Buntingford Board of Guardians
Monthly Meeting
The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room on Thursday in last week.
Present - Mr C. Hummerstone (Chairman), Mr F.B. Cannon (Vice-Chairman), Mrs Dimsdale, Rev. L.W. Wright, Captain H.H. Williams, Meesrs. H.C. Marshall, G. Graves, E. Bygrave, H.E. Dudley, W.J. May, G.C. Wilson, A.J. Hayes, with the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin), and the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke).
Master's Report
The Master reported that the number of inmates was 36, compared with 33 for corresponding period last year. During the month one inmate had died, 5 had been admitted and 8 discharged. The number of casuals admitted during the month was 188 against 55 for the same period last year.
The Hertford Visiting Committee visited the Institution on 16th March.
Gifts of books had been received from Mrs Greg, Mr C. Hummerstone, and Mrs Ashford, and cake from Miss Lushington. During the year the amount received from the disposal of firewood was £26 4s.
The Clerk reported that the average weekly cost of inamtes for the past year was 11/-, against 10/1 and three quarters last year. The Chairman reviewed the prices of fuel, clothing, &c., and said that the figure given by the Clerk compared very favourably with other unions.
Mr G.C. Wilson said the question of the Chairmanship would come before the next meeting. About four years ago it was decided to elect a new Chairman each year, and he (Mr Wilson) wondered whether the time had come when they should review the position and considered whether it would not be wise to re-elect the Chairman for at least four years.
Mr F.B. Cannon (Vice-Chairman) spoke in support of Mr Wilson, "There was," he said, "a great deal to be said for the re-appointment of a Chairman, especially when they had such an efficient Chairman of both the Council and the Guardians."
Mr H.C. Marshall, who was Chairman of the Council for a period of seven years running, said he thought seven years was too long to be Chairman, after three years someone else should have the honour and the responsibility.
Captain H.H. Williams, the Chairman of the Council, said he had got through his year of office well, and he thought it would be better to fade away at the end of his term. There was, however, something to be said in favour of a longer period, as when one got into the workings it was time to re-elect a fresh Chairman.
Tenders
The following tenders were accepted:
Bread and flour - C.S. Coates.
Meat - H.W. Piggott.
Coal and coke - E.J. Sparkes.
Milk - C.H. Poulton.
Groceries - Messrs. Forrest Stores.
Haircutting - C. Miles.
Coffins - G. Saggers.
Relief
Several cases were dealt with by the Board and instructions given to the Relieving Officer.