Ennistymon Union Minute Books

Book No. 2 

Meetings held from 3rd May 1844 - 26th July 1844

[66]
Meeting held on the 3rd of May, 1844.

The register book was signed from No. 843 to No. 845.
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that the

Resolved that the following regulations be adhered to in future respecting the admission of paupers, that is, that all applications for relief be recorded before 11 o'clock on every Friday and that the investigation of the propriety of their admissions be considered after reading the minutes of the former meeting, as recommended by the master.
[69]
Read tenders for turf.
Resolved that Michael King's tender for turf at 4 3/4d per box be accepted, it being the lowest. John Doherty of Gurrane and William Devitt of Knokpatrick securities.
Mr. O'Dwyer gives notice that he will on this day fortnight move to have the matron's salary raised from 10 pounds to 20 pounds a year, that being the salary of the former matron.
Mr. Pat Shannon, the revising valuator, having attended the board, and his explanation in respect to the certificate which he gave Mr. Pat Fitzgibbon appearing unsatisfactory, the subject has been adjourned for futher consideration until this day fortnight when Mr. Shannon is to produce a copy of said certificate.

Resolved that the clerk does write to the Commissioners for a copy of the certificate given by Mr. Shannon, the revising valuator, to Mr. Pat Fitzgibbon of the value of his property as this board is satisfied that such certificate is unfounded.

Medical Report:
There are 15 patients in hospital most of them labouring under chronic disease. We have, however, 3 very bad cases of diarrhea.
                                                                                                Charles Finucane, M.D.
[70]
The following collectors having resigned to this board their situations as collectors of rate in the following Electoral Division of the Ennistymon Union:

Resolved that tenders be invited from persons willing to collect the rates in the division not exceeding 6d in the pound on the sum lodged with the treasurer and that tenders be opened on the 10th inst.
Resolved that in consideration of the satisfactory manner in which Michael Kerin, the collector for Drumcreehy, Rathbourney, and Burren, performed his duties we appoint him for Carron in the room of Mort McMahon, resigned, at 6d in the pound on the sum lodged by him with the treasurer. Securities James Moran of Rannagh and Pat Davoran of Cahirconnell, bond to be entered into on this day week.

[71]
Meeting held on the 10th day of May, 1844.

The register book was signed from No.846 to No.858.
The clerk's report was read to the following effect:
That he has received the plan and specification of the fever hospital, lately transmitted to the Commissioners, together with the account of the expenditure of the sum borrowed by the guardians of this union from the Exchequer Loan Commissioners, by which account it appears that the sum of 248.4.0 3/4 remains in the hands of the Commissioners.

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

Resolved that Richard Cavanagh gets a check for 2.16.8 due to him for meat to the 25th March last.

[74] Master’s Report:
The house continues healthy and the dietary agrees with the inmates.
The master has to complain of two women whom the matron found stolen potatoes on after washing them for dinner.   One of those was discharged on a previous ocassion for a like offence.  I am satisfied that your board will not hesitate in their discharge and show a discountenance to such.  I will say willful robbery, having sufficient in the dietary allowed them.  If you wish the matron can prove the transaction.
The master has 320 stone of potatoes sown for a/c of the union, manured and covered with dung to spare and has commenced a wall to enclose the plot east of the house, as he has done round the entire building for the purpose of sowing more therein.
The master reported verbally at the last meeting that 2 panes of glass had been broken in the male ward by the boys pelting thro them, he does so now to have it recorded on your minutes as requested by your board.
Changes of diet can be seen on reference to the book for that purpose left by the master before your board.
[75] The master requires an order for a change of diet book for medical officer, the former one being almost used, as also for brooms and sweeping brushes.    Orders were made on the master’s report.

Resolved:
- that the master does select from among the male paupers a person to act as infirmary porter as recommended by Dr. Finucane.
- that the clerk applies to Mr.Herbert for the working plan which he assumed would accompany the plan of the fever hospital given by him to prepare for advertisement.
- that Joan Sullivan and Mary Fahy be discharged for having stolen potatoes which the matron found on them.
- that the master gets an order for one dozen sweeping brushes, 6 dozen brooms and a diet book.
- that the different collectors attend this board on the first Friday in every month and give an account of their lodgements and collections.
[76]
Mr. Michael Considine gives notice that he will on this day week move to have the clerk write in suitable terms to Joseph Bourke Esq., Assistant Commissioner, lately in charge of this district, the regret of this board at his departure as he was on, all ocassions, for giving his support to every matter in which a saving may be affected, particularly the subject of dietary, as well as the organized and satisfactory state of the workhouse and grounds, and the general instruction he has given.

