28 JULY 1888, Page 2

On Thursday night, the Report stage of the Local Govern-

ment Bill was taken. A new clause was moved by Mr. Ritchie entirely changing the mode in which the Probate-duty is to be distributed among the local authorities. Instead of making the indoor poor the basis, the money is to be paid in proportion to the share of the grants in aid of local taxation which each county received in the year ending March 31st last. After some discussion, the change was voted by 221 to 87. Several unsuccessful amendments were then moved, among which were Sir Edward Watkin's proposal to make the Cinque Ports a separate county, and Mr. Hobhouse's to elect the Aldermen by a minority vote. Ultimately, the further con- sideration of the Bill was adjourned till Friday.