Ennistymon Union Minute Books

Book No. 5 

Meetings held from 23rd June 1848 - 14th July 1848

Meeting held on the 23rd day of June, 1848.
[1]
State of the workhouse for week ending 17th June, 1848

 [2]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

The register book was signed from No. 5802 to No. 5826.
[4]
Establishment Account

Out-Door Relief Invoice Account.

[5] Medical Report
There are 90 patients in infirmary and infirm wards and 30 in fever hospital. Two died of fever during the week and we had four new cases.  Fever and bowel affections are on the decrease, indeed the house is more healthy at present, considering the numbers in it, than it has been for some time past.                                                                                                            James Shannon. M.D.

[6]
Read commissioners' letter
- Of 15th June 1848, sealed order relative to out door relief being extended to 16th day of July next inclusive.
- Of June 1848, transmitting herewith letter from Secretary, Public Works Loan commissioners, requiring payment of instalments due on loan for workhouse. The clerk directed to respecfully request of commissioners for administering the law for relief of the poor in Ireland for information of vice guardians, advice as to the course they ought to adopt. 
- Of 21st June 1848, relative to returns ordered 26th ultimo.
[7]
The vice guardians having had reason to complain of the constant absence of the schoolmaster from the school and having observed that he has frequently associated with the pauper females, and also having upon Tuesday last the 20th inst. found him associated with the females in the probationary ward, he was summoned to the board room when, as he could not give any satisfactory reason for absenting himself from the school, or mixing with the female paupers, it was
Resolved that if he does not exhibit some serious improvement in his general conduct previous to the removal of the boys to Lahinch that the commissioners be requested to dismiss him.  The clerk having found a number of boys playing at cards on Tuesday the 20th inst. and having suceeeded in taking the cards from Thomas Considine (and Michael O'Loughlin) brought him before the vice guardians when it was
Resolved that he be deprived of his milk for 2 days and that he be caused to break stones for one hour more each day than the ordinary time for labour.  Also Michael Tarsnane for smoking and disorderly conduct was ordered the mitigated punishment (it being his first offence) of  deprivation of milk for 1 day and to work an extra hour.   
[8]
Owing to the great increase of patients in Moymore fever hospital it was,
Resolved that Hanora O'Loughlin be appointed assistant nurse at a salary of £2-0-0 per annum with rations and apartments. The clerk was ordered to advertise for relieving officers for Corofin and Rath Electoral Division and also for Killilagh and Kilshanny Electoral Division and at the same time he was directed to inform commissioners that the application of vice guardians (made a second time with all force) to treasurer to give a loan on security of rates, to be repaid by instalments, was unsuccessful, he having most decidedly declined to enter into any arrangement of the kind. 
Ordered that the clerk do forward copy of case submitted to Council relative to the rate and grounded upon the letter of Mr. M. Walsh, late master of the work house,
[9]to W. Hancock Esq. P.L.C. dated 3rd 1848 and Councils opinion thereon. The guardians having sent for Mr. M. MacNamara the present clerk of the union they requested of him that he would sendin his resignation, their reason for doing so the guardians will themselves explain to commissioners.   

[Pages 1 - 5 blank]

Meeting held on Monday 26th June 1848.
[6] for the purpose of electing a rate collector for Ennistymon Electoral Division.  Tenders for the situation of rate collector for Ennistymon Electoral Division were sent up from

The guardians Resolved that Mr John Cahill be declared rate collector for Ennistymon Electoral Division at 9d per pound, subject to the approval of P.L.commissioners

Meeting held on Monday 3rd July

State of the workhouse for week ending 24th of June, 1848
[1]

[2]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[3]
The register book was signed from No. 5827 to No. 6083.

[4]

[5] Doctor's Report
The house continues healthy. We had some increase of fever during the week having had 11 new cases.  There are 86 in infirmary and infirm wards, 27 in fever hospital. Two died of diarrhea since this day week. 
                                                            James Shannon M.D.

Master's report
On Tuesday 27th June, I heard flute playing in the schoolmaster's room, and the boys dancing in their ward. I called on the schoolmaster to open his doors, which he refused to do, saying he was going to bed, but I insisted on having it opened. I found Frederick Toole, Patk. Considine and Michl. O'Loughlin inside.  I then said it was not right to have people in his room at such an hour ( 10 o'clock) and demanded his key which he refused to give up. I, on the Sunday before, told him that it was against the rules to play the flute in this house. 
                                                             Matt. Hehir , master. 

[6] The schoolmaster being summoned before the board and the master's report having been Read, it was upon investigation fully confirmed. 
Resolved that the schoolmaster be suspended in the performance of his office and that copy of the master's report and proceedings relating thereunto be inserted in the minutes. 

