ON THE LOCAL TAXATION OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN. 187 2 0 3 , to attend vestries as in England, they might work well; but I never saw, except in Dr. extraordinary cases, a good attendance in my parish; the most affluent and respect- William Harty. able parishioners seldom appeared ; but there were a few who always attended and v — conducted the business of the parish just as they pleased. May ) Do you not conceive the vestry system would be very much improved, if the management and control of the parish funds were entrusted to the respectable inha- bitants ?— I think it would undoubtedly improve the management of parish business. Do you not conceive, that the attendance of respectable individuals may be im- peded by the attendance of other persons?— Certainly. If that improvement in the vestry system took place, that would make them, according to your opinion, more efficient in the administration of the parish duties ; do you conceive, that they would be ineligible bodies to have some control over the general taxation of the city?— I think, that it might possibly be well managed ; but with respect to the selection of the individuals, if it went by election in the parish, I should decidedly object, because I am confident that those persons would be elected who canvassed, and that the respectable parishioners would not condescend to such a course ; therefore, unless they were specially named by the legislature, I would most decidedly object, because otherwise there would be no chance of selecting the most respectable members of the parish. Are you acquainted with the management of local taxes in any other of the great cities of Ireland?— I am not. Do you conceive, that commissioners who might be appointed by the authority of parliament, and vacancies to be supplied by election, giving the power of electing any persons of a certain station and property, would not constitute a proper tribunal for the administration of the local taxes of the city?— It might be a proper tribunal for such purpose, but still how is the recommendation of fit and proper persons to reach parliament; how can parliament know them, except through the special recommendation of some individuals ; therefore it must be a matter of uncertainty, whether fair, impartial and independent men would be elected. Still I think, that, in any case, the same class of abuses, and the only class that can be designated as such by this Committee, would prevail, namely, that every body of men entrusted with power, would give a preference to their own relatives or friends in the appoint- ment to offices. The duties with regard to which the grand jury are intrusted with power, are duties extending over the whole year, are they not ?— The duties of their officers are permanent and constant. Do you not conceive there is a great inconvenience in placing those powers of control in bodies, who only meet twice in a year ?— The control I consider per- manent ; because a control exists with the court of King's Bench, to interfere at all times by summary jurisdiction. The grand jury have no power of control the instant their functions cease?— Yes ; but the sessions grand jury almost constantly sits, and the term grand jury at each of the four terms. The sessions grand jury have no control over the acts of the term grand jury ?— None; but they can, and do interfere with the prisons and the officers. Have you known many instances in which the court of King's Bench has inter- fered effectually in the control or administration of the grand jury funds?— The court of King's Bench, to my knowledge, ( for I have been present in court) devote a considerable portion of time to the examination of presentments; the duty is generally discharged by the junior judge, and sometimes two will sit; two did sit on one occasion for nearly three hours, when every presentment submitted by the grand jury was canvassed by the parish council; the result of which minute and unexpected inquiry, was highly to the credit of the grand jury, and the disappoint- ment of the parishes. There is no other control then except that investigation ?— The expenditure ot the whole must afterwards be strictly accounted for. Mr. Samuel Wray, called in; and Examined. WHAT is your occupation ?— I am vestry clerk of the parish of St. Michan in Dublin. , ,. . < 1 How lonff have you held that office ?— More than thirty- six years. Had vou° anv connection with the parish, or knowledge ot that parish, before 549. * y° ur