HC Deb 19 July 1912 vol 41 cc686-7
Mr. MOONEY

May I ask whether a report has been received in regard to the disturbance at Kilrea, on the 13th inst., and more particularly whether there is any truth in the statement that attacks were made on women and children?

Mr. T. W. RUSSELL (Vice-President of the Board of Agriculture, Ireland)

I have received the following telegram from the police officer in the district:— No outrage was committed by Nationalists at Kilrea on 13th July last on women and children. The affair in question did not commence by an attack on a child of fourteen years, nor was any child severely hurt. The perpetrators did not then attack a party of excursionists, young women, nor pelt them with stones or other missiles. The facts are: A party riot provoked by a private dispute occurred in Kilrea on night of 13th inst., on the arrival of the last train from Portrush, between the Orangemen and a party of Ancient Order of Hibernians. Each side threw stones, bottles, and other missiles, Revolvers were discharged on both sides. Mark Reilly, jun., and Patrick Henry, Nationalists, were struck by revolver bullets. They have been medically treated, and are now doing well. Several shop windows, the property of traders on both sides, were broken. No arrests yet. The town is now quiet. Some of the rioters have been identified and will be prosecuted.

Mr. MOORE

Were these telegrams in response to certain questions sent by the right hon. Gentleman? If so, can we have the document which has been quoted and the correspondence laid on the Table?

Mr. RUSSELL

Yes, the answers are in response to questions put by me. I was not able to give the information on the day on which I was asked, but I promised to get it and I have now given it to the House.

Mr. MOORE

Is it not the case that the Hibernians assembled on that day and lay in wait for the return of the excursionists, and that the excusionists had no arms and no weapons, and that the attack was made on them by an organised band of Hibernians?

Mr. RUSSELL

I do not know about lying in wait, but it is a curious fact that if the excursionists had no arms two Nationalists happened to be shot.

Mr. MOORE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Nationalist who was shot was going over to meet his own men and was mistaken by them for a member of the other party?

Lord ROBERT CECIL

Is it not the practice for the police to furnish reports in writing on such matters, and was the Irish Government left entirely dependent on telegraphic communication in respect of a matter that took place over a week ago?

Mr. RUSSELL

I have no doubt that the Irish Government has received a report. It has not reached me.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

Is there any intention of communicating it to the House of Commons, and if not, why not?

Mr. RUSSELL

I have no doubt there will be no difficulty about it; but I differ from the allegations that have been made. What it really means is a public-house brawl.

Mr. MOORE

Did the County Inspector arrive on Sunday night in Kilrea, and have you not yet received a report from him?

Mr. RUSSELL

I cannot answer that question. The telegrams read are from the District Inspector.

Viscount HELMSLEY

Are revolvers a common adjunct to public-house rows in Ireland?

Mr. RUSSELL

I am afraid they very often are.

Mr. SHEEHY

Is it not common knowledge that the Orangemen have been boasting for the last three or four months that they are arming all over the North?