6. Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a soldier named Ferreston and his wife were shouted at and booed as they came out of the Protestant church at New Ross on Sunday, 2nd June last; whether he will state the reason for this intimidation on account of their religious belief; and what steps are being taken to afford them the free exercise of their religion?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)I have obtained a police report, from which it appears that a small crowd, consisting principally of children, booed at Ferreston and his wife when leaving church on the 2nd inst., the reason apparently being that Mrs. Ferreston's female relations were dissatisfied with her for changing her religion. The Ferrestons' attended church on three subsequent occasions without any notice being taken of them. They have now left New Ross for London on a visit, and the police do not anticipate any trouble on their return.