Medical Report:
There are 15 patients in hospital none of these cases requiring particular notice with the exception of Michael Garrahy who is labouring under diarhea of a serious character and James Murtough who has dropsy and whom I tapped during the week.  We have no death.
                                                                                                                Charles Finucane, M.D.

Resolved that we reappointed Michael Guttery collector for Ennistimon Electoral Division, and William Conole collector for Liscannor and Kilshanny Electoral Division at a poundage of 6d on the sum lodged with the treasurer.

[77]
Meeting held on the 17th day of May, 1844.

The register book was signed from No.859 to No.866.
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that the

[80]
Master’s Report:
The house continues healthy as at last meeting and the dietary continues to agree well with the inmates.  We have had to use meal for dinner for the 3 past evenings in consequence of having no potatoes from the contractor since last meeting.  There has been service secured for 2 of the girls making a total of boys and girls to this date 27, and the master has much pleasure in stating that their employers are much satisfied with their habits of cleanliness and industry.  One of those went to service to a taylor and of whom he is now learning his trade.
We would require and order to convert some of the sheeting in store to the making of women's and girl's shifts as there is not sufficient to have regular weekly change of linen for them.
A pane of glass has been broken in the women's ward while cleaning it on Monday by the ladder. The master again calls your attention to the necessity of getting the decription of ladder  recommended by the master on a previous occasion.  The subject of the pump requires consideration as it will occasionally get out of repair.
At present the bolts and screws are loosing the thread and occasions it to shake considerably, which may, if [81] not attend to, cause considerable damage and expence.  I would recommend the contracting with a proper person to keep it in repair when necessary from time to time.  The same may be said with reference to locks and iron works of the house generally, trifling defects the master remedies, but those matters of importance require attention.
The master requires an order of 12 heavy crooks on which may be hung the ladders of the house as they must be injured by being laid on the yards.
Changes of diet by medical officers' order, can be seen on reference to the book for that purpose before your board.
Orders were made on the master’s report.

Resolved:
- that our clerk does send to Mr. Herbert, to Ennis, the plan of the fever hospital for the purpose of his making out a working plan there from and does also send the specification.
- that the marked thanks of the board of guardians are due and hereby given to Joseph Burke Esq., Assistant Commissioner for the eminent services rendered by him in the management of the workhouse of this union and for his uniform courtesy and readiness to give information and instruction to the guardians and officers of the establishment and for the important savings effected by him in the introduction of our dietary.
[82]
Mr. Pat Shannon, revising valuator of the union, attended the board in reference to the certificate which he gave to Pat Fitzgibbon on the 30th of March last and it appearing to the board that the said certificate was erroneous, the matter at Mr. Shannon's request was postponed for a fortnight for the purpose of affording him an opportunity of ascertaining the precise sum at which the said Pat Fitzgibbon should be rated and correcting the said certificate if necessary.
Proposed that the salary of the matron be raised from 10 pounds to 20 pounds a year from the 25 of March last.
Moved as an amendment that the salary of the matron be not raised but remain at 10 pounds a year until she resigns. Upon a division the original proposition was carried by a majority of 6 to 3.
[83]
In reference to the master’s report, the board are of opinion that the 3 following persons be appointed a committee to report on the state of the clothing, linen etc. of the workhouse.  Namely Mr. Kenny, Mr. Michael Considine, and Mr. O'Dwyer and they are requested to make their report on this day fortnight and meet for that purpose on Wednesday next.

Medical Report:
The house continues healthy, as last report.  We have the same number, 15, in hospital.  We have no death.
                                                                        Charles Finucane.
                                                                                Medical Officer.

May 24, 1844.
In consequence of a special session being held at Ennistimon on this day we have no attendance of guardians and consquently no meeting.
                            Michael McDonough, clerk.

[84]
Meeting held on Friday 31st of May, 1844.

