§ MR. O'MARA (Kilkenny, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that, at the Kilkenny Assises last Friday, Sergeant Sheridan swore that he had resorted to deliberate misrepresentation to procure evidence; whether it is usual to obtain evidence in this manner; and whether steps will be taken to punish Sergeant Sheridan.
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. ATKINSON,) Londonderry, N.I will reply to this Question. The sergeant, in order to obtain a specimen of the handwriting of the accused, resorted to the stratagem of asking him to fill up one of the forms used under the Weights and Measures Act, alleging, untruthfully no doubt, that it was necessary for millowners like the accused to fill such forms. This was the only misrepresentation made by the sergeant. It is not, however, usual or proper to obtain evidence by such means, and the sergeant has been so informed by his superiors; but in their opinion no punishment is called for in the case.
§ Mr. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)Perhaps the Government will give the sergeant an appointment at the Colonial Office.