The Local Government (or, as it is sometimes called, the
Parish Councils) Bill has advanced during the week from Clause 2 to Meuse 9, and will probably go on a little faster, rather than slower, in future ; but still there is enough difference of view about it, and a sufficient number of amendments, to render it simply impossible to pass the Bill before Christmas, if the Poor-law clauses are to be retained. The controversies of the week concerning the Bill have been rather petty, and Mr. Fowler was at one time roused into indignant complaint at the multiplication of meaningless amendments ; but, on the whole, there is considerable wish on both sides to carry the Bill through, if only the very grave change in the Poor-law could be postponed to a 'more con- venient season. We sincerely hope that the Government will see their way to reserve the most contentious part of the Bill for settlement by a separate measure.
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