Ennistymon Union Minute Books

Book No. 5 

Meetings held from 15th September 1848 - 3rd October 1848

Meeting held on 15th September, 1848
[1]
John Cronyn, Esq. P.L.I. attended.
The register book was signed from No. 6680 to No. 6741
State of the workhouse for week ending 9th Sept., 1848

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

[4]

[5]
Medical Report.
We have 23 patients in the fever hospital and under medical treatment in the infirmary and infirm wards 49, exclusive of those labouring under a new disease mentioned in my last report. We have had one death since last report Biddy McGrath of dysentry after fever.
                                                                Charles Finucane. M.D.

Master's Report
The master reports that John O'Dwyer of Miltown, contractor for corduroy, has delivered an article narrower in width than that which was contracted for.
[6]
Mr. Cornelius O'Brien of Birchfield waited on the vice guardians in order to express his entire concurrence with regard to the taking of additional workhouse accommodation and suggested the propriety of withdrawing out door relief altogether and vacating the offices of relieving officers.

Resolved that in consequence of the requisition from the Board of Health dated 25th July, John Herbert do erect a temporary shed at Moymore equal to contain 17 beds, the value of same to be submitted to Mr. Whitstone architect, the beds to be fitted up as soon as possible.

Read commissioners' letter
- Of 4th September 1848, enclosing form to be filled up having reference to providing against immediate lessors for recovery of rate.
- Sealed orders 9th of September 1848, intimating the resignation of Mr. Copland as vice guardian and appointing Carrol Naish Esq. of Ballycullen in the County of Limerick to be a paid officer in the room of James Copland.
- Of 11th September 1848, calling for a return of rates last agreed upon, whether signed or not signed, for each electoral division of the union.
- Of 11th September 1848, calling attention to the weekly returns of collection and lodgement of rate and to the information required by Col. 14.
- Of 12th September 1848, enclosing copies of the amended Temporary Fever Act 11 and 12th Vic cap 31.
- Outdoor relief sealed orders of 12th September authorizing the continuance of out door relief under the 2nd section of the act to the 19th day of September 1848.
[7]
- Of 12th September 1848, referring to letter of 6th inst. about the liabilities of the union and intimating that the account as recommended by the commissioners should be opened to show the present transactions.
- Of 14th September 1848, acknowledging receipt of report of 12th inst. relative to the taking of the Atlantic Hotel and stating that they will communicate with Mr. Cronyn on the subject of the rent.
- Of 14th September 1848, approving of the erection of a wash house at Lahinch.
- Of 14th September 1848 relative to the estimate for ordinary expenditure and intimating that a rate higher than 3/0 in the pound would not be required. The vice guardians having taken into their most serious consideration the present depressed condition of the finances of this union and the awful extent of destitution to be relieved have found it to be their imperative duty to come to the following resolution.

Resolved
- That the vice guardians will in future require detailed accounts of the expenditure of the temporary fever hospitals at Moymore and Miltown Malbay to be furnished to them fortnightly.
- That the vice guardians are of opinion that Michael [8] Kerin, rate collector, having too extensive a district comprising five electoral divisions, that it be now divided and that additional collectors be appointed so as the rate may be collected within a limited time.
- That a scientific valuator be appointed to revise the valuation of the union as the vice guardians are convinced from various sources of information that the valuation is unequal and disproportionate and that the commissioners do appoint an efficient person or authorize the vice guardians to do so.
- That Michael Sexton be appointed steward over the paupers of the workhouse at 1/0 per day until the assistant master is appointed.
- That Mr. Michael McNamara relieving officer for Killilagh and Kilshanny be compelled to live in the district of Kilshanny, otherwise he will be suspended from his duties.
- That in consequence of the great number of boys that is being admitted into the house, that the vice guardians do accept of the proposal of Mr. George Blackwell to supply 50 suits of clothes at 9/7 per suit for boys from 15 to 18 years of age.

