Dr. Duigenanrose, pursuant to notice, to move for leave to bring in a bill relative to the first fruits in Ireland, and the regulation of Dr. Boulton's charity. This was a fund which had been left about 50 years ago by Dr. Boulton, archbishop of Armagh, to assist in maintaining the poorer clergy. The fund had of late very much increased. The object of the present bill was merely to enable the trustees in cases where the incomes of curates, &c. were below 100/. a year, to raise them to that sum from this fund, as far as it would go. He concluded by moving for leave to bring in a bill to amend the act of the 29th of George II., relative to the first fruits in Ireland, and for the better management of Dr. Boulton's charity. This motion had been made last session, but had from some accidental circumstances been deferred till now.
§ Mr. Francisthought that this might be a very proper motion, but the reason why he now rose, was to suggest to the learned gent. that however unexceptionable the thing might be, it was desirable that he should wait till another gentleman was present, who might wish to attend to this bill through every stage of its progress. This was the practice of the house, and a practice founded not only in decorum but in use too, and might be peculiarly proper in this case, as the hon. gent. alluded to, would in all probability hold a very high situation in Ireland.
Dr. Duigenanreplied, that he was perfectly disposed to comply with this practice, but on the present occasion it was unnecessary, as the hon. gent. referred to, had last session an opportunity of examining this measure, and had then stated no objection to it.—Leave was then granted.