Limerick, Friday – At the recent meeting of the Limerick Board of Conservators, presided over by Lord Massy, an important matter regarding the appointment of members to the board was discussed. A letter from Mr T.P. Ganley of the Ministry of Agriculture was read, addressing the issue of three members representing the board by power of attorney.

The Department stated that they had received advice indicating that ex-officio members, who are magistrates by virtue of their position, did not possess the authority to appoint substitutes on the Boards of Conservators. Mr Molloy, who was present on behalf of Mr Richard J. Kennedy of Cappamore, acting under a power of attorney, referred to a previous communication from the Department dated 18th March, which stated that it was not within their jurisdiction to render a decision on the matter.

Mr Smyth interjected, stating that the Department had now provided a clear and definitive response. However, Mr Molloy expressed his disagreement with the Department’s communication, stating that he could not accept it in light of the letter he received. As long as Mr Kennedy was content with his representation on the Board, Mr Molloy intended to continue participating and fulfilling his duties as a Conservator.

The Department was then queried about whether individuals representing Conservators by power of attorney were legally allowed to sit on the Board. Mr Smyth replied that no elected Conservator could delegate their power to another person. He clarified that in cases where two individuals jointly held a fishery, one could delegate their authority to the other. However, the question of whether power of attorney could be exercised in this context remained unclear.

Despite the discussion, no further action was taken on the matter, and it was eventually dropped. The issue surrounding Conservators representing the Board by power of attorney remained unresolved at the conclusion of the meeting.

Dublin Evening Telegraph – Saturday 07 May 1904