The Sun.
London, England, 1835-07-25 00:00:00

TITHES.

On our return to the gallery, we found
Mr. HODGES presenting a petition, of which he had
given notice, from the parish of Hawkhurst, relative to tithes.
The lion. Member proceeded at some length to point out
the injurious results of the present tithe system. In the
parish from which the petition proceeded, there were formerly
48 farmers living upon the profits of their industry, and it was
a fact that not less than twenty-three of them had become
insolvent from the ruinous exaction of tithes—(Hear)—and
these consequences would be shortly extended to the country
genc rally, if some steps were not taken to put an end to these
excessive and unjustifiable demands. • Although there were
2,500 inhabitants in the parish, and although a large sum was
paid for the removal of leases to Christ Church, there was
not a house fit for the Curate to live in.—( Hear, hear.)
He begged to ask his Majesty's Government what their
intention was relative to the English Tithe Bill ?
He took a great interest in the affairs of this parish, because
it was immediately adjoining that in which he lived; and he
was afraid if the system was allowed to go on, it would extend
throughout the country, and be very detrimental to the inte-
terests of the Church itself.

Sir E. KNATCHBULL did not feel it then necessary
to enter fully into the question of tithes. He would only
Efate his opinion that it was irripos:ale to go on without an
alteration in the Tithe laws. It was essentially necessary,
and ho trusted that it would be brought forward at the earliest
possible opportunity during next session.

Lord J. RUSSELL said, in answer to the question which
had been put to him, he had to state, as he bad done before,
that the Government were of opinion it would be inexpedient
now to press forward the question of the tithe laws, but most
certainly they ;could be prepared early next session to submit
a measure on the subject of tithes for the consideration of the
Houe. He thought that it would be advisable to have the
question submitted to a select Committee, who could better con-
sider the measure in all its bearings with relation to all parts
of the country, and it was most probable that course would
be recommended.

Sir R. INGLIS said, that the Dean and Chapter of Christ
Church had nothing whatever to do with this subject.
Mr. GREEN supported the prayer of the petition.
Mr. CURTEIS defended the conduct of the Clergyman,
who he believed to have always acted in the most upright and
honourable manner. He thought the ➢ean and Chapter of the
College ought to come to some arrangement with the parish.
Mr. PARROTT had been requested to support the prayer
of the petition. He hoped the Noble Lord would take the
subject into his immediate consideration.
Mr. CURT E IS said the petitioners would accept any mea-
sure from the present Government, but would not accept any
thing from the late Government.—(Hear, hear.)
After a few words from Mr. GoimuunN and Sir E.
KNaTcrinuLL,
Mr. G ORING thought nothing but a commutation of tithes,
upon a fair average, would be satisfactory to the country.
The petition was ordered to lie on the table.
MUNICIPAL INQUIRY.

Sir ROBERT INGLIS moved an address to the King for
a copy of the protest of Hogg, Esq., one of the Com-
missioners of .Nlunicipal Inquiry. He had understood from
the Noble Lord opposite that there would be no objection to
the production of this document.
Mr. GOULB URN wished to know why, if there were no
objection to produce the document now, the production of it
was refused when he moved for it some time ago ?
Lord JOHN RUSSELL—Because it was not then in my
possession.—Motion agreed to.