Catalogue description Folios 47-49. Letter from Richard Gould, Henry Farrington and William Cooper, Manchester...

Folios 47-49. Letter from Richard Gould, Henry Farrington and William Cooper, Manchester churchwardens, to the Poor Law Commissioners. The churchwardens have read Mr Nicholls publication on the state of the Irish poor, being aware that large donations are given to the mendicant poor particularly as charity equal to a well directed poor rate. They are anxious for information on the subject and state they are apprehensive that the plan to administer no relief, except in workhouses, will add greatly to an already over burdened population of indigent Irish families. They require guidance as to whether Irish families which have become a burden to the town, and compelled to be removed to Ireland, can maintain themselves or will be supported by their friends and the community in that country. But, if not, whether such families if passed to Ireland would be in worse condition than this country receiving a weekly pittance as they do now; or whether any arrangement could be made on their arrival in Ireland through any local charitable institutions for relief? The churchwardens and overseers wish to guard against any acts of severity in relief administration but to effectively provide for so many cases of destitute Irish poor as present themselves with no legal claim. They ask the Commissioners to consider the subject before measures are considered for Parliament. There is an appendix concerning two case studies of families: those of Richard Dooley and William Waugh.