Ancestry UK

SCOTTISH POORHOUSE RULES (1850).

CIRCULAR as to Poorhouses.

Board of Supervision,
Edinburgh 2d February 1850.

You will receive herewith a copy of Pules and Regulations for Poorhouses, which have been prepared and sanctioned by the Board of Supervision, and to which you will take an early opportunity of directing the attention of your parochial board or managing committee.

The Board of Supervision expects that your parochial board or managing committee will adopt these rules and regulations for the use of their poorhouse, and give the necessary instructions for having them rigorously and strictly enforced, so far as this can be effected; they have been framed for poorhouses generally, and, on that account, it has been thought expedient to leave many details open for parochial boards or managing committees to supply and regulate in the manner best adapted to each particular locality. Should there, however, be circumstances connected with the poorhouse in your parish, which render the due observance of any of the rules inconvenient or impossible, you are required to state what these circumstances are, and what modification of the rules that be thought desirable, as affecting your poorhouse in particular, in order that such statement may be considered and determined on by the Board of Supervision. I have at the same time to inform you, that, as these rules have been prepared with great care, and have not been sanctioned without much anxious consideration, the Board of Supervision will not admit of any deviation from them, unless some very cogent reasons can be adduced to show the necessity of the alterations proposed.

So long as relief to the poor was looked upon, both by the givers and recipients, as the fulfilment of a charitable, rather than a legal, obligation, poorhouses were naturally regarded merely in the light of almshouses for the reception of the more deserving amongst the aged, infirm, or friendless poor. The inmates were therefore, generally speaking, of but one class, consisting wholly of persons whose destitution and disability were beyond a doubt, and by whom admission to the poorhouse was held to be a favour or indulgence of which they might at any time be deprived by their own misconduct. The whole establishment was managed in a corresponding spirit. The inmates had regular liberty-days once a-week, when they went to visit their friends, or to amuse themselves; and it was not uncommon to find some of them begging on the streets or highways. In like manner, once a-week their friends were freely admitted to visit the inmates in the poorhouse, which, on such occasions, exhibited a promiscuous throng of paupers and their visitors mingled together. The friends of the paupers were permitted to bring to them, in the house, tobacco and such other articles of luxury (excepting ardent spirits) as they were able to procure. The inmates were induced to engage in some kind of industrious occupation, by a weekly payment of part of the proceeds of their work, to be expended as they might think proper on their liberty-days; and one of the first petitions presented to the Board of Supervision was from the male inmates of a poorhouse, complaining that the weekly sum allowed them as pocket-money was unreasonably small. It was deemed unnecessary to enforce strictly any system of rules or discipline where flagrant breaches of order or decorum were punished by expulsion from the house. But, while poorhouses ought always to afford a fit and safe asylum for helpless and friendless paupers, they must now be prepared to receive a new and wholly different class of inmates.

The altered feelings of the poor in regard to parochial relief, their more perfect knowledge of their rights and the facilities which the law now affords for enforcing these rights, have caused a strong pressure on parochial boards from a class, whose claims it would bo unsafe to admit without testing the truth of the allegations on which these claims are founded. For this purpose a well regulated poorhouse is the best of all tests. While it furnishes sufficient, and even ample, relief to the really necessitous, it affords the only available security that the funds raised for the relief of the poor are not perverted to the maintenance of idleness and vice. But a poorhouse will be wholly useless as a test, or rather it will not be a test at all, unless it is conducted under rules and regulations, as to discipline and restraint, so strict as to render it more irksome than labour, without such discipline and restraint, to those who are not truly fit objects of parochial relief. Hence the necessity which has arisen for placing the management of poorhouses upon a footing essentially different from that on which it formerly stood. It as with the view of meeting this necessity that them rules have been issued.

The proper subjects for admission into a poorhouse form two separate classes, easily distinguishable from other classes of paupers and from one another. Poor persons who are not comprised in one or other of these two classes will, with more advantage, both to the parish and to themselves, be admitted to out-door relief. For any systematic attempt to refuse all relief, except such as may be received within the walls of the poorhouse, would excite a baneful spirit of discontent amongst the poor, and that part of the population with which they are most closely connected; without effecting any saving to the funds of the parish; and far from being countenanced, would scarcely be tolerated by public opinion in this country.

The first of these two classes of paupers, for whom relief in a poorhouse is preferable to out-door relief, comprises destitute persons who are incapacitated, by youth or old age, or by disease, whether mental or physical, from contributing in any way to their own support, and who, at the same time, from being friendless, or weak in mind, or from requiring more than ordinary attendance, cannot be adequately maintained and cared for by means of outdoor relief, except at a cost exceeding that for which they can be provided for in the poorhouse.

The other class of paupers, for whom relief in a poorhouse is preferable to out-door relief, and to whom it is peculiarly applicable, either as a test or as affording the means of needful restraint, consists of applicants for, or recipients of, relief of every kind, whose claims are doubtful:— such as, persons who are suspected of concealing or of misrepresenting the extent of their means and resources, whether arising from their own exertions and earnings, or from the aid afforded by friends or relatives; or persons who, though not able-bodied, are yet not so disabled as in the opinion of the parochial board, to render them incapable of maintaining themselves and their dependents, if any, without relief from the parish; but more especially all persons of idle, immoral, or dissipated habits, who, if admitted to outdoor relief, would squander their allowance in drunkenness and debauchery, or otherwise misapply them. Poor persons may not be allowed to starve because they or their parents are vicious, but the law leaves to the bodies to whom its administration is entrusted, a choices to the manner of affording relief; and if parochial boards desire to discourage indolence, to detect imposture, to check extravagance, and to reform or control vice, they must make work, confinement, and discipline, the conditions upon which pauper of this class are relieved.

Old poorhouses have been enlarged, new ones have already been erected or are in progress, in different parts of the country, and others have been resolved on, while more are contemplated. The time has therefore arrived when it is obviously expedient that the principles upon which they ought to be uniformly managed, and the purposes to which they are to be applied, should be generally understood. In the Rules and Regulations which have been issued, the Board of Supervision has endeavoured to lay down those general principles in a manner which it is hoped, will render them capable of being, without difficulty, carried practically into operation. They have now endeavoured also to point out the purposes to which poorhouses ought to be applied, so far, at least, as relates to the particular class of paupers to whom in-door relief appears to be especially adapted. It remains for the local boards to provide for the observance of the Rules; and, in the exercise of a sound discretion, to select those paupers for admission to the poorhouse to whom parochial relief in that form may, with the greatest advantage and propriety, be offered.— I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

W. SMYTHE, Sec.

To the Inspector of Poor of _________

RULES and Regulations for the Management of Poorhouses.

HOUSE-COMMITTEE.

I. The management of the Poorhouse shall be under the immediate control of a House-Governor and a Matron, subject to the orders of a Committee of the Parochial Board or Boards of the Parish or Parishes to which the Poorhouse belongs; and such Committee, in transacting the business committed to them, shall exercise all the powers necessary for that purpose which belong to the Parochial Board or Boards.

