[To THU EDITOR OF THE " SPEOTAT 01.1 Sra,—It has
appeared to me for a long time past that the clergy should co-operate in regard to the collection of their tithe. At present one employs the local solicitor, and the next a local land-agent or an auctioneer. The collecting for the diocese, or at any rate for the archdeaconry, should be placed in the hands of one firm, or, better still, a salaried official should be appointed to collect the whole of the tithe, under the supervision of a Com- mittee, on which certain laymen might be invited to act. Under such a system it would probably be found that the commission at present paid would not only suffice for all the costs of collecting, but would provide a guarantee fund to allow of regular half-yearly payment of income, irrespective of collection. The official in question should also be em- powered to deduct and pay direct any charges there might be on the living for firstfruits, repayments of loans, &c., as it would be much better for the clergy if they got their income "net," seeing that these charges have to be met and paid. Such a system might well lead on to a scheme for insurance against dilapidations, as well as of retiring pensions in case of old age and infirmity, and it would, I feel satisfied, receive the
support of the laity also.—I am, Sir, &c., H. M. J.
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