In the 37 unions, the workhouses of which were in operation previous to the 1st of January 1842, the numbers then relieved and the amount of expenditure have already been stated.[111] On the 1st of January 1843 the numbers relieved in these unions amounted to 17,529, and the expenditure to 150,050_l._, thus showing an increase in the former of 2,283 persons, and in the latter of 39,773_l._ And in 55 other unions in which the workhouses had been brought into operation in course of the preceding year, the numbers relieved on the 1st of January 1843 amounted to 14,043, and the expenditure to 131,183_l._, making when added to the above—31,572[112] persons receiving relief in 92 workhouses, at a cost of 281,233_l._ The comparative amount of relief administered in the years 1840, 1841, and 1842 will thus stand as follows— No. of No. of Cost of relief workhouses in inmates. in the previous operation year. On the 1st of January 1841 4 5,468 £37,057 ” 1842 37 15,246 110,277 ” 1843 92 31,572 281,233 In connexion with this statement of the relief afforded during these three years, it should be borne in mind that the relief was administered in workhouses so regulated as not to deter the really destitute from availing themselves of the shelter afforded, whilst the discipline and regularity of the establishment made it an unwelcome residence for such of the able-bodied as had the means of supporting themselves by their own exertions. ----- [111] Ante, p. 277. [112] Although this was the total number in the 92 workhouses on the 1st of January 1843, no less than 56,000 had been admitted and discharged, and consequently relieved for a longer or shorter period, during the previous year. ----- [Sidenote: The author quits Ireland.]