IRISH REFORM BILL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13484, 10 May 1907, Page 5

IRISH REFORM BILL.

DETAILS OF THE MEASURE.

AN INDEPENDENT TREASURY.

PROVISION AGAINST RELIGI-

OUS PREFERENCE.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. * London*, May 8. * The Secretary for Ireland (Mr. Birrell), in introducing the Administrative Council (Dublin) Bill, in the House of . Commons, yesterday, explained that the only way an Administrative Council at Dublin could lead to the larger policy of Home Rufu was by affording triumphant proof of the capacity of the Irish masses 'for governing themselves and governing the minority ably and impartially.

The Council would consist of 20 members elected by the local government electors, and 24 nominated by the Government, with the Under-Sec-retary to the Lord Lieutenant added as an ex officio member. The Council would have complete control over, and exercise the powers that now rested, or hereafter > would rest, with the eight administrative departments, in eluding the Local Government, Congested Districts, arid Public Works Boards and the new Education Department. . He pointed out 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 the existing public servants would be safeguarded, and a separate Treasury under an Irish Treasurer would be established. An Irish fund of £4,000,000 would be created, consisting of £2,000,000 now. spent by the eight departments, with an additional £650,000 per annum from the British taxpayer, which was due toJargc expenditure, and would 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 a preference shown to religious denominations would be invalidated. The British Parliament's final authority would be secured by empowering the Lord Lieutenant to reserve the Council's resolutions for the King's assent. Roman Catholics would be eligible for the position of Lord Lieutenant. UNIONIST CRITICISMS. Mr. Balfour said he doubted whether Mr. Birrell regarded his preposterous scheme seriously, and 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;

DISSATISFACTION IN IRELAND.

(Received May 9, 10.59 p.m.)

' London, May 9. There is a great Nationalist outcry in Ireland against the party's leaders giving their approval to what is considered an unsatisfactory and inadequate Council Bill. ■

PKESS OPINIONS.

London, May 8.

The Times says that had not the Nationalists openly exulted over 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 Sir H. Campbell-Ban-: rierman's policy to arm them with an effective though skilfully disguised engine enabling them to prosecute their aims.

The Pall Mall Gazette denounces Mr. Birr ell's BUI as a back-door attempt to secure Home Rule at Westminster. The Bill provides for something different from Home Rule, and is strictly in accordance with the pledges given before the general election. . ■■-''■ '-