§ Colonel LESLIE WILSONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a house known as Monfin, Ballycarney, Ferns, County Wexford, the property of an officer now seriously wounded, who left the house in charge of a caretaker in order to serve in the War, was raided for the second time on the 8th June, and a large portion of the heavy lead roofing removed and other property stolen; if so, whether any arrests have been made in connection with this raid; whether there is adequate and, if so, what police protection for property in this neighbourhood; and, seeing that such a raid amounts to malicious injury, whether the officer in question will be recompensed for the damage done and the property stolen?
§ Mr. SHORTTOn the night of the 15th, or early morning of the 16th, June, 1918, the unoccupied dwelling-house of Lieu- tenant-Colonel Henry M. Eustace, Mount-fin,1372W Ferns, was entered by thieves, who managed to get on to the roof and cut and carried away a large sheet of lead and other property to the value of about £5 10s. The local police have made every possible inquiry into this case, but have not, so far, obtained any clue. No arrests have yet been made. Frequent patrols, both by day and night, visit the place, and everything possible is being done to protect the property. On a previous occasion, in 1915, the house was entered, and a Mauser rifle and an old Colt's revolver carried away. The question of compensation for malicious injuries or damage to property is one for the Courts to decide.