Limerick, Saturday – The Limerick No 1 District Council held a meeting on Saturday to discuss various matters, with a primary focus on the tenancy of labourers’ cottages. Chaired by Mr John Ryan, the council gathered with other members present, including Mr H.J. Guinane, the clerk; Me P. O’Sullivan, Mr J.H. Moran, Mr J. Ryan, and Mr Hastings, all solicitors; as well as Mr O’Malley, the engineer.
The meeting began with the reading of the minutes, after which Mr John Ryan, solicitor, proposed addressing the issue of solicitors present who were involved in the tenancy of labourers’ cottages. The chairman, Mr Joha Ryan, agreed to prioritize this matter. Mr Moran expressed gratitude for the chairman’s kind words about his recovery from a recent illness.
Mr Moran then presented a case regarding the tenancy of a cottage in the Rosbrien division, where Mr O’Sullivan was also involved. The dispute involved two applicants, McNamara and Scanlan, both vying for the cottage. Mr Moran argued that McNamara, who had a large family with four working children, deserved priority as he had completed the necessary paperwork before Scanlan. However, Mr O’Sullivan contested this and stated that Scanlan had been appointed by a majority vote on the previous board day.
To resolve the matter, Mr O’Halloran proposed rescinding the previous resolution and appointing McNamara as the tenant, which was seconded by Mr P. Costelloe. On the other hand, Mr Charles O’Neill moved to maintain the resolution by appointing Scanlan. The disagreement persisted, and a poll was taken, resulting in a majority vote in favour of Scanlan’s appointment.
Another solicitor, Mr Hastings, raised concerns regarding the possession of a labourer’s cottage by a man named Daly. He argued that Daly’s case raised important questions about the treatment of labourers across Ireland and emphasized the need to ensure that the law was not undermined. However, Mr O’Sullivan interjected, stating that the matter had already been concluded, as he had represented the labourer Healy, who had obtained the cottage from the Council.
Despite further discussions, the chairman decided to conclude the debate, as the issue had been thoroughly examined and a majority decision had been reached. Mr Guinane informed the council that the Inspector had conducted inquiries into the case of Healy and that a letter from the Local Government Board might be expected at the next meeting.
Various other matters were addressed during the meeting, including proposed changes of sites for cottages, rent considerations for additional plots, and a report of a nuisance in John Malone’s yard. The council also discussed payments, communications from the Local Government Board, and the sinking of a pump.
Overall, the meeting of the Limerick No 1 District Council brought forth a heated debate surrounding the tenancy of labourers’ cottages, with conflicting opinions among council members and solicitors. The decisions made during the meeting will impact the allocation and future of these cottages in the region.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 05 April 1904
