Page:Speeches and addresses by the late Thomas E Ellis M P.pdf/186

 it an instrument for uplifting the poor, for brightening the life and lot of the worker, and for increasing the agencies of a larger and humaner life.

Passing to the second part of the Act, the Local Boards of Bala, Dolgelley, Barmouth, Towyn and Festiniog with their rating qualification and cumbrous method of election will pass away without, so far as I learn, any expression of poignant public regret. Their places will be taken by Urban Councils elected by ballot on the principle of one man one vote. The chairmen will be county magistrates. In addition to taking over the powers of the defunct Local Boards, the new Urban Councils may apply to the Local Government Board for any or all of the powers of the Parish Council such as the acquisition of land for allotments and public purposes and the selection of Charity Trustees.

Then the Rural Sanitary Authorities and Highway Boards will cease to exist, their place being taken by the Rural Councils, demo­ cratically elected. Their chairmen will like­ wise be county magistrates.