WH minutes Brenda
Notes taken at Aylesbury Record Office from Potterspury Union Workhouse Guardians Minutes Books
THE END OF THE POTTERSPURY WORKHOUSE AT YARDLEY GOBION
The fascinating tale of a young inmate can be followed through the text by
following Harry Gray highlighted with blue
G/5/18
Thursday 4th January 1917
Report of Local Government Board Inspector
Mr Roundell who had been making an inspection of the House, then entered the Room and after speaking in feeling terms of the death of Mrs. Hardwick & of the efficient way she and Mr. Hardwick had always carried out their duties, he brought forward the question of the advisability of temporarily closing the Workhouse for the period of the War and sending the inmates to neighboring Unions; he stated that by the death of the Matron the joint appointment of Master & Matron had now become vacant and as it was very improbable the Guardians would be able to again obtain the services of such capable Officers to carry out the duties, he considered the time was most opportune for the Board to take into consideration this question. After pointing out the economic conditions of the proposal and the unsuitableness of the building for the purpose of a Workhouse, he asked the Guardians to give the matter their full consideration and if they decided in favour of his suggestion to report their decision to the Local Government Board for their approval when arrangements would have to be made for transferring the Inmates to some neighbouring Institutions.
Mr Roundell stated that before leaving, he wished to report that he had made an inspection of the House & found everything satisfactory.
After a short discussion on the Inspector’s suggestion to temporarily close the Workhouse, it was resolved that after the business on the agenda had been got through this meeting be adjourned to Thursday next the 11th instant at 2 o’clock in the afternoon to fully consider the proposal.
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Position of the master
A letter was then read from Mr. Hardwick in which he drew attention to the fact that by the death of the matron his office as Master of the Workhouse had become vacant from 31st December. And he went on to state that after careful consideration he had decided not to seek re-appointment. As he had become, under the provisions of the Poor law Officers Superannuation Act, entitled to a superannuation Allowance, he asked the Guardians in computing the amount of such allowance to add ten years to the number of years which he had actually served in the Poor Law Service.
It/. was resolved that the application be considered at the Adjourned meeting of the Board on Thursday next.
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Master & Matron’s duties
Upon consideration of the arrangements to be made for the carrying out of these duties and it being understood that Mr. Hardwick was willing to continue temporarily to carry out the duties of the master until the end of the current quarter and it appearing that for the time being the duties of the Matron could be fulfilled by the present Staff. It was resolved, in view of the suggestion made with reference to temporarily closing the Workhouse, that the Local Government Board be approached with view to their sanction being obtained to this arrangement.
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Thursday 11th January 1917
Hereon it was upon the proposition of Mr. Purslow seconded by Mr. H J Weston Resolved that subject to the approval of the Local Government Board the Workhouse be temporarily closed for the period of the War. And further that it be a suggestion to the Local Government Board, in the event of their approving the proposal, that the Newport Pagnell Union be approached with a view to the paupers belonging to the four Bucks parishes of this Union being received into their institution and the Towcester and Hardingstone Unions be approached with a view to the paupers belonging to the eleven Northamptonshire parishes being received into their respective Institutions.
To enable this matter to be dealt with expeditiously it was further resolved that the House Committee be empowered to decide upon any questions arising thereon between the meeting of the Board.
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Master’s Superannuation
The clerk read the letter from Mr. Hardwick in which he asked the Board in computing the amount of his Superannuation Allowance to add ten years to the number of years which he had actually served.
After a lengthy discussion and the clerk having given the approximate amount payable to the master under the Poor law Officers’ Superannuation Act. It was proposed by Mr. W. J. Elmes that subject to the sanction of the Local Government Board to the proposal, a lump sum be granted to Mr. Hardwick in lieu of adding a number of years to the period of service. This was seconded by Mr. Purslow. An amendment was proposed by Mr. Pratt that for the purpose of computing his superannuation allowance a number of years be added to Mr. Hardwick’s period of service. This was seconded by Mr. Paterson.
Upon being put to the meeting there voted for the amendment Messrs. Paterson, Pratt and Weston (3) and for the proposition Messrs. Purslow, Pinfold, Johnson, Vickers, Franklin, Woollard, A. R.. Elmes W. J. Elmes, Tapper, Brafield, Wylie and Fountaine (12) This being the majority in favour of the Proposition the same was declared carried. The Clerk was directed to give notice to each Guardian that the proposal to grant a gratuity and the amount thereof would be considered at the meeting of the Guardians to be held on 1st march next.
