CAPTAIN CRAIGI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether a cattle drive took place on the night of Tuesday, 3rd, March last, on three farms at Cullenagh near Maryborough, Queen's County; if so, whether he can state the names of the owners of the farms; and whether the police can assign any reason for the outrage, and have they brought anyone to justice in connection with it.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe fact is as stated in the Question. The three farms belong to Mr. Toler of Birr, and they are occupied by Messrs. Hodgins, Wynne, and Waters respectively. The police cannot state what the reason for the offence may have been. The offenders have not been brought to justice.
§ MR. CHARLES CRAIG (Antrim, S.)Can the right hon. Gentleman form any estimate of the time when there will be some arrests in connection with these outrages?
§ MR. BIRRELLIt depends entirely on what evidence is forthcoming.
§ MR. KILBRIDE (Kildare, S.)Is it the fact that this property has been sold and the Estates Commissioners have it for redistribution?
§ MR. BIRRELLI do not know.