Ennistymon Union Minute Books

Book No. 8

Meetings held from 12th January 1850 - 19th February 1850

[1] Meeting held on the 12th January, 1850.

H.H.Briscoe P.L.I. was present

[2]

[5] Medical Report
Under treatment on Saturday the 12th in fever hospital 50, in infirmary and infirm wards under medical treatment 138, total 188.
[section not legible]
[6]
The following letters from the P.L.C.'s and others were read.
- 11th January 1850, Secretary, C.B. of Health, intimating that they could not under present circumstances withdraw their requisition for the continuance of the Miltown Hospital.
- 11th January 1850, memorial of Martin Vaughan praying for O.D.R. with the commissioners' reply.
- 15th January 1850, directing that vaccination contracts be entered into the several districts of the union, ordered that the medical officers of the several workhouses do perform their duties free of charge.
[7]-16th January 1850, about the rule of the court in reference to appeals in reply to the clerk's letter of the 15th inst. 
Notice of motion was given by Mr. A. Lysaght that he would on this day fortnight (29th January being changed to Tuesday) move the propriety of applying to the commissioners to appoint a competent and experienced person as assistant guardian under the 12th and 13th vic chap.104.

Resolved that in future the board day for this union be Tuesday and for the examination of applications for relief, Wednesday, and that the finance committee do meet at 10 o clock on every second board day. The next finance day 29th January for the purpose of reporting to the board and this arrangement is for the purpose of enabling the guardians to visit the meal depots upon the days of distribution.
Resolved that an advertisement be sent out on placards for a competent person to fill the situation of R. officer for the electoral division of Kilshanny and Killilagh and that the election do take place on Thursday 24th January.
[8] Resolved that the assistant master be allowed leave of absence in consequence of ill health and that Mr. Shine do his duty in the meantime. 
The board came to the following resolutions
That they would on this day week proceed toelect a solicitor for the union.
That to ascertain the stock of furniture, clothing, bedding etc. in the parent and other workhouses on the first of May when the late master was appointed and from that to the present period with a view of ascertaining the loss and value of stock.
That until the above be ascertained the late master be not paid his salary. To ascertain what loss if any has taken place to the union by the neglect of the several officers of the union, with a view of charging them with the amount. To consider what would be a good staff of officers for each house.
That a certain number of pauper messengers be employed. The collars and cuffs of their coats red and directions given to the police to arrest all workhouse paupers otherwise dressed.
That except in very urgent cases no officer to give leave to a pauper to leave the house without the consent of the board and in every case where the master does give such to be reported to the board.
That the schools be taught suitable . . . . . . tailoring, carpentry.
[9] . . . . timber be manufactured into coffins and that the relieving officers be supplied where practicable with them.
That a capstan mill be purchased with the view of economy in supplying meal for in and outdoor consumption and as a test for the able bodied paupers.
That committees of 2 or more guardians be appointed to attend at the several depots upon distribution days to examine the relieving officers' books, the recipients and their families to hear and determine complaints of any and report the results to the next board of guardians. 
That all married women whose husbands are out of the house and women with illegitimate children be where practicable turned out of the house.
That a building committee be appointed to consider and report the best plan for enlarging the accommodation of the workhouse and that the committee do report whether any and which of the auxiliary’s can be surrendered and upon examining the case to ascertain what steps should be taken for that purpose.
That the relieving officers be directed to withdraw all relief from mendicants.
That the board shall consider if it be advisable to reduce the poundage of the collectors in future rates. 
That the rations of officers be reported upon by the house committee and that such committee shall report whether the several resolutions passed by the board have been carried out and how far.
The board proceeded to elect a master baker for the workhouse. It was Resolved that Michael Keavy Jnr. be appointed at a salary of 20 per annum with rations and salary. . . . . . [not legible]


[1] Meeting held on the 22nd January, 1850

H. H. Briscoe P.L.I. attended

The clerk reported that he advertised for a relieving officer for the E. Division of Killilagh and Kilshanny and gave notice of motion to all the guardians about the appointment of an assistant guardian. That he wrote to the sub inspector of police to give directions to the constabulary to arrest all paupers not having the dress intended for messengers.

