§ MR. CHARLES CRAIG (Antrim, S.)I beg to ask Mr. Attorney-General for Ireland if he is aware that, in October, 1904, four shots were fired into the house of Patrick Costello, at Ballymacward, county Galway; that, on the night of Sunday, February 26th, 1905, 650 yards of solidly-built walls surrounding Costello's grazing farm at Killivaun were thrown down by a party of men, thus rendering the farm useless for grazing purposes; that the cause of these outrages was that Costello had taken steps to have a judicial rent fixed in opposition to the wishes of the United Irish League in the district; and what steps the Government are taking to deal with outrages of this kind.
§ MR. ATKINSONShots, apparently from a revolver, were fired into the house of Patrick Costello on the evening of the October 30th last. Costello stated that four shots were fired, but the police could only find traces of two. On the night of the February 26th, about 600 yards of a wall on the farm held by Costello were thrown down. The police are pursuing their investigations in the matter, and I am unable at present to make any statement in respect to the causes to which the outrages are attributed. The condition of this district is receiving the earnest attention of the Government.
§ MR. REDDY (King's County, Birr)Did the hon. Member get his information from Lord Ashtown, the most notorious newsmonger in?
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!
§ MR. CHARLES CRAIGAm I to understand that none of the large party of men engaged in this outrage have been discovered?
§ MR. ATKINSONYes.
§ MR. ROCHE (Galway, E.)Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a bailiff in the employment of the landlord was caught firing shots the other night?
§ [No Answer was returned.]