CO885(2-3) — Page 425

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importance, and likely to exercise an important influence in favour of

the Church upon the views of the people.

It is suggested that, for the purpose of making some provision for this purpose, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners' funds, which are entirely for Church purposes, might be fairly charged with some portion of the amount.

If that property had not been transferred to them, it would have been in hands where it would have been largely available for such purposes.

It is suggested that the Ecclesiastical Commissioners should pay annually to the lncumbent and Churchwardens of each parish in Ecclesiastical patronage an amount equal to the average expenditure in repairs of the fabric of the Church; and in the case of all other parishes half the average amount.

The Returns for 1866 show that 8,752 parishes collected in rates the amount of 228,9821., of which, however, there was expended in repairs of the fabric and churchyards only 56,4971., or an average of 61. 1s. 6d. for each parish; 3,819 parishes made no Returns. Applying the same average, these would give 23,2001., making a total of 79,6971. The number of parishes in Ecclesiastical patronage, including those in the patronage of the Universities and Schools, may be stated approximately at 4,000; in public patronage, 1,000; in private, 7,000. Thus the amount, according to the foregoing suggestion, would be for 4,000 parishes (average 61. ls. Gd.), 24,300l.; for 8,000 parishes (average 31. 0s. 9d.), 24,3001.; or a total of 48,6001.

Or, if one-half for all the 'parishes was given, the amount would be only 36,4507.

B. &. C.

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14.

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

TILIC.O.885

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO