Board of Guardians: Wednesday: Wm. Creed, Esq., Chairman. Mr. Moxhay, the master, reported that Wm. Mayne, a pauper, had broken out of the house, and was found to have in his possession some pieces of lead and leather, supposed to be the property of the guardians. He had been apprehended and remanded by the magistrates. Mr. Moxhay also reported that Grace Keener had been sentenced to 21 days’ imprisonment for misconduct, and for refusing to work when requested to do so. A letter from Mr. W. M. Cann, medical officer of Dawlish, was read, calling attention to the case of Wm. Sercombe, of that parish, who cut his throat about four months’ since. He had been called upon by the overseers to treat him and for three months, his attendance had been required twice, and since that period once a day, as he could be fed only by means of the stomach pump. Whilst aware that he could make no legal claim for extra fees. Mr. Cann felt that he fully deserved some extra remuneration for such an extraordinary case. In the discussion which ensued, a fear was expressed by some that, whilst the services of Mr. Cann in this instance clearly entitled him to additional remuneration, such a course might establish a dangerous precedent for the other officers. Eventually, on the motion of Mr. Wakeham, seconded by Mr. Taylor, it was resolved by a majority of 11 to 8 that, provided the sanction of the Poor Law Board be obtained, the sum be awarded to Mr. Cann. The Tender Committee recommended that Messrs. Pinsent’s tender for the supply of coals to the house was accepted. The recommendation was adopted. A letter from Sir J. B. Y. Buller, Bart., M.P., was read, acknowledging the receipt of the petition adopted by the Board, praying for the formation of county boards for the management of county rates, and promising to take an early opportunity of presenting it to the House of Commons. In reply to Mr. E. Cuming, the Clerk stated that the amount demanded from this union for the past quarter was about the same as its contribution to the county rates had averaged for the last seven years. The Board adjourned.
[See also Exeter Flying Post: Thursday 17th July 1856]
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
Referenced
GRO0518 Devonport: John Ball Pinsent: 1819 – 1901