Thursday 1st February 1917
Master’s Superannuation
The Clerk read a letter received from the Local Government Board in reply to an enquiry he had sent relative to the superannuation allowance proposed to be paid by the Guardians to Mr. Hardwick, and to the question of the payment to him of a gratuity. In this the Local Government Board stated that Mr. Hardwick had become entitled to a Super-annuation allowance under the Poor Law Act, 1896, the provision in Section 8 as to the award of a gratuity to an officer who had not become entitled to an allowance would not be applicable in this case. They added that in the circumstances they would be prepared to consider favourably an application for some addition of years, not exceeding five, to Mr. Hardwick’s period of service.
The clerk stated that in these circumstances the minute passed by the Guardians at their adjourned meeting on 11th January with reference to granting Mr. Hardwick a gratuity, could not be acted on.
After consideration and so as to enable the Guardians to again consider the question of adding a number of years to Mr. Hardwick’s period of service, notice was given by Mr. W. J. Emes that he would at the meeting to be held on 29th march next move that the minute passed at the adjourned meeting of the Guardians held on 11th January last relative to the granting of a lump sum to Mr. Hardwick in lieu of adding a number of years to the period of service for the purpose of computing his Super-annuation allowance, be rescinded.
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The Clerk produced & read a circular letter from the Local Government Board with reference to men of military age who receive relief in Casual Wards and the method to be adopted with reference to notifying the nearest Recruiting Officer of such cases.
Thursday 1st March 1917
Closing of Workhouse, transfer of Inmates
Upon the recommendation of the House Committee it was resolved that Messrs Sharp, Weston, A R Elmes, Vickers & Tapper be appointed a committee to make the necessary arrangements with the Newport Pagnell & Towcester Unions respectively with power to act.
Thursday 29th March 1917
Closing of Workhouse, transfer of Inmates
The Clerk reported that in accordance with the directions of the House Committee the agreements with the Newport Pagnell and Towcester Unions for the maintenance of the paupers belonging to the Union in their respective Institutions had been fair copied and these he produced for the approval and sealing by tour Board. He stated that the Guardians of the Newport Pagnell Union had agreed to receive and maintain in their institution all paupers chargeable to the four Bucks parishes of this Union at a charge of 9/11 per week per pauper and the Guardians of the Towcester Union had agreed to receive and maintain all paupers chargeable to the 11 Northants parishes of this Union at a charge of 11/6 per week per pauper. It was resolved that the agreement be approved and the seal of the Board was ordered to be affixed thereto. This was done by the Chairman and countersigned by the Acting Clerk.
The Acting Clerk was directed to forward the Agreement to the Local Government Board for confirmation.
Addition of years in computing Superannuation Allowance to Mr Hardwick.
In accordance with the notice given at the meeting of the Board held on the 1st February last and pursuant to the notice given to each Guardian in accordance with Section 9 of the Poor Law Officers Supperanuation Act 1896. It was thereupon proposed by the chairman that in consideration of the special circumstances of the case and by reason of the ability with which he had always discharged his duties of his office, for five years to be added to to Mr. Hardwick’s period of service in the Poor Law for the purpose of of computing the superannuation Allowance. This was seconded by Mr. H. J. Weston and carried.
The Clerk was directed to forward a copy of the resolution to the Local Government Board and apply for their sanction to the proposal.
Thursday 24th May 1917
Late master’s Superannuation Allowance
The Clerk read a letter dated 4th May from the Local Government Board consenting to the proposal of the Guardians to add five years to the actual period of service of Mr. Hardwick for the purpose of computing the amount of the Superannuation Allowance to be awarded to him in respect of his late office of Master of the Workhouse.
Thursday 21st June 1917
Gratuity to the Master
In accordance with his notice given last meeting it was proposed by Mr. Penfold that a gratuity of twenty five pounds be paid to the late Master (Mr. S H Hardwick).. for extra services rendered by him in carrying out the duties of Porter during the twelve months preceding his termination of office.
This was seconded by Mr W. A. Pratt and carried unanimously
The clerk was directed to apply to the Local Government Board for their sanction to the payment of the grant.
