Ennistymon Union Minute Books

Book No. 2 

Meetings held from 11th July 1845 - 26th September 1845

July 11, 1845, No meeting in consequence of the assizes.

[346]
Meeting held on Friday the 18th of July 1845.

The register book was signed from No.1191 to No.1197.
The clerk reported:
That advertisements were put forward for tenders for building the stables and coachhouse with drains from the cesspool, etc.
[347]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

Read
- Commissioners' letter of the 4th of July 1845, signifying to the clerk that certain forms of return of inmates may in future be dispensed with, except on particular occasions.
- Commissioners' letter of the 10th of July inst. requiring the plan of the drains and sewers of the
workhouse.
- Commissioners' letter of the 14th July inst. with respect to the sick dietaries submitted by the master at the last meeting.
The clerk laid the table of dietaries sent by the Commissioners for the guidance of the guardians (bearing date 1st of January 1842) before the board.
Read tenders for furniture for fever hospital.

Resolved
- that we accept James McDonough's tender for building walls in front of fever hospital according to specification in custody of the clerk for £9.15.0

Medical Report
We have no case of fever in the house now, we have had no death since last report.
                                    Charles Finucane, M.D.

[350]
Resolved:
- that the schoolmistress gets further leave of absence for another fortnight to improve her health.
- that this board does forego the following sums in the following electoral divisions on the declaration of Bryan Daly the collector made before a Magistrate, viz:

James McDonough the contractor having reported to the board that the fever hospital is fit for use and ready to be given up.
- that the clerk does report same to the Commissioners.
- that Mr. Patrick O'Dwyer be requested to purchase in Limerick a boiler and fittings for the use of the fever hospital and that he does report same to the next meeting. Also two bells and that the list of furniture be advertised for.
- that cheques be drawn for the following sums, viz:

[351] No meeting on the 25th July 1845.

[352]
Meeting held on Friday the 1st August 1845.

The register book was signed from No. 1198 to No. 1202.
The clerk reported:
That the premium on the insurance of the workhouse furniture and so forth will be due on the 22nd inst. and that the instalment due to the audit fund is due since the 10th July last and ought to be discharged.
[353]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[355]
Read Commissioners' letter
- of the 16th of July, calling for a return of the number of children under 16 years.
- of the 16th of July, calling for certain returns of inmates.
- of the 21st of July, respecting the appointment of Town Commissioners, etc. etc.
- of the 22nd of July, requesting to send the return of the number of children as required by the Commissioners' letter of the 14th July last, which return the clerk states he did transmit on the 21st July last.
Read letter
- from the Granard Union, dated 20th July last, to the chairman containing a copy of a petition praying to have the tenant right of Ulster legalised.
- from the Tullamore Union, dated 20th July last, to the chairman, containing a petition to Parliament praying for the entire remission of the loan for building the workhouse.
[356] - from Navan Union, dated 23rd July last, containing a resolution passed at the board of that union. That a petition from the Navan board of guardians be presented to both Houses of Parliament praying for the legislatioin of the Ulster tenant right.
- Commissioners' letter of the 24th of July last stating that the minutes containing the report of the completion of the fever ward had been transmitted to Mr. Wilkinson (Commissioners' architect) also requiring the clerk's signature to the copy of the minutes.

Resolved
- that the consideration of the tenders for the sewage of the workhouse be put off until this day fortnight and that new tenders be invited in the mean time for sewers on one part of the Clare Journal- form of tender to be had from the clerk.
Read tenders for building two stables and the carriage house.

Resolved
- that we accept James McDonough's tender for the sum of 84 it being the lowest, securities Mr. Patrick O'Dwyer Ennistymon and Mr. Patrick Flanagan of Mahera, to be executed according to plan and specification in custody of the clerk and to be finished before the 1st Nov. next.
[357]
- that the clerk does request the Commissioners to return the plan of the drains with as little delay as possible.
- that the master gets an order for 7lbs. angolia [sic] thread for knitting stockings.
- that we accept Robert Wiggins' tender for 4 metal saucepans containing 4 quarts each at 5/- each, 3 sheet iron fenders at 6/- each and 4 pair of iron tongs at 6/-, 1 poker 1/6, 1 fire shovel at 3/6, 1 iron brand at 3/6, 1 sheet iron coal box at 3/6, 4 clothes baskets at 12/-.
- that we accept Patrick O'Dwyer's tender for 9 gray callico blinds to be properly agreeable to Mr. Herbert's specification, the pullies to be of brass.
- that the schoolmistress gets one month leave of absence extended to her for the improvement of her health.
- that a check be drawn in favour of Richard Nagle potatoe contractor for the sum of 92.12.10
- that 3 bed ticks be condemned agreeable to the master's report.
- that Mary, Peg, and Biddy Healy be discharged being only admitted for a month.

[358]
Meeting held on Friday the 8th of August 1845.

