Ennistymon Union Minute Books

Book No. 3 

Meetings held from 30th October 1846 - 8th January 1847

[164]
Meeting held on Friday the 30th October 1846.

The register book was signed from No. 2622 to No. 2676.

The treasurer's book was produced by which it appeared that the

[166]
Read commissioners' letter of the 28th inst. with respect to the advice required of the commissioners and in reference to the minutes of the proceedings of the board of the 23rd inst. which letter accompanied Mr. Wilkinson's opinion on the subject and which was also read.

Medical Report
There are 46 patients in the infirmary at present. We had 3 deaths in the hospital since last meeting. John O'Brien, an asthmatic patient aged 70 of diarrhea, Pat Earls aged 73 of diarrhea, and Pat Linane aged 40 of appoplexy [sic]. We have 39 in fever hospital where we had one death on the 28th inst. of an idiot named Nance Rynn.
                                                            James Shannon. M.D.

Resolved that in reference to our resolution of the 23rd inst. and as an amendment thereto that unless the several balances of the rate be fully paid up by the collectors on this day week that their bonds be put in suit without further motion.

[167]
Upon the motion of Mr.Matt Kenny it was unanimously resolved that in consequence of the large number of persons now in the house beyond the number which it was intended to accommodate the pressing and numerous calls of destitute persons for admission, the scarcity and dearness of provisions, and the great difficulty of collecting the Poor rate, that this house must be closed and that life and property will be in danger unless the government provide for the destitute population by some means besides the Labour Act as it appears to this board that it is quite inadequate for the purpose and it appears to them that nothing short of an extensive scale of emigration will relieve the country. And further that our clerk do request the Commmissioners to interfere with her Majesty's government and prevail on them to take this important subject into consideration.

In reference to the master's journal.
Resolved that the master do make referred to in the potatoe room by changing the door and fixing some shelves therein and that he do procure 2 dozen of metal saucepans and 4 cradles for the nursery, 1/2 dozen pairs of scizzors and 4 irons for the tailor and 1 dozen buckets for general use.
The commissioners' letter of the 28th inst. being read.
Resolved unanimously that having no funds nor any prospects of having the rate collected in the present distressed and disodered state of the country. That it would not be advisable to advertise for contractors to build a new nursery and that we apprehend from the same cause that the house must be closed.

[168]
Meeting held on the 6th November 1846

The register book was signed from No. 2677 to No. 2723.

The treasurer's book was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[170]
Read
- commissioners' letter of the 26th ult. accompanying forms of return of the monthly account of the union funds.
- commissioners' letter of the 31st ult. with reference to the special duties of the dressmaker.
[171] - commissioners' letter of the 3rd inst. with reference to the minutes of proceedings of the board on the 30th ult. and also referring to the apprehension of closing the house etc. etc.
- commissioners' letter of the 3rd inst. with reference to the subject of building a new nursery etc. etc.

The commissioners' letter of the 3rd inst. being read.
Resolved that Mr. Michael Walsh the master do proceed forthwith to Galway for the 5 ton of meal therein mentioned and that he do contract for the conveyance of same by water either to Ballyvaughan or to Liscannor and keep an account of his own and all other expenses.

Medical Report
We have 45 patients in the fever hospital and 47 in the infirmary. I regret to say that we have some cases of fever from the alt="" of the house mostly children. The patients in the fever hospital were without breakfast on Sunday owing to the contractor having refused to send bread. If such practice is allowed it is quite impossible for us to answer for the lives of destitute persons. We have 5 deaths since the last report. Kate Higgins aged 60, diarrhea; Ellen Sheehan, aged 3 months,
[172] decay; Mary Quinn, aged 70, natural decay; Mary Guerin, aged 60, cancer; William Roche aged 4, fever; Julia O'Dwyer, an idiot aged 30, diarrhea.
                                            Charles Finnucane.
                                            M.R.C.S.L.

Resolved that the monies advanced by the master to this date for provisions amounts to £50-3-9 and that he is entitled to a draft of 6 in account being the balance in the treasurer's book.