Read commissioners' letter
- Of 22nd June 1848, relative to the appointment by vice guardians of two of the workhouse paupers as assistants in Moymore Fever Hospital and stating that the commissioners consider it objectionable to appoint paupers as they are rarely able to exercise due authority over those with whom they have associated on terms of equality.  The clerk directed in reply to say for information of commissioners that the attending doctor to Moymore   Hospital expressed himself to the vice guardians to the effect that the above persons were experienced and well conducted and he was of opinion that they would be of great service to the new establishment and, as Moymore Hospital is quite a separate concern, having no communication whatever with the workhouse being more than three miles apart, the guardians saw no objection
[7] to complying with the physician's suggestions.
- Of 22nd June 1848, in reference to a second issue of sealed order extending outdoor relief to the 16th July in consequence of vice guardians not being aware of the order forwarded for their instruction and dated 15th day of June 1848. 
- Of June 1848, requiring a statement of the number of protestant inmates in the workhouse and auxiliary and their ages respectively, required return forwarded on 30th ultimo.   
- Of 28th June 1848 relative to the resolution of vice guardians accepting Mr Herbert's tender to build the boundary wall and stating that the commissioners for administering the Law for the relief of the Poor in Ireland see objection to the acceptance of Mr. Herbert's tender. 
[8]
In reference to letter of 29th June 1848 stating that the commissioners for administering the laws for relief of the poor in Ireland, ordered a letter to be addressed to the clerk on the 21st inst. calling attention to circular of 26th ultimo requiring returns of the expenses and collection of May.  And also that very great inconvenience has been occasioned by the non forwarding of same and that commissioners are much dissatisfied that exertions have not been made by the clerk to prepare the information required, it was ordered by the vice guardians that the acting clerk do forward full explanation of the difficulties that present themselves to the preparing of the returns mentioned and the obstacles that exist to the delay of other required returns for the information of the House of Commons and at the same time copy of Mr. Mathew's letter dated Thurles 29th June 1848. 
- Of June 1848, from Central Board of Health stating that the Board have deemed it advisable to rescind the certificate for the Miltown Malbay Fever Hospital and to
[9] issue the requisition enclosed for the future support of the establishment and informing that the intervention of the Relief Committee will be no longer necessary for its management.  And in reference to enquiry relative to the interment of patients who may die in the district of fever or epidemic disease, stating that the requisition enpowers vice guardians to provide funds for the proper and decent interment of such persons in accordance with Sec 16 10 Vic C.22. 

Copy of Mr Mathew's letter tovice Guardians, Thurles, 29th June 1848.

Gentlemen,
In reply to your letter of the 23rd inst. I beg to inform you that the clerk I recommended to Mr. Hancock is at present engaged at the Caherciveen Union.  I expect to see him in a week and shall direct him to proceed without delay to your union. I would consider £10.0.0 to £15.0.0 sufficient remuneration but I do not wish to have him paid until after the audit and I shall arrange to attend when the accounts are Ready.
                                                         I have the honor to be
                                                             Gentlemen,
                                                        Your obedient servant.
                                                             Chas. Mathew.
                                                                Auditor.

[10] Ordered
That an advertisement be inserted in the Clare Journal, Limerick Chronicle and General advertiser for a clerk, election to take place on Friday 14th inst.

[1] Meeting held on Saturday the 8th day of July.

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

The register book was signed from No. 6084 to No. 6110.
[4]

[5]
Medical report
Fever hospital
No. in hospital this day 24
Discharged during the week 6
Fever mild, diarrhea and dysentry mild.
Patients improving.
Infirmary.
In hospital this day 83.  Patients improving.
Discharged during the week 7.
John Costello M.D.
Acting for Medical Officer.

Read to the relieving officers by W.J. Hancock. Esq.

                                                            7th July 1848.
Ordered that the several relieving officers do attend in the boardroom of the Ennistymon Union on the days specified as under at the hours of ten o'clock in the forenoon with all the several application and report books, outdoor relief lists and receipts and expenditure books now in their possession. 
[6] Ordered the several relieving officers do make out lists of all persons employed upon stone breaking in their several districts distinguishing each electoral division and have said lists Ready on Thursday next. 

