Galway In Days Gone By
1919
Poverty in Connemara
The poor we shall always have with us, but we associate the very poor rather with the vicious slums of great cities than with the far-flung plains of agricultural districts or with the sea-washed shores of a land that seems to breathe health and vigour. Even poverty is bearable in a rural district, for surroundings naturally healthy and free rob it of the horrible concomitants that are ever present in the city. History has taught the Irish peasantry to survive where a less proud people would succumb.
That they have had sore need of a training that has been continued through seven centuries is proved by the conditions that exist today in Connemara. Our correspondents send us harrowing details of the recurrence of misery, starvation, death and disease. Before ever the influenza epidemic came upon Europe, Lettermullen and Gorumna knew these things.
They have been investigated by successfully “sympathetic” Chief Secretaries, medical inspectors and Local Government officials; and ameliorative legislation has been doled out with the grudging hand of those who economise in life-saving that death and disease may survive. Instead of facing the terrible conditions with real courage and firm purpose, the Government has dallied with a pressing problem.
Housing need
The Urban Council of Galway met on Thursday. Mr. Martin McDonogh (Chairman) presided. Present: Messrs. Michael J. Crowley, Joseph S. Young, and Martin Moloney.
The Rev. Father Davis attended and pressed on the Council the urgent necessity for improved housing accommodation for the working classes, particularly in the Claddagh district. In reply to his inquiry as to the state of the scheme in preparation by the Council, he was informed that the plans were in the hands of Mr. Binns, the Council’s engineer, who was instructed to lodge them at the Council’s offices without delay, and stated that he expected to be able to do so in the course of the ensuing work.
Ill-paid nurses
The Nursing Sisters of the Ballinasloe Infirmary have, for the first time, applied to the guardians for an increase in their salaries. They are paid annually each £30, out of which they have to support themselves.
1944
Curtailed consumption
Owing to the present low level of the river, together with the necessity of curtailing consumption of electric current, and the difficulty of obtaining fuel oil supplies, the Galway Waterworks cannot continue to meet the heavy demand for water which is now being made upon it.
It is obvious that water is being used for non-essential purposes such as hosing shop fronts, footpaths, etc. If these practices continue certain parts of the area will be left entirely without water.
To Let: Eyre Square
The County Manager invites tenders for the letting of Eyre Square during Race Week, 1944, that is for the period from the Sunday night before the Race days to the Sunday night after the Race days, both inclusive.
Lessee may not sublet without the consent of the County Manager, and will not be allowed to erect any structure or tent on the top portion of the Square or on the portion where the flower beds are situated.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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