§ Mr. O'SULLIVANasked the Chief Secretary whether the evicted farms of Cragg and Ardcrone, which were purchased by the Congested Districts Board several years ago, are still in the hands of the Board, and that representations have from time to time been made by various public bodies and all the public men in the county, with a view to having the lands restored to the former tenants or their representatives; and whether, for the peace of the district, he will see that steps are taken to bring about a settlement of the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe farms referred to are still in the hands of the Congested Districts Board. In December, 1909, the Congested Districts Board agreed to dispose of the lands to representatives of the former occupiers, who had failed to pay the annuities due to the Land Commission, provided the following conditions could be secured—viz.; That there should be no loss of public funds incurred; that the persons to be put in occupation appeared to be suitable and likely to succeed as farmers. The Board's offer was communicated1876W to the parties claiming to be the representatives of the former occupiers and refused by them. The Board do not propose to take any further action in the matter.