§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. Robert Campbell, a jeweller, of Roscommon, who was awarded £92 by Judge Wakely at Roscommon quarter sessions on account of malicious injury on the part of two soldiers, who admitted having broken his window and stolen watches and other articles; whether, upon his sending an application to the military, a portion of the goods, namely, 50 watches and some jewellery, had been returned; what disciplinary measures have been taken against the soldiers involved; and whether the taxpayers of Roscommon will have to make good the remainder of his loss?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODTwo soldiers were charged, convicted and sentenced to two years' imprisonment for the burglary referred to and two other soldiers were convicted and sentenced to two years' imprisonment for receiving some of the stolen property, the greater part of which, I am glad to state, has since been returned to the owner. In regard to the last part of the question, I am advised there is no liability on the ratepayers to make good loss due to156W ordinary theft, but the award referred to apparently related only to malicious injury and is a charge on the ratepayers.