26 DECEMBER 1925, Page 2

Since the debates the President has had discussions With representatives

of the local- authorities whom he seems to have persuaded somewhat unwillingly to do their best so to adapt their programmes and estimates for a period of three years from 1927 as to enable the Board to introduce in full consultation with the authorities a block grant system for the years 1927,30. This amounts to a postponement of the effects of the circular, and we think Lord Eustace was wise to concede it, and to wait until he succeeds in inducing a readier spirit of co-operation than he has yet found. The question of children under five was not mentioned' in the summary , of conclusions which was published after the discussions..