Ennistymon Union Minute Books

Book No. 8

Meetings held from 23rd February 1850 - 2nd April 1850

[1] Meeting held on the 23rd February, 1850.

[2]

[5] Medical Report.
We had 149 patients in the infirmary and infirm wards on Saturday last and 52 in fever hospital. There were 10 deaths in the house during the week, 3 of fever, 3 dysentry, 3 diarrhea, and 1 small pox. There was on same day in Lahinch infirmary 61 patients. Sandfield still continues unhealthy. This house is very cold in consequence of the state of the windows, the glass in which is all broken. We had 5 deaths there during the week from measles and croup.
                                                                                    James Shannon M.D.

Ordered that glass be purchased without delay to glaze the windows.

Master's report
The master of the main house reports that on the morning of the 25th inst. he discovered a ladder placed up to the window of the store containing the new clothing of the house, that the windows were open and that he was of opinion that some materials were stolen. He also reported that the milk supplied by the contractor was ......... that the cesspools required to be cleaned .....
[section not legible]
[6] The following orders of the Poor Law Commissioners were read.
- sealed order dated the 19th February 1850, fixing the dates for the various proceedings in the election of the guardians.
- sealed order dated 22nd February 1850, altering the union after the 23rd inst.
- sealed order dated 22nd February, declaring the union of Ballyvaughan.
- sealed order dated 22nd February 1850, declaring the Union of Corofin.
In consequence of there being a small attendance of guardians the consideration of the above order was postponed until next board day.
The following letters from the P.L.C. and others were read.
- 21st February 1850, copy of a memorial from Timothy Haren, praying for relief for his family he being in jail himself.
- 22nd February 1850, about the insuring of union auxiliary workhouses.
The clerk stated in explanation to the board that all the auxiliaries and hospitals were insured.
- 22nd February, directing new accounts to be opened according to the alteration of the union, (consideration as to stock postponed).
- 25th February, about the resolution passed at the meeting of the 19th to give cheques to creditors of the union who may owe poor rate and disapproving of such.
No order made.
[section not legible]

[7] The clerk intimated to the board that the various contracts for the supply of meal for outdoor relief purposes and for clothing provisions and necessaries for the workhouse would expire on the 25th March next. The board gave directions to advertise for the various supplies required.
The master reported that the following was required for use in the workhouse, 20 yards of worsted binding, 1000 yards of Drogheda Linen, 100 yards of moleskin, 100 yards of shambray, 100 yards of ticking, 1000 yards of shirting calico, 1500 yards of Bengal stripe, 40lb of black thread, 40 lb of white thread, 12 lbs of spun hemp, 2lbs of yarn, 12lbs of wax, 1/2 dozen knives, 500 yards of cording and a suit of clothes for the porter. A set of small weights for the Miltown Auxiliary.
A charge was prepared by Mary Mc Mahon against the master for having injured her husband by striking him (now deceased). It was investigated by the board and found to be wholy unsupported.


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

[2]

[5] Medical Report.
Admitted new cases in the week ending March the 2nd - to the fever hospital 10, to infirmary in dysentry, diarrhea measles etc. 37.  Total 47. Died weekended March 2nd, fever 4, dysentry and diarrhea 5, measles 2, small pox 1, consumption 1. In probationary 1 under treatment. On Saturday in fever hospital 50, in infirmary and infirm wards 155, total 205. Under treatment at Lahinch on Saturday 62, 3 died within the week. No deaths at Sandfield.

[6] The following letters from the P.L.C.'s and others were read.
- letter from Mr. Fydd, sub sherriff dated 6th inst. intimating to the chairman that he had been handed a F1, Fa in the case of "Carroll against the guardians" and directing him to seize a quantity of timber that was in the workhouse premises which was accordingly done.
He also requested of the chairman to name a day .....? the 11th inst was decided upon.
[7] That there are several townlands lately added to the union from the Kilrush and Ennis Unions.