[5] Medical Report.
Admitted week ended 19 January, new cases, fever 16, dysentry and diarrhea 14, measles 1, smallpox 1, dropsy 1 Total 34. Died week ended same date, fever 2, dysentry and diarrhea 9.
Daniel Costello, aged 5, died a few days after admission. Remaining under treatment on the 19th, fever hospital, 46; infirmary and infirm wards, 131; total 177. Under treatment at Lahinch infirmary on same date, in measles, dysentry and diarrhea, exclusive of skin diseases, 50. . . . . . . [not legible] No deaths. . . .

[6] The following letters from the Poor Law Commissioners were read:
- 17th January 1850, requesting the guardians to reconsider their resolution relative to the services of a professional gentleman to defend the appeal.
- 18th January 1850, directing the clerk to prepare for the approaching election of guardians on the 26th March.
-18th January 1850, requesting to know how the soup is made that is used by classes 1 and 2.
- 21st January 1850, directing to state if the chaplain and medical officers of the parent workhouse attended any of the auxiliaries.
The clerk stated that he had replied to their letter.

The matron having tendered her resignation,
Resolved
- that it be accepted and that the clerk do advertise for a competent person to act.    The election to take place on this day fortnight.
[7] - that the commissioners be requested to give their sanction to the purchase of a capstan mill for the workhouse under the 22nd article of general regulations.
- that the election of relieving officers for the electoral division of Killilagh and Kilshanny be postponed until the 29th inst.
- that Mr. Cullinan be continued as solicitor to this union.
Mr. Francis O Brien gave notice of motion that he will on this day fortnight move the board to consider the propriety of investigating into the rations allowed to the several officers of the union with a view to the reduction in the quantities
allowed.
- that it be referred to the finance committee to ascertain the liabilities of the union in detail up to and for the 1st day of November last and the probable sum that will be necessary to supply the parent and auxiliary workhouses up to the 25th day of March next and that they be requested to report same on next board day.
- that our clerk do advertise for 2 carpets, 1 for the parent house and 1 for the aux workhouse Miltown. Also for the sawing of timber by 100 feet, also for sale of manure at Moymore and Lahinch Auxiliaries, also any broken stones unsold about the union.


[1] Meeting held on the 26th January, 1850.

H. H. Briscoe P.L.I. attended.

The clerk reported that he advertised for a matron for the house and also for the sale of manure and broken stones and carried out all the instructions of the board. The clerk brought under the notice of the board that he has not received the usual weekly industrial reports from the master for his own and the several aux. forms have been supplied by clerk.

[5] The report of the visiting committee was read as follows:
That the female paupers were not employed for want of work. No complaints from the paupers against the officers. The committee recommended that the tinsman do get another set of tools to enable him to put 2 or 3 young lads to his trade. The shoe maker complains the quality of leather is very inferior. This is very often complained of. We also recommend that the shoemakers, tailors and tinsmans workshop be removed to the house at present unoccupied in the yard. Also that the tailor and shoemaker be kept in the house and not allowed to go out at night.

Medical Report.
New cases admitted for the week ending Saturday, January 26th, 1850. Fever 19, dysentry and diarrhea 22, anasarca 1, dropsy 1, measles 3. Died within the week, fever 3, dysentry 1, dropsy 3, measles 1. Mary Mc Donough died in the probationary as also did infant Daniel Corcoran - James Conole died of disease of the heart.
[section not legible]

