Ennistymon Union Minute Books

Book No. 6 

Meetings held from 9th/10th January 1849 - 6th/7th/8th February 1849

[1]
Meetings held on 9th and l0th of January l849

The register book was signed from No. 8239 to No. 8276.
The out door relief register was authenticated from No. 17097 to No.17193.
Dr. Phelan Esq. P.L.I. attended.

State of the workhouse for week ending 6th January 1849

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

[6] Read Orders:-
Sealed order, outdoor relief, bearing date 5th of January to continue in force until the fifth day of February inclusive, exempting from the above provision able bodied women who have not been married, or who being widows have no child dependant on them and able bodied men who have not more than one child dependant on them respectively.

Read Letters:-
Circular - monthly returns of ex. and liabilities No.3/m49.
- 3rd January l849 requiring the return by the 15th inst. 
Circular - Monthly return, 3rd January '49, about the return of collection of Poor Rates being forwarded by 8th inst.

[7] Resolved:-
- that the following scale of dietary be adopted as suggested by Dr. Phelan subject to the approval of the Poor Law Commissioner.

Breakfast, Men and Women - 6 1/2 oz. of meal, 1 1/2 oz. of rice, (made into stirabout) and 1/2 pt. of milk. 

Dinner, Men and Women - 12 oz of barley meal (made into bread), 1 1/2 pints of oatmeal gruel or porridge. 

Children from 9 to 15 - 5 oz of Indian meal, l oz. of rice (made into stirabout) and 1/2 pint of new milk.

Dinner 8 oz of barley (made into bread) l pint of oatmeal porridge.

Breakfast children from 9 to 5, 4 oz of Indian meal, 1 1/2 oz. of rice, (made into stirabout), and 1/2 pint of new milk. 

Dinner, 6 oz of white bread and 1/2 pint of new milk.

Supper 4 oz white bread and no milk.

[8] Children from 5 to 2, 2 oz of Indian meal, 1/2 oz rice, (made into stirabout), 1/2 pint of new milk for breakfast.

Dinner, 4 oz white bread, 1/2 pint of new milk.

Supper 4 oz white bread and new milk.

Children from 2 to 1, 10oz of white bread and l pint of new milk per day.

Children under 1, 8 ozs of white bread and 1 pint of new milk per day.

Resolved:-
- that a nurse be appointed for the infirmary at a salary of £10 per annum on the recommendation of Dr. Phelan - Poor Law Commissioner.
- that the proposal of John Mason be accepted for cleaning the privies and cess pools of the workhouse and Lahinch for the sum of £4.
[9] - that the Auxillary W.H. at Miltown be insured in the Patriotic Fire and Life Assurance Company as at foot,

- that the porter be allowed one pound of meat per diem.

The folowing resolution was adopted by the vice guardians in reference to the rate collectors who should have brought in the full amount of their warrants at the expiraton of three months.

The vice guardians recommend that an extension to time be given to the collectors if consistant with the obligation contained in the terms of their bond - until the lst. February to enable them to put in the balance of rates, that after that period, proceedings be immediately taken against the masters if the balance is not finally settled.

[1] Meeting held on the 16th and 17th of January, 1849
The register book was signed from No.8277 to No. 8344.
The outdoor relief register was signed from No.17194 to No.17310.

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

[5] Medical Report
In the week ending the 13th, we had l5 new cases of fever and 22 of measles and other diseases.  The deaths were dysentery 8, fever l3, measles l0. The number under treatment in fever l49, measles, dysentery and other diseases l73. In the greater number of cases measles  was followed by bad thypus fever, dysentery, or inflamation of the throat, stomach or intestines and if the patient got over one disease, debility rendered him a bad subject for the second. Of the above deaths 6 only were adults, 6 from 9 to l5 and l9 from 2 to 9.  I have much good result from keeping the measles cases in Lahinch. I have little doubt after this month, the health  of the house will be reestablished if the admissions be strictly restricted to the number it is fit to contain.
                                                                       Dr. Charles Finnucane, M.D.

Clerk's Report;
The clerk reports that he has called upon the master and matron of the Auxiliary Workhouse Miltown to perfect their bond and that they have not complied with the demand, also the master of the parent workhouse. The number of deaths including Auxiliary Workhouse Miltown was 72.
Ordered that the master and matron of the auxiliary workhouse, Miltown be called upon to enter forthwith into bond if not that they be prepared to render their resignation on this day week.

[6] Read Letters:
- 12th Jan l849, requiring an estimated return of expenses for half year ended 29th September.
- 13th Jan '49 about the appointment of medical officers in the event of cholera visiting the country.
[7]
Resolved:-
- that the clerk be directed to furnish the vice guardians against the next board day with the name of each officer employed in the workhouse and its auxiliaries, the amounts of salary paid to each and whether each officer has entered into bond and that he be directed to have all the bonds Ready for the inspection of the vice guardians.
- that the clerk be requested to write to Messrs. P.A. Lesslie and inform them that the medicines ordered some weeks ago have not been since delivered at the workhouse, and to request that they will do so with the least possible delay.
- that John Murphy be appointed r. officer for the electoral division of Killonahan at a salary of £25 per year.
- that a nurse be appointed for the Miltown workhouse and infirmary at a salary of £8 per annum.
- that the clerk do advertise for a master shoemaker for the workhouse at a salary of £8 per annum.

