The Limerick No. 2 District Council convened for its regular meeting on Saturday with Mr Arthur Stritch in the chair. Among those present were Captain O’Brien, Messrs. T. Bourke, M. Hanlon, M. Bourke, M. O’Corry, J. Maddeo, G. Heffernan, J. O’Connell, I. Skehan, and P. Stritch, along with the clerk, Mr H. J. Guinane, solicitor Mr J. Ryan, and engineer Mr J. O’Malley.

A letter was read from the Local Government Board addressing the council’s inquiry regarding the legality of a council official other than the solicitor initiating legal action for the recovery of labourers’ cottage rents. The board clarified that it would be permissible for the council to be represented by an official other than the solicitor.

Mr Ryan, the solicitor, explained that this matter arose from his previous statement. He emphasized that pursuing small sums owed by numerous tenants would be impractical for him to personally attend Killaloe, Broadford, and Doonass Petty Sessions. Captain O’Brien suggested adopting the procedure followed by other councils in this regard.

The clerk proposed that if the council intended to act upon the letter, they should authorize him to initiate proceedings instead of Mr Skehan, asserting his better ability to handle the case. Mr T. Bourke inquired about the expenses involved, to which the clerk responded that the only cost would be for car hire, as he couldn’t be expected to bear the expenses personally. Captain O’Brien recommended leaving the matter to Mr Skehan.

The discussion then shifted to the completion of cottages under the seventh scheme, including the fencing of half-acre plots and payment to occupiers. The engineer confirmed that all the necessary work had been finished. Captain O’Brien requested a tabulated return indicating the cost of each cottage, which the clerk noted could be obtained from a personal ledger in his office. Captain O’Brien emphasized the importance of providing this information.

Before adjourning, the chairman inquired about the amount of money credited to them under the Labourers Act. Mr Ryan responded that they had no funds in their account. The subject concluded, and the council adjourned.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 12 July 1904