Item 50 - Letter from Edward Hawkins

4 pp

Oriel College - Information concerning the history of Cambridge and its relationship to the Poor-rates: 'There has been no attempt that I am aware of to make us liable to Borough rates - that is to say, our Colleges - for I suppose that members of the University, occupying houses in the town are rated like other inhabitants'. All the members of the University contribute something towards the expenses of the town. For instance the night police is exclusively in the hands of the University. It also contributes two fifths of the lighting expense. Further, they pay towards the maintenance of the poor by employing the paupers at Union House. They pay indirectly via the tenants in the houses they own in town. All the numerous attempts to make them pay the Poor Rates 'have never led to any decision on the merits'. He gives details concerning the legal position of the University towards the Poor Rates. The University Counsel's Office have decided that the Oxford Commission is not legal or constitutional [see EH to WW, 26 Jan. 1851].