IRISH AFFAIRS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2762, 27 March 1890, Page 2

IRISH AFFAIRS.

' hxjSOY.. [by EtEcrnic teleguaph—coi'rßiGHT.'j }

1 '' 24." Mr Balfour, Secretary for Ireland, introduced the-IrishLand Purchase Bill in the House of Commons today.. , He ; contended r :th'at r it improved upon and was cheaper «aiiid more rapid of execution than Lord Ashbourne's Act. Purchase would be voluntary, and there was no risk to the British ' taxpayer, .though British 'credit was hMlisM:' v The maximum advance would be twenty years'rent less loCal 'rates paid by landlord. The [ total : amount ,of advances would be limited to thirtythree millions (representing: capitalised values of, numerous' Imperial annual grants for Irish purposes), plus ten. millions provided under Lord Ashbourne's Act. The money would be re-lent as it was repaid. Mr Gladstone admitted the courageous policy on Mr Balfour's part, and said the proposed measure should have unbiassed discission on

his side of the .House. ' i , The Bill was read a first time, and the second readingvis gef, down Ifor April 15. March 25. Mr Gladstone,, speaking at a meeting of the National Liberal Glub, said Mr Balfour's Irish Land Purchase Bill was a .bold bid for popularity. The measure involved large pecuniary liability to the British tax-payer. Mr Balfour, in speaking to the Bill, contended that: the collateral securities provided rendered it impossible for the Treasury to suffer a sixpence loss. Congested districts would receive ' special /contribution of one and a-balf millions from the Church surplus. "Landlords' wbiild receive 'stock or consols. The Bill has made- a : favourable impression in the House of Commons, except among the members of the Parnellite' party.' 1 '■> - s 1 > 5 * i! -~

Later. ihe Irish Land Purchase Bill creates a central The payment of 4" per cent, for 49 years ensures a freehold.- A special Board supervises and amalgamates holdings, and ebntrols imnngration and emigration, as well as seed supply and fisheries. Tenant Jjay

heavier amounts for the firs!; "live years in order to form an insurance fund and erect labourers' cottages. In other respects the Bill is, similar to Lord Ashbourne's Act.' ' It is understood Mr iParnelli and Mr Davitt are opposed to the measure.