2nd offence (before 2 J.P.’s), fine of £10 to £40, or from 6 to 12 months in House of Correction.
3rd offence (before Quarter Sessions), transportation for 7 years as a felon.
Expenses.—To defray all expenses the Commissioners can—
(1) sell the Right of Acreage or Common upon certain specified half-year lands,[493] e.g. The Frith, Great Beets, Little Beets, the Mown Rakes, etc., to the owners and proprietors of these lands. If the owners refuse to buy or do not pay enough to cover the expenses of the Act, the Commissioners can—
(2) sell part of the Fen. In this case the first land to be sold is Coppin Sykes Plot, Ferry Corner Plot, Pepper Gowt Plot, and Brand End Plot; the next land, Gibbet Hills.
As Coppin Sykes Plot, etc., belong to the Commissioners of two Drainage Acts, the drainage Commissioners can as compensation charge rates on the respective townships instead, and if any township refuses to pay, they can inclose a portion of its allotment, but not for tillage.
Penalty for taking turf or sod after Act.
Culprit can be tried before one J.P., and fined from 40s. to £10, or, if he or she fails to pay, be given hard labour in the House of Correction for 1 to 3 months, or till the penalty is paid. Notice of this penalty is to be fixed on Church and Chapel Doors and published in newspapers.
Power of Appeal.—To Quarter Sessions only, and not in cases where the Commissioners’ decisions are said to be final and conclusive.
Award.—Date, May 19, 1769. With Clerk of Peace or County Council, Lincoln.