IRELAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2358, 26 November 1908, Page 5

IRELAND.

CABLE NEWS

A LAND PURCHASE-BILL.

GOVERNMENT ASKS FOR POWER

.TO TAKE LAND

United Press Association, Copyright

LONDON, Nov. 24

In the House of Commons, Mr. Augustine Birrell, Chief Secretary for Ireland, occupied an hour and a half in introducing liis complex Land Purchase Bill.

The sales' completed totalled £25,000,000. The agreements pending represent £52,000,000, and instead of £100.000,000 contemplated in 1903, £lßo*ooo,ooo will be needed.

Amid Nationalist cheers, lie announced that he intended to relieve Irish ratepayers of prospective losses of half a million yearly on issues of stock.

It was intended to issue 3 per cents, increase the present limit of £12,000,000, -and graduate the bonus in order to assist the poorer landlord to sell. He commented on the Dudley Commission. He remarked that possession of unlenanted or grass lands must be obtained. They must decide whether it was better to have cattle or people. The Government asked for compulsory powers. He explained that the congested Districts Board would consist of 18, whereof nine would be chosen by the local authorities of each congested district or county, adding that finance was controlled by an administrative committee of lion-elected members. lie assured Nationalists that if any measures were carried over another session he would resign unless this one was included. (Nationalist cheers.) THE FINANCIAL ASPECT. THE STOCK EXCHANGE PUZZLE (Received Nov. 25, 10.45 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 25. There is a concensus of opinion that Mr. Birrell’s financial- proposals have puzzled the Stock Exchange. The most generous view is that tlio Government has not made up its mind, and is- awaiting some lead from the City.