§ Mr. MULDOONasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the language used by Captain the Hon. De Vere Pery, R. M., at the last Enniskerry Petty Sessions, when he lectured a poor widow, in receipt of 6s. a week for herself and six children, for not sending her children to school, saying it was healthy for them to go barefooted; and whether he intends to take any steps in the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMy attention has been called to the matter referred to. I understand that the School Attendance Committee investigated the case, and gave this woman every opportunity of explaining her reason for keeping her children from school. This she neglected to do, and there was no other course open to the committee but to apply to the magistrates for an attendance order. On her refusal to obey the order made by the magistrates she was again summoned by the committee, leaving the magistrates no other course but to convict. The widow is in receipt of 6s. a week outdoor relief. She resides in a labourer's cottage, the rent of which is paid for her. Two brothers reside in the house with her, one of whom earns at least 17s. a week. She earns a little herself, and has a son also in employment getting fair wages. Captain Pery's language on the occasion calls for no action on the part of the Government.