§ MR. CHARLES CRAIG (Antrim, S.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that John Murphy, of Kiltullagh, county Galway, received a letter on the 3rd instant threatening him with death if he continued to work for Michael Forde, of Kilarriff, who is boycotted because he refused to give up, at the request of the Kiltullagh branch of the United Irish League, a farm purchased by him under the Ashbourne Act; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I am informed by the police authorities that on 594 the date mentioned a threatening notice directed against John Murphy was found on the roadside. The notice, which alleged that Murphy was a supporter of Michael Forde, appeared to have been exposed to the weather for a considerable time, the paper and ink being much faded. Murphy has not been employed by Forde for the past year. Forde was at one time unpopular because he had purchased a portion of grazing farm, but he is not now boycotted as stated in the Question.