In the heart of Limerick, the town’s accounts for a fifteen-month period, ending in March 1899, came under scrutiny. The Northants Evening Telegraph on Tuesday, February 12, 1901, might have featured the headline, “The Limerick Night Watch: A Tale of Accounts and Responsibility.”
Auditor Mr Ellis Examines City Accounts
The focal point of this narrative was Mr Ellis, a Government Board auditor, who had meticulously reviewed the city’s financial records. In his report, he addressed a pressing question: should the Limerick night watch be maintained? The Northants Evening Telegraph might open the story with the headline, “Auditor Mr Ellis Examines City Accounts.”
The Question of Disbanding the Night Watch
Within the corridors of power, a resolution had been passed to disband the night watch, reflecting a debate about the necessity and cost-effectiveness of this service. However, this decision was later rescinded, and the night watch members continued their duties. In a twist of fate, their wages for that period were paid by the Corporation. The Northants Evening Telegraph might capture this moment of uncertainty with the headline, “The Question of Disbanding the Night Watch.”
Request to Disallow Wages
In the wake of these events, a request had been made to disallow the wages paid to the night watch members during the period of uncertainty. This request bore the weight of financial scrutiny and accountability. The Northants Evening Telegraph might evoke the sense of fiscal responsibility with the headline, “Request to Disallow Wages.”
The Auditor’s Perspective
Mr Ellis, the Government Board auditor, offered his perspective on the matter. He saw no reason to disallow the wages paid to the night watch members. His assessment was grounded in the historical context and legal framework within which the Corporation of Limerick operated. The Northants Evening Telegraph might convey the auditor’s rationale with the headline, “The Auditor’s Perspective.”
Historical Responsibility of the Corporation
Mr Ellis highlighted the historical responsibility of the Corporation of Limerick. Before the Limerick Improvement Act 1853, the duty of maintaining night constables to patrol the city rested with the dissolved Commissioners of St. Michael’s Parish. When these responsibilities were transferred to the Corporation, they inherited the legacy of the Commissioners. The Northants Evening Telegraph might underscore this historical context with the headline, “Historical Responsibility of the Corporation.”
Dispensing with Individual Members
While the Corporation had the power to dispense with individual night watch members for reasonable cause, they could not divest themselves of their overarching duties and responsibilities. Mr Ellis’s assessment emphasized the enduring nature of these obligations. The Northants Evening Telegraph might emphasize this aspect with the headline, “Dispensing with Individual Members.”
Acknowledgment of Civic Officers
In the midst of this financial and administrative review, the auditor took a moment to extend high praise. He commended City Treasurer Mr Woulfe, Town Clerk Mr W. Nolan, and Assistant Town Clerk Mr A. Killeen for their exceptional work in maintaining the accounts and providing valuable assistance during the audit. The Northants Evening Telegraph might celebrate their dedication with the headline, “Acknowledgment of Civic Officers.”
In the labyrinth of financial scrutiny and historical responsibilities, Limerick’s night watch found itself at the center of debate and deliberation. The auditor’s perspective, rooted in the city’s historical context, underscored the enduring nature of civic duties and responsibilities. As the city moved forward, the headlines in the Northants Evening Telegraph rightly encapsulate this chapter with the headline, “The Limerick Night Watch: A Tale of Accounts and Responsibility.”
Image: Limerick City Night Watch (1902) Back: P Hayes, R Gleeson, P Sheahan, S Meany, J McNamara. Front: J Gilligan (Inspector), S Leo, W Lynch, J Hayes, J Lahiff, J Bourke, J McNamara (Inspector).
Northants Evening Telegraph – Tuesday 12 February 1901
