§ Mr. DORISasked the Chief Secretary if he can state how many hours after his arrest Mr. Joseph Conroy, Turlough, county Mayo, was brought before a Resident Magistrate at Castlebar, charged without any previous notice, with using intimidatory language at a public meeting, and sentenced to three months' imprisonment, the magistrate refusing to allow him time to procure professional assistance or evidence for his defence; and whether, in the circumstances, he will take prompt steps to have Mr. Conroy released from Castlebar prison, and to afford him a fair trial after reasonable time for the preparation of his defence?
§ Mr. RUSSELLThe Inspector-General informs me that Mr. Joseph Conroy was arrested at eight o'clock a.m. on Thursday, the 5th instant, and was brought before the resident magistrate at Castlebar at ten o'clock a.m. on the same date. No application was made by Mr. Conroy for an adjournment to obtain professional assistance or to produce evidence. Mr. Conroy was committed to gaol for three months in default of finding bail for his good behaviour. He can be released on finding solvent sureties.