Local Studies Department

Poor Law Meeting at Naas - January 26th, 1839

Page 4

A very numerous and highly respectable meeting was held on Monday last, in the Court-house of Naas, pursuant to notice, which appeared in this paper - to meet Mr. Earle and Mr. Phelan, assistant Poor Law Commissioners.

Right Hon. Earl of Mayo - Chair.

Amongst those present: Ponsonby Moore, Esq., W.H. Carter, Esq., John Bonham, Esq., Robert Archbold, Esq., M.P., Edward G. Medlicott, Esq., Samuel Mill, Esq., Rev. Richard Wolfe, Rev. Donald Grant, Rev. Langford, Rev. Doyle P.P. and a considerable number of respectable inhabitants of Naas, and of the neighbouring farmers.

Includes the address of Mr. Earle [explains the Poor Law act and duties of staff etc. - vagrancy problems and so on as follows.]

"........... I am happy to inform you that your union is favourably situated. The area is very extensive and the population is by no means overwhelmed."

Also mentions steps to set up a union in Celbridge. Lists baronies, parishes or parts of parishes, population in 1831.

"....... Let us suppose that 600 sought refuge in the workhouse, and that they were provided for every day in the year, which is a very high average indeed, (The expense would, in that case, be 2,7001. a year) I am allowing for each inmate ... at the rate of three pence a day."

Also deals with costs and figures; Questions about guardians; Questions about Wicklow; Speech by Mr. Phelan.