THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ON LOCAL SELFGOVERNMENT.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3253, 5 December 1881, Page 4

THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ON LOCAL SELFGOVERNMENT.

In reply to the toast of the House of Commons at the annual dinner of the Metropolitan Board of Works, the Speaker of the House said after the usual preliminary remarks :— I can report favorably of that great assembly except in two particulars—late hours and overwork. Now, it is satisfactory to know that the House of Commons has the remedy for these sufferings in its own hands. Relief may be afforded by calling in aid the principle of self-government, and handing over to local authorities a portion of the work which may be better discharged by local assemblies than by the Imperial Parliaments. I have often thought when occupying my distinguished office in the House that it was passing strange that whenever this great community (London) wanted to have better water or brighter light, to construct a bridge or make a road, or to do anything in the shape of carrying out these numerous matters required by the community, they must come to Parliament. I do think the principle of local self-govern-ment, should be carried out, so as to give communities further powers in the management of their own affairs. I have now had experience of nine parliaments and have observed that during the whole of these thirty years the work of the House has been constantly increasing ; and I think it not likely to diminish. In every year that rolls by more work is cast upon the House. The truth is, that our governors—the constituencies—read more, think more, and expect more of their members, and thus the work of the House is increased.