Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, on the night of the 21st ultimo or the morning of the 22nd, 100 head of cattle, the property of Mr. Mackey, Clonsilla, were driven off the lands of Newtownmoynagh, Athboy, county Meath, and were subsequently found, some up the Hill of Ward Road, and others near Athboy; whether he is aware that, on the occasion in question, a gate leading to those lands was lifted off its hinges and carried away, and that, at the last April quarter sessions in Trim, Judge Curran awarded Mr. Mackey £16 for the driving of 32 head of cattle off the same lands; and can he state what steps have been taken to prevent further outrage of a like nature on the property of Mr. Mackey?
§ Mr. BIRRELLOn the morning of the 22nd July 106 cattle, the property of Mr. William Mackey, were driven off the lands in question, and were found wandering along the roads near the farm. Three gates had been lifted off their hinges and left by the gateways. Compensation to the amount of £16 was awarded at Trim Quarter Sessions in respect of a cattle-drive off the same lands in January last. The police force at Athboy has since been strengthened by the addition of three men, and every effort is being made to prevent a repetition of the offence.