362 On employing the Poor in Parish IVorlthouses* 



the poor themselves, that as nianv of them as- conveniently 

 caii should wovk out for kind and humane masters. 



At SiieffiL'kl, Nottingham, and some other places, I learnt 

 that their workhouse poor are employed in the most healthy 

 and profitable manner, when hired out to work at any busi- 

 ness ihcy arc capable of performing. And at the Edinburgh 

 workhouse, where the chief employment is spinning and 

 knittino, T found that the same practice of hiring out is 

 judged most beneficial, and generally adopted. 



It is much to be wished that the managers of every parish 

 workhouse would pro])erlv discriminate and encourage the 

 poor in proportion to their respective nierhs. In most well- 

 regulaied workhouses thov are allowed about '2d, in a shil- 

 ling of their own earnings ; and in some places they have a 

 further allowance of all they earn beyond what is reckoned 

 a reasonable task. I would recommend that the master of 

 everv workhouse should also have such an interest in the 

 poors' earnings, as would stimulate him to provide the most 

 beneficial business that the several individuals are capable of 

 performing; but should not have power to correct, nor force 

 them to work beyond stated hours. It is of great conse- 

 quence that the poor should be properly cn)ployed. If it be 

 known that they will not be permitted to remain in sloth 

 and idleness, it would rouse many to industry, and prevent 

 them from seeking parochial relief. A committee of re- 

 spectable and intelligent persons should be selected to su- 

 perintend the management of the workhouse, and some of 

 them from time to time to visit it, and pav strict attention 

 to what is going on there. To this committee the master of 

 the workhouse should give in a weekly account of the em- 

 ployment and eartiingfj of every poor person under his care. 

 4^ have myself assisted in carrying such a plan into execution 

 in a parish where the poor are numerous, and have wit- 

 nessed its cood eP/octs. 



I have now taken a view of (he poor inhabitants of parish 

 workhouses ; and have endeavoured to estaMish some prin- 

 ciples which should direct our choice in pioviding for them 

 the most proper and prolitable employment. What I have 

 offered is the result of much obscrvaiion and inquiry into 



the 



