On Thursday still further progress was made with the Parish
Councils Bill, and by the end of the sitting the last of the old clauses was reached, and only the new and postponed clauses now remain to be dealt with. The most interesting- and important subject dealt with on Thursday was the question whether or not there should be a triennial retire- ment of one-third of the Guardians. Sir Charles Dilke opposed the provision,—especially in the case of London, where he considers its application impossible. Mr. Fowler, however, insisted upon the Government proposal, regarding it as essential for the purpose of securing continuity of administra- tion. Mr. Balfour thereupon intervened with the sensible proposal that the Government plan should be the rule, but that in cases of exceptional difficulty the County Council• should be allowed to petition the Local Government Board to allow triennial elections of the whole Board. Ultimately the- clause was made to read that the Guardians " may " instead of "shall" retire by thirds.
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