Tenders were received from the following persons for the supply of wheaten bread to the Moymore Fever Hospital. Bridget Molony 4lb - 10d, Edmond Comber per lb- 2 1/8d,
Resolved that Edmond Comber be declared contractor according to his tender.
[9]
Tenders were received from the following persons for the supply of the undermentioned articles to the Miltown Malbay Fever Hospital up to the 25th March next.
Wheaten bread
Thomas Clanchy, Malachy Hynes, Michael McMahon.
Milk
Martin Hill, Bridget Morony, Ann Donnellan, John Donnellan.
Oatmeal
Ann Donnellan, Malachy Hynes, John Donnellan, John O'Loughlin.
Meat
J. Hannion, mutton. M. Curtin, mutton.
Tea
Thomas Meehan, Ann Donnellan, John Donnellan, John O'Loughlin, Daniel McMahon.
Coffee
Thomas Meehan, Ann Donnellan, John Donnellan, John O'Loughlin, Daniel McMahon.
Sugar
Thomas Meehan, lump and raw. Agnes Donnellan, John Donnellan, John O'Loughlin, Daniel McMahon.
Arrow Root
Ann Donnellan, E. O'Dwyer, John Donnellan, Daniel McMahon.
Pearl Barley
Ann Donnellan, John Donnellan, John O'Loughlin, Daniel McMahon.
Wine
Thomas Meehan, Ann Donnellan, John Donnellan, Daniel McMahon
Soap
Anne Donnellan, John Donnellan, John O'Loughlin, Daniel McMahon.
Starch
Thomas Meehan, Anne Donnellan, John Donnellan, John O'Loughlin, Daniel McMahon.
[10]
Candles
Mrs. Ann Donnellan, John Donnellan, John O'Loughlin, Daniel McMahon.
Turf
Martin Hill.
Platters
Mrs. Lawlor, J. Donnellan, A. Donnellan.
Saucepans
William Lawlor, William Cahill, Ann Donnellan, John Donnellan.
Chambers
W. Lawlor, William Cahill, John Donnellan.
Drogheda Linen
George Blackwell, Ann Donnellan, John Donnellan.
Rugs
George Blackwell, Mrs. Ann Donnellan, John Donnellan.
Oaten Straw
Not delivered.
Coffins
Michael O'Brien, Pat Halloran, Anne Donnellan, John O'Dwyer, John Donnellan.

Resolved
- that the following tenders be accepted.
Bread 1 lb - 1 7/8d, Malachy Hynes, Miltown.
Oatmeal per stone, 1/10 John Donnellan.
Tea per lb 3/8 John O'Loughlin.
Sugar per stone 5/10 and 5/6 John Donnellan.
Pearl barley per lb 3 1/2d John O'Louglin
Candles mould per dozen 7/3 dipt 5/10, J. O'Loughlin.
Platters, 4 1/2d each William Lawlor.
Saucepans per doz. 3/3 quart, 2/2 pint, W. Cahill.
Chambers 10d each John Donnellan.
Rugs each 2/0 George Blackwell.
Milk per gallon 6d Martin Hill.
Meat - mutton 5d, beef 4d, veal 10d per qt, J. Hannion.
Coffee per lb 1/2d, John O'Loughlin.
Arrow root per lb 1/2d Daniel McMahon.
Wine per doz. port 32/0 Thomas Meehan.
Starch per stone 4/16 John Donnellan.
Turf per creel, 2/0 M. Hill.
Drogheda Linen 7/8- 6d, 3/4- 5 7/8d Pat O'Dwyer.
Ticken per yard 7 1/4d George Blackwell.
Coffins each 3/4, 2/6 1/9, Michael O'Brien.

Tenders were received from the following persons for the supply of turf to the workhouse. Pat Hayes 120 boxes at 1/6 and Edward Neylon 800 boxes at 1/8 per dozen.
Resolved that both tenders be accepted.

[Pages 1 - 4 blank]

[Continuation of meeting.]
[5]
Tenders were received from the undermentioned parties for the situation of porter to the Miltown Malbay Temporary Fever Hospital, James Shannon, Anthony Hennessy and James Halloran.

