§ Mr. DELANYasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of alleged cattle-driving at Cullohill, Queen's County; whether he is aware that fifteen men were arrested, brought before a resident magistrate at a special Court, at which the local magistrates were prevented from acting, and the fifteen men were returned for trial at the Assizes; can he say why the alleged offenders were not summoned and brought before the ordinary Petty Sessions Court; and why were they placed under arrest and put to the expense of defence at the Assizes?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMy attention has been called to this case. These men were arrested by the police on information and warrant, and brought before the resident magistrate, who returned them for trial to the Assizes on the charge of unlawful assembly. This procedure is strictly legal, and was adopted by the Attorney-General as the most proper and convenient course to take in the circumstances. The offence being an indictable one, could not be disposed of at Petty Sessions, and it was absolutely necessary to send the case for trial at the Assizes.