DROGHEDA POOR RELIEF UNION
The stated monthly meeting of the Guardians
of this Union was held on Thursday [27/02/1855].
FRANCIS DONAGH, Esq., Chairman
Other Guardians present: - P. Boylan, P.
Mathews, Jas. Maguire, Jas. Lynch, Peter Greene, Thos. Carty, M. Soran,
J. Mathews, R. Kirk, P. Hardman, J. Hand, and M. Branagan, Esqrs.
The Minutes of the last meeting were read
and affirmed.
Admitted during the week, 41; remaining
from last week 767; born, 2; died, 6; discharged, 49; remaining, 757;
Expenses for the week, £84 4s 6¾d; less officers rations, £2 10s 0d.
Average each pauper in the workhouse (food only) 1s 4½d; do. in
infirmary, 2s 3d; do. in fever hospital, 2s 8d; do.
including all classes, 1s 8¼.
PAUPERS CHARGED TO THE FOLLOWING
ELECTORAL DIVISIONS:
St. Mary’s, 127; Julianstown, 19; Stamullen,
4; Ardcath, 13; Duleek, 16; Mellifont, 8; St. Peter’s, 259;
Monasterboice, 11; Termonfechin, 12; Clogher, 10, Dysert, 5; Mullary, 7;
Union at large, 271; total 757.
PROVISIONS:
Buttermilk and Newmilk – no complaints.
White bread, do.
DOCTOR’S REPORT:
In infirmary, 89; discharged, 16; died, 6;
remaining 68; in fever hospital – fever, 45; discharged 13; died 11;
remaining, 32. In male and female wards, 12; vaccinated, 0.
CLASSIFICATION OF INMATE:
The numbers in the house, week ending
Saturday 24th Feb., may be thus classified: - Able-bodied –
Males, 29; females, 167. Aged and infirm males, 87; females, 148; boys
above 9 years of age and under 15 years, 102; girls, 93; children under
9 years of age 131. Total 767.
FINANCE:
The Treasurer’s books of receipts and
payments was provided, by which it appeared that there had been received
during the week £851 0s 0d. Paid £10; and that the balance on the
account in favour of the Guardians was £1537 17s 6d.
Cost of the door relief for the week 17s
0d.
SCHOOLMASTER AND SCHOOLMISTRESS:
The Board appointed Mr. Patrick McNamee,
late of Raheny school, Co. Dublin, to the situation of Schoolmaster, on
a salary of £20 per annum, with rations and apartments; and Miss Mary
Anne Beggs, at present Assistant-Matron, as Schoolmistress, at a salary
of £15 per annum with rations and apartments.
CORRESPONDANCE:
Poor Law Commission Office, Dublin
26th February, 1855
Sir – With reference to the resolution of
the Board of Guardians of Drogheda Union on the 15th instant,
stating that the Guardians have on hand a large quantity of stockings
made by the inmates of the Workhouse, and requesting to be informed
whether the Commissioners would sanction the disposal of any of them for
sale, I am directed by the Commissioners for administering the laws for
relief of the Poor in Ireland, to state that as a general rule they do
not approve of the sale of articles manufactured in Workhouses, as such
a practice has a tendency to interfere with the labour market, and thus
to increase pauperism; but in the present instance as it appears that
the articles proposed to be sold would be injured by being kept in
store, the Commissioners will not under the circumstances raise any
objection to the proposal.
I am at the same time to suggest that the
Guardians should call for tenders for the sale of the articles referred
to.
By order of the Commissioners
W. STANLEY, Secretary.
To the Clerk of the Drogheda Union.