In September, 1606, Davies accompanied the Chief Justice to Waterford, where the chief business was to impose fines for recusancy. Aldermen were prosecuted in the presidency court, the total sum exacted being less than 400_l._ Others were indicted under the statute of Elizabeth to recover the penalty of one shilling for absence from Church, and about 240_l._ was raised in this way. A special jury was empanelled and a sort of commission to inquire into the ecclesiastical state of the county, and the judges then proceeded to New Ross, where they found that occasional conformity was practised, and that there was sometimes riotous brawling to 'disturb the poor minister from making a sermon which he had prepared for his small auditory,' and even in celebrating the Sacrament. The sovereign of the town was foremost on these occasions. The leaders were cited before the Star Chamber, and the common people were prosecuted for the shilling fine. At Wexford there were many prisoners, and one was condemned and executed for burning down the Protestant vicar's house. There were 300 civil bills, and even Donell Spaniagh showed an inclination to substitute litigation for cattle-stealing. At Wicklow assizes were held for the newly made shire, and two 'notable thieves in the nature of rebels' were hanged. Here, as at Wexford, there seemed a general inclination to accept the new system, and Feagh McHugh's son was as litigious as Donell Spaniagh. Here, as at Waterford, an inquisition was ordered into the state of the church, but Davies could not see how fitting incumbents were to be provided. The bishoprics were 'supplied double,' one by the King and one by the Pope, but the result was not to advance religion.[88] [Sidenote: Compulsory church-going, 1607.] In the following summer Davies made a circuit in Meath, Westmeath, Longford, King's County and Queen's County. The country was peaceful and the relentless enforcement of the shilling fine for every Sunday's and holiday's absence from service had the effect of filling the town churches, but this reformation was 'principally effected by the civil magistrate,' for ruined churches and absentee incumbents were general throughout the country. The flight of Tyrone and Tyrconnel soon after made no difference at all in the state of the country generally, and the courts in Dublin were crowded with suitors from all parts of the kingdom.[89] [Sidenote: The Act of Uniformity in Ulster, 1611.] [Sidenote: Andrew Knox.] [Sidenote: The rival churches in Dublin.]