each person was willing to give for the support of the poor in the year following. If any person of ability refused to contribute, without assigning a sufficient reason, it was the minister's duty to entreat him to be charitable according to his means; and if he refused, the minister would acquaint the bishop of the diocese, who would further exhort him; and if he were still obstinate in refusing to give, the bishop would bind him over to appear at the sessions. The justices would then endeavour to persuade him; and in case of refusal, would compel him to pay what they deemed sufficient.

was first

This state of things suggested the pro- Why a rate priety of making a rate on the occupiers of made. all descriptions of property affording profit; with a view to oblige all persons to contribute towards the support of the aged and infirm, according to their possessions. Thus endeavouring to make all charitable alike, as far as law could accomplish that object. In the fourteenth year of Queen Eliza- First act beth, a statute was passed for a general

for making a rate.

assessment throughout England, which soon after received some amendments and additions; and in the forty-third year of her reign, an act of parliament was passed (including former acts) for the "Relief of the Poor," and setting to work those who were able; which act has not been wholly repealed, but the most important part of it has continued in force to the present time.

ABSTRACT

OF

LAWS ON POOR-RATES.

As the rateability of property to the re- Preface. lief of the poor is grounded on the various acts of parliament, which have passed at different periods, since the fourteenth year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, it will be necessary, before entering on the practical mode of valuation, to give a brief outline of those parts of the acts, which are not repealed.

ment of

The act of the forty-third of Elizabeth Appointprovides, that the churchwardens, and four, overseers. three, or two substantial householders, shall be nominated yearly in Easter week, or within one month after Easter *, by two or

* Altered by 54 Geo. 3. to March 25., or within fourteen days after.

Property liable to be rated.

more justices of peace in the same county, as overseers of poor of the parish in which they reside, and they, or the greater part of them, shall take order, by the consent of the magistrates, for employing those poor people who are able to work, and have no means of maintenance, and for relieving the infirm. By raising "weekly, or otherwise, (by taxation of every inhabitant, parson, vicar, and other, of every occupier of lands, houses, tithes impropriate, propriations of tithes, coal mines, or saleable underwoods in the said parish, in such competent sum and sums of money as they shall think fit,) a convenient stock of flax, hemp, wool, thread, iron, and other necessary ware and stuff, to set the poor to work; and also competent sums of money for and towards the necessary relief of the lame, impotent, old, blind, and such other among them, being poor and not able to work; and also for the putting out of such children to be apprentices, to be gathered out of the same parish, according to the ability of the same parish."

to account once a

The overseers shall meet, at least, once a Overseers month, in the church, to consult on the business of their office; and shall, within four month. days after the end of their year, deliver up to the justices a correct account of monies received and paid, and other matters and things unsettled, and pay over the balance in hand to the succeeding overseers. In default of absence from meetings, or negligence of duty, to forfeit twenty shillings. If the justices perceive, that the inhabitants Rating in of any parish are not able to levy among themselves sufficient sums of money for defraying the necessary expenses of the poor, they may assess any other parish within the same hundred, or within the limits of their jurisdiction, in such sum of money as may be deemed requisite to make up the deficiency. And if the justices shall find that none of the parishes within the hundred are able to contribute more than sufficient for their own poor, they shall, at the general

* By 17 Geo. 2. the time allowed for paying the balance and delivering up the books is extended to fourteen days.

aid.