Disability Perspectives: History
Wolverhampton Workhouse
Our Hidden Histories Project was a collaboration between Heritage Lottery Fund and De Montford University.
Exploring The Workhouse in Wolverhampton: the building and the people.
Heritage Lottery All Our Stories Project working with De Montford University students to re-created the Wolverhampton Workhouse in a virtual 3D video unfortunatley unable to deliver on a 3d print version due to technical issues. Researching the history of the Wolverhampton work hose : how it was built and the people within its walls. Additional research on Disabled people documented in Census records and other activities explored how to use the city archives and carry out research.
Educational videos and presentations produced are all available online.
Wolverhampton Workhouse: 3D Model Circa 1903
(Wednesfield Newcross Hospital Site)
Digital Disability Project
Thanks to funders All Our Stories - Heritage Lottery and De Montfort University
Hidden Histories
A Disability History project: Research about Disabled People in Wolverhampton at the turn of the 20th Century, Activities and research done by Disabled People.
Disabled People Documented In the Newspapers
North Devon Journal
Thursday 19 August 1880
A strange suicide has taken place at Wolverhampton. Thomas Tompkinson, a cripple, who gained his livelihood by sitting in a basket carriage selling boot laces and other small articles, got his young son to push him along to within a short distance of the canal and then told him to take the carriage home. He then managed to crawl to the canal side and threw himself in
Wakefield and West Riding Herald 04 November 1905
A blind pauper who was admitted to the Wolverhampton workhouse was found to have £40 in his pocket
Lake's Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser
30 March 1906
The Wolverhampton Board of Guardians has decided to change the name of the Imbecile ward in the workhouse to the Mental Ward’.
Globe 14 January 1908
Cripple and Nurse
Scene in an infirmary
At Wolverhampton yesterday Martin Murray a cripple inmate of Wolverhampton Workhouse infirmary was committed to trial charged with unlawful wounding three nurses. It was stated that on the morning of December 15, nurse Walker was serving breakfast in the infirmary ward when Murray who was in a terrible rage threw the bread and butter plate in her face fracturing her nose. Nurse Blackmore and nurse Barker, who went to her assistance were struck with the prisoner’s crutch and Blackmore’s case the doctor said that if the blow had been half an inch higher it would have been fatal. Accused, when arrested said ‘I did it because they gave the other patients their breakfast before they gave me mine”.
follow up research revealed:
Martin Murray b.1863 Westbury Gloucestershire. a deformed tailor
Nurse Adelaide Louisa Walker
Nurse Elizabeth Collar Blackmore
Nurse Annie Elizabeth Barker
Dr Atkinson resident Medical off icer Wolverhampton Workhouse
Mr. A. Turton prosecutor
Martin Murray was Sentence to 15 months
Martin Murray aged 19yrs. can be found on the 1881 UK Census living with his parents Ann and John Murray both from Ireland, head of household John’s occupation is foreman Puddler).
The family live at 24, Carribbee Street, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England.
Matin is a tailor, 3 sisters Annie, Nellie, Elizabeth and a brother Patrick.
1891 UK Census: at Church lane Wolverhampton
Living with parents and sisters Annie, Nellie, Elizabeth and brother Patrick
1911 UK Census: at 42 Oxford Street Wolverhampton.
In the infirmity column both he and his mother have “cripple”
Living with Mother Ann and 2 sisters Ellen and Elizabeth.
How the Workhouse Was Built.
A transcription of the Workhouse sub-committee book 1899-1903.
Workhouse Sub-committee Book:
Transcription
New Workhouse Wolverhampton Committee Book 1899:
Farm Sub Committee
28th September 1899
Present Mr. J Hyde in the Chair, Messrs Pritchard and Gumsell.
The committee saw the 20 sheep recently purchased.
Upon the suggestion of the Clerk it was decided that the Farm Bailiff be furnished with a receipt book, and that in future he receive no moneys whatever without giving a receipt, entering the particulars of the receipt upon the counterfoil.
It was decided to ‘lamp’ the potatoes for use in the Workhouse when prices have strengthened.
It was decided that the Oats be thrashed and the resulting straw used in protecting the potatoes against the weather, the Bailiff to make the best arrangements he can with the owner of the thrashing machine for the work & as to the time
It was resolved to purchase 8 head of cattle and to graze the aftermath on the farm the Chairman and the Bailiff to attend such market as they consider best to purchase them, their expenses to be defrayed by the Guardians.
The horse belonging to the Committee being considered much to restive and nervous for town work and being in splendid condition just now it was decided to sell it and purchase another more suitable to the requirements of the Guardians. The Chairman to decide the method & time both of selling and buying.
It was decided subject to the consent of Mr Sankey the Chairman of the New Workhouse Committee that these minutes be presented direct to the Board it being considered unnecessary to call a special meeting of that Committee to receive, & direct with regard to them
Approved by Board
William Price Chairman
New Workhouse Committee
19th October 1899
Present-Mr J.W Sankey in the Chair, Messrs Hyde, Pritchard, Price, Greensill and Boyes.
Mr A. Marshall, the Architect, was also present.
The Minutes of the last Meeting were read.
It was ordered that the cheques sent by the Builders upon applying for the quantities be returned, each having sent a bona fide tender, except for the cheque from W.E. Barlow, which is to be retained until he has signed his Contract.
The Clerk reported upon his interview with the Builder.
The Clerk reported on his visit to the Local Government Board as to the increased borrowing powers necessary to cover the acceptance of the tender of Mr Barlow.
The Committee went into the whole questions surrounding the present borrowing powers of the Guardians and the ultimate amount of loans of the Guardians are likely to reach.
It was decided to recommend the Board to appoint a deputation to wait upon the Local Government with reference to the matters discussed, and that the Deputation consist of the Chairman of the Committee, the Architect and the Clerk.
Mr Barlow, the lowest tenderer, was present: & the Committee considered generally the names of his proposed subcontractors.
It was decided that Messrs Hodson & Sons named in the Tender as Stone Anson subcontractors be unmoved, and Mr Barlow be allowed to substitute his own name or that of Green & Sons of Nottingham.
It was decided to accept the names of Messrs Humphreys & Co. of Nottingham as Plumbers in lieu of Messrs Lincoln & Co of Grantham named as such subcontractors in the Tender.
The Chairman suggested that if the Builder wished to make any other variation in the names of the Subcontractor, the Committee would willingly consider them especially if they were good men. The Chairman also suggested to the Builder the wisdom of availing himself of local labour & materials as far as possible. Mr Barlow said he would make enquiries and if he could he would suggest acceptable local Subcontractors in lieu of others mentioned in his tender.
Mr Barlow promised to within a week to submit two names as sureties for his bond of £5.000 for the due performance of the contract when it is entered into. Mr Barlow asked that the stipulation as to the amount to be retained in the hands of the Guardians be reduced from £15,000 to £10,000, as in the case of the Builder of the Nottingham Workhouse.
It was decided to recommend to the Board to accede to this request.
In answer to other questions Mr Barlow said his Subcontractors had not yet verified their figures, he hoped this work would be completed by Thursday next.
It was unanimously agreed to recommend the Board to complete, in due course, the contract with Mr Barlow, the Committee being quite satisfied as to his suitableness for the work.
Approved
William Price
John W.Sankey
Farm Sub-Committee
20th October 1899
Present Mr. G.Hyde in the Chair, Messrs Greensill & Pritchard.
It was reported that the oats had been threshed & it was decided to sell about 40 bags to Messrs Barker & Sons at 10/6 per bag of 10 scous.
It was decided, subject to the consent of Mr Sankey the Chairman of the New Workhouse Committee, that these minutes be presented direct to the Board it being considered unnecessary to call a special meeting of that Committee to receive , & direct with regard to them.
Approved
William Price Chairman
John W. Sankey
Farm Sub-Committee
26th October 1899
Present- Mr G. Hyde in the Chair, Messrs Greensill & Pritchard.
The Chairman reported that the Bailiff was not satisfied with one of the Sheep
recently purchased. It was resolved to recommend the purchase of another as early as possible.
John W. Sankey
Farm Sub Committee
27 October 1899
Present Mr. J Hyde in the Chair-Messrs Greensill & Pritchard.
The Committee reconsidered the business of the 26th inst & it was decided instead of recommending the purchase of another ram to hire one from Mr Vincent Hyde for 7 weeks for the sum of 25 shillings.
ohn W. Sankey
Farm Sub Committee
2nd Nov 1899
Present Mr J Hyde in the Chair, Messrs Greensill & Pritchard & the Master.
Upon the motion of Mr Pritchard it was resolved to recommend that Mr Taffley be allowed to purchase 500 yards of Turf at one penny per yard & remove it himself.
It was decided to recommend further as follows: –
1 That 3 pigs be sold at next Market.
2 That a Chaff cutter & Hay cutter be purchased from Mr Arnold Mills.
3 That the New Workhouse Committee arrange for an interview with the Contractor as to the future use of the House and Farm Building with a view to the Guardians retaining use of a portion for the Bailiff & the stock, the Contractor having intimated to the Bailiff to make some such arrangement.
John W Sankey
New Workhouse Committee
7th November 1899
Present: -Mr J.W.Sankey in the Chair, Messrs Boyes, Price, and Pritchard
The Minutes of the Farm Sub Committee of the 20th, 26th, & 27th October and the 2nd November were read and signed by the Chairman.
The letter from the Midland Brick and Terra Cotta Co referred to the Committee by the Board, offering a piece of land at New Cross for the purpose of a Wharf, was considered.
The Clerk to write that the Guardians were not at present contemplating the purchase of a site for a wharf, but such an offer might be considered later if the terms were reasonable.
The Clerk reported that the Contractor had asked that the Bond which himself and two sureties were required to enter into should be reduced to £5,000. It was recommended to the Board not to accede to the request.
The Clerk submitted a draft of the Contract between the Guardians & the Contractor for the erection of the New Workhouse & a draft of proposed conditions to be read with such contract, and a draft bond to be entered into by the Contractor & two approved sureties. The Committee especially dealt with the protective clause referring to the temporary withdrawal of the Imbecile Block. It was decided that an addition be made to this clause that the erection of such block shall be completed within 12-18 months as the Clerk may be able to arrange from the date the Contractor receives the instruction to proceed, subject to him receiving such instruction before the other buildings are completed and also to a stipulation that such a Block need not be completed before the time mentioned in the conditions of contract for the whole to be completed- except if required to do so by the Architect under any authority vested in him.
It was decided to bring the agreement before the General Purposes Committee on the 15 inst.: the Clerk meanwhile to submit it to Mr Spencer Solicitor of Nottingham, acting for the Builder, after which it was directed to be sent to the Chairman of this Committee for his perusal together with any observation Mr Spencer may make.
A Letter was read from Mr Spencer Solicitor for the Contractor submitting Mr Frederick Evans of Mill Street Nottingham Builder and Mr J.J Adams of Coalville Street Nottingham Builder as his sureties, the amount to be named on the Bond for due completion of the work.
The Clerk was directed to make enquiries as to the suitability of the persons named as the sureties.
Approved
William Price Chairman
John W. Sankey
Farm Sub Committee
23 Nov 1899
Present Mr J Hyde in the Chair, Messrs Blair & Pritchard
It was decided to purchase one ton of Earl & Kings Square feed cake from Mr Bradburn at £7.
It was decided not to sell any of the swedes & mangolds but to keep them for home consumption.
It was resolved to purchase fifses in-store (?) pigs – the Bailiff to buy them.
It was decided to continue supplying potatoes to the Workhouse. Ordered that four boatloads of manure be purchased from the Wolverhampton Corporation.
J Hyde Chairman
New Workhouse Committee
27th November 1899
Present Mr JW Sankey in the Chair, Rev. G W Johnson, Messrs Price, Plant, Boyes, Greensill & Pritchard
Mr Marshall [Architect] was also present.
The minutes of the last meeting were read.
The Clerk reported on his interviews with Messrs Fish & Sons and that they had agreed to accept the draft contract which had been submitted. They objected however, to ask anyone to sign a bond with them for £10,000 but, had agreed to an increase in the amount of the retention money to a sum acceptable to the Board and enter into a personal and joint bond for £10,000. Mr G Fish one of the partners in the firm of Fish & Sons attended. He consented to reduce the time for completion named in his firms tender as 3. 1/2 years to three years from the date of signing the contract.
After discussing various points with Mr Fish it was decided to recommend to the Board to seal the contract which had been offered and accepted by Messrs Fish & Sons.
It was decided that the joint and separate bond of the two partners be accepted for £10,000 and that in substition of their obtaining the signatures of others to the bond as sureties the retention money be increased to £15,000 to be accumulated by reserving forty per cent of the money becoming due under the terms of the contract until the sum of £15,000 is reached.
It was unanimously decided to recommend the acceptance of the tender including the extras for Glazed Bricks & Co mentioned in the tender and for which a separate price was entered.
Mr Fish said in reply to questions that he hoped the Guardians would not press their request to have part occupation of either the House or the buildings upon the site. It would be against the interests both of the Guardians and themselves. It was decided that the possession of the house and the whole of the buildings be given up in time to be used for the purposes Mr Fish pointed out.
Messrs Fish & Sons submitted the names of Humphreys & Son of Nottingham in substitution of that of the subcontractors mentioned in their tender for plumbing. It was unanimously to agree to Messrs Humphreys as subcontractors for plumbing.
Mr Fish promises that he would place all work & subcontracts possible in Wolverhampton.
Approved
William Price Chairman of Board
John W Sankey
Wolverhampton New Workhouse Committee
5th January 1900
Present Mr J W Sankey in the Chair Revs W.L. Ward & G W Johnson,
Messrs Greensill, Pritchard, Hyde, Boyes, Price, Plant.
The minutes of the last meeting were read.
The Clerk reported that Messrs Fish & Sons required possession of the House & Buildings at New Cross for use in connection with arrangements he has made for the erection of the New Workhouse.
The Committee considered the advisability of continuing the Farming operations and the consequent retention of the services of the Farm Bailiff.
It was decided to hold a meeting of the Committee upon the Farm on Wednesday next immediately upon the conclusion of the General Purposes Committee.
Approved by Board
William Price Chairman
New Workhouse Committee
10th January 1900
There were present Mr J W. Sankey in the Chair, Revnd GW Johnson, Messrs Price, Greensill, Hyde, Plant and Pritchard.
The Architect [Mr Marshall] was also present. The Committee considered the advisability of continuing the Farming operations at New Cross and also the question of the retention of the services of the Farm Bailiff.
It was decided to ask Messrs Fish & Sons whether they would be willing to rent the whole of the available land [outside that required in connection with and for the purpose of the Building] and if so what rent they would be disposed to give: The Clerk to ask for an answer by return of Post to be in time for consideration at the next Board meeting
Approved by Board
William Price Chairman
John W Sankey
New Workhouse Committee
19th January 1900
There were present Mr J W Sankey in the Chair Rev G W Johnson, Mr W Price & Mr G B Greensill.
The Report of the Farm Sub Committee was as follows: –
Farm Sub Committee
Jan 17th 1900
“Present Mr Hyde, Mr Pritchard, Mr Price
” The following recommendations were unanimously agreed upon:-
” To accept Mr Moss’s offer of £33 for the remaining Rick of Hay
” To purchase the Ram now upon the Farm from Mr V Hyde for £3.10.0, the sum to be paid for it, the amount agreed to be paid for its use, £1.5.0 to be considered part of the Purchase Price.
” To purchase two bags of Indian Meal.
” That the whole of the Farm Buildings to be handed over to the Contractors on February 1st next
” That seven head of cattle be sold in open Market by Messrs Nock & Joseland on the 31st inst.
” The Farm Bailiff reported that he had carted 29 Loads of Ashes for the Contractors at 6d per Load.
” This was approved”
It was decided to recommend the Board to accept these suggestions
Approved by Board
William Price Chairman
January 26/00
New Workhouse Committee
20th April 1900
There were present Revs G W Johnson & W L Ward, Messrs Boyes, Greensill, Hyde, Myring, Plant, Price and Pritchard and Sankey.
It was unanimously resolved that Mr J.W Sankey be appointed Chairman of the Committee for the ensuing year
W Latimer Ward
New Workhouse Committee
30th May 1900
Present: Mr J W Sankey, Chairman,
Messrs Walker, Rev G W Johnson, Messrs Boyes, Greensill, Myring and Pritchard also the Architect [Mr Marshall]
The Committee inspected the whole of the Buildings in progress.
The Architect gave the Committee a report upon the progress made as follows: –
” The following buildings are up to ground floor level ready to receive rolled steel joists for floors
” Male & Female Infirm Blocks Lying-in and Medical Officers’ Blocks and Walls of the Main
” North Corridor.
” Male & Female Itch and Venereal Blocks; The brickwork of the former is about 2′ 6″ above the
” concrete and the latter is excavated ready for concrete.
” Nurses Block About half the excavation for the concrete is done
” Workshops and Labour Master’s House; The whole of the concrete foundations are in for this Block
” & the Brickwork commenced.
” Tower and Domestic Buildings adjoining The Brickwork is carried up to an average of 3ft above
” concrete.
