§ MR. HALPIN (Clare, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that a 515 tenant purchaser on the Hickman Estate in county Clare has been sent to gaol at Carrigaholt Petty Sessions on February 8th for shooting on his farm, as he thought he had a right to do; and when fined 10s. with the alternative of a week in gaol, he asked to have the fine increased to enable him to appeal, the resident magistrate refused; and whether he will cause an inquiry into the matter.
MR. BRYCEI am informed that in this case Patrick Cahill was convicted, not for shooting on his own farm, but for killing rabbits on a farm which is specially used by the landlord for the breeding of rabbits. I have no information that the defendant asked to have the fine increased in order that he might appeal, but in any event that question was one for the magistrates to decide. I have no power to order an inquiry into the matter.
§ MR. HALPINWill the right hon. Gentleman instruct the resident magistrates to discontinue the objectionable practice of preventing appeals?