House of Commons Papers Volume 29, PT. 1 (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. 1836 Excerpt: ...obtain work, and an alteration in their manners towards their employer: I am paying rather higher wages; I think the steady man is better satisfied in consequence of the system adopted towards the'idle. Poaching and petty crimes appear to diminish in our parish." (7.)--" The new poor law has had a good effect upon the able-bodied labourers, as they seem to seek employment for themselves more than they did last year; there is an alteration in their manners and behaviour. I think they frequent the public-house as much or more than ever; they show no desire to lay by part of their earnings. There is some increase in the rate of wages from the preceding year. I think the industrious labourer feels more satisfied with his condition in consequence of the system adopted towards the idle. I am of opinion that poaching and petty depredations have diminished." (8.)--" In my opinion the new poor laws have had a good effect upon the able labourers; they are generally more tractable and obedient, show a much greater desire to retain their employment; some of them have said to me ' We are now wholly dependent upon you for all we receive, there is now no one else that we can look to for support or assistance.' They do not, in my opinion, frequent the ale-house so much as they used to do. 1 think they have no desire, generally, to lay by any part of their earnings, but few at the present are able. Wages are a trifle higher. The steady labourer is much more contented than when the idle received as much for doing nothing. I think poaching and petty thefts are not carried to the extent they were." (9 )--" I am fully persuaded the morals of the labourers are much improved by the new poor law system; there seems to be a general disposition to do mo...