PREFACE.

There are in England and Wales alone about 10,000 Councils elected to manage local affairs. When it is remembered that our annual expenditure for Local Government purposes now exceeds that of the National Exchequer, the importance of Local Government can hardly be gainsaid. The powers entrusted to local bodies are extensive and increasing. Their duties are onerous, and upon the faithful performance of them the health and happiness of the whole population to no small extent depends.

The choice of Councillors involves a large number of elections, many of which are keenly contested. In the following pages an attempt is made to smooth the path for candidates by dealing in a simple way, first with the practical work of municipal elections, and secondly, with the restrictions placed by Parliament on the procedure of those who fight them. If it thus succeeds in assisting

persons who interest themselves in the problem, of local administration, this little book will have achieved its aim.

J. SEYMOUR LLOYD.

4, Brick Court, Temple.

September, 1906.

Undue Influence.

False Declaration of Election Expenses

ILLEGAL PRACTICES

A. Avoiding Election if committed by any Agent of
a Candidate
B. Avoiding Election if committed with Knowledge
and Consent of Candidate

Avoidance of Election for Prevalence of Illegal

Relief for Inadvertent Breaches of Law

Time for sending in Claims and making Payments
Summary of Periods specified..

Form of Declaration of Election Expenses

110

113

115

115

116-120

120-130

Parish Council.-Election of Parish Councillors.-Powers and

Duties.

Rural District Council.-Powers and Duties.-Election of Councillors.-Councillors also Guardians.

County Council.-Committee Work.-Powers

Elections.

Urban District Councils.-Elections.

and Duties.

Municipal Boroughs.-Town Council.-Boroughs of Different Degrees.

Boards of Guardians.

London Government.-What is London.-Administrative County. -Growth of London Government.-Duality.

London County Council.-Powers and Duties.-Constitution. Metropolitan Borough Councils.-Vestrydom.-London Government Act, 1899.-Powers and Duties. -Elections.

City of London Common Council.

London Boards of Guardians.

B