Ennistymon Union Minute Books

Book No. 2 

Meetings held from 2nd August 1844 - 25th October 1844

[133]
Meeting held on Friday the 2nd August 1844.

The register book was signed from No. 932 to No. 932.
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that the

[136]
Master's Report:
We were obliged to use meal on Friday for dinner in consquence of having no potatoes from the contractor.
The schoolmaster being ill for some days, as his house is in Ennistimon, a sustitute was sent in temporarily, however at no additional expence to the union. He has now resumed his duties.
An occurence of a very dangerous nature was near taking place in the workhouse last night. A pauper (John O'Brien), an inmate of the infirm ward, managed to bring a coal of fire therein when ordered to bed, fixed it on a fire shovel and place some few sods of turf over it which became a large fire, and when the master went as usual, to see if all was right found the fire as discussed, O'Brien asleep, the rails of his bed and the beam which supports it getting heated, 10 minutes more delay might have all on fire.
Four slates have been blown from off the offices in male probationary yard.
The master has to complain of Nancy Burke for insubordination, refusing to work for the matron, and when forced, broke one of the legs off the union chairs.
The master has to complain of Richard Cavanagh, the meat contractor, who refused to give any for the infirmary.
[137]
The master requires an order for 2 brushes for dusting the walls of the workhouse.
The house continues healthy and the dietary continues to agree well, but the potatoes are not naturally so good as usual. Changes of the diet by medical officers' order can be seen on reference to the book for that purpose before your board.
John O'Brien and Nancy Doherty, having appeared before the board in reference to the master's report, and they having confessed their guilt,
Resolved:
- that they be forgiven it being the first offence.
- that the master gets an order to reclothe the inmates as becomes necessary from time to time and that he gets an order to condemn 4 dozen men's suits for the purpose of mending men's clothing and 4 dozen boys' suits for the purpose of mending boys' clothing.
- that the clerk write to every member of the board to attend on this day week to consider tenders for the building and completing of the fever hospital.
- that the master gets an order for lime stone to be powdered for the purpose of washing the floors and furniture as he may require it and that he employs a horse and car on those occasions for the purpose.
[138]
Read the Commissioners' letter of the 24th July 1844 respecting the admission of paupers.

Resolved:
- that is necessary to purchase cordelier for jackets and trowsers [sic] for all the schoolboys- 62 in numbers, and twilled calico for lining.
- that our clerk does advertise for supplying all material and for making said jackets and trowsers, samples to accompany the tenders for the materials.
- that the report of the committee in respect of the clothing for the female children be forthwith acted upon and that the furnishing materials for the purpose be included in the above advertisement and it is the opinion of the board that the dowlas be preferred as safes in place of check.
Nancy Bourke, a pauper, having appeared before the board on the charge of having refused, and having broken a chair wantonly which were proved,
Resolved
- that she be discharged.
[139]
Read tenders for repairing the barrows of the house.
Resolved that we accept Charles Carrigg's tender for repairing the barrows as shown by the master at £1.2.0 for the entire 12.
Medical Report:
There are 14 cases in hospital at present of which 2 are suffering from fever of a mild form and convalescing. I would recommend the board to increase the allowance of potatoes to the inmates to make up for their deteriorating in quality for this month. Say one half pound to each adult and a quarter pound to the other classes.
                                                        James Shannon, M.D.

Ordered that cheques be drawn for the following sums.

[140]
In reference to the doctor's report.
Resolved:
- that the adults get 1/2 lb of potatoes in addition to the present allowance and that the other classes get 1/4 lb in addition to same.
Read tenders for meat.
- that we accept Richard Cavanagh's tender for beef at 3d per lb. and mutton at 4 1/4d per pound his tender being the lowest, both of best quality for 6 months.

[141]
Meeting held on the 9th of August 1844.

The register book was signed from No. 933 to No. 939.
[142]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that the

[144]
Medical Report:
The house continues healthy, no new cases of fever.
There are only 14 patients in hopital. I would recommend the board to give an order for the accompanying list of medicines which we want for the surgery.
                                                James Shannon, M.D.

