Ennistymon Union Minute Books

Book No. 3 

Meetings held from 16th January 1846 - 27th March 1846

[5] Meeting held on the 16th day of January, 1846.

The register book was signed from No. 1519 to No. 1548.
The clerk's report was read to the following effect.
[6] That Mrs Moran and her securities have duly signed their bond for supplying new milk to the 19th of December next.

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

[8]
Read
- commissioners' letter of the 23rd December 1845 with regard to the monthly returns of the union funds
- commissioners' letter of the 1st with regard to the inspection of the visiting committee.
- commissioners' letter of the 1st inst. with regard to a return of the number of paupers relieved in the year 1845 and the expenditure of the union in that year.
- commissioners' letter of the 3rd inst. relative to the collection of arrear of rate etc.
- commissioners' letter of the 8th inst. relative to the payment of the instalment due to the audit fund on the 1st inst.
- Letter from Commissioners of Education requiring Mary Leyden, schoolmistress, at the training school Dublin on the 4th February next.
Resolved that the answers to the queries respecting the potatoe disease be postponed for a fortnight and that our clerk do communicate to the commissioners that the apprehension of scarcity is daily increasing and that in as much as the potatoes are not altogether severed or those in pit examined it would be impossible to give satisfactory information on the subject.
[9]
The letter of the Commissioners of Education of the 7th inst. being read,
Resolved
- that our clerk do communicate with Miss Mary Leyden and make all the necessary arrangements according to the instruction contained therein and that he do require the former schoolmistress Bridget Leyden to take charge of the school during the absence of her sister pursuant to her agreement with the board on the terms mentioned in said letter.
- that a draft be drawn in favour of the Bank of Ireland to discharge the instalment of 4 5 0 due to the audit fund on the 8th inst.
- that the revision of the union is not satisfactory and cannot be adopted and it is highly desirable that the entire union be revised by a more competent person and that the appointment of a stranger of less local connexion is desirable.

Medical Report
There are 36 patients in the fever hospital and 29 in the infirmary. A boy named Martin O'Connor aged about 16 years died of water on the brain. Since last board day, there is some improvements in the keeping of the fever hospital.
                                    Charles Finucane
[10] Resolved
- that a rate of five pence in the pound be made on the several electoral divisions of the union upon the existing valuation.
- that tenders for building the trades workshop be invited against this day fortnight.
- that we accept John Fallon's tender for bread at 7 1/2d per 4 lb loaf to be made in two pound loaves until the 8th of August next.
- that Margaret Hogan be appointed second nurse tender to the fever ward to be placed in the upper wards of same at the same salary and rations of Ellen Sexton the present nurse tender.
- that one dozen of awl blades, 1 dozen of awl hafts, 1 rasp, 1 lb of wax be supplied to the shoemaker of the workhouse.
- that we accept William Lawler's tender for chamber utensils at 1s-3d each, quart saucepans at 4 1/2d each, pint saucepans at 3d each, linears for hospital each to contain 4 quarts at 1s-0d each all to be marked Ennistymon Union.
- that the following cheques be this day drawn viz.
Master for potatoes £50-0-0
Michael Stritch, levy 7s/6d.
Masters money advanced by him for bread over the £10-0-0 cheque issued on the 2nd January £6-3-10.
Audit fund £4-15-0.
Alex Thom £1-17-1 for books.
Master to purchase meal £20-0-0

Meeting of Saturday 24th January 1846 adjourned to 30th January.

[11]
Meeting held on Friday the 30th January 1846.

The register book was signed from No. 1549 to No. 1591.
The clerk's report was read to the following effect;
- that John Fallon and his securities have signed their bond for bread, leather and shoemaker's findings.
- that Mr. Kitson S.I. Constabulary at Ennistymon cannot afford the assistance of any of his men for posting the election notices from the pressure of their own duty and that the returning officer must employ civilians for that purpose.

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

Read
[13] - commissioners' letter of the 13th inst. relative to the clerk's instructions with regard to the coming election of guardian.
- commissioners' letter of the 17th inst. with regard to the monthly return of the union funds ending on the 31st December last.
[14]
Resolved that the shoemaker be supplied with 2 lbs of sewing hemp and 1 lb of heel tacks.

Read
- commissioners' letter of the 26th of January inst. with reference to the answering of the queries relative to the potatoe disease.
- commissioners' letter of the 27th inst. informing the returning officer that the election notices were forwarded
- Letter from the Education Office, Dublin, bearing date the 27th inst. stating that Mary Leyden schoolmistress cannot be received into the training institution in consequence of not having replied to the circular letter of the 7th inst at an earlier date.
- that the schools be supplied with 6 dozen of catechisms
- that cheques be drawn for the following sums in favour of the following personsviz.