[6] The following letter from the P.L.C.'s was read:
- 26th January 1850, copy of a memorial from Bridget Spelessy of Corofin praying for outdoor relief. The relieving officers of the district being in attendance stated that she was an ablebodied woman and has no children.
The board did not deem her a fit subject for relief.
[7]
The board proceeded to elect a relieving officer for the electoral divisions of Killilagh and Kilshanny when the following candidates appeared, John O Loughlin, Denis Daly, Anthony Considine. Proposed by Capt. Mc Namara and seconded by F.M. Calcutt that John O'Loughlin be appointed.
Proposed by Andrew Lysaght and seconded by J. Donnollon that A. Considine be appointed.
A poll having been called for John O Loughlin was appointed by a majority of 14 votes at a salary of £30.
The board proceeded to discuss the propriety of getting a capstan mill as a test for the pauper inmates. After a lengthened discussion it was put from the chair whether one should be purchased or not. A poll was called for. It was lost by 5 votes.
The board came to the following resolution:
Resolved that well grounded complaints of the work of laborers in the several divisions of this union having been laid before the board we direct that by degress single ablebodied paupers over 15 years of age be discharged in proportion to the number of inmates from the several divisions of the union.
Resolved that the board do intimate to the P.L.C.s that when they entered upon their duties they found that a great, and, as they think, injudicious expenditure had taken place in renting, repairing and maintaining a number of auxiliary workhouses and hospitals several miles distant from the parent house where effective control was impossible. The result as might have been expected has been a great laxity of discipline if not worse, extending its influence in some degree to the parent house from whence paupers went away and returned after a lapse of days often without the knowledge of the master.
No correct relief list existed nor could the master with any accuracy give the names of those who were fed in the house on the day or any day for 6 months. . . . [not legible]

[9] Since their appointment the guardians have labored with the assistance of their very efficient inspecting officer Mr. Briscoe to correct these errors and as they hope with some degree of success but to accomplish the full objects they have in view it would be useful to them to have him (Mr. Briscoe) as inspecting officer resident at Ennistymon and would give constant and daily attendance at the parent workhouse and its auxiliaries to see the orders of the commissioners and guardians strictly
carried out. They not only depend on his general intelligence and energy but on his disposition to co-operate cordially with the guardians. If assisted by such a person and supported by the commissioners in their efforts by a strict discipline and the use of such tests as without any injury to health or morals might seem to them useful they would hope to make the workhouse what it was intended to be, a refuge for the really destitute, but a place into which abledodied and idly disposed persons will not willingly enter as it is expendient that without a reform in expenditure and discipline every industrious man in the union will be reduced to beggery. The board of guardians directed the clerk to intimate to the medical officer of the Miltown Malbay T.F. Hospital that his salary would cease on the 25th March and that he was not to admit any patients after 1st Feb. The assistant schoolmaster of the Miltown Malbay Auxiliary Workhouse having tendered his resignation it was Resolved that it be accepted.


[1] Meeting held on the 5th February, 1850.

R.M Lynch, H.H. Briscoe P.L.I.s attended.

The clerk reported that he wrote to the medical officer of the Miltown Malbay Temporary Fever Hospital that he was not to admit any fever patients into the hospital on and after the 1st. February and that his salary would cease on the 20th March and carried out all the other orders of the board.
[2]

[5] Medical Report.
There were 149 patients under medical treatment on Saturday last in infirmary and infirm wards and 51 in fever hospital. The admissions for the week were 16 with fever , 13 dysentry, 1 diarrhea and 1 small pox. Died during the week, 2 of fever, 4 of dysentry, 2 diarrhea and one anasarca. Three children died at Sandfield with measles and diarrhea. The number of patients in Lahinch infirmary on Saturday last was 44. The Sandfield House is unhealthy at present, measles being prevalent amongst the children.
            James Shannon M.D.

[6] The following letters from the P.L.C.'s were read
- 28th January 1850, instruction to the returning officers as to the election of guardians at the 25th. March next.
- 29th January 1850, sanctioning the purchase of a capstan mill and required to know in what part of the workhouse it will be placed etc. The clerk stated that he intimated to the commissioner that the guardians had abandoned the idea of purchasing the capstan mill.
- 29th January 1850, Secretary, C.B. of Health, intimating that the Board of Health would not withdraw their requisition for the discontinuance of the hospital at Miltown unless the guardians provided increased accommodation at the Moymore Hospital.