Resolved that in as much as the present rate, and a large portion of the new rate anticipated and as there will be great difficulty in collecting said last mentioned rate that our clerk do request the sanction of the commissioners to borrow from the Provincial Bank £1,000 upon the security of the present and future rates and that our clerk do also enclose a copy of the resolution to our treasurer, and desire to know from him whether the Provincial Bank will give such loan and upon what terms.

Mr. O'Gorman gives notice that he will on this day month, move at the board that the application of Michael Molony to be discharged from his contract be taken into consideration.

[173] - that the memorial prepared by Mr. McNamara to his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant be adopted by this board and that a draft thereof be sent to his Excellency praying for an extraordinary sessions in Corcomroe Barony for the purpose of affording relief by means of reproductive employment etc. etc.

[174]
Meeting held on the 13th November 1846.

The register book was signed from No. 2724 to No. 2731.

The clerk's report was read to the following effect.
That he handed over to the solicitor of the board the following collectors bonds viz.
John McMahon's for Ennistymon Electoral Division.
Michael O'Brien's for Miltown Malbay Electoral Division.
Bryan Daly's for Kililagh, Kilfenora and Kilonahen Electoral Divisions.
Michael Kerin's for Carron, Burren, Drumcreehy, and Rathbourney Electoral Divisions.
That he has settled Bryan Daly's accounts and found that he has collected money from the rate payers which he has not lodged with the treasurer.
[175]
The treasurer's book was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[176]
Read commissioners' letter of the 9th inst. with reference to the resolution on the subject of a proposed loan.
[177]
Medical Report
There are 40 patients in the fever hospital all going on well. One of our nursetenders has taken fever. The schoolmistress is getting well. Mary Kerin aged 2 years died of diarrhea, also an idiot named Ellen Carey of diarrhea after fever, John Conloughty aged 75 died of natural decay, John Doherty an infant, convulsions, Daniel Flanagan aged 66 died of decline.
                                                Charles Finnucane.
                                                M.R.C.S.L.

The clerk reported that he examined Bryan Daly's books and receipts and found that he has collected money from the rate payers that he has not lodged with the treasurer.
Resolved that Bryan Daly be suspended from his office as rate collector and we request the commissioners may dismiss him forthwith.

Take notice that I will on the 27th day of November inst. move the board of guardians that the salaries of the different collectors of the poor rate be raised from ninepence in the pound to 1/0 in the pound on all payments made under the new warrants to the 1st February 1847.
                                            Mathias Kenny.

[178]
Resolved that the collector's warrants for Corofin, Rath and Kilshanny be this day signed.
Resolved that our clerk do invite tenders from competent persons to collect the rates in Killilagh, Kilfenora and Kilonahen Electoral Divisions against this day fortnight in place of Bryan Daly.

Master's report.
In accordance with your resolutions of the 6th inst. I proceeded to Galway for the meal which the Assistant Commissionary General had directions to give. He refused to deliver any without money which I had not. But I had recourse to Mr. Henry Cummerford, who took my acceptance at 21 days and thus got the meal from the Commissionary.
Mr. Cummerford wrote an engagement of which the following is a copy.

                                            Galway, 8th November, 1846.

My dear Sir,
    Please order for Mr. Michael Walsh of Ennistymon 5 tons of Indian meal and if not paid for before the end of the present month, I shall do so with many thanks and remain,
                                                        Yours Obliged,
                                                            Henry Cummerford.
Aulliken Esq.
Commissary,
Galway.
[179]
Resolved that the master be directed to lodge informations against Michael Sharry, a cooper for having deserted his wife, and 4 children who have been this day admitted into this workhouse.
Resolved that the master be directed to lodge informations against James Freel for having deserted his wife and 2 children who have been this day admitted into this workhouse.
Resolved that Mr. Kenny, Mr. Considine and Mr. Stack be a committee to meet on Wednesday next to examine into all cases where the husbands of women are employed on the Public Works while such women and their children are relieved in this workhouse.