Resolved
- that James Shannon be elected porter at a salary of £10 per annum with rations.
- that the clerk do advertise for three rate collectors for the electoral divisions of Burren, Drumcreehy and Killonahan to collect within 3 months.
- that John Herbert do erect the wash house at Lahinch subject to the approval of William Whitstone.
- that in consequence of Mr. Cornelius O'Brien of Birchfield having preferred charges against Mr. Henry Daley the relieving officer for Ennistymon division that the vice guardians do attend at the board room on Wednesday to investigate them.

[6] [Blank page]

[7]
At a special meeting of the vice guardians held this 18th day of September 1848, a rate was adopted and signed as follows.

TOTAL
18th September 1848.                                          £10,632        4   6

[1]
John Cronyn Esq. P.L.I attended.

State of the workhouse for week ending 16th Sept. 1848

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

[4]

[5]
Doctor's Report
We have 21 patients in the fever hospital all going on well. In the infirmary and infirm wards 50 under medical treatment, besides those labouring under skin disease. Altogether I am glad to be able to report to the vice guardians the healthy condition of the house. I sent two children in fever from the Lahinch house within the week. We had one death since last report, Joney Casey of fever, only a few days in the house.
                                         Charles Finucane. M.D.

[6]
Read sealed order bearing date 20th September 1848, intimating the resignation of Andrew Rorke Esq. and appointing in his room Richard Bourke of Claghein in the County of Tipperary to be a paid officer.
Read circular of 14th September 1848, requiring a return of the valuation of each electoral division of the union.
Read commissioners' letter
- Of 16th September 1848, suggesting that the commissioners will not object to the females between 15 and 18 years of age being removed to Lahinch Auxiliary work house.
- Of 14th September 1848, requiring a special report about the manner in which the able bodied we put to work the number of meal depots in the union etc. Circular No 714 m/48
- Of 14th September 1848, about balances left in the hands of treasurers of relief committees.
- Of 15th September 1848, enclosing forms to be filled up relative to the policies on the workhouse buildings.
- Of 16th September 1848, intimating that the commissioners or vice guardians have no discretionary power under the Act 11th and 12th Vic Cap 47, as to the enforcing or not enforcing the penalty required by the Act
[7]
- The Secretary of Central Board of Health, dated 19th September 1848, intimating that the Lord Lieutenant has approved of the continuance of a temporary fever hospital at Moymore and Miltown Malbay.
- Of 19th September 1848, requiring the name and address of the treasurer of the union.
- Of 20th September 1848, intimating that they did not receive the return required by letter of 11th inst. about rate signed.
- Of 20th September 1848, approving of the taking of Laurence Considine's house at Liscannor at £10 per annum.
- Of 20th September 1848, enclosing queries to be answered by Mary Foley nurse to the temporary fever hospital at Moymore.
- Of 20th September 1848, approving of Michael McNamara late clerk being allowed salary from the date of his illness in fever to the date of his resignation.
Sir. Edward Fitzgerald has intimated by letter of 22nd September 1848, that he has lodged £20 to the credit of the union, being the amount of penalty imposed by the Act 11th and 12th Vic Cap 47 for evictions of tenantry on his estate at Liscannor. The vice guardians have thought it prudent to postpone the enquiry relative to Henry Daly, relieving officer, until Thursday 28th
inst. when Mr. Cronyn P.L.I. will attend.
[8]
The vice guardians have come to an agreement with Mr. Burdett Morony about the taking of the Atlantic Hotel at Miltown, subject to the approval of the commissioners. The vice guardians proceeded to elect an assistant master for the work house when the following candidates appeared.
Michael Sexton, Michael O'Brien and Thomas Kenny, and the different candidates having been examined it was
Resolved that Michael O'Brien be appointed to that office at a salary of £25 per annum with rations.