Read tenders for clothing.
Resolved that the tender of Pat O'Dwyer for boys' and girls' clothing be accepted agreeable to his tender.
Resolved that is 5/6 for every boys' suit to be made of such material as the sealed pattern in the custody of the clerk and for girls' clothing 7/8 yard wide dowlas at 7 1/2d per yard and twilled deep blue callico at 7 1/2d per yard in any quantities required.
[145]
Ordered that the master gets an order for 2 brushes and a sheet iron fire bucket.
Resolved that the clerk does advertise for tenders for repairing, and keeping in repair for 12 months, the roof of the workhouse including slates and all other materials. Also for keeping all iron works including locks, pumps, etc. etc. in good order for the same time.


[146]
Meeting held on the 16th day August 1844.

The register book was signed from No. 940 to No. 943.
[147]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[149]
It appearing that Mr. Hynes, the solicitor, has not performed his duty in calling in the sum of 41.12.6 amount of poor rates collected by James Callinan out of the Electoral Divisions of Burren, Drumcreehy and Rathborney,
Resolved that our clerk do write to Mr. Hynes intimating to him our determination to appoint another attorney unless he, by this day fortnight, shows sufficient cause to the contrary. It appearing that Mr. Pat Fitzgibbon, who became a candidate for the office of guardian for the Electoral Division of Miltown Malbay, has been summoned to attend, on the 15th instant, before the Bench of Magistrates sitting at Miltown Petty Sessions for having a false statement of his qualification to be guardian of said division, and that he was convicted and fined,
Resolved that our clerk do write to the Commissioners and express our wish that proceedings should be taken against the said Pat Fitzgibbon for willful and corrupt perjury, committed by him in the affidavit made before Asst. Commissioner Burke on the 15th April last, stating that he had a certain qualification which it now appears he had not.
[150]
Read tenders for repairing and keeping the iron works of the workhouse in repair.
Resolved that we accept of John Malony's tender for repairing for seven years all the iron and metalworks inside and outside the workhouse at 9.19.0 per year, the contractor to provide all materials himself.
Securities John O'Loughlen of Ennistimon, shopkeeper, and James Moloney of Aticristora, farmer, also accepted.
- that it is more benefical to enter into a contract for keeping the workhouse in thorough repair in all things (save iron works for which a contract has been already entered into) for seven years than from year to year, and more convenient to enter into same with one than with several persons, and that accordingly our clerk do advertise for such contractor. The contractor to specify the works which he intends to perform.

Master's Journal
Resolved that 66 girls' frocks be condemned and that they be converted into rubbers or scouring cloths.
Resolved that the master do get an order for a jar of ink.
[151]
Resolved:
- that the following checks [sic] be drawn:-

Medical Report
The house continues healthy. There are 13 patients in hospital only. No fever. A child named Charles Doherty died of water on the brain since last meeting of the board.
                                                James Shannon M.D.

[152]
Meeting held on Friday the 23rd day of August 1844.

The register book was signed from No. 944 to No. 954

The clerk's report read to the following effect:
John O' Loughlen, one of the sureties proposed by John Moloney, the contractor for keeping in repair the iron works of the workhouse, refused to perfect the bond.
The abstracts of the account, as audited by Mr. Matthew for 1/2 year ended 25th March last, were laid before the board this day and signed by the Chairman.
[153]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[155]
Medical Report
There are 14 patients in hospital. We have one case of fever. The house continues healthy.
                                        James Shannon M.D.

In reference to the schoolmaster's report, ordered that our clerk be directed to procure from Mr. Talbot for the use of the schools,

1/2 ream of common writing paper.
1 jar of ink
4 dozen Carpenter's spelling books
3 dozen small prayer books
4 dozen catechisms
3 dozen slates

In as much as John O'Loughlen has declined to become surety for John Molony for the performance of his contract for keeping in repair the iron works of the workhouse,
Resolved that Pat Flannigan of Mahera be substituted in his stead.

Read Commissioners' letter, dated 19th August, respecting 1st instalment of auditor's salary the consideration thereof is adjourned to next meeting.