The failure of non-attendance will occasion the suspension and report to the commissioners of the officer guilty of the neglect.
Read commissioners' letter
- Of 30th June 1848, requesting that vice guardians will get returns made out, of the numbers of paupers in the workhouse, fever hospital and sheds connected therewith, for the weeks ending on the 20th, 27th ultimo and 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th instant and corresponding period in the years 1847 and 1846 respectively.  The clerk was directed to forward the required return, but he is not in a position to do so at present, as the books are not to be had giving the information required for commissioners. 
- Of 5th July 1848 relative to the schoolmaster and stating that a repetition of the conduct complained of will be visited by the commissioners with removal. 
- Of 30th 1848, relative to the appointment of Mr. J. Cahill as Poor Law Collector for Ennistymon Electoral  Division.
[7] - 5th July 1848, relative to Ellen Sexton and approving of her appointment as nurse at Moymore Fever Hospital,
Sealed order dated 30th day of June 1848 appointing John Cronin Esq. to be a paid officer during the absence of Mr. Copland.
- Of 5th July 1848, In reference to the appointment of Hanora O' Loughlin as assistant nurse at Moymore Fever Hospital and enclosing queries to be duly answered and signed as to her station in life.  The clerk directed in reply to state that Hanora O' Loughlin was a registered pauper in the workhouse to the day of her discharge therefrom and appointment as
assistant at Moymore Hospital.
- Of 29th June 1848, from commissioners appointed to inquire into the boundaries of poor law unions and electoral divisions in Ireland forwarding copies of queries prepared with reference to the inquiry intrusted to them and requesting them to be distributed amongst the guardians.  The clerk will direct copy to each members of the late board of guardians.
[8] - Of 6th July 1848, forwarding herewith the particulars of certain returns relating to this union and ordering that those returns should be prepared by the clerk forthwith. 
The acting clerk is engaged in preparing the necessary information. 

Tenders for situation of relieving officer for Corofin and Rath Electoral Division
from James Dixon.
James Quinn
Thomas Mc Mahon
Sheedy Mc Namara

Resolved that Thomas Mc Mahon be appointed relieving officer for Corofin and Rath Districts at 45 pounds per annum.

Tenders for the situation of relieving officer for Killilagh Electoral Division
from Sheedy Mc Namara
Daniel Lysaght
Daniel Thynne
Jas. Nagle
Andrew Davern
Michael Mc Namara
Patrick Kitson
Robert Guthrie

Resolved that Michael Mc Namara be appointed relieving officer for Kilshanny and Killilagh Dictricts at 40 pounds per annum.
[9]
Mr. Michael Mc Namara having sent in his resignation as clerk of the union, it was accepted of by the guardians. Resolved that Garrett Fitzgerald be appointed temporary relieving officer during the illness of Mr. James Clancy.

Mr. Daly's relief lists and application books having been examined and great irregularities and neglect having been proved it was Resolved that Mr. Henry Daly be suspended in the performance of his duty as relieving officer for Ennistymon Electoral Division,
Ordered that the clerk write to Mr. Thom informing him that the several books required for the service of the union have not been sent, though written for twice. That considerable inconvenience and loss must result from further delay in providing them and that it will be necessary unless they be forwarded at once to acquaint the commissioners of the cause of certain irregularities and ommissions which cannot be rectified until they are obtained. 
Ordered that the several collectors be informed by the clerk that their non-attendance at the board room this day, in accordance with directions given to them, is an irregularity, a repetition of which will lead to their being suspended from office and reported to the commissioners for dismissal. 
[10] With reference to the letter of 7th June 1848, the purpose of which was brought before the notice of the vice guardians by Mr. Hancock, Poor Law Inspector, and by which it appears that the attention of vice guardians was directed to the fact that relief issued under the then existing sealed order was confined to three classes of destitute persons viz. Widows with 1 child dependant on them respectively, 2nd. children whose parents are both dead, and to able bodied men, one or more members of whose families are affected by severe sickness or serious accident.  The vice guardians would observe that until apprised by Mr. Hancock of the fact not being so, they had believed that under said order relief could be legally given to able bodied destitute persons who complied with the conditions required by the commissioners viz. labour at stone breaking for 8 hours.  The vice guardians further beg respectfully to lay before the commissioners the circumstance of their having, on their appointment to the union, found that class of destitute persons in receipt of relief, authorized and sanctioned by Mr. Owen Lloyd, Poor Law Inspector, upon whose application to the commissioners for a supply of stone breaking implements from the Board of Works, it appears from the commissioners' letters of 18th and 25th March 1848 that the requisite number of implements had been asked for by them, and were subsequently forwarded to the vice guardians.  Under these circumstances the vice guardians were fully under the impression that the relief granted by them was legal and as they are now made aware of the contrary being the fact they respectfully pray the commissioners to issue the usual order authorizing relief under the 2nd section of the act to the able bodied on consideration of 10 hours labour at stone breaking.  The state of the workhouse cannot be forwarded for the information of commissioners owing to the erroneous returns appearing on the master's books which it is expected will be correct by next week. 

[1]Meeting held on 14th July 1848.

[2]
W.J. Hancock Esq. and J. Cronyn Esq. Poor Law Inspectors were present.  The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

The register book was signed from No. 6111 to No. 6196.