Thursday 13th September
Workhouse Piano
Upon consideration of the question of the sale of this piano it was left to Mr. Paterson to ask the Revd. Plant to name a price he was willing to pay for the instrument.
Thursday 8th November
Place of meeting
Mr. Thorneycroft gave notice that at the next meeting of the board he would move that the monthly meetings of the Board of Guardians be held at Stony Stratford instead of Yardley Gobion, the dates and times of meetings to be as at present fixed.
Thursday 25th April
Meetings of the Board
The period having expired during which it had been decided to hold monthly meetings of the Board it was resolved that the monthly meetings be continued for another year.
Alteration of Meeting place
The committee reported they had inspected all available rooms at Stony Stratford but none of these could be recommended as suitable for holding meetings of the Board. They therefore suggested that pending a suitable room being found the meetings of the Board continue to be held at Yardley Gobion. It was resolved that the suggestion of the committee be adopted.
Thursday 23rd may 1918
Use of Workhouse for prisoners of war
The House Committee reported that since the last meeting of the Guardians they had received & considered an application from the Military Authorities for the occupation of a portion of the workhouse for the accommodation of some 50 prisoners of war who were to be engaged in agricultureal work in the district and had decided that the application be acceded to It was Resolved that the action of the House Committee be approved.
Furniture in Workhouse – Sale of
The chairman reported that he had that morning made an inspection of the various articles of furniture, cooking utensils etc. In the Workhouse, and these had greatly deteriorated since the premises had been uninhabited. He suggested the advisability of holding a sale of the whole of the articles and his suggestion was supported by the members of the House Committee.
After consideration it was resolved that the whole of the furniture be offered for sale by Public Auction and the making of the arrangements for holding the sale, the engagment of the Auctioneers etc. Was left in the hands of the House Committee with power to act.
The House Committee reported that the sale took place on 13th June inst. And that good prices were realised for the various effects.
His Grace The Duke of Grafton
Upon a member drawing attention to the fact that His grace would attain the advanced age of 97 on Saturday next it was upon the proposition of the chairman seconded by Mr. H. J. Weston resolved that a communication be addressed to the Duke conveying the heartiest congratulations upon his attaining his 97th Birthday. The Clerk was directed accordingly.
Thursday 18th July 1918
Sale of Workhouse furniture
The Clerk produced the auctioneers statement of the amount realised by the sale of the contents of the Workhouse. The amount realised being £219:14:0 after deducting expenses of the sale of £25:11:0, the net amount realised was £194:3:0 and for this sum a cheque had been received and paid into the Treasurer’s Account.
Thursday 10th October
House Committee Report
The House Committee reported that they had met on 26th September & made the following recomenadations to the Board viz:-
That the telephone extention to the “Master’s room” be continued for the use of the guard in charge of German prisoners.
That the use of the Heating Apparatus be allowed the Military Authorities for heating the rooms occupied by the prisoners.
That the barn at the back of the Workhouse premises be let to Mr. Harry Smith at a rent of £1 Per year.
Thursday 7th November
Workhouse Garden
A letter was read from Mr. A. Turner thanking the Board for giving him the offer of the Garden at the same rent, viz:- £12 for the year. He stated however that he considered the rent too high for the coming year as the garden would require a thorough dressing of manure and he made an offer of £10 & manure the ground.
It was resolved that the offer of Mr. Turner be accepted & that the Garden be let to him for a further period of one year from 1st November 1918 to 31st October 1919 at the rent named.
Thursday 5th December 1918
Death of the Duke of Grafton K G
Before the commencement of business Mr. H. Weston rose and stated that he was sure it was with the greatest regret that the Board had that morning heard of the death of His Grace the Duke of Grafton which occurred the previous evening. And he begged to move that a vote of condolence be passed with Lord Euston in the great loss he has sustained and that a letter of sympathy be addressed to him conveying the Board’s expressions of deepest regret. Mr. Weston asked as chairman of the Potterspury Rural district council that that Body might be allowed to join in the vote of condolence, this being assented to, the proposition was seconded by Mr. Starsmore and after Mr. Sharp had spoken in eulogostic terms of the qualities of the late Duke and the great interest he took in the business of the Board whilst unanimous all members standing.
