§ The Earl of Gallowaypresented a petition from the Presbytery of Dunse for an augmentation of the salaries of parish school masters in Scotland. The petition stated that the average income of parochial 218 schoolmasters in Scotland was not more than 501.
Lord Kenyanwas surprised to hear that it was so much; his experience showed him that it was considerably less.
§ The Earl of Gallowaybelieved, that the emoluments were over-calculated at 50l. a year; they included salary, paid by a rate upon the landed proprietors, and fees collected for instruction. That instruction included the first rudiments, as well as the highest elements of knowledge, classical and mathematical, and in many, if not most instances, the masters were well qualified to communicate them to their pupils. Originally it was intended that the payment for these important services should be much more liberal, according to the present value of money. The fees were usually ridiculously small. His Lordship earnestly recommended the subject to the consideration of the House.
§ Petition laid on the Table.