Mr. Courtney, in the evening, spoke at a public meeting
in the City Hall. He dealt ably and at length with the question of Private Bill Legislation. Why should not the principle of circuit be applied ? "Might not the tribunal be sent to the neighbourhood, and so get the work done after an inexpensive examination by a permanent body devoted to the work, which should labour under fixed rules and at fixed times, without any uncertainty as to its principles of action and without any doubt as to its capacity for dealing with the subject." That is per se an excellent suggestion, but it will be strenuously opposed on both sides by the men of business, as well as by- the lawyers. The truth is, the holiday in London, with all expenses paid, is a great attraction to those who promote Private Bills, and will not be willingly abandoned, especially as no one has a very keen interest in pressing the proposed reform. For one person who will attack the old system there will be ten who will defend it. The only hope is that one of the two parties may put the matter on their programme.
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