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Thursday 5th December 1918
Harry Gray The Clerk reported that he had communicated with the Church of England Homes for waifs & Strays and the Boys Farm Home East Barnet enquiring whether this boy could be admitted into any of their homes. Both Homes had replied that at the present time they had no vacancies in either of their homes.
The ex-Kaiser A copy Resolution from the Lewisham Union with reference to the handing over of the ex-Kaiser from trial was read, but no action was taken thereon.
Employment of disabled officers & Men
A letter was read from the Northamptonshire War Pension &c Committee with reference to the employment of disabled officers and men upon the staff of Local Authorities. It was resolved that in the event of a vacancy occurring upon the Board’s staff these cases should receive just consideration.
Thursday 2nd January 1919
Death of the Duke of Grafton K.G.
The Clerk read a letter from the present Duke of Grafton in which he tendered his most sincere thanks to the Board of Guardians & the Potterspury Rural District Council for their expressions of smpathy with him in the great loss he had sustained by the death of his father the late duke.
Thursday 30th Janury 1919
Harry Gray A letter was read from this boy stating that he was 15 years of age and requesting the Board to place him in some employment. After consideration the Clerk was directed to apply to the Salvation Army with a view to the lad being emigrated through that Institution.
Workhouse Chaplain, Medical Officer
The question of the steps to be taken with reference to these two appointments was fully considered and it was Resolved to reccommend to the Board that, subject to the sanction of the Local Government Board, and the Chaplain agreeing to accept, he (The Chaplain) to be paid a gratuity of £50 and his superannuation contributions, amounting to 310-11-9, be returned to him, upon which his appointment to terminate.
With reference to the Workhouse Medical officer it was resolved that the payment of his salary be continued but that this be treated in the nature of a War Bonus upon his salary as District Medical Officer.
War Bonuses to Officers
Upon consideration of the Local Government Board’s circular with reference to this matter it was resolved to recommend the following sums as from this date as War Bonuses.
The assistant Clerk:- 14/- per week
Dr. Ryan (District Medical Officer) £4 per annum
Dr. Linnell ( do ) £15 per annum
Mr. G Holman (Relieving Officer) £15 per annum
It was resolved that the Report of the Finance Committee be adopted. The Clerk reported that he had seen the Revd. Plant and conveyed to him the terms upon which the Finance Committee proposed to terminate his employment as Chaplain, and that Mr. Plant has signified his willingness to accept the same.
Future use of the Workhouse
The Clerk read a letter he had received from the Local Government Board Inspector, Mr. C. F. Roundell, enquiring what had been decided as to any possible use of the Institution.
The Clerk stated that in reply he had written to Mr. Roundell that the Institution was still being used as a Prisoner of War Camp and no decision had yet been arrived at as to its future possible use.
Thursday 27th February
Out Relief & the Old Age Pension
Arising out of the Report of the Relieving Officer, Mr Cadwallander drew attention to the distinct hardship which ensued to the old people, to whom we were giving 9/- per week Out Relief, when, by reason of their attaining the age of 70 years, they were called upon to lose 1/6 per week in order to become State Dependant under the Old Age Pension scheme rather than Poor Law dependants. He stated that, according to his information, the Out relief granted to similar cases in purely Urban Unions was even on a higher scale than prevails in our own Union and the hardship to the old people was correspondingly greater. In his opinion the matter should be remedied by an increase in the scale of the Old Age Pension. After some discussion it was resolved that in the opinion of this Board the existing conditions of living, and the high prices of all necessities, justify an increase in the present scale of the Old Age Pension.
The Clerk was directed to forward a copy of the above resolution to all Boards of Guardians in the County of Northampton and Bucks respectively, and also to the Local Government Board and the local Members of Parliament.
Harry Gray
The Clerk read a letter from the Salvation Army stating that from the details which had been furnished this boy did not appear to be a suitable one for emigration. It was resolved that the matter be left in the hands of the Clerk to communicate with the Home Office as to the possibility of getting the boy into a strict disciplinary establishment, and for his report thereon in due course.
Thursday 27th March
Harry Gray The Clerk read a letter from the Home Office suggesting that they could apply to a court to commit the boy to an Industrial School under Section 58 (5) of the Children Act 1908 as being a child who is maintained in a poor law school who is refactory. The Clerk explained that there was a doubt as to the age of the boy, as there was only the lad’s word to rely on and it was probable that he was now upwards of 14 years. The clerk was directed to ascertain the lad’s correct age if possible, and if he was under 14 years to take necessary proceedings to get the boy committed to an Industrial School.