Resolved that the valuator of this union who is now resolving the rateable property shall value such townlands upon the same rateable terms stated in his former and now existing contract.
Resolved that Mr. Briscoe be required to provide a person to assist the clerk in adjusting the accounts as between the Union of Ennistymon and the new Unions of Corofin and Ballyvaughan - and also the paupers on the in and out door relief lists.
Proposed by F.M. Calcutt and seconded by F. G. Morony.
Resolved that from the diminished size of the Ennistymon union it is the opinion of the Board that they will ere long be in a position to dispense with many, if not all, the auxillary houses for which we are at present paying exorbitant rents. That to enable the board to carry out [8] their intentions in this respect the commissioners be requested to serve the necessary notice of surrender on one of which it will be seen from the accompany abstracts of leases should be served on or before the 25th inst. No possible inconvenience can arise from serving these notices as from the very high rents paid for the several houses it must be the interest of the proprieters not to insist on a surrender of them should the board find it convenient to retain any of them.
Proposed by Daniel O Brien and seconded by Thomas Kerin.
Resolved that the following committee - Mr. Burton, Mr. Potter, Mr. F. O'Brien, Mr Michael Considine, Mr. Donlon and Mr. Daniel O'Brien do meet on Monday next the 11th at Ballykeale workhouse at 10 o'clock to take an inventory of the property and value same. Also in the several auxiliaries etc. in the workhouse of the union and notice be given to said......
[section not legible]

[11] Meeting held on the 12th March 1850.

H. H. Briscoe, Poor Law Inspector, attended.

[12]

[15] Medical Report.
Admitted into infirmary and fever hospital, week ending March 12th, fever 11, dysentry and diarrhea 15, measles 2, small pox 2. Died within the week fever 4, dysentry and diarrhea 10, anasarca 3, measles 1. Pat Donoghue died in probationary of dysentry the night he was admitted. An infant also died only a few hours old.
Under treatment at Lahinch exclusive of skin disease 44. Died within the week 1. Sandfield 3 deaths during the week.
                                                        Charles Finucane M.D.

[16] The following letters from the P.L.C. were read.
- 8th March 1850, reply to the clerk's letter of the 5th inst. about certain points connected with the closing and balancing of the union accounts caused by the recent change in the union.
- 6th March 1850, authorising the returning officer to Uemploy assistance if absolutely necessary for the proceedings of the election.
- 6th March 1850, intimating that the present rate is to be collected as if the union was not divided.
- 9th March 1850, reply to the resolution of the board [not legible] of the 12th and 13th ultimo, requesting a portion of the " rate in aid " to meet ........ of the union.

[17] Resolved that in reply to the above letter of the commissioners the board of guardians beg to state that the reason assigned by the commissioners for not acceding to their application for a portion of the rate in aid is founded on misconception. So far from improving, the conditions of this union have most materially .... it as the divisions which have been added, viz. Ballyea, Cloonenaha and Fermoyle are the most distressed and pauperised in Clare and those parts of the Ballyvaughan and Corofin Unions which have been taken away were some of the most valuable in the union. In addition to this inmates of the Corofin and Ballyvaughan Unions must still be supported in the workhouses of this union and therefore out of the rates to be collected. The board have again to request that the commissioners will give their resolution of the 12th and 13th ultimo their favourable consideration and to report their apprehension of the disasterous consequences of striking a rate at present after collecting one most ruinous to the rate payers, considering their existing distress and the very reduced value of every species of agricultural produce.
Notwithstanding every exertion made by the collectors the guardians are unable to meet the ....... of the [18] union which are about £330 and on average the amount of rate collected is not more than £110.  Out of the balance of outstanding rates a reduction of 30 per cent must be made as ruled by the magistrates at the late sessions.
Also a large allowance for bad debts which will amount to about £2500. They have not been less than £2000 in any previous year and from our experience of the existing conditions of the rate payers we apprehend the sum of £2500 is a moderate estimate.
- 9th March 1850, requesting a return about writs and executions during the year 1849.
Ordered that the information be forwarded.
- 9th March 1850, about the mode of sanctioning relief in the application and report book.
- The Secretary, C.B of Health, 11th March, requiring a return of expenditure in the hospitals for the year 1849.
- 11th March 1850, letter from the commissioners requesting to know why the list of candidates ........? to act as guardians for the year had not been forwarded on the 8th inst. .... to the board that the day named in
[19] the sealed order was the 14th March but that he had, as desired by the commissioners' letter forwarded the list that day.
Resolved that in as much as the time allowed to the collectors for paying in the rates has expired and as the funds on hand are not sufficient to pay the expenses that the several collectors be allowed 3 weeks for collecting their several balances and that each of them must make satisfactory payments to the treasurer before next board day and in case thay shall not give satisfactory reasons for neglecting to do so that their bonds be put in suit.
Resolved that Mr. Moran be employed to assist the clerk in closing the accounts of the union to the time of change consequent upon the formation of the new Unions of Corofin and Ballyvaughan and the addition to this union of parts of the Ennis and Kilrush Unions at a remuneration of £20.
Resolved that in reference to the minute of the 26th February of meat not being supplied to the patients in the infirmary at Lahinch, the case having been investigated by our inspector and he having reports that there was no case of speculation, we adopt his views of the case.

