13 DECEMBER 1884, Page 2

As to Redistribution itself, Sir Charles Dunce defended the principle

of single seats on the very grounds on which we have defended it, as the only simple and reasonable method of fairly representing minorities. Re earnestly repudiated the notion that local interests would so dominate the " wards " as to return to Parliament mere vestrymen; but asserted, on the contrary, that good work as vestrymen is the best possible apprenticeship for Members of Parliament. He and Mr. Chamberlain had both served their political apprenticeship as Municipal representatives, and had got nothing but good from it. Especially would good and well-tried local men be needed in Parliament for the discussion of the new Local Government Bill, which would be the first great work of the reformed Parlia- ment. Of that reform, Sir Charles Dilke stated directly that it would be "frankly Democratic."