§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ MR. AGAR-ELLISmoved the second reading of the Bill, The object of the Bill was simply to assimilate the registration and the polling districts, the one being at present regulated by the baronies, and the other not. It also gave the clerk of the peace additional powers, in order that he might carry out the additional duties imposed on him.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. Agar-Ellis.)
§ MR. WHITESIDEsaid, he did not desire to impede the Bill, but he thought a measure of this kind should be in the hands of the Government. Perhaps the Attorney General for Ireland would take it up, far if any mistake were made in a Bill of this kind, it might in future lead to great inconvenience.
§ MR. O'HAGAN (ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND)said, as far as he was concerned, he would give any assistance to his hon. Friend he could. The difficulty had arisen from the system of registration in baronies, and as it was occasioned by the Bill introduced by his hon. Friend (Mr. Ellis) himself, he had thought it desirable that that hon. Gentleman should have charge of this Bill. For his own part, he must say he quite agreed with the Bill, and should be quite willing to accept any responsibility with reference to it, or to promote it in any way he possibly could.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ Bill read 2°, and committed for Wednesday next.