HC Deb 04 July 1878 vol 241 cc844-5

Order for Second Reading read.

MR. ASSHETON CROSS

, in moving that the Bill be now read the second time, trusted the House would allow that step to be taken. When the canonries throughout the county were reduced to four in each Cathedral, a fifth was left to Exeter; but now that Cornwall was separated from Exeter, it was proposed that the income of the fifth canonry should go to the See of Truro. Everybody concerned was agreeable. The right hon. Gentleman concluded by moving the second reading.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. Assheton Cross.)

MR. DILLWYN

said, he had never heard of what use canons were. He always looked upon them as useless and obselete, and he regretted that it should now be proposed to transfer one to the new Bishopric of Truro.

MR. ASSHETON CROSS

said, the duties of the Bishop of Truro would be by no means a sinecure, as the hon. Gentleman seemed to think.

MR. COURTNEY

said, the Bill went beyond what the right hon. Gentleman the Home Secretary had stated. It was for the formation of other canonries, besides the one transferred from Exeter. He thought, under the circumstances, it was rather hard to press the second reading at that hour of the night, and he would, therefore, move the adjournment of the debate.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Mr. Courtney.)

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

considered it was not fair that the debate should be adjourned, as the proposal in the Bill was one of a very simple and a very reasonable character. One of the canonries in Exeter was to be transferred to Truro, and opportunities were to be given for the formation of more canonries, if the liberality of the public would provide for them. But there was no question which connected this House with the foundation of those canonries. He, therefore, thought the hon. Gentleman might fairly allow the Bill to be proceeded with; because, if they put off Bills in that way, it would be difficult to find time to get through their Business.

SIR JOSEPH M'KENNA

said, on his own part, that he had no objection to allow the Bill to proceed; but must point out that it was only in the hands of hon. Members that morning.

Motion, by leave, withdrawn.

Original Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed for Monday next.