II. One of the members of the House-Committee, so appointed, shall be named Chairman, who shall be convener of the Committee; and another member shall be named Vice-Chairman, who shall perform the duties of the Chairman, in case of his absence or inability.

III. If the Parochial Board or Boards, in their Minute appointing the House-Committee shall not name the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, then the Committee shall proceed to elect their Chairman and Vice-Chairman, at their first meeting, to be held within fourteen days after the appointment of the House-Committee, either in the Poorhouse or in its vicinity — such meeting to be called by the House-Governor of the Poorhouse; or, if there be no House-Governor, by the Inspector of the Parish in which the Poorhouse is situated.

IV. The House-Committee shall hold Ordinary Meetings, at the least once in every three months, at stated times to be fixed by the Parochial Board or Boards, in the minute naming the Committee; or, if not so fixed, then at such stated times as shall be fixed by the Committee.

V. The House-Committee shall hold Special Meetings at such times as the Chairman, or, in case of his absence or inability, the Vice-Chairman, shall call such meetings.

VI. The proceedings of all meetings of the House-Committee shall be recorded in a Minute-Book, to be kept for that purpose, in which the minute of each meeting shall be signed by the Chairman of that meeting, and the same shall be reported to the Parochial Board or Boards from time to time, or at such times as the Parochial Board or Boards shall direct by the minute appointing the Committee.

VII. The House-Committee shall uphold and maintain the Poorhouse and premises in good and substantial repair, and shall, from time to time, remedy, without delay, any such defect in the repair of the house, its drainage, warmth, or ventilation, or in the furniture or fixtures thereof, as may tend to injure the health of the inmates;— and, with a view to so upholding and maintaining the Poorhouse, shall insure, and keep insured, the same against danger by fire, for such sum, being reasonably sufficient to cover any probable loss, and in such manner, as the Committee may determine. But alterations of the Poorhouse or premises requiring additional building, or the removal of any building or wall, shall not be undertaken by the House-Committee, except with the concurrence of the Parochial Board, and the Board of Supervision.

VIII. The House-Committee shall, once at least in every year, and as often as may be necessary for cleanliness, cause all the rooms, wards, offices, and privies belonging to the Poorhouse, to be lime-washed, and the cesspools to be emptied.

IX. The House-Committee shall purchase and procure, from time to time, provisions, clothing, linen, bed-clothes, and every article required for the use of the Poorhouse, and shall not employ any member of the Parochial Board or Boards, by which the Committee was appointed, to furnish such articles, or to execute any work connected with the Poorhouse, unless the offers for the contracts for such supplies or work shall have been, by sealed tenders, so transmitted that it shall not be known to the Committee, at the time when a tender is accented, by whom it was made.

X. The House-Committee shall cause all accounts of supplies furnished, work executed, or other expenses incurred on account of the Poorhouse, to be made out as against the House-Committee, and no such account shall be paid or transmitted to any other committee or officer of the Parochial Board, with a view to its payment, until it has been examined by the House-Committee, and docqueted by their order.

XI. The House-Committee shall determine what poor children admitted to the Poorhouse shall be boarded out, and shall see that such as are so boarded are placed with proper persons, that their education is properly attended to, and that they are trained to habits of industry. The House-Committee shall also see that proper masters or employers are provided for all pauper children under the charge of the Committee, who are apprenticed or sent to service, and that the Chaplain and the House-Governor, or other person charged with that duty, continue to exercise a regular superintendence in respect to them, so long as they are chargeable to the parish.

XII. The House-Committee shall cause to be laid before them, at every ordinary meeting, the Register of the inmates, with an abstract showing the number who have been admitted, dismissed, have died or absconded, or have been removed, since the date of the preceding abstract; also, the record of cases of misconduct and punishment; also, the Report-book of the Officer, the Visitors' Report-book, and the House-Governor's Journal; also, a statement of the provisions, clothing, and other necessaries received, expended, and remaining in the Poorhouse; also, all accounts of expenses chargeable to the House-Committee, and such other books, accounts, and documents, as, by these rules, are required to be laid before them.

XIII. The House-Committee shall, once at least in every year, name two or more of their members a Sub-Committee, to be present when the House-Governor takes stock of provisions, clothing, linen, bedclothes, furniture, and other articles belonging to the Poorhouse, and the members so present shall countersign the account of stock so taken, which shall be laid before the House-Committee at their next ordinary meeting.

VISITATION OF POORHOUSE.

XIV. The Poorhouse shall be visited once at least in every week, by a committee of two or more members of the Parochial Board. The Visiting-Committee shall carefully examine the Poorhouse — shall satisfy themselves as to the quantity and quality of the provisions issued to the inmates — shall ascertain whether the house is kept clean, well ventilated, and sufficiently warm, and whether the inmates are properly attended to and accommodated — and shall write such answers as the facts may warrant to the following queries, which are to be printed on each page of a book, to be provided by the House-Committee. and kept for that purpose in the Poorhouse, and which is to be submitted by the House-Governor the House-Committee at every ordinary meeting:—

1. Is the house, with its supplementary buildings, wards, yards, and appurtenances, clean and well-ventilated?

2. Do the inmates appear clean and decent in their persons and clothing, and orderly in their behaviour?

3. Are the inmates usefully employed according to their capacity; and can you suggest any improvement in their employment?

4. Are the infirm in body or mind properly attended to, according to their several conditions?

5. Are the children, or others at school, making due progress; and does the Chaplain attend regularly to their religious instruction?

6. Is the Medical Officer regular in his attendance?

7. Do the patients in the sick-ward appear to be in as satisfactory a state as their ailments admit of?

8. Is there any infectious disease in any of the wards, or are any of the children not vaccinated?

9. Is the established dietary duly observed, and are the hours of meals regularly adhered to?

10. Is the separation of the sexes and various classes of inmates strictly enforced?

11. Is any complaint made by any of the inmates against any official, or in respect of the provisions or accommodations?

XV. The Visiting-Committee shall forthwith report in writing to the Chairman, or acting Chairman, of the-House-Committee, any observations connected with the Poorhouse which may appear to them to require the immediate attention of that Committee.

XVI. The Members, and the Secretary of the Board, of Supervision, and all officers and persons duly authorised by that Board, and all the members of the Parochial Board of parish having a pecuniary interest in the Poorhouse, and all persons duly authorised by any such Parochial Board or by the House-Committee, or by the Chairman acting on behalf of that Committee, shall be entitled to visit and inspect the Poorhouse, and to enter any remarks thereon in the book containing the questions to be answered by the Visiting-Committee; and no officer of the Poorhouse shall in any way, directly or indirectly, impede such visit or inspection, or the entry of such remarks; and no other person, unless legally authorised, shall be allowed to enter the Poorhouse, so as to be enabled to communicate with the inmates, without permission from the House-Governor or Matron.

XVII. In the Poorhouse there shall be a House-Governor, a Matron, and a Porter, who shall be paid officers, and shall reside within the premises, and the duties of such resident officers and their assistants, respectively, shall be as hereinafter specified.

HOUSE-GOVERNOR.