Care and Education of the Blind
The Clerk read a circular letter with copy resolution as under, which he had received from Pontypridd Union, viz;- “That in the opinion of the Guardians of this Union the time has arrived when all persons afflicted with blindness should under the direct control of a Government Department, and that the cost of their education and maintenance should be a direct charge upon the National Exchequer, and further that they should have representations on the various Committees appointed to look after their welfare.” Upon consideration It was Resolved that the same be adopted, and the Clerk was directed to forward copies thereof to the Prime Minister and the Local Government Board, the Poor Law Unions Association, and the Local Members of Parliament.
Disposal of the Workhouse
The Clerk reported that in compliance with the request made by Mr. N. Paterson he had looked up the old Deed of Grant of the Workhouse from the Duke of Grafton and the agreement for Sale which preceded the Deed of grant. The Agreement for the sale contained a definite provision for the re-purchase by the Duke of Grafton of the Workhouse in the event of the Board of Guardians being compelled or inclined to dispose of the same, but no clause to that effect was inserted in the deed of Grant. It was Resolved that a copy of the Agreement be sent to Mr. Patterson for his perusal, and that the Clerk do write to Mr. Roundell and explain the new circumstances and inquire whether the Local Government Board had yet arrived at any decision as to the future of the Board or the Workhouse.
Thursday 24th April
Harry Gray The Clerk reported that from the enquiries he had made there seemed no doubt that this boy was born 17th July 1904, and was therefore now over the age within which the Guardians could have obtained his admission to an Industrial School. It was Resolved that the facts of the case be reported to the Local Government Board and that their instructions be taken there on.
Disposal of the Workhouse
The Clerk read letters from the local Government Board Inspector and Mr. Paterson bearing on this subject. It was Resolved that the possible claim of the Guardians to enforce the repurchase by the Duke of Grafton of the Workhouse and premises should not be exercised, and that the matter be allowed to remain in abeyance pending further information as to the future of the Board.
Thursday 19th June
Harry Gray The Clerk read a letter he had received from the general Inspector of the Local Government Board suggesting that Harry Gray be sent to an Industrial School which was certified by the Board under the Act of 1892, e.g. The Wellesley School or Princess Mary’s Village Home at Chelsea. Mr. Pinfold stated that the Master of the Newport Pagnell Workhouse though he could get the boy into the Navy, and would try to do so and take the lad up to London for that purpose if this Board would pay the expenses of the Journey. It was resolved that Mr Chapman (The Workhouse Master) be requested to do this, and that this Board do defray his travelling expenses. It was further Resolved that the facts of the case reported to the Schools suggested by the General Inspector, with a view to Gray being admitted to one of them in the event of his being refused by the Navy.
Thursday 17th July
Harry Gray The clerk read a letter from the Master of the Newport Pagnell Workhouse stating that he had taken this boy to London and that had him medically examined for the Royal Navy. The boy passed all the tests but was half an inch too small round the chest. The medical officer had suggested a period of physical drill, and that if the boy was taken up again in a few weeks time he would probably pass.
Thursday 14th August
Northampton General Hospital
The Clerk reported that the annual subscription to this Institution was now due and it was thereupon Resolved that the sum of Forty Guineas be sent from our union as a subscription for the year ending 1st August 1920.
Thursday 11th September
Union Workhouse Departure of Prisoners of War
Upon a representation being made that the prisoners now occupying the Workhouse, together with the guard and staff would probably be leaving in a few weeks and that it would be necessary to forthwith assess the damage done. It was resolved that the matter be left in the hands of the House Committee with power for them to employ Mr. G. Shakeshaft of Yardley Gobion to act for the Guardians in the assessment of the damage done during the occupation of the premises by the military Aurthorities.
