IRISH AFFAIRS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8808, 9 May 1907, Page 2

IRISH AFFAIRS.

The Government Bill. Press Association—Copyright. ■ London, May 8. Mr Birrell explained that the only way in which the Administrative Council, Dublin, Bill could lead to a larger policy was in affording a triumphant proof of the capacity of the Irish masses for governing themselves and governing the minority ably and impartially. The Council will consist of 83 members elected by the local government electors and 34 nominated, with the Under-Secre-tary to Lord Lieutenant added as an ex offloio member. These _ members would form a Council which would have complete control over and exercise the powers now or hereafter vested in the eight departments, including the local government, congested districts, public works boards and the new education department. Mr Birrell emphasised the fact that the Board of Works under the new Bill could perform its duties only by taking wide views and resisting pressure. The pension rights of existing public servants would be safeguarded and a separate Irish Treasury under an Irish treasurer would be established for an Irish fund of £4,000,000, consisting of £3,000,000 now spent by eight departments with an additional £650,000 per annum from the British taxpayer which was due to the large expenditure and would ho a charge on the consolidated fund and finally £1,640,000 for local grants, which would bo paid to the Irish Treasury and administered hy the Council. Any Act due to preference shown to religions denominations would be invalidated. The final authority of Parliament would be secured by-em-powering the Lord Lieutenants to reserve the Council’s resolutions. rurmlfl filiffiblG

for the position of Lord Lieutenant. Mr Balfour doubted whether Mr Birrell regarded his preposterous scheme seriously. t'He predicted that it would he unworkable and would create constant friction, besides which it would not relievo the House of Oominons of one hour’s work. It was unsatisfactory that any party should be used for Nationalist ends. The Pall Mall Gazette denounces the Bill as a back-door attempt to secure Homo Rule. The Westminster Gazette says the Bill is different from Homo Rule and strictly in accordance with the pledges given before the election. The Times says had not the Nationalists openly exulted in the Bill as a clear step to a larger policy they would not have been playing up to their partners. It is in entire accordance with the policy of Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman to arm them with an effective, though skilfully disguised, engine for enabling them to prosecute their aims.