§ DR. AMBROSE (Mayo, W.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Newport, county Mayo, police have been acting for several months past in the capacity of water bailiffs for the local landlords; that Sergeant Hunnigan and other members of the Newport police have been stationed on several nights, dressed in civilian clothes, at Lettermaghera waterfalls, within two miles of the town; and will he say who gave them instructions to act in such a manner and by whoso authority they have been turned into bailiffs.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Inspector-General informs me that the police have not acted as water bailiffs in this case. During the past month policemen have on several occasions visited the place named, with the object of detecting fishing for salmon by means of unlicensed instruments, there being reason to believe that such illegal fishing was taking place. Under the 11 and 12 Vic., cap. 92, section 29, the police have power to demand the production of licences to fish with engines, nets, or instruments, and any person failing to produce a licence on demand is subject to penalties.