” Farm Buildings. Two thirds are up to roof plate and the remainder including Mortuary about
” 5 feet above floor level. Several of the principals are already framed.
” Vagrant Block. Three fourths of the excavation for basement is done.
” On the whole, I consider the progress of the works is satisfactory”
After discussion and after consulting the Architect it was decided that a meeting of the Committee be held on the site on the last Wednesday in each alternate month from this date at 2.0 o’clock which the Architect promised to attend,
W Latimer Ward Chairman
John W Sankey
New Workhouse Committee
25th July 1900
Present
Mr J W Sankey Chairman, Rev G W Johnson Messrs Hyde Prichard Boyes and Price, Mr Marshall [Architect] was also present.
The Minutes of the last meeting were read. The Architect presented his report upon the present position of the operations & the progress made during the last two months, as follows:
ARCHITECT’S REPORT.
King Street,
Nottingham,
July 21st, 1900.
WOLVERHAMPTON WORKHOUSE.
Report on Progress up to date.
There are 154 men of various trades engaged on the works at the present time.
The following buildings are built up to the various levels as given below: —
Male and Female Infirmary Wards. These are carried up to a level ready for rolled steel joists to ground floor and are waiting for same, some of this has been delivered, but owing to an error in construction of same by Founder, further delay is caused.
Medical Officer and Head Nurse. On the south side of corridor this is at floor level, and on the north the walls are up to window sill level, ready for stone sills and window frames.
Nurses’ Home. These walls are at ground floor level and ready for door frames, granolithic steps, window frames, and rolled steel joists.
Male and Female Skin and Syphilitic Blocks. These are at sill level ground floor windows, and ready for sills, steps, and door frames, rolled steel joists are fixed ready for cantering, and on Female side the cantering fixed ready for concreting.
Workshops. These walls are up to level of window heads and ready for stone heads and roofing timbers.
Farm Buildings. These are roofed In and ready for tiling.
Mortuary. These walls are up to roof level ready for timbers.
Vagrant Wards. These walls to basement are up to two feels below ground floor level. The cast iron stanchions have been delivered for this basement, two of which have been re used.
Isolation Hospital. Walls are up to window Bill level and ready for frames and sills.
Disinfector. Walls are up to window sill level.
Cottage. Walls are up to one foot above ground floor level and ready for frames and stone.
Vagrant Lodge. At ground floor level and ready for floor Joists.
Workhouse Blocks. Two of the male side are excavated and ready for concrete foundations, the concrete is completed in one and the brick work started. These might have been started earlier but were delayed so that the hay might be saved.
During the past eight weeks, 892,800 bricks have been delivered, or an average of 110,000 per week, Considerable delay has been caused latterly by the difficulty in obtaining stone in sufficient quantities to keep the buildings going all round, but I have made such arrangements this week as will, I trust, prevent farther delay in this direction. I think on the whole the works have progressed satisfactorily during the five months they have been in execution.
ARTHUR MARSHALL.
It was decided upon the motion of the Chairman, that the report be presented & circulated amongst the Members of the Board before the next Board Meeting and that a copy be sent to the local papers. The Committee inspected the whole of the Buildings in course of erection.
W Latimer Ward
Chairman of the Board.
26th September 1900
Present: Mr G Hyde & Mr C Boyes. The Architect [Mr Marshall] was also present.
As the Members present did not represent a quorum only an informal meeting was held.
The Architect presented his report as to the progress of the work
up to date.
It was proposed to recommend the Board to cause the report to be printed and a copy sent to each member.
ARCHITECT’S REPORT.
King Street
Nottingham,
Sept. 26th 1900
WOLVERHAMPTON WORKHOUSE. ,
Report of Progress up to DATE.
I have the honour to report to you as follows upon the progress of the above new buildings up to this date.
There are 161 men of various trades engaged upon the site at the present time.
Considerable progress has been made with the works since they were last visited by the Committee.
The following are the average levels to which the various blocks have been carried, namely: —
Workhouse Blocks. All the male blocks, including pipe trunks and corridor walls, are at the level to receive floors. On the female side the corridor and pipe trunk walls are up to floor level, between administrative and first female block, the brickwork of the latter is now being raised on the concrete foundations for pipe trunks and corridor, and two other female blocks are nearly ready for concrete. On this side, the work has been heavy, in consequence of having to cut through hard rock for some distance.
Administrative Block. The walls of this block, including pipe trunks and corridor (except basement stores), are carried up to a level ready to receive floors. The basement for stores has yet to be excavated.
Male and Female Infirmary Wards. These blocks are at a level to receive ironwork for floors, and those of the male side are being fitted with the ironwork and centering for fire-proof floors; the fire-proof flooring at stairs is laid.
Medical Officer’s and Head Nurse’s Block. The walls of this block are up to roof level, and about half of the roof timbers are fixed. The glazed brick dadoes are finished.
Nurses’ Home. These walls are at ground floor level and joists fixed.
Male and Female Skin and Syphilitic Blocks. On the male side the walls are up to roof level, glazed brick dadoes complete, and fire-proof floors laid. About 2/3 of the roof timbers are fixed. On the female side the walls are carried up five feet above ground floor level, glazed dadoes complete, and about 2/3 of fire-proof flooring.
Workshops and Labour Master’s House. The walls of these blocks are all roof high, and have all roof timbers fixed; the wood choppers’ shops and labour master’s house are being tiled in.
Farm Buildings. Roofed in and tiled.
Mortuary. Roofed in and tiled.
Vagrant Wards. This remains practically as last reported, the delay being caused by defective ironwork having to be replaced. The work here will now proceed.
Lodge. As last reported.
Isolation Hospital, Disinfector, and Cottage. The walls are about 3ft. above ground floor level, and ironwork and wood centerings fixed; fireproof floors are being laid.
Bricks, Since the commencement of work, 2,630,000 bricks of various kinds have been delivered on the site, nearly 2,000,000 of which are in work.
Ironwork. About 130 tons have been delivered on to the site.
In my opinion, very satisfactory progress has been made with the works during the last two months.
ARTHUR MARSHALL.
1. Latimer Ward Chairman
New Workhouse Committee
Minutes of the Meeting held
28th November 1900
at the New Workhouse
There were present:
Mr J W Sankey Chairman, Messrs Boyes, Hyde, Myring & Pritchard
The Minutes of the last meeting were read.
The Committee inspected the Buildings and found that substantial progress had been made since the last Meeting. General satisfaction was expressed with the character of the work and also with the very acceptable appearance of those Buildings roofed in.
The Report of the Architect as follows was read and accepted and it was ordered that it be printed and a copy sent to each member of the Board
ARCHITECT’S REPORT.
King Street,
Nottingham,
Nov. 28th, 1900.
The Guardians of the Poor, Wolverhampton.
WOLVERHAMPTON WORKHOUSE.
I herewith beg to submit my report upon the progress of the works at at the New Workhouse, New Cross,
Vagrant Ward. Basement.
The outer walls are carried up to about two feet below ground floor level: the stone sills, east iron casements and cast iron stanchions are set. The brickwork is raised to receive ground floor girders. The Cottage walls are at ground floor level.
Farm Buildings and Mortuary.
These are finished except for internal fittings, which are now in hand.
Workshops and Labour Master’s House.
These are roofed in and tiled. The fixing of grounds for plaster work and laying of concrete floors in hand.
Males’ and Females’ Skin and Syphilitic Blocks.
The block for Males is tiled in and the block for Females is ready for tiling. The fire-proof flooring is laid to both, also the concrete to solid floors of corridors, and plaster grounds are being fixed.
Nurses’ Home.
The walls of this block are up to first floor level, and half of the wood and iron joists are fixed at this level, and the ground floor fire-proof flooring is laid.
Isolation Hospital, Cottage, and Disinfector.
These are up and roofed with timbers ready for tiling in.
Medical Officer’s Block.
This is now tiled in, grounds for plastering are being fixed.
Males’ and Females’ Infirmary Wards.
Preparations are being made for laying the fire-proof flooring on the Females’ side, and on the Males’ side, the walls of the two south ends of blocks are carried up six feet above ground floor level, with the stone cills fixed on one; and to ground floor window-cill level with cills fixed on the other, including all solid door frames, &c. The fire-proof flooring is laid over the whole of the two Males’ blocks.
Males’ and Females’ Workhouse Blocks.
The whole of the foundations, of these eight blocks are put in, and the walls raised to a level ready to receive ground floor joists, including the pipe trunks and their connecting corridors.
Nursery and Married Couples’ Blocks.
These blocks are at the same respective levels as the Workhouse Blocks.
On the whole, it will be seen that there has been substantial progress with the works, and in future stall more rapid progress will be made. There are 169 men employed weekly on the site.
ARTHUR MARSHALL.
W Latimer Ward
Chairman of Board
New Workhouse Committee
Minutes of Meeting held
30th January 1901
at the New Workhouse
There were Present: –
Mr J W Sankey Chairman
Messrs Hyde & Plant
The Minutes of the previous Meeting were read.
The Architect read his report on the progress of the Work during the interval since the last Meeting of the Committee in November last, drawing particular attention to his opinion that the works were not making the rate of progress which would complete the job within the time stipulated in the Contract with the Builder.
It was decided that the report be printed and a copy sent to each Member of the Board, a copy to be entered upon the minutes of this meeting
ARCHITECTS REPORT.
King Street,
Nottingham,
January 29th, 1901,
NEW WORKHOUSE, WOLVERHAMPTON.
The Report as to Progress of the above is as follows: —
Vagrant Wards. The walls forming the basement laundry of this block are carried up to the ground floor level, and all iron stanchions and girders fixed in position, and the centering is being erected to run the fireproof ground floors.
Farm Buildings and Mortuary. These buildings are partly occupied by the Farm Bailiff, with cattle, &c-., but there are still some of the internal fittings to fix.
Workshops and Labour Master’s House. These buildings are practically complete except the internal work to the house, and some wood-block
Male and Female Skin and Syphilitic Blocks. Both of these blocks are built and tiled in, and the fireproof floor laid. The internal fittings are being fixed, such as sash frames, &c.
Nurses’ Home. The walls of this block are carried up to the roof-plate level, and all roof timbers are fixed and ready for tiling. The building of the chimney stacks is in progress, and practically the carcase is finished.
Isolation Hospital Cottage and Disinfector. These buildings are all roofed and tiled in, fireproof floors all laid. Water cisterns in position in roofs, and ready for internal fittings.
Medical Officer’s Block. This is now ready for internal fittings and plastering, which will-be commenced as soon as the weather permits
Males’ Infirmary. No. 3 Blocks. One block has its walls carried up for both floors, and all its roof timbers fixed and ready nearly far the tiling. All ironwork is fixed in position and fireproof floors laid, including all glazed brick dadoes and staircases, whilst another block is in the same state of progress except its roof, the principals of which are fixed in position ready to receive the purlins and rafters, &c. The third block is carried up to the first floor level, and has all steel girders and wood centering fixed ready for laying the fireproof floors.
Females’ Infirmary. No. 2 Blocks. One block has its walls carried up to the first-floor level, and steel girders fixed for carrying fireproof flooring. All ironwork and fireproof flooring laid on the ground floor of same. The second block has its ground floor ironwork and fireproof floors laid, and its walls carried up to the window sill level of ground floor, the stone sills being set.
Lying-in Block. The walls of this block are carried up to the ground floor level, and the ironwork for floors and fireproof flooring laid, and the walls just started above this level.
Workhouse. The Administrative Males’ and Females’ Blocks, Nursery and Married Couples’ Blocks remain as last seen by the Committee, viz:—At a level ready to receive the ground floor joists.
Since the Guardians last visit to the works some considerable time has been lost owing to the bad weather and the Christmas week closing; but making every allowance for these, I do not think the progress made during this interval has been as satisfactory as I could have wished.
There are employed on the works at the present time 177 men of all
trades.
ARTHUR MARSHALL.
It was decided that the Contractor be interviewed and Mr Fred Fish who was on the site
attende the meeting and the chairman explained to him that the Guardians were not
satisfied with the amount of work done since the Contract was signed. Mr Fish made
various excuses but the Chairman informed him that the responsibilities were his and
he must meet them.
The Chairman urged Mr Fish to press along with all possible speed and to hope
for little consideration for loss of time not covered by the Contract, at the close of Work,
as the penal clauses would be enforced. Mr Fish promised to do all he could in this
direction and make greater efforts and progress that will ensure completion within the
time stipulated.
W Latimer Ward Chairman of Board
John W Sankey
New Workhouse Committee
27th March 1901
There were present:
Mr J W Sankey Chairman Messrs H Morton, W G Pritchard
The minutes of the last Meeting were read and signed by the Chairman.
The Architect’s report upon the progress of this work during the interval since the last meeting was read.It was decided that it be printed and a copy sent to each Member of the Board.
The following is a copy of the report
ARCHITECT’S REPORT.
King Street
Nottingham;,
March 25th, 1901.
NEW WORKHOUSE, WOLVERHAMPTON.
The Report as to Progress of the above is as follows :—
Vagrant Wards. This work has now all its centering fixed for the fireproof flooring, and the flooring laid and the two nights of steps to basement fixed, and the walls are being carried up above the ground floor level, also those of the Cottage.
Farm Buildings and Mortuary. These buildings are and have been occupied partly by the Farm Bailiff, with cattle, &c., for some months past, and the cow byres are now fitted and fixed in position, and the piggery floors finished. The skylights to Mortuary are fixed and glazed in, and walls of same rendered with plastering.
Workshops and Labour Master’s House. These are now in the hands of the joiners and plasterers, the first floor is laid and plastering finished, and the ground floor partly finished, window frames partly fixed.
Male and Female Skin and Syphilitic (2 Blocks). Both of these blocks have the plastering practically finished and all sash frames fixed.
Nurses’ Home. The chimney stacks of this block are now all built, and the roof is two-thirds tiled in. The internal staircases are being fixed in position, and the plastering and internal fittings will shortly be commenced.
Isolation Hospital, Cottage and Disinfector. These are now in the hands of the plumber, and the plastering of the walls will be started shortly.
Male Infirmary (3 Blocks.) These blocks have now all the roof timbers fixed, chimney shafts built, guttering and water cisterns fixed in position, and the roof tiling commenced. Connecting corridors partly built.
Female Infirmary (2 Blocks). The south block has its walls carried up to the roof-plate level, and all principals fixed and rafters partly. The centering is fixed, and the first floor fireproof laid, including all iron and stonework. The second block has its walls carried up to first floor level, with steel girders for carrying fireproof flooring in position, Centering fixed for same and fireproof flooring laid.
Lying-in Block. The walls of this block are carried up to the first floor ready to receive steel girders for fireproof flooring, door frames built in.
Workhouse (18 Blocks). These are all built to the ground floor level, and large excavations, 89 feet X 44 feet X 10 feet, have been made for the basement of the General Stores, and the walls and area walls of same have been built up to the ground floor level, and the columns and steel girders and wood joists to carry floor of same are fixed in position, The piers carrying steel girders supporting floor of Dining Hall are built and the steel girders placed in position; the stone for this block is partly prepared. The concrete floors of the pipe trenches of some of these blocks are being laid, wood joists fixed and scaffolding erected. A large quantity of material has been carted to the site of these blocks ready for raising them above the ground floor level.
Medical Officer’s Block. Dispensary and Operating Room. This block is roofed in and the greater part plastered.
Since the Guardians last visit to the works 19 days have been lost through bad weather, nevertheless I can report very fair progress on the whole. There are employed on the works at the present time 220 men of all trades, or 43 more than on the occasion of the Guardians last visit, and these are principally bricklayers.
ARTHUR MARSHALL.
The Committee inspected the Buildings.
A Letter was read which had been adressed to the Chairman of the Committee, from Messrs T & C Clark & Co. asking that that Firm should have consideration when the orders for Baths are being placed.
It was decided that the Clerk inform Messrs Clark & Co. the Earthenware Baths will be used in the New Workhouse
W Latimer Ward
Chairman of Board
.
New Workhouse Committee
19th April 1901
Present:
Rev J J Darmody, Messrs Boyes, Hyde, Myring, Plant, Morton, Pritchard and Sankey
and the Rev G W Johnson.
It was unanimously resolved that Mr J W Sankey be elected Chairman of this Committee
for the ensuing year.
G W Johnson
C of Bd
New Workhouse Committee
22nd May 1901
Present:
Mr J W Sankey Chairman
Rev G W Johnson Mr F James
Mr C Boyes Mr G G Parstow
Mr J Hyde Mr W G Pritchard
It was oordered that a Boyles’ Ventilator be fixed in the roof of the Stables.
The following report by the Architect was read & it was proposed that it be printed
and a copy made for each Member of the Board.
ARCHITECT’S REPORT.
King Street
To The Building Committee, Nottingham,
Gentlemen, May 20th, 1901.
Re WOLVERHAMPTON WORKHOUSE.
I have the honour to report on the progress of the above as follows :—
Vagrant Wards. The walls of this block are now carried up to the first floor level, including glazed brickwork, stonework staircases, stone breaking screens, and ground floor rolled steel joists and fireproof floors.
Lodge to Vagrant Wards. This is now tiled in and ready for plastering.
