§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether it has been decided not to proceed further with the charges against eighteen men from the Gowel district, County Leitrim, of driving cattle, off a grazing farm at Kiltoghert on Easter Monday; and, if so, whether he will state the reasons for this decision.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe men in question were summoned to give sureties to keep the peace. The case was heard at Carrick-on-Shannon Petty Sessions, on 110 28th May, when the magistrates were equally divided in opinion and the case was consequently adjourned. It has since been decided not to proceed further with the case, seeing that there has been no renewal of cattle-driving in the locality during the past two months.
§ MR. LONSDALEDoes the right hon. Gentleman hope to put down cattle driving by the display of such leniency?
§ MR. BIRRELLI am of a hopeful disposition.