Resolved that a committee composed of Capt. McNamara, Mr. Stack, Mr. F. O'Brien and Mr. Considine do visit the Moymore hospital and report at next meeting of the board as to the amount of increased accommodation for patients and the probable expense of the necessary repairs.
- 29th. January, 1850 intimating that the commissioners' regulations do not recognise such an officer as solicitor to the union.
- 30th. January, 1850 stating that the commissioners were of opinion that the board of guardians could not properly interfere with the relieving officers in directing them to withdraw relief from mendicants.
- 30th January 1850, calling the attention of the board to the 6th sec. of the vaccination act for dividing the union into districts for the purpose, consideration of the above letter adjourned.
- 31st January 1850, requiring information about balance in favour and against electoral divisions before February 2nd after the apportionment of the government advances. The clerk stated that he had forwarded the desired information.
- 1st February 1850, sanctioning the appointment of Mr. Mc Namara as master of the main house at a salary of £50 per annum with rations etc.
[8] - 1st February 1850, calling the clerk's attention to the commissioners' regulations about forwarding the copy of the collectors' weekly balance sheets and intimating that he had omitted to transmit some of them.
The clerk stated in explanation to the board that he had forwarded all the copies of the collectors' weekly balance sheets up to the 26th January thro Mr. Briscoe the inspector and that he could not do so weekly as the board came to the resolution of the collectors only attending once a fortnight for settlement of their accounts. The 26th of January was the last day for their attendance.
- 2nd February 1850, copy of memorial from Susan Howe praying for out door relief.
Ordered that the R. Officer of the district do report to the board on the application.
- 11th February 1850, queries to be answered by John O' Loughlin, appointed R. officer in the electoral division of Killilagh and Kilshanny.
The board proceeded to elect a matron for the parent workhouse when the following candidates appeared Mrs. Kitson, Mrs. M. O'Brien, Mrs. Sweeney and Miss Mulqueeny.
Proposed by Major McNamara and seconded by Matthew Slattery that Mrs Bridget Sweeney be appointed. Proposed by Henry Mc Donough and seconded by Mr C. O'Brien that Mrs. M. O'Brien be appointed. A poll having been called for Mrs [9] Bridget Sweeney was elected by a majority of 10 votes.
The board proceeded to elect a carpenter for the workhouse when the following candidates appeared E. Hickey, D. Shalloe, and Pat Quin. 
Proposed by Francis O'Brien and seconded by Thomas Stack that Patrick Quin be appointed. Carried unanimously at a salary of £25 without rations. The board intimated to him that he should attend 12 hours in summer and 10 hours in winter every day for the instructions of the boys who would be placed under his charge and that he should be responsible for the glazing, painting and general repair of the whole house and its auxiliaries.

The board proceeded to consider the following tenders, Thomas Hillary for flags to cover a drain at the workhouse at 1d per square foot, accepted, John O'Brien for purchase of broken stone in the parish of Kilfenora at 4d per cubic yard, accepted. The clerk was directed to advertise for the sale of manure at Lahinch.

Resolved - that the rations given this day forward to the different officers of this union be as follows, to all masters and matrons 3lbs of meat in each week and to all other officers 2lbs in each week.
The board adjourned to Friday the 8th February for the purpose of examining into the chargeability of some paupers now on the union at large.


[1] Meeting held on 12th and 13th of February, 1850

H.H. Briscoe P.L.I. attended

[2]
The clerk reported that he advertised for a baker for the parent work house and for the sale of manure at Lahinch Auxiliary Workhouse.

[5] Medical Report
There were on Saturday last 52 patients in fever hospital and 146 in infirmary. We had 17 new cases of fever during the week. There were 15 deaths in the house, 4 from fever, 7 dysentry, 2 diarrhea, and 1 of drowning accidentally in the cess pool. 8 children died at Sandfield from measles and diarrhoea. I have to call the attention of the board of guardians to the very dilapadated state of the Sandfield Auxiliary House a good part of the roof has been stripped by the storm of last week. Several pains of glass also broken in the house.
The windows of the Lahinch house also require repair. In consequence of the numbers of deaths from dysentry and diarrhea last week I would recommend the board of guardians to give back the milk to classes 1 and 2 instead of soup.
                                                        James Shannon. M.D.

