§ Mr. KETTLEasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a steam launch belonging to Colonel Bruce started from Toome, Lough Neagh, on 10th August last with several armed policemen and water bailiffs on board; that when off Newport-trench harbour, about a mile from the shore, the occupants of the launch discharged a number of shots and interfered 1664W with an eel line belonging to certain fishermen; and what explanation is there for the action of the police in this affair?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed by the constabulary authorities that on the date in question two police were protecting two water bailiffs on the steam launch. The bailiffs fired several shots at wild ducks, but there was no interference with eel lines. The police do not appear to have done anything calling for an explanation.