Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary whether he has been informed of the particulars of a cattle drive which took place last week on a farm in King's county, near Portarlington; whether thirteen cattle were driven in daylight over four miles into the town of Portarlington without any interference by the police; whether this farm is one from 48W which tenants had been evicted for the non-payment of rent and is now held by a Mr. Batterton, who resides on the lands; whether it has been found necessary to form a special police protection post on the farm; and whether any arrests have been made or anyone made amenable for this outrage?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe police authorities inform me that twelve head of cattle were driven off the lands of John P. Batterton on the 13th instant while he and the two policemen who are protecting him were at Divine service. The cattle were driven to within a short distance of Portarlington which is four miles away. Mr. Batterton resides on this farm, from which tenants were evicted in 1902 for non-payment of rent. The police are pursuing their inquiries, but so far no one has been made amenable.