The register book was signed from No.867 to No.872.
[85] The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that the

[87]
Medical Report:
We have had three cases of fever since last report.  The patients are children.    We have had no deaths this month.
                                                                                                Charles Finucane, M.D.
Master’s Report:
The house continues healthy with the exception of 3 cases of fever which will be reported on by the medical officer.
The dietary continues to agree well with the inmates but from which we had to depart, since last meeting, on 4 mornings on the substitution of bread for breakfast instead of meal, in consequence of its not arriving from the contractor.  Dinner was late, at 8 o'clock, on Saturday in consequence of not having potatoes in time.
The master requests your board will insist on a regular delivery of the several articles from the contractors, without it, and despite all of the master's exertion the house cannot be managed properly beside throwing a responsibility and suspicion on the master which he wishes to avoid in the first place, by procuring matters
[88] from people at Ennistimon wanted, and leaving the inmates and guardians in the second to suspect, if the master done his duty those neglects could not occur.
There are only 8 boy's trousers in store and they will require a supply.  The master mentioned the circumstances a long time ago and promised at the time to keep those on hand as well together as possible.  This he has performed.  On this subject the master has to observe, that putting all the other classes in the house together and managing their expenditure it does not come so high as that of the boys. To deal candidly with the board there is no keeping them in clothes.  A check should be put to it in whatever way your board will deem most proper.
The master would earnestly impress on your board the necessity of getting lime to whitewash the house.  It is much wanting, more especially as fever has made its appearance.  Changes of diet by medical officers' orders can be seen on reference to the book before your board for that purpose. There is only a sufficient of tin platters for the numbers in the house at present so that more should be procured.
The soaking rod of the pump has been broken in two this morning while working with it, the consequence is that no water is in the house, nor can until repaired.
The board should advertise for straw.
Orders were made on the master’s report.

[89]
Resolved
- that the master gets an order for 40 tin platters for the present and for 10 barrels of lime and 12 strong crooks to suspend the ladders from the house.
- that the pump be repaired by John Molony, the smith, the damage at present being the want of a new wheel axle, a swivel bushel, 4 bolts and 4 nuts, the under work to be taken up and repaired, the pump to be effectually repaired and finished on Monday next for the sum of 15/- and kept in repair for 3 months from the 1st. June, 1844.
- that the master sends a sufficient number of paupers to carry the damaged parts of the pump to John Molony, the smith's, house - a distance of 1/2 mile.
- that 4 tons of straw be advertised for.

The Commissioners having returned Mr. Herbert's plan and Mr. Herbert having given the working plan for the fever hospital,
Resolved:
- that our clerk do forthwith advertise for tenders from professional men for the execution of said work according to plan and specification to be seen at the clerk's office at the workhouse, the contractor to find all materials himself. And that said advertisement be
[90] put forward on the Clare Journal on one post. Tenders to be opened on the 14th of June next and that our clerk do also cause handbills to be posted in the towns of Ennis, Kilrush, Milltown, Ennistimon, and Corrofin to the same effect.
that 25 sheets be broken up for the purpose of being converted into women's and girls' shifts.  It appearing that the rate books with reference to the late Act are made erronously and insufficiently, by omitting the names of all occupiers rated at and under 4 pounds whether such occupiers hold under or without lease,
Resolved:
- that our clerk do write to the Commissioners for directions on this point and be informed whether the rate books already signed and delivered can be legally called in and rectified in that respect and also how the collectors are to ascertain under what tenure each occupier holds. 
- that 2 gallons of oil be procured by the master for the purpose of oiling the stoves.
- that the porter get a suit of clothes, to which he is entitled, once a year, from Mr. O'Dwyer. 

[91]
Meeting held on the 7th June 1844.

The register book was signed from No. 873 to No. 876.
The clerk's report was read to the following effect:
That he has caused the advertisement for tenders from professional men to erect and complete the fever hospital to be posted and circulated in the manner prescribed by the guardians.  The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that the

[94]
Master's Report:
The pump has been put in order for working.  The master has to observe that it still wants a screw which was in it when taken asunder and which the contractor says he put in.   However before leaving the spot the master observed to him the want and as it would cause considerable labour he declined doing it.  It should be attended to.  The barrows of the house require to be reshod and repaired.  The chaplain has requested of the master to bring the subject of the altar before you.  A new form of provisions book having been ordered by Mr. Hancock, A.P.L.C. when here, your board will give the necessary orders.  A rail has been broken in the outer gate and from the time the master saw it safe, until seen broken, no car passed but the turf contractors. The master has to observe the quality of the last meal delivered has not been as good as usual which the contractor says arose from getting it at Ennis, not being able to have it from Limerick in due time. This is the first occasion the master had to complain of the meal. The master requires an order of nails. 
[95]Changes of diet by medical officers can be seen on reference to the book for that purpose before your board.  No orders were made on the master's report.

