Mr. Childers also made some very pungent criticisms in another
vein. He remarked that six measures had been enumerated in the Queen's speech as constituting the legislative work of the Session, of which one (the Masters and Servants' Act Amendment Bill) had never been introduced, and four and a half had been withdrawn. Of the promises given, the only fraction fulfilled was the trivial Intoxicating Liquors Bill, as it ultimately passed the House. The two Judicature Bills (for Ireland and Scotland), the Land Titles measure, the Friendly Societies Bill, were all gone. Lord Sandon's Bill was not promised in the Royal Speech, and yet had been brought in ; but now its chief principle had disappeared, and the official legislation - of the year had resulted "in half-an-hour more every day for drinking in London, and the dismissal of three officers who were appointed by the late Government, and the appointment of three other officers by the present Government." Such was Mr. Childers's summary. Indeed, the Government may have a very effective cry when they next go to the country," More drink and less school," or "Protection for ignorant children, wasteful charities, and 'thirsty souls."
