§ MR. LEAHYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he is aware that the Newry Board of Guardians, which at present contains several members whose elections were disputed, intends to increase by £20 the salary of the master, who, until fourteen months ago, was porter 1849 of the House at less than half of his present salary, and who was censured by the Board a few months ago; and, whether the Local Government approves of such action under the circumstances?
§ MR. TREVELYANThere are some Guardians on the Newry Board whose elections were disputed; but, even if they have been improperly returned, which has not yet been proved, the circumstance would not affect the decision of the Board of Guardians on a point such as that referred to, as the hon. Member will see by a reference to Section 30 of the Poor Relief Act—
The Guardians are, on the 10th instant, pursuant to notice, to consider a proposition to increase the Master's salary; and if they resolve to do so, the Local Government Board will give the matter the necessary consideration; but the objection which has been lodged against the election of certain Guardians affords no reason for the postponement by the Guardians of the discussion on the subject.