12. Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary whether he has been informed of an outrage which occurred on the night of Wednesday, the 8th instant, near Mohill, county Leitrim, when shots were fired into the house of a man named Lynch; whether this outrage is the outcome of a boycotting conspiracy against a local school teacher; and, if so, what steps are being taken to put an end to the disturbance which exists in the locality?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe police authorities inform me that a shot was fired into the house of James Lynch on the morning of the 7th instant, but that no harm was done except the breaking of a window. The motive for this occurrence is a matter of opinion. The county inspector informs me that he has arranged for a continuous system of patrols from the surrounding stations and has reason to believe that the trouble in the locality will be over in a few days.
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, Sir.
18. Captain CRAIGasked the right hon. Gentleman whether he has received information of a cattle drive which occurred on the 9th instant on the lands of Dr. Crean, near Ballygar, county Galway; whether he is aware that the lands in question are demesne lands which the neighbouring tenants demand to be distributed 588 amongst them; whether the Congested Districts Board is in treaty with Dr. Crean for the purchase of the lands; whether there is reason to believe that this cattle drive has been undertaken with a view to intimidating Dr. Crean to part with his property at a lower price than he considers just; and whether it is the intention of the Congested Districts Board to go on with the purchase under the circumstances?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe police inform me that on the 9th instant sixty-three sheep and twenty-two head of cattle were driven off a farm at Rookwood, near Ballygar, the property of Dr. Crean. Twenty-one men have been arrested and are awaiting trial. As regards the remainder of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply to the question on this subject asked by the hon. Member for East Galway on the 20th instant.
§ Mr. BIRRELLTwenty-one men.
20. Captain CRAIGasked the right hon. Gentleman whether he has received a report of a murderous attack made upon Mr. M. A. Macnamara, in the Ennis district of county Clare; and whether Mr. Macnamara has been severely wounded by gunshots fired at him at his own door?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe police authorities inform me that on the 9th instant a shot was fired at Mr. Macnamara at his residence wounding him in the left arm. Three gunshots were also fired at the front of the house, breaking a window. I am glad to be able to say that Mr. Macnamara is progressing favourably. Three arrests have been made.