§ MR. CHARLES CRAIGI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that on 1st May the cattle were driven off Muckland Farm, near Ballinmore Bridge, by a crowd of men; that on the night of 30th April the cattle and sheep of Patrick Raftery were driven off the grazing farm of Cuskeydally, and scattered amongst the bogs and by roads of the neighbourhood; and that the walls on the farms were thrown down during the same night; and will he say what action he is taking in the matter.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe facts are generally as stated in the Question. In the first case, the cattle were driven to the owner's residence and given up to him. The cattle were subsequently put back without opposition, an amicable agreement having been come to between the owner and the local tenants. In the second case, the cattle were driven off the farm at night through gaps in a loose stone wall. The cattle were recovered uninjured. In the first case it was not considered necessary to take proceedings, as the people had abandoned their attitude of opposition. In the second case the offenders were unknown.
§ MR. T. L. CORBETTWhat was the amicable arrangement come to?
§ MR. BIRRELLI cannot say.
§ MR. T. L. CORBETTWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiry?
§ MR. BIRRELLIf you like, yes.