XVIII. The following shall be the duties of the House-Governor:

(1.) To admit poor persons to be inmates of the Poorhouse, in accordance with the orders of the Poorhouse and the orders of the House-Committee, and not otherwise.

(2.) To keep the register of inmates, and to enter therein the name, religious persuasion, date of admission, and all other particulars required to be entered in the register as to every poor person admitted as an inmate.

(3.) To lay before the House-Committee, at every ordinary meeting, an abstract, showing the number of inmates in the Poorhouse at the date of the last abstract, the number admitted, and the :number who have died, absconded, been removed, or dismissed since that date; also, the number of inmates of each class, and the total number remaining in the Poorhouse.

(4.) To receive all provisions and other articles purchased or procured for the Poorhouse, and before placing them in store or issuing them, to compare the bill of delivery with the order given; to ascertain whether the quantities charged have been delivered, and whether they are in terms of the contract,— and if so, to authenticate the bills of delivery by his signature; or if not, to report the same forthwith to the Chairman, or in case of his absence or inability, to the acting Chairman, of the House-Committee.

(5.) To receive all provisions, bed and body clothing, and other articles belonging to the Poorhouse, or confided to his care by the House-Committee; to deliver or issue them to the Matron or other persons, as may be required or directed by the rules of the Poorhouse and the orders of the House-Committee; and to see that such articles are applied to such purpose as is authorised or approved by the House-Committee, and to no other.

(6.) To keep an accurate account, in a Book provided by the House-Committee for that purpose, of the receipt and expenditure of all articles received for the use of the Poorhouse, showing the manner in which each has been disposed of.

(7.) To lay before the House-Committee, at every ordinary meeting, an abstract of the provisions, clothing, and other necessaries received, expended, and remaining in the Poorhouse, together with an estimate of the quantity of such provisions or other articles required for the Poorhouse, and to execute such directions as he may receive from the House-Committee thereupon.

(8.) To take stock of provisions, clothing, linen, bed-clothes, furniture, and other article belonging to the Poorhouse, in the presence of two or more members of the House-Committee, to be named a Sub-Committee for that purpose, at least once in every year, at such time or times as the House-Committee shall determine.

(9.) To keep a book, to be called "The House-Governors Journal," to enter therein every important occurrence in the Poorhouse not entered in any other book ordered to be kept, and to lay such Journal before the House-Committee at every meeting.

(10.) To keep the "Daily Diet Book," and daily enter up therein the number of inmates in each dietary class; the quantities of each, article of diet which, according to the existing dietary, shall be required for each of such classes; and the total quantity of each article of ordinary diet to be taken from store, for consumption by the inmates; also, in like manner to keel) the "Sick Diet Book," and enter up daily therein the extra diet and cordials prescribed and to bo issued for each sick inmate, and the total quantity of each article of such diet.

(11.) To keep all Books of accounts which the House-Committee direct and require him to keep; to allow the same to be constantly open to the inspection of any member of a Parochial Board having a pecuniary interest in the Poorhouse, and to submit the same to the House-Committee at their meetings.

(12.) To enforce industry, order, punctuality, and cleanliness, and the strict observance of the several rules and regulations, by the inmates of the Poorhouse, and by the assistants and servants employed therein.

(13.) To enter, in his Journal, and, if necessary, to report forthwith to the Chairman or acting Chairman of the House-Committee, any transgression of the rules and regulations by any officer or person other than a hired servant or an inmate of the Poorhouse.

(14.) To appoint, subject to the approval of the House-Committee, all the male hired servants employed in the Poorhouse, and to select from amongst the inmates all the male nurses and helpers, and to suspend or dismiss any or all of such hired servants, and to remove any or all of such nurses or helpers, from these employments, whenever it is just and proper so to do; entering every such suspension, dismission, or removal, with the reasons for the same, in the House-Governor's Journal, and reporting forthwith the fact of such suspension or dismission of a hired servant to the Chairman or acting Chairman of the House-Committee.

(15.) To state in his Journal, and point out to the Visiting-Committee, anything in the condition or arrangements of the Poorhouse, tending, in his opinion, to injure the health of the inmates; and to direct the attention of the Medical Officer to the same.

(16.) To take care that the wards, rooms, kitchen, larder, and all other parts of the Poorhouse and premises, and all the utensils and furniture thereof, be kept clean and in good order; and, as often as any defect in the same, or in the state of the Poorhouse shall occur, to report the same in his Journal to the House-Committee at their first meeting; and, if the case be urgent, to report forthwith to the Chairman or acting Chairman or that Committee.

(17.) To obtain the order, in writing, of the House-Committee, duly entered in the order-book to be provided for that purpose, and signed by the Chairman, or acting Chairman, before purchasing or procuring any article for the use of the Poorhouse, or ordering any repairs of any part of the Poorhouse or premises or of the furniture or other articles thereto belonging.

(18.) To read prayers to the inmates, or cause prayers to be read, before breakfast and after supper every day, in the absence of the Chaplain.

(19.) To cause the inmates to be inspected, and their names called over, immediately after morning prayers every day, in order that it may be seen that each individual is clean and a proper state.

(20.) To provide for and enforce the employment of all the inmates to the extent of their ability.

(21.) To visit the sleeping wards of the male inmates before noon every day, and to see that such wards have been duly cleaned and properly ventilated.

(22.) To see that the proper quantity of each article of diet is daily given out to the Matron in accordance with the Daily Diet Books.

(23.) To say, or cause to be said, grace before and after meals.

(24.) To see that the dining halls, tables, and seats, are cleansed after each meal.

(25.) To visit all the wards of the male inmates at or before nine o'clock every night, and see that all the male inmates are in bed, and that all fires and lights are extinguished.

(26.) To receive from the Porter the keys of the entrance to the Poorhouse every night at nine o'clock, and to deliver them to him again every morning at six o'clock, or at such other hours as shall, from time to time, be fixed by the House-Committee.

(27.) To see that the male inmates are properly clothed and supplied with bed-clothes and bedding, and that their clothing, bed-clothes and bedding, are kept in a proper state.

(28.) To send for the Medical Officer of the Poorhouse in case any inmate is taken ill or becomes insane, and to take care that all sick and insane inmates are duly visited by the Medical Officer, and are provided with such medicines, attendance, diet, and other necessaries as the Medical Officer shall in writing direct, and to apprise the nearest relation, if any in the Poorhouse, of the sickness of any inmate, and in the case of dangerous sickness, to send for the Chaplain or other licensed minister of the persuasion of the inmate, as well as for any relative or friend of such inmate, resident within a reasonable distance, whom he may desire to see.

(29.) To give immediate information of the death of any inmate in the Poorhouse to the Medical Officer, and to the nearest relations of the deceased who may be known to him, and who may reside within a reasonable distance; if the body be not removed within a reasonable time, to provide for the interment thereof.

(30.) To take charge of the clothes and other articles, if any, of such deceased inmate, and to deliver an inventory thereof to the next meeting of the House-Committee, who shall give the necessary directions respecting the same.

(31.) To report to the House-Committee, from time to time, the names of such children as may be fit to be put out to service or other employment, and to take the necessary steps for carrying into effect the directions of the House-Committee thereon.

