Paragraph further amended.-Another Amendment proposed, in page xvi, sub-section 4, line 2, after the words "of this question," to leave out down to the word "constituencies," in line 5 inclusive, in order to insert the words "have decided to recommend the proposed division of rates and representation. In addition to the arguments already stated, they believe it may be fairly urged that such a measure could not fail to exercise a most beneficial influence in greatly diminishing those divisions between different classes in Ireland which are the most serious impediments to its happiness and prosperity. It would bring the representatives of different classes together for the common interest on a common field of activity, from which the great subjects of controversy would be mostly excluded "-(Mr. Rathbone),-instead thereof. Question put, That the words proposed to be left out stand part of the paragraph.The Committee divivided: Question put, That the proposed words be inserted, instead thereof.-The Committee Another Amendment proposed, after the last Amendment, to insert the words :"Your Committee are also of opinion that there is great force in the reasons that have been urged in support of a minority or cumulative vote; and that its adoption, if practicable, would tend to the better representation of the various classes and interests of the community, or the governing bodies of towns "The Chairman). Question put, That those words be there inserted.-The Committee divided: Remaining words of the paragraph, disagreed to.-Paragraph, as amended, agreed to. Paragraph 29.-Amendment made.-Another Amendment proposed at the end of the paragraph, to add the words "While recommending these reforms of the loan system as an additional security, your Committee believe that the only real securities against imprudence and waste are to be sought in the establishment of such governing bodies as should deserve and possess the confidence of the ratepayers, and in such a system of local taxation and representation as should secure the constant interest and vigilance of both owners and occupiers" (Mr. Rathbone). Question put, That those words be there added.-The Committee divided : Paragraph, as amended, agreed to. Paragraph 30.-Amendment proposed, in line 2, after the words "subject to it," to insert the words "with the exception of Cork"-(Mr. Murphy).-Question put, That those words be there inserted.-The Committee divided: Ayes, 3. Mr. O'Shaughnessy. Mr. Collins. Noes, 11. Mr. Attorney General for Ireland. Mr. Rathbone. Mr. Kavanagh. Mr. James Corry. Mr. Brooks. Sir Arthur Guinness. Mr. Mulholland. Mr. Assheton. Mr. Charles Lewis. Another Amendment proposed at the end of the paragraph, to add the words "It might be desirable to consider whether the decision of the Recorder or County Court Judge of the district should not be sought on any disputed decision of the auditor, before having recourse to any more expensive proceedings" (Mr. O'Shaughnessy).—Question, That those words be there added,-put, and agreed to. Postponed paragraph 27.-Amendment proposed, in line 1, to leave out from the word "franchise" to the end of the paragraph, in order to add the words "The desirability of a reduction in the existing occupation franchise has been frequently suggested to your Committee, and the large majorities of Irish representatives, by which the proposal of household municipal franchise has been sustained on many occasions in the House of Commons, are strong evidence of the public feeling in favour of the demand, which we recommend to be conceded"-(Mr. O'Shaughnessy),—instead thereof. Question put, That the words "although the desirability," stand part of the paragraph. -The Committee divided: 66 Another Amendment proposed, in sub-section 3, line 1, to leave out after the words opinion that," down to the word "rates," in line 5 inclusive, in order to insert the words" rates and representation being divided between owners and occupiers as recommended above, it would be perfectly safe to adopt as the occupiers' franchise the same rating franchise of household suffrage which prevails in England, and that this would have the advantage of interesting all ratepayers in towns in the work of municipal govern ment ment" (Mr. Rathbone),—instead thereof.-Question put, That the words "no reason has been shown," stand part of the paragraph.-The Committee divided: Question, That this Report, as amended, be the Report of the Committee to the House-put, and agreed to. Ordered, To Report. |