POOR laws. Of the general outline of this most enormous and almost ineffectu al burden on the people, much has been said in the excellent treatise of Mr Colqu houn. The 43 of Elizabeth, c. 2, is the foundation of all that is good in the poor laws ; making provision fbr finding work for the industrious and able ; for compell ing the idle and able to labour ; and for affording relief to the diseased and impo tent : and the 13, 14 Charles H. c. 12, is the foundation of all that is evil, by form ing the system of settlements and re movals ; a system, establishing oppres sion, litigation, and expense, and which has been made more oppressive, and more productive of litigation and expense, by every subsequent statute, till the sta tute of the 35th of his present Majesty ; which, by forbidding removals in case the pauper is not absolutely chargeable, has remedied more than half the evils occasioned by the former laws.
Overseers. The churchwardens of every parish, with two, three, or four substan tial householders, according to the size of the parish, to be nominated in Easter week, or within a month after, under the hands and seals of two or more neigh bouring justices, and who shall be called overseers of the poor. 43 Elizabeth, c. 2, s. 1.
Where there are no churchwardens, the whole power is vested in the over seers, 17 George IL c. 38, s. 15 Overseer dying, or becoming incapable of acting, two justices may appoint an other. Ibid. s. 3. If any person shall find himself aggrieved by any act of the jus tices, .gyp.* sessions, whose determination shall be final. Ibid s. 6.
* In this article the following abbrevi ations will be Wed P. denotes penalty ; Where there is no nomination of over. seers, P. 51 on every justice of the divi sion. R. by distress from the sessions, to be levied by the churchwardens and over seers. 43 Elizabeth, c. 2, s. 10.
Parish officers, with consent of two justices, shall set children to work, whose parents cannot maintain them, and all persons, married or single, who cannot maintain themselves, and have no regu lar trade or calling ; and one justice may send persons to the house of correction who will not work ; and the parish offi cers, not having an excuse, to be allow ed by two justices, shall meet once in a month, at least, in the church, on a Sun day after evening service, to consult. P.
20s. R. distress, and in default, commit ment till paid. J. 2. A. the poor. Ap. sessions. Ibid. s. 1, 2, 6, 11.
Overseers, within four days after the end of their year, shall account to two justices for all sums received and paid, and pay over what remains to their successors; who, in default, may levy it by distress, under warrant of two justices ; who, in default of distress, may commit till paid. Ibid. s. 2, 4.
Every parish officer, neglecting to obey the regulations of the above act, P. 40s. to 51. R. distress. J. 2. A. the poor. 17 George II. c. 38, s. 14.
Parish officer neglecting his duty, or disobeying the warrant of a justice, P. 40s. R. distress, and in default, commit ment • not exceeding ten days. J. 2. A. the poor. Ap. sessions, giving ten days notice. 33 George III. c. 55, s. 1, 2.
Rate. Parish officers shall raise, by a rate on all the inhabitants, a stock of flax, &c. to set the poor to work, and sums for the relief of the old and lame, who are not able to work, and for apprenticing poor children. Rate to be made by con sent of two justices. 43 Elizabeth, c. 2, s. 1.
Parish officers shall cause notice to be given publicly in the church, of such con sent of the justices, the next Sunday ; and no rate shall be collected till such notice is given. 17 George II, c. 3, s. 1. They shall permit the inhabitants to in spect such rates at all seasonable hours, on of ls.; and give copies on payment of 6d. for every twenty-four names. P. 20s. A. to the party ag grieved. Ibid. s. 2, 3.
Persons aggrieved by assessment. Ap. sessions. 17 George II. c. 38, s. 4.