Farm Buildings and Mortuary. The Farm Buildings are practically finished, and all parts are occupied and being used by the Farm Bailiff. The walls of the Mortuary are plastered and finished.
Workshops and Labour Master’s House. The plastering is now completed and all sash frames and door frames axe fixed. The Plumbers’ work is now in hand.
Males’ and Females’ Skin and Syphilitic (2 Blocks). All the plastering to these blocks is now finished, sashes fitted to frames, and the internal joinery is being fixed. Part of the Plumbers’ and Painters’ work is done.
Nurses’ Home. The roof of this block is now tiled in and the chimney stacks built. All window frames, first floor joists, and plastering done ; all guttering fixed and part Plumbers’ and Painters’ work is done including staircases.
Isolation Hospital, Cottage and Disinfector. All the plastering is now finished and part of the Plumbers’ and Painters’ work done, also some portion of the internal joinery.
Males’ Infirmary (3 Blocks). All these are now tiled in and roof ventilators and trunks fixed. The walls of the first floors of these blocks are plastered and finished. The Plumbers’ work is partly done, and the water cisterns are fixed in the roofs. All the window frames axe fixed on both floors of these blocks including skirtings, fireproof floors, with rolled steel joists, all staircases and glazed brickwork floor of pipe trunks, guttering, etc, and part painted.
Connecting Corridor Of Infirmary. The walls of this are carried up to the parapet level and partly coped, mad the fireproof fiats are laid and covered with Val-de-Travors asphalts for two-thirds of their length. The floors of the pipe trunks are all laid.
Females’ Infirmary (2 Blocks). These are now practically tiled in, and all the fireproof flooring and rolled steel joists laid, all the chimney stacks are built, and the roof ventilators fixed, all stonework, glazed brickwork, staircases, floors of pipe trunks, guttering, etc, are done, and part of the Plumbers’ and Painters’ work also done.
Lying-in Block. All the roof timbers of this block are fixed and battened ready for tiling. All chimney stacks are built, toe guttering, roof ventilator, fireproof flooring, and rolled steel joists, staircases, glazed brickwork, and part Plumbers’ and Painters’ work is done.
Workhouse (8 Blocks,) 5 Male Blocks. The walls of blocks Nos. 4 and 5 on the Males’ side are carried up to the window sill level of the first floor, and stone sills are fixed, and all the ground and first floor joists are fixed, also door and screen frames. All the fireproof flooring of the ground floor is laid, and the floors of the pipe trunks. The staircases are fixed to the first floor level.
Workhouse Blocks (continued). The walls of block No. 3 are carried up to the first floor level and joists fixed, all door and screen frames on ground floor are fixed, also the staircase to first floor level. The fireproof flooring is complete to ground floor, also the floors of pipe trunks are done. The walls of No. 3 block are carried up to the window sill level of ground floor windows and sills fixed ; the door and screen frames and joists of ground floor are fixed, the staircase is part fixed and the fireproof flooring of the ground floor is laid, also those of the pipe trunks. The walls of block No. 1 are carried up to the ground floor level and joists, door and screen frames are fixed and part of staircase, the floors of pipe trunks are laid.
Workhouse (3 Blocks) Females. The walls of these blocks are carried up to the ground floor level, and the joists are being fixed, the floors of the pipe trunks are laid.
Workhouse Corridor. These walls are carried up to the ground floor level, and the floors of pipe trunks are laid.
Nursery and Married Couples (a Blocks). The walls of these are carried up to the ground floor level, and the floors of pipe trunks are laid.
Medical Officer’s Block. All the plastering of the first floor walls is done, also of the Operating and Dispensary Rooms and domestic department. The fireproof flats are laid and asphalted.
Administrative Block comprising many attached buildings as follows:— The walls of the General Kitchen, Scullery, and Stores are carried up to roof level, and ready to receive roof principals. Vegetable Store and Scullery, Dairy and Store, Meat, Fish, Bread and Flour, Males’ and Females’ Mess Rooms have all their roof timbers fixed and ready for tiling in, the guttering is partly fixed. Broad-cutting Servery, Wash-up, and Corridor Flats up to Dining Hall have the rolled steel joists fixed ready for the fireproof covering. All the fireproof flooring with rolled steel joists is -laid on the ground floor to the whole of the Administrative Block. The walls of the Sewing Room are up ready for roofing, and those to the large Dining Hall are up to the window sills, which are 12ft. above the ground floor, including all glazed brickwork. The walls to the Master’s Clerk’s, Master’s, Matron’s, Assistant Matron’s rooms are carried up to an average of six feet above ground floor level. The walls of the Front Entrance block are carried up to an average of three feet above ground floor level, and all joists are fixed and part of stonework.
Laundry Block. The excavations for the foundations of this block are now being made.
Since the last visit of the Guardians, there has been greater progress made than at any other period of the Contract. There are employed upon the works at the present time 281 men of all trades, or 61 more than on the occasion of the last visit.
I have the honour to remain,
Your obedient Servant,
ARTHUR MARSHALL.
It was decided to recommend the Board to draw the attention of the Water Committee of the
Corporation to the present inadequate supply of Water upon the site of the New Workhouse
at Wednesfield, and ask what is proposed to be done to send the necessarily increased demand
when the New Workhouse is occupied
G W Johnson Chairman of Board
John W Sankey
New Workhouse Committee
8th October 1901
Present:-
Mr J.W.Sankey Chairman
Rev G.W.Johnson Mr.H.Morton
Mr.C.Boyes Mr.F.W.Plant
Mr.W.Myring Mr.W.H.Pritchard
The Minutes of the last Meeting were read and signed by the Chairman.
The Clerk read a letter he had received from the Town Clerk dated 31st May with regard to the Water supply at the New Workhouse “that the matter should be brought before the Water Committee at the next Meeting” and that in reply to a question the Clerk stated he had received no further communication. The Clerk was directed to ask for a reply to the Board’s letter of 30th May last.
It was decided that the partition in the Plans to be erected across the Dining Hall be not erected until the Committee sanction its erection. The Clerk was directed to communicate with the Builders and ask if the Farm Buildings are insured against Fire in which case the Clerk was directed to insure the Cattle and Stock of the Guardians against loss by Fire
ARCHITECT’S REPORT.
King Street
Notttngham,
September 23rd, 1901. NEW WORKHOUSE. WOLVERHAMPTON.
The Report as to PROGRESS of the above is as follows :—
Vagrant Wards. These are now roofed and tiled in. Lanterns fixed but not glazed, and the plasterers are now commencing.
Lodge to Vagrant Wards. This is roofed in and tiled, and the plasterers have commenced their work here.
Farm Buildings and Mortuary. These are practically finished and the former occupied many months past.
Workshops and Labour Master’s House. Practically finished with the exception of internal Joinery, such as stairs, doors,&c., and in much the same condition as when last reported.
Male and Female Skin and Syphilitic (a Blocks). Practioally finished with the exception of floors, doors, and other internal fittings.
Nurses’ Home. This block is built and roofed in, fireproof floors laid, and two-thirds plastered ; staircases fixed, also sash frames.
Isolation Hospital, Cottage, and Disinfector. These buildings are practically finished, with the exception of internal joinery and fittings.
Male Infirmary (3 Blocks). These blocks are all roofed and tiled in, all fireproof floors and staircases fixed, all walls plastered, all sashes and frames fixed, and part of the plumbers’ and painters’ work is done. All external plumbing is done.
Female Infirmary (a Blocks). These blocks are in the same forward condition as the Male Infirmary Blocks, also the Lying-in Block.
Communicating Corridor. The whole length of this is roofed in and the flats practically finished. The ground floor is concreted ready for finishing.
Workhouse (5 Blocks), Males. No. 1 block is built up to roof level and roof timbers fixed in position ready for tiling in. Nos. 2, 8, 4, and 5 are up, roofed and tiled, including all fireproof floors and staircases, glazed brickwork, door frames, joists, and chimney shafts.
Workhouse (3 Blocks), Females. No. 1 and 2 blocks are carried up an average of 5 feet above first floor level, including all fireproof flooring and stairs, wood joists and door frames, masonry, &c., No. 3 block averages 2 feet above the ground floor level, including fireproof floors, stairs, &c., as above.
Workhouse—Covered Way. The walls forming these and pipe trunks are carried up to floor level, and all rolled steel joists and fireproof flooring is laid.
Nursery and Married Couples (2 Blocks). These walls are carried up just above the ground floor level, all pipe trunks are formed and the fire, proof flooring laid, including some portion of the stairs.
Administrative Block. Comprising Dining Hail, Kitchen, Sculleries, and many attached buildings are all roofed and boarded in and two-thirds tiled, including fireproof floors, door frames, Bashes and frames. The above also includes the Entrance Block, and the Tower is carried up some 26-feet above ground floor level.
Laundry Block. The walls of this block are raised to the roof level and most of the roof timbers are fixed In position, including all glazed brickwork, masonry, iron casements, and steel principals.
Boiler House. The basement walls of Pump Boom are built up to the ground floor level, and all other concrete foundations are in, and the walls of Engine, Dynamo and Workshops are built up to the roof level, and the Chimney Stack is built up some 5 feet above base level.
Receiving Block and Entrance Lodge. The site for these has been cleared and excavations are being made for the basements and pipe trunks of same.
Since the last visit of the Guardians very fair progress has been mode, largely assisted by the favourable weather. There are employed on these works at the present tame 190 men of all trades.
I have the honour to remain,
Your obedient servant,
ARTHUR MARSHALL.
The Committee inspected the premises.
The Architect’s report was read. I was decided that it be printed and a copy sent to each Member of the Board
J W Sankey Chairman of Board
G W Johnson
New Workhouse Committee
November 27th 1901
There were present
Mr. J. W. Sankey Chairman
Rev. G.W.Johnson Mr.C.Boyes
” J.J Darmody ” H. Moreton
The minutes of the last Meeting were read and signed by the Chairman.
Read letter from Town Clerk informing the Guardians in reply to an enquiry that the Water Committee of the Borough Council are now laying an additional 6 inch main along the Wednesfield Road to Wednesfield and when the work is completed the Committee will be enabled to supply water to the New Workhouse, but pointing out that in the day time so great a pressure cannot be guaranteed as during the night time and that adequate storage accommodation should be provided. The Architect stated the Accommodation for storage provided in the plans was quite adequate.
Ordered that the Clerk acknowledge receipt of the Town Clerk’s letter and that storage accommodation is provided in the plans.
It was decided that the partition shown in the plans to be erected across the Dining Hall to divide the sexes be not erected.
It was decided to purchase a “Greens Economiser” for utilising the waste heat from the Boilers. It is claimed that the cost will be repaid in 3 years. The Architect was directed to obtain a tender for its supply to be considered at the next Board Meeting.
The Architect was also directed to submit a report as to how the present buildings could be adapted for the Out Door treatment of Phisical cases.
It was decided to brick up the 2nd doorway in the Masters Dining Room and to utilise the space that will then be available for the provision of additional pantry accommodation in manner indicated by the Architect.
In order to make the boundary line of the site near the Vagrant Blocks straight it was decided to offer to exchange 900 yards[approximately]of land with W Dugmore for 1070 yards [approximately] and to build a boundary wall.
It was decided that the Vagrant Wards be completed by February next to enable their use upon the closing of the present temporary Workhouse, the tenancy of which expires in March next at the latest.
The following report of the Architect upon the present state og the work was received and it was decided to print the report and forward a copy to each member.
ARCHITECT’S REPORT.
King Street
Nottingham,
November 25th, 1901.
NEW WORKHOUSE. WOLVERHAMPTON.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to Report as follows, viz:—
Vagrant Wards. This block is built and roofed in. Lanterns fixed and being glazed, and the plastering generally being finished off; sashes and frames fixed and glazed, and finishings generally proceeding.
Lodge to Vagrant Wards. This is built, roofed and tiled in, and the plastering practically finished.
Farm Buildings and Mortuary. These are practically finished, and the former occupied many months past.
Workhouse and Labour Master’s House. Practically finished, except staircase and some internal joinery.
Male and Female Skin and Syphilitic (2 Blocks). There remains to be done the Internal joinery, such as floors, hanging of doors, and sanitary work.
Nurses’ Home. This block remains much as last reported, with the exception of fixing sashes, frames and cutting down flooring.
Isolation Hospital, Cottage and Disinfector. These buildings are
built, tiled and plastering practically finished, and internal joinery
being fixed.
Male Infirmary (3 Blocks). These blocks are all roofed and tiled in, all fireproof floors and staircases fixed, all walls plastered, all sashes and frames are fixed, glazed and hung; and part of the plumber and painters’ work is done; also all external plumbing, including soil pipes from w.c.’s and waste pipes. All fines under floors are laid for stoves, and stoves placed ready for building in.
Female Infirmary and Lying-in (3 Blocks). These are in the same forward condition as the Male Blocks in every particular.
Communicating Corridor. The whole length of this is roofed in and flats finished, and walls partly coped; all the plastering to same is finished, sashes and frames fixed and doors are being hung.
Male Workhouse (5 Blocks). All these are built, roofed and tiled in, including1 all guttering and down pipes, part of soil and waste pipes fixed in position, alt fireproof floors, wood joists, staircases, glazed brickwork. The ceilings of second floors are lathed and pricked up.
Female Workhouse (3 Blocks). These are all built to the roof level and all roof timbers fixed in position. No. 1 block is tiled in. No. 2 has its chimney shafts built and ready for tiling in. No. 3 the chimney shafts remain to be built, when the roof, which 1b fixed, will be tiled in.
Workhouse Covered Way. The walls forming these and pipe trunks are carried up to floor level, and all rolled steel joist and fireproof flooring is laid.
Nursery and Married Couples (2 Blocks). The former block is carried up to the first floor level and joists for same are being fixed, including staircases, fireproof flooring, pipe trunks, wood joists, door frames and glazed brickwork. The latter block is carried up some 6 feet above the ground floor level, including as above.
Administrative Block. Comprising Dining Hall, Kitchen, sculleries, and many other attached buildings are all roofed, boarded and tiled in. All external plumber-work done and the flats over corridors are being laid, including fireproof floors, doors, and sash frames, Lanterns are fixed and nearly glazed in. The above also includes the Entrance Block, and the Tower is carried up 60 feet above ground level.
Laundry Block. This block is now roofed and idled, including all glazed brickwork, masonry, iron casements glazed, and steel principals. Lanterns to roofs fire being fixed.
Boiler House. The brickwork of this block is carried up to roof level and partly roofed in with timbers. The chimney stack is some 16 feet above ground level. The bailers are both in position and their seating and flues are-being built.
Receiving Block and Entrance Lodge. Half of of the former is at roof level and the Lodge some 5 feet above ground level, including basement and pipe trunks.
Since the last visit of the Guardians I am pleased to report very good progress. There are employed on these works at the present time 170 men of all trades.
I have the honour to remain
Your obedient servant
ARTHUR MARSHALL.
New Workhouse Committee
29th January 1902
There were present: –
Rev G.W. Johnson, Rev J.J. Darmody, Messrs Hyde, Moreton, Myring & Pritchard.
Miss Walker & Mr Satten & the Architect.
In the absence of the Chairman of the Committee the Rev G w Johnson presided.
The Minutes of the last Meeting were read and signed by the Chairman
The Question of the provision of a Weighbridge was considered. The estimate for the Brickwork is £50. Messrs Avery Ltd will put in a Weighbridge for £62 and Messrs Pooleys for £58. It was decided that Mr Johnson of Bilston and Messrs Avery’s be asked to give a price for the removal and refixing in proper order of the Machine at the present Workhouse to the New Workhouse, the necessary brickwork to be provided by the Guardians.
It was decided that the Clerk of the Works attend at the Builders Workshop at Nottingham or elsewhere to inspect goods in process of manufacture when directed by the Architect.
Ordered that the Farm Buildings be insured for £
A plan for fixing of the building line for the boundary wall, on the side of the turnpike was approved and it was decided to obtain the agreement of the District Councils to its being accepted as the boundary. The plan gives a straight line, so do which, the Guardians at points give a little land, at other points the wall would extend a little beyond the Board’s boundary.
Read letter from the Carpenters & Joiners Society complaining that the ‘Fair Contract Clause’ is not being adhered to with regard to the hours of working. The Builder stated that no complaint whatever had been made to him. It is understood that the grievance complained of, had now ceased to exist and it was decided to so inform the Society.
It was decided that the Chairman of the Board, the Chairman of the Building Committee and the Clerk interview Mr Dugmore with regard to the boundary line from the road, in the rear of the Vagrant Blocks.
In reply to a question the Architect stated that the present arrangements were, that the storm
water would run in the sewers. It was stated that the Urban District Councils objected to this.
The Architect was requested to suggest the best means of dealing with the rainwater and the approximate cost of carrying out his suggestion.
ARCHITECT’S REPORT.
King Street,
Nottingham,
January 25th, 1902.
NEW WORKHOUSE, WOLVERHAMPTON.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to report as follows on the progress of the works: —
Vagrant Wards. —This block is being pushed forward so that it may be in a condition to occupy by the end of March next.
Lodge to Vagrant Wards. —Also, being pushed forward.
