IRISH AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1057, 2 June 1892, Page 33

IRISH AFFAIRS.

(press association.) London, May 24. Mr Gladstone insists that if the Irish accept Mr Balfour’s local government scheme they are unworthy of Home Rule. London, May 25. The Local Government Bill has passed its second reading in the House of Commons by 339 to 247. London, May 26. The provincial Tories are pressing Ministers to pass the Irish Local Government Bill. The Cabinet is undecided on the matter, a section of its members preferring to appeal to the country under the eclat of Tuesday’s division on the Bill. London, May 27. Mr F. Schnadliorsfc, Secretary of the National Liberal Federation, says the majority gained by the Government on the Irish Local Government Bill was the result of secret whipping, and that the situation is unalteredfby the victory. Auckland, May 27. The Auckland Branch of the Irish National Federation have appointed a deputation bo ask Sir George Grey to submit a motion in the New Zealand House of Representatives asking the Imperial Government to grant Home Rule to Ireland. (special) London, May 25. The division on the motion for the second reading of the Local Government Bill was taken in the largest House that has assembled during the present session. There were 27 Irish members absent. During the discussion on the measure Mr Gladstone denounced the Marquis of Salisbury’s recent speech, as tending to incite Ulster. Mr Balfour endorsed the views of the Premier. London, May 26. The sum of L9OOO has been subscribed to defray the expenses of the immense conference shortly to be held in Belfast to protest against the people of Ulster being placed under the control of an Irish Parliament iti the event of Home Rule being granted to Ireland. At a meeting of the Proteitant Alliance, the Dean of Achonry, a parish in County Sligo, declared that Romanism wa3 the cause of the trouble in Ireland, and expressed the opinion that civil war would certainly follow the granting of autonomy. It was decided to agitate against Home Rule during the elections. London, May 27. Lord Rosebery, referring to tho Marquis of Salisbury’s UEter speech, said the language of Lord George Gordon was not worse. He said the Premier and certain men and institutions might possibly [find their grave in the ‘Uast

ditch ” in Ulster. The power of the Empire, he argued, was not in armies, fleets, treasure, or population, bub in liberty and justice. A section of the press is urging the Government to pass the Irish Local Government Bill, or postpone the dissolution so as to give the measure a chance of passing. New York, May 26. The officers of the Irish League in America have been invited to visit the leaders of the two parties in England, to discuss the proposed reunion of parties.