§ MR. ROCHE (Galway, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that on 3rd January the Police cleared the people out of the chapel yard at Gurteen, County Galway, placed two constables to guard the chapel door, and refused admission to the people; whether he is aware that the police were in charge of two district inspectors, with Lord Ashtown in command; will he state by what right Lord Ashtown acted in such a capacity; and will a full inquiry be granted into all the facts and circumstances forthwith.
§ MR. WYNDHAMA Court of Petty Sessions was held at Gurteen on the date mentioned. An attempt was made to interfere with and obstruct the administration of justice by holding a demonstration outside the Courthouse. The people were quietly dispersed by the police. A number of persons entered the chapel yard, which is opposite the court, and continued to indulge in shouting and groaning, when they were also quietly moved on by the police. Some of the crowd entered the Church, but they were not prevented from doing so by the police. The statement that Lord Ashtown commanded the police is without foundation. When the Court rose, a meeting, unmolested, was held in the village.