A History of Banks for Savings in Great Britain and IrelandLewins, William
History
A History of Banks for Savings in Great Britain and Ireland
Lewins, William
Postal savings banks -- Great Britain; Savings banks -- Great Britain
[79] Mr. Brotherton, the member for Salford, soon after stated
that the managers of the Manchester Savings Bank, with 20,000
depositors, insisted upon every person bringing his book to the
office annually, as a precaution against fraud.
[80] The Committee of 1848 went very fully into the changes which
were needed in Ireland, and many witnesses were asked what they
would propose. For example (1579), Mr. W. Keating Clay was asked:
"Do you believe, in consequence of the Cuffe Street bank, the
deposits will decrease in Dublin and neighbourhood if the law is
not amended?" and replied, "I should say they will be altogether
withdrawn. I don't think the other Savings Banks in Dublin, which
have conducted their business faultlessly all through, can exist
another year under the present law." Another witness, in answer to
a similar question, said (1205): "I am quite satisfied that the
Savings Bank system in Ireland will crumble to dust unless there
is legislation." A third witness said, nothing would do but
trustees fully liable, and a system of Government inspection and
regular audit of the accounts.
[81] _The Times_ and _Morning Chronicle_ strongly advocated the
same view.
[82] _Hansard_, vol. civ, pp. 22-54.
[83] During the interval, Mr. Reynolds, member for Dublin, who had
obtained the Committee originally, became Lord Mayor of Dublin,
and Mr. Gibson Craig became Sir W. Gibson Craig. Mr. J. A. Smith
was appointed chairman on each occasion.
[84] For example, in August, 1852, Mr. Reynolds again brought the
subject before the House by proposing that the remaining money due
to depositors should be paid by the State. On this occasion he
told how he had had the honour, in 1846, placing Her Majesty's
Government twice in the same night in a minority on this subject;
but, unlike other members who had done the same thing, he had not
received Her Majesty's commands to form a new ministry. This style
of banter was scarcely suited to his subject, but more serious
appeals were equally unavailing.
[85] The following remark had already been made from the judicial
bench: "I find that country gentlemen, &c. were willing to lend
their names as trustees, in the establishment of banks for the
deposits of saving of the poor, but were negligent, in too many
instances, in giving their personal services, whereby the business
fell almost entirely under the exclusive management of the person
appointed as actuary."--_Sir John Cross._
[86] "Nearly all the frauds, and all the loss which had occurred
in Savings Banks," said the Chancellor, "were owing to the actuary
or secretary receiving money irregularly, sometimes at his own
house, and very often out of office hours."
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