s e l e c t c o m m i t t e e o n f i c t i t i o u s v o t e s , i r e l a n d . sJ7' 24T 221 4872 Are you aware that the subject was considered by the common council and that they adopted the line of conduct you have now siated?- ™ not sav " was considered by the council as a subject for the council to Lei „ e upon ; but I know that every individual that has spoken with me In thesS so, and thev all concurred in that opinion. 4^ 73- Have they systematically abstained from making any freemen, with a view- to augment the number of freemen in the corporation, in any manner that mieht be an evasion of the provisions of the Reform Bill?- They have, deliberately and advisedly. J 4874- Then, with regard to the class of persons who are now under impeach- ment by Mr. Meagher, if, in any instance, any formal regulation has been evaded it has been unconsciously on the part of the common council, and there has been no sinister admission of any of those individuals ?— Certainly; I have here two instances. They are Mr. William Starkey Chamberie and Thomas Govis ; they were bound apprentices to Mr. Howe, a very respectable man in a very large way of business as master- cooper, and a merchant also ; they served him as apprentices till his death, which happened a few months before the termination of the inden- tures, and continued in the service of the person who was his head- manager till the termination of their indentures. The council knew of these circumstances; they knew that the master had died ; it was proved by the oath of the person who suc- ceeded to the care of the business for the widow of Mr. Howe, and wound up the establishment. The council knew that they had continued to serve this person, • • and they admitted them deliberately, knowing the fact of the master's death, but. thi nking that the parties were entitled. 4875. By reason of having made up the few months that were wanting, by serv- ing in the establishment for those who represented the deceased ?— Yes ; they thought it would be a hardship upon the party to lose their right to the freedom, because their master had died a few months before the termination of the indentures. 4876. Had you experience of the office of the town- clerk, and the course of pro- ceedings in the common council, before you became the town- clerk ?— I think I had experience about the proceedings of the common council; I knew the proceedings of the corporation generally. 4877. Has there been, to your knowledge, any departure from the ordinary course of proceeding in the admission of freemen, since the passing of the Reform Bill, on the part of the corporation of Cork ?— None. 4878. They have proceeded in the matter of admitting claimants to the freedom of the city of Cork according to the old established usages, and the course of pro- ceeding which has obtained in that corporation r— They have, as far as my know- ledge goes. 4879. And, to your knowledge, they have not been swerved from the usual course of proceeding by any motive beyond that of the discharge of their duty ?— I am sure they have not. Mr. Meagher.) What is the next case ?— The next is William 4880. ( To , _ ~ . 1 18230. He was admitted a freeman the 13th of September 1836, and sworn the 31st of October 1836. Now it must be very well known to the council who admitted this man, that he did not serve his apprenticeship because they knew Howe very well; thev knew that Howe had died. The admission ot that man was illegal, and contrary to law and justice ; and the man voted at the las e ec- tion against the sitting Members, and that is what I complain ot, these admissions • bringing in illegal voters. 4881. Chairman.] When did Howe die?- In April 1836 4882. When was Starkey admitted a freeman ?— rhe 31st of Octobei he was bound the ist of August 1 829. and that is Mr. D. Meao/ ter. Starkey Chamberie, cooper; was apprenticed toRandle Howe the ist ofAugust 1836; 4883 ~ Ho we died three months before the seven years had expired ?- He did ; " o _ fl- iQ mane id t • such a man. o March 1838. owe died three montns oeiu. e uic jw.- — -- r ^ : ttine where I complain of the injustice of the mayor and council m admitting 4884. Who succeeded Howe in his business ?- He had no successor. 4* 85. Mr. Serjeant Jackson.] Who wound up the business I do not * who wound up the business. He died a very rich man; and they might the casks and things to turn them into cash. SHE Kjh'li lift: KEIt 488H. Chairman.. 1 He was a cooper — He was. F F 3 4887. Did