Appendix ' ( A.) Ed\ Mr. sard Parker. ( 28 June.) 108 MINUTES OF EVIDENCE BEFORE SELECT COMMITTEE Who proposes the members that are to be added to the number of that council ?— I beg leave to observe, that I have taken an oath of secrecy, as a burgess, which I will show to the Committee; after which I am sure they will not ask me any questions upon that subject, or any other connected with the private proceedings of the'council. [ The witness exhibited the same, and it was read, as folloivs:] " BURGESSES OATH. " You shall swear that you well and truly shall serve our Sovereign Lord the King, and his heirs and lawful successors, and the mayor, sheriffs and citizens of this city, each in the respective office of one of the burgesses thereof; and as such, you shall minister equal justice to the poor and rich, after the best of your cunning, wit and power, and also shall well and truly observe, perform, fulfil and keep all such good orders and rules as are or shall be made, ordered or established by the common council of this city, for the good government thereof, in all things to you appertaining: And you shall not utter or disclose any counsel or secret thing or matter touching the fellowship or corporation of this city, whereby any prejudice, loss, hindrance or slander shall or may arise, grow, or be to the same corporation. But you shall in all these things belonging to the said corporation, faithfully, honestly and indifferently behave yourself, for the most benefit, worship and credit of this city and the inhabitants thereof. So help you God." How was this oath established; under any Act of Parliament, or merely by a by- law of the corporation ?— I do not know ; the book which contains it was handed down to me ; my father was in the same situation for a number of years. You do not know whether it is prescribed by the charter or not, or by any by- law ?— I really do not. Is that oath administered to every burgess ?— Yes. Not to you particularly, as town clerk ?— No; but there is an oath of office be- sides, administered to me annually, as town clerk. Do you conceive that, by that oath, you are bound to refuse answering any questions put by this Committee, with regard to the conduct of the common council of the city of Limerick?— I do with great respect think, that in consequence of having taken that oath, I should do wrong if I was to disclose any secret thing that passes in council. Do you conceive that the question which has been put to you, is a question " whereby any prejudice, loss, hindrance or slander, shall or may arise, grow, or be. to the corporation?"— I do not think I should be justified in answering the question; 1 hope the Committee will not press it. Is the chamberlain of the city of Limerick the person who proposes the burgesses for election ?— That is nearly the same question which was put to me before. Do you decline answering that question?— I do not think I am justified in answering those questions respecting what passes within the council room, in council assembled. You, having already stated to the Committee, that the burgesses are unanimously elected, and having thereby informed the Committee of one fact which passes in the council, how do you reconcile to yourself your declining to answer a question with regard to another fact ?— Nothing can arise from that; no prejudice to the corpora- tion can arise from that. By several Acts of Parliament, you are bound, as town clerk, to give inspection of the corporation books, and to furnish lists of freemen, on legal demand, are you not ?— Yes. And very frequently demands have been made upon you for that purpose?— Yes. Have you ever refused to comply with those Acts of Parliament ?— I do not know whether I refused, but I virtually refused by not complying. What have you stated on those occasions, when you have virtually refused by not complying?'— I declare, I do not remember the precise words; I have given a great number of lists. Do you know the hand- writing of Mr. Barrington ?— I do. Will you read over that memorandum.—[ A paper being handed to the witness.]— Is that a correct account of what then occurred ?— Yes ; I suppose so. [ It was delivered in, and read.] \ For whom did you consider yourself a trustee ?— The common council. Did you consider yourself as a trustee for any one individual of that common council?— I did, certainly. Who