§ Mr. JOHN ROCHEasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a sheriff's bailiff named John Ryan, of Bally-gar, county Galway, in executing a writ for costs incurred in a case of contempt of court against Messrs. Hans and Ward on 31st December, 1908, refused to give a receipt for more than £55 11s. 7d., although he insisted on being paid £59 10s., which amount was paid to him in the presence of Sergeant Tourner, Royal Irish Con- 984W stabulary; and whether upon investigation it was proved that he extorted the sum of £3 18s. 5d. beyond what he was legally entitled to, which sum was returned by the sheriff; whether the Crown intend to take criminal proceedings against this man; and whether he will be retained as sheriff's bailiff?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI understand that the bailiff mentioned in the question claimed and was paid more than he was legally entitled to in this case. He seems to have thought that as he had to travel 17 Irish miles to effect the levy he was entitled to charge the additional amount— £3 18s. 5d. — for expenses. The amount overpaid has been, by direction of the sub-sheriff, refunded to the defendants. The question of the dismissal of the bailiff is one entirely for the sub-sheriff to deal with. A prosecution was instituted by Mr. Hans, one of the persons who made the original overpayment, against the bailiff at the Mount Bellew Petty Sessions on the 11th instant, but the magistrates refused informations.