§ MR. THOMAS CURRAN (Sligo, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that Mr. John Hunt, a candidate for the office of Poor Law Guardian for the Division of Coolavin, in the Boyle Union, was, as a result of the scrutiny held for the Division at the recent March elections, duly elected Guardian by the returning officer; and that, in the absence of Mr. Hunt and in the presence of Mr. Finan, his opponent, a recount some time afterwards took place, which resulted in the return of the latter; and whether, under the circumstances, the proceedings were regular; and, if not, will a new election be ordered.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. JOHN MORLEY,) New-castle-upon-TyneI have received a communication from the returning officer of the Union, in which he denies the truth of the statements in the question. Mr. Hunt, he observes, was not declared elected by him at the election referred to, and both candidates were present on the occasion of the second scrutiny of the votes. The Local Government Board have investigated the matter, and have informed Mr. Hunt that they saw no sufficient ground to interfere with the return made by the returning officer.