Medical Report:
There are 19 patients in hospital at present.  The fever has entirely disappeared, the few patients that had it being now quite well.  The inmates mostly complain of the stirabout which they suppose is disagreeing with them and is likely to be the cause of so many of them complaining of headaches and pains in their stomach. 
                                                                                                                    James Shannon, M.D.

Moved by Michael Considine, seconded by Matt Kenny, two guardians for the Milltown district, that the Poor Law Commisssioners will please to order one of their alt="" to examine and issue summonses to try the qualifications of Patrick Fitzgibbon as candidate for a guardian of said district,  previous to a disputed and expensive election which must follow if a new election should take place. Mr Fitzgibbon's qualifications being often discussed before the board of guardians and found defective, particularly on the last day of meeting of the guardians, before Cornelius O'Brien Esq. M.P. and Francis G. Morony Esq. and others, after a due enquiry into the rate book of said district whereby it appeared that Mr. Fitzgibbon was not rated as to his qualification and that it appeared to the board that [96] several names of rate payers were returned by the revising valuator who were under tenants to Mr. Fitzgibbon for the purpose of forcing a qualification which was proved by the collector of rates and that the board were of opinion if the collector's book was right Fitzgibbon was disqualified and if wrong, that the rate as struck is wrong and cannot be collected and that the  Commisssioners may be acquainted by our clerk and that an answer may be returned before our next day of meeting, Mr Shannon, the revising valuator, having admitted on the last occasion that he was misinformed. 

Resolved:
that Pat MacNamara's tender for 2 ton of straw be accepted at 1.7.6 per ton.
- that our clerk gets 1000 notices to be served by the collectors on defaulters of the payment of rate.

[97]
Meeting held on Friday 14th of June 1844.

The register book was signed from No. 877 to No. 882.
[98]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that the

[100]
Master's Report:
Slake has appeared on the slating over the girls' dormitory.  We would require thread to employ the girls at knitting as nothing in the way of clothes can be thought of.    The master has to recommend that the children be regularly attended to in future, not alone at school hours or school days, but at all times between rising and going to bed and if the medical officers see no objection the master would recommend that they be taken, while the weather is fine, once a week into the country for recreation.   There is nothing connected with the establishment so important as its schools from their being well attended to, mainly depends the children becoming useful and respectable members of society.  The course of education such as that will require is not limited to reading, writing and arithmetic, or the acquisition of what is called learning, but it likewise comprises, careful moral and religious instruction, as well as training in habits of industry.  It is not sufficient to read and write but they should know more,
- they should know how to work with their hands, to fit them to become good servants. At the same time this should be so arranged, as not to interfere with the regular schooling of the children. 
[101]
One of the boys has allowed his jacket sleeve to fall in the necessary, and a good many to whom caps were supplied have no account of them.  The bricks in the back of good many of the grates have been worn.  They would require to be renewed.  A pane of glass has been broken in the surgery  and one broken in the male infirm ward by the doctor in attempting to close it.  A pane of glass has also been broken in the porter's lodge.  We would require combs and scissors for the use of the inmates, as also two large brushes for the brushing of the walls previous to their being lime washed and for the purpose of the house generally, also oil and nails.  Turf has been ordered by Doctor Shannon to be continued in the infirmary.  Milk for the infirmary and infirm wards did not arrive last night until 7 o' clock.  Your board will perceive that the average expence has increased to 1 5/7d a day or one shilling a week.   The weekly expence of all the classes in the diet book, you have under, for the purpose of showing the cause of the additional expence. 

[102]
The master again calls your attention to the necessity of contracting for the repairs of the iron works of the house, more particularly the locks, a good many of which are out of repair.  Changes of diet by medical officers' orders can be seen on reference to the book for that purpose left by the master before your board.

Medical Report
There are 14 patients in hospital at present suffering from various chronic afflictions.    Fever has entirely disappeared and the inmates are more healthy than when last I made my report. 
                                                                                                                James Shannon M.D.