[15]
Medical Report
We have thirty seven patients in the fever hospital. Three or four of them labouring under fever of a very bad description. We had 2 deaths from that disease during the month, one Winny Lucas aged 60 years the other a boy named Michael O'Loughlin aged 20 years. I have great pleasure in reporting to the board the considerable improvement that has taken place in the nursetending of the fever hospital.
                                    Charles Finucane.
                                    M.R.C.S.L.

Read tenders for building the shoemaker's workshop and bedroom.

Resolved
- that we accept Martin Collins' tender for completing said building according to plan and specification for the sum of 24-10 shillings and we accept of Andrew Finucane of Lahensy and Austin Foran of Ballymacraven as his securities, to be completed the 1st of May next.
- that the medical officer be supplied with 200 cards same as specimen given by him for the use of the fever hospital and tin cases to contain them.
- that 300 yards of dowlas be had from Mr O'Dwyer for 100 women's shifts.
[16] - that the master gets a check for 1.7.6 for the carriage and price of 10 loads of scouring sand.
- that the master provides a table for the use of the fever hospital.
- that an order for 100 spoons be given to the master.
- that John Donohue gets a check for 20 in part payment of building boundary wall and piggery.

The Vice Chairman gives notice that on this day fortnight the revising valuators books will be received and inspected and payment made to him for his trouble thereon if deemed advisable and that the clerk do summon the guardians on the occasion.

Meeting of the 6th February 1846 is adjourned to Friday the 13th inst.

 [17] Meeting of the 13th of February 1846.

The register book was signed from No. 1592 to No. 1616

The clerk's report was read to the following effect.
[18] That Martin Collins and his sureties have perfected their bonds for building the shoemaker's workshop and bedroom.
That John O'Loughlin and his sureties have perfected their bond for supplying soap, salt and candles.

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

[20] Read
- commissioners' letter of the 26th January last accompanying a form of monthly returns for the union funds.
- commissioners' letter of the 30th inst. acknowledging the receipt of the replies of the board of guardians dated 31st ult. on the subject of the potatoe crop and conveying the thanks of the commissioners for the communication.
- commissioners' letter of the 2nd inst. accompanying a form of return ordered by the House of Commons on the 29th ultimo.
- commissioners' letter of the 4th inst. with respect to the admission of a pensioner and his family to the workhouse.
- Debate at the Oldcastle board of guardians on the propriety of amalgamating the rate.
- commissioners' letter of the 9th inst. requiring the plan and specification of the shoemaker's building which the clerk states he has sent in accordance.
- Letter of the board of guardians of the North Dublin Union praying that the Government would facilitate the giving of outdoor relief during the period of the coming scarcity.
- commissioners' letter of the 9th inst. relative to return of the mothers of illegitimate children.
[21]
Medical Report
There are 32 patients in fever hospital where we had one death on the 31st January, a man named Michael Mulqueeney. We have 37 in the infirmary and had 2 deaths since the commencement of the month, one a child named Mary Costello of scrophula, the other Anne Mullins aged 70 of chronic bronchitis. We have a few cases of fever occuring among the children in the house probably arising from intense cold of the last ten days. We have received the medicines of which I gave a list on Friday last to the clerk at the surgery of the Ennistymon Workhouse.
                                                James Shannon

Resolved that 2 gross of quills be provided for the use of the school.
I will move on this day 3 weeks that the reserved valuation of this union be adopted by the board and that the next rate should be levied according to it.
                                                Michael MacNamara.

I will move on this day 3 weeks that the board do adopt the petition of the board of the North Dublin Union (to the legislature) as the petition of the board of this union, for the purpose of inducing the parliament to grant them the powers specified in that petition, to enable them
[22] to give out door relief in case of urgent necessity during the approaching season of apprehended famine.
                                               Michael MacNamara.

Resolved that this board do forego the sum of £5.7.5 uncollectable in the Ennistymon Electoral Division. The collector having produced his declaration before a magistrate to that effect.
Resolved that cheques be drawn in favour of the following persons for the following sums viz.

