That the present state of the Poor does require further assistance than has been generally given them.
Resolved,
That it is not expedient for the Magistrates to grant that assistance by regulating the Wages of Day Labourers, according to the directions of the Statutes of the 5th Elizabeth and 1st James: But the Magistrates very earnestly recommend to the Farmers and others throughout the county, to increase the pay of their Labourers in proportion to the present price of provisions; and agreeable thereto, the Magistrates now present, have unanimously resolved that they will, in their several divisions, make the following calculations and allowances for relief of all poor and industrious men and their families, who to the satisfaction of the Justices of their Parish, shall endeavour (as far as they can) for their own support and maintenance.
That is to say,
When the Gallon Loaf of Second Flour, weighing 8lb. 11ozs. shall cost 1s.
Then every poor and industrious man shall have for his own support 3s. weekly, either produced by his own or his family's labour, or an allowance from the poor rates, and for the support of his wife and every other of his family, 1s. 6d.
When the Gallon Loaf shall cost 1s. 4d.
Then every poor and industrious man shall have 4s. weekly for his own, and 1s. and 10d. for the support of every other of his family.
And so in proportion, as the price of bread rise or falls (that is to say) 3d. to the man, and 1d. to every other of the family, on every 1d. which the loaf rise above 1s.
By order of the Meeting,