Read tenders from contractors for building the fever hospital.

[103]
Resolved
- that we accept James McDonough's tender at 268.0.0 and that we accept Mr. Patrick O' Dwyer of Ennistymon and Mr. Patrick Jordan of Cahiremore, his sureties, to be bound in the sum of 536 for the due execution of the work, and the contractor and his sureties are bound to have the said work completed in 10 calendar months from this date. 
- that in case James McDonough and his securities do not execute their bond pursuant to their agreement that we accept the tender of Michael McNamara and Son at 299 for the erection and completion of the fever hospital.

[104]
Meeting held on Friday 21st June l844.

The register book was signed from No. 883 to No. 894.
[105]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that the

[107]
Master's Report
The paupers were obliged to use meal on Monday for dinner in consequence of not having potatoes from the contractor.  Meal did not arrive on Tuesday morning until 11 o'clock nor did milk arrive on Wednesday evening until the paupers were leaving the hall at 5 o'clock.  Since last meeting we have had 2 deaths, James Garrahy and James Murtough.  The medical certificates will herewith be laid before you.  They have left some valueless articles of dress, the master would require to know how they are to be disposed of.  The molasses on hand is no more than sufficient until a supply arrives.    The master would require an order.  A slake has appeared over the stairs leading to girls' dormitory and by the timber which supports the rafters.  The master has to complain of a pauper named Pat Lynch for idleness, who neglects or refuses to work, but, as he wishes he is quite able, and if allowed to scheme in this manner he will spread an example, which will be found injurious among the rest of the inmates.  He is likewise impudent and abusive to the inmates and officers.  He seeks for idleness.    The master is much inconvenienced for the barrows which are out of repair and unable to work.  [108]
The master requires an order for 40 yds. of calico to make waists for the girls' petticoats of whom they are falling for their want.  They have no frocks but those on them and the master requires an order of condemnation for 52 girls' frocks which are worn out.  They can be seen by the board in the store over boardroom.  The master has to complain of a woman named Hoar who beat, in the matron's presence, a girl in the nursery for stating it was the child of this woman who committed a nuisance in the nursery and has since continued to abuse the master and matron.  The house continues healthy and the dietary agrees well with the inmates. Changes of diet by medical officers'    orders can be seen on reference to the book for that purpose before your board.   The average cost of a pauper continues at 1/0 per week.
[109]
Resolved
- that the children of the house be allowed to go out into the country for recreation one day in each week during the fine weather and that the day be fixed on Thursday in each week.  They may be kept out for three hours on that day accompanied by the schoolmistress /schoolmaster.

Doctor's Report
There are 16 patients in hospital at present.  There were two deaths since last meeting, one James Garrahy from dysentry, the other James Murtough from dropsy.   
                                                                                                                    James Shannon M.D.

Resolved
- that Pat Lynch be discharged for disobedience to the master, refusing to work, and also disobedience to the board.
- that 40 yards of calico be had by the master from Mr.O'Dwyer for waists for childrens' petticoats.
- that the boys in the school get new caps and jackets out of the store from the master and any that lose or destroys his clothes be discharged.  In consequence of the non-attendance of guardians there was no meeting on the 28th of June l844 nor on the 5th of July next following.         

[110]
The cost of provisions and necessaries received during the second week that we had no meeting was 8.3.1 1/32.  The cost of provisions and necessaries consumed the same week was 11.8.7 1/2


[111]
Meeting held on Friday 12th July, 1844.

The register book was signed from No. 895 to No. 914.

The clerk's report was read to the following effect:
That the premium for the insurance of the workhouse furniture will be due on the 22nd August next.
[112]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that the

[114]
Master's Report
The master has to complain of Mary Fitzpatrick for cutting off a piece of one of the union blankets to mend one of her own, which she contrived to get in over infirmary yard.    Unless your board interferes and asserts the master, he will not be able to keep down such acts and practices.  There is no protecting the union property while the boundary wall is wanting, the grounds around the house being every day crowded with the friends of the inmates.  The master got a set of brushes for applying the train oil to the shoes and a scissors for cutting the shifts for the women.  A great many of the tins require repair including chamber utensils and milk measures.