Mr. Daniel Considine collector of poor rate in the electoral division of Killilagh reports that a sum of £40 has been charged twice in the rate book and now delivers the said sum uncollectable.
Resolved that on examination of the valuation book and the explanation given by the valuator that as the above sum appears to be uncollectable, that it be taken off the collectors book and cancelled.

Mr. Thomas Morony, rate collector for Miltown, reports that a sum of £2-12-6 has been erroneously charged in his warrant and on examination it being found as reported.
[9]
Resolved that as the sum appears uncollectable that it be taken off the collectors book and cancelled.

Querie to be submitted for advice of the commissioners :
"Will the vice guardians pay accounts now furnished to them for provisions and articles delivered for the use of the workhouse previous to their appointment, for which the person seeking payment produce no order, the delivery of which, however, appear on the master's
provision check and clothing accounts."

The clerk respectfully submits for the opinion of the commissioners the following querie "Are relieving officer authorized to include the cost of conveying fever patients to the various hospitals in their receipt and expenditure books, and if not how should the payment be made."

[1]
John Cronyn Esq. P.L.I. attended.
The register book was signed from No.6742 to No.7237.
State of the workhouse for week ending 23rd Sept.1848.

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

[4]

[5]
Medical Report.
We have 33 patients in the fever hospital and, besides skin disease, 51 under medical treatment in the infirmary and infirm wards. I think it would be well to remove the boys labouring under skin disease to the outside room in which the straw has been stored, by doing so it will give you room for 50 persons in the ward they have been hitherto in. Pat Morrish aged 63 died of diarrhea since last report.
                             Charles Finucane. M.D.

Ordered that the master be directed to send those children to the straw house in conformity with the instructions of the medical officer.

[6]
Read out door relief, sealed order, of 28th September authorising out door relief to able bodies persons under the 2nd section of the act to the 8th day of October inclusive.

Read commissioner letter
- Of 22nd September 1848, enclosing returns of agricultural produce in Ireland 1847, part 2.
- Of 23rd September 1848, forwarding return relative to the existing arrangement for the attendance of rate collectors for settlement of their account.
- Of 25th September 1848, enclosing copies of a circular issued by the Central Board of Health on cholera.
- Of 25th September 1848, intimating that a new edition of the Poor Law Act is in course of preparation.
- Of 26th September 1848, Secretary of Central Board of Health forwarding addresses and names of chairmen of relief committees.
- Of 26th September 1848, intimating that Mr. R. M. Lynch, Poor Law Inspector has been appointed in room of the late Mr. Hancock.
- Of 27th September 1848, requesting to know if an entire valuation of this union is intended by the vice guardians or a revision.
[7]
- Of 27th September 1848, approving of the division of Michael Kerin's district, in order that the rate might be collected within a limited term.
- Of 27th September 1848, enclosing queries to be answered by the porter of the Miltown Fever Hospital. The vice guardians having been empowered by the commissioners to treat with Mr. B. Moroney about the taking of the Atlantic Hotel, as a misunderstanding had arisen on the signing of the previous agreement about the establishing of a fever hospital on the premises,
Resolved
- That the Atlantic Hotel be taken for the purpose of a workhouse, at a yearly rental of £220 with a chance of surrender on giving 12 months notice, but that a fever hospital be not established on the premises. A copy of the agreement signed is herewith enclosed.
- That the vice guardians do take the farm house in the posession of Mr. B. Moroney, subject to the approval of the commissioners, for the purpose of a temporary fever hospital at a rent of £50 per annum with a chance of surrender on giving 6 monthly notice, the present fever
hospital being inadequate to contain the number of beds required by the Board of Health, and the landlord having served notice on the medical officer to surrender the [8] premises within a few days time. A memo of the agreement is enclosed.
- That the clerk do advertise for master, matron and porter for the workhouse at Miltown Malbay at their respective salaries £25, £15 and £10.
- That the clerk do advertise for a supply of blankets to the workhouse and for necessaries for the Miltown Malbay Workhouse.
- That the day of meeting of the vice guardians, from this date, will be Tuesday in each week subject to the approval of the commissioner. The vice guardians proceeded to elect rate collectors for the following electoral divisions, Burren, Drumcreehy and Killonahan when the following candidates appeared.
Matthew Hehir, John Kerin and Andrew Kerin.
- That Mathew Hehir be appointed collector for the electoral divisions of Drumcreehy and Killonahan at the remuneration of 1/- in the pound and that John Kerin be appointed collector for Burren Electoral Division at a remuneration of 1/ in the pound the rate in both instances to be collected within 3 months.
[9]
- That the clerk do advertise in the Clare Journal and Limerick Chronicle inviting tenders for the necessary repairs required for the Miltown Malbay Workhouse according to specification lodged with him.
- That this meeting do adjourn until Monday 2nd proximo to investigate the charges preferred against Henry Daly, relieving officer.
- That the master be directed to take credit for the deficiency of provisions and necessaries, -------- on hands when he entered on his duties, the stock as appearing in his provision check account being fictitious and was carried forward as such by his predecessor, Michael Walsh, the late master, subject to the approval of the commissioners.

