§ MR. MOORE (Armagh, N.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that on Monday, 24th February, a riotous crowd of thirty persons in open daylight overpowered the police protecting the property of Mr. Bond, of Fairy Hall, Rath-owen, and forced cattle up his avenue 1087 to the windows of his house and destroyed his lawn, flower-beds, and tennis ground; if the sergeant of police warned the crowd that he would hold them responsible; and if it is the intention of the Government to proceed against any of the members of the crowd.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The police authorities inform me that the cattle referred to in the Question were seized for non-payment of rent from a tenant on the estate of Mrs. McEndoo and Mrs. Reid. The animals were sold at Mullin-gar on 24th February, and were bought in for the tenant from whom they had been seized. A number of people assembled, and after the sale drove the cattle homewards. When passing the house of Mr. Bond, who is the agent of the estate referred to, some of the crowd drove the cattle through his gate and up the avenue leading to the house, damaging the turf, but doing no permanent injury. The police who were present remonstrated with the people and tried to stop the cattle, and at length drove them back to the road assisted by some of the crowd. The question of instituting proceedings is under consideration.