I have to inform the House that I have received a communication from Senator the Earl of Dunraven in which he states that, inasmuch as his medical advisers have told him that he must inevitably spend his winters for the future abroad, he finds it necessary that he should resign his seat as a member of this House. Under our Standing Orders an interval of at least one fortnight has to elapse before a Senator is elected to fill his place. I propose, therefore, that the election should be held on this day fortnight. I find that there will be no reason, having regard to the state of business, for convening the Seanad next week, and consequently if we dispose of the business on the Order Paper to-day Senators will not be required to attend until this day fortnight. On that day we will hold the election for the casual vacancy. I would remind Senators that, under our Standing Orders, any nomination of a candidate has to be handed in before the expiration of one week from this date, that is to say, before Wednesday next. Any Senator who wishes to nominate a candidate will kindly do so not later than next Wednesday—that is to say, this day week. Nomination papers, and all the other particulars necessary as to the filling up of the papers, can be obtained from the Clerk.
RESIGNATION OF A SENATOR.