[21] Meeting held on the 19th March 1850.

[22]

[25] Medical Report.
We had in the week ending Saturday the 16th 22 new cases of fever, 20 of dysentry and diarrhea, 17 of measles and 1 of dropsy. The deaths for the same week, fever 3, dysentry and diarrhea 7, anasarca 2, compound fracture of the leg 1, total 13.
Remaining under treatment on Saturday the 16th in infirmary 161, fever hospital 56, total 217.
Under treatment at Lahinch on same day in measles, dysentry and diarrhea, exclusive of skin disease 46. 1 death from dysentry. No deaths at Sandfield.
                                                                    Charles Finucane M.D.

[26] The following letters from the P.L.C. and others were read.
- 12th March 1850, about forwarding the minutes more promptly.
- 12th March 1850, not objecting to aid being given to the clerk on closing the account to the 23rd February.
- 12th March 1850, intimating that the commissioners could not with propriety apply to the government for a sum of money to discharge in full the liabilities of this union - but in the event of the bill passing they would consider the claim.
[27] [section not legible]
Ordered that the medical officers be apprised of this letter in reference to examining the inmates on admission - no order made in reference to vaccination contracts under 3rd and 4th Vic. Cap. 20.
- 15th March 1850, stating that instructions had been issued to the commissioners' solicitors to serve notice of surrender of the premises in Miltown Malbay held from the Messrs. Morony. Ordered that the clerk do intimate to the commissioners that it is the desire of the board that they would be so good as to cause a similar notice to be prepared in reference to Sandfield and Ballykeale houses.
- 16th March, passing the returning officers account of election expenses for November 1849, amount £18.8.6.
Ordered that a cheque be drawn on favour of Mr. M. Kean for the amount stated in the commissioners letter.
- 16th March 1850, about owners statements of claim to vote and proxies.
- 16th March, calling the guardians attention to the scale of allowances adopted for outdoor relief in this union and enclosing circular of 8th June 1849, no order made about the letter.
[28]
- Read letter from Miss Sexton, head nurse at Moymore hospital, tendering her resignation. Ordered that it be accepted and that the clerk do advertise for a person to fill the situation.

Resolved that the clerk do advertise by handbills for tenders from competent persons to act as porter or watch man at the parent house and Gibson House at Lahinch, salary not to exceed œ6 a year with suit of clothes and rations.

