Help needed with a Settlement record

[Suffolkgal]

Good afternoon everyone.  I'm looking for help with the handwriting on this examination of John Bourne in 1847.  Two word have stumped me:  the first being the very first word of the examination, before 'married at Hackney' and the second in the penultimate line after '2 or 3 yr'.  As always, very grateful for any help.

[Suffolkgal]

Doh!!! I can see the second word is a shortened form of 'afterwards' now - still stumped by the first, though.

[horselydown86]

I believe it is:   Never &c [= Never etc]

This is shorthand for stating that he has never established a settlement in his own right.

It was something an Overseer and Guardian of the Poor frequently had to write, hence the shorthand.

[Suffolkgal]

Thank you for that Horsleydown (and apologies for taking so long to say thank you).