NEWBURN PARISH

NAME.-Its ancient name was Drumeldry. At a period less remote, that of Newburn was assigned to it; probably from the circumstance of a small rivulet, which runs through a considerable part of the parish, having changed its course. Etymology, however, is often fanciful and fabulous.

CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE.-In their habits, the people are sober, regular, industrious; and, on the whole, enjoy in a reasonable degree the comforts of society. Participating its advantages, they are in general contented with their situation and circumstances.

ECCLESIASTICAL STATE-The parish church, which is cominodious and conveniently situated, was built in 1815. The heritors made very ample provision for the accommodation of the parishioners; consequently it is capable of containing more than the whole population. The manse was built in 1819. The extent of the arable glebe is 5 imperial acres, the grass glebe between 21 and 22. The value of both may be about L. 30 per annum. The amount of the stipend nearly L. 200. A process of augmentation has been depending before the Court of Teinds upwards of ten years. The average number of communicants at the Established CLurch is 180. There are now few Seceders of any description; and the sect of Independents which formerly flourished in this parish is gone, and the place where they were wont to assemble for public worship, is converted into a granary. The number of Seceding or Dissenting families in the parish is 3.

EDUCATION-The branches of education taught at the parochial school are, English, Latin, Greek, writing, and arithmetic. In 1659, John Wood, Esq. of Orkie, destined that property for erecting a free grammar-school in this parish, and maintaining several poor scholars. The parochial schoolmaster educates and maintains these poor boys, a liberal allowance being given him for that purpose by the patrons of Wood's Institution. The salary which he receives as a parochial schoolmaster is L. 29, 18s. 10d.; and his fees amount to about L. 14 per annum.

POOR and PAROCHIAL FUNDS.-The average number of poor persons receiving parochial aid is 12, and the average sum allotted to each per year is L. 1, 15s. 5d. The annual amount of contributions for their relief is L. 28, 16s. The proportion of this sum arising from church collections is L. 13, 3s. 8d.; and from other funds, L. 15, 12s. 4d. There is now little disposition among the poor to refrain from seeking parochial relie£ The days when application for such relief was reckoned degrading have long ago passed away.

ALEHOUSES.-There is only one alehouse in this parish. The number of inns, in many other parishes, has, undoubtedly, a very pernicious effect on the morals of the people.