the office till his successor has entered upon his duties.