Farm Buildings and Mortuary*—Practically finished, as last reported.
Workshops and Labour Master’s House. — Ditto.
Skin and Syphilitic Blocks. —Joinery now being fitted.
Nurses’ Home. —The joinery of this block is being fitted and floors are being laid, and the general finishing on first floor being proceeded with.
Isolation Hospital, Cottage, and Disinfector. —The general finishing of joinery and floor laying is proceeding in these buildings.
Male Infirmary (3 blocks). —These blocks are in a very advanced stage, and the internal fittings are being fixed, such as stoves, heating apparatus, etc
Female Infirmary and Lying-in (3 blocks). —These are in the same advanced stage as the male blocks.
Communicating Corridor. —The whole length of this is roofed and flat finished, walls coped; internally the ceilings are plastered, sashes and frames are fixed, and outer doors hung.
Male Workhouse (5 blocks). —All these are built, roofed, and tiled in, including all guttering and down pipes; most of the soil and waste pipes are fixed in position, ceilings partly plastered, staircase fireproof flooring, glazed brickwork and most of the sashes, and frames are fixed in position.
Female Workhouse (3 blocks). —These are now roofed and idled in, and all chimney shafts built, including fireproof floors and staircases, solid door frames and wood joists.
Workhouse Covered Way. —The walls are being stone ooped ready to receive the roof covering.
Nursery and Married Couples. —These blocks are now roof high, and the Nursery has all its roof timbers fixed ready for tiling in, including fireproof flooring, stairs and wooden joists, solid door frames, and pipe trunks.
Administrative Block. —The tower is now built to its proper height, and the roofing-in with spires is being done; the two-large east-iron tanks are fixed in position in tower. The Dining Hall is two-thirds plastered, and the ceiling is nearly finished; the Serving Room 1b being plastered, and the flats around the Dining Hall are being asphalted. Plumber, painter, and glazier’s work is all being done.
Laundry. —This block ia now all roofed in, including all guttering and down pipes, external plumbing and part painted and windows glazed; the skylights are being covered in with patent glazing.
Boiler House. —This block is now roof high, and has all its roof timbers fixed in positions ready for boarding and tiling in, including all glazed brickwork, plumbing to lead flats and guttering with down pipes. Much of the connecting pipe trunks are now built, and the boilers are set*
Receiving Block and Entrance Lodge. —This block is now roof high, and roof timbers fixed, and about two-thirds tiled in, including fireproof staircase, wood joists, and solid door frames. The Lodge is built up to the first floor level, and joists fixed.
Board Offices. _ The excavations for the foundations of this block are now being made.
Imbecile Block, comprising Male and Female Wards for Imbeciles and Epileptics. – The excavations and concrete foundations are now being put in for these.
Very good progress has been made since last report, considering the wet, snow, and frosty weather, and the week’s closing at Christmas. There are employed on the works at the present time 180 men of all trades.
I have the honour to remain,
Your obedient servant,
ARTHUR MARSHALL,
The report of the Architect upon the progress of the work was read and it was
decided to print it & forward a copy to each member.
G W Johnson Chairman of Board
John W Sankey
New Workhouse [Sub] Committee
14th February 1902
Present:-
Mr Sankey & Rev G.W. Johnson, [Mr Pritchard was also present]
Mr Tildesley, Solicitor, acting for the Trustees in Dugmore Estate had been invited to meet
the Sub Committee and was present , together with Mr Dugmore.
The Committee inspected the boundary line between the the New Workhouse site and
the land belonging to Dugmore Estate, upon the Wolverhampton side of the said New
Workhouse site from the Wednesfield Road.
One of the points considered was the existence of an open ditch on the extreme boundary
line of the Guardians property, and the necessary measures to be taken, that the Guardians
may build a boundary wall, along this part of their boundary, with due provision for its
stability.
After discussing the various points and claims involved, it was mutually agreed between
your Sub Committee and Mr Tildesley that the most equitable course, and one which
Mr Tildesley would recommend to the Trustees of the Dugmore Estate, to accept, would be
for the Guardians to close the ditch from the road to a point about feet from the Road, and substitute therefore, at their expense, a 12 inch pipe surface drain, the drain pipe to be put immediately beyond the Boundary of the Guardians at this point; The Guardians to erect a wall 6 feet high upon their boundary, for a distance equal with, and erected alongside the said drain pipe.The said drainpipe to become the property of the owners, for the time being, of the land upon which it will be placed, but the Guardians to have secured, the right, so, at all times, use such surface drainpipe for the purposes of a surface drain, in connection with their adjoining land in substitution of the ditch to be hereby closed.
It was also mutually agreed that that the Guardians should convey to the said Trustees of Dugmores Estate a piece of land, and the said Trustees to convey a piece of land to the Guardians, to establish a straight boundary line, between the properties of the covenanters, indicated at this interview, and which is shown upon a plan, to be prepared at the expense of the Guardians, and accepted by both parties, to the transfer, as the line now agreed and along which new boundary then created, the Guardians are to build and maintain a good substantial fence.
It was decided to embody and secure the various arrangements now agreed upon, in a deed to be prepared and duly executed.
The Guardians recognising that these arrangements, being more particularly desirable in their own interests, should be given effect to, at their own cost and it was decided to pay Mr Tildesley the sum of five Guineas as an agreed and inclusive fee for preparing the said deed.
It was decided that the Agreement to execute the deed [which must be signed before the date
fixed upon, and advertised , for the sale by the Dugmores Trustees of their land in question],
and the Deed itself, when prepared, be duly signed and executed, after Messrs Fowler Langley
& Wright [who are hereby recommended for appointment for such purpose] have perused it, and are satisfied that the purposes and suggestions are duly provided for and there is no stipulation or undertakings unamical to the Guardians interests.
G W Johnson Chairman of Board
New Workhouse Committee
9th April 1902
Present Mr J.W. Sankey Chairman
Rev J.J.Darmody,Messrs Boyes, Myring, Moreton, Pritchard and Rev.G.W Johnson.
The Minutes of the last Meeting were read.
The Committee inspected the whole of the Buildings. The Chairman of the Committee had invited each of the Committee to be present at the inspection, and the following attended :- Mr. Reeves, Mr. Sankey, Miss Walker, Messrs Pedley, Gaskins, Landsdale Lewis, Pearson and White. The Architect, and the Master of the Workhouse were also present.
The Architect’s report of the work was read as follows:-
ARCHITECT’S REPORT.
King Street
Nottingham,
April 7th 1902. NEW WORKHOUSE, WOLVERHAMPTON.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to report as follows as to the progress of the works at the above :—
Vagrant Wards.—This block of buildings is erected, roofed and tiled in, sashes and frames fixed, together with the fireproof flooring and staircases; internal plastering is done, the stoves and chimney pieces are fixed in, position, and much of the piping fixed for heating and ventilating.
Lodge to Vagrant Wards.—Practically finished, with the exception of the weigh-bridge connection.
Farm Buildings and Mortuary.—The former have been in occupation many months, and the latter is practically finished, except internal fittings, which fittings it would not be wise to put in at present.
Workshops and Labour Master’s House.—Practically finished, with the exception of some internal fittings.
Males’ and Females’ Skin and Syphilitic (2 blocks).—These blocks are built, roofed in, and tiled, all external joinery fixed, and the internal joinery and other fittings are proceeding.
Nurses’ Home.—This block is built, roofed in and tiled, all external joinery and other work fixed; and is being fitted up internally with joinery, flooring, and plastering, etc.
Isolation Hospital, Cottage and Dislnfector.— These are built, rooted, and tiled in, all external joinery, plumber’s work, etc., are fixed in position; and the interior is being fitted up generally.
Male Infirmary (3 blocks).—These are built, roofed, tiled in, and all
external plumbing and soil and waste pipes fixed; together with all
window frames and some external doors. Internally all the plastering is
done, and most of the stoves are fixed; also all fireproof flooring and
staircases. These blocks are now being fitted with the heating and
ventilating apparatus and much of this is done. The plumber’s supply
and service pipes are run and some of the w.c. cisterns fixed in position.
Female Infirmary and Lying-in (3 blocks).—These are in. the same advanced condition as the male infirmary blocks.
Communicating Corridor.—The whole of this is roofed and flats finished, wall coped and internally the ceilings are plastered and the sash and door frames and screens are fixed and the outer doors hung.
Male Workhouse (5 blocks).—These are all built, roofed, and tiled in, including all external plumbers’ work, puttering and down pipes, soil and waste pipes; internally all the fireproof flooring and staircases are laid and fixed in position, all the sashes and door frames are fixed together, with all glazed brickwork and a portion of tho internal plumbing.
Female Workhouse (3 blocks).—These are all built and roofed in and are in about the same condition of progress.
Workhouse Covered Way.—All the framing for the roofs of this, on the male side, is fixed in position and ready for battening and tiling in, together with the stone curbing, and on the Female side similar work is being commenced.
Nursery and Married Couples (2 blocks).—These are built and both roofed, but only the former is tiled in: the latter is ready for battening and tiling in ; all the fireproof flooring and staircases are fixed in position, including door and sash frames, wood joists, guttering and down pipes, balcony columns, etc.
Administrative Block.—The Tower of this is now built and roofed and covered in and the weather vane fixed in position and the process of cleaning down and striking scaffolding is begun. The large water tanks are fixed here in position and the many buildings comprising this block are roofed and tiled in, and much of the plastering and other internal work is done ; also the fiats of the surrounding corridors are laid and are being covered with asbphalte. Much of the Plumbers’, Painters’, and Glaziers’ work has been done here.
Laundry Block.—This block is built, roofed, and tiled in, all skylights and sashes and casements are glazed, all external plumbing and part of painting and plastering is done.
Boiler House.—This block is now built, roofed, boarded, and tiled in, flats covered with lead, guttering and down pipes fixed, together with 2 boilers and economiser, and flues built round same.
Receiving Block and Entrance Lodge.—These are now built and all roof timbers fixed in position and ready for tiling, and about half already tiled.
Board Offices.—This block is now built to the ground floor level and wood joists fixed.
Imbecile Block.—The foundations for the Male half of this block are in, and the brickwork is carried up to 9-in. below the ground floor level, ready to receive the rolled steel joists and fireproof flooring.
Generally.—Since the Guardians’ last visit to these buildings much bad weather has caused considerable delay ; but I am pleased to report that good progress has been made during the post few weeks. There are employed on these works at the present time 160 men of all trades.
I have the honour to remain,
Your faithfully,
ARTHUR MARSHALL.
It was decided that the repoprt be printed and a copy forwarded to each Member of the Board. The Architect promised in his next report to indicate the number of days delay allowed the builder for bad weather.
Ordered that a telephone be affixed at New Cross with the Wolverhampton Exchange.
The Builder upon request, agreed to pay half the annual rent,until the New Workhouse is conveyed to the Guardians.
The question of dealing with the storm water was considered. The Architect informed
the Committee that the present provision was to take this storm water into the drains
[to which the District Council object]. Several suggestions were made, and it was
eventually decided that the Architect prepare a plan of a substituted system, dealing
separately with the storm water, with due provision for ample storage,and his estimated
uncovered cost.
The question of providing storage tanks for water, beyond the tanks already provided for
in the plans, was considered. The folowing estimate was read from the Builders :-
March 21st 1902
Dear Sir,
Our Estimate to provide and fix a No.8 1000 Gallon Galvanised 1/8 plate, Wrot Iron
Cisterns in the Workhouse block, including six flanges, 2″ overflow pipe, and 1.1/4″
Ball valve to each, allowing for 800ft of 1.1/4″ of lead service pipe.
1 200 Gallon Galvanises 1/8″ plate Wrot Iron Cistern with flanges,suitable overflow
pipes, ball valve,and wheel vale to Medical Offices.
1 Do do to Isolation Laundry
1 60 Gallon do to Labour Master’s House
1 do do to Isolation Cottage
1 do do to Entrance Lodge.
To casing the whole of the above with hair felt & 3/4″ Match Boarded sides and bottom.
1″ tap & forming opening in same for access, all as contract. For the sum of three
hundred and fifty pounds,
Yours faithfully
Thomas Fish & Sons
It was decided to recommend the Board to do the work provided for in the tender, and if
the Architect is satisfied that the sum mentioned [£350] is in accordance with the schedule
of price submitted by the Builder when the Contract was accepted, to accept the tender
of Messrs Fish & Sons.
It was decided that Mr. Sankey and the Rev. G W Johnson, be appointed to a sub committee, to
endeavour to obtain information as to the probable proximity of water with a view to sinking a well.
It was decide in preparing a scheme for the fitting up of the Laundry, none of the machinery at
present in use be taken into consideration, any that may eventually transferred, be treated as
supplementary to the “Scheme” in case of temporary breakdown.
The Architect was directed to propose a plan of roads and airing courts.
The Architect had prepared Schemes for fitting up the Laundry, and for the Kitchen and
Cooking Machinery. It was decided to propose a Scheme for lighting the whole of the Workhouse
Buildings by Electricity, with an estimate of the cost, to be considered later, against the cost of
obtaining light from the Wolverhampton Corporation.
The Clerk was directed to enquire from the Town Clerk of Wolverhampton whether the Town Council will be prepared to supply the Electricity required and upon what terms.
In reply to a question, the Architect informed the Committee, that the provisions for generating
steam was sufficient for all purposes, including the motive power necessary, and all heating and
cooking requirements.
The Clerk was directed to obtain the consent of the District Councils of Wednesfield and Heath
Town to the proposed line of frontage on the Wednesfield Road. It was reported that the Heath
Town District Council had approved that part in their Parish. The Plan has not yet been submitted
to the District Council of Wednesfield.
G.W.Johnson Chairman of Board
John W Sankey
4th June 1902
Present Mr. JW.Sankey Chairman
Rev.GW.Johnson, Messrs Eachus
Myring, Plant, Moreton & Pritchard
The Minutes of the last meeting were read.
The Architect reported that the number of days allowed the Builders for bad weather up to the 2nd inst. was 100.1/2.
Read letter from the National Telephone Co. offering to connect the New Workhouse with the Exchange for £13.!0 per year, upon a five year agreement
It was decided that in accordance of the resolution of the Committee of April 9th last,and confirmed by the Board, that the Clerk sign an undertaking upon the terms named.The Builder will pay half this rental until the Workhouse is formally conveyed to the Board.
In the original plan provision was made to take the Sewage & the Storm Water into the Sewer of Heath Town District Council, but the Council will not permit the Storm Water to be dealt with in the Sewage Drains.
A substitute Scheme for dealing with the Sewage and Storm Water by separate system of Drains, has been prepared by the Architect and was explained by him under this Scheme the Roof Water will as far as possible, be stored in the rainwater storage tanks, the sewage drains will be connected to the Sewers of the two District
Councils,-the Storm Water being dealt with by a separate system, and connected with
separate surface drains of the two District Councils.
It was unanimously decided that the Board be recommended to approve the substituted
Scheme, and direct the same be carried out by the present Contractors according to their
signed schedule of prices, which were examined and considered advantageous A Plan of the proposed Airing Courts and Roads was submitted by the Architect by whom it was firstly explained. It was unanimously decided that the Plan be approved, and that the Architect prepare Specification for the execution of the work.
The Rev. G.W. Johnson reported upon an interview he had had with a Mr. Forrest, a gentleman
well able to advise upon the question of the proximity of water. Mr. Forrest’s opinion is that there is water under the Site. It was decided that the Rev.G.W. Johnson endeavour to obtain information as to the cost of sinking a well, say 150 feet deep, 8 ft diameter; and the cost of boring for water. The Clerk was directed to convey the thanks of the Guardians to Mr. Forrest for his assistance.
Tenders were considered for fully equipping the Laundry with the Necessary Engines Machinery,
Racks &c as per specification prepared by the Architect, which was read.
The Tenders were as follows:-
Messrs Marlowe & Alcott £3002 .16 0
” Barford & Perkins £2937 .10 .0
” Benham & Son £2815 .00 .0
” John Williams £2535 .00 .0
” Summercoates & Son £2462 .00 .0
” Bradford £2338 .00 .0
” Goddard, Massey & Warner £2314 .00 .0
” Tullis £2065 .00 .0
” Ashwell & Nesbitt £1998 .00 .0
It was decided to recommend the Board to accept the Tender of Messrs Ashwell & Nesbitt for £1998.
{Margin note ” this was not accepted by the Board but was referred back for further consultn.JWS]
Tenders were also considered for the equipping and furnishing of the Kitchen with the necessary Cooking
Appliances & arrangements as per Specification prepared by the Architect, which was read.
The Tenders were as follows:-
Messrs Benham & Son £1740 .00 .0
” John Williams £1663 .00 .0
” Marlowe & Allcott £1624 .00 .0
” Barford & Perkins £1624 .00 .0
4th June 1902
Messrs Summercoates 1600 .0 .0
” Canon Co. 1450 .0 .0
” Tullis 1390 .0 .0
” Goddard, Massey & Warner 1262 .0 .0
” Bradford 1230 .0 .0
” Ashwell & Nesbit 1218 .0 .0
It was decided to recommend the Board to accept the Tender of Messrs Ashwell & Nesbit for £1218 .0 .0.[ margin note ” this was not accepted by the Board
but referred back for further consulting JWS]
The Clerk read letter from the Cherry Tree Machine Co. Ltd. explaining why they had not sent a Tender for the above.