- that the master gets a check for 6.15.6 1/2, balance advanced by him on a check for 20 given him to purchase meal, bread, soap etc. etc. on the 16th ult.
- that we accept John Fallon's tender for meal to the 8th of August next at 14.10 per ton.
- that we accept John O'Loughlin's tender for the following articles to the 8th of August next viz.
Best Irish soap at 1.10 cwt.
Salt 2/9 per cwt.
Dipt candles at 5/10 per dozen.
[23] - that straw be advertised for against this day 3 weeks to be supplied to the 8th of August next.
- that the following tins be condemned as unfit for use viz. 118 quarts, 90 pints, 4 ladles and 50 chamber utensils.
- that an additional oz of meal be given to children between 6 and 15.
- that John Gilligan and Austin Foran be the securities of Martin Collins for building the shoemaker's shop and bedroom.
- that the master do procure 1 pot and 12 metal saucepans for the fever hospital.
In reference to the commissioners' letter of the 2nd of February inst.
- that a check for 6.10 be drawn in favour of the clerk to procure assistance to enable him to have the order of the House of Commons of the 29th ult. completed without delay as it appears that the return therein referred to is a difficult and a tedious one.
[24] - that 1 hide of sole leather, 1 ounce of hairs, 2lbs of heel tack be supplied by the contractor to the shoemaker.

No. 20 minute of relief given to pensioner 1 & 2 Vict. chap.56 sec.56

Extract from the minute book of the guardians of the Ennistymon Union.

At a board of the guardians of the Ennistymon Union held at the boardroom on Friday the 13th day of February 1846.  Michael Whelan a destitute poor person, his wife Isabella Whelan, his son William Whelan aged 11 years, his daughter Bridget Whelan aged 9 years, his son Michael Whelan aged 7 years and his son Pat Whelan aged 5 years to whom relief hath been given in the workhouse for 7 days and who together with his wife and children still continue to receive such relief being entitled to or in receipt of pension of one shilling per day in respect of his service in the army,
Ordered by the board that the next payment of such pension shall be made to the guardians for the use and indemnity of the union, the surplus if any to be returned to the said pensioner and that the clerk shall transmit a copy of this minute attested by him at least one month before such payment shall become due to the proper paying officer, and that the other requisite steps shall be taken with a view to procure such payment.
[25]
Resolved that Matt Kenny, Pat Jordan and Thomas Stack be a committee to meet on the 6th of March next and report what may be necessary in the house for the coming summer and as requested by the matron.

Daniel Considine gives notice that he will move on this day 3 weeks to have the salary of the nursetender raised.

No meeting on Friday the 20th February 1846.

[26]
Meeting held on the 27th of February 1846.

The register book was signed from No. 1617 to No. 1666.

The clerk's report was read to the following effect.
That Mr Fallon has refused to perfect his bond for supplying meal agreeably to his tender of the 13th February 1846.
[27] The treasurer's book was produced by which it appeared that the

[29]
Read
- Mr. Hancock's, Assistant Poor Law commissioners' letter of the 20th February 1846, accompanying the last report of the flax improvement society.
- commissioners' letter of the 21st February 1846 accompanying the plan and specification of the shoemaker's workshop and bedroom.
- Resolution of the Thurles Union entered into on the 10th February 1846 with regard to the payment of the salaries of the officers of workhouse in Ireland through the consolidated fund.
- commissioners' letter of the 20th February 1846 containing the resolution of the select committee of the House of Lords etc.etc.
With reference to the commissioners' letter of the 21st February inst. on the subject of a workshop and bedroom for the shoemaker.
Resolved that we do consider it necessary that he should be provided with a bedroom and that the same was part of the conditions of his appointment and the plan and contract remain as they now are particulary as the contractor and his security have perfected their bond.
[30]
The letter of Mr Fallon of the 19th inst. (he being the person whose tender for supplying meal at 14.10 per ton was accepted on the 13th inst.) being read which states that the securities mentioned on his tender have declined to join him in a bond.
Resolved
- that notwithstanding as the board are of opinion that Mr Fallon's tender is binding on him and as he is himself good security for the amount that the master do purchase any meal required to the 8th of August next and that Mr Fallon be held accountable for any losses that may be incurred in consequence of his withdrawal and that our clerk do forward a copy of this resolution to Mr Fallon.
- that cheques be drawn in favour of the following persons for the following sums viz.

