A meeting of the Limerick Harbour Board was held, presided over by the Mayor. Several members, including Alderman O’Brien, Mr W. Whelan, Mr W. L. Stokes, Mr Thomas Meany, Sir Thomas Cleeve, Mr J. H. Roche, Mr W. Holliday, and Mr J. F. Power, were present. The meeting discussed two main issues.
Firstly, the Board addressed the recommendation made by the contracts committee to accept the tender from the Army Clothing Factory for clothing for their staff members. Alderman O’Brien objected to this and proposed that the matter be referred back to the committee, as he believed that the Clothing Factory was not a fair employer of labour. He argued that the work at the factory was primarily done by female labour, who he believed were not receiving fair wages. A letter from the Amalgamated Society of Tailors was read during the meeting, expressing their concerns that the contract should have been given to them instead, as they were committed to paying a standard rate of wage to their workers. The Board agreed to discuss the matter further in a committee meeting with representatives from the Tailors’ Society and Mr Snell, the manager of the Clothing Factory.
Secondly, Mr Whelan brought to the Board’s attention the issue of flooding in the basements of several business houses in Lower George Street, Bedford Row, Henry Street, Shannon Street, Patrick Street, Arthur’s Quay, Francis Street, and Mallow Street. Sir Thomas Cleeve emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that if not addressed promptly, it could lead to a severe epidemic in the city.
Additionally, the Board agreed to sell the crane to the Longstone Quarry Power Co. for £175. A letter from Alderman S. O’Mara expressing gratitude for the Board’s vote of condolence on the death of his sister was also read during the meeting.
The meeting concluded with the decision to discuss the clothing contract matter further in a committee meeting with relevant stakeholders and to address the flooding concerns to prevent potential health risks in the city.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 14 February 1905
