kio' ON THE LOCAL TAXATION OF THE CITY OF DUELIN. 73 Can you state to the Committee, the increase of presentments made within any Mr. given number of years to the clerk of the peace and the clerk of the crown JoIin M Mullen, of the city of Dublin?—' The increase of the emoluments of the clerks of the peaGe ' and of the crown has recently been very considerable. May-) What has been the increase since the year 1801 ?— In the year 1801, the emolu- ments of the clerks of the peace, paid out of the grand jury cess, were 693 /. 8 s. Gd. What were they in 1811, and what in 1821?— In 1811, 1,278/. is. 4 d. and in 1821, 1,750/. 175. 2 d. and in 1822, 1,954/. i6, y. Gd. What has been the increase of presentments to the sheriffs?— In the year 1801, the presentments for fees to the sheriff, amounted to 15/. 5 s. 4 d.; in 1811, 153/- 4*-; 101821,343/. 15. gd.; and in 1822, 427 /. 10 s. Are you aware, whether the keeper of the sheriff's prison derives emoluments to any considerable extent, from the prison itself, beyond this amount of present- ment?— The keeper derives emoluments to a considerable extent, from the rent of rooms in the prison. Do you mean, derives or is entitled to, because there is a great deal of difference?— I do not perceive the difference; I am not aware of the nature of his title ; but I am aware of the fact that he derives those emoluments. Are you aware of any presentments which have been made, and which excited discussion in the court, with respect to the repairs of that prison ?— I have heard of such presentment and such discussion. Can you state to the Committee what you have heard on that subject ?— I have heard it stated, that the court objected to some presentments for the repairs of that prison, and intimated that it ought to be kept in repair from the revenue arising out of it. Is the salary of the treasurer to the grand jury increased ?— It has been gradually advanced during the last forty years. How much has it increased from the year 1781, to the present period ?— In the year 1781, it was only 25/. In the present year the salary is 300/. for his services as treasurer of the grand jury, and 150/. for his services to the commissioners of w ide streets ; both of which sums are included in the presentments of the grand jury. Was there any additional sum granted to the treasurer, on account of the tax, called the Anna Liffey cess ?—' There was an additional salary granted to him on that account, of 50/. yearly. Has that tax now ceased ?— That tax ceased, I believe, about three years ago. Are you aware, whether there has been any reduction in the salary of the treasurer in consequence of the cessation of those duties?— The salary of the treasurer on that account, was not reduced until Michaelmas term last. , t Observing that the duties of the treasurer embraced the two objects of grand jury cess and the wide street commissioners, has it ever occurred to you that it would be desirable to combine the whole of the collection of local taxes in one office, in Dublin, with a view to the safety of the public money and to the reduction of the expense of collection ?— It has so occurred to me certainly. Will you have the goodness to state to the Committee how it has occurred to you, that such an arrangement might best be carried into effect?— I think such an office might be established in Dublin, upon the plan which was adopted some years back, in the collection of the assessed taxes; payments to be made quarterly or half- yearly, allowing a discount as a premium for punctuality, and in lieu of the fees now paid to collectors; this discount should necessarily be, in the first instance, added to the amount of the taxes, and that portion of it which was not re- allowed upon payments, would go to defray the expense of such an establishment for the collection. Have you reason to imagine that such an arrangement would give satisfaction to the different classes of the inhabitants of Dublin ?— I am persuaded, that as far as it goes, it would give the most perfect satisfaction. To all parties and classes?— To all parties. Has there been any increase in the salary of the secretary to the grand jury ?— The secretary to the grand jury has also obtained a gradual and extensive increase of salary. Does" there appear on the presentment sheet, any charge for this ottice Irom 1771 to 1781 ?— There does not. What was the allowance in 1790 ?— 40 /. What was it in 1801 ?— 50/. and in 1811 and subsequently, 350 /.