(32.) To submit to the House-Committee, from time to time, a list of such books or other publications as he may think it necessary or advisable to introduce into the Poorhouse for the use of the inmates, and not to admit into the Collection any book or publication that has not beep approved by the House-Committee.

(33.) To inform the Matron where he may be found before at any time he absents himself from the Poorhouse, and never to remain absent from the premises a whole night, without leave from the Chairman or acting Chairman of the House-Committee.

(34.) To perform, as far as may be, the duties of the Matron during her absence or inability.

(35.) To inform the Visiting Committee, and the House-Committee, of the state of the Poorhouse in every department, and to submit, in writing, to the House-Committee, at their ordinary meetings, any suggestions he may have to offer for the correction of abuses and the introduction of improvements in the management of the Poorhouse, and to observe and fulfil all lawful orders and directions of the House-Committee, suitable to office.

(36.) To cause copies of the Rules and Regulations as to Discipline and Offences and Punishments, and as to Diet, to be kept suspended in the respective dining-halls and wards throughout the establishment.

(37.) To attend, if directed so to do, the meetings of the House-Committee, and to write out the minutes of their proceedings, to enter them in the Minute-Book, and to procure the signature of the Chairman of each meeting to the minutes of its proceedings when so entered.

(38.) To attend, and to cause the male hired servants to attend, morning and evening prayers.

MATRON.

XIX. The following shall be the duties of the Matron:

(1.) To assist the House-Governor in the general management and superintendence of the Poorhouse, and especially in enforcing the observance of good order, cleanliness, punctuality, industry, and decency of demeanour, amongst the inmates; in cleansing and ventilating the steeping-wards, dining halls, and all other parts of the premises, and in taking care of and preventing waste or loss in the articles provided for the use of the Poorhouse.

(2.) In the absence of the House-Governor, or during his disability, to act as his substitute in all matters relating to the admission of poor persons; and in all other matters pertaining to his duties, so far as she may be capable of so acting.

(3.) To take charge of the linen and stockings for the use of the inmates, and of all the other linen in use in the Poorhouse, and also of any other clothing or articles confided to her care by order of the House-Committee; and to apply the same to such purposes as shall be authorised or approved by the House-Committee, and to no other.

(4.) To superintend and give the necessary directions for making and mending the linens and clothing supplied to the male inmates, and all the clothing supplied to the female inmates and children, and to take care that all such clothing be marked with the name of the Poorhouse.

(5.) To superintend and give the necessary directions concerning the washing, drying, and getting-up of the linen, stockings, blankets, and other articles, and to see that the same be not dried in the sleeping wards or in the sick-wards.

(6.) To keep, in a book provided for that purpose by the House-Committee, a correct account of all linen, clothing, bedding, blankets, sheets, stocking, table napery, furniture, and other articles confided to her care, and to enter therein the date at which every article was received, the date when it was first issued for use, and the date when it became unserviceable; such book to be at all times on to the inspection of the House-Governor and of the Visiting-Committee, and to be submitted by the House-Governor to the House-Committee at every ordinary meeting.

(7.) To make a requisition for such articles as she deems to be necessary, in a book to be provided for that purpose, and which shall be laid by the House-Governor before the House-Committee at every ordinary meeting.

(8.) To report, in writing, to the House-Governor, for the purpose of being entered in his Journal, any infringement of the Rules and Regulations of the Poorhouse, or of the orders of the House-Committee, by any officer or person other than an inmate in the department of the Poorhouse under her immediate charge; and, if she shall deem it necessary, also to report the same, in writing, to the Chairman or acting Chairman of the House-Committee.

(9.) To appoint, subject to the approval of the House-Committee, all the hired female servants employed in the Poorhouse, and to select from among the female inmates fit persons to be employed in washing and mending the linens and other articles of clothing; also, nurses for the several wards, and to see that the persons so hired or employed perform the duties required of them.

(10.) To take care, with the assistance of the nurses, of the children, and of the old and infirm inmates, and to provide the proper diet for the children and the sick, and to furnish them with such changes of clothes and linen as may be necessary, and to see that every proper assistance is rendered to them.

(11.) To pay particular attention to the moral conduct and orderly behaviour of the female inmates and children, and to see that they are clean and decent in their dress and persons.

(12.) To attend, and to cause the hired female servants to attend, morning and evening prayers.

(13.) To provide for and enforce the employment of all female inmates, to the extent of their ability, and to assist in training up the children, so as to fit them for service, or other employment.

(14.) To call over the names of the inmates in each ward every morning, at the hour fixed by the House-Committee, and to inspect their persons, and see that they are clean.

(15.) To prepare every morning, immediately after roll-call, a diet-roll of the inmates, and to hand it to the House-Governor, so as to enable him to enter up his daily diet-book, and to issue from store the articles of diet required for the day, in proper time.

(16.) To receive daily, from the House-Governor, the articles of diet required for that day, in accordance with the diet-roll and the daily diet-book.

(17.) To see that the food of the inmates is properly cooked, and served up to them in the dining-hall; that each individual is supplied with a diet in accordance with the Rules, and that the food of such inmates as, from sickness or other cause, are unable to take it in the dining hall, is sent and given to them.

(18.) To administer as far as possible with her own hand, to each individual, the wine, spirits, or other cordial, prescribed for such person by the Medical Officer; and if in any case she cannot so administer the cordial prescribed for an inmate, to take the earliest opportunity of inquiring and ascertaining whether the quantity supplied has been duly administered.

(19.) To visit all the wards of the females and children every night before nine o'clock; and to ascertain that all the inmates in each ward are in bed, and all the fires and lights therein extinguished.

(20.) To see that every inmate in the Poorhouse has clean linen and stockings once a week, and that all the beds be kept in a clean and wholesome state.

(21.) Before leaving the Poorhouse to inform the House-Governor where she will be found, and never to be absent one whole night without leave from the Chairman or acting Chairman of the House-Committee.

(22.) To observe and fulfil all lawful orders of the House-Committee, suitable to her office.

PORTER.

XX. The following shall be the duties of the Porter:

(1.) To keep the gate, and to prevent any person, not being an Officer of the Poorhouse, or a Member of a Parochial Board having a pecuniary interest in the Poorhouse, or a Member or the Secretary of the Board of Supervision, or a person authorised by law or by the Board of Supervision, or by a Parochial Board entitled to give such authority, or by the House-Committee, from entering into or going out of the Poorhouse without the leave of the House-Governor or Matron.

(2.) To receive all-poor persons who apply for admission with a proper order; and if the Governor or Matron should both be absent, to place such poor person in the probationary ward or place set apart for the reception of such poor persons, until the House-Governor or Matron return.

(3.) To take charge of the clothes of each poor person on his admission to the Poorhouse, and to deposit them, when purified, in a place appropriated for the purpose, having affixed to them a list of the articles and the name of the poor person to whom they belong.

(4.) To examine all parcels and goods before they are received into the Poorhouse, and prevent the unlawful admission of any spirituous or fermented liquors, or other prohibited articles.

