§ MR. MOONEY (Newry)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the action of Dr. Ellis, the Local Government Board auditor, who has recently surcharged six urban councillors in Newry £1,092, on the grounds that the defaulting rate collector's bond was not in order, and of no use, and that money was lost; and whether, in view of the fact that under the Public Bodies Orders, the auditor is responsible for the correctness and utility of the bonds of the officers, and is provided with a special form (Form 41 G) for that purpose, to be filled up and signed by the auditor, he will state whether he will take steps to set aside this surcharge.
MR. BRYCEThe Local Government Board have not yet received the auditor's report on the audit of the accounts referred to. Pending receipt of this report, the Board are not in a position to express an opinion on the case, but it may be pointed out that the Public Bodies Order did not come into force until April 1st, 1905, whereas the 230 surcharge in question was made in respect of the accounts for the previous year.
AN HON. MEMBERIs this not the gentleman who has been removed from various districts because he is in the habit of making vexatious and illegal surcharges?