3rd. Add together the numbers in these two Lists which relate to the same Boroughs, and a series of Numbers will be produced denoting the relative importance, of the different Boroughs with respect to Houses and Assessed Taxes combined. 4th. With a view to explain this statement, suppose that the number of Boroughs to be arranged in the manner prescribed is 5 instead of 110. The principle not being affected by the number, the explanation will be rendered more simple by using the smaller number. Let the 5 Boroughs be as follows: Adding together the numbers of the 1st and 2nd List, and arranging the places according to their values; In the manner now described the List in question has been formed. The average has been taken for 100 Boroughs, commencing with the first, which exhibits the slightest pretension to be considered as a Town; viz. Beeralston, and the numbers will be found to be, Average No of Houses.-452. Average of Assessed Taxes.-545. By means of the two average numbers, the number in the 3rd column representing each particular Borough is readily found. number denoting the relative importance of Arundel with respect to Houses and Assessed Taxes combined. That the method now described is just in principle will probably be admitted; and it is satisfactory to observe, that the description of the general appearance and condition of the Towns given in the Reports of the Commissioners correspond with the position which they occupy in the inclosed List,-a result, however, which is also partly due to the principle of allowing to the old Borough all the advantage of the modern Town which may have stretched beyond the ancient limits of the Borough. From this equitable and apparently simple regulation, the chief difficulty experienced in arranging the following List has arisen. All Returns of Population, number of Houses, and Assessed Taxes being made out with reference to Boroughs, Townships and Parishes, it follows, that where the streets have extended beyond the Borough into adjacent Parishes, such Returns for the Town can only be obtained by compounding together parts of Parishes. (p. 31.) The position of many Boroughs depending on the estimate of the Town beyond the limits, it becomes necessary to mention the manner in which this estimation has been made, and the sources from which information has been obtained : 1st. From the Reports of the Commissioners produced by the communication addressed to them by Your Lordship's directions on the 21st October, requesting them to direct their attention to those places where the Town extended beyond the Borough, the most valuable data have been derived. To the great exertion made by these gentlemen much is due, the reports alluded to having been prepared at a time when they were engaged in the laborious and arduous task of reporting upon appropriate Boundaries for the Towns and Boroughs of England and Wales : 2nd. From the information communicated by the Returning Officers in reply to the Circular from the Home Office of the 24th November: 3rd. From Returns procured through the Tax Office; and, 4th. From a List of the Number of Houses contained in the different Boroughs in England in 1831, furnished by Mr. Rickman, the value of which is, however, unfortu nately restricted to those cases where Boroughs and Parishes are co-extensive. The Numbers contained in the 2nd and 3rd Columns have been taken from the documents enumerated; and in an Appendix to this Letter the case of each individual Borough has been examined, and the reasons stated for preferring the numbers which have been adopted where discrepancies exist. It is but just to add, that the answers of the Returning Officers appear in general to have been given with candour and fairness. In several instances, the Returns of the Commissioners are more favourable to the Boroughs than those of the Returning Officer, while perhaps in a few, the presence of the Commissioners has had the effect of restraining the too liberal construction which might otherwise have been given to the word Town. Having now, agreeably to Your Lordship's directions, explained the method adopted in forming the List required, and stated the sources from which the data have been taken, it only remains for me to add, that it is now submitted to your Lordship's consideration, if not without solicitude, at least with the consciousness that no exertion which the time admitted has been spared to render it fit for the purpose intended, and worthy of the confidence of His Majesty's Government. I have, &c. &c. THOS. DRUMMOND. LIST OF BOROUGHS Arranged according to the NUMBER of HOUSES and the AMOUNT of ASSESSED TAXES. 11. Devizes The Ten following Boroughs would be nearly in the following order. See the Reports and Accounts of the Returning Officers for the Number of Houses and (p. 34) GENERAL INDEXES ΤΟ VOLUME IX (THIRD SERIES) SESSION 1831-2, (First Volume of the Session ) OF HANSARD'S PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES. (A.)-SUBJECTS OF DEBATES. N° I. HOUSE OF LORDS.-N° II. HOUSE OF COMMONS. India, Affairs of, ix. 127.-Laws relating to Tithes (Ireland) Petitions, ix. 131, 822.-Com- No II. DEBATES-COMMONS. Address in answer to the King's Speech, ix. 37, | Appleby, case of, ix. 648 Answer thereto, 134. Report thereupon, Assessed Taxes, intention of Ministers con- 105 Anatomy Schools of, bill to regulate, ix. 300, cerning, ix. 645 Bank Charter, ix, 37 Beer, sale of, Act, ix. 1233 |