Beside those defended cases that come before the Judge, there are hundreds upon hundreds of petty claims, to which no defence is offered, and which are adjudicated upon by the Registrar at the same time that the Judge hears the defended causes.
The labourer, like so many farmers in a different way, lives on credit and is perpetually in debt.

He purchases his weekly goods on the security of hoeing, harvest, or piece work, and his wages are continually absorbed in payment of instalments, just as the tenant-farmer's income is too often absorbed in the payment of interest and instalments of his loans.

No one seems ever to pay without at least a threat of the County Court, which thus occupies a position like a firm appointed to perpetually liquidate a vast estate.

It is for ever collecting shillings and half-crowns.
This is one aspect of the County Court; the other is its position with respect to property.

It is the great arbitrator of property--of houses and land, and deeds and contracts.