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33
DISTRICT COUNCILS' SCHEME.
A copy of a scheme containing suggestions for District Councils, by the
Islington Vestry, was received on the 1st March, 1892, and referred by the Vestry
to the Parliamentary Committee, who presented a report to the Vestry on the 13th
September, 1892, setting out details of a scheme which they approved and recommended
to the Vestry for adoption. This scheme, whilst following the main lines
of the Islington one, contained numerous modifications and enlargements, which
were as follows:—
SCHEME.
AREA.
1. That the Parish of St. Leonard, Shoreditch, should form one District
area.
2. That such area be divided into eight Wards, as at present.
QUALIFICATION AND ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS.
3. That the franchise for District Councils be the same as for the County
Council and Parliamentary Elections.
4. That the qualification for the office of District Councillor be beneficial
occupation and payment of rates in the District, always excepting such persons
who during the previous seven years may have been convicted of felony, gross
immorality, or gambling, or have become bankrupt.
5. That the number of District Councillors for Shoreditch be 52, i.e., eight
each for Hoxton and Church Wards, and six each for the other Wards.
6. That Councillors hold office for three years.
7. That the elections be held early in the month of March, so that they may
take place soon after a new register comes into force, and that newly elected
Councillors may commence their duties at the commencement of the financial year.
8. That the election of District Councillors be conducted in the same manner
and upon the same register as that of County Councils and Parliamentary
Elections (including the application of the Municipal Elections Corrupt Practices
Acts).
9. That if the principle of annual elections of one-third be adopted, casual
vacancies be only filled up at the next annual election; that if, however, the
elections be triennial, casual vacancies occurring in the first two years be filled up
by the Electors, those occurring during the third year being left over until the
next election.
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS.
10. That the only ex officio members of the District Council shall be the
County Councillors for the divisions in each district.