§ Mr. HAYDENasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the Congested Districts Board have dismissed and evicted a man named Thomas Kearnly from the position of herd on the Willsgrove estate, which he had held for the last thirteen years, because of a technicality; and whether, in view of the treatment meted: out to this man by the Congested Districts Board, he will take steps to provide Kearnly with land elsewhere, or, in the alternative, have him reinstated in his old position?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThomas Kearnly's father was herd on the lands of Willsgrove, when purchased by the Congested Districts Board, and was kept on in that position pending the division of the lands. When the division was about to be made he refused to give up the herd's house unless his son Thomas was given a holding. As the father already held a farm of over £40 valuation the Board would not agree to this, and it then became necessary to take possession of the herd's house by legal process. Thomas Kearnly was never in the employment of the Board as herd of Willsgrove, nor is it anticipated that the Board will have any occasion to employ him in that capacity.