[31] Medical Report
We had 4 deaths in the infirmary since the last meeting of the board viz. Michael Kean aged 72 of rheumatism and chronic bronchitis, Michael Whelan and Anne O'Brien of asthma and Michael Scanlon a child of 1 1/2 years of anasarca and diarrhea [sic]. We have remaining under medical treatment 35. We had one death in the fever hospital Mary Mulqueeney aged 60 and 38 remain still in the wards. I am glad to inform the board that the nursetender and assistants are keeping the fever hospital very orderly and clean at present.
                                        James Shannon

Resolved
- that a memorial be forwarded from this board to our county members for presentation to parliament praying the remission of the loan for building workhouses in Ireland and the payment of the salaries of all workhouse officers out of the consolidated fund.
- that the report on the potatoe disease be put off until Friday next.

[32]
Meeting of Friday the 6th of March 1846.

The register book was signed from No. 1667 to No. 1685.

The clerk's report was read to the following effect.
[33] That the clerk served Mr Fallon with the copy of the resolution of the board of the 27th ult. on the 4th inst. as directed. That only one of the collectors attended to settle accounts previous to this meeting, (Mr Bryan Daly) who collected during the last month in Kililagh District 10.10.9 in Kilfenora District 1.4.7 and in Kilonahen District 2.9.2 .
Made no lodgement during the month.

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

[35]
Read
- Mr Hancock A.P.L commissioners' letter of the 25th ult. accompanying a form of return of bedding clothing etc. to be filled and laid before the guardians half yearly by the master of the workhouse.
- commissioners' letter of the 28th ult. requiring a return of certain particulars relating to the rate and as required by an order of the House of Commons on the 29th of January last.
- commissioners' letter of the 25th ult. accompanying a blank return of the union funds.

Medical Report
We have 35 patients in the infirmary and thirty four in the fever hospital. A woman named Bridget King died from natural decline aged 70 years since last report.
                                                Charles Finucane

Resolved
- that with reference to the circular of the Poor Law commissioners' respecting the resolution of the Lords Committee on the Medical Charities and the tendering of evidence thereon we consider either of our medical officers Drs. Shannon and Finucane as eminently competent to give useful and valuable information on the subject matter of enquiry and empower both or either of them to give same.
- that 50 tin cases be had for the medical officers same as pattern in the custody of the clerk.
[36]
Having reference to notice of motion given by Dr. McNamara on the 13th of February last and same having been made and the subject fully discussed,
Resolved that the board are not satisfied to receive the revisor's books or to act on them.

John O'Dwyer gives notice that he will on this day fortnight move to discharge Patt Shannon the present revising valuator of this union and that a fit and proper professional person be appointed in his room.

Resolved that the salary of Ellen Sexton the nursetender of the fever hospital be raised from 6 pounds to 8 pounds from the 25th day of March inst.

The Chairman gives notice that on this day fortnight in consequence of the neglect of Mrs Moran, contractor for supplying milk to the workhouse and great inconvenience arising from not having the milk regularly supplied that the bond entered into by her and securities be put in suit and on the same day will make a similar motion with regard to the turf contractor.

Resolved that a draft be drawn in favour of the master to purchase meal to the amount of 100 and that he do inform the board on this day fortnight upon what terms and from whom same had been purchased and that he do go to Limerick and ascertain how Indian Meal is prepared for food, the terms on which it can be bought, etc.
[37]
The board having taken the resolution of the House of Lords into consideration respecting their desire to be informed of the different points in reference to the operation of the law relating to Medical Charities etc. came to the following resolutions.
- that the present system of out door medical relief is found to be in general inadequate to the wants of the sick poor. The board suggests that this union should be divided into districts for dispensaries, the small towns being made the centres for such institutions.
- that local boards be formed in each district consisting of the ex officio and elected guardians resident within said districts, the officiating clergymen of every persuasion resident within said district, a certain number of the highest poor rate payers residing in said districts to make up the number of sixteen. Said board to have the entire local charge and manage much of said institutions. It is believed that a board thus constituted will be satisfactory as on the one hand it will be composed of those who are most cognizant of the destitution and misery of the poor and on the other hand those who are likely to have regard to a careful outlay of the public money.
- that as the poor are liable to get sick at all times we suggest that daily medical attendance should be provided for them.
- that in small towns having a population of over 500 which necessarily includes a great number of destitute poor, we consider that the medical attendants ought to be obliged to reside in said town.
[38]
- that whenever thro' illness or unavoidable absence of the medical attendant (which may frequently happen) we suggest that the local board should have a power to appoint an assistant medical attendant, as under the present system if a patient should apply for relief, under the circumstance of absence or illness of medical attendant he must either remain without any relief or be under the necessity of applying to those who may think well of giving him relief without receiving any remuneration.
- that the medical attendants be adequately remunerated for their labour and we suggest that the expense be defrayed out of the consolidated fund.
- that cheques be drawn for the following items in favour of the following persons viz.

