In a recent meeting of the Limerick Union workhouse board, concerns over alleged corruption and bribery among the Guardians took center stage. The matter, which has been circulating as rumors for years, prompted discussions among board members and drew attention from Scotland Yard authorities.
During the meeting, Mr Morton suggested leaving the issue with the clerk, but Mr W. M. Neill highlighted that these rumors had been circulating for an extended period. He revealed that he himself had been accused of joining the board with the hope of personal gain. Another new member, Mr J. C. M. Kerslake, supported the motion, emphasizing that Scotland Yard authorities were already conducting inquiries into the matter.
The specific charge in question alleged that a Guardian received a £20 cheque from a contractor and cashed it in close proximity to the boardroom, within the confines of a public house. A former mayor had even written a letter expressing concerns about certain contractors not toeing the line, though the exact meaning of that phrase remained unclear.
Mr Reynolds, providing insight into the board’s knowledge on the issue, mentioned that officers had gathered a considerable amount of information. When questioned about why the Guardians were not conducting an internal investigation, Mr Soper responded confidently, stating that they were not afraid. However, he proposed seeking clarification from the Local Government Board regarding the specific charges and the need for an inquiry.
The clerk, although not directly involved in the matter, indicated that the Criminal Investigation Department was already looking into the allegations. Despite some members feeling it might be too late for action, Mr Reynolds suggested that a letter to the Local Government Board would encourage them to expedite the inquiry.
Mr Kerslake added a concerning detail about the quality of the boiler in the Guardians’ Home, indicating that it was obtained from a heap. Miss Airey, expressing a desire for transparency, argued against hushing up the matter for the honour of the board, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation.
Ultimately, the resolution proposed by Mr Reynolds, calling for a Local Government Board inquiry, was unanimously agreed upon. The meeting also unveiled allegations of attempts to bribe Guardians during the election of a medical officer in March. Patrick Dillon, a Guardian, claimed he was offered money for his vote, and it was revealed that sixty other Guardians were similarly approached.
The atmosphere during the meeting was rife with interruptions and uproar, hinting at the tension surrounding the allegations. At times, it seemed as though violence might erupt. Cornelius P., another Guardian, disclosed that he had been offered money if his son was elected but withdrew the offer upon learning its illegality. The situation remains under scrutiny as Scotland Yard delves into the complexities of corruption and bribery within the Limerick Union workhouse board.
Daily News (London) – Friday 14 June 1907