No meeting on the 20th November 1846.

[180]
Meeting held on the 27th November 1846.

The register book was signed from No. 2732 to No. 2783.

The clerk's report was read to the following effect.
That he has advertised for tenders from competent persons to collect rates in Kililagh, Kilfenora and Kilonahen Electoral Divisions in place of Mr Bryan Daly.

The treasurer's book was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[182]
Read
- letter from the manager of the Provincial Bank, Ennis. (our treasurer) bearing date 13th inst. on the subject of the loan of 1,000 stating that the bank does not make such advances without the sanction of the Poor Law commissioners and also stating that it will be necessary for the guardians to procure such sanction before their application can be submitted to the directors.
- letter from Charles Mathew Esq. dated at Rathkeale on the 12th November inst. stating that he would be here on Saturday the 21st inst. at 10 o'clock in the morning to audit the accounts of the union.
[183] - commissioners' letter of the 13th inst. respecting the rent due of the workhouse site.
- commissioners' letter of the 18th inst. respecting the commissioners' letter of the 31st ult. with respect to the dressmaker.
- commissioners' letter of the 18th inst. accompanying a copy of a letter addressed to the commissioner by Octavius O'Brien Esq. on the subject of the rent due of the workhouse site.
- commissioners' letter of the 25th inst. on the subject of the dismissal of Bryan Daly rate collector and accompanying queries to be answered by the clerk and the person appointed in his stead.
- commissioners' letter of the 25th inst. relative to the borrowing of 1,000 from the Treasurer.
The clerk laid the abstracts of the Union accounts for the 1/2 year ended 29th September 1846 before the board.
Audited by Mr. Mathew and were signed by the chairman.

In reference to the report of the visiting committee,
Resolved that Brigid Guerin and family be discharged.
Resolved that the master be directed to lodge information against Martin MacNamara for having deserted his wife and her 2 children.
[184] Resolved that the poundage be raised to 1/0 in the pound in the several Electoral Divisions of the union on all monies paid to the treasurer before the 1st of February 1847 for so much of the new 10 penny rate as will be paid at that period.
The board having agreed that a joint bill from the securities of Bryan Daly for 120 for the liquidation of the debt due by Bryan Daly be received and that the solicitors be instructed to stay proceedings against him.
Resolved that Bryan Daly be continued in his office of rate collector and that the commissioners be requested to do so.

Michael O'Brien having promised to pay up all the balance due by him in Miltown Malbay Electoral Division on Friday next,
Resolved that our clerk be directed to call upon the solicitor to stay further proceedings against him until this day week without meaning to prevent Mr. Lysaght the solicitor to use his own discretion.

Medical Report
There are 38 patients in the fever hospital all going on well. The infirmary contains 50 patients. We have had some cases of fever from the alt="" of the house.
                                                                Charles Finnucane.
[185]
Resolved that the shoemaker be supplied with 1 hide of leather, 3 calf skins, 8 lb of welt leather, 6 lb of lining leather, 1 lb of wax and 1 dozen of awl blades.
Resolved that a cheque be drawn in favour of Henry Cummerford [sic] Esq. for the sum of £87-19-5 for meal.

No meeting on the 4th December 1846.

The register book was signed from No. 2784 to No. 2905.

The clerk's report was read to the following effect.
That the securities of Bryan Daly rate collector passed a joint note for the sum of 120 to cover the amount of his default.
[187]
The treasurer's book was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[189]
Read
- letter from the manager of the Provincial Bank, Ennis bearing date 28th November 1846 stating that the directors will not authorise any advance to the union on the terms laid down by the commissioners.
- commissioners' letter of the 30th ult. directing the clerk to give any information which the officers of the Board of Works may require from time to time on the understanding of being remunerated by the Board of Works for the additional duty.
- commissioners' letter of the 9th inst. expressing the commissioners' approval of raising the poundage to the 1st of October next to 1-0 in the pound.
- commissioners' letter of the 9th inst. accompanying the order for the removal of Bryan Daly rate collector which order was read by the clerk.