 
Meeting held on the 3rd day of October, 1848

John Cronyn Esq. P.L.I. attended.
The register book was signed from No.7238 to No. 7311.

State of the workhouse for week ending 29th Sept. 1848
[1]

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

[4]

[6]
Read commissioners' Letter
- Of 28th September, intimating that on the appointment of a medical officer under the Temporary Fever Act that it be submitted to the Central Board of Health for their approval.
- Of 29th September 1848, requiring annual return of union officers and enclosing necessary forms.
- Of 30th September 1848, requesting to know if posession by Mr. Burdett Moroney of the Atlantic Hotel at Miltown Malbay.
- Of 30th September 1848, enclosing form to be filled up with the particulars of rate signed.
- Of 30th September 1848, requiring return of the collection of poor law rate in the union for the month of September.
[7]
Resolved
- That having received the letter of Henry Whitstone Esq., architect, expressing his opinion as to the manner in which it is most desirable under the existing circumstances that the intended alterations and works at the Atlantic Hotel should be executed, the vice guardians adopt the views of Mr. Whitstone and direct that his letter be referred to the commissioners in order to obtain their sanction to have the works executed without tenders pursuant to article 22 of
General Regulations.
- That the relieving officer of the electoral division of Ennistymon be allowed to employ 2 labourers at 1/0 each per day to assist him in distributing meal to the recipients in said electoral division.
- That the proposal of John Mason for cleaning 13 privies and five cesspools of the union workhouse for the sum of £4 be accepted.
- That the proposal of Thomas Clanchy for supplying the workhouse with best wheaten bread at 2d per lb. and wholemeal bead at 1 1/2d per lb. for six months ended 25th March 1849 be accepted. Sureties Michael Liddy of Cregg and Andrew Clancy of Lahensy.
[8]
- That the clerk be directed to invite tenders by hand bills and in the Clare and Galway newspapers for one post only for supplying the relieving officers of Burren, Carron, Drumcreehy, Rathborney, and Killonahan Electoral Divisions with best Indian meal for 3 months from 10th October to 13th January 1849. Tenders to be taken into consideration on the 10th instant.
- That in consequence of the resignation of Michael Kerin, who was appointed rate collector for the electoral division of Burren on the 29th ult. that the clerk do advertise for a rate collector for the above division.

At a special meeting of the vice guardians held on Monday 2nd inst.

Present was John Cronyn Esq. P.L.I.
Resolved that the meeting do adjourn until Thursday 5th inst. to investigate the charges preferred by Mr.Cornelius O'Brien against Henry Daly, relieving officer.
[9]
On Monday 2nd inst. 233 boys and 7 men were sent to the auxiliary workhouse at Miltown Malbay.

There do not appear to have been any minutes of the Board for the following payment Viz. 1848.
April 21, P. Quinn for schoolroom sashes £4-13-9.
May 26 E. Comer for bread £9-14-2.
                               R. Simms, auditor, 4th. July,1849.

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