§ MR. WILLIAM ABRAHAM (Cork Co., N. E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether his attention has been called to the proceedings at the recent election of two Poor Law Guardians for the electoral division of Mitchelstown (Mitchelstown Union), at which it appears that the voting papers issued were marked "Election" for one guardian only; that a number of proxy and occupation votes were unduly credited to two candidates on behalf of a landlord and his agent in respect of six evicted farms on the Kingston Estate, that occupation votes in respect of property held upon mortgage were improperly allowed to a Mr. Roche, and that in consequence of general irregularity about one-third of the voting papers were returned unfilled; and (2) whether he will direct an inquiry to be made into these allegations, and into the way this election has been conducted by the Returning Officer, and order another election to be held?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe fact is as stated in the first Question. The Local Government Board are now investigating the matters in connection with this election, and will, if necessary, direct an inquiry to be held into the circumstances of the case.