The regular biweekly meeting of the Listowel Rural Council and Board of Guardians was held on Thursday, with Mr T. O’Connell, J.P., Chairman, presiding. The meeting was attended by several members, including Mr M.J. Nolan, MP.., Co. C.; W. McMahon, Co. C.; M.J. O’Sullivan, Michael Harty, John Coughlin, Mrs. Hawney, John Waish, Michael Nolan, Maurice Carmody, Michael Behane, John Hennessy, W. Collins, T. Dineen, J. McMahon, P. Jones, P. McCoy, B.J. Cantillon, D. Kelly, M. Galvin, E. Walsh, J. Finucane, T.M. O’Connor, William McCarthy, I. Manzan, C. M. O’Connell, C. K., P. Horgan, J. Mulvihill, Co. C., P. Walsh, J.C. Harnett, W. Fuller, Thomas O’Connor, James Keane, J. Scannell, William Stack, Michael McAuliffe, D. Ruddie, Matthew Doran, J. Boland, E. Enright, Brassil, Jerh. Keane, Michael O’Connor, W.L. Fitzgerald, W.L. Harnett, J.P. Keane, J.B. Nolan, J.M. Hanrahan, Trant, C. Fitzgerald, P. Galvin, I. Mullane, M. Guerin, and M. Dore.
During the meeting, the Clerk informed the attendees about the election of representatives on the Glin School Board. The Local Government Board had sent a wire stating that any unfinished duties related to the election, which should have been completed at a previous meeting, could be carried out at the adjourned meeting. Mr T.M. O’Connor pointed out that, according to the sealed order governing the election, the members should have been selected during the election of the Chairman of the Board of Guardians. Mr M. O’Connell expressed his disagreement with the wire from the Local Government Board, deeming it absurd. Nevertheless, it was decided to proceed with the election.
Mr D. Kelly mentioned that he had attended the previous School Board meeting along with the other two outgoing representatives. According to the opinion of Mr O’Sullivan, a solicitor to the School Board, if the election did not take place at the annual meeting, the three previous representatives should continue in office for the upcoming year. Therefore, they participated in the School Board proceedings. Mr P. Walsh proposed a motion to consider the recent election, which took place with proper notice, as valid and requested the Local Government Board to ratify the appointments. The Clerk clarified that if Mr Walsh’s resolution passed, the three members elected on the previous occasion—Messrs. Galvin, Keane, and Dineen—would retain their seats.
Mr M. O’Connell argued that no legal election had taken place yet, as the matter had been adjourned at the annual meeting and it was now their duty to proceed with the election. He deemed Mr Walsh’s motion irregular and unfit for consideration. Mr J. Boland proposed a new election, which was seconded by Mr J.C. Harnett. After further discussion, the Chairman decided to proceed with a new election, disregarding Mr Walsh’s motion.
Several candidates were nominated to fill the three vacancies on the School Board, including Messrs. J.B. Nolan, T. Keane, D. Kelly, T. Dineen, and M. Galvin. The first division of votes resulted in 40 votes for Keane, 36 for Galvin, 28 for Dineen, 258 for Nolan, and 23 for Kelly. Mr Galvin withdrew from the election but announced his intention to maintain his position for twelve months, challenging anyone to dispute it legally. In the second division, Keane received 45 votes, Galvin 44, Nolan 34, and Dineen 32. The Chairman declared Messrs. Keane, Galvin, and Nolan duly elected. Mr Kelly and Mr Dineen expressed their intent to retain their positions, with Mr Kelly stating that he would be the fifth member.
During the meeting, Mr W. McCarthy raised a question about the cheques signed at the previous Glin School Board meeting. Mr Dineen submitted a protest, objecting to the proceedings and claiming his own rightful election. Mr Kelly mentioned that Mr Conway, the Secretary of the School Board, had written to him, stating that the Local Government Board had confirmed that the Chairman of the Listowel Board of Guardians was the only person legally authorized to attend the School Board meetings as the representative of the Listowel Board until the next annual meeting.
Relieving Officer’s Salary
Mr Mangan proposed an increase of £10 per year for the salary of Mr Dore, the relieving officer. This proposal took into account the fact that Mr Dore had to travel 15 miles to the Workhouse, in addition to his responsibilities as a sub-sanitary officer, for which he already received a salary of £41. Mr Dore was required to attend the Clerk’s office regularly for the examination of his accounts and to participate in Board meetings. Mr Mullane seconded the motion, which was passed despite strong opposition from Mr Cantillon. Mr Nolan suggested an increase of £6, but after extensive discussion, a division was taken, resulting in 21 members voting for the £5 increase and 13 members opposing it. Therefore, an increase of £3 was granted.
Reinstatement Of Evicted Tenant
Mr Mangan proposed a resolution acknowledging the generous actions of Captain R. Leslie D.L. Tarbert towards his evicted tenant, representatives of the late Michael Murphy of Doonard. The resolution recognized Captain Leslie’s inclusion of the evicted tenant in the terms of sale with his tenantry, without expressing an opinion on the specific terms. The resolution appreciated and recommended his actions as an example not only for the landlords of Kerry but for all of Ireland. Mr Reilly seconded the resolution, expressing his support. Mr Coughlan disagreed with praising landlords for fulfilling their obligations, stating that Captain Leslie should have reinstated the evicted tenant of the past 16 years, which he had not done. Mr Boland and Mr O’Connell voiced their support for the resolution, emphasizing the potential positive impact if all landlords followed a similar path, ultimately settling the issue of evicted tenants. After further remarks, the matter was dropped.
Financial Position Of The Union
A letter from the Local Government Board dated June 15, 1904, regarding the financial condition of the Union, was read during the meeting. The Board suggested that the Guardians should propose to the County Councils of Kerry and Limerick the possibility of advancing funds to meet the Union’s outstanding liabilities. It was decided to apply for a loan of £1,500 from the County Councils of Limerick and Kerry.
Complaint Against Night Attendant
A complaint from Miss O’Donnell, a trained night nurse at the general hospital, against Miss Forde, a night attendant, was brought forward. The matter was referred to a committee for further investigation.
Kerry News – Monday 04 July 1904
