HC Deb 11 May 1904 vol 134 cc1018-9
MR. HAYDEN (Roscommon, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Sergeant Frizelle, of Frenchpark, county Roscommon, on Saturday evening last prevented a local band from practising on the public road, and threatened that in the event of their doing so he would not allow them to practice in future; and, if so, will be state whether the sergeant has any power to enable him to adopt such a course.

MR. WYNDHAM

The sergeant had reason to believe that the object of the band on this particular occasion was to promote an unlawful demonstration in respect of a farm which adjoins the public road. In this belief the sergeant remonstrated in a friendly manner with the bandsmen and they at once desisted. In reply to the second part of the Question, no hard and fast rule can be laid down; every case must be considered on its own merits and having regard to the circumstances of the moment.

MR. HAYDEN

asked by what authority the sergeant acted in this manner.

MR. WYNDHAM

replied that some one must be the judge as to the steps to be taken to prevent a breach of the peace. It was a difficult duty to discharge and he understood that in this case the band made no demur.

MR. MURPHY (Kerry, E.)

But the charge is that the sergeant threatened to break the big drum unless his orders were obeyed? Why should he be allowed to act in that manner?

MR. WYNDHAM

My information is that he remonstrated in a friendly way.

MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)

Are we to understand that in future sergeants in the Royal Irish Constabulary are to be the sole judges whether or not a band shall be allowed to play in public?

MR. WYNDHAM

That is not the question at all.

MR. FLAVIN

It is.

MR. BLAKE (Longford, S.)

Would it be remonstrating in a friendly manner to break the big drum?

[No answer was returned.]