§ MR. KILBRIDE (Kildare, S.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the remarks made by Mr. Hodder, R.M., in convicting a man called Trew at Belfast on Friday for indecent behaviour, as to the character of the religious meetings held at the Custom-house steps in Belfast every Sunday, and the language used thereat; and whether, in view of his statement that the present system should be put 675 an end to, lie can state what action the Government proposes to take.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) I have read a newspaper report of the resident magistrate's remarks, in the course of which he is stated to have said that it would be a credit to the city and its authorities if the state of things referred to could be put an end to. The defendant was fined 40s. and costs or a month's imprisonment for the offence of indecent behaviour on the occasion alluded to. The Government will continue to enforce the law.