Thursday 9th October 1919
Contribution order
The Clerk presented the Contribution Orders on the various parishes in the Union. These were duly signed as follows:-
Alderton 40 Passenham 345
Ashton 330 Paulerspury 280
Calverton 497 Potterspury 196
Cosgrove 253 Stony Stratford E 394
Furtho 35 Stony Stratford W 551
Grafton Regis 88 Wicken 154
Hartwell 304 Wolverton 7988
Discontinuance of the use of the Workhouse by Military Authorities
The Clerk reported he had received a notification from the Military that the war Department occupation of the Workhouse would cease on the 6th inst.: and he had intimated that a claim for damages would be made. M.r H. Weston stated that he had deemed it advisable to ask Mr. Goulding to act for the Guardians on the handing over of the House from the Military, and accordingly Mr. Goulding had met the W. D. Valuer and the damages had been agreed at £21-12-6 plus the sum of £6 if the corrugated iron roof off the water tank were not returned.
Future use of the Workhouse it was resolved that the Clerk do write to the poor Law inspector pointing out that the occupation of the Workhouse by the Military had ceased and asking for a definite reply as to whether the building was to be re-opened as a workhouse or not.
Workhouse Garden
Upon representation being made that the tenancy of the Workhouse garden had expired, it was resolved that a notice be posted on the notice board outside the House inviting fresh applications for the tenancy of the Garden until 31st October next, and that the House Committee be empowered to accept any tender.
Thursday 4th December
Future use of the Workhouse
The Clerk read an unofficial letter from the Poor Law Inspector, and also an official letter with reference to the future of the Workhouse. From the letter it appears that the Ministry of health would be prepared to consider any proposals which the Guardians might make as to the future use of the Workhouse buildings which are now empty. After some consideration, it was resolved that the opinion of counsel be taken in respect to the agreement for sale and the Conveyance of the Workhouse. The Clerk was directed to enquire of Mr. Paterson whether the Duke of Grafton contemplated a Sale of his property at Yardley Gobion.
Military use of the Workhouse, Claim for Dilapidations
The Clerk presented the report of the valuation for restitution of the premises arising from dilapidation occurred during Military occupancy, the amount certified being £23-6-6. Mr. H. Weston stated that this figure included damage done to a cane-bottomed invalid carrying chair belonging to him and which he had lent to the master: the prisoners’ guard. It was resolved that the Clerk do write to the Valuation Officer Department (Mr. A. H. Stevenson) and enquire what figure had been put on the chair for the damage done to it.
Workhouse Garden
The House Committee reported that they had received two tenders for the tenancy of the Garden and that they had accepted that of Mr. F. J. Swain, being the Highest, at £8-0-0.
Thursday 1st January 1920
Military use of the Workhouse, Damage to Mr Weston’s chair
The Clerk read a notification from the Valuer stating that the sum allowed for the damage to the chair was 12/-. It was resolved that this amount be paid to Mr. H. Weston when the amount for the claim against the War Office for damage to the House had been received.
Disposal of the Workhouse
The Clerk read the opinion which had been obtained from Counsel with reference to the Clause in the contract for purchase of the Workhouse, relative to the re-purchase of the workhouse premises by the Duke of Grafton. It appearing that the re-purchase could not be enforced, it was, after consideration resolved that the Workhouse premises be offered for sale at the earliest opportunity, and that the matter be referred to the House Committee with power to act. It was further resolved that a letter be addressed to to the Minister of Health stating that the Guardians propose to sell the Workhouse and applying for the minister’s sanction thereto.
29th January 1920
Old Age Pension Act 1919
The Clerk presented a circular letter from the Minister of Health drawing attention to the provision of this Act, under sec 3(1) of which a person would not in in future be disqualified from receiving or continuing to receive an Old Age Pension because of the receipt of out-door relief.
Commission to the proposal of converting the Workhouse into dwellings for the working classes, subject to his being satisfied that such a need existed in Yardley Gobion.
Thursday 4th November1920
Disposal of the Workhouse
The Clerk reported that the Rural District Council of Potterespury had received a letter from the Housing Commissioner stating that he was satisfied that a need for houses existed in the village of Yardley Gobion. The Clerk also reported that the County District Valuer would make the valuation on behalf of the Rural District Council. Upon the consideration of the question of the necessity of the Board having a separate valuer. It was resolved that the report and valuation of the District Valuer should be presented to, and considered by, a joint meeting of the Finance Committee of the Board and the Rural District Council.
Thursday 2nd December 1920
Workhouse premises, tenancy of the Master’s house.
