IRELAND.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 10 May 1907, Page 3

IRELAND.

FIRST INSTALMENT OF HOME HULK.

ADMINISTRATIVE council bill.

AX IRISH TREASURY,

London, .May 8. Mr Birrell explained that the only way the Administrative Council of Dub lin Bill could lead to a larger policy il>y affording triumphant proof of the capacity of the Irish masses for govern-

ing themselves anil governing ilie mi

rity ably and impartially. Tile Conn would consist of 82 members elected l>\

the local government electors ami nominated, with the Under-Secretary

' the Lord Lieutenant added as ex ollicio

members. These would form a Conn

which would have complete control over and exercise the powers now or heroafter vested in eight departments, including Local Government, Conge-tod Districts, and Public Works Boards and a new Education Department. The Times savs that had not the Nationalists openly exulted over the Bill a 3 .a clear step to a larger policy they would not have been playing up to their partners. It is in eutire accordance with Sir H. Campbell-Bannermans policy to arm them with an effective though skilfully disguised, engine enabling them to prosecute their aims. Mr Birrell emphasised the fact that the Board of Works under the new Bill would perform its duties only by taking wide views and resisting pressure. The I pension rights of existing public scr-J vants would be safeguarded and separated. An Irish Treasury, under au Irish Treasurer, would be established with an Irish fund of £4,000,000 consisting '.f I £2,000,000 now spent by the eight departments, with an additional £050,000 per annum from the British taxpayer, which was) line to large expenditure, and wonld be a charge on the Consolidated Fund, and, finally, £1,450,000 for local grants would be paid to the Irish Treasury and administered by the Council. Any act due to preference shown to religious denominations would !be invalidate!. Parliament's final authority would be secured by empowering the Lord-Lieutenant to reserve the Council's resolution. Roman Catholics will be eligible for the position of LonlLieutenant.

Mr Balfour doubted whether Mr Birrell regarded his preposterous scheme seriously. He predicted that it would be unworkable. It would create constant friction, and, besides, would not relieve the House of Commons 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 Home Rule.

The Westminster Gazette savs fhe Bill is UiSerent from Home Rule and strictly la accordance" \rith pledges given before tile elections.

_ GREAT OUTCRY IN IRELAND. Received 9th, 10.59 p.m. London, May y. There is a great Nationalist outcry Sn Ireland against the party leaders aquiesciiifr in the unsatisfactory and inadequate Council Bill.