The Limerick Technical Committee convened for its meeting, presided over by Reverend A. Murphy, held at St. John’s. Among those present were Reverend Brother Nolan, Miss Doyle, and Messrs. Patrick D. Bourke, M. O’Callaghan, William Whelan, and Patrick O’Brien. Assisting as the Assistant Secretary was Mr Frank McNamara.

Cookery Classes Discussed

One significant topic on the agenda was the status of the Cookery Classes. The Assistant Secretary provided a financial update, revealing that the total receipts for the session amounted to £29 2s 1d, while the expenditure came to £28 0s 9½d. The Chairman noted that this meant a profit of approximately one guinea from the operation of the classes.

Mr Bourke expressed his concerns about the Cookery Classes, stating that it appeared the girls were primarily being taught the intricacies of high-class cookery, neglecting the ability to prepare basic meals that working people might require. He shared his personal difficulty in finding a servant capable of cooking the type of meals he desired. He believed that the time in the classes was misallocated on teaching fancy cooking.

The Chairman countered by explaining that the girls at Pery Square School cooked their own lunches for a minimal fee and consumed them on-site. He also recounted an earlier effort by local priests to reach out to young married women in need of instruction in plain cooking. However, these women refused to continue with the classes because they were not being taught fancy cooking, despite instructions to the teacher to focus on basic skills. The Chairman highlighted that there were no instances of domestic servants attending the cookery classes, as people seemed more willing to allow their servants to socialize with soldiers than to attend classes. He did note, however, that there was currently a class of 30 students at Pery Square, all of whom were essentially householders, attending with great regularity.

Mr Bourke expressed satisfaction upon hearing about the dedicated attendees.

Audit Fees and Salary Increases

The Committee received a letter from the Local Government Board concerning the payment of £21 for an audit fee. However, this matter was deferred pending further action by the Corporation.

An application from Dr Atkinson, the chemistry teacher, for a salary increase was also addressed. Dr Atkinson currently received a salary of £110, and his application was postponed. Dr Atkinson was requested to provide his reasons for the increase.

The Committee further reviewed an application from Miss Gertrude O’Flynn, a pupil teacher, requesting an increase in her £10 salary. However, Miss O’Flynn was referred to the Department’s regulation, which stipulated a maximum increase of £15.

The Department notified the Committee of a balance of contribution amounting to £708 11s 2d, up to the end of March.

The meeting was adjourned for further discussions and actions on the matters at hand.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 17 July 1906