§ MR. WILLIAM ABRAHAM (Cork County, N. E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the attention of the Estates Commissioners has been called to the case of Mr. Patrick Ahern, of Ballylough, a second-term tenant on the Kingston estate, who refused the terms of purchase offered to second-term tenants, namely twenty-six and a quarter years, with interest at the rate of four per cent. on the purchase money, which would amount to more than his old rent; whether he is aware that, in consequence of Ahern's refusal to agree to these conditions, Mr. Henry Frend, agent of an estate, has compelled the tenant to pay three gales of rent in one year, and has since harassed him in every possible way; and whether, seeing that about two years ago the Estates Commissioners promised a full inquiry into all the circumstances of the case, he can state when such inquiry will take place.
Mr. BRYCEThe Estates Commissioners inform me that they are aware that Patrick Ahern, a tenant on the Kingston estate, has not signed an agreement for the purchase of his holding. The Commissioners have directed their in- 954 spector to inquire into and report upon the circumstances of the case when he visits the estate. In the meantime, the Commissioners have no information as to the terms of purchase offered to Ahern, or as to the payment of rent by him. The Commissioners think it probable that the estate will be inspected early in the coming year.