The Clerk reported that he had not yet received the information from the Town Clerk re the Electric Lighting. The Town Clerk acknowledges the receipt of his letter of enquiry on 18th April last.
The Architect’s report upon the progress of the work was read as follows, copies were ordered to be printed and forwarded to each Member of the Board.
ARCHITECT’S REPORT.
King Street,
Nottingham,
June 2nd, 1902.
NEW WORKHOUSE, WOLVERHAMPTON.
Ladiess and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to report as follows as to the progress of the works at the above :—
Vagrant Wards.—The internal fittings of this block are now being done, such as baths, sinks, lavatories, w.o/s, hanging of doors, and general joinery. The heating and hot water service piping, together with cold water service piping, is already fixed in positions.
Lodge to Vagrant Wards.—The internal joinery is practically finished, the plastering done and floors laid. Sinks and W.C’s yet to be fixed.
Farm Buildings and Mortuary.—The former have been in occupation many months, the latter is practically finished, except internal fittings.
Workshops and Labour Master’s House.—Practically finished, with the exception of a few internal fittings.
Male and Female Skill and Syphilitic (2 blocks).—These are being fitted internally by joiners and plumbers, &c.
Nurses’ Home. This block is nearing completion and is being fitted up internally.
Isolation Hospital, Cottage and Disinfector,—These are practically finished, with the exception of some internal fittings such as doors, stores, and laundry fittings.
Male Infirmary (3 blocks).—These are built, and all external work
practically complete, and the internal fittings are proceeding, all ward
stoves are fixed, and the heating apparatus, including radiators, con-
nections to same, and nil branch and main piping is now fixed in pipe
trunks, including the hot water service piping.
Female Infirmary and Lying-In (3 blocks).—These blocks are in the
same advanced condition as the male infirmary blocks, in every particular.
Communicating Corridors.—These are practically finished as reported on
the 7th ultimo, including all the branch mains and piping for heating
and hot water apparatus.
Male Workhouse (5 blocks).—These are built, and all external work—
except painting—is practically finished; and the internal fittings are
proceeding. All the second storey floors are laid, and the radiators for
heating are fixed on these floors in positions ; the branch mains in the
pipe tranks, around and under each block, are also fixed in positions.
Female Workhouse (3 blocks).—These are built, and are in the same
condition of progress as the Malo Workhouse blocks, with the exception
of floor laying and radiators, all the branch mains are fixed in pipe
trunks.
Workhouse Covered Way.—These are all erected, roofed and tiled in, and
soffits boarded, both Male and Female side, with the exception of one
length from nursery to married couples block.
Nursery and Married Couples (2 blocks).—These are built and roofed
in, and all external work—except painting—is practically finished, and
the internal work is proceeding, such ns plumbing and joinery. The
branch mains for heating and hot water arc fixed in positions around
and under these blocks, in the pipe trunks.
Administrative Block.—Comprising many buildings, is built, and
practically completed externally, and much of the internal work is done,
including plumbing and joinery, also plastering, and the large water
tanks are fixed in the tower, and all scaffolding from same removed.
Laundry Block.—This block is built, and all external work practically
finished ; internally, plastering and painting is being done.
Boiler House.—This block is bailt, roofed and tiled in ; and the external
plumbing and ironwork practically finished, the chimney shaft is now
raised 40 feet above the ground level ; internally the 2 boilers and
economiser are fixed in positions and built round, and part of the steam
piping and fittings are attached to the boilers. Tho hot water heaters,
high pressure drum, 2 pumps, and large hot well are fixed in the pump
room.
Receiving Block and Entrance Lodge.—These are bailt, roofed and tiled
in, and practically finished externally ; internally much of the plastering
is done, also plumbers’ and joiners’ work.
Board Offices.—The west end portion of this block is roofed and ready for
tiling in, the remaining portions are built up to the first floor level, and
wood joists fixed for same, including the fireproof staircase.
Imbecile Blocks (6 blocks).—Comprising male and female imbecile blocks, also male and female epileptic blocks, together with the administrative and workshops blocks. The male epileptic block is built and roofed ready for tiling in ; tho male imbecile block is built up to the first floor level ready for its fireproof flooring; and the administrative, female imbecile and epileptic blocks arc built up to the ground floor level.
Outside Connecting Pipe Trunks.—Those connecting from the boiler-
house to the infirmary blocks, workhouse blocks, Board offices, and vagrant
block arc mostly built, and many of the brackets for steam mains, &c., are fixed in positions.
Generally.—Since the Guardians’ last visit to these buildings, I am pleased
to report that good progress has been made, taking into consideration,
that some 4 days were wet, and 2 days holidays. There are employed on
these works at the present time 152 men of all trades.
I have the honour to remain.
Yours faithfully,
ARTHUR MARSHALL.
Other matters were adjourned to the next meeting.
John W Sankey
Chairman of the Board.
New Workhouse Committee
17th June 1902
Present:- Mr.J.W.Sankey, Chairman
Rev. G.W. Johnson, Messrs Eachus, Greensill, Myring,Plant,Moreton and Pritchard
The Minutes of the last Meeting were read and signed by the Chairman.
The Chairman was appointed to interview Mr. Forrest and Mr. Roberts [of Isles & Co.], in Birmingham, on Thursday next, as to the proximity of water on the New Cross Site, and to arrange for a visit to the Site, if necessary.
Read letter from the Town Clerk, that the Corporation cannot supply the Electric Light
required for the New Workhouse. In reply to a question, the Architect stated, that the Specifications for the installation of the Electric Light, were in the hands of the Printer. It was decided that the Specifications
as prepared by the Architect be adopted.
It was also resolved, that the Clerk issue an advertisement inviting tenders for the work.
Applications to be made to the Architect for copies of particulars and Specifications, tenders to be sent to the Clerk.
The Clerk reported that he had declined to sign the Contract for fixing a Telephone at the
New Workhouse, without the elimination of the condition giving the Telephone Co. the right to take “Wayleaves” and to make other communications at their will, on the Workhouse premises.
Read letter from the Chief Constable as to the fire appliances to be adopted for the New Workhouse. The Architect was directed to confer with him upon the matter.
The Committee further considered, as directed by the Board at the last Meeting, the two lowest tenders for supplying and fixing the Laundry Machinery, and also the Kitchen and Cooking Appliances. The Architect read and explained each Specification, and the tenders of Messrs Ashwell& Nesbit, and Messrs Tullis for the Laundry Machinery.
After a long and full discussion, it was decided again to recommend the Board to accept the
tenders of Messrs Ashwell & Nesbit for
Laundry Machinery £1998
Cooking Appliances £1218
with the following alterations and additions, that a third Washing Machine of smaller size be added to the Laundry Fittings. And in the Cooking Appliance tender:-
1 That 4 thirty five gallon tea infusers be substituted for the twenty five gallon infusers
2 That a baker’s oven be substituted for the Kitchen Range
3 That 1 boiling copper of 180 Gallons capacity and 4 of 78 gallons capacity, be substituted for the present arrangement of 3 coppers of 100 gallon capacity, and 2 of 75 gallon capacity.
John W Sankey
W.H.Pritchard
New Warehouse Committee
11th July 1902
Present:-
Revs.J.J. Darmody, G.W.Johnson & W.L Ward,
Messrs Boyes, Eachus, Myring, Plant and Pritchard.
Also Miss walker and Mr.White.
In the absence of the Chairman, Mr. W.H. Pritchard was elected to preside.
The Minutes of the last Meeting were read and signed by the Chairman.
The Clerk reported as to the interview Mr Sankey had had with Mr. Roberts of Isles & Co. as to the sinking of a well at the New Warehouse, and read letter and estimates from Messrs Isles & Co. The Rev.G.W Johnson who was present with Mr. Sankey at the interview explained as to various matters.
It was decided to adjourn the consideration of the matter to a future Meeting, it being suggested that information should be obtained as to the Wells sunk by Messrs Butler & Co.and Messrs Pattison & Gear. The Clerk was also directed to write Messrs Isles & Co. and request them to give information as to what Wells they have made in this District, and the depth they have had to bore to reach the water level and their locality.
The Clerk laid before the Committee the Terms of Tender and Conditions, & Specifications for the Engines
Dynamos, Mains Wiring and Fittings for the Installation of Electric Light at the New
Workhouse, and was directed to issue an advertisement in the local papers, the
‘Birmingham Daily Post’, ‘Birmingham Daily Gazette,, ‘Builder’, ‘Electrician’ and’Electrical
Review, inviting Tenders.
It was decided that part of the Specification referring to Dynamos be amended in order
to read ‘Dynamos to be made by a maker of repute, acceptable to the Guardians – name
of maker to be stated in Tender and be directly coupled &c &c’.
It was decided that Tender be not received not later than August 13th.
J.W. Sankey
Chairman of the Board
New Warehouse Committee
30th July 1902
Present:- Mr. J.W. Sankey Chairman
Eevs. J.J. Darmody and G.W. Johnson, Messrs Eachus, Myring,Moreton and Pritchard.
The Minutes of the last Meeting were read.
The Committee further considered the water supply. A letter was read from Messrs Isles
& Co.giving particulars of the borings made by them in the neighbourhood. After consideration
it was decided to recommend the Board to accept the Tender of Messrs Isles & Co. to fix an
Artesian Bore Tubed Well as the schedule of prices named in the Tender, and to obtain the
consent of the Local Government Board to such acceptance without in the first place issuing an
adverisement inviting Tenders.
It was decided that the time during which Tenders for the Electrical Installation may be received,
be extended to August 21st.
It was decided that in future Reports, the Architect indicate the amount paid on account up to date, to the Builders and himself.
The Architect’s report on the progress of the work was read as follows, copies were ordered to be printed and forwarded to each Member of the Board.
ARCHITECT’S REPORT.
King Street
Nottingham,
July 28th, 1902.
NEW WORKHOUSE, WOLVERHAMPTON.
Ladies and Gentlemen
I have the honour to report as follows as to the progress of the works at the above: —
Vagrant Wards —As differing from the last report a continuance of the general internal fittings is advancing. such as hanging of doors, fixing; locks, sinks, lavatories, w.c.’s, baths, &c, and plumbing
Lodge to Vagrant Wards.—This is in an advanced state of completion.
Farm Buildings and Mortuary.—This block is as reported for many mouths pa-t practically finished.
Workshops and Labour Master’s House.—This block is as reported for many months past, practically finished.
Male and Female Skin and Syphilitic (2 blocks.) These are in an advanced state of completion.
Nurses’ Home.—This block Is being filled up internally with joinery, and plumbers’ work, and is in an advanced state.
Isolation Hospital Cottage and Disinfector.—There remains but the internal fittings generally of these, to complete.
Male Infirmary (3 blocks), Female Infirmary (3 blocks).—Those blocks are all in a very advanced stage; all stoves, radiators, sinks, lavatories, find hot water services are fixed in positions, and much of the internal joinery is done, together with plumbing work and cold water service piping.
Communicating Corridors of Infirm and Workhouse Blocks—
Those are all built, roofed and tiled in. and the asphalt flats finished
Male Workhouse (5 blocks), Female Workhouse (3 blocks).—The whole of these are each in the same position of progress; built and covered in with all fireproof flooring and staircase built in position, all the plastering done on the first and second floors, of ceilings; all the second floors are laid, and commencing same on the first floor. Much of the plumbers work is done, such as cisterns, in roof, and cold water service piping run to the various sinks, lavatories, w.c’s, baths, &c,, some of which are fixed in positions.
Nursery and Married Couples (2 blocks).—The plastering of the first floor rooms is finished, and that of the ground floor is proceeding, and generally other internal fittings, such as plumber and joiners’ work.
Administrative Blocks.— Comprising many buildings, are in an advanced state of progress, and ready for their internal fittings; most of the plastering about these buildings is done; and all other branches of trades are proceeding satisfactorily.
Laundry Block.—This block is in a forward condition, and ready to receive its machinery.
Boiler House.—This is built, including the chimney shaft, boilers are set, and is being generally fitted up by the Engineers; all the steam and hot-water piping running from here connecting all the buildings, four-fifths of which is already fixed in the pipe trunks.
Receiving Block and Entrance Lodge.—All the plastering to these is finished, and the staircase and much of the internal joinery fixed in position, and generally in an advanced state of completion.
Board Offices.—This block is now built, roofed, and partly tiled In.
Imbeciles (6 blocks),—Comprising male and female imbecile blocks, and male and female epileptic blocks, together with the administrative, workshops, and laundry blocks. The male epileptic block is built, roofed, and tiled in, and the male imbecile block is built, and being roofed ready for tiling in; the administrative or centre block Is all roofed ready for tiling, except dining hall, the principals of which are raised in position ; the female imbecile block is at the first floor level ; and the female epileptic block is built up to the ground floor window sill level.
Outside Connecting Pipe Trunks.—These are all built, with the exception of the one connecting the receiving with Board Office (a short one), and from the infirmary to the imbeciles and workshops. The greater quantity of the steam and hot-water piping is already fixed in these trunks,
Generally.—Since the Guardians’ last visit to these buildings, 1 am pleased to report that generally very good progress has been made, considering some few days were lost by the Coronation holiday and wet weather. There are employed on these works at the present time 191 men of all trades.
I have the honour to remain,
Tours obediently,
ARTHUR MARSHALL.
New Workhouse Committee
27 th August 1902
Present:- Mr. J.W. Sankey Chairman
Rev. J.J. Darmody, Messrs Boyes, Eachus, Moreton and Myring.
The Committee met to open and consider Tenders for Electric Lighting the New Workhouse.
Mr David Stevenson M.I.E.E of Victoria Street Westminster, [who prepared the Specification
for the work, and who acts as Electrical Advisor to the Architect [Mr. Marshall], was present.
Tenders were received from the following for the amounts stated. Where alternative tenders
are submitted, in each case the lowest tender is here specified;_
|
Johnson & Phillips [Kent] |
£9205 |
two |
alternatives |
|
Electric Construction Co.Ltd [Bushbury] |
£6923 |
seven |
“ |
|
Halter & Co [Birmingham] |
£7900 |
no |
|
|
Warrington & District Electric Light Co. |
£7143 |
no |
“ |
|
W. J. Furse [Nottingham] |
£7984/10/6 |
no |
“ |
|
Walsall Electrical Co.Ltd. |
£8262/0/8 |
no |
“ |
|
Northern Electrical Co. [Doncaster] |
£6734 |
no |
“ |
|
Crompton & C0. [London] |
£6818 |
no |
“ |
|
National Electric Wiring Co. [London] |
£8159/15/- |
no |
“ |
|
G.H. Woods & Co. [Blackburn] |
£6382 |
twentyfour |
“ |
|
Alliance Electrical Co. Ltd [B’ham] |
£7434 |
no |
“ |
|
Lea & Warren [Kettering] |
£7169 |
ten |
“ |
|
W.H. Cook [W’ton] |
£7527?10/- |
no |
“ |
|
A.H. Wood [London] |
£7479 |
two |
“ |
|
Whittaker Bros. [Dudley] |
£6756 |
six |
“ |
|
Handley & Shanks [B’ham] |
£6892 |
four |
“ |
|
P.H. Fellows [Walsall] |
£8292/17/6 |
none |
“ |
|
S.H. Heywood [Manchester] |
£6099 |
seven |
“ |
|
Joel & Co.[London] ? |
£8320 |
none |
“ |
After carefully comparing the Makers of the Engines, Accumulators,Dynamos, Cables & co asStated in the respective Tenders it was decided to recommend the further recommend the further consideration of the Tender of Electric Construction Co.Ltd and Messrs G.H. Wood & Co. at a Meeting of the Board on Friday next, the Clerk meanwhile to ask Messrs Wood of any addition to their Tender would be entailed , if Chloride Electrical Storage Co, were named by them in their tender as Accumulator Makers
John W. Sankey
Chairman of the Board
New Workhouse Committee
24th September 1902
Present:- Mr. J.W. Sankey Chairman
Messrs Eachus, Plant & Moreton.
The Minutes of the last Meeting were read.
The Architect’s report upon the progress of the work was read as follows, copies were ordered to be printed and forwarded to each Member of the Board.
ARCHITECT’S REPORT.
King Street,
Nottingham,
September 22nd, 1002.
NEW WORKHOUSE, WOLVERHAMPTON.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to report as follows as to the progress of the works
at the above :—
Vagrant Ward.—This block is in a very advanced stage towards completion, having doors and sashes hung, looks fixed, iron railings and handrails fixed, and the heating and hot water supply apparatus practically complete, there being only the heater and steam to connect up to.
Lodge to Vagrant Ward.—Practically finished, except plumbers’ connections.
Farm Building and Mortuary.—As reported for many months, practically finished.
Workshops and Labour Master’s House.—This block is practically finished, with the exception of closing In the apertures in wood chopping sheds, with windows, &c,.