Resolved that our advertisements be for the future inserted in the Clare Journal and General Advertiser only.
Resolved that an application be made to the Agricultural Improvement Society of Ireland to give this union the benefit of a practical instructor for the current seasons - that we regret our inability to contribute the necessary funds but that we are willing to afford ...... co-operation in our power, for which purpose ..... the distribution of seeds at the prices fixed .... that a local committee be formed and ..... [section not legible]
[29] The board proceeded to consider tenders for workhouse supplies and out door relief when the following were declared accepted.
Messers J. Bannatyne and Son for out door relief for the entire union for 3 months from the 25th March 1850.  Best screened yellow Indian meal at £8 per ton to be delivered according to advertisements, and for workhouse supplies for six months from the same date as follows: Indian meal £7, rye meal £8, barley meal £8 and oat meal £10-5-0. Bread 4 3/8d per 4lb loaf for the parent workhouse including the following auxiliaries, the two houses at Lahinch, Sandfield and Moymore Hospitals, Ballykeale at 4 1/2d per 4 1/2lb loaf, Michael Howard contractor. Sweet milk 4d per imperial gallon for the parent workhouse, Pat Crowe. For Ballykeale on the same terms. Sweet milk for Lahinch Auxilary Workhouse 4d per imperial gallon, Michael Liddy. Miltown Auxillary Workhouse milk 7 1/2d per pottle of 8 quarts, Michael Carroll and James Quinlivan. Milk for Sandfield Auxillary 8d per 8 quarts, Daniel Neylon. Milk for Moymore Hospital, 4d per imperial gallon, Morgan O Loughlin.
Sugar 4 1/2d per lb, Margaret Moloney Ennis for the entire union. Tea 3/6, Anne Donnollan Miltown, for the entire union. Rice, Margaret O'Dwyer œ13 per ton entire union. Bread for Miltown Auxillary Workhouse 5d per 4lb loaf, Michael Mc Mahon. Whole pepper 1/2d Anne Donnollan. Best port wine Pat O'Dwyer 23/0 per dozen for the entire union. Turf for Sandfield 3 1/2d per box Michael Kennedy. Turf for Moymore Hospital 3 3/4d per box Thady Kelly. Candles for the entire union, John O'Loughlin - 5 1/4d per lb for dipt candles and 6 1/2d mould candles. Turf for Miltown 3 3/4d per box .... shoemaker's findings .... sole leather 8 1/2d per lb., upper leather 11 1/2d per .... inside leather 7 1/4d, spun harrap .... Hardware, William Cahill. Lime hand brushes 1/4d to 2/2d ... spoons 5d to 9d per dozen.
[30] Tape black and white 1 1/2d to 3 1/2d, marking ink 4/6 to 5/6 per gallon etc.
Medicines for the entire Union - Edward O'Dwyer as per tender.
Straw for the parent workhouse, Lahinch and Sandfield - James Daly, Michael Kennedy at 14/9 per ton.
Straw for Ballykeale, Pat Griffy, 14/9 per ton.
Irish soap 23/6 for the entire Union - James Donnellan.
Starch and blue - Margaret O'Dwyer, Ennis.

The consideration of the cloathing contract postponed until next board day.

[31] Meeting held on the 26th. March 1850.

H. H. Briscoe Esq, P.L.I., attended.

[35] Medical Report.
We had 30 new cases of fever, 15 dysentry and diarrhea, 8 of measles and 12 of other diseases in the past week. The deaths within the week, fever 3, dysentry and diarrhea 6, phthisis 3, measles 5, after small pox 2; total 19.
Remaining under medical treatment on Saturday in infirmary 157, fever hospital 64; total 221.
Remaining under treatment at Lahinch infirmary same day, exclusive of skin disease, 42. 3 died of measles and dysentry. 2 infants died at Lahinch.
                                                                Charles Finucane M.D.

[36] The following letters of the P.L.C. and others were read;
- 22nd. March 1850, requiring a return of fever hospitals in the Union with the cost of each.
The clerk stated to the board that the information required would be forwarded by the post of 29th. inst.
- 23rd. March 1850, about the employment of Mr. Morony to assist in closing the accounts of the Union.
The clerk stated to the board that Mr. Morony was not engaged in assisting him to close the accounts but that he was employed in making out new relief lists for the Union and the new unions of Corofin and Ballyvaughan and amending the lists for these Unions in accordance with the ...
[section not legible]

[37] - 22nd. March 1850, about Marrinan's nomination paper and intimating that it was valid.
- 22nd. March 1850, Secretary, N.B. of Education with inspector's report on the teachers' qualifications of Miltown Workhouse.
- 21st. March 1850, extract from letter from Mr. Hill about being disqualified from the office of guardian.
The clerk stated that he had replied to the letter.
- 21st. March, 1850 about notices of marriage.
- 21st. March 1850 , monthly liabilities for March.

