24 



There are, no doubt, special causes, operat- 

 ing in particular parishes, to render a greater 

 amount of poor rates necessary in them than in 

 others : but the excess of charge under this 

 head will, it is believed, be not unfrequently 

 found to arise from mismanagement, and erro- 

 neous judgment in those who administer the 

 funds, or, contributing to them, exercise an au- 

 thority or influence in their distribution. 



Fourthly, as to labour. The price of agri- 

 cultural wages has been materially reduced in 

 many parts of the kingdom. In one parish a 

 reduction is known to have been made equal 

 to 25 per cent, the former wages having 

 been 12,?. a week, and the present wages being 

 only 9s. * And in the parish in question the 

 labourers, being all provided with constant la- 

 bour, are contented and satisfied. In the 

 scheme of appropriation of expenses, this head 

 of charge was estimated at 90/. upon a farm of 

 100/. rental : the saving will then be 22/. 10s. 

 in this instance, and 90/. upon a farm of 400/. 

 rental. 



* Of course the greater part of the work is performed 

 by the piece, or is let ; by which the superior industry of 

 the labourer is, or ought to be, rewarded by some accession 

 to the amount of daily wages ; but when work is let, the 

 price still bears relation of course to the customaiy price of 

 daily labour. 