The Chairman reported that the House Committee had let the master’s House to Mr. & Mrs. Geo. Ward of Yardley Gobion, who had had to leave their Cottage by reason of the same being closed under an Order. The rent had been arranged at 3/- per week. It was resolved that the action of the House Committee be approved and adopted.
Workhouse Garden
It was resolved that the question of re-letting the Garden for a further period be referred to the House Committee with power to act.
Harry Gray The Clerk read a letter from the Medway Union stating that this lad had been invalided from the navy and became chargeable to their Union on 30th October last. The letter requested that our Board would accept chargeability and forward an Order for admission to our Workhouse.
Thursday 30th December 1921
Disposal of the Workhouse
The Finance Committee reported that, upon receipt of the valuation of the Workhouse by the District Valuer, they had held a joint meeting with the Finance Committee of the Potterspury Rural District Council to consider the same. The valuer assesed the whole of the Workhouse premises at £1300. The Committee recommend to the Guardians that, subject to the sanction of the Minister of health, the valuation be accepted. & the premises offered to the Rural District Council at the figure named. It was resolved that the recommendation of the Finance committee be approved and adopted.
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Page 308 11th August 1919 G/5/18
George Church Arising out of the report of the relieving officer it was resolved that this pauper’s father be called upon to contribute 2/- a week towards the support of his son.
Page 344 4th December 1919
R Lambert Arising out of the report of the Relieving Officer, it was resolved to grant out relief to the extent of 15/- per week to this case for five weeks, and to call upon the son Levi to contribute 3/- per week.
Page 383 25th March 1920
Charlotte Johnson, arising out of the report of the relieving Officer it was resolved that Charles Johnson be called upon to pay 3/- per week and Jonas Johnson 1/- a week towards relief granted to their mother Charlotte Johnson, and that Mr. A. Holman, the relieving officer, do take proceedings to enforce such contributions in case of failure on the part of the sons to make same.
Page 396 22nd April 1920
Also arising out of the Report of the Relieving Officer, it appears that this man who had been run over by a motor lorry had since died at Northampton General hospital and that the funeral expenses amounted to £6-8-6. After consideration it was resolved that the amount of the funeral expenses be paid by the Board.
Page 366 29th January 1920
Ernest Wise, Boarded out child – The clerk reported that the Boarding- out Committee had arranged.
Thursday 26th February 1920
Disposal of the Workhouse, medical officers, Chaplain
The clerk read a letter from t he ministry of health stating that the Minister would be prepared to consider a proposal by the Guardians for a sale of their Institution and suggesting that the Guardians should obtain the opinion of an independent valuer before coming to a decision upon any offer; and also asking what arrangements the Guardians proposed to make regarding the Medical Officer and the Chaplain in the event of the sale of the premises. After consideration It was Resolved that the Medical officer be given Notice to terminate his appointment. The Clerk was directed to to notify the Ministry of Health of the course taken in the case of the Medical Officer, and to state that the chaplain’s appointment had been terminated, and the Officer’s claim settled in the months of January and February 1919, with the consent of the Local Government Board.
Thursday 25th March 1920
Workhouse Telephone
Arising out of consideration of an account rendered by the Post Master General in regard to the Telephone at the Workhouse, it was resolved and the Clerk was directed to give notice to terminate the Agreement for the telephone installation in the Workhouse.
Thursday 17th June 1920
Disposal of Furniture lent to Food Control Committee
Upon consideration of the question of the disposal of the furniture which had been lent by the Guardians to the Food Control Committee, it being understood that the Committee would vacate their Offices on 30 inst., it was resolved that the matter be referred to the House Committee with power to sell the furniture if they thought fit and to act generally.
Harry Gray 17th June 1920
The Clerk read a letter from the Newport Pagnell Union stating that this boy had been enlisted in the Navy on the 10th Inst. The Clerk was directed to write to the Master of the Newport Pagnell Workhouse and tender the thanks of the Board for the trouble he had taken over this difficult case.