[5]
Medical Report
We have 23 patients in the fever hospital and 86 in the infirmary and infirm wards under medical treatment.  I believe that the inmates have not at any time since the opening of the house been more healthy, taking into consideration the number in it.    Two children have died since the first of this month of dysentry, Martin Wall aged 12 years and Kate Doherty aged 3.
                                                                                        Charles Finucane. M.D.

Mr. McMullen, assistant architect, Poor Law Commission, having inspected the additional buildings erected at the workhouse as also the auxiliary house at Lahinch reported that there was accommodation in both places for eleven hundred and fifty paupers.  He also left a statement of the repairs which he considered were necessary to be done by the contractor for keeping the house in repair and recommended the making of a sewer from the cess pool to the privy in the women's yard to carry off the surplus water.
Ordered that Mr. Herbert be called upon forthwith to have the necessary repairs effected.
[6]
Resolved that the following scale of dietary be adopted from this time,

Breakfast for men and women: rice 2 oz; 6oz Indian meal and 2 noggins of milk
Dinner: 12 oz barley meal; milk as usual.
Breakfast for children from 10 to 15: rice 1 oz; 7 oz Indian meal; 2 noggins of milk.
Dinner: 10 oz barley meal bread; milk as usual.
Breakfast for children from 2 to 10: 1 oz rice; 5 oz Indian meal; 1/2 pint new milk
Dinner; 8 oz bread; milk as usual.
Infants under 2 years; 10 oz of white bread and 3 noggins of milk in equal proportions for 3 meals daily.

Read letters of P.L.C.
- 10th. July, sealed order authorizing vice-guardians to administer relief to destitute persons not being permanently disabled, or destitute persons disabled by sickness or accident, or destitute poor.  Widows having two or more legitimate children dependant on them out of the workhouse to 10th. of August next inclusive.    Also making rules and regulations to the granting, ordering and giving of relief to all persons who shall be relieved under authority of said order. 
- Of 10th July 1848, relative to the resolution of vice guardians on the 3rd inst. suspending the schoolmaster and stating that by direction of the commissioners the vice guardians are requested to call upon the schoolmaster to resign and then take the necessary steps with a view to a new appointment. 
- Of 10th July 1848, with reference to the statement
[7] contained in minutes of proceedings on the 3rd instant. relating to the appointment of an assistant nurse to Moymore Fever Hospital and stating that under the circumstances set forth, the commissioners raise no objection. 
- Of 7th July 1848, ordering a return (in advance of the detailed return) of the total workhouse accommodation and the total number of inmates in the workhouse on the preceeding Saturday.
- Of 8th July 1848, requiring a return of the present valuation of the several electoral division comprising this union and ordering the return to be made very speedily.

[8]
Resolved that as the service of Mr. H. Daly are very necessary for the purpose of rectifying whatever errors may be in the books for outdoor relief in the Ennistymon Electoral Division, it is advisable to withdrawn the suspension resolved upon at the last weekly meeting. Mr. Cronyn having brought over Mr.O'Brien, the master of the union workhouse at Ennis, for the purpose of examining the books of the master of this house, which was approved of by the vice guardians, it was found on his inspection of them that some books had not been kept at all and that the others had been very irregulary kept.

Resolved
- that having given Mr. and Mrs. Hehir a fair trial before forwarding the queries respecting them to the commissioners for their approbation and being now convinced of their incompetency to fill the situation of master and matron, we do call upon them to resign. 
-that Mr. O'Brien's expenses be paid by the union.
- That a contract be entered into for printing the list of persons receiving outdoor relief in the several electoral division.
[9]
That notice be served on Mr. P. O'Dwyer of the discontinuance of his clothing contract.
- That tenders for clothing and bedding to be supplied up to the 26th March next be advertised for in the Clare Journal, Limerick Chronicle and General Advertiser.

The master and matron having tendered their resignation,
Resolved that advertisement be inserted in the General Advertiser, Clare Journal and Limerick Chronicle inviting applications for the situation of master and matron to be received on Friday the 4th day of August next, salary of the master to be £50 and matron £25 per annum. 
Tenders for the situation of clerk were given in from
                                                                J.D. Hurford, Dunmanway.
                                                                M. Kean, Ennis.
                                                                Joseph Casey, Rathkeale.
                                                                Michael Moroney. Ennis.

Resolved that Mr. Michael Kean be appointed clerk of the union at a salary of £80.0.0 per annum.
Resolved that the service of Mr. Hall, the present acting clerk, be also retained for, the period of one month for which he is to be paid £5.

Mr. O'Keeffe, the schoolmaster, having tendered his resignation,
Resolved that it be accepted and that the situation be advertised. 

Three paupers named Patrick Devitt, John Lyons and Joseph Lucas having been brought before the guardians charged with committing a violent assault upon Thomas Maloney on yesterday afternoon,
Resolved that the master have information sworn against them before a magistrate.

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