Ordered that milk be used in place of soup to No.s 1 and 2 classes.
[6]
The following letters from the P. L. Commissioners and others were read
- 5th February 1850, sanctioning the changing of board day to Tuesday.
- 6th February 1850, queries to be answered by the matron.
- 6th February 1850, directing the relieving officers accounts to be made up to the Saturday previous to board day.
- 6th February 1850, intimating that Mr Briscoe's services could not be dispensed with in the Ennis house.
- 7th February 1850, calling the guardinas attention to the necessity of having an assistant master at Miltown Malbay school.
- 8th February 1850, requiring particulars about rate in aid.
[section not legible]
[7] - 8th February 1850, memorial of Ellen Barry praying for out door relief.
- Secretary C.B. of Health, 7th February 1850, about the necessity of maintaining the T.F. Hospital at Miltown and calling attention to the spread of small pox.

Resolved that the position of the union is at the present moment most critical.

On balance of uncollected rates amounting to £8,176-15-10 we cannot hope by any exertion to collect between this and the 25th of March next as much as will be necessary even with the utmost economy to that time, while any attempt to strike a new rate at this season and under these circumstances would be worse than useless it would not be only unproductive but it would destroy the slight appearance of returning confidence which is evinced by the exertions making by the peasantry in the country to cultivate the land. That under the above circumstances
[8] and urgent appeal be made to the commissioners to grant us a portion of the rate in aid by which we may be enabled to meet the expences of the union without resorting to a proceeding that would be so abortive and injurious to the permanent interests of the country as striking another rate during the spring. The Commissioners will not lose sight of the heavy rates which have been paid in this union during the last 2 years which have been so oppressive as to bring the rate paying to extreme distress in cases which we can vouch for, from our personal knowledge of individuals, whatever representations of a different character may have been made to the commissioners.

Resolved that the finance meeting in future take place before the full board and that no cheque be filled until first entered by the chairman (or by a member of the board authorized by him) in a book to be kept for this purpose and brought forward by the clerk at 1 o'clock.
[9] Resolved that in the absence of our clerk upon said business Mr Donald Kean be acting clerk for this day.
Resolved that Mr John Cahill be paid a sum of £6-12-1 1/2 as the proportion of the county levy on the several workhouses of the union levied at last summer assizes of 1849.
Resolved that the several relieving officers of the union be paid the one third of the arrears of their respective salaries due up to this date but in no case to exceed £7.
Resolved that in the revision of the relief list now in progress when a person is found in the house not registered such person shall be registered as "found in house" and on the relief list when a person entered is not in the house that such be discharged in register" as not in the house".
Ordered that the clerk make out a list of the contractors for supplying the parent and auxiliary workhouses and annexed to the name of each article supplied and the value thereof for the current week and that he do furnish to the board a similar list on every board day.

[10] The board proceeded to elect a baker for the house when the following candidates appeared. Pat Keavy, Michael Flanigan and Pat Leahy.
Proposed by Francis Stack that Pat Keavy be elected as baker.
Proposed by John O'Dwyer and seconded by Burdet Moroney that Michael Flanigan be elected.
Proposed by John O'Dwyer and seconded by Mathew Slattery that Pat Leahy be appointed.

A poll having been called for Michael Flanigan was elected by a majority of one vote at an annual salary of £10-0-0 with rations.
Resolved that the tender of Connor O'Brien be accepted for the manure at the Lahinch Auxiliary for 10 shillings.

[1] Meeting held on the 19th February 1850.

[2]

[5] Medical Report.
There were on Saturday last, 148 patients in infirmary and 51 in fever hospital. We had 21 new cases of fever, 9 died during the week in the house, 2 of fever, 3 dysentry, 3 diarrhea and 1 measles. There were on Saturday in Lahinch infirmary 53 patients, 2 died of diarrhea during the week, 6 died at Sandfield Aux. House from measles and diarrhea.
                                                            James Shannon M.D.