(5.) To take care that no poor person or inmate entering the Poorhouse, either for admission or on return from temporary leave of absence, shall take into the house or premises any spirits or other prohibited articles; and for this purpose to search their persons, if he shall think fit; and to require any other person whom he may suspect of having possession of any such spirits or prohibited article to satisfy him to the contrary before he shall permit such person to enter the Poorhouse.

(6.) To take care that no poor person, going out of the Poorhouse, unduly removes any article from the premises; and for this purpose to examine all parcels taken by them out of the Poorhouse, and to search their persons, if he shall think fit.

(7.) To lock all the outer doors, and deliver the keys to the House-Governor, or, in his absence, to the Matron, every night at nine o'clock, and receive them back every morning at six o'clock, or at such other hours as shall from time to time be fixed by the House-Committee.

(8.) To assist the House-Governor and Matron in preserving order and in enforcing obedience and due subordination in the Poorhouse.

(9.) To inform the House-Governor, and, in his absence, the Matron, of all things affecting the security, order, and interest of the Poorhouse, and to obey all lawful directions of the House-Governor and Matron and of the House-Committee.

ADMISSION OF POOR PERSONS.

XXI. Every or person who shall be admitted as an inmate into the Poorhouse, either upon a first or any subsequent admission, shall be admitted by a written or printed order signed by an Inspector, or by some other person duly authorised by the House-Committee, or by a Parochial Board having a right to send poor persons to the Poorhouse, to sign such order, and not otherwise.

XXII. No poor person shall be admitted on any written or printed order bearing date more than three days before the day on which such order is presented at the Poorhouse, unless such poor person, at the time of receiving the order, was residing at a distance of more than five miles from the Poorhouse; and no poor person shall be admitted on any each order if it bears date more than six days before the day on which it is presented at the Poorhouse.

XXIII. The name and religious persuasion of a poor person admitted to the Poorhouse, with all other particulars required to be stated; shall be duly entered in the Register at the time of admission; and such person shall be placed in a probationary ward or other apartment separate from the inmates of the Poorhouse, and shall there remain till examined by the Medical Officer.

XXIV. If the Medical Officer, upon such examination, pronounce the poor person to be labouring under any disease of body or mind, the poor person shall be placed in the sick-ward, or in such other ward as the Medical Officer shall direct.

XXV. If the Medical Officer pronounce the poor person to be free from any disease, the poor person shall be placed in the part of the Poorhouse assigned to the class to which such poor person belongs.

XXVI. Before being permitted to communicate with the other inmates, the poor person shall be thoroughly cleansed, and shall he clothed in a Poorhouse dress, and the clothes which such poor person wore at the time of admission shall be purified, and deposited in a place appropriated for that purpose, with the owner's name and a list of the articles affixed thereto, and such clothes shall be returned when the poor person leaves the Poorhouse.

XXVII. Every poor person, upon admission to the Poorhouse, or on return from a temporary leave of absence, shall be searched by, or under the inspection of, the proper officer, and shell be prevented from carrying into the Poorhouse any prohibited article.

CLASSIFICATION OF INMATES

XXVIII. The inmates, so far as the Poorhouse admits thereof, shall be classed as follows:—

1. Males above the age of 15 years.

2. Boys above the age of 2 years, and under that of 15 years.

3. Females above the age of 15 years.

4. Females above the age of 2 yearly and under that of 15 years.

5. Children under 2 years of age.

XXIX. To each of the classes specified in Article XXVIII. shall be assigned by the House-Committee the apartments and yard best fitted for the reception of such class; and where the number of inmates and the accommodation admit thereof, the said classes may be farther subdivided.

XXX. Each class, or subdivision of a class, shall respectively remain in the part of the Poorhouse assigned to them without communication with any other class, or subdivision of a class; subject, nevertheless, to such arrangements as the House-Committee shall make with reference to the probationary wards, the infirmary or sick-ward, and the employment of nurses and helpers.

DISCIPLINE OF THE INMATES.

XXXI. All the inmates in the Poorhouse, except those disabled by sickness or infirmity, persons of unsound mind, and children, shall rise, be set to work, leave of work, and to go bed at such times, and shall be allowed such intervals for their meals as the House-Committee shall direct,— and these several times are to be notified by the ringing of a bell.

XXXII. Half an hour after the bell shall have been rung for rising, the names of the inmates shall be called over by the House-Governor, Matron, or other person duly authorised, respectively in the several wards, where every inmate belonging to each ward must be present to answer and to be inspected; and a list of the persons in each ward arranged in dietary classes, as provided in Article LXII., shall be made out for the information of the House-Governor.

XXXIII. The meals shall be taken by the inmates (except those disabled by sickness or infirmity, persons of unsound mind, and children), in the dining-hall, and in no other place whatever; and during the time of meals, order and decorum shall be maintained; and no inmate (except those disabled by sickness or infirmity, persons of unsound mind, or children), shall go to, or remain in, the sleeping-ward, either in the time appointed for work, or in the intervals allowed for meals, except by permission of the House-Governor or Matron.

XXXIV. The House-Governor and Matron shall fix, subject to the directions of the House-Committee, the hours of rising and going to bed for the sick, the infirm, and the young children, and determine the occupation and employment of which such inmates are capable; and the meals of such inmates shall be provided at all times, and in such manner, as the House-Committee may direct.

XXXV. The inmates, of the respective sexes, not employed as nurses or helpers, shall be dieted as set forth in the dietary prescribed for the use of the Poorhouse, and in any other manner,— provided that the Medial Officer may direct in writing such diet for any sick, or lunatic, or infant inmate, as he shall deem necessary.

XXXVI. No inmate shall have or consume any spirituous or fermented liquor, unless by the direction in writing of the Medical Officer; and no inmate shall have or consume any tobacco, or food, or provision, other than is allowed in the dietary, unless with the permission of the House-Governor or Matron, subject to the directions of the House-Committee.

XXXVII. The clothing to be worn by the inmates in the Poorhouse, shall be made of such materials as the Parochial Board or the House-Committee shall determine.

XXXVIII. The inmates of the several classes shall be kept employed according to their capacity and ability; but no inmate shall work on account of any party other than the Parochial Board or House-Committee, which shall be entitled to appropriate, for behoof of the Parish, the whole proceeds of the labour or employment of every inmate.

XXXIX. The boys and girls who are inmates of the Poorhouse shall, for three or more of the working hours of every day, be instructed in reading, writing, arithmetic, and the principles of the Christian religion, and such other instruction shall be imparted to them as shall fit them for service or other employment, and train them to habits of usefulness, industry, and virtue.

XL. Twenty-four hours after having intimated to the House-Governor a desire to be dismissed from the Poorhouse, or sooner if the House-Governor shall think fit, any adult inmate, not a dependent of an inmate, may quit the Poorhouse; but no inmate shall carry away any clothes, or other article belonging to the Poorhouse, without the express permission of the House-Governor or Matron; and no poor person dismissed from the Poorhouse, or so quitting it, shall again be received therein, except in the mode prescribed in Article XXI. for the admission of poor persons.

