§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieu- 71 tenant of Ireland, Whether it is a fact that, at the election of Poor Law Guardians held last March for the Division of Edenderry, in the Union of Edenderry, King's County, the returning officer allowed the trustees of the estate of the Marquess of Down-shire to record twenty-four proxy votes, and also allowed Lord Arthur Hill (guardian of the minor) to record six votes, making thirty proxy votes from the same property, although the late Marquess of Downshire while living could only claim twelve votes; whether the returning officer rejected a large number of votes given for the popular candidates on the ground that seed rate was due to the Union by the voters, while, at the same time, he allowed the trustees and guardians of the estate to vote from property very largely indebted to the Union for seed rate; and, if he will state what decision the Local Government Board has arrived at in the matter?
§ MR. TREVELYANThe returning officer erroneously allowed the trustees of the estate of the Marquess of Down-shire 24 instead of 14 proxy votes. The 10 votes in excess have been disallowed; but the result of the election is not affected thereby. Lord Arthur Hill did not vote as guardian of the minor, but in respect of property unconnected with the trustees. The votes of persons holding land on which seed rate was due were disallowed. Lord Downshire had no land under such circumstances. The Local Government Board, having carefully considered the objections raised, do not think that there are grounds for disturbing the election.