The clerk read a circular from the Kilrush Union on the subject of emigration.
Resolved that our clerk do write to the solicitor to stay further proceedings against Michael O'Brien rate collector to the 26th inst.
[190]
In reference to the doctor's report of the 4th inst.
Resolved that the master be directed to procure a supply of rice and that a contract be now entered into with Mr. Francis O'Neill for one month's supply thereof at the rate of 32/0 in the cwt.
Resolved that proceedings be suspended against Bryan Daley and sureties for one week from this date.
Resolved that proceedings be stayed against John McMahon rate collector until the 26th inst.

Read tenders for rate collectors.
Resolved that we accept John McCarthy's tender for collecting the rate in Kilfenora Electoral Division at 1/0 in the pound on the sum paid before the 1st of February 1847 and 9d in the pound for all sums remaining unpaid on that day.
Resolved that we accept Daniel Considine's tender for collecting the rate in Kililagh Electoral Division at 1/0 in the pound on the sum paid before the 1st of February 1847 and 9d in the pound for all sums remaining unpaid on that day.
[191] Resolved that we accept Michael Kerin's tender for collecting the rate in Kilonahen Electoral Division at 1/0 in the pound on the sum paid before the 1st of February 1847 and 9d in the pound on all sums remaining unpaid on that day.
Resolved that the paupers be supplied on Christmas Eve with bread and coffee, with bread and coffee on Christmas morning and with bread and 1 lb of beef to each on Christmas night for dinner, the usual quantities of bread and coffee for each.
Resolved that a check for £12-14-0 for meat be drawn in favour of Pat Lynch.

Medical Report
The house continues in a very unhealthy state still particularly with dysentery and diarrhea. There are 61 under medical treatment in the house. 5 died in the infirmary, John Clancy of dysentery, Anne Healy of consumption and Thomas Twomey of asthma, Mary Hogan of diarrhea, Tim Linnane of diarrhea and 2 children, John Fitzpatrick of burnt soles, Stephen O'Brien of messentine disease.
[192] We have 46 patients in fever hospital where we had 4 deaths since last meeting Biddy Moran, Mary Leydan, Ellen Wall and Bryan Kerin.
                                                James Shannon.
                                                Medical Officer.
P.S. I think it would be advisable not to take more than 600 into the house in its present unhealthy state.
                                                                                J.S.
I certify that it is necessary for the inmates of the workhouse to have their diet changed for one month to rice for breakfast and bread for dinner.
                                                    James Shannon.
                                                    Medical Officer.

Resolved that the dietary be changed agreeably to the certificate of the medical officer for one month from this date.

[193]
Meeting held on the 18th December 1846.

The register book was signed from No. 2906 to No. 2964.

The clerk's report was read to the following effect.
That John McCarthy and his sureties have executed the bond for collecting the rates in Kilfenora Electoral Division.

The treasurer's book was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[195]
Read commissioners' letter of the 11th inst. with respect to the circular of the 23rd ult.
Read commissioners' letter of the 11th inst accompanying the copy of a letter addressed to them by Michael O'Brien the collector for Miltown Malbay Electoral Division.

Resolved
- that in as much as the fever hospital contains 28 paupers in fever beyond the number for which it was built in that the master do send as many as the doctor may consider fit for removal to the county hospital at Ennis and that he do keep an account of the necessary expences.
- that the master shoemaker be at liberty to absent himself from the 24th inst. to the 4th of January next (Christmas Vacations).
[196] - that the clerk do write to Harrisson Lee of Limerick and ascertain from him the price of stoves of the following dimensions delivered here viz. 3 feet long 2 feet wide, with pipes or flues curved at the height of 8 feet from the stove, 18 feet long a second curve at 14 feet.
- that the clerk be directed to write to the solicitor to stay proceedings against Bryan Daly and his sureties until this day fortnight.