Read Commissioners' letter, dated 20th August instant, respecting insurance of the workhouse. Ordered that they be informed that the premium for the insurance of the workhouse has been paid on the 16th August instant.
[156]
The dowlas for the girls' safes was laid before the board by the master and approved of.

It appearing to the board that great irregularity has occurred in consequence of the non-performance of the contracts entered into by Mr. Pat O' Dwyer and Michael Roughan for supplying potatoes and meat in due time.

Resolved that the said clerk do write to the said contractors and intimate to them the determination of the board to put their respective bonds in suit unless they show sufficient cause to the contrary on this day week.

Master's Journal:

Resolved that the following order be made:-

Resolved that cheques be drawn for the following sums and persons

Resolved that we accept of the tender of John Herbert for keeping the workhouse in repair for seven years in everything except ironworks at 50 per year.

[157]
Meeting held on the 30th day August 1844

The register book was signed from No. 955 to No. 956.
The clerk's report read as follows:
The potatoe [sic] contract will expire on the 15th day of the next month.
John Moloney and sureties have not executed the bond for keeping in repair the iron works of the workhouse.
John Herbert and sureties have not executed the bond for keeping in repair the roofing and all other repairs beside the ironworks of the workhouse.

[158] The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that the

[160]
Mr. Hynes, the solicitor, having appeared before the court this day in reference to the proceedings in calling the sum of 41.12.6 due of James Callinan, a former rate collector, and he having stated that proceedings are been taking [sic] and that the money will be available at the next November term.  Mr. Hynes also stated in reply to a guardian that Mr. McNamara was served with a writ - that he appeared by Michael Callinan and gave consent for instructions in the stay of execution until November.
Resolved that this board are quite satisfied with the explanation of Mr.Hynes.
Mr. O' Dwyer, the potatoe [sic] contractor having appeared before the board in reference to his default in not sending potatoes in due time, and, he having stated from the very great scarcity of potatoes at present that he cannot procure them and that he is satisfied to give meal in their stead,
Resolved that the explanation of Mr. O' Dwyer is satisfactory.

Medical Report:
Two persons died in the house since last meeting. Catherine Casey, who came into the house about three weeks since in a dying state from paralysis of the lower [161] half of her alt="" caused by injury of the spine, and James Curran of appoplexy [sic], to attacks of which he has been subject to for the last four years. There are 42 patients in hospital at present. We have 4 cases of measles, and all the children with very few exceptions are suffering from influenza.
                                                                                                James Shannon M.D.

Resolved:
- that the following checks be drawn:

Resolved that our clerk do write to Mr. Shannon, the revising valuator, calling on him to appear before the board and show this board how far he has proceeded in his revision of this union on this day week.
In reference to the master's journal no orders were made.
The meeting to be held on the 6th September, l844, in consequence of the non-attendance of guardians, is adjourned to the 13th September at 12 o'clock, noon of that day.
[162]
In consequence of the non-attendance of guardians the meeting intended to be held on the 13th of September, 1844, is further adjourned to the 20th September, inst. at 12 o'clock noon, of said day.
Dated 13th September 1844 at 2 o'clock.

[163]
Meeting held on Friday, 20th September, 1844.

The register book was signed from No. 957. to No. 961.

[164] The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that the

[166]
Medical Report:
We have 31 patients in hospital, nearly all cases of measles during the week. 22 have been discharged cured.
No deaths.
                        Charles Finucane M.D.

Resolved:
- that Mr. Kenny, Mr. Daniel Considine, and Mr. Kerin be appointed a committee to meet on Thursday next, and to report to the board on the quantity of clothing and other matters required to be condemned by the master.
- that the clerk do invite tenders from persons willing to supply potatoes for 11 months.
- that fires be put in the school rooms.
- that the master gets liberty to visit the Ennis Workhouse for a few days, and when he returns the matron be at liberty to do the same.
[167] - that the master be at liberty to admit the contractor for the fever hospital into the female ward and yard for a workshop.
- that the price per stone at which the potatoes grown on the workhouse grounds be charged be 2 1/2 d.
- that the following be the hours of discipline until the 25th March next.

 [168]
Meeting held on Friday the 27th September, 1844.