The register book was signed from No. 1203 to No. 1214
The clerk reported:
That James McDonough and his securities have perfected the bond for building the stables.
[359]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[361]
Read
- Commissioners' letter of the 31st July last accompanying a return of the union funds.
- letter from Alex Thom dated 4th inst. requiring payment of his account to the 30th June last.
- treasurer's letter of the 5th inst. acknowledging the receipt of 14.10.6 being the last instalment due by James Callinan former collector for Burren, Drumcreehy, and Rathbourney Electoral Divisions.
- Commisissioners' letter dated 5th inst. accompanying the plan of the drains and cess pools returned by the Commissioners.
- Commissioners' letter of the 6th August inst. with reference to the transmission of minutes.
- letter from the Patriotic Assurance Company again stating that the premium of the workhouse insurance will become due on the 22nd inst. and requiring payment thereof.

Medical Report
There are 22 patients in hospital at present, we have only 2 cases of fever, both convalescent. Two thirds of the boys have ophthalmia of a mild form which is very much on the decrease.
                                James Shannon, M.D.
[362]
Resolved
- that a cheque be drawn in favour of Harrison Lee for 2.5.10 being the price of a boiler for the use of the washhouse of the fever ward.
- that a cheque be drawn in favour of John O'Donoghue for 10 in part payment of his contract for building the wall around the workhouse grounds.
- that a cheque be drawn for 4.10.0 in favour of Michael Kerin, agent to the Patriotic Assurance Company, for the premium of insurance of the workhouse up to the 22nd of August inst.
- that Mrs. Moran gets a cheque for 13.7.11 being the balance due for milk to the 25th March last.
- that Doctor Cullinan is entitled to the thanks of the board of guardians of the Ennistymon Union for the great kindness in having Mrs. Sexton, our nurse tender elect, admitted to the fever hospital in Ennis for instructions and that our clerk does communicate this our unanimous resolution.
- that Michael Farrell,(sweep), gets a cheque for 7/3d for sweeping the chimnies of the workhouse.

[363]
The meeting of the 15th August, 1845 is adjourned to Friday the 22nd August, 1845 at 12 o'clock on that day.

In consequence of the non-attendance of guardians (the chairman excepted) no meeting on the 22nd August 1845.

[364]
Meeting held on Friday the 29th of August 1845.

The register book was signed from No. 1215 to No. 1230.

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

Resolved that tenders for drainage be adjourned to this day week.
Resolved that 2 1/2d per stone be the price of the potatoes to be dug by James McDonough in the car passage leading to stables.

[367]
Medical Report
There were three deaths in the house since the last meeting of the board. Namely: Mary Higgins aged 84 rather suddenly of appoplexy [sic], Joan Ryan of enlarged spleen and diarrhea, William Lardner of chronic diarrhea. There are 19 patients in the hospital at present.
                                            James Shannon, M.D.

Resolved that checks be drawn for the following:

The dowlas, flannel and boy's clothing were laid before the board and approved of, and a check given for the amount.
Resolved that the clerk do write to the Poor Law Commissioners requesting them to have the fever ward inspected by their architect with a view to its being applied for the purpose required as fever is very prevalent through the country.

[368]
Master's Report
Mr. Egan, the schoolmaster, has not come to the workhouse since the 11th inst. from being idle. He has sent to the workhouse a boy named McMahon to do his duty. I have only to state that the greatest scene of disorder was the consequence. He has this day resumed his duties.
The schoolmistress's time of leave after having expired she now has resumed her duties.
The following quantities of lime and for the following purposes are required:

The boiler, shelving, and railing of stone steps at fever hospital require to be done by some person. The contractor does not feel himself bound to do so, likewise the changing of the door at the deadhouse.

The boys were not allowed to take their usual recreation for the last week in consequence of the absence of the schoolmaster, and, not being satisfied to allow them out with the boy in attendance not being appointed by the board and reasons of my own.
The following matters required for clothing , viz:
[369]
10 yds of callico [sic] for mending petticoats.
70 yds of callico for lining new frocks.
7 lbs of housewife thread.
1 gross of buttons.
As classifiction should be strictly observed, and as we find it impossible to keep the boys and girls leaving their yards in consequence of a facility over the small gates in the dwarf walls, I want 2 iron straps with spikes to prevent it. I would call your attention to the necessity of placing in the nursery a larger grate than the present, as it is to small to afford the necessary heat to the infants and nurses, I showed it to the chairman previously. It is now over 12 months since the outside work of the house was painted. The inside was never done since the opening. I refused to receive some turf sent in by the contractor and I would call your attention to the subject as some of the board say it ought to be received. I was obliged to pay 4/1 1/2d for meal for the infirmary as Cavanagh, the contractor, would not send it. I would respectfully suggest that a cheque for a few pounds be drawn to meet such contingincies [sic].
Resolved
- that the master gets an order for 10 yds of callico for mending petticoat, 70 yds for lining for the new frocks, 7 lbs of housewife thread and 1 gross of buttons.
- that the master gets the grate of the nursery enlarged and produces a bill of expense. Also 2 iron straps with spikes to boys' and girls' gates in the yard to prevent climbing.

