The springing up of abuses under such an extensive system of relief was
unavoidable, some of which the Commissioners mention in their third
report. Cases occurred in which more rations were demanded than there
were individuals in the whole district. Hundreds of names were struck
off by the inspecting officers, including servants and men in the
constant employ of persons of station and property; these latter were
frequently themselves members of the committees; and in some cases the
very chairmen, being magistrates, have sanctioned the issue of rations
to tenants of their own of considerable holdings, possessed of live
stock, and who, it was found, had paid up their last half year's rent.
The intimidation attempted in various places, say the Commissioners, was
generally successfully resisted, although to this there were exceptions
deserving of notice. It was reported to them that the introduction of
cooked food had produced the best effects on the health and appearance
of the people.
An inspector asks this question: "Is a man who owns a horse, or a cow,
or such things, destitute?" The Commissioners answer: "No, in the
abstract; but better give him relief than to drive him to permanent
destitution.
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