§ MR. O'DOWD (Sligo, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Rooskey, County Mayo, band, whilst performing on Christmas day, as is their annual custom, were attacked by sergeants Clancy and Lynch, who endeavoured to destroy the instruments, which afterwards had to be carried to Mylough, in Sligo County, for safety; will he say by whose authority the sergeants named thus acted, and when these bandsmen can regain possession of their instruments without further interference.
§ MR. ATKINSONThe only statement in this Question which is founded on fact is that the band went out on Christmas Day. The allegation that the police endeavoured to destroy the instruments is absolutely without foundation. The police know nothing as to the whereabouts of the instruments.
§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork County, N.)And will the right hon. Gentleman say whence he derived this information?
§ MR. ATKINSONFrom the police.