172 EIGHTH REPORT — 1838. 



The proposed lines in the north are, from Dublin to Cavan, and 

 thence two branches, one to Armagh, to join the line already com- 

 menced to Belfast, and the other in a north westerly direction to Ennis- 

 killen. The cost of these two lines is estimated at 2,015,000/. If this 

 line, which will be more expensive than the south, cost 11,000/. a mile, 

 the annual return will be 4| per cent. 



It is impossible upon the present occasion to enter more fully into 

 the extensive and important subjects embraced in this report. 



Abstract of Statistics respecting the Working Classes in Hyde, Cheshire. 

 By W. Felkin. 



The township of Hyde contained 830 inhabitants in 1800 — upwards 

 of 11,000 in 1837. The overseers' report of expenditure for the 

 latter year was, to 9 resident paupers, 561. 4*. \0d. ; 3 deceased 

 paupers, 15/. 2*. 6d.; 3 insane, 20/. 6s. M.; 18 paupers living out of 

 the township, 115/. 9s. lOrf.; being 207/. 35. \Od.io 18 men and 15 

 women (of the latter, 4> widows) ; total, 33 paupers ; added to which, 

 expenses for law, and removals, and medicine, 17/. 16s. 5d.; workhouse, 

 6/. 13s. 6d. ; overseer and sundries, 84/. 19s. Od.; — making 316/. 12s. 9d. 

 total expenses for paupers. 



Population engaged entirely in factory and retail trade, and getting 

 the coals they consume; highway rate 750/. for same year. In 1800, 

 the poor rate was 1 2s., in 1 837, 6d. per head, per annum. On examining 

 one of the factories (employing 1600 hands), and the dwellings of many 

 of the hands, there was found one public house, and no spirit, beer, or 

 pawn shop ; well furnished cottages generally ; a good rate of wages, 

 25s. men, 12s. women, 4s. children; average 12s. 6d. of the whole. 

 73 men's earnings were 78/. 15s. Od. a year. The earnings of 120 fa- 

 milies averaged 65. \0^d. including every individual composing them. 

 Their income was about 120/. a year; 3 felonies had been committed 

 in 35 years by those employed in this factory. None had ever been 

 pauperised, nor had pauper relatives living in the town, when the census 

 took place a few weeks ago. Ten of the M'orkmen possess 46 cottages, 

 rated at 7/. or 8/. each, bought by their savings ; and about 300 more 

 belong to probably 40 others. These houses are good and substantial 

 dwellings. They are fond of music, and cultivate it ; no dwelling was 

 without a Bible or New Testament, and generally other books and pic- 

 tures. Children Avell taught and in good schools ; many were seated at 

 meals both substantial and good. But few gardens or flowers. Intem- 

 perance gradually decreasing ; and though many -well-paid families live 

 always upon credit, yet prudence, benevolence, and good morals gene- 

 rally prevail, not only in these but amongst 4 or 5000 of the surround- 

 ing workpeople. 



Other large manufacturing establishments which have been visited, 

 show the excellent influence and effects of wise and economic principles 

 and management upon the happiness of the workpeople and the com- 

 munity. 



