On Monday the debate turned upon Clause 8, which defines
the condition as to disturbances in holdings,—Dr. Ball wishing to deny damages for eviction in all cases where the Court WU that the covenants of a lease had not been strictly discharged ; but he was defeated by 194 to 113,—a majority of 81. The clause enacting that the offer of a lease of a particular length should bar compensation for eviction was left out, at the instance of the Government, by a majority of 102 (250 to 148) ; and the "Equi- ties' Clause," after some discussion, was passed without material change. On Thursday, when the Bill flashed through Committee almost like a flash of lightning, the discussion turned chiefly on the details of procedure in the Courts, and the powers of limited owners. The first and second parts of the Bill, two-thirds of it in quantity, and nine-tenths in principle, had been agreed to before the House resumed on Thursday night. It is probable that two more nights' debate will conclude the Committee, for the House is even too weary of its details.
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