[6] The following letters from the P.L.C. and others were read.
- 11th Feb 1850, requiring the guardians to reconsider the substitution of soup in lieu of milk at breakfast for the paupers.
The medical officers' opinion having been obtained by the board it was "ordered" that the milk be used at breakfast in place of soup in classes No. 1 and No. 2.
- 16th Feb 1850, copy of a letter from the Rev. John Sheehan about Widow Kinnane for O.D.R.
The relieving officer of the Ennistymon E.D. stated in . . . . . that Widow Kinnane was not apparently danger of starvation.
[7] - 16th February 1850, with copy of a letter from the Rev. John Sheehan P.P. relating to the turning out of a pauper forcibly from the workhouse and about females having been stripped by men and turned out.
The master, matron and porter having been examined by the board as to the stripping of female paupers by men they respectively denied that such occurred.
The following letter resolution was passed in reference to the foregoing letter.
Resolved that it would have been more expedient for Mr. Sheehan to have brought the cases mentioned in his letter before this board before sending up a statement so highly inculpatory of the guardians.
Mr. Sheehan has on the other hand written to the Commissioners a letter full of mistatements and calculated to interfere with the right discharge of the duties of the board. The board are of opinion that the commissioners ought to discourage such statements as they are calculated to induce the most unreasonable
[8] expectations in the minds of the people regarding the duties and capabilities of the board of guardians and that the breaking of windows and other outrages for the purpose of obtaining relief are justifiable and they cannot but consider such a letter as Mr. Sheehan calculated to injure the whole community and that it comes with a very bad ....... from an officer of this establishment and receiving payment from the funds of the union.
An amendment was proposed to the foregoing resolution as follows - it was put from the chair and lost by a majority of four votes.
Resolved in reply to the Rev. Sheehan's letter to the commissioners we deem it more advisable that he should come before the board to make any complaints he thought necessary and that we have inquired into the statements therein contained and found them incorrect and believe Mr. Sheehan has been imposed on - in reference to women being stripped by men in the workhouse we have inquired into that circumstance and found the charge untrue.
Notice of motion was given by Mr. Thomas ...... that he would on this day fortnight, 5th March move the board to [9] rescind the resolution in reference to the Rev. John Sheehan's letter as proposed by Sir L. O'Brien and seconded by Mr. William Fitzgerald.

Read letters from Poor Law Commissioners.
- 16th Feb. 1850, sanctioning the erection of shelter sheds in the probationary yards for recipients of outdoor relief.
No order made.
- 18th Feb. 1850, calling the guardians attention to the case of Susan Howe and referring to Mr. Briscoe's report thereon as to the delicate state of health.
No order made.
- 18th Feb. 1850, intimating that the notice of election of guardians will be postponed.
- 18th Feb. 1850, sanctioning the appointment of John O'Loughlin as R. Officer in the E.D. of Killilagh and Kilshanny at a salary of £30.
- February 1850, sanctioning the appointment of Mrs. B Sweeny as matron at a salary of £20 per annum with rations.
- 18th February 1850, memorial of Widow Keliher praying for out door relief.  Ordered that the relieving officers do report on the case by next board day.
- letter dated, 12th February 1850, from the secretaries of the National Board of Education with copy of the district inspectors report in reference to the Lahinch school which was favourable.
- letter from the secretary, C.B. of Health, 13th inst. disapproving of the medical officer of the Miltown ......retaining two patients in the hospital longer than was necessary.
[section not legible]

[10] They would put their bonds in suit and recommend the commissioners to remove them from office.
That all present contractors who may be creditors to the union and who owe poor rates be given cheques to the treasurer to the amount of such rates in payment of their accounts in whole or part.
That in all cases where an individual has still rates to be paid he shall be given a cheque in payment of refunds which may have been ordered ...... an appeal not to exceed the amount of such rates due and that in all other cases the refund shall be allowed in the next rate to be struck.

Meeting of the board of guardians of this Union held on the 23rd of February 1850.

Present in the chair - John O'Dwyer.
Other guardians - Francis O Brien.
                             - Mathew Slattery.
Proposed by Francis O Brien and seconded by Mathew Slattery,
Resolved that a cheque be drawn in favour of Mr. Charles Carrigg, master of Ballykeale Aux. Workhouse for the sum of £20, amount of salary due him up to the 8th February 1850.

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