Star.
London, England, 1827-02-09 00:00:00

ST. OLAVE'S, HART• STREET.

A Meeting of the Parishioners of Dr. Owen, of St.
Olave's, Hart-street, took place yesterday, to take into
consideration the propriety of continuing to assess Dr.
Owen for the poor•rate, and all other matters connected
therewith. It was very numerously and respectably
attended. Mr. Churchwarden Frisby, in the absence of
Dr. Owen, took the chair.
Mr. DAVIT said, that Dr. Owen had given him the
most solemn assurance that. if exempted from paying
the poor-rate, he would never increase his tithe beyond
two shillings in the pound. He (Mr. Davey) thought
that Di. Owen was quite sincere in his intentions of not
advancing any fresh demands on his parishioners; and
he, therefore implored the parish to yield, in order that
peace and quietness might once more exist throughout
the parish--( Cheers).
Mr. HILL pertectly coincided in the remarks of Mr.
Davey, and thought that the scenes of contention which
had distracted the parish during the last two years,
should be put an end to.
Mr. NODIN thought it was quite obvious that Dr.
Owen must be compelled to pay the last poor-rate ; and
that it was the most proper course to adopt, that the
Churchwardens should be instructed to take the neces-
saty measures to collect the same.
Mr. Nmsom moved the resolution.. . .

Mr. Drumm& perfectly concurred in the suggestions throws
out, and was satisfied no other plan could be adopted.
Mr. Kola said, it appeared to him rather a singular
mode of conciliation, to propose that Dr. Owen should
be compelled to pay his arrears. If the parish were
desirous of living in peace with their Rector, they should
consent to forego their claims.
Mr. Roue said he had heard much that day of con-
ciliation, and of the propriety of conciliation; but why
did not Dr. Owen come himself, and manifest a desire
to promote it? Was his opposition to contribute towards
the maintenance of the poor a mark of conciliation?--
Was compelling the parish to borrow money at in-
terest a proof of his conciliation ? Were the repeated
lawsuits, in which he had been so constantly en-
gaged with his parishioners, a sign of conciliation ?
Did his threat, that he would appeal against every
poor-rate, if the parish continued to assess him, manifest
a spirit of conciliation ? Dr. Osten, not content with
exacting a tithe from his parishioners, under the obsolete
and unenrolled Act of Henry VIII. expects to obtain
relief from contribution to the Poor Laws, which were
not framed till the period of Queen Elizabeth. One
Gentleman had informed them, that he had Dr. Owen's
solemn assurance, that if he was exempt from any pay-
ment of the poor-rate, he would never augment his
tithe beyond 2s. in the pound. This, to be sure, was
very modest, and very forbearing, considering that Dr.
Owen only received 2.0001. per annum at the levy of
Ss. in the pound. Consider the time Dr. Owen had
chosen to object against contributing towards maintain.
ing the poor—the very period when the Head of the
Church had directed the Bishops to instruct the Clergy
to ask of the people alms for their ,support—(Hear).
41 Yes, Gentlemen," exclaimed Mr. Rolfe, " we have
Dr. Owen going round, in obedience to the mandate of
his superior, soliciting alms for the poor, and the very
same Dr. Owen setting himself up in hostile array
against the whole parish, with a view to get ex-
empted from bearing any portion of the expense attend.
ant on the support of the poor." Mr. Rolfe, who has
always been the most strenuous in opposing the Doctor,
concluded by saying, that in dealing with him, the me-
morable words. of St. Peter should always be before
them—" Through covetousness shall they with feigned
words make merchandise of you."—(Cheers.)
Mr. NODIN observed, that the law rendered it im-
perative, not only to assess the Rector, but also to re-
ceive the rate from him after being so assessed ; and
Gentlemen must be quite aware that, unless the Rector
did pay his quota to the poor-rate, it would form good,
valid, and sufficient reason, for any individual to appeal
against the rate. The parish had no alternative, but
to do that which the law directed them to do; and they
should do that fearlessly, regardless of the threats of the
Rector. It was his bounden duty to share with the
parishioners the expenses incidental to the relief of the

poor.
Mr. Davao—Dr: Owen has stated, that If bele rated, he shall
appeal against every poor-rate.
Mr. Batas, the Vestry-Clerk—l apprehend that a rate can be
made out, which Dr. Owen could not successfully make an appeal
against.'
Mr. Hut.—Drt Owen has declared, that be will appeal against
every rate, if he be awned. Could not the parish, in order to
render the assessment proper, continue still to tate Dr. Owen,
though they need not call upon him for the payment of the rate ?
Mr. Nonsa agreed, that no other plan could be de.
vised, th.,n that of granting the Doctor a gratuity; and
it would be for the pat ish to determine, when the proper
time came, how far that would be expedient or just.—
It was quite evident that the Rector must pay the poor
rate, as the only valid plea for exemption was poverty,
and it was not very likely that Dr. Owen should set up
that plea.
It was at last agreed, without a dissentient voice, that Dr. Owen
should not only be compelled to pay the two poor rates, which were
due, but that he should still continue to be assessed for the future.
The Meeting then dissolved.

M. de Vittrtz, up to the lit of January, had re•
ceived, during the year, no less than 14,000 visiting-cards. Dwain,
even in his greatest prosperity, never received more than 5,000 in
the saute time.
We understand that Messrs. JOSEPI4I Romans and
Sons, of Sheffield, Cutlers to his MAJICITT, have just received a
lurther appointment, as Cutlers to their Royal Highnesses the
Duke anti Duchess of CLaitanca, the Duchess of Ram, and Prince
LsoroLn ; and to their Graces the Dukes of NOKIOLIC and Da.
vonottaa. The perfection to which these Gentlemen have brought
the manufacture of cutlery is wondetfuL On a recent visit to
their establishment, we wereshewit a single knife, valued at are

guinea*; and twelve pair of scissors perfect in every respect,
winch only weighed haja grain.-.4forning Past.