Board of Guardians
Monthly Meeting
Big Increase in Tramps
The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room on Thursday of last week.
Present - Mr W.J. May (in the chair), Capt. H.H. Williams, Capt. E.T. Morris, the Rev. L.W. Wright, Messrs. H.C. Marshall, C. Hummerstone, H.E. Dudley, G. Graves, E. Bygrave, F.B. Cannon, A.J. Hayes and G.C Wilson, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke), the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), and the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin).
MASTER'S REPORT
The Master reported as follows:
Number of inmates - men 18, women 14, children 2. Total 34. Corresponding period last year 40.
TRAMPS
During the past month 56 casuals have been received, as against 13 for the corresponding period last year. On some nights we have had 12, although we have only accommodation for 10.
The majority of the tramps are young men under 40 years of age, who find tramping no hardship since the regulations have been altered. They are insolent, and make it known that they will not work two days for one night's lodging, and as each tramps is supplied with a chopper I do not think it safe to enforce the order. It is only those Unions that have proper constructed cells who can keep tramps for two days.
The blankets (24), which has been more than sufficient for our requirements in the past, are not enough now, and tenders for a further supply, also nightshirts, are before the Board today. It is not long ago since the Board were called upon to relieve 3595 tramps a year, which at the present cost of diet would mean a big charge upon the rates. The first year I was appointed we had 43 tramps, and I have been able to keep them somewhere near that number until the recent new regulations came into force.
After 20 years' experience with tramps, it is my opinion that the majority (with few exceptions) do not respond to kindly treatment, but look upon it as weakness on the part of the officers in dealing with them. Would the Board kindly consider the telephone being fixed in my office so that I am in close touch with the police?
GIFTS
Gifts of books have been receiving from the following and have been much appreciated: Mrs Greg, Mr C. Hummerstone, Mrs H. May, Miss Bowers, Mrs Hamilton and Miss Lushington.
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The Chairman said he was sure the members felt that the Master ought to be supported, and it was agreed to install the telephone at once.
TENDERS
The following tenders were accepted for the current half year:
Meat - Messrs. W.G. Clark, Ware.
Bread - Mr C.S. Coates, 8 1/2d. and 9d.
Coal - Mr E.J. Sparkes, £1 15s. and £1 17s. 6d.
Milk - C. Smith, 1/- per gallon.
Haircutting - Mr C. Miles.
Coffins - Mr G. Saggers.
Groceries and Oilman's Goods - Messrs. Forrest Stores.
Clothing - Messrs. Hirst, Kettlewell & Co.
Soaps - Messrs. McDoughall and Robertson.
Boots - Messrs. Wilkins & Denton.
Mr Hayes: I notice that no tenders have been received from Buntingford butchers. Were the tender forms submitted to them?
The Clerk: Yes.
Mr Hayes: I think the meat supplied to the Institution should be inspected from time to time. I saw some recently and it struck me that it was not English.
The Master said Messrs. Clark's contract was satisfactory. It was only during the summer months that the meat was ever discoloured, and on any occasion when it had arrived in that condition Messrs. Clark always changed it.
The Rev. L.W. Wright asked if there were any other tenders for the supply of coals, and the Chairman said there was one from Messrs. Nash, of Royston.
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