§ MR. JAMES O'CONNOR (Wicklow, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the action of the Rev. Mr. Hallowes in insisting, upon conducting a Protestant service close to a public meeting in Arklow on Sunday, the 24th of June; whether he is aware that the rev. gentleman had been warned beforehand that his action would be likely to cause a broach of the peace, and that he was permitted by the inspector in charge to carry on his proceedings at the police barrack while the 285 meeting was being held, to the annoyance of the public and to the Catholic members of the force; and whether the Irish Government will take steps to protect the people of Arklow from such practices of the Rev. Mr. Hallowes.
§ MR. G. W. BALFOURMy attention has been directed to the proceedings at Arklow on Sunday, the 24th June. The rev. gentleman had previously been re quested by the police not to sing or preach while passing the meeting referred to. Notwithstanding this, however, he did march through the streets and close up to the meeting, his followers singing the while. A breach of the peace being imminent, the police moved him and his party, for their own safety, to the barrack square, in which they continued to carry on their service free from interference and where neither the public nor the police were affected by it. The police had a difficult duty to discharge on the occasion, and they discharged it with tact and efficiency.
§ *MR. WILLIAM JOHNSTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say what was the character of the meeting?
§ MR. G. W. BALFOURIt was called during the time divine service is usually held.
§ MR. JAMES O'CONNORHave Catholic clergymen ever disturbed Protestant meetings in this disreputable manner?
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! That does not arise out of the question.