The register book was signed from No. 962 to No. 971.
The clerk's report read to the following effect:
The committee appointed to condemn the clothing and other matters as required by the master have not attended on Thursday last.

[169]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[171]
The master has lodged with the treasurer 6/- found in the pocket of a deceased pauper, and 5/- the fine of Pat Fitzgibbon awarded by the Milltown Magistrates towards the support of the inmates of the workhouse.
Resolved:
- that our clerk do write to Mr. Shannon the revising valuator desiring his attendance at this board at 12 o'clock on Friday next to show cause why he should not be suspended for neglect of duty.
- that the hours of schooling be 8 o' clock until 9 in the mornings and from 1 to 4 in the afternoons.

Medical Report:
We have only 20 patients in hosptial: 8 are chronic cases, 3 of fever after measles and 9 in measles. 20 have been discharged cured since last report.
We have had no deaths.
                                                Charles Finucane, M.D.

Resolved that we accept the tender of Robert Wiggins for brushes and brooms to the extent of one dozen no. 4 brushes at 25/- and 6 dozen hearth brooms at 1/ per dozen.
[172]
Read Commissioners' letter of the 24th September instant, as regards the prosecution of Pat Fitzgibbon.

Resolved:
- that a check be drawn in favour of the returning officer for 21.3.9, being the late election expenses.

[173]
Meeting held on Friday the 4th day of October, 1844.

The register book was signed from No. 972 to No. 983.
The contract for offal will expire on the 6th instant.

The Treasurer's Book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that the

[176] Mr. Shannon, the revising valuator, having appeared before the board, as required.
Resolved that this board are satisfied with his explanation as to the cause of the delay. He undertakes to have the revision complete on this day six weeks.
Resolved that the school hours in the mornings be changed and that the hours be, until the 25th March next, from 9 to 10, instead of 8 to 9.

Medical Report:
There are 19 patients in hospital at present. We have two new cases of measles. A boy, named Austin Coghlan, died on the 1st of this month of an infection of his lungs which followed measles.
                                                James Shannon. M.D.
Resolved that Mr. Kenny, Mr. Kerin, Mr. Michael Considine and Mr.O'Dwyer be a visiting committee to report to the board from time to time upon all matters connected with the establishment.

[177]
It appears that several of the paupers require change of clothing,
Resolved that the master do have for the supply such articles as he may deem necessary without further orders from the board.

The Chairman, Mr. O' Brien, gives notice that he will on this day fortnight move to have the present dietary changed from molasses and gruel to milk.

Resolved that 100 caps are wanted and that tenders be invited for same.
Resolved that the time for opening tenders for supplying potatoes to the house be extended from the 18th of October to the 25th of October instant.
Resolved that it is necessary to give the female children a second suit of clothes and that pressed flannel, coloured brown, be used for the purpose, and we invite tenders from persons willing to supply such material as will make suits for 70 children.
[178] Resolved that the master do permit Anne Callinan to absent herself until Thursday next, and then return.
Mr. Herbert, the superintendent for the erecton of the fever hospital having reported that more than 1/3 of the work was executed and that materials are provided for completing the entire,
Resolved that the contractor is entitled to 100 on account of said building and that the Commissioners be requested to remit some to the Chairman, Cornelius O'Brien Esq., M.P. Birchfield, for the use of said contractor.
Resolved that checks be drawn for the following accounts and sums.

[179]
Resolved that the addition ordered to the potatoes for the inmates in August last be hence forward discontinued.

[180]
Meeting held on Friday the 11th October 1844

The register book was signed from No. 984 to No. 989.

The Treasurer's Book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[182]
Resolved that the clerk do lay before the board on this day week a correct return of the savings effected by the introduction of molasses and gruel in place of milk.
[183]
Resolved that the master do lay before the board on this day week a correct return of the dietaries in the several Unions of Gort, Loughrea, Kilrush and Ennis.
Resolved that the clerk do call on John O'Brien, the former offal contractor for the sum due of him and in case of his refusal that legal proceedings be taken for the recovery thereof at the coming sessions.
Resolved that tenders for offal be invited for 12 months from Friday next.
The Chairman entered at this stage of the proceedings.

