Appendix ( A.) Mr. Edward Parlcer. (• 28 June.) ON PETITIONS RELATING TO LIMERICK TAXATION. 73 / Who was that individual?— The chamberlain generally advised me on those occasions. Was it by the advice of the chamberlain that you refused compliance with. that Act of Parliament, or virtually refused by not complying ?— Generally it was. In what way is the committee of accounts appointed ?— They are appointed by the council. The accounts are submitted to that committee by the chamberlain ?— Yes. How often are the committee changed?— I do not know of any particular time; they are appointed from year to year, and sometimes added to. . It having been suggested, that the control of the parish of St. Michael's should be put under the direction of the grand juries of the city of Limerick, do you conceive that that would be an alteration of the law, which would be acceptable to the people of Limerick?— I do not think it would be acceptable to the majority of the in- habitants of the parish of St. Michael, but I think that the part of the town that bears the burthen of the grand jury taxes is very much aggrieved, in consequence of the poverty and declining state thereof. l) o you conceive the grand jury of the city of Limerick, as at present constituted, to be a fair and equal representation of the property and intelligence in the city of * See Report, Limerick ?— I- Yes, 1 do/ p. 14. ! 5- Luna?, 1° die Julii, 1822. THOMAS SPRING RICE, ESQUIRE, IN THE CHAIR. Mr. Edward Parker, again called in; and Examined. WHEN you were last examined, you stated to this Committee, that you felt yourself restrained by your oath, as a burgess, from answering the questions then put to you ? — Yes. Do you still conceive yourself to be so restrained ?— I do. Do you recollect the present Bishop of Limerick being elected a burgess ?— I do. Was he sworn in ?— I will state it to the Committee; shortly after the Bishop of Limerick was appointed, he was elected a burgess of the corporation; then the next council that met, he received a summons to attend ; I was there before the council met; I was writing at the table; and he came to me, and asked me, if there was not a certain form of oath to be administered to burgesses ; I said there was; he asked me to show it him ; I did; says he, I must decline sitting in council, for I will never sit where an oath of secrecy is required of me; and the bishop never attended since ; he declined taking the oath. Then you consider that he declined taking that oath, because he considered, that if he took it, he would be bound to keep the secrets of the council?— Yes. You stated, that Lord Gort directed you to withhold some accounts, or papers, or something?— I stated, that Lord Gort generally advised me, as to the conduct I pursued, when an inspection of the corporate books was demanded of me. Do you not know, that at that time he was advised by counsel so to direct you?— I do. Was a bill filed in the court of Chancery by Mr. Tuthill against the chamberlain, to oblige him to account?— Yes. - It was. in in behalf of the chamberlain, that he was not bound to to any body, but the corporation ?— Yes, I have Was that unsuccessful ?- Was the plea put account to any one, or heard that. Was that allowed by the court of Chancery ?— I believe it was. Were you professionally acquainted with those pleadings ?— No. How did you obtain your knowledge on the subject?— By hearing it in Limerick; being an officer of the corporation, I hear all those things. Was there any connection between the pleadings in the court of Chancery, and your refusal to furnish the lists of freemen?— I declare I am not prepared now to answer that; I think not; I do not see what a plea in Chancery could have to do with lists of freemen. 617. You Mr. Edward Parker. ( 1 July.)