1795 CANON WILSON'S PROPOSAL FOR A PROVIDENT PAROCHIAL BANK AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO PUBLIC RELIEF 071. WILSON, Edward. Observations on the present state of the poor, and measures proposed for its improvement. Reading. Printed by Smart and Cowslade. October 30th, 1795. [5],6-27,[1],"p.30",[1]p. Page 29 misnumbered "p.30". Rebound in half calf, marbled boards. A nice copy. GOLDSMITHS 16441. L, C, Ldhs, Lu; NNC only in ESTC. "In 1795, there had appeared the first hints of a rival panacea (to ideas of contributory schemes to supersede public relief of the poor) the savings bank: Canon Edward Wilson of Windsor published at the request of the Berkshire Quarter Sessions a plan for a Provident Parochial Bank, expressing a hope that a reasonable rate of interest might lead the poor to shun poor relief, and perhaps even the ale-house. At about the same time Bentham included savings banks in his elaborate plan for the preservation and relief of pauperism; he was one of those who were attracted by the principle of self-help but dissatisfied with the practice of existing friendly societies." Poynter Society and Pauperism p. 39. Wilson begins by noting the increase in the distress of the poor produced by the "late extraordinary price of corn." He then attacks the Public House as often a nuisance to its neighbourhood. He then urges that the poor should always have some interest in the land and be allowed a small patch adjacent to their cottages. Prices have gone up much faster than wages and this has put acute pressure on the poor. He refers to the statute of 5. Elizabeth for the regulation of wages. He quotes Dr. Burn and Adam Smith on the ineffectiveness of any such attempt to regulate wages by statute. The current price of bread is the usual and best indicator of the value of the labourer's wages. The pamphlet continues with a discussion of the way corn prices have changed over the centuries. Wilson mentions for special praise Davies's book The case of the Labourers in Husbandry stated in which he proved "that the price of wages has not increased as fast as the price of corn. " Wilson then proceeds to his proposal. He mentions the proposals of Baron Maseres and R. Price but states they are on too large a scale for the scanty pittance of the poor. Friendly societies are discounted. What is needed is a Provident Provincial Bank for the poor in every Parish. A supplement to the pamphlet gives "A measure for the Quantum of Relief to be granted to the poor, respectfully submitted to the consideration of the Magistracy."