[184] Resolved that the male probationary yard, which has been vacant from the commencement, shall henceforth be converted to the raising of vegetables for the use of the paupers to be boiled with their gruel.

The chariman, having withdrawn his notice of motion for a change in the dietary,
Resolved that in future milk be substituted for molasses in all cases recommended by the doctor.
Proposed that a rate of seven pence half penny in the pound, be made on the union, and that the clerk do forthwith prepare the necessary books.

In consequence of the non-attendance of guardians there was no meeting of the board on Friday, the 18th October.

[185]
Meeting held on Friday the 25th day of October 1844

The register book was signed from No. 990 to No. 991.
The Treasurer's Book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

Resolved that unless the several collectors do pay into the treasurer the several balances on or before the first day of December next, that their respective bonds be put in suit and that our clerk do communicate this resolution to the said collectors.
[188]
Medical Report:
There are 26 patients in hospital, 12 are cases of fever, which disease, I regret to say, is again gaining ground in the house. We have had no deaths.
                                        Charles Finucane, M.D.

Resolved that Mr. Matt Kenny be the deputy vice chairman of this board until the 25th day of March next.
Read tenders for potatoes.
Resolved that John Fallon's tender be accepted at 2d per stone for 11 months from this date.
Resolved that the master do agree on the term of the former contract for offal with James Stack until the piggory [sic] is finished.
Resolved that a wall of the following dimensions be built around the workhouse ground and the tenders for doing so be invited and also a piggory. 
Specification of wall as follows:
[189] The foundation to be excavated to a proper depth so as to obtain a solid and firm foundation and to be built up with dry masonry of good flat bedded stones on offsets to the level of the ground and to be 7 feet high from the surface to the top of the coping. The wall to be 2 feet thick at bottom, and 18 inches thick at top. A through stone to be set on the top on the edge and rounded to a mould that will be given in mortar. The wall to be build dry and dashed with good mortar at both sides. All material by the contractor with a pair of piers and gates.
Specification of piggory
Also the building of a yard and 2 linnies of solid masonry for feeding pigs to be 7 feet by 6 in the clear, 5 feet high in the front and 7 feet in the rear, roofed and slated with Moher flags and the yard to be 20 by 16 in the clear and 4 1/2 feet high with doors and gates to the yard and linnies, with 2 limestone troughs, the yard and linnies to be nicely paved and with watercourses, the contractor to find all materials and workmanship.
No reply having come from the Commissioners with reference to the advance of 100 to the fever hospital contractor,
Resolved that the Commissioners do send the money forthwith to Cornelius O' Brien Esq., M.P. Chairman.
[190]
Resolved that the probationary yard on the female side of the house be converted to the raising of vegetables for the use of the paupers in addition to the other, ordered on the last day of meeting.
- that 1/2 stone of pepper be procured by the master for the use of the gruel for the paupers and cabbage be procured also for the purpose by the master.
- that 80 sheets be converted into shirts and shifts for men, women, boys and girls.
- that tenders be invited for a cupboard bed for the use of the porter on this day fortnight, same as at Ennis.
- that the tenders of Patrick O'Dwyer for flannel, coloured - deep brown, be accepted, at one shilling per yard and for the caps at 9 1/2d each the same as at Ennis.
- that tenders be invited for 100 of each class of tins, viz: pints, quarts and plates and to be marked with the name of the union and according to a pattern to be shown by the master.
[191]
Resolved that tenders be invited for 6 wooden cradles, each cradle to contain 2 children and made according to a plan that will be given by the master, and that the master procure 2 fire shovels same as at Ennis, 1/2 dozen plain looking glasses for the schools and wards, 2 boxes for male ward and infirmary, for a lockup for shaving utensils etc.

In reference to the master's journal.
The master having frequently communicated to this board that the schoolmaster had, with the sanction of the board, slept out and the board having considered the circumstances of the schoolmaster being married and his wife residing at Ennistymon, and it appearing that no inconvenience had arisen to the establishment, the board are unanimously of opinion that the master may remind the schoolmaster to leave the house after 8 o'clock in the evening, he returning before 7 in the morning.

In consequence of the non-attendance of guardians we had no meeting on the 12th of Nov 1844.

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