Buntingford Board of Guardians
Monthly Meeting
The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room on Thursday morning, when there were present Mr C. Hummerstone (in the chair), Messrs. F.B. Cannon (Vice-Chairman), Claud Fraser, W.J. May, G. Graves, A.J. Hayes, T.J. Stick, H.H. Williams, A.W. Page, and G.C. Wilson, with the Master (Mr F.B. Butler), the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke), and the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin).
Master's Report
The Master presented his monthly report, which showed that 2 inmates had been admitted, 2 discharged, and one had died. The number now in the Institution was 45.
During the month 388 casuals had been admitted, against 189 for the corresponding period last year.
The Master reported that the copper in the laundry was worn out, and a new one was needed.
The Rev. Howard is holding a service at the Institution on Sunday next, and the Master asked for sanction to purchase some chairs and hassocks, which a tradesman is willing to supply at cost price.
The Master also reported the receipt of the following gifts: Books from Mrs Brian Laing and Mrs Clark, and cakes from Miss Lushington and the secretary of the Buntingford Football Club.
House Committee Report
The House Committee reported that they had considered the suggestion of furnishing one of the rooms as a chapel, but had left the matter over for a month.
A new copper was essential in the wash-house, as also was a wire cage for the stove and pipe, which had been recommended by the Insurance Company.
The Committee also stated that the milk supplied to the Institution had not been of a good quality, and the sanitary inspector had submitted a report thereon.
The patients in the hospital and the inmates of the House were visited, and found to be comfortable and proceeding satisfactorily.
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The Chairman said he was sure the Board was very grateful to those who had sent gifts to the Institution.
With regard to the equipping of a room for the religious services, the matter was left in Mr Thody's hands to enable him to find out that amount of money would be required to meet the cost. The Board thought £5 or £6 would pay for the chairs and hassocks.
Mr Hayes asked whether it would not be possible to use the chairs of other rooms, but the Master replied the only ones available were those in the Board Room, and he thought some difficulty would be experienced in carrying the chairs about.
A tender for the provision of a new copper was received, but it was agreed to invite other tenders before carrying out the work.
The Clerk read Mr Thody's report of his inspection of the milk supplied to the Institution, in which he stated the reason for the milk turning sour was lack of cleanliness. The Contractor (Mr Smith) sent a letter to the Board, stating that he could not understand what caused the milk to curdle in so short a time.
Mr Page said that new milk supplied at 5 o'clock in the evening should remain fresh for twenty-four hours, and the Clerk was instructed to write to Mr Smith.
Relief
Several cases were dealt with, and instructions issued.
Appointment of Relieving Officers
The Clerk read a letter from the Ministry of Health, stating that the Ministry had assented to the appointment of Mr B.E. Thody as successor to Mr Macklin.
The Clerk also read a letter from the Ministry agreeing to allow two years to be added to the late Relieving Officer's actual years of service for the purposes of superannuation.
The Clerk read copies of resolutions which had been passed by other unions in the country.
Estimates
The Clerk presented his estimates for the half-year ending 30th September, from which is appeared that the amount required for Common Fund Charges would be £2144, as against £2073 for the corresponding period last year.
The Clerk stated that the increase was accounted for by the increased cost of in-maintenance due to the large number of casuals.
A Guardian's Resignation
A letter was read from Capt. E.T. Morris, tendering his resignation as a Guardian and Rural District Councillor.
Capt. Morris stated that his other engagements did not allow him to attend the meetings, and he sincerely thanked the members of the Board and their officers for the help they had given him in the past.
The Chairman, in moving that a letter be sent Capt. Morris expressing the Board's regret at his resignation, said Capt. Morris had done a great amount of work in the past and his services would be greatly missed.
Capt. Williams, the Chairman of the Rural District Council, endorsed Mr Hummerstone's remarks, and this concluded the business.