§ MR. CHARLES CRAIG (Antrim, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the
† See (4) Debates, cxl., 516.717 Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in view of the fact that fourteen summonses have been issued against Patrick Costelloe for trespass of his sheep on the lands of others, which was caused by the malicious destruction of his fences, he will bring the facts before the Estates Commissioners, with a view to their refusing to assist in any way in the purchase and resale and sub-division of Costelloe's farm to small holders.
§ MR. ATKINSONAt Gurteen Petty Sessions on Friday last a number of summonses against Costelloe for the trespass of his sheep were heard; as also several summonses on his complaint against others for the trespass of their cattle on his lands. Damages were awarded against the parties on both sides. It appeared that these acts of trespass were due to the fact that 600 yards of the walls of Costelloe's farm had been maliciously knocked down, and it was stated that Costelloe was unable to procure labour to repair the fences. The estate of which Costelloe's farm is a part is under the care of the Lord Chancellor in a lunacy matter. No proceedings for sale have come before the Estates Commissioners, nor can they come before them without the order of the Lord Chancellor, who will be duly informed of these matters. Should the Lord Chancellor make an order for sale, I do not think the Lord-Lieutenant could, in a particular case, take the course suggested; but, as my hon. friend has been already informed, it is hoped to deal with the question of intimidation in the regulations.
§ MR. MACVEAGHFor the purposes of Parliamentary discussion is this case returned as twenty-seven cases or only as one?
§ [No Answer was returned.]