andolph Routh, acting under
the authority of the Lord Lieutenant, and in constant communication with
this Board.

Their Lordships have taken steps to procure the early arrival in this
country, from the stations where they are employed abroad, of a
sufficient number of well qualified commissariat officers, not only to
take charge of the depots which it has been determined to retain, but
also, under the orders of Sir Randolph Routh, to communicate with the
local relief committees, and to afford, through him, to Her Majesty's
Government, correct information as to the state of the districts in
which they will be stationed.

Measures have also been taken for strengthening the Board of Works, to
enable it to meet the coming emergency, on which subject a separate
communication will this day be made to the Board of Works, and his
Excellency the Lord Lieutenant.

Transmit a copy of this Minute to Mr. Redington, and request that he
will move the Lord Lieutenant, if he shall concur therein, to give the
necessary directions in regard to such of the arrangements as more
immediately depend upon his Excellency for carrying them into effect.

Also transmit a copy to the Commissioners of Public Works, and to
Commissary-General Sir Randolph Routh, for their information and
guidance.

* * * * *

(NOTE D.)--THE "LABOUCHERE LETTER," AUTHORIZING REPRODUCTIVE EMPLOYMENT.

Dublin Castle, _5th October, 1846_.

"Sir--I am directed by the Lord Lieutenant to inform you that His
Excellency has had under his consideration the various representations
which have been made to him of the operation of the Poor employment Act,
and of the difficulty of finding, in the greater number of baronies,
public works upon which it would be expedient or beneficial to expend
money to the extent requisite for affording employment to the people
during the existence of the present distress; and with a view of
obviating the bad effects of a great expenditure of money in the
execution of works comparatively unproductive, he desires that the
Commissioners of Public Works will direct the officers acting under
them, in the respective counties, to consider and report upon such works
of a reproductive character and permanent utility as may be presented,
in the manner hereinafter mentioned, at any Sessions held under the
above Act; and His Excellency will be prepared to sanction and approve
of such of those works as may be recommen