In this parish of Basingstoke, the new Poor-laws have not
fulfilled a single promise that ever was made for them. They have not reduced the rates ; they have not raised the wages; they have not in any way improved the character and condition of the poor, but exactly the re- verse ; and wherever their operation has not been attended with the greatest injustice and suffering, it has only been in proportion as the Boards of Guardians have in a measure neutralized the law, by assum- ing a discretion of their own, and acting independently of the impracti- cable design of the act, and the frenetic directions of the Commis- sioners.—Letter from Basingstoke, in the Hampshire Chronicle.
A meeting of the principal occupiers in the parish of Aylesford was lately held for the purpose of making some arrangement for the employ- ment of the surplus labourers, which desirable object was in some de- gree effected. It was also resolved by those present, in consequence of the high price of provisions, to increase the day-labourers pay from 2s. to 2s. 3d. We agree with our correspondent who gives us this wel- come information, that if ever there was a time when the poor man's circumstances required to be taken into consideration, it is the present, when be can have no help from his parish, save the workhouse—flour, his chief article of consumption, dearer than for many years, and em- ployment scarce. Those who are friends to the poor and do not wish to see the union-houses filled, will bestir themselves in their behalf.— Maidstene Journal.
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