[8] The master requires the following article for the use of the workhouse and its auxiliaries:-
dozen sweeping brushes, 1 set of shoe brushes, 1 dozen of mops, 1/2 dozen scrubbing brushes, 1 gross of iron spoons, l dozen buckets, one dozen of sconces, l bead roof, l dozen of cups and saucers for officers use, 4 chamber candlesticks, 1/2 dozen of large saucepans metal, 2 scales and weights, 24 gross of buttons, a large iron and scissors and l000 yds. of linen. Ordered that the above be procured.

Resolved that the tender Edward Kearin, be accepted for he broken stones of Ennistymon at 8 1/2 per cubic yd.


[1] Meeting held on the 23rd and 24th days of January l849

The register book was signed from No. 8344 to No. 8348.  The out-door relief register was signed from No. 17310 to No. 17396.

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

[5] Medical Report:-
In the week ending January 20th, we had l8 new cases of fever - l2 of dysentery, measles and other diseases and the number under treatment on 20th, fever 121, dysentery 103, dyspepsia, measles and other diseases 57. The deaths, fever and diarrhea after fever l6, dysentery 8, measles 8.

I am glad to find that the number were in the workhouse is under what I stated it could contain (l000). The health of the children at the Lahinch house is much improved since the kitchen fire place has been put in order.
                                    Charles Finnucane M.D.

[6] Read Letters:-
- 20th January, l849, enclosing queries to be answered by the R. O. appointed for Killonahan.
- 20th January, l849, approving of the appointment of a nurse for the workhouse infirmary at 10 per annum.
- 20th January, l849, approving of the scale of dietary as suggested by Dr. Phelan.
[7]
Resolved:-
- that in pursuance of the Commissioners' letters of the 13th inst., the salary of Dr. Costello, medical officer of the Miltown Auxiliary Workhouse increased from £30 to £40 per annum.
- that the houses of Messrs. O' Brien, Commerford and Gibson situated at Sandfield, Ballykeale and Lahinch be taken at the respective rents of £60, £200, and £40 for additional workhouses accommodation, pursuant to the approbation of the Commissioners.
- that the clerk be directed to invite proposals by handbills and local newspapers from competent persons to fill the following situations, a master, matron, and porter for Ballykeale Auxiliary Workhouse at a salary of £25.15.0 and £10 per annum with rations, and also a  master and porter for Sandfield House at the respective salaries, -£20 and £8 per annum and a porter for the Lahinch House at £10 per annum and the election to take place on this day forthnight.
- that the clerk do advertise for a contractor for coffins to continue until the 25th March, to be taken into consideration on this day fortnight, also for outdoor relief to the same period.
[8] - that the several collectors be directed to attend at the boardroom on Saturday night the 27th inst. for the purpose of giving the necessary information to enable the clerk to make all proper alterations and corrections as to change of occupancy, consolidation of farmers etc. in the present rate books of the Union preparatory to the striking of a new rate within a fortnight.


[1] Meeting held on 30th and 31st days of January l849

The register book was signed from No. 8349 to No. 8455.
The out door relief register was signed from No. 17396 to No. 17448.

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

[5] Medical Report;-
We had 23 new cases of fever, 3 of dysentery and 7 of measles in the week ending January 27th. Total number of cases under treatment on Saturday January 27th, fever 89, measles, dysentery, diarrhea and other diseases 157.  The deaths fever and dysentery after fever l6, diarrhea, measles 2.
                                                        Charles Finnucane M.D.

There were 39 deaths during the week including the Auxiliary Workhouse Miltown Malbay.

Clerk's Report:
The clerk reported that the weekly relief list and abstract and the several clothing accounts have not been produced since 2nd December.

[6] Read Letters:-
- 27th January, l949, requiring contract prices for meal supplied to the workhouse for the last three years.
- 27th January, l949, requiring the monthly collection of rate by the llth February.
- 27th January, l949, requiring the monthly returns of liabilities by l0th February.

[7] Resolved:-
- that the Poor Law Commissioners be respectfully requested to appoint the Rev. John McMahon as Roman Catholic chaplain to the Auxiliary Workhouse at Miltown Malbay at a salary of £40 per annum, to be paid from the date his duties commenced namely l0th Oct, l848.
- that the Poor Law Commissioners be requested to furnish the necessary alterations at Sandfield House, Ballykeale House and the Lahinch House, to be proceeded with under Article 22 of General Regulations. Mr. Whitstone the architect is of the opinion that from the nature of the work that this is the most desirable course to pursue.
- that Michael Wood be appointed master shoemaker of the workhouse at a salary of £8 per annum with rations, appartment etc., etc.,

[1] Meeting held on 6th, 7th and 8th days of February, l849.

