The Limerick County Council gathered for its half-yearly meeting on Saturday, with Mr Thomas Hurley, the vice-chairman, leading the proceedings. Notable attendees included Messrs John Ryzn, James Hogao, Jobn Coleman, M. Feheeny, William Gabbins, Micul Naughton, E Mt-hell, Robert Piggott, I O’Shaughnessy, J B Barrington, P Vangian, W Obwyer, P Doggan, J Magrath, E Edmond Sheehy, J Scanlan, BC Colling, John Bourke, Daniel Clancy, Lord Emly, Maurice O’Connell, Secretary R. Roche, and solicitor Me Leaby.
The Finance Committee’s minutes sparked a discussion regarding a £4 charge by Mr O’Donnell, a solicitor, for preparing three bonds for collectors. Mr Ryan explained that the matter was referred to the Council to determine if the rate collectors should bear the expense. Mr Leahy clarified that the charge wasn’t for bond preparation but for witnessing them, as required by law. The question arose whether the solicitor should look to the Council or the employing party for payment, considering it involved twenty bonds. Mr Coleman suggested seeking a Limerick solicitor to witness the bonds for £10, but Mr Leahy expressed doubts. Eventually, it was agreed that the Council would cover the preparation cost, while the collectors would handle the witnessing expenses.
Another topic discussed was the request from the office staff for approximately £30 in overtime payment for cheque preparation after each finance meeting. Mr Coleman objected to these payments, suggesting a year-end bonus instead. He argued that the recent salary increases should motivate the staff to complete the work themselves. However, Mr Feheeny seconded the proposal for no payment, highlighting that the work was done after office hours to ensure prompt payment to labourers. With the majority in favour, the payment was approved, but it was also agreed that the secretary should refrain from authorizing further overtime.
During the meeting, a delegation from the County Limerick Teachers’ Association addressed the Council, urging them to enforce the provisions of the Compulsory Education Act in the county. The Chairman emphasized unanimous support for compulsory education, while Mr Gubbins and Mr Vaughan expressed their favour as well. Mr Vaughan proposed putting the Act into force, emphasizing the significant benefits it would bring to the community and the urgent need for education, particularly among the less privileged classes. The resolution to adopt the report from the sub-committee, advertise for attendance officer appointments, and implement the Act on January 1, 1905, in the county of Limerick was adopted. Additionally, a small committee was appointed to report to the Council.
The minutes of the Proposals Committee from October 12 were read and confirmed, reappointing Mr John Coleman as chairman for the upcoming year. The Kilmallock District Council submitted a resolution requesting £52 per year for a clerk in Mr Doherty’s office, the assistant county surveyor, due to an increased workload. The request was supported by Mr Horan and agreed upon.
Furthermore, the council agreed to comply with the Kilmllock Council’s appeal to extend steamrolling to the rural district. Mr Coleman presented a motion stating that all public works, maintenance, and remaining contract-based works under the county surveyor’s control should be charged to the corresponding rural districts from April 1, 1905. However, Mr Ryan opposed the resolution, citing legal limitations and the potential burden it would place on the No 1 District Council. Mr Clancy seconded the amendment, and Mr Barrington supported it, emphasizing the unfairness of one district bearing the entire cost of a significant infrastructure failure. The amendment passed by nine votes to one, with Mr Gubbins raising concerns about the road conditions in parts of the Kilmallock district.
After a discussion, it was decided to refer the question of remuneration, as well as the revision of salaries for the secretary and certain clerical staff members, to a committee for further examination. The meeting concluded with plans for a follow-up session scheduled for the upcoming Wednesday at one o’clock.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 08 November 1904
