AFFAIRS IN IRELAND.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2460, 5 February 1881, Page 4

AFFAIRS IN IRELAND.

A shocking outrage ; which for reckless daring and unmitigated scounderelism, has not as yet been matched in the county Limerick, was perpetrated on the night of December 10th at Moig, near Castletown, Waller. About eight o’clock in the evening the house of Mrs Switzer,a most respectable person living in that locality, was attacked by an armed and disguised band, suppose to have consisted of from between twentyfive to thirty men. The party at first peremptorily demanded admittance, and this being refused, an actual siege was laid to the house. The inmates within doors at the time consisted of Mrs Switzer, who is advanced in years her youngest son and three daughters, her two eldest sons being out. The party commenced operations by firing shots in through the windows and then proceeding to utilise ploughshares, crowbars, and other implements, for the purpose of breaking in the door. Seeing the coming danger, Miss Susan Switzer a brave girl rushed upstairs, seized a double-barrelled gun, which was loaded with shot, and, having taken deliberate aim, discharged both of the barrels through the window at a group of the ruffians who were standing near the wall Whether the discharge took any effect upon the party has not transpired, but one thing is certain, that their efforts were redoubled, for in a few minutes the strong door gave way. Immediately the house was crowded, and Mrs Switzer was the first to feel their resentment, together witli other ill-treatment, the scoundrels striking her in the most cowardly manner with the butt end of a gun. Young Switzer, who also displayed great bravery, was likewise severely beaten. The party then took possession of two guns ; while a third, having been cleverly concealed by one of the Misses Switzer, escaped capture. Almost every article in the house was oroken, while not a pane of glass remained in the windows. Extraordinary to relate, though the din of the firing must have been heard for a considerable distance, no help arrived, and it was not until the assailants had been gone some minutes that a party of police from Ballaskenry arrived upon the scene. None of the attacking party were recognised, and of course the probability is against any arrest taking place. That a widespread feeling of terror now prevails through all parts of the country admits of no doubt, causing farmers in comfortable circumstances to refrain from laying any higher rent than Griffiths valuation, compelling them also to join the Land League on pain of being maltreated and driven from whatever fairs or markets they may resort to for the sale of their stock and farm produce.