[115]
Another break has occurred to the pump.  Your board will see if Moloney, the smith, was obliged to keep it in repair.  Peter Hansberry, an inmate, threw a fit of temporary insanity, broke four panes of glass in the infirmary.  There was no potatoes on the 29th and 30th of June last nor on the 1st and 2nd inst. in consequence of not having them from the contractor. We were, therefore, obliged to use meal on those occasions for dinner.  There are no caps for men or boys.  The boys have been regularly to the country.  On the days ordered the girls have not.  They having only the suit they wear which is broken and soiled.  The school mistress did not wish to let them go outside under the circumstances.  The master did not press it.    There are thirty shirts in the store worn out.  The master would require to have them condemned, to keep the rest in repair and two linsey woolsey petticoats for like purpose. 
[116]
James McDonough, the contractor for the fever hospital having attended the board, and stated when he made his calculations for the hospital there was not the addition of 7 feet, nor the eve-shoots and down pipes, nor the flagging of the hall and the flooring of the nurse's room to the plan and specification now before the board, and under the circumstances that he would relinquish the contract if the board did not consider the additional work,
Resolved
-that in consideration of the above statement of facts and taking into account the propriety of giving the contract to a person who will employ the tradesmen and labourers of this union now so much in need of such, that an advance of 31.0.0 be given in addition to the original sum of 268.0.0, making the total of 299.0.0 for the erection and completion of the fever hospital and that the clerk does this day prepare the bond accordingly, not withstanding any previous resolution, if any, to the contrary.
[117]
Resolved
-.that Mary Fitzpatrick be discharged for having cut a piece out of a blanket on her bed in the workhouse.
- that John Herbert, the late clerk of works in this union, be appointed the superintendent of the fever
hospital at the salary of 25 for the entire superintendance thereof.

[118]
Meeting held on the 19th July, l844.

The register book was signed from No. 915 to No.920.
The clerk's report was read to the following effect:-
The bond for the erection and completion of the fever hospital has been perfected by the contractor and his sureties.
[119]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[121]
Master's Report
There was no potatoes for dinner on the 14th instant, we were obliged to use meal instead.
Some injury has been done to the outer gate by the carmen at turf. The master was obliged to have it repaired.
The master has to recommend that the school master be directed to have a woman kept in the schoolroom for keeping the boy's clothes in repair from 12 until 3 o'clock, those being school hours, and the hours less likely to interfere with the classification.
The master refers you to his last report for your decision thereon.
The master has again to state that he cannot commence the leveling of the male and female yards until the barrows are repaired.
[122]
The iron of one of the pickaxes has been stolen from the porters lodge and the handle left, no doubt to prevent detection, having the union mark on it. Particular instructions should be given by the board that no person should be admitted, even in the waiting hall, without sufficient business.
The Commissioners having issued new orders for the workhouse government and the duties of its officers, they require that additional books should be kept by the master.
He requires an order for the following books:-
For recording the acts of disorderly persons as required by the order.
A master's journal.
Regulations respecting refractory people and boards to have them on.
A book for porter to insert names of officers.
A doctor's book
The house continues healthy and the dietary continues to agree well with the inmates. Changes of diet by medical officers' orders can be seen on reference to the book for that purpose.
[123]
There are 35 beds worn in the centre from children and bedridden inmates. They require to be mended. It would spare the beds in the store.
It appearing to the board that the male and female children on the workhouse want clothing of every description and that other articles of clothing are wanted for the adults. It is referred to Mr. Kenny and Mr. O'Dwyer and Mr. Ryan to ascertain the description and quantity that would be necessary for each article and the price of each and that they do report to the next meeting.
The aged men and women in the workhouse having complained of cold for want of fire in the infirm wards and the doctor having expressed his opinion that fires were necessary for the preservation of health in those wards at all times,
Resolved that the master be ordered to keep fires in said wards accordingly.

Doctor's Report.
We have two cases of fever in hospital, both of them boys. We have had one death since the first of the month, Mary Gaiden aged 2 years.
                                                    Charles Finnucane M.O.

Resolved that 30 shirts in the store should be used by the master in repairing the others and two linsey woolsey petticoats be used for mending petticoats.
[124]
It being represented to the board that the several collectors of rates are entitled to credit for sums irrecoverable from defaulters,
Resolved that the clerk be directed to call upon each collector to furnish a list of the name and residence of each defaulter, with the amount of such default, and that each collector should have credit for such as may be found irrecoverable.
The Commissioners' order bearing date 5 June, 1844, was put off without reading until the 26th instant.
Resolved
- that the master do get an order of books referred to in his report.
- that a woman be placed in the school rooms for the purpose mentioned in said report
- that the clerk does advertise for the repairs of all the barrows.

