§ Mr. KERR-SMILEYasked the Chief Secretary if, in the recent past, Mr. Macdonnell, patron of Ballyucan national school, in the county of Antrim, retired from its management in favour of the parish priest of Culfeightrin, and in consequence of threats that the school would be boycotted by that cleric if the patron persisted in managing it, though the school, an attached endowment, and a residence and farm for the teacher were provided by the Macdonnell family; if the new manager superseded the existing teacher, thereby compelling him to emigrate; and if the Commissioners of National Education have taken any and, if so, what steps to prevent the repetition of such an injustice in the future?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Commissioners of National Education inform me that Mr. W. D. Macdonnell, who was joint manager, but not patron of the Ballyucan school resigned in March, 1909, and the parish priest of Culfeightrin was recognised in April, 1909, as manager on the nomination of the Misses Macdonnell, who were the patrons. The Commissioners are not aware of any such threats as those referred to. The teacher resigned from 31st March, 1909, that is before the parish priest was recognised as manager.