Male and Female Skin and Syphilitic (a blocks).—These blocks are well advanced towards completion and the wood block and tile flooring will be laid as soon as the wires in tubes for the electric light are fixed in positions. The hot water services to these blocks are now being fitted.
Nurses’ Home.—This block is also in an advanced stage, having its wood floors laid, plastering finished, stoves and chimney pieces all fixed on first floor. Hot water supply practically finished.
Isolation Hospital, Cottage and Disinfector.—These are being fitted internally with joinery, plumber’s, and works of other trades, all plastering finished, there remains to complete, laundry and other fittings.
Male Infirmary (3 blocks), Female Infirmary (3 blocks).—These blocks are all in a very advanced stage, all stoves, radiators, sinks, lavatories, are fixed in position; much of the internal joinery work is done,and practically all the cold water service piping Is fixed in position. The heating apparatus, including ward. stoves and all connections to radiators, and alt branch and main piping is now complete. The hot water service piping is also carried to the positions of baths, sinks, dec, ready for connecting up.
CommunlcatingCorridors of Infirm and Workhouse Blocks.—Those are built and Covered in, sashes and frames fixed and doors hung.
Male Workhouse (5 blocks), Female Workhouse (3 blocks).—The
whole of these are in the same stage of progress, all the plastering is done on the first and second floors, also floors laid, and all stoves and chimney pieces are fixed; most of the plumbers’ piping is fixed for the cold water services, lavatories, and sinks are also fixed in their several positions. The heating apparatus including coils, connections to same, and all branch and main piping is now complete. The hot water services are also practically completed.
Nursery and Married Couples (2 blocks).—These blocks are in much the same state of progress as the above Workhouse blocks (except in floors and stove fixing), including beating and hot water services.
Administrative Block.—Comprising many attached buildings, is in an advanced stage towards completion, much internal joinery and staircases and floors are fixed and finished, and is ready to receive other internal fittings, such as cooking apparatus, &c. All radiators are fixed and connected to mains.
Laundry.—This block is now ready to receive its internal fittings and machinery.
Boiler House.—This is built, including the chimney shaft, and boilers are set including “Green’s Economiser,” and the boilers are now fitted with their respective mountings, including a fourth of the steam piping or mains. The piping and mains in the trunks between boiler house and Workhouse blocks, and boiler house and infirmary blocks, and across to the imbecile blocks, are now fixed and completed, also the steam pipes from boiler house to the Board Offices and vagrant blocks are fixed in trunks.
Receiving Block and Entrance Lodge.—Both these are now in a very advanced stage of completion, having most of the internal fittings fixed, in positions, including plumbers’, joiners’, and plasterers’ work, and the heating and hot water piping is now being fitted and fixed.
Board Offices.—This is now built and roofed, and about three parts tiled in, including the plumbers’ and smiths’ internal and external work, which is being fitted and fixed. The heating and hot water services are also being fixed here.
Imbeciles (6 Blocks).—Comprising male and female imbecile blocks, and male and female epileptic blocks, together with the administrative, workshops, and laundry blocks; these are now all built, roofed and three parts tiled in, including all fireproof stairs and floors, sashes and frames (partly), and solid door frames fixed in positions. Several of the wards and offices are plastered the first coating. The heating and hot water services are now being commenced.
Outside Connecting Pipe Trunks,—These are now all built and some are covered in, and most of the hot water and steam mains are fixed in them.
Drainage.—The large rain and water tanks are now being excavated.
Generally.—All the buildings are now erected, with the exception of the shelters and latrines. Since the Guardians’ last visit to these buildings, I am pleased to report that generally very good progress has been made. There are employed on these works at the present time 130 men of all trades.
The amount already certified as due to the Builders, including the certificate granted this day, is £95,020.
I have the honour to remain,
Yours obediently,
ARTHUR MARSHALL.
It was decided that the fixed Meetings of the Committee be altered to the final Wednesday in December, and thence forward bi-Monthly on the first Wednesday in the Month.
The Committee considered the letter from The Local Government Board upon the proposal of the Guardians to accept the Tender of Messrs Isles & Co. for boring for water. It was decided that an advertisement be issued inviting tenders for
the work.
It was decided that the Architect and the Master and Matron have a consulttation with regard to the alteration of the Stores,Sewing,Cutting up rooms &c that the most advantageous use may be made of the various rooms to be used in connection with the administration.
John W. Sankey
Chairman of the Board
John W Sankey.
New Warehouse Committee
31st October 1902
Present:- Mr. J.W. Sankey
Rev. G.W. Johnson, Messrs W.H. Pritchard and Mr. W. Myring.
The Minutes of the last Meeeting were read and signed by the Chairman.
The Clerk read letter from Mr Stevenson the Consulting Structural Engineer
dated the 14th instant, respecting the main cable between the Engine House and the
Laundry. It was unanimously decided not to make any alteration in the specification
in this particular.
Reported receipt of a letter from New Roads & Co acknowledging the Guardians’
decision not to vary the specification for Cables [ by Assd ? Callender & Co.]
Read letter from Mr. R.E.N Bennington respecting the land adjoining the New
Workhouse. It was resolved that the subject be considered at a Meetting of the
Committee to be held on Tuesday the 4th ‘—‘ ? at the New Workhouse.
The Committee considered Tenders for the fixing of a Winch Artesian Bored? Tube
Well as follows:-
It was unnaimously resolved to recommend the Board to accept the tener of Mr Ipler No. 6 as shown above.
J W Sankey
Chairman of the Board.
New Workhouse Committee
3rd December 1902
Present:- Mr. J.W. Sankey Chairman
Revs. J.J. Darmody & G.W. Johnson, Messrs Eachus, Myring, Plant and Pritchard.
The Architect was also in attendance.
It was decided that the Hot Plates [cutting up] shall be fixed in the serving room as originally plannned by the Architect and not in the Dining Hall as recently suggested.
The Architect stated that he and the Master had met on the Site, and explained the arrangements of the balister for the better Classification of the able-bodied.
The Committee went over the Site with the representatiives of Messrs Isles & Co., and decided at which point the boring for water shall be made.
The Architect [in reply to a question] stated that in the original price “Extra for Glazed Brickwork”, a Glazed Brickwork Dado for the Imbecile & Epileptic Block was included and explained that byan oversight the Glazed Dado had not been put in in these Corridors. The Builder was prepared to put in Wooden Wainscoting for the same cost namely 10/6 per square yard, or Rusto ? Glass Wall which the Architect strongly recommended as being superior to Glazed Brickwork. This would cost 12/6 per square yard
-these will be approximately 700 yards of brickwork. It was decided to recommend the Board
that Rusto Glass Wall Surfacing to be put up as a Dado in the Corridors; This will cost about £70
more than it would cost had Glazed Bricks been used..
Clerk read letter from Mr. Berrington of November 12 th. No action was taken.
The Architect’s report upon the progress of the work was read as follows, copies were ordered to be printed and forwarded to each Member of the Board.
ARCHITECT’S REPORT.
King Street,
Nottingham.
NEW WORKHOUSE, WOLVERHAMPTON
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to report as follows as to the progress of the works at the above :
Vagrant Ward.—This, block is in an advanced stage of completion and is being fitted up internally with joinery plumber work,heating and hot water apparatus, and is ready to receive its laundry machinery in the basements, and and some of the boundary walls are erected about this block.
Lodge to Vagrant Ward.—Practically as last reported, via.: plumber and painters’ work chiefly to finish.
Farm Buildings and Mortuary.—As reported for many months past.
Workshops and Labour Master’s House.—This block is practically finished,with the exception of a few details
Male and Female Skin and Syphilitic (2 blocks’).—These blocks are in an advanced stage of completion and the tiled flooring is being laid, and both blocks are now wired for the electric light, except the connection to the the switches and ceiling blocks; this will allow of fully completing these blocks.
Nurses’ Home.—This block is in an advanced stage, all floors being laid (except tiled floors), all grates and chimney pieces and wiring for electric lighting all run and fixed to position, allowing for the full completion of this block.
Isolation Hospital, Cottage and Dlsinfector.—The fitting up of these with the wiring for the electric lighting is proceeding, and waiting to receive the laundry fittings.
Male Infirmary (3 blocks), Female Infirmary (3 block).—The whole of these blocks are now wired for electric lighting, which will now allow all other branches to proceed to completion, previously waiting for this, the screeds being laid for the wood block flooring, and the portions to \to be tiled are being laid, the heating and hot water piping, coils, etc, are fixed in position, and the plumber work is in an advanced stage.
Communicating Corridors of Infirmary and Workhouse block*.—These are built and covered in sashes and frames fixed, and doors hung, and the wiring part ran for the electric lighting.
Male Workhouse (5 blocks), Female Workhouse (3 blocks).~The whole of these are in an advanced stage towards completion, all plastering done, stove and chimney pieces fixed, floors laid on first and second storeys and the general finishings are in progress ; all the heating piping, coils, etc., are fixed in positions, and all hot water and cold ditto are run to their several positions.
Nursery and Married Couples (2 blocks).—These blocks are in much the same conditions of progress as the Workhouse blocks.
Administrative Block—Comprising many attached buildings, are in an advanced stage, and require chiefly their main floors laying, doors hanging, and the dining, kitchen, and scullery fittings fitting.
Laundry.—This block is In much the same condition of progress and ready for the laundry machinery.
Boiler House.—This block is being fitted up with boilers, economiser, hot water heaters, pumps, and all the necessary steam and exhaust pipes to and from the various bocks and is In an advanced stage.
Receiving Block and Entrance Lodge,—Both these blocks are in a very advanced stage towards completion, includlng joiners’, plumber, heating and hot water apparatus. Tiled floors and painters’ work, with disinfector fittings, are the chief items to complete.
Board Offices.—This block is now roofed and tiled in, sashes and frames are fixed and partly glassed, the hot and cold water piping fixed in positions, together with heating apparatus and ooils. There remains the plastering and general internal fittings to be done.
Imbeciles (6 blocks).—Comprising male and female imbecile blocks, and male and female epileptic blocks, together with administrative, workshops, and laundry blocks, these are now all roofed and tiled in, and sashes and frames, door-frames, fire-proof flooring and staircases are fixed in positions and two-thirds of the plastering to walls is done, including hot and cold water piping and heating ditto. All the blocks are practically wired tax the electric lighting, except terminals.
Outside Connecting Pipe Trunks.—These are, with one exception, now covered-in, and all the heating and hot water pipes fixed in them.
Drainage. – The large rain water storage tank has been excavated for its retaining walls, and the walls (concrete) are two—————————built up.
Generally — All the buildings are now erected, with the exception of the shelters and latrines, the foundations of which are—————————
Since the Guardians’ last visit to these buildings, I am pleased to report that generally very good progress has been made————————
There are employed on these works at the present time 140 man at all trades. The amount certified as due to the builders granted November 18th, 1902, is £100,370.
I have the honour to remain,
Your obediently
ARTHUR MARSHALL
New Workhouise Committee
4th December 1902
Present:- Mr J.W. Sankey Chairman
Rev,J.J.Darmody and Mr. Myring
The Minutes of the last Meeting were read.
The Committee inspected the Northern Boundary of the Site with respect to the proximity of the buildings to its extreme limits. Mr Bennington, the owner of the adjoining land had asked the Guardians if it would not be wise for them to purchase more land at this point. After consideration it was decided to recommend the Board that there is no necessity to purchase any more land.
It was decided that Messrs Sankey and Pritchard purchase two Fireplaces and Mantle Pieces for the Master’s Dining and Drawing Rooms, and that the two glazed terra cotta ware Mantle Pieces now partly fixed,[which are exactly similar to thosse being fixed in the Wards when these two can be utilized] be removed and, that the order as far as it relates to two Fireplaces be at once countermanded.
It was decided that the Master’s appartments to be made private by the erection of a Glass and Wood Screen fixed at a point near the main lobby.
It was decided that the fixing of the balister for the able-bodied poor [Classification Class “A”]be suspended until the next Meeting, tthe Master and the Architect to confer on the Site at an early date opon the question.
John W Sankey
Chairman of Board.
New Workhouse Committee
28th January 1903
Present:- Mr. J.W. Sankey Chairman
Rev. G.W. Johnson Messrs Eachus, Myring, Moreton, Pritchard and Boyes.
The Inspector, Mr. Wethered, and the Architect, were also present.
The Minutes of the last Meeting were read. The Tenders for Roadmaking as
Follows:-
W.H. Reading Wloverhampton £9800 to complete in 6 months
Moss & Sons Ltd. Leicester £8778.10.0 “ 5 “
James Owens Wolverhampton £9739 “ 9 “
1. Lindsay Jones “ £10,000 “ 9 “
John White Jr. Birmingham £12,215.19.3 “ 5 “
1. Holloway, Wolverhampton £8737 “ 9 “.
Bower Bros Nottingham £10,300 “ 7 “
It was dedcided to recommend the Board to accept the Tender of Mr Holloway subject to
his contracting to complete the work by September 1st next.[6 months from March 1st next]
It was decided that a Wall 19ft 6inches high along the boundary at the back of the Imbecile
Wards the full length of the Airing Courts to be built by Messrs Fish & Sons according to their Schedule of Prices: Plans to be prepared by the Architect.
The Report of the Architect upon the progress of the work since the last meeting
was read as follows, and it was ordered that it be printed and a copy addressed
to each Member of the Board.
ARCHITECT’S REPORT.
King Street,
Nottiingham
NEW WORKHOUSE, WOLVERHAMPTON.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to report as follows as to the progress of the works at the above;
Vagrant Block and Lodge.—Much additional work has been done here since my last report, the foundations laid for the Laundry floors, and preparations made for the Machinery, the walls prepared for the second coat of colouring, architrave fixed round windows and doors, &c., and the drainage for this block is now being put in.
Farm Building and Mortuary.—As reported for many months, practically finished.
Workshops and Labour Master’s House.—This block is in an advanced stage of completion, several detail items having been done since my last report.
Male and Female Skin and Syphilitic (2 Blocks).—The tiled floors are all laid, and both blocks wired for the electric lighting, and floor screeded to receive wood block flooring, and painting, plumbing and other items advanced a stage,
Nurses’ Home.—Since my last report the tiled flooring has been all laid, and the architraves round doors and window frame/ fixed and all doors hung, and plumbing, painting and other work advanced a stage.
Isolation Hospital, Cottage and Disinfector.—As last reported.
Male Infirmary (3 Blocks), Female Infirmary (3 Blocks).—Much additional work has been done here in detail of the various trades, and the alterations made in the architraves and mold has been fixed round doors and windows, together with all other internal fittings named in the last report, with the addition of all floors screeded for wood block flooring.
Nursery and Married Couples.—These blocks are now plastered, stoves fixed, and the greater portion of the floors laid.
Administrative Block.—Comprising many attached buildings, has been advanced a stage by most of the trades, in matter of detail fittings and as far as possible until the kitchen and scullery fittings are fixed in positions by the engineers.
Laundry.—This block is now being fitted with shafting, &c, by the engineers, and much of fittings are on the site ready for fixing.
Boiler House.—This block is in the hands of the engineers, fitting and fixing steam pipes from the boilers, pumps, hot water cylinders, &c., &c.
Receiving Block and Entrance Lodge.—These are in an advanced stage of completion, the tiled floors are now practically
finished, and all trades in matters of detail, are advanced a stage.
Board Offices.—Including all items mentioned in last report; all sashes are now glazed and frames fixed, and the plasterers are
now commencing to plaster ceilings of same. The plastering and all outside work generally, has been delayed for a week ‘
owing to the frost.
Imbeciles (6 Blocks).—Since my last report, very good progress has been made here, all plastering practically finished sashes and frames fixed and glassed, and most of the floors screeded ready for the wood block flooring, and all trades in matter of details, advanced a stage.
Outside Connecting Corridors.—These are now all covered in and all steam and hot water pipes fixed in them.
Drainage.—The connections are now made with the Heath Town and Wednesfield Sewers to the Guardians boundary wall and from thence are being continued for the drainage of the Vagrant Block, The large rain water storage tank has its concrete retaining walls carried up to water line level; and the dumpling or internal excavations are proceeding favourably.
Generally.—All buildings are now erected and covered in, and are in an advanced stage towards completion (except shelters latrines, and court walls, the foundations of which are already in). Since the Guardians last visit to these buildings I am pleased to report that generally good progress has been made, taking into consideration the short days, and wet and frosty weather. There are employed on these works at the present time, 147 men of all trades. The amount certified as due to the builders, including the certificate granted January 1903, is £106,043.
Well Sinking.—Some 50ft. in depth has been bored and the permanent tubes fixed in same.
I have the honour to remain,
Yours obediently,
ARTHUR MARSHALL.
New Workhouse Committee
18th February 1903
Present:- Rev. G.W. Johnson, Messrs Boyes, Eachus, Myring & Pritchard.
In the absence of Mr. Sankey, Mr. Pritchard was elected to preside.
The Committee met to consider the Specifications for roadmaking at the New Workhouse with the view of making any variation possible to reducethe cost.
The Architect stated that he could suggest no detail of the work upon which any alteration could be made with satisfactory economy. The Roads, if made to the Specifications would be good sustantial but not better in any detail than they should be and he should hesitate to take the responsibility for any alteration.