Thursday 15th July 1920
The Clerk reported that the furniture lent to the Potterspury Food Control Committee had been sold at auction at the Stony Stratford market realising gross £19-13-0 and that after deducting the auctioneers commission and expenses the net amount paid to the treasurer of the Union was £17-15-0
Thursday 12th August 1920
Disposal of the Workhouse
The House Committee reported that they had further considered this matter and they recomended that, subject to the approval of the Ministry of Health, the Workhouse & buildings be offered, at a Valuation, to the Rural District Council of Potterespury for conversion into dwelling houses, it being a condition of the sale that the front portion of the house which comprises of the Board room, Offices and StoreRoom for old books, documents etc., be allowed to remain in its present condition and let to the Guardians for holding their meetings etc. It was resolved that the recomendation of the Committee be adopted, and the Clerk was directed to apply to the Ministry of Health for their approval to the proposal.
Thursday 9th September 1920
Disposal of the Workhouse
The Clerk read a letter from the Ministry of Health stating that the Ministry saw no objection from the poor law point of view to the Guardians’ proposal to offer their Institution for sale to the Potterspury Rural District Council on the conditions suggested by the Guardians; and that it would be for the Rural District Council to obtain any necessary approval from the Housing Authorities if they proposed to utilise the premises for housing purposes. The Clerk was directed to present the proposal of the Guardians to the Rural District Council of Potterspury.
Thursday 7th October 1920
Disposal of the Workhouse
The Clerk reported that the Rural District Council of Potterespury had received the approval of the Housing Commission to the proposal of converting the Workhouse into dwellings for the working classes, subject to his being satisfied that such a need existed in Yardley Gobion.
Thursday 4th November1920
Disposal of the Workhouse
The Clerk reported that the Rural District Council of Potterespury had received a letter from the Housing Commissioner stating that he was satisfied that a need for houses existed in the village of Yardley Gobion. The Clerk also reported that the County District Valuer would make the valuation on behalf of the Rural District Council. Upon the consideration of the question of the necessity of the Board having a separate valuer. It was resolved that the report and valuation of the District Valuer should be presented to, and considered by, a joint meeting of the Finance Committee of the Board and the Rural District Council.
Thursday 2nd December 1920
Workhouse premises, tenancy of the Master’s house.
The Chairman reported that the House Committee had let the master’s House to Mr. & Mrs. Geo. Ward of Yardley Gobion, who had had to leave their Cottage by reason of the same being closed under an Order. The rent had been arranged at 3/- per week. It was resolved that the action of the House Committee be approved and adopted.
Workhouse Garden
It was resolved that the question of re-letting the Garden for a further period be referred to the House Committee with power to act.
Harry Gray The Clerk read a letter from the Medway Union stating that this lad had been invalided from the navy and became chargeable to their Union on 30th October last. The letter requested that our Board would accept chargeability and forward an Order for admission to our Workhouse.
Thursday 30th December 1921
Disposal of the Workhouse
The Finance Committee reported that, upon receipt of the valuation of the Workhouse by the District Valuer, they had held a joint meeting with the Finance Committee of the Potterspury Rural District Council to consider the same. The valuer assesed the whole of the Workhouse premises at £1300. The Committee recommend to the Guardians that, subject to the sanction of the Minister of health, the valuation be accepted. & the premises offered to the Rural District Council at the figure named. It was resolved that the recommendation of the Finance committee be approved and adopted.
G/5/19
Page 308 11th August 1919 G/5/18
George Church Arising out of the report of the relieving officer it was resolved that this pauper’s father be called upon to contribute 2/- a week towards the support of his son.
Page 344 4th December 1919
R Lambert Arising out of the report of the Relieving Officer, it was resolved to grant out relief to the extent of 15/- per week to this case for five weeks, and to call upon the son Levi to contribute 3/- per week.
Page 383 25th March 1920
Charlotte Johnson Arising out of the report of the relieving Officer it was resolved that Charles Johnson be called upon to pay 3/- per week and Jonas Johnson 1/- a week towards relief granted to their mother Charlotte Johnson, and that Mr A Holman, the relieving officer, do take proceedings to enforce such contributions in case of failure on the part of the sons to make same.
Page 396 22nd April 1920
Also arising out of the Report of the Relieving Officer, it appears that this man who had been run over by a motor lorry had since died at Northampton General hospital and that the funeral expenses amounted to £6-8-6. After consideration it was resolved that the amount of the funeral expenses be paid by the Board.
Page 366 29th January 1920
Ernest Wise, Boarded out child – The clerk reported that the Boarding- out Committee had arranged with the Bucks County Medical Officer for this boy to attend their Eye Clinic, & that if glasses were needed, the prescription would be forwarded to the Board.