A Summary View of the Report and Evidence, Relative to the Poor Laws; Published by Order of the House of Commons, with Observations & Suggestions. by S. W. Nicoll (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1818. Excerpt: ... SECTION II. Substance of the Evidence. The more essential points of evidence, are as follows: Mr. Heaver, is an Overseer of Christ Church, Spifalfields, the population is 16,200, chiefly manufacturers, of which 3000 have been relieved in the last year. For the last ten weeks, the average in the house was 585; about 8000/. were raised the last quarter, 6000/. in former years. The Parish rental is 28,933/. rack rent; 5. per week is the maximum given to a family, to an old person 1. Qd. or 2s. Extra shillings are given to a family now and then; the average in the house in 1815, was above 300, that of 1810, from 400 to 500. The work in the house is limited; and for paupers out of it, no work is attainable. The poor out of the house are starving; a large sum (4500/. a quarter) is given by the association, which the Parish could not raise; little fluctuation in the trade arose till August twelve months. Mr. W. Wale. The Parish is governed by a Committee; mechanics to a great extent working in the city, reside in Spitalfields; relief is seldom asked for by members of a benefit club, or by one who has saved: "I would sooner have 100 men who saved, than 200 who spent all their earnings, ' earnings in the workhouse, amount to 1300/. per annum. The whole of Mr. Hale's testimony is deserving the most serious attention; he has long been conversant in the affairs of the poor, and the character of labourers; and the beneficial effects he finds universally to result from any thing like forethought or reflection, are extremely striking. Those who can be fairly said once to have thought for themselves, never afterwards want another to think for them. R. Oldershaw, Esq. He is vestry clerk of St. Mary's, Islington. Islington has a local act, and is managed by guardians ...