[Appendix A(76) 1792 Report of Commissioners of Inquiry]

N° 76.

The EXAMINATION of THOMAS MOORE, Esquire, Deemster of the Isle of Man, taken at Douglas the 5th Day of October 1791,

Examined by the Duke of Atholl.

THIS Examinant saith, That prior to the year 1765 the Court of Exchequer was the only Court that took cognizance of fines and forfeitures for the destruction of the Lord's game.

In this Court the Governor presided with the assistance of the Treasurer or Receiver General, Comptroller, and Clerk of the Rolls, the Water Bailiff, the Attorney General, and Deemsters, and the Governor was the only person who could enforce the payment of these fines and forfeitures. He has known some instances where all the above-mentioned officers signed the judgments of the Court of Exchequer, but in cases of fines and forfeitures for game the Governor alone signed the judgments.

Cross-examined by the Keys.

That prior to 1765 destoying the Lord's game on his wastes aad commons was a presentable offence by the Great Inquest, and ths was, among other matters, given them in charge they were sworn into office.

Re-examined by the Duke of Atholl.

In the year 1777 the Great Inquest was laid aside by an Act of Tynwald of that year.

Cross-examined by the Keys.

That since 1777 a bill has passed the Legislature of the island to revive the Great Inquest in every presentable offence respecting wastes and commons. He believes this bill has been forwarded for the royal assent, which has not yet been obtained, that the Court of Exchequer now remains competent to try questions respecting the destruction of game upon this island, and the Governor can now enforce the payment of fines and forfeitures for the destruction of game,

THO. MOORE.

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