XLI. No inmate, not being an adult, or, if an adult, being a dependent of an inmate, shall be permitted to leave the Poorhouse, except on temporary leave of absence, without the consent of his parents or guardians, or the inmate on whom he is dependent, unless by express permission of the House-Committee.

XLII. No inmate having a dependent an inmate shall quit the Poorhouse, without taking every such dependent with him, unless by express permission of the House-Committee.

XLIII. The House-Governor may send out the inmates of each sex under the age of fifteen, subject to such restrictions as the House-Committee may impose, and under the care and guidance of himself, or the Matron, or some other person duly authorised by the House-Committee, for the purposes of exercise and instruction.

XLIV. No person shall visit any inmate of the Poorhouse except by permission of the House-Governor or Matron, and subject to such restrictions and conditions as the House-Committee may prescribe; and such interview shall take place, except where a sick inmate is visited, in a room separate from the other inmates, in the presence of the House-Governor, Matron, Porter, or other person duly authorised by the House-Committee.

XLV. No inmate shall be allowed to possess, or to read in the Poorhouse, any book or printed paper of an improper tendency; and no written paper of an improper tendency shall be allowed to circulate, or to be read aloud among the inmates.

XLVI. No inmate shall play at cards, or at any game of chance, in the Poorhouse; and the House-Governor or Matron shall take from any inmate, and dispose of as the House-Committee shall direct, any cards, dice, or other articles relating to games of chance, which may be in his possession.

XLVII. No inmate shall smoke within the Poorhouse, or any building belonging thereto, nor shall have any matches or other articles of a highly combustible nature in his possession.

MEDICAL OFFICER.

XLVIII. A properly qualified Medical Officer shall be named to attend at the Poorhouse, and the following shall be his duties:—

(1.) To attend at the Poorhouse daily, at such time or times as the House-Committee shall fix, and also when sent for by the House-Governor or Matron, in cases of sudden illness, accident, or other emergency, and at all such other times as the state of the sick or insane patients within the Poorhouse may render necessary.

(2.) To give, if possible, to the House-Governor and Matron, the name of a qualified medical man, who shall act for him in the event of his being prevented, by indisposition, absence, or otherwise, from performing his duties at the Poorhouse.

(3.) To examine the state of the poor persons on their admission into the Poorhouse — to examine the state of the patients in the sick-wards, and also the state of any sick or insane inmates in the other wards.

(4.) To give all necessary directions as to the classification, diet, and treatment of the sick inmates, and inmates of unsound mind; and to intimate to the House-Governor and Matron, and report to the Chairman or acting Chairman of the House-Committee, any inmate of unsound mind whom he may deem to be dangerous.

(5.) To enter in a book, to be provided by the House-Committee for that purpose, and to be called the "Medical Officer's Sick Diet-Book," all directions which he may give regarding the diet of sick inmates, and inmates of unsound mind, and to submit the same to the House-Committee at their ordinary meetings, and at such other times as they may direct.

(6.) To report in writing to the Chairman or acting Chairman of the House-Committee, any defect in the diet, drainage, ventilation, warmth, or other arrangements of the Poorhouse, or any excess in the number of any class of inmates, which he may deem to be detrimental to the health of the inmates.

(7.) To give all necessary directions as to the diet of the children in the Poorhouse, and to vaccinate such as may require vaccination.

(8.) To make to the House-Committee a return of the sick within the Poorhouse, in the prescribed form, weekly or monthly, as that Committee shall direct; and to enter therein the apparent cause of the death of every poor person who shall die in the Poorhouse.

(9.) To give the House-Committee, when required, any reasonable information respecting the case of any poor person who has been under his care — to make such written report relative to any sickness prevalent among the inmates of the Poorhouse, as the House-Committee, the Parochial Board, or the Board of Supervision, may require of him, and to attend the House-Committee when required by them to do so.

(10.) To keep a Register of all patients under his care in the Poorhouse, in which he shall shall enter the name, age, and other particulars of each patient, and an account of his visits, and also of the treatment of the more serious cases, and to submit such Register to the House-Committee and the Visiting-Committee, when required so to do.

(11.) To promote peace, order, obedience, and observance of the rules of the Poorhouse among the inmates; and to inform the House-Governor, the Matron, or the Chairman or acting Chairman of the House-Committee, of any infringement of such rules that may come to his knowledge.

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION.

XLIX. The religious instruction of the inmates of the Poorhouse shall be committed to a chaplain, who shall be a distinct officer from the House-Governor, and the following shall be his duties:—

(1.) To lecture or preach to the inmates of the Poorhouse, conjoining prayer and praise, every Sabbath-day.

(2.) To visit any sick inmate of the Poorhouse from time to time, and when he may be applied to for that purpose by the House-Governor or Matron.

(3.) To examine and catechise the children once in every month or oftener; and after each of such examinations to record the same, and state the general progress of the children, in a book to be provided for that purpose by the House-Committee, and which is to be laid before that Committee at their next ordinary meeting.

(4.) To promote peace, order, obedience, and observance of the rules of the Poorhouse among the inmates, and to inform the House-Governor, the Matron, or the Chairman or Acting-Chairman of the House-Committee, of any infringement of such rules that may come to his knowledge, and to perform such other duties suitable to his office as may be required of him by the House-Committee, in terms of his agreement or appointment.

(5.) To report his proceedings generally to the House-Committee at such times as that Committee shall direct, stating the name of the person, if any, who may have officiated for him since the date of his last report.

L. All inmates of the Poorhouse, except those who are incapacitated by sickness, infirmity, or infancy, shall attend morning and evening prayers every day, and divine service every Sabbath-day. Provided that inmates who refuse to attend on account of their religious principles, shall be exempt from such attendance, and shall be engaged, during the time of divine service, in religious exercises, or in reading or hearing read, such religious book suited to their religious persuasion, as the House-Governor shall sanction.

LI. Any regular minister of the religious persuasion of any inmate of the Poorhouse shall, at any time in the day, on the request of any inmate, be allowed by the House-Governor to enter the Poorhouse for the purpose of affording religious assistance to such inmate, or for the purpose of instructing his child or children in the principles of his religion. Provided that such assistance or instruction shall be so given as not to interfere with the good order and discipline of the other inmates of the Poorhouse; and such religious assistance or instruction shall be strictly confined to inmates who are of the religious persuasion of such minister, and to the children of such inmates.

LII. When a regular minister of any religious persuasion shall request permission to visit members of his congregation who may be inmates of the Poorhouse, orders shall be given for his admission at such hours as the House-Governor may consider proper; and if such inmates, or several of them, desire it, arrangements shall be made for assembling them in some convenient apartment, where religious instruction may be given, or divine service conducted with decorum, and apart from the other inmates.

LIII. No work, except the necessary household work and cooking; shall be performed by the inmates on Sabbath-day.

LIV. No work, except the necessary household work and cooking, shall be required to be performed by any poor person who shall be entered in the Register as professing to be a member of the Episcopal Church on Good Friday and Christmas day; nor by any poor person who shall be entered on the Register as professing the Roman Catholic religion on any of the following days observed as holidays in the Roman Catholic Church,— that is to my, the 1st and 6th days of January, the 17th and 25th days of March, the 29th day of June, the 15th day of August, the 1st day of November, Ascension day, and Corpus Christi day.

