§ MR. MEYSEY-THOMPSON (Staffordshire, Handsworth)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received a police report to the effect that Mr. Johnston, of Bawnboy House, when about to visit his property near Dowra, county Cavan, on 19th February last, was met by a crowd with drums and horns and was prevented from proceeding; whether the bench of magistrates at Dowra petty sessions decided that the assembly was unlawful; and why the accused were forthwith discharged.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe police summoned several persons for unlawful assembly on the occasion referred to in the Question. The case was heard on 10th instant, when the magistrates held that the offence was proved, and that the facts would have justified them in binding the defendants to keep the peace. Having regard, however, to the previous good character of the defendants, and to the fact that there had been no renewal of the disorder, the magistrates did not think it necessary to require bail.
§ MR. MEYSEY-THOMPSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in March last a postman was assaulted at this place in the execution of his duty.? Will he see that the magistrates do enforce the law?
§ MR. BIRRELLhoped the magistrates did so in all parts of Ireland.
§ * MR. VINCENT KENNEDYinquired if Mr. Johnston was deputy-lieutenant of the county, grand master of the Orangemen, and a Poor Law guardian, and if he 63 did not hold several other similar public appointments in the locality; and would the Chief Secretary save him from the pain caused by the suggestion that he was unpopular amongst his supposed friends.
§ [No Answer was returned.]