[370]
The meeting of the 5th is adjourned to the 12th of September in consequence of the non-attendance of guardians (the chairman excepted)

[371]
Meeting held on Friday the 12th of Sept. 1845.

The register book was signed from No. 1231 to No. 1255.
[372]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[374]
Read letter from Mr. Hancock, Assistant Commissioner, dated 10 Sept. 1845 with respect to the keeping of the collectors' accounts in future.
Resolved
- that our clerk do prosecute Marcus Dundon for deserting his child who is now an inmate of the house.
- that Mary Brody and Peggy Blake be discharged.
- that we forego the sum of 1.19.10 1/2 declared to be uncollectable in the Miltown Malbay Electoral Division.
- that our clerk do invite tenders from persons willing to supply this workhouse with good potatoes from the 31st of October next to the 15th of Sept. 1846, the contractor to supply new potatoes from the 1st Sept. to the 15th in the same year.

- that the master do procure paper for the use of the school from the Commissioners of National Education to the amount of the balance remaining in his hands for that purpose.
[375]
- that the clerk do procure, from Mr Talbot, Chamber's Geometry for the use of the school.
- that the wooden partition in the kitchen yard be removed a few feet in so as to inable [sic] the pump to be worked from entrance to male ward and that the master do get the same done and lay the expense before the board.
- that an order be given to the master for the following articles:
2 dozen brickbath
14 lb ________ stone
1 qt. sweet oil
1/2 gallon marking ink
1/2 gallon of train oil for shoes
2 small ladders for getting up to boilers
- that the price per stone at which the potatoes from the workhouse land be charged be 2 1/2d
- that the expense of conveying Dora Waters and Pat Waters, two paupers in fever, from this workhouse to the fever hospital of the County in Ennis be defrayed by the union at large.
- that Mr. Kenny, Mr. Stack, and Mr. Jordan be the visiting committee for the ensuing week on Saturday next for the purpose of examining and condemning clothing.
[376]
Doctor's Report
No new cases of fever since the last report, we have had no death.
                                Charles Finucane, M.D.

Resolved
- that the consideration of irregularity of the schoolmaster's sleeping out of the house be put off to this day week as also the leave of absence on Sunday.
Provisional admissions into the workhouse and applications for admissions were considered and decided on as set forth in the application and report book.
The number of provisional admissions confirmed was 10.
The number of provisional admissions disallowed 2.
The number of applicants admitted was 8.

19th of September 1845
The meeting of this day is adjourned to Friday the 26th inst. 12 o'clock in consequence of having only 2 guardians in attendance.

[377]
Meeting held on Friday 26th September 1845.

The register book was signed from No. 1256 to No. 1264.
[378] The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[380]
Read Commissioners' letter
- of the 11th inst. respecting the appointment of ex-officio guardians for the ensuing year.
- of the 16th inst. signifying the intenton of the Commissioners' architect being here in the course of next week.
- of the 19th inst. requiring payment of the sum due to the audit fund on the 1st July last, namely £4.15.0
- of the 20th inst. requiring the clerk's explanation with reference to the last monthly return of union funds.
Read letter
- From John S. O'Brien Esq. agent to the Stackpooles (minors) of 23rd inst. requirng payment of the rent due of the workhouse to the 25th March last.
- From James Grady, a runner or helper at the coach office Ennis, requiring the payment of 2 for his services since the opening of the workhouse in conveying the treasurer's book from the coach office and back again.
[381]
With reference to the visiting committee's report.
Resolved
- that 4 sheets, 3 pair of blankets, 5 rugs, 6 bedticks, 94 coats, 9 waistcoats, 67 trowsers, 244 shirts, 78 pair shoes, 104 pair stockings, 77 mens caps, 5 gowns, 33 petticoats, 176 shifts, 62 womens caps, 47 boys trowsers, 81 girls frocks, and 27 petticoats be condemned.

- that the boys and girls be supplied with shoes during the winter and spring months.

Medical Report
Since last meeting we have had one death in the person of James Breannan, who has been for a very long time labouring under scrofula. He died of that disease on Sunday morning aged 16 years.
                                                            Charles Finucane, M.D.

[382]
Resolved
- that the 1/2 lb. potatoes ordered to be given some time since to the paupers on account of bad potatoes, be now reduced.
- that an order for 240 yds of dowlas be given to the master.
- that our clerk do write to Mr. Bradford, the Superintendent of National Schools, and request that he will be good enough when he visits the workhouse to offer such suggestions to the schoolmaster and schoolmistress as he shall deem serviceable for the interest of the schools and report the state of each school to the board.
- that tenders be invited for placing fireplaces in the schoolmaster and schoolmistress' rooms and plastering same. That the clerk do write to the Commissioners for a plan of the fireplace.
[383] - that we do not consider that John Molony, contractor for keeping iron and metalwork in repair, is bound to repair and keep in repair all culinary implements of the house.
- that the following hours of discipline be adoptod until the 25th of March next when same may be altered.

with one hour schooling before breakfast and 3 hours between breakfast and dinner, viz: from 1 to 4 o'clock.
Work from 8 to 4 o'clock.

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