THE GOVERNMENT AND IRELAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7904, 24 March 1887, Page 5

THE GOVERNMENT AND IRELAND.

PROPOSED LAND MEASURE, THE CRIMES BILL. [by electric telegraph.— copyright,] [rkuter's telegram.] London, March 22. In the House of Commons to-day, Mr. W. H. Smith, First Lord of the Treasury, moved that precedence be given to the Irish Crimes Bill. He announced that the proposed Land Bill for Ireland would be divided into two parts, the first of which would be introduced forthwith, and the second at a later date. The latter, he added, would deal with the question of land purchase. He further stated that, if the measure were rejected, Government would appeal to the country.

London, March 23. In the House of Commons, last night, Mr John Morley delivered a speech opposing the granting of precedence to the Crimes Bill, and declaring that the Government merely desired to suppress the " plan of campaign" adopted by the Nationalist Party, not to restore order in Ireland. Mr. Arthur Balfour, Secretary for Ireland, announced that the first Irish Land Bill would be introduced in the House of Lords, and would deal with the question of leases. [PKESd ASSOCIATION.] London, March 22. The union of theGladstonitesandParnellites, under Mr. J. Morley's motion, for the purpose of obstructing the passage of the Crimes Bill, is much condemned.

The intention of the Government to pass a Bill for the suppression of crime has been discussed by the London Press. It is expected that a lively debate will ensue, and that the Bill will meet with much opposition. The Standard, referring to the motion of Mr. Morley, says that such a course would only perpetuate the anarchy which now prevails.