Resolved that an apartment be made to contain the hot hearths at back of the kitchen - the room in which the hearths are at present to be used as the bake house there being an oven in there. That the timberwork be done by the workhouse carpenter and tenders received for the stonework and setting the hotplates.
- That an application be made to the Poor Law Commissioners to issue an order for an election for the office of guardian in the Clohanes electoral division for [38] which district a nomination was not lodged with the returning officer at the late election.
- That great injustice has been done to the rate payers of this union by the recent arrangements of the Poor Law Boundary Commissioners.
- That some of the least populous and most wealthy districts of the late union have been transfered to the new union of Corofin and Ballyvaughan and that the electoral divisions given to us from Ennis and Kilrush unions are amongst the most impoverished and populous in the south of Ireland. The electoral divisions transfered from Ennis are Ballyea, Clounanaha and Fermoyle. When these electoral divisions belonged to the Ennis union it was asertained that they would require an annual rate exceeding their valuation amount. The electoral division transfered from Kilrush is Annagh.
- That the rate payers of this union cannot afford to strike a rate sufficient for the support of the indoor and outdoor relief ...... for months without putting upon these electoral divisions a rate which it would be impossible to collect.
[39] . . . . . . . .   that the Commissioners would not sanction and that the result must therefore be either the starvation of the poor of these divisions or the imposition of addition burdens on the other divisions which it is well known they cannot bear.
- That in our opinion the divisions of Annagh, Ballyea, Clonanaha and Fermoyle ought to be made a separate union.

[41] Meeting held on the 2nd. of April, 1850.

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

[42]

[45] Medical Report
New cases for week ending March 30th, fever 15, dysentry and diarrhea 20, anasarca 1, measles 1, venerial[sic] 1.
Deaths; fever 7, dysentry and diarrhea 6, dropsy 1, small pox 1, measles 9, diseases of heart and lungs 3.
Under treatment on Saturday 30th in infirmary 159, fever hospital 59, total 216.
Under treatment at Lahinch exclusive of skin disease 55. 2 deaths of dysentry at Sandfield, 5 infants died of dentition, measles, etc.
                                                                                                    Charles Finucane. M.D.
[46]
The following letters from P.L.C. and others were read.
- 27th March 1850, extract from Mr. Martin Hill's letter about the qualification for the office of guardian. Consideration of the above letter adjourned in consequence of the illness of the clerk.
- 27th March 1850, memorial of Widow Harvey praying for out door relief. No order made.
- 27th March 1850, requiring the total amount of rates collected in the year 1843 and the amount due to contractors up to the same date. Return forwarded 28th March 1850.
- 27th March 1850, requiring a return of the current rate and any new rates agreed upon.
- 28th March 1850, requiring a return of the numbers of out door and in door paupers relieved weekly in the union
[47] from the 1st November to the latest date specifying the number of able bodied and infirm poor separately. Also the cost of relief per head to either classes. 
Forwarded 29th March 1850.
-28th March 1850, requiring a return showing the amount due to individuals for advances for additions to workhouse or fever hospital. Forwarded 29th March 1850.
- 30th March 1850, requiring a return of persons attacked with cholera from Michaelmas day 1848 to Lady's day 1850. Forwarded the 8th April 1850.
- 30th March 1850, requiring a return of the ex officio guardians. Forwarded 2nd April 1850.
- 30th March 1850, queries to be answered by porters to be appointed.
- 30th March 1850, memorial of Widow Kelleher praying for out door relief.
[48]
The board proceeded to consider the following tenders which was accepted as follows, Pat O'Dwyer, black and white thread 1/3d per lb, calico 3d per yard, sheeting calico 4 1/2d per yard, shrouding 1 7/8d per yard, moleskin 11d per yard.
George Blackwell, cording 7 1/2d per yard, buttons 5d per gross. Pat Lynch for best beef 3d per lb, for the parent workhouse and all its auxiliaries.

Resolved
- That in consequence of the illness of the clerk, Mr. Donald Kean act this day as clerk.
- That the several rate collectors do enforce, by every possible means in their power, from the several parties by which rates are due, and that they produce their warrants for inspection on the board day of the 16th inst., and if it is found that they have not used full exertions that their bond be put in suit, and that the clerk gives notice to each collector of this resolution.
The acting clerk submitted the list .......... elected for the year ending 25th.
- That Susan Mulqueeny be elected head nurse for the temporary fever hospital at Moymore at a salary of £6 per annum with apartments and rations.
- That we accept Conor O'Brien's tender to cover in a drain back of the workhouse and to find stones etc. at 5/0d per perch.

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