HC Deb 27 March 1913 vol 50 cc1812-3
25. Mr. BOLAND

asked what date the purchase agreements of the Colomb estate, near Kenmare, were lodged; whether this was effected with the Congested Districts Board or the Estates Commissioners; and when it is expected that the sale will be completed?

Mr. RUSSELL

The hon. Member presumably refers to the estate of Rupert P. Colomb, situate in the townlands of Reen and Dunkerron, county Kerry, which is the subject of proceedings for sale direct by the owner to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1909. The purchase agreements were lodged with the Estates Commissioners in November last, and the estate will be dealt with in order of priority, but the Commissioners are not at present in a position to say when the sale will be completed.

33. Mr. GILHOOLY

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to an eviction last week on the estate of Mr. Simon White, of Glengarriffe Castle; whether he is aware that the father of Timothy Leary, the evicted tenant, built at his own expense the house on the holding from which Timothy Leary was evicted, and that prior to the famine of 1847 he paid his rent in cash and, seeing he could not continue to do so, paid it by labour, which was plentiful at that time; whether he is aware that Timothy Leary continued to pay in labour until recently, his wage being 1s. per day without board, when he obtained twice these wages on works opened in the district, but offered to pay in cash; and, seeing that this offer was refused and a decree to possession obtained against him, was the eviction then proceeded with, notwithstanding the illness of the children, ranging from fifteen years to a few months; and whether he will introduce in the coming Land Bill a provision that will prevent evictions of such a nature in future?

Mr. RUSSELL

I am informed by the police that Timothy Leary was evicted in pursuance of a decree obtained at Skibbereen Quarter Sessions in October last, and was at once readmitted as a care-taken. So far as they are aware he had not offered to pay his rent in cash recently. One of his children had a cold at the time of the event, but the others were well. There does not appear to have been hardship in the case or anything calling for legislation.

Mr. GILHOOLY

If the right hon. Gentleman will peruse, after questions, some correspondence I have received, I think he will be convinced that this was one of the most cruel evictions ever perpetrated in Ireland.

Mr. RUSSELL

I shall be glad to do so.