- that the report of the potatoe disease is put off to the next meeting.

[39]
Meeting held on the 13th March, 1846

The register book was signed from No. 1686 to No. 1696.

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

[41]
The chairman gives notice that unless the contractor for building the stables has the same completed on this day fortnight that he will on that day move to put his bond in suit.
Resolved that the shoemaker be supplied with 5,000 pound tack, 1 lb of closing hemp and 1 lb of wax.

[42]
Read commissioners' letter of the 9th inst. with respect to the shoemakers workshop and bedroom.

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

Medical Report
We have 33 patients in the infirmary and 37 in the fever hospital, all going on well. We have had one death since last report. I require medicine of which I have given the clerk a list.
                                                                            Charles Finucane

Resolved that the medicine ordered by the medical officer be had from Mr O'Dwyer the contractor for medicine.
The Chairman gives notice that unless the several collectors settle their accounts with the clerk on or before the 25th day of March inst. and pay up the several balances to the treasurer that he will on this day fortnight move to put their bonds in suit.

Resolved that Henry Lysaght Esq. be appointed attorney and solicitor to this board in the room of James Hynes Esq.

[43]
Meeting held on Friday 20th March 1846.

The register book was signed from No. 1697 to No. 1719.

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

[45] Resolved that the master gets a cheque for 4 to buy 2 pigs.

Read letter from Mr John S. O'Brien requiring the rent of the workhouse premises amount 10.10.0 due on 29th September last.
Read commissioners' letter of the 17th inst. acknowledging the receipt of the guardians' communication on the potatoe disease etc. etc.

Medical Report
We have 35 patients in the fever hospital also 35 in the infirmary. A girl named Considine aged 10 years died last night of diarrhea after fever.
                                                Charles Finucane
[46]
Pursuant to notice of motion given by Mr John O'Dwyer on the 6th inst.
Moved that Pat Shannon the revising valuator be forthwith dismissed for his not having performed his contract on duty to the satisfaction of the board.
Carried unanimously.

Resolved that the following hours of discipline be adopted in this workhouse until the 29th September next.

[47]
Meeting held on 27th March, 1846.

The register book was signed fron No. 1720 to No. 1766.

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

[49]
Taking into consideration the satisfactory state of the union accounts and the pressure of some of our officers who have families, resolved that all officers be paid to the 25th March inst.
[50]
Proposed
- that Cornelius O'Brien Esq., M.P., be chairman of the board for the ensuing year. Carried unanimously.
- that Francis G. Morony Esq. be the vice chairman of the board for the ensuing year. Carried unanimously.
- that Mat. Kenny Esq. be the deputy vice chairman for the ensuing year. Carried unanimously.
- that the parish wardens appointed last year be continued for the ensuing year. Carried unanimously.

Medical Report
We have 37 patients in the fever hospital and 41 in the infirmary. Since the opening of the house for fever to the 25th of this month, 204 patients have been taken in.
                                                                        Charles Finucane

Resolved that John Molony contractor for smith work having neglected the performance thereof, that his bond be put in suit unless cause to the contrary be shown on this day week.
[51] Resolved that cheques be drawn for the following sums in favour of the following persons.

The clerk having informed the board that the several collectors have neglected to settle their accounts and pay up their several balances and that he communicated to each the determination of the board,
Resolved that their bonds be forthwith put in suit.

Doctor McNamara gives notice that he will move on this day fortnight that Mr Pat Shannon the late revising valuator does get the sum of 30 to indemnify him for the expenses which he unavoidably incurred in the revision.
[52]
Mr John O'Dwyer gives notice that he will move, on this day fortnight, that Mr Pat Shannon's bond be put in suit for non-performance of his duty in revising the valuation of this union.
Resolved that our clerk writes to Richard Griffith Esq. of the General Valuation Office Dublin to ascertain from him how soon the valuation of this county will be before the public, as the board are anxious to have an even valuation of this union.
Proposed that a petition be presented to the legislature praying for an amendment in the Irish Poor Relief Act which compels the allocation of paupers upon their several electoral districts suggesting the advantage of placing them upon the union at large generally.
Francis G Morony Esq gives notice that he will move to put the bond of the contractor for building the stables in suit unless same be given up finished on the first day of May next.
Resolved that the bonds of the milk and turf contractor be put in suit unless cause can be shown to the contrary on this day fortnight.

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