§ MR. BIGGAR (Cavan, W.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been drawn to a letter addressed to the Local Government Board, signed by Mr. Patrick Connolly, P.L.G., on behalf of himself and other Guardians of Cookhill Union, asking the Local Government Board to prohibit Robert Graham, late clerk of Union, from acting as Returning Officer at coming Poor Law elections, but expressing their willingness to accept John Graham, present clerk, as Returning Officer if the voting papers were kept out of the custody of both Grahams from the time of their collection till the scrutiny commences; and, whether the Local Government Board is prepared to act on foregoing suggestions?
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. HOLMES)(who replied) said (Dublin University)Mr. Robert Graham, the person objected to, will not be appointed Returning Officer. The present clerk, Mr. John Graham, is the Returning Officer, and will act as such. The General Orders provide that the Voting Papers must remainin his custody until the return of the election is made, and this rule cannot be deviated from. 1382 He will be held responsible for the conduct of the several proceedings connected with the election, and the Guardians have been so informed, in reply to their letter mentioned in the Question.