§ Sir J. Grahamthen rose to move for leave to bring in a bill for the appointment and payment of parish constables. He would very shortly state the object of the bill. In the first place, he did not by his measure intend to interfere with the rural constabulary force. The object of the measure was to allow the magistrates of each county or petty sessions to hold annually a court for the appointment of parish constables. He proposed that this should take place on the ratepayers consenting to defray the salary of the constable so appointed for the parish or district. The constable so appointed was to be placed under the control of the superintendent of the rural police for the county. He did not propose to make the act compulsory in the first instance, but that it should be left to the rate-payers to adopt it or not, as the Highway Bill. The right hon. Baronet concluded by making his motion.
§ Leave given.
§ Bill brought in and read a first time.
§ The House adjourned.