London.

Manawatu Herald, 26 February 1898, Page 2

London.

In the House of Commons Mr Gerald Balfour, Chief Secretary for Ireland, introduced tha Bill to provide a system of local government for Ireland. He gave a lucid explanation of the measure, under which the Government entrusts the administration of local affairs to County Councils, Urban and Rural District Councils and Boards of Guardians elected on the basis of the Parliamentary franchise. The Bill was cordially welcomed by Messrs John Morley, John Dillon Tim Healy, John Redmond, and the Irish members of the Liberal Unionist party. Mr Michael Davitt, however, opposed the measure. The first reading was agreed to, and the motion for the second reading fixed for a fortnight hence. It is proposed that the County Councils shall' undertake all the fiscal and adminstrative duties, the arrangements in connection with grand juries and the mangement of* the lunatic asylums, and Bhall also deal with cases of exceptional distress. Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Limerick, Londonderry and Waterford are constituted oounty boroughs under the Bill. The Council are given the control of the roads and empowered to collect all rates. The rating and financial provisions are of an intricate character, occupiers of property being made liable for county rates, less those duo to the Government. An Imperial grant of £730,000 is to be made annually. The Irish newspapers unanimously welcome the Irish Local Government Bill.