PUNISHMENTS FOR MISCONDUCT OF INMATES.

LV. Any inmate who shall neglect to observe such of the Rules and Regulations of the Poorhouse as are applicable to, and binding upon him;

Or who shall make any noise when silence is ordered to be kept;

Or who shall use obscene or profane language

Or shall, by word or deed, revile or insult person;

Or shall threaten to strike or assault any person;

Or shall not duly cleanse his person;

Or shall refuse or neglect to work, having been required so to do;

Or shall pretend sickness;

Or shall play at cards or other game of chance;

Or shall enter, or attempt to enter, without permission, the ward or, part of the premises appropriated to any class of inmates other than that to which he belongs;

Or shall behave improperly at public worship, or at prayers;

Or shall not return till after the appointed time, when allowed to quit the Poorhouse on temporary leave of absence;

Or shall wilfully disobey any lawful order of any officer of the Poorhouse;

Shall be deemed DISORDERLY, and the House-Governor may punish any such inmate, by requiring him, fora time not exceeding two days, to perform one or two hours of extra work each day, and by withholding, for the like time, all milk or buttermilk which such inmate would otherwise receive with his meals; or by deprivation of such other articles of diet, and for such time, not exceeding three days, as the House-Committee, after consulting with the Medical Officer, shall direct.

LVI. Any inmate who shall, within seven days, repeat any one, or commit more than one, of the offences specified in Article LV., or who shall by word or deed revile or insult the House-Governor, the Matron, or any other officer of the Poorhouse, or any member of the Parochial Board, or any officer of the Parochial Board, being in the Poorhouse in the discharge of his official duty;

Or shall wilfully disobey any lawful order of the House-Governor or Matron, after such order shall have been repeated;

Or shall attempt to introduce any fermented or spirituous liquor, or other prohibited article, without sufficient authority;

Or shall unlawfully strike, or otherwise unlawfully assault, any person;

Or shall wilfully or mischievously damage or soil any property whatsoever belonging to the Poorhouse, or to the Parochial Board;

Or shall be drunk:;

Or shall commit any indecency;

Or shall wilfully disturb the inmates during prayers or divine worship;

Or shall climb over any wall or fence, or attempt to quit the Poorhouse premises in any irregular mode;

Or shall attempt to convey out of the Poorhouse any clothes or other article belonging to the Poorhouse, or to the Parochial Board;

Shall be deemed REFRACTORY, and punishable by solitary confinement, with or without an increase in the time of work, and an alteration of diet, similar in kind and duration to that described in Article LV. for DISORDERLY inmates, as the House-Committee shall direct; but no inmate shall be so confined for a longer period than twenty-four hours; or if it be deemed right that such inmate shall be carried before a magistrate, and twenty-four hours Should not be sufficient for that purpose, then for such further time as may be necessary for such purpose.

LVII. The House-Governor may punish any Disorderly or Refractory inmate, by causing him to wear, during a period of not more than forty-eight hours, a dress different from that of the other inmates, either jointly with or in lieu of the deprivation of any articles of diet to which any such inmates might be subjected by the regulations herein contained.

LVIII. If any offence, by which an inmate becomes Refractory, be accompanied by any of the following circumstances of aggravation; that is to say, if such inmate

Persist in using violence against any person;

Or persist in creating a noise or disturbance, so as to annoy a considerable number of the other inmates, or any sick inmate :

Or endeavour to excite the other inmates to acts of insubordination;

Or persist in acting indecently or obscenely in the presence of any other inmate;

Or persist in mischievously breaking or damaging any goods or property of the Poorhouse, or of the Parochial Board;

Or persist in refusing to work;

The House-Governor shall, without any special order of the House-Committee, place such Refractory inmate in confinement for any time not exceeding twelve hours. But the House-Governor shall not confine any adult inmate without the special order of the House-Committee except in one of the cases specified in this Article.

LIX. No inmate who is under medical treatment, or who is infirm, or who may reasonably be supposed to be under twelve years of age, or who may be pregnant, or who may be suckling a child; shall be punished by alteration of diet, or by confinement, unless the Medical Officer shall have previously certified, in writing, that no injury to the health of such inmate is reasonably to be apprehended from the proposed punishment; and any modification, diminishing such punishment, which the Medical Officer may recommend, on the ground of health, shall be adopted by the House-Governor.

LX. No inmate shall be confined at any time between eight o'clock in the evening and six o'clock in the morning, without being furnished with a bed and bedding suitable to the reason, and with the other proper conveniences.

LXI. No inmate shall be confined in any place which shall not have been previously examined by the Medical Officer, and certified to be a place in which inmates may be confined without injury to their health.

LXII. No child, under twelve years of age, shall be confined in a dark room, or during the night.

LXIII. No corporal punishment shall be inflicted on any child except by the Schoolmaster, the Schoolmistress, the House-Governor, or the Matron, nor except with a rod or other instrument, such as shall be seen and approved by the House-Committee, or Visiting-Committee, nor until six hours after he has been convicted of the offence for which such punishment is inflicted, nor on any child whose age may reasonably be supposed to exceed fifteen years.

LXIV. The person who punishes any child with Corporal correction, shall forthwith report to the Governor the particulars of the offence and punishment.

LXV. No corporal punishment shall be inflicted on any female child, except by the Matron or Schoolmistress.

L. The House-Governor shall enter in a book, to be provided for that purpose by the House-Committee, and to be called the "Report-Book of Offences and Punishments,"— 1stly, All cases of inmates who may have been punished without the directions of the House-Committee, together with the particulars of their respective offences and punishments; and, 2ndly, All cases of Refractory or Disorderly inmates, to be reported to the House-Committee for their decision thereon; and such book shall be submitted to the House-Committee at every meeting, when they shall give directions as to any confinement, or other punishment, of any Refractory or Disorderly inmate reported for their decision and Cause such directions to be entered in the minutes of that day's proceedings, and in the House-Governor's "Report-Book of Offences and Punishments;" and they shall also enter in that book their approval or disapproval of the conduct of the House-Governor or other officer, in respect to each case in which punishment is reported to have been inflicted by the House-Governor or other officer, without the directions of the House-Committee.

DIET OF THE INMATES.

LXVII. The Dietary of the Poorhouse shall be framed in accordance with the following rules:

(1.) No article of diet which is not of good quality, and in a wholesome state, shall he issued, prepared for, or given to any inmate.

(2.) The inmates — not under medical treatment — shall be divided, for the purposes of diet, into seven classes, viz.:—

Class A. Aged persons, of either sex, who are healthy, but who are not working.

... B. Adults, of either sex, who are healthy, but not working, and who are not aged persons, and children, of either sex, above eight, and not above fifteen years of age.

... C. Adult persons, of either sex, who are working.

... D. Infirm persons, of either sex.

... E. Children above five, and not above eight, years of age.

... F. Children above two, and not above five, years of age.

... G. Infants, not above two years of age.

(3.) To each of these Classes, except Class G, three meals a day shall be allowed, which shall consist of—

For Class A.—(First Rate).