R.M.Lynch, Esq. attended.
The register book was signed from No. 8456 to No. 8603.
The out-door relief register was signed from No. 17449 to No. 17559.

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

[5] Medical Report;
There are l58 patients in infirmary and infirm wards and 123 in fever hospital, there are 28 new cases of fever during the week, most of whom came from Lahinch Auxiliary Workhouse. All the establishments and the parent one, more particularly are free from contagious diseases than they have been for some time. We had l6 deaths during the week, 8 from fever, 3 dysentery, 3 diarrhea, 2 measles. 
                                                        James Shannon. M.D.

[6] Read sealed order for outdoor relief dated 3rd February authorizing outdoor relief to certain classes until 3rd day of March.

Read Letters:-
- 30th Jan l849 about the clerk's expenses going to Crough.
- 2nd Feb l849 requiring parliamentary return relative to rates by 8th February.
- 3rd Feb l849 approving of the appointment of John Murphy as R.O. for Killonahan.
- 3rd Feb 49 requiring the number of emigrants sent from this Union in l848.
- 3rd Feb 49 approving of Dr. Costello's salary being increased to £40 per annum.
[7]
Resolved:-
- that in as much as the imposition of an electoral rate according to the requirement of each electoral division as set out in the following table would be certain to inflict on some divisions an intolerable pressure, we recommend for the sanctions of the Commissioners that a uniform rate of 3/4 in the pound be placed on such electoral division respectively. Estimate the expenses for the following electoral divisions for six months including repayments of advances under the Temporary Relief Act.Ennistymon 12/8, Miltown 8/8, Liscannor 9/0, Kilshanny 8/6, Killilagh 10/4, Kilfenora 7/7, Rath 6/4, Corofin 7/6, Carron 5/6, Burren 7/10, Drumcreehy 8/9, Rathborney 5/8, Killohanan 8/0.
- that Patrick Moroney be employed for one month to take charge of the boys' school at Miltown Malbay during the illness in fever of the schoolmaster at the rate of 2 per month with rations.
[8] - that in pursuance of the recommendation of Mr. Lynch, Poor Law Inspector, a wardmaster to be appointed superintendant of the able bodied paupers at the different works necessary to be performed at the Union workhouse - also the general supervision of dormitory wards, bedding etc., etc.

Resolved
- that subject to the approval of the Poor Law Commissioners, L. Hemsworth the porter of the union workhouse be appointed to fill the above office at a salary of £15 per annum, with officers' rations etc., the vice guardian considering him a very eligible person from his uniform good conduct and propriety.
- that the clerk be directed to write tenders by hand bills for plastering, rough casting and rendering the slates of the house originally occupied as a stable and now converted into a dormitory for the aged and infirm women. Tenders to be taken into consideration on next board day.
- that the clerk be directed to invite tenders by handbills, and in the local newspaper (for one post only), from persons willing to supply the Ballykeale Auxiliary Workhouse, to 25th March next with the following articles - viz., whitebread, meal, oatmeal, milk, salt, tea, sugar, rice, Indian meal, b. meal, coals, turf, candles, soap, starch.
[9] -that the following be procured for the Moymore Infirmary Hospital as recommended by Dr. Finnucane - 6 pairs of blankets, 12 rugs, 6 tincans each to contain 8 quarts, 6 sweeping brushes and six scrubbing brushes.  The vice guardians proceeded to the election of the following officers - master and matron, porter, Ballykeale; master & porter for Sandfield and porter for the workhouse in room of L. Hemsworth, lately appointed wardsman.

And the several candidates being duly examined it was Resolved that Mr. Charles Carrig and Mrs. Carrig be appointed master and matron for Ballykeale Workhouse at the respective salaries of £25 and £15 per annum with rations, etc., and John Healy as porter at a salary of  £10 per annum with rations etc., Also, Thomas Lysaght master - salary £20 of Sandfield Aux. W.House and Andrew Davouran as porter of the parent house, salary £10 per annum. 
The vice guardians suspended making any selection for the portership of Sandfield until enquiries would be made respecting the character of Patrick O'Brien whose appearance and previous reputation of police constable recommended him to their attention.
[10] There were 40 candidates for the portership. The master requires the following articles for the use of the workhouse - l000 yds. ticking, l000 yds. calico, l000 yds. flannel, 400 pint saucepans, 300 platters, one pair of irons for laundry, one doz. horses (clothes) for laundry, 200 pairs of mens shoes, 2 large tubs - ordered that it be procured.

Resolved:-
- that the clerk be directed to invite tenders for competent persons who will undertake the general supervision of the stone breaking at the respective depots in the Union, salary £1/10 per week. 
- that the tender of Patrick Quinn be accepted for the supply of coffins to the workhouse to the 25th March at the following scale of prices - mens and womens 4/3 each, boys and girls 2/4 each, infant 2/0. Also, Michael Callahan, tender for O.D.R. at the same price as above for the electoral divisions of Kilfenora, Kilshanny, Killilagh and Killonahan.
- that the tender of Patrick D'arcy be accepted for the supply of 3 doz spades at 2/0 each.

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