Derry Corporation Minute Book Volume 23 (1896-1901)

Introduction

This volume of Derry Corporation minutes covers the period from 5th March 1896 to 15th August 1901.

This volume marks the change from minutes being recorded in formal calligraphic 'Copperplate' script to informal handwriting. The change occurs in the minutes taken on 16th November 1899 (see page 320).

Reports of the Corporation Committees are no longer included in the text of the minutes, there are now only notes of them having been submitted and approved by the Council.

The links above open as PDF documents. To access them you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader v7 or later installed on your computer. To download this software, which is free, visit the download pages of the Adobe website.

Highlights from Volume 23

In March 1896 an outbreak of scarlatina resulted in the admittance of fourteen people to the Foyle Hill Hospital, three people died.  

Later that year, a proposal is submitted for the erection of a new ‘lunatic asylum at Gransha’. Representatives from Coleraine, Limavady and Magherfelt claimed the asylum should be built in their locality.  The Corporation member consider the views of the representatives but agree that the site at Gransha is the most appropriate site as it is close to a centre of population and is therefore very accessible.  Comments are made that the representatives are merely concerned about their own ‘selfish’ interests and ‘personal considerations’.

In March 1897 the Bridge Commissioners request approval for the erection of electric lights on the bridge.  The request is approved on acceptance of a ‘fair price.’

In February 1898 a letter to the Irish Society is read, requesting the Society to confirm the agreement to extinguish the rent for the Guildhall, as was promised during the Governorship of Sir Whittaker Ellis.

In July 1898 permission is requested, and approved, by the secretary of the Jubilee Committee to erect a statue of the Queen in the entrance porch of the Guildhall.

Later that year a number of letters are also discussed concerning the request for lands of the ‘Gwyn and Young Governors’, for the development of a ‘Peoples Park’.

In March 1899, the Grand Jury proposes a gift of pictures to the Corporation which are to be exhibited in a public place.  It is further recommended that the pictures be distributed and the funds to be used for local charities.

In March 1900 a request inviting the Queen to visit the city when she is in Ireland next month, is submitted and agreed.  A committee is established to draft an address and various items required for such a visit.

Later that year a letter is received by the Mayor from the Irish Society highlighting concerns at the pollution of the river Foyle.  The members agree to discuss the matter at the next visitation of the Irish Society.

In January 1901 the text of the proclamation of His Majesty King Edward VIII is included.  The death of Queen Victoria is also mentioned and condolences are sent to the King, the meeting is then adjourned.