In reply to to questions the Architect stated that Rowley Rag Stone would be quite satisfactory for the channelling if the Committee thought fit to recommend it instead of Mountsorrel Granite Randoms.
The ‘best’ road is only being made on the main way from the Wednesfield Road to the Imbecile Block, round the Engine House, and up to the Farm Buildings from the Road.
Several Members thought a saving could be effected if the Rowley Rag Stone was used for the channelling instead of Granite Randoms.
Mr. Holloway was asked what the saving would be if Rowley Ragstone was used, and he
said the Rowley Rag Cubes would cost probably a little more than the Mountsorrel
Randoms specified, and and he should request an increase in the amount of his contract
if the alteration were made.
In reply to a further question Mr Holloway stated that he did not think it possible to reduce the
total cost of the Contract without danger to it being an unsatisfactory job, he could point
to no item where the cost could be reduced with true economy.
The Rev. G.W. Johnson moved ” That the following recommendation be made to the
Board: That no alteration can advantageously or with true economy be made in the
Specifications & therefore that the tender of Mr. Holloway be accepted without
alteration”. Mr. Myring seconded. Carried unanimously.
Mr. Holloway stated that he wished to get on with the work at once, every week lost
now would mean much to him.
It was decided to ask the Board [or the presiding Chairman] to declare the matter one of urgency on Friday next that the matter may be then considered.
The Clerk was directed to inform each Member of the Board that the first business on Friday would be to consider the recommendation of the Committee.
The Architect presented a Plan of the Wall to be erected along the boundary of Airing Courts at the back of of the Imbecile and Epilectic Block, which was approved. The estimated cost is £497.11.4. The same was approved. The Board has already decided that this wall be erected.
W.H. Pritchard Chairman of the Board
John W. Sankey
New Workhouse Committee
6th March 1903
Present:- Mr. J.W. Sankey Chairman
Revs G.W. Johnson & W. L. Ward, Messrs Boyes, Eachus, Greensill, Hyde, Launsdale ?
Moreton & Norbury.
The Minutes of the last Metting were read and signed by the Chairman.
A letter was read from Messrs. Isles & Co. stating that it is necessary to line the bore of
the Artesian Well further with perforated tubes owing to the marl falling into the bore
hole, the lining will prevent this, and still allow the Water to come in. The depth of the
bore hole is at present 106 feet lined with 90ft of 10″ paper, the top of which is 5 ft from the
surface, so that the bore hole is now lined to a depth of 93 feet. Messrs Isles therefore
quote for 60ft Perforated Tubes 8 1/2″ diameter @ 16/- per foot £48, and a 10ft length of
Plain Tube @ 14/- per foot £7 Messrs Isles report that the water level stands at preesnt 10 ft from the surface, and that there is every indication that the work will be successful. Before testing, however it is necessary to go deeper , so as to ensure obtaining a continuous and inexaustible supply.
Upon the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Eachus it was resolved that the Board be recommended to instruct Messrs Isles & Co to proceed with the extra lining in accordance with the estimate, subject to the consent of the Local Government Board, the Chairman to be asked to declare the matter as an emergency at the [Relief] Board Meeting this morning.
John W. Sankey
Chairman of the Board
New Workhouse Committee
9th March 1903
Present:- Mr. J.W. Sankey Chairman
Rev. G.W.Johnson, Messrs Boyes, Myring,Plant & Pritchard.
The Minutes of the last Meeting were read.
The Committee inspected the buildings.
The question of putting a large weighing machine down was discussed, in view of the
making of the Roads; In the estimate a sum of £150 is reserved for this purpose.A
new Machine will cost about £60, exclusive of the necessary brickwork.
It was decided ‘nem dio’ ? to recommend the Board to purchase a New Machine for use
at the New Workhouse, the one at the Old Workhouse has been in use a many years
The Clerk was directed to urge the Architect to submit his Schemes of telephonic
communication between the various parts of the House, with the room to be used as
Telephone Room, and of Electric Bells, as early as possible.
It was decided to recommend the Board to distinguish Wards in the Infirmary Block by
Block by Numbers, and the Wards in the “body” of the house by letters, the numbers
or letters for each Ward to be settled by the Master.
John W Sankey
Chairman of the Board
New Workhouse Committee
20th March 1903
Present:- Rev. J.J. Darmody, Messrs Eachus, Plant,Myring & Pritchard.
In the absence of the Chairman, Mr J.W. Sankey, Mr. Pritchard was lelected
to preside.
The Committee , by direction of the Board, opened Tenders for the supply & fixing
of a 7 ton Weighbridge as follows:-
Rose & Cooper,? Walsall 12ft x 7ft with loose weights,£45, without loose
weights £4 extra [£49]
Hodgson & Stead,Manchester 12ft x 7ft without loose weights £55
Pooley & Sons Ltd, Birmingham 12ft x 7ft with loose weights £52 without loose
weights £54
W.T. Avery Ltd, Birmingham 12ft x 7ft without loose weights £56 with patent
self regulating apparatus £60.
Upon the section? of Mr Myring it was unanimously resolved to recommend the acceptance
of the tender of Messrs Pooley & Son Ltd as £54 , subject to an undertaking being given by
them to deliver and erect the Weighbridge upon the foundations [which the Guardians
provide] at the New Workhouse.
John W. Sankey
Chairman of Board
New Workhouse Committee
1st April 1903
Present:- Mr. J.W. Sankey Chairman
Revs.
J.J. Darmody, G.W. Johnson, Messrs Moreton, Myring, Plant & Pritchard.
It was decided that the kitchen and scullery in the Administration Block be paved with small
red tiles, [as in some of the corridors] instead of asphalt.
The question of the numbers of Chairs required was considered.
The Master reported that in all there would be 2298 required, 316 of which could be provided
from those now in use, those to be purchased being as follows:-
1706 Ordinary Chairs
84 Low Back Arm Chairs
168 High Back Arm Chairs
24 Wicker Arm Chairs
The pattern of the ordinary chairs & the 84 low back arm chairs were selected. The Chairman
& Vice Chairman were asked to select a pattern for the high back arm chairs. The Clerk was
directed to issue an advertisement inviting tenders for these.
The Wicker Chairs will be provided later.
The Architect reported upon his proposals for Telephone inter-communication in the House and as to the number and position of Electric Bells, and the same was approved. The Architect read his Specification for the work.It was decided to recommend the Board to advertise for Tenders for the work.
The Architect’s Report upon the progress of the work up to date was before the Committee as follows. It was ordered that it be printed and a copy forwarded to each Member of the Board.
ARCHITECT’S REPORT.
New Workhouse. Wolverhampton.
King Street,
Nottingham.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the honour to report as follows as to the progress of the works at the above
Vagrant Block and Lodge.—This block is practically ready for occupation, all internal work being finished, including heating and laundry fittings, and the drainage of same completed.
Farm Buildings and Mortuary,—As reported for many months past practically finished.
Workshops and Labour Master’s House.—This block is practically finished, with the exception of painting and a few sundries.
Made and Female Skin and Syphilitic (2 Blocks).—These are nearly finished, the principal items to do being painting and distempering to walls, &c., and kitchen ranges to fix.
Nurses’ Home.—This block is practically finished, all internal joinery being fixed, also locks to doors ; there remains painting only and a few sundries to finish, and kitchen range.
Isolation Hospital, Cottage and Disinfector.—These are in an advanced stage of completion, the wood block floors are now laid here ; there remains to complete chiefly laundry fittings, painting and distempering walls. distempering to walls.
Male Infirmary (3 Blocks), Female Infirmary (3 Blocks).—Since the last report great progress has been made towards completion, all the woodblock flooring has been laid, together with the tiled floors in corridors and ward kitchen, and the doors are now being hung. All the plumbing and sanitary work is in an advanced stage of completion, also the heating and hot water apparatus. The wood block flooring will remain to be cleared off after all other trades are finished, such as
painting and distempering.
Nursery and Married Couples (2 Blocks).—These are in much the same advanced condition as the Infirm blocks.
Administrative Blocks.—Comprising many attached buildings have been advanced by preparing floors in concrete for wood blocks, asphalting and channelling for kitchen, and scullery fitting, also the divisional partitions to General Stores and other sundry fittings, and electric wiring, &c.
Laundry.—Much work has been done here since my last report, in preparing floors and channelling, and foundations for machinery, including fixing machinery and other items.
Boiler House.—The three boilers are set and all fines and building in connection with same finished, including Economiser. One boiler has been in use for the past three weeks, for the purpose of giving heat in some of the blocks to keep the joinery, &c., in good condition. The hot water cylinders, pumps, &c., with their several valves and pipe connections are fixed in positions in the pump room. The foundations for the engines and dynamos are in, also the channelling and ducts for the electric cables, including foundations for the accumulators.
Receiving Block and Entrance Lodge.—Both these are near completion, the disinfector is fixed in position, and what remains to be done is chiefly painting and distempering, fixing kitchen, range and handrailing to stairs of Receiving Block.
Board Offices.—Since my laBt report the plastering on the first floors has been practically finished and floors laid, also much of the plastering on the ground floor.
Imbeciles (6 Blocks).—Much progress has been made here, practically all the floors prepared for and the wood block flooring laid since my last report, and half the dadoes fixed in the corridors] all the wiring for the electric lighting is also fixed in position (except main cables), together with the heating and hot water piping and plumbers’ work.
Outside Connecting Corridors.—The iron railing, gateways and steps are being fixed in position.
Drainage.—This work is proceeding favourably under difficult circumstances, many of the trenches have to be blasted, being rock.
The dumpling has been excavated from rain water storage tank and the bottom foundation is being put in ready for supporting stancheons.
Road Making and Drainage of Surfaces.—The Contractor for this work (Mr. Holloway) has made very good progress, chiefly with the surface drainage, and, I am pleased to report he is doing the work welL
Well Sinking.—Since my last report an additional 100 feet in depth has bean bored, making a total of about 150 feet, and the 60 feet of extra piping (perforated) has been sunk in position; the boring is still through the hard mark but no water of any importance has yet bean tapped, mid the boring is proceeding.
Generally.—I am pleased to report that very considerable progress has been made in the internal finishing of all the buildings since my last report and the visit of the Guardians.
There are employed on these works at the present time 261 men of all trades, an addition of 114 men since last report, 61 of whom are Mr. Holloway’s men. The amount certified as due to the Builders, including the certificate granted March, 1903, is £109,743 0s. 0d.
1 have the honour to remain,
Your obedient servant,
ARTHUR MARSHALL.
New Workhouse Committee
19th April 1903
Present:-Revs. J.J. Darmody & G.W. Johnson and W.H. Ward, Messrs Boyes,
Greensill, Beresford Jones, Moreton, Myring,Plant, Pritchard and Sankey.
It was unanimously resolved that Mr. J.W. Sankey be elected Chairman of the
Committee for the ensuing year.
J.W Sankey
Chairman of the Board
New Workhouse Committee
22nd April 1903
Present:- Mr J.W. Sankey Chairman
Revs, J.J. Darmody and G.W. Johnson, Messrs Beresford Jones and Pritchard.
It was ordered that the next Meeting to be held on Monday May 11th 1903, at
3 o’clock.
The boring for the Artesian Well now extends to 200 feet. The Clerk was directed
to ask Messrs Isles & Co. to give an opinion as to the probable execution ? of the work,
and also to ask them to state their terms for boring beyond the 200feet provided for in their
Contract, in case water is not found at this depth.
The Clerk was directed to obtain an illustrated Price List from Messrs Atkinson, I
Institution Furnishers, London.
The Clerk was directed to ask the Architect to give an estimate of the cost including in
his arrangements for Electric Bells and Telephones, a system to register [electrically]
the times of the visits of the Night Attendants to the various parts of the House. The
Indicator for all to be fixed in the Master’s Office.
It was decided that the fixing of the Baker’s Oven in the Kitchen, be suspended until the further will fo the Committee is made known.
It was decided to fix an unclimable fence [489 feet in length] similar in make and
height to that enclosing Vagrant Block, on the West Boundary of the Site, from the point
where the present wall from the Wolverhampton ends, to a point where the hedge forms
the boundary on the far side of the piece of land recently exchanged with the Dugmore
Executors.
Chairs: An alternative pattern was adopted for the 1706 Chairs required. It was decided
that the seats be in one piece ,and of American Birch, the other parts of the Chairs of the
same wood as the Sample. An advertisement to be issued for their Supply.
Lockers:- It was decided to advertise for tenders for the Lockers according to the pattern
made in the Workhouse , with tops of Opaline,Crystalline, or other similar prepared
Surfacing or of pitch pine. The back piece not to extend above the flat top of the Locker
and without any recess for a Cup of Mug.
Canvas Overlays: Ordered that Tenders be obtained for the following Overlays for Wire
Mattresses 950 6.6 x 3.0
12 6.6 x 4.6
70 6.0 x 2.0
4 6.0 x 2.0
24 4.2 x 2.4
12 2.0 x 1.6
Prices to be obtained for their Supply in each of two materials selected.
Mattresses: Ordered that the Mattresses for use in the hospital to be made in three
Sections. Size 3.0 x 2.1 to weigh when filled 10.1/2lb. The Ticking to be of the same
quality & striping as the pattern selected. no seam on upper or under surface. The
filling to be of Cocoa Coir, same quality as sample approved. 1000 to be purchased
Bolsters:- Ordered that 480 Bolsters to be purchased . Ticking and filling as the
Mattresses. Weight when filled to be 4.1/2lb.Finish & size as approved.
Pillows:- Ordered that 200 Pillows be advertised for, the same size & finish as sample,
to be filled with feathers of same quality as approved . Weight when filled to be 2.1/2lb
John W. Sankey
Chairman of the Board
New Workhouse Committee
1st May 1903
Present:- Revs, J.J. Darmody , & G.W. Johnson, Messrs Boyes, Greensill, Myring and
Pritchard.
In the absence of the Chairman Mr. Pritchard was elected to preside.
The Master submitted and read a Specification he had proposed for the Window Blinds
required at the New Workhouse which are approximately 100 Venetian Blinds for the front
windows of the Administration Block and for the Board Room, and 2238 Spring Roller
Holland Blinds for the remainder of the Windows.
The Specification previously submitted were approved after an ammendment that no
Venetian Blinds be fitted , had been lost.
It was decided that an Advertisement be issued inviting Tenders for their supply.
The Chairman and the Vice Chairman of the Board and the Rev, G.W. Johnson were
appointed to confer & report as to the probable proximity of water at the bore hole of
the Artesian Well.
The Clerk was directed to request the Architect to furnish a report showing the number of
days allowed the Contractor for holidays, inclement weather & c & the number of days
to be added for extra work
W.H. Pritchard
Chairman of the Board
New Workhouse Committee
18th May 1903
Present:-
Mr. J.W. Sankey Chairman.
Revs. J.J Darmody and G.W. Johnson, Messrs C.Boyes,H.Moreton,
1. Myring and W.H. Pritchard.
A number of the members of the Board were also present.
An informal inspection of the Buildings was made, no other business was transacted.
The Committee adjourned to 12 o’clock noon on Thursday the 21st instant at the
Workhouse.
The above report was read at a Meeting of the Board held on the 22nd May 1903.
John W. Sankey
Chairman of the Board
New Workhouse Committee
21st May 1903
Present:- Mr J.W Sankey Chairman
Revs.J.J Darmody, & G,W, Johnson. Messrs Boyes, Beresford Jones, Moreton, Myring
and Pritchard.
The Committee met to consider Tenders for the following:-
1706 Single Chairs
84 Low back Arm Chairs
168 High back Arm Chairs
160 Infirmary Beside Lockers
999 Matress Sections
480 Bolsters
300 Feather Pillows
1072 Matress Overlays
100 Venetian Blinds
2235 Self Rolling Holland Window Blinds
and also for Unclimbable Fencing & Gate
In all 94 Tenders wer received . These had been tabulated and printed under distinguishing
numbers, the names of the Tenderers not being disclosed until after the decision to select a
Tender. Your Committee beg to recommend that the following Tenders be accepted,
21st May 1903
|
NAME OF TENDERER |
GOODS |
Quantity |
PriceEach £.s.d |
Total Cost £.s.d |
||||
|
William Shears Wolverhampton |
single chairs |
1706 |
2 |
7 |
220 |
7 |
2 |
|
|
” |
High back arm chairs |
168 |
6 |
3 |
52 |
10 |
||
|
Alfred Allen Birmingham |
Low back arm chair |
84 |
6 |
6 |
27 |
6 |
||
|
J.Edwards & Sons Wolverhampton |
Bedside Lockers with |
160 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
204 |
||
|
Pitch Pine Tops |
||||||||
|
E Brain & Sons Wolverhampton |
Mattress sections |
999 |
2 |
11 |
145 |
13 |
9 |
|
|
Brookfields Windows Stafford |
Feather Pillows |
300 |
2 |
3 |
34 |
7 |
6 |
|
|
Brookfields Windows Stafford |
Bolsters |
480 |
1 |
4 |
32 |
|||
|
Waring & Gillow Ltd Manchester |
Matress Overlays |
1072 |
74 |
11 |
2 |
|||
|
as sample pattern “A” |
||||||||
|
Wigley & Sons Wolverhampton |
Ventian Blinds stained, |
100 |
33 |
4 |
||||
|
varnished or painted |
||||||||
|
Kendal Milne & Co |
Holland window Blinds |
2238 |
315 |
|||||
|
Dudley Art Metal & Co |
Unclimbable iron fencing |
286 yrds approx |
19 |
6 |
278 |
17 |
||
|
Iron Gate |
12 |
10 |
||||||
|
TOTAL |
1413 |
18 |
7 |
|||||
The Committee inspected the sample of the Infirmary Cabinet which had been made in the
Workhouse, and approved the same, and recommend that the Tender be invited by
advertisement for the supply of 11 to be exactly as sample in dimensions, make, & finish
the outside to be made of Pitch Pine wood, and the internal wood of White Deal, with tops
of either Crystalline, Marble, Rarnarite ?Opaline or Glasier Ebonite.
