§ Mr. SANDYSasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he was aware that cattle-drives took place in the following districts on the dates named: from Thomas Flynn's lands, Moyna, Buckfield, Westport, 11th January, 1912; from Thady O'Brien's lands, Ballyogan, 29th January and 2nd February; from Messrs. Shirley and Ashmore's lands, at Gurtnahilla, 2nd February; from William Dunne's farm, at Corbally, 5th February; from M. O'Sullivan's farm at Gortalinny, 7th February; from W. Doran's land, at Corimbla, county Mayo, 15th February; and from C. W. Smith's lands, at Ballynanty, 19th February; and whether any arrests had now been made in connection with these outrages?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)I have nothing to add to the replies given to the hon. Member's previous questions as to these cases.
§ Mr. PATRICK MEEHANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that it is common knowledge in certain parts of Ireland that graziers drive cattle themselves in order to get compensation from the county court?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have heard of reports of that kind.
§ Mr. SANDYSDoes the right hon. Gentleman suggest that any of the cases named in this question come under the description of the hon. Member?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, Sir, I do not suggest anything at all. All I have said was that I have heard of such reports.
§ Sir JOHN LONSDALEHas the right hon. Gentleman received the reports from any authentic source?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI cannot say what is an authentic source, except the hon. Baronet himself.
§ Mr. CHARLES CRAIGDoes the right hon. Gentleman place any credence whatever in the reports mentioned by the hon. Member (Mr. Patrick Meehan), and does he believe there is anything in the statement that these cattle drives are actually carried out by owners of cattle?
§ Mr. SANDYSasked whether on the evening of 21st February, 1912, a shop in the occupation of William Whelan, in Cross Street, Portumna, was fired into; and whether any arrests have now been made in connection with this occurrence?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe facts are as stated. No arrests have been made.
§ Mr. SANDYSIs the right hon. Gentleman unable to take any steps to deal with this state of affairs?
§ Mr. BIRRELLYes, Sir, I am taking many steps.
§ Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, whether he is aware that on Monday last, the 25th instant, when three men, named John Cournane, aged sixty, Edward M'Donnell, and his son Michael, were returning in a pony trap from Castlemaine Fair to Tralee, county Kerry, they were shot at and wounded; can he inform the House the nature of the injuries inflicted on these men, and the reason ascribed by the police for the outrage; whether any arrests have been made; and what precautions have been taken by the police to protect them from further assault?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThese men were fired at as stated. Michael M'Donnell was hit in the back—his lung being penetrated. His father was struck in the arm and face, but is not seriously hurt. The other man was wounded in the left hand and face—his eyes being injured. The motive for this occurrence is a matter of opinion. Two arrests have been made. The police are taking every precaution to protect these men from any further assault.