[125]
Meeting held on 26th of July, 1844.

On Mr. O'Briens vacating the chair, it was taken by Mr. MacNamara.
The register book was signed from No. 921 to No. 931.
The clerk's report was read to the following effect:
The premium of the insurance of the workhouse, furniture, etc. will be due on the 22nd of August next and the meat contract will expire on the 2nd of the same month.
[126]
The treasurer's book of receipts and payments was produced by which it appeared that there had been

[128]
Master's Report:
The master called your attention sometime since to the state of the nursery chimney which is in a bad state from not drawing properly, the schoolroom convenient being in a horrid state from its effects.
We had no potatoes on Monday for dinner in consequence of not arriving from the contractor, we were obliged to use meal instead.
A woman named Doherty, whose husband is outside, was detected in sending a platter and quart thro the ventilators of the female necessary.
Your board should give the master an order to reclothe the men who are in want of them, as an order was made sometime ago to the contrary without the order of the board.
[129]
The committee, whom your board selected to enquire into the clothing, met and adopted the report herewith laid before you.
Observations having been made by the chairman that the dining hall tables require to be cleaned with freestone, your board should contract for same, this part of the country affording none of that or any similar material.
Changes of diet by medical officers' order can be seen on reference to the book for that purpose. The house continues healthy and the dietary agreeing well with the inmates. Since last meeting we have had 2 deaths, the medical certificate will be herewith before you.
Resolved that the resolution of the 14th of June last declaring Michael MacNamara and Son contractors for building the fever hospital, on the contingency of James McDonough not fulfilling his offer, was irregular and that the resolution of the 12th of July augmenting the sum to be given to James McDonough for executing said work from his offer of 268 pounds to 299 pounds, the sum offered by Mr. MacNamara was also irregular and should not have been adopted and therefor that our clerk shall advertise for tenders as before.
[130]
Resolved that it is the unanimous opinion of the board that Pat Fitzgibbon was, and is, ineligible in regard of qualification, to be nominated and elected as guardian for any electoral division of this union without refering to the fact of the said Pat Fitzgibbon having taken the benefit of the Insolvent Act. He never had the qualifications now required by the regulations of the Commissioners in occupation or otherwise, and therefore we cannot refrain from expressing our surprise that the Commissioners should, by their order of the 20th July instant, have declared that a question has arisen as to the right of Matt Kenny, Michael Considine and Michael Finucane, and that they are not competent to act as guardians of said electoral division, and that said Pat Fitzgibbon should have been nominated by the returning officer, he being duly qualified, and in consequence the said Commissioners prohibited the said persons from acting, have directed an election to take place and therefore this board respectfully solicit the Commissioners to furnish them with the evidence on which they have come to the conclusion that the said Pat Fitzgibbon is eligible to be a guardian and that the order for the election of guardians be suspended.
[131] Resolved that the advertisement for the erection and completion of the fever hospital requires to have the tenders before the board on this day fortnight.

Medical Report:
There have been 2 deaths since last report, Darby McCarthy aged 81 and Mary O'Connor aged 32, said infirm since her admission. The former died of natural decay, the latter from the effects of mercury improperly used before her admission. I think the appearance of the rooms would be much improved if the boards and furniture were washed with freestone at least twice a week.
                                                            Charles Finucane, M.R.C.S.L.

On reading the letter of the Commissioner dated 24th July respecting the salary of John Herbert for the superintendence of the work of the fever hopital,
Resolved:
- that we still consider him entitled to the sum of 25 for such superintendance.
[132] - that the consideration of the freestone be put off until this day week.
The Committee whom your board selected met this day and have come to the following resolutions respecting the clothing wanting to the workhouse:
- there is 210 yards of linsey woolsey for girls' frocks, 3 yards to each, 70 yards of check for girls' safes, 1 yard to each, 105 yards of calico for lining girls' frocks, 1 1/2 yards to each frock.
- that supplying the boys with clothing may be dispensed with for the present and that 5 dozen of caps is necessary, same description as Ennis.
On behalf of the Committee,
                            Mathias Kenny
                                    July 24th, 1844

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