§ 25. Mr. FLAVINasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is a criminal offence, punishable by arrest or prosecution, in the eyes of Dublin Castle for boys in schools and colleges, and in hand-ball courts, to play the game of hand-ball in any part of Ireland?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe answer is in the negative.
§ 26. Mr. FLAVINasked whether the police have received any orders from Dublin Castle yet to prosecute or arrest people who play marbles, or slash tops, or play twenty-one or thirty-one at cards; and, if not, why have these instructions not been issued so as to ensure peace and good order in Ireland?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo such orders have Been issued.
§ 27. Mr. FLAVINasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a football and hurling match advertised to be held in the athletic grounds, Cork, on Sunday last in aid of the funds for the widows and orphans of the Cork sailors who lost their lives through the sinking of their ships by German submarines was not held owing to the action and prohibition of the police; whether, as a result, a large sum of money was lost to this fund; and whether this action of the police has his support and sanction?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe constabulary authorities inform me that the county inspector wrote to the promoters of the match referred to, telling them that it would not be allowed to take place without a permit. The permit was not applied for, and the match was not allowed to take place. It is very doubtful if the real object of the meeting was that alleged.
§ Mr. FLAVINMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, a few days previously, a public concert was held by the people of Cork for this same object; whether speeches were made and songs sung; and whether any permit was asked for, and why was not the concert prohibited?
§ Mr. SHORTTI require notice of that question.
§ Mr. FLAVINAre we to understand that where sports are held for the benefit of the widows and orphans of men who have lost their lives through German submarines, such public entertainments cannot be held in any part of Ireland without a permit?
§ Mr. SHORTTThat depends on the nature of the entertainment.
§ Mr. FLAVINWe are getting to know the right hon. Gentleman.