§ MR. LONSDALE (Armagh, Mid.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenent of Ireland whether it was reported to the police, in December last, that a party of armed men had visited the house of John Madden, of Cawnmore, Athenry, and fired several shots through the doors and windows; whether the reason assigned for the action was that Madden had paid his rent against the wishes of other tenants; and whether any attempt was made to trace these persons, and with what success.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I am informed by the police authorities that, on the evening of the 15th November last, several shots, apparently from a revolver, were fired outside the house of John Madden. None of the shots struck or entered the house. The police are unable to say whether more than one person was concerned in the offence, as no one was seen by the inmates. There is no evidence enabling me to assign a motive for the offence. The police have made every effort to trace the offender or offenders, but so far without success.