In reference to the commissioners' letter of the 11th inst. accompanying the copy of a letter addressed to them by Michael O'Brien, collector of rates in Miltown Malbay Electoral Division, complaining of harsh treatment in being sued for the balance due by him. The clerk is directed to state for the information of the commissioners that the gentleman was not proceeded against until after no less than 4 resolutions had been passed signifying to the several collectors that unless the balances were paid their bonds would be put in suit.

The first resolution was passed on the 18th of September last, and the last one on the 30th of October following -
and each and every of the collectors received copies of the resolutions immediately after the making thereof and the clerk is directed to state that the allegations of want of notice by the collector is unfounded, as he not only got copies of the resolutions but personal notice from the clerk, and it will appear by reference to the monthly returns that he in particular thought fit never to attend to settle his accounts.
[197]
The clerk is further directed to state that during the interval before referred to this collector amongst others required and obtained indulgence and that the proceeding was not adopted until the creditors of the board particularly contractors for supplying bread, meat, milk and other necessaries for the use of the inmates became clamourous.
The clerk is also directed to state that it is the opinion of the board that the proceeding will have the effect of making the collectors more attentive in future.

Medical Report
There are 61 patients in infirmary, 4 died, 3 from diarrhea namely Michael Tuomey, Tom Bolan, Michael O'Brien, and James Hoar and John Burke of dysentry. Biddy Cusack aged 80 of decay of nature and Pat Stack of cancer. We have 61 in fever hospital this day, 3 died of fever since last board day.
                                                    James Shannon.
                                                    Medical Officer.

Resolved that a cheque be drawn for 9 in favour of Pat Lynch for meat.

[198]
No meeting on the 25th December 1846.

[199]
Meeting held on the 1st January 1847.

The register book was signed from No. 2965 to No. 3038.

The clerk's report was read to the following effect.
That Daniel Considine and his securities have perfected their bond for collecting the rate in Kililagh Electoral Division and that Michael Kerin and his securities have signed their bond for collecting the rate in Kilonahen Electoral Division.
[200]
The treasurer's book was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[202]
Read
- commissioners' letter of the 17th ult referring to the report of the medical officer on the 11th of the same month recommending that not more than 600 ought to be taken into the house.
- commissioners' letter of the 17th ult. accompanying a return of the information of the Government of the number of lunatics (including epileptics) in the Workhouse during the present year.
- commissioners' letter of the 21st ult. accompanying queries to be answered by newly appointed collectors.
- commissioners' letter of the 22nd ult. accompanying the copy of a communication made to the commissioners by Mr. Cullinan, Secretary to the Relief Committee in the Barony of Inchiquinn, which was also read.
- commissioners' letter of the 24th ult. accompanying a sealed order of the commissioners regulating the 1/2 yearly payments to be made to auditors which order was also read.
- copy of a letter bearing date 19th ult. addressed to the commissioners by Octavius O'Brien Esq. requiring payments of the rent due on the workhouse site.
[203] - commissioners' letter dated 22nd ult. accompanying the copy of the letter above referred to.
- letter from the Treasury Chambers, Dublin Castle dated 7th December 1846 recommending the use of beet root etc.for bread.

The clerk laid before the board a pamphlet (entitled means of providing cheap food) accompanied with Mr. Hancocks A.P.L. commissioner's compliments to the board of guardians.
- commissioners' letter of the 30th ult. referring to the clerk's letter of the 26th ult. on the mode of administering Relief in the Workhouse etc.
- commissioners' letter of the 26th ult. accompanying forms of the return of the monthly accounts of the union funds.

Medical Report
There are 66 patients in fever, some cases of small pox, a great number of cases of diarrhea.
                                            Charles Finucane.

Resolved that we accept the resignation of Michael O'Brien, collector of rate in Miltown Malbay Electoral Division.
[204]
Proposed by John O'Dwyer and seconded by Burdett Morony that Thomas Morony be appointed collector of rate in Miltown Malbay Electoral Division in the room of Michael O'Brien who resigned, and that he this day gets the warrant.

Resolved that cheques be drawn in favour of the following persons for the following sums viz

[205]
No meeting on the 8th January 1847

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