The Committee inspected the sample table which had been made in the Workhouse.
It was edcided to recommend the Board adopt the same and to invite Tenders for the
supply of 86 of the various sizes required. The tables to be exact a pattern in every way,
finish and workmanship, the top to be made of White Deal Wood and the remainder of
American Bench Wood.
The foregoing Minutes were read at a Meeting of the Board held on 22 May 1903 and
the recommendations contained therein were approved and adopted.
John W Sankey
Chairman of the Board.
Advert in The Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser August 1903
15th June 1903
Present:- Mr J.W. Sankey Chairman.
Rev. J.J. Darmody, Messrs Moreton, Myring and Pritchard.
The Minutes of the last Meeting were read.
Read letter from Local Government Board with regard to the boring for water and
suggesting the wisdom of consulting a professional expert Geological with regard
to this Well. The boring now extends to 270 feet.
It was decided to recommend the Board to continue the boring to 300 feet and if
water had not been reached, Mr Baldwin Latham C.E. be immediately instructed
to report upon the position & possibilities.
The Committee recommend that the surface of the Soft Water Reservoir be
finished off with a fine surface Gas Tar Asphalt instead of Cement.
Ordered that a strong room be formed of the space under the staircase on the
left side of the entrance to the Administrative Block by the addition of a Strong
Room Door, the total cost not to exceed £20
There are two roads to cross the Infirmary Corridor. It was decided that the large
Gas Stove [6′ x 6′] now being used at the present Workhouse to be fixed in the
Kitchen at the New Workhouse where a Kitchen Range was originally provided.
Further correspondance from Mr. Berrington with regard to his offer of land was
read. It was decided that no new features had presented themselves since the
decision of the Committee on November 11th 1902.
It was decided that when White washing is provided for in the Estimate [except
in Outbuildings & fuel places] distemper shall be substituted.
The quickness of the sale of the old Workhouse premises and Site, was
considered. It was decided to refer the matter to the General Purposes Committee
for consideration.
The question as to who shall be invited to formally declare open the New
Workhouse and the date to be fixed for such ceremony, was discussed
The Architect stated that arrangements could now be concluded for the opening
to take place at the end of August next. In view of this and the many details to be determined and dependant to some extent primarily
upon the persons’ will who is invited to open the building it was decided to let the
Board to at once come to a decision on this point, the actual date of opening to be
decided later.
Ordered that an advertisement be issued once in each of the Wolverhampton Papers
inviting Tenders for the supply of Telephones, Electric Bells & other fittings.
Ordered that further Meetings of this Committee be held on the 26th instant at the
present Workhouse and on July 7th at the New Workhouse.
It was decided to insure the Stock now being placed in various rooms, for £1000.
The question of insuring the whole of the buildings and contents when occupied to
be considered at the next Meeting.
A sample pattern of Mattress Overlays was approved.
The foregoing Minutes were read at a Meeting of the Board held on the 19th June
1903 and the recommendations contained therein, approved and adopted.
John W. Sankey
Chairman of the Board
New Workhous Committee
26th June 1903
Present:- Mr J.J. Sankey Chairman.
Rev.G.W. Johnson, Messrs Plant, Greensill, Myring, Pritchard
The Committee considered the question of the two tenders for Infirmary Cabinets
from the Educational Furnishing Co. Stourbridge & Mr. E. Amies of Stafford, referred
to the Committee by the Board.After discussion it was resolved the Board accept the
tender of Mr Amies for the 11 Cabinets with 1″ Sicilian ? Marble Tops at £107.0.0, the
Clerk to give a direction to the Contractor that the Clerk of the Works shall from time
to time visit their works at Stafford to inspect the wood used in their manufacture,
The Master was instructed to prepare a report as to the Staff of Officers likely to be
required at the New Workhouse, the Clerk to have the same printed & circulated
amongst the Members of the Board, prior to its consideration by the General
Purposes Committee.
The Clerk reported as to his interview with Mr.Roberts of Messrs Isles & Co, this action
in directing that the bore hole be further lined with perforated tubes approved.
J.W. Sankey
JWS
New Workhouse Committee
7th July 1903
Present:- Mr. J.W. Sankey Chairman
Rev. G.W. Johnson, Messrs Beresford Jones, Pritchard, Myring.
The Minutes of the last Meeting were read.
The Clerk read letters from Messrs Isles & Co. and his reply thereto
After a discussion it was resolved that the Clerk ascertain from Profr.?
Lapworth of Birmingham, Mr Baldwin Latham of London their fee for
advising with respect to the prospect of obtaining a supply from the
Artesian Well. The Clerk was directed to pen Mr Woodward of the
Wolverhampton Corporation with regard to the supply of water at the
New Workhouse.
The question of insurance of the New Workhouse was further discussed
and adjoured to the next Meeting.
Tenders for Fire Guards & Fenders [referred to this Committee from the
House Committee] were considered.It was decided that the tender of
Mr Fred Garland of Alexandra Street Wolverhampton at 7/9 each be
recommende for acceptance.
It was decided that no arrangements to be made for a supply of Gas
for Lighting purposes.
Tenders for the supply & fixing of the Electric Bell
and Telephone were considered.New tenders have been received, as follows:-
1 W.Davies Westington, Salop Telephones £285. 0.0
Bells £175.15.0
2 Stuart & Moore, London Telephones £216. 0.0
Bells £ 53. 18.0
3 B. Watson Electric Telephones £232. 0.0
Bells £ 89.14.0
4 G.A. Woods,Stack& Co,Blackburn Telephones £226. 6.0
Bells £ 78. 0.0
5 National Telephone Co. Telephones £267. 0.0
Bells £188. 0.0
6 W.J.Furze & Co ? Nottingham Telephones £240. 0.0
Bells £ 85. 0.0
7 Gent & Hurley Leicester Telephones £255.13.6
Bells £ 72. 6.0
8 Alliance Electrical Co. Birmingham Telephones £228. 0.0
Bells £103. 0.0
9 Lea, Son & Co. Shrewsbury Telephones £223. 0.0
Bells £101. 0.0
Messrs Stuart & Moore require ? months in which to execute the work and Messrs
Woods,Stack & Co 2 months. After discussion it was decided to accept the tender
of Messrs G.H. Woods, Stack & Co. at £226.6.0 for Telephones and £78, for Bells.
It was decided that a duplicate switch board to be provided and fixed outside the
Masters Bedroom and Bells fixed in the Male and Female Pavillons & connected
with the Assistant Masters and Matrons Quarters the position for such bells to be
arranged with the Master & the Architect, Messrs Woods to be asked to give a
supplementary estimate for the work.
Ordered that the Pumping Room in connection with the Soft Water System be at
once completed,
The Clerk was directed to issue an advertisement inviting tenders for the supply and
fixing of the Pumping Machinery for Soft Water only in accordance with plans to be
be prepared by the Architect.
The Architect stated that the Builders had been instructed to proceed with the fitting
of the Dispensary excepting the central ? features.
It was decided that the Next Meeting of this Committee be held on Friday the 17th
next at 4pm.
The action of the Clerk in giving notice to terminate the tenancy of the Nurses’ House
[George Street] as the 29th September next was approved.
The foregoing Minutes were read at a Meeting of the Board held on the 17th July 1903,
and the recommendations therein were approved.
John W Sankey
Chairman of the Board
New Workhouse Committee
17th July 1903
Present:- Mr J.W. Sankey Chairman
Revs. J.J. Darmody & G.W. Johnson, Messrs Boyes, Myring, Plant & Pritchard.
The Architect was also present.
The Plan Specifications of the Sump and Water for working same, and for the
other apparatus including Storage Tanks in connection with the pumping of of the
rain water from the rain water tank, were before the Committee, and the
Specifications were read.
It was decided to issue an advertisement inviting Tenders for the exectioin of the work
It was decided to ask the Contractor for the Painting to give a price for Painting the
Radiators, and the various iron pipes where exposed in connection with the Electric
Lighting, and also the wood casing covering the Electric Wires. The Specifications
to be prepared by the Architect. Messrs Sankey, Pritchard, Myring & Boyes to
[after conferring with the Architect] decide as to whether the Tender be accepted.
It was ordered that the Strong Room Door referred to in the resolutions of June 15th
1903 [30.103 ?] be purchased from Messrs Cyrus Price & Co.
It was decided that The Dispensary Fittings [other than the Central Cabinet Tables] be
made by Messrs Fish & Sons according to their Scheduled Prices.
The boring for the water now extends to 300feet, Mr Holcroft who had been invited
to be present by the Chairman, stated after an inspection, that it would be wise at
this point to carry out the suggestion of Messrs Isles & Co by pumping test the supply
of water now available. The Clerk read letter from Mr. Baldwin Latham that his fee for
making an inspection, enquiring and report with reference to the boring for water would
be £25 [guineas] Professor Lapworth wrote that his fee would be Ten Guineas but he
could not undertake the work till October. The Clerk that immediately upon receipt of
Professor Lapworth’s letter he went to Birmingham to see him on Tuesday last, and
again on Wednesday, when he found that he left on his vacation on Tuesday. A further
letter from Messrs Isles & Co stating that the boring now reaches to 300 feet & urging
that the supply now be tested, was read. It was decided that the supply be now tested
by Messrs Isles & Co at the price mentioned in their Contract viz: 70/- per day, the
carriage of Pumping Apparatus extra. It was also decided to instruct Mr. Latham to
inspect and report on the proximity of water & the present yield as shown by the test.
The Architect recommended that the floor of the Operating Room be laid with Terazzo
instead of Red Tiles as now provided for, the former would make a solid floor
without joints of any kind, with round corners joining the floor with the side walls and
quite impervious. It was unamimously decided that the floor be made of Terazzo, the
total increased cost not to exceed £15.
The question of insurance of the New Workhouse Buildings and ultimate contents
was discussed. It was unanimously decided to recommend the Board to ask the
Royal Insurance Company through thei local Agent Mr.Millington to cover the
Buildings and Contents in the total sum of £150,000.
The question of furnishing the Master’s Office at once was discussed. Mr
Pritchard was requested to to ascertain the requirements & the cost of what was
required.
It was decided that the Master prepare as far as he is at present able, a list of the
new furniture that will be required in the various Officers’ Rooms, the furniture now
in use to be utilized to the fullest extent.
The Clerk reported that the Dudley Art Metal Co. suggested when signing their
Contract for the Unclimbable Fencing that the weight of 28 ? Verticals to a 9ft
length may cause the Horizontals to sag a little and suggested the fixing of two
supports [with earth plates] to the bottom Horizontal in each 9ft length, these they
would include at an extra cost of 9d per yard It was ordered that this be done.
The Clerk reported on his interview with Mr. Woodward the Water Engineer to the
Wolverhampton Town Council as to the inadeuate supply of Water to the New
Workhouse.Mr. Woodward stated that the supplying capacity was being doubled
to Heath Town which would, he thought, enable the Guardians to receive all the
water required and that he would press on the work, which would be completed
by September next. The Clerk was directed to ask Mr. Woodward if the Railway
Co. had yet granted permission for the main to be carried over their Bridge.
It was decided that the Advertisement foe an Engineer be inserted in the Wolverhanpton
& Birmingham Papers only.
It was decided that the next Meeting to be held Wenesday August 5th at 3pm.
The above Minutes were read at a meeting of the Board held on the 31st July 1903 and
the recommendations contained therein approved and adopted.
John W Sankey
Chairman of the Board
New Workhouse Committee
5th August 1903
Present Mr. J.W. Sankey Chairman
Messrs Moreton, Myring, Pritchard, Plant & Beresford Jones.
The Minutes of the last Meeting were read.
The Clerk stated that he had not received the report by Mr. Baldwin Latham as to
the Artesian Well and was directed to write requesting that it be furnished at an
early date.
The Clerk was directed to inform Messrs Isles & Co.that all operations as regards
pumping and boring be suspended until further instructions are given. The pumping
test was made on Monday last, since which day no further work has been done by
Messrs Isles.
It was decided that the tenders of Messrs W.J. Spend? & Sons the Sub Contractors
for Painting ?? for Painting the Radiators and some coverings be accepted as follows:
78 Small Radiators @ 2/- ea
9 Large ” @ 3/- ea
Approximately 300ft 3.1/2″ gird from Radiators 1/2d per ft
” 300ft 2.1/2″ ” ” ” 1/4d ”
” 1400ft 8″ pipes in Imbecile Block 1/4d ”
” 8000ft 6″ ” ” Workhouse 1/4d ”
” 3000ft Electric Tube Piping 1/2d ”
” 460ft Wood Casing 1/2d ”
for approximate sum already stated Total £27.4.5 & instructions given for this work to be proceeded with at once.
The Clerk was directed to write to the Architect urging the forwarding of the further
particulars to enable the supplemental estimates by Messrs Woods, Stack & Co. in
connection with the Electric Bells and Telephone Installation is to be obtained.
The Clerk reported that the Architect had advised the despatch of the Plan for the
Central Cabinet Table for the Dispensary, and was decided that, subject to the approval
of the Plan by the Chairman of the Dispensary Committee an advertisemant be issued
inviting tenders for its supply.
The Clerk reported as to his interview with Mr. Woodward the Borough Water Engineer.
The permission of the Railway Company has not yet been obtained to enable the
completion of the extra water supply to Heath Town. It was decided that Mr. Woodward
be further urged to give the Guardians some definite indication when the work will be
completed. Ordered that the Clerk write the Contractors for Iron Fencing asking them
to expedite delivery.
Mr Pritchard submitted prices for the furniture necessary for the Master’s Office & it was
decided to purchase from Messrs Edwards & Sons
One Roll Top Desk £10.10. 0
One Revolving Chair 8. 3. 6
Three Douglas Chairs @ 7. 6 each
It was further decided that Mr. Pritchard & the Master arrange for the purchase of Cork
Linoleum for the floor.
The question of the date for the formal opening of the New Workhouse was considered
and it was resolved to make the following recommendation to the Board that the Opening
Ceremony be held on September 24th upon which day an inspection be made of the
buildings & that the inmates be removed from the present Workhouse to their new home
on the following day.
That arrangements to be made for the general public to inspect the buildings and see
generally upon such days and at such times as may be afterwards fixed.
It was decided that the next meeting be held on the 17th inst. at 3.0 O’clock and that
the Architect be requested to prepare a report as to the work not yet completed that is
likely to affect the occupation of the premises.
It was reported that the proposed Plan as to the arrangement of the Board Room Furniture
had not been received from the Architect
The Committe recommend that a screen with a 3ft 6in door be placed in the main entrance
passage.
It was decided that a signal bell be fixed on the west gable of the Kitchen, and that arrangements be made for more room for working in the basement of the House, the Clerk of Works being directed to at once proceed with the work.
The Clerk was directed to write the Architect requeting the replacement of certain Wood
Tops of the Ironing Tables which have been rejected, and as to the fittings for the padded
room.
Ordered that Matchboarding be fixed over the doors to the ceiling of the Water Closets
in the Imbecile aand Epileptic Wards & that cisterns be cased.
It was decided that three bays to be fitted with racks be arranged for in the basement, the
detail for which the Clerk of Works has prepared.
The above Minutes were read at a Meeting of the Board held on the 14th August and the
recommendations found therein were approved and adopted.
John W Sankey
Chairman of the Board
New Workhouse Committee
17th August 1903
Present:-Mr J.W. Sankey Chairman
Revs. J.J. Darmody & G.W. Johnson, Messrs Beresford Jones, Moreton & Myring
It was decided to ask Messrs Fish & Sons to give a price for supplying the Central
Cabinet for the Dispensary and that an advertisement inviting Tenders for its supply
to be issued.
Authority was given to Messrs Fowler, Langley & Wright to obtain the assistance of
a Surveyor in settling the position of the boundary Wall on the North side of the Site.
The following supplementary Estimates for additions to the previous Contracts were
accepted from Messrs Woods, Stack & Co:-
Telephones Two Wall Instruments,One Duplicate Switchboard, three additional ways
on board originally quoted for, extra wire & labour fixing ,One able Instrument £73.5.0
Telltales One forty way Gents Clock as specified [cost of ten additional ways],Thirteen
watertight Pegging Boxes . Four hundred yards excavating and Galