The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1856-03-26 00:00:00

CHURCH RATES.

Mr. Woodruff said he now came to a question of con-
siderable importance, which had caused great anxiety in
that room for many years past. That was the question of
church rates. They were aware that contests had been
going on in that country for many years past. They were
aware that in that town feelings had been excited to a
certain extent, and opposition manifested against the 'aw
relating to church rates. For two years back the par-
ishioners of Liverpool had very unmistakeably shown their
disinclination to submit to church rates being levied.
Two successive years had a poll taken place upon
that question, and on each occasion the church rate party
had been defeated. Under those circumsta ices it was not the
intention of himself and his colleagues to pro,ose a church
rate at all. (Cries of hear, hear.) They believed if they
did propcse it, they would not get it, and if they did get it
they would scarcely know how to apply it.
The Chairman : Oh, I could tell you that. (Laughter.)
Mr. Woodruff said when they found similar contests
going on throughout the country—wheu they found that
there were two bi.ls brought into the House of Commons on
that question, they thcught it exceedingly undesirable to
renew the old disputes in that town. He did hope, however,
that gentlemen, whether they were Dissenters or Roman
Catholics, would feel it their duty to contribute to a volun-
tary rate.Fi st of all, there were great p üblic conveniences
in the town which required to be maintained, such as
crocks and bells, which had been done hitherto out of the
church rate. Then there were the parochial churches, the
property of the people at large, and he scarcely thought any
of the public would like to see those buildings going into
decay. St. Nici.olas's and St. Peter's were the two parish
churches. He was unwilling to believe that even those who
differed from the doctrines of these churches, would
consider these establishments so offensive as to
allow them to fall into decay. (dear, hear.)
They had dote their work in their day, like all old institu-
tions, and even those who now looked en things in a
different light, would admit that they had done their work
well, and wish to see them preserved. (Hear, bear.) No
considerable sum would be wanted to keep the fabric of
these churches in repair; he did bur; and trust that, while
ht: did not wish to renew the old hostilities of former years,
they would all fuel it a duty, as well as a privilege, to
contribute a small voluntary rate, not to maintain every-
thing the old church rate did, but to provide especially for
the two parish churches and the other purposes he had
mentioned. Mr. Woodruff according moved a resolution to
tho effect that no church rate be imposed, but that the
churchwardens be authorised to collect a voluntary rate of
one penny in the pound.
Mr. Shaw seconded the motion.

Mr. George Maxwell wished to ask a question of the
churchwardens. A deliberate vote was taken twelve months
ago upon the subject, when it was put and carried that the
voluntary rate be printed separately from the other paro-
chial rates. He thought the parish had not been treated
with the courtel, which he would have expected, for the
moment the churchwardens came into office they departed
from that arrangement, and the voluntary rate was
printed as usual along with the compulsory rate, He sub-
mitted, again, that, it should be put upon a different part of
the paper, in order that parties might know what they were
paying, and that it should not be endeavoured by a side-
wind to get money from them which they objected to paying.
(Hear, hear.)

„
Mr. Woodruff said he, for one, would never act in oppo-
sition to the express resolution of the meeting, on that or
any other question. But at the time the proposal was made
last year, there was so much excitement that it could
scarcely be known what was the view of the vestry. He
could not h mself ascertain whether there was any decid,dly
manifested fceling in reference to it. It' it was proposed
that the voluntary rate ought to be put upon a separate bill
altogether, and separate collectors appointed—
Mr Maxwell : Oh, no.

Mr. Woodruff said that if Mr. Maxwell's only object was
ghat the voluntary rate should be put in a separate part of
he bill, there could be no objection whatever. He had not
:he slightest inclination that any one should be deceived as
,o the voluntary rate.

Mr. W. Bell said he had been told for two years that the
voluntary rate was to send the Irish poor home, and, in
consequence of that representation, he paid it. (Loud
laughter.)
Mr. Caine asked whether Mr. Woodruff did not consider
that the declaration he had taken upon entering office,
bound him to propose a church rate, whether it would be
carried or not

Mr. Woodruff : I do not need to be remembered of my
ole am obligation, by Mr. Came or any body else. What-
ever obligation rests upon me, I am prepared to take the
responsibility of it. (Hear, hear.) _ .

Mr. Dover said the Churchwardens were in difficulties.
(Laughter.) To use the language common among men, the
churchwardens wen) hard up. (Laughter.) The Chairman
would want his stipend when it tell due, and if it was not
raised for him, he would go to Mr. Woodruff's house, and
levy upon his furniture. (Loud laughter.)

The. Chairman : I am very glad Co find I have such a
remedy. (Renewed laughter.)
Mr. Dover proposed as an amendment, that a church rate
of 2tl in the pound be levied. (Hisses.) In a few moments,
however, he said he would alter his amendment to one
penny.
The Chairman I hope you are going to persevere with
your 2d. (Laughter.) I think your motion is the correct
one. That is m*rivate opinion. (Laughter.)
Mr. (Arne thought one farthing in the pound, if really
collected and paid by all parties, would be quite sufficient.
Mr. Woodruff: Just admire the modesty of these gentle-
men. They dictate to us how we should raise and spend
this money, and they could not manage their own affairs
while in office. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. Dover proposed that his amendment should be in
lieu of all the other rates, called by different names there.
The Chairman decided that the amendmant, in that form,
could not be legally put.
Mr. Dover finally withdrew I is amendment.
Mr. Lowe suggested that the voluntary rate should be
specifically set forth as for church purposes.
Mr. Jeffery said the legal adviser told them that if such
a description were used the money could only be appropri-
ated for keeping in repair the fabric of the church merely,
and could not be devoted to the other purposes mentioned.
After a very desultory discussion, it was agreed to use
the words, ‘‘ for church and other purposes." The voluntary
rate was then agreed to.
Mr. E. Braneker, Mr. H. W. Banner, and Mr. Stitt,
were appointed commissioners of St. Paul's and St. John's
Churches.

This concluded the business of the vestry.
Mr. Jeffery proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman,
which was carried by acclamation.
The Chairman, iu returning thanks, expressed his grati-
fication at the general harmony which had prevailed.
The meeting then Separated.