Breakfast... Meal, three ounces; and milk, half-pint imperial.

Dinner....... Bread, six ounces; and broth, one-and-a-half pint imperial.

Supper...... Meal, three ounces; and milk, half-pint imperial.


 

For Class B.—(Second Rate).

Breakfast... Meal; four ounces; and milk, three-fourths pint imperial.

Dinner....... Bread, eight ounces; and broth, one-and-a-half pint imperial.

Supper...... Meal, four ounces; and milk, three-fourths pint imperial.
 

For Class C.—(Third Rate).

Breakfast... Meal, four ounces; and milk, three-fourths pint imperial.

Dinner....... Bread, eight ounces; broth, one-and-a-half pint imperial; and boiled meat, four ounces.

Supper...... Meal, four ounces; and milk, three-fourths pint imperial.
 

For Class D.—(Fourth Rate.)

Breakfast... Meal; four ounces; and skimmed milk, three-fourths pint imperial.

Dinner....... Bread, six ounces; rice-soup, one-and-half pint imperial

Supper...... Bread, six ounces; and tea, half-pint imperial.
 

For Class E.—(Fifth Rate).

Breakfast... Meal, four ounces; and; milk, three-fourths pint imperial.

Dinner....... Bread, six ounces; and broth, one pint imperial.

Supper...... Meal, three ounces; and milk, half-pint imperials
 

For Class F.—(Sixth Rate).

Breakfast... Meal, three-and-half-ounces; and new milk, half-pint imperial.

Dinner....... Bread, five ounces; and broth, three-fourths pint imperial.

Supper...... Meal, three ounces; and new milk, half-pint imperial.
 

For Class G.—(Seventh Rate).

Not less than eight ounces of white leavened bread, or seven ounces of meal, and one pint imperial of new milk, daily; to, be prepared in such manner, and given at such times, as the Medical Officer shall recommend.

(4.) The meal may be either oatmeal or Indian meal, or a mixture of these two kinds.

(5.) The milk may be buttermilk, where new milk or skimmed milk is not specified.

(6.) The bread, in the first six rates, may be of such sort as is generally used by the labouring population in the Parish or Perishes to which the Poorhouse belongs.

(7.) The broth shall be made with two ounces of meat, exclusive of bone, two ounces of barley, half-an-ounce of pease, one-and-a-half ounces of carrots, turnips, or other vegetables approved by the Medical Officer, and a due quantity of salt, for each ration of one-and-half-pint imperial; and for other quantities in the like proportions.

(8). The rice-soup for Class D. (Fourth Rate), shall be so made, that for each ration for an infirm inmate, there shall be four ounces of meat (which shall be left in the soup or not, as the Medical Officer shall direct, in each case); rice, one-and-a-half ounces; vegetables, two ounces; salt and pepper, the due quantity.

(9.) The tea for Class D. (Fourth Rate), shall be made with sugar, half-an-ounce; new milk, one ounce; and tea, one-eighth of an ounce, for each half-pint imperial.

(10.) In the First, Second, and Third Rates, there may be substituted, not more than three times a-week, for the broth at dinner, one-and-a-half imperial pint of peasoup, made with two ounces of whole or split pease, one-and-a-half ounces of pease-flour, one ounce of vegetables, and a due proportion of salt and pepper.

(11.) In the First, Second, and Third Rates, there may be substituted, not more than once a-week, for-the broth at dinner, three ounces of skimmed-milk cheese; and, for the broth and meat together, four-and-a-half ounces.

(12.) In the First and Second Rates, there may be substituted, not more than twice a-week, for the broth at dinner, eight ounces of white fish; and, in the Third Rate, twelve ounces of white fish, for the broth and meat together.

(13.) In the First Rate, there may be substituted, not more than twice a-week, for the bread and broth at dinner, one-and-a-half pounds of boiled potatoes, with three-fourths of a pint imperial of skimmed milk; and, in the Second and Third Rates, two pounds of boiled potatoes, with three-fourths of an imperial pint of skimmed milk; and in the Third Rate, for the bread, broth, and meat together, three pounds of boiled potatoes, with one imperial pint of skimmed milk.

(14.) The House-Committee may, under the written advice of the Medical Officer or Medical Officers, and by an order entered in the minutes of their proceedings, direct the use of other articles, in other proportions, than the above, whenever the scarcity of any article, the season of the year, or any circumstance affecting the sanatory condition of the inmates, shall be deemed to justify such changes; but, in any such change, there shall be no diminution of the amount of nutriment, or of the proportion of nitrogenous or azotised nutriment required by these rules, unless with the previous consent of the Board of Supervision.

(15.) The diet for any inmate who is under medical treatment, shall be such as the Medical Officer shall prescribe for him, and shall enter in a book, to be kept for that purpose, and to be called the "Medical Officer's Sick Diet Book," which shall be submitted to the House-Committee at every ordinary meeting.

LXVIII. Copies of the Regulations as to Discipline and Offences and Punishments, and as to Diet, shall be kept suspended in the dining halls and wards of the Poorhouse; and a copy of the Regulations as to Discipline and Offences and Punishments, shall be kept suspended in each probationary ward, and shall be read to each inmate on his admission.

EXPLANATION OF TERMS.

LXIX. Whenever the words, the House-Committee, or the words, the Parochial Board, are used in these Rules, such words shall be taken to mean respectively the House-Committee, and the Parochial Board or Parochial Boards, appointed or acting for the Parish or Parishes to which the Poorhouse subject to these regulations belongs.

LXX. Whenever, in describing any person or party, matter or thing, the word importing the singular number, or the masculine gender only, is used in these Rules, the same shall be taken to include, and shall be applied to, several persons or parties, as well as one person or pity, and females as well as males, and several matters or things, as well as one matter or thing, respectively, unless there be something in the subject or context repugnant to such construction.

LXXI. Whenever, in these Rules, any Article is referred to by its number, the Article of these Rules hearing that number shall be taken to be signified thereby.

LXXII. Whenever, in these Rules, the word Inmate is used, such word shall be taken to mean a poor person receiving parochial relief in the Poorhouse.


LIST of Books required to be kept for the use of Poorhouse by the forgoing Rules.

1. House-Committee's Minute-Book.

2. Register of Inmates.

3. Visitor's Report-Book.

4. Receipt and Expenditure Book.

5. House-Governor's Journal.

6. Report of Offences and Punishments Book.

7. House-Governor's Daily Diet-Book.

8. House-Governor's Sick Diet-Book.

9. House-Governor's Order-Book.

10. Matron's List of Linen, &c., Book.

11. Matron's Requisition Book.

12; Medical-Officer's Register and Report Book.

13. Medical-Officer's Sick Diet-Book.

14. Chaplain's Children's Examination-Book.


ADDITIONAL. Rule for Inspectors of Poor as to poor Persons who have applied for, and been refused, Relief:

The Inspector of the Poor shall deliver to every Applicant, who has been refused relief, a Certificate, signed by the Inspector, which shall certify the fact, the grounds, and the date, of such refusal, and set forth the name of the person so refused.


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