Derry Corporation Minute Book - Volume 19 (1877-1881)

This volume of Derry Corporation minutes covers the period from 1st November 1877 to 21st October 1881.

Discussions in the Chamber at this time include those regarding repairs to the race-course, bye-laws concerning street gatherings and parades, the establishment of a Fire Brigade and new Constabulary Barracks for the city, and a new reservoir at Creggan.

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On the 1st November 1877 discussions take place concerning the repairs required at the race-course:  “Upon the report of a special committee appointed to examine the race course, the Town Clerk was directed to write to the Agent of the Honourable the Irish Society as to injury at the Racecourse Bridge, which the City Surveyor reported to be caused by the workmen of the society in deepening the watercourse, and requesting that the necessary repairs should be executed.”

In January 1878 new Bye-Laws are introduced concerning the gathering of individuals in the street:  “That no assembly persons shall be permitted to meet, or parade together, or join in procession, or play music in any of the streets of the City of Londonderry, at anytime between the hours of six o clock in the afternoon and six o clock in the forenoon, and every person so offending shall, for every such offence, be liable to a penalty not exceeding five pounds, or, in the discretion of justice before whom he is convicted, to imprisonment (with or without hard labour) for a period not exceeding two calendar months, provided always that nothing herein contained shall be deemed to apply to any funeral procession, or to any band playing connected with Her Majesty’s Service.”

In February 1878 reference is made to the desire to continue the conveyance of mail via the Anchor Line steam vessels.

On 15th November 1878 a visit to the city by the steam vessel called ‘Sea Gull’ is discussed.

In 1879, reference is made to a visit to the city by General Ulysses Grant, former President of the USA.

Reference is later made concerning an application for a site at Victoria Market for the erection of a Butcher’s Shop by Doherty’s Meats.

Reference that year is also made to the foundation of a special committee for the establishment of a Fire Brigade for the city.

In January 1881 discussions take place concerning a new Constabulary Barracks:  “The Town clerk submitted and read Report of Special Committee appointed to meet and confer with Mr J. B. Owen, an Architect of Board of Works, as to portion of Victoria Market on which it is proposed to erect new constabulary barracks.”

On 11th October 1881, plans for a new reservoir in the Creggan are discussed:  “That the resolution unanimously passed by the council in committee yesterday, approving of the Sherrif’s Mountain scheme for supplying the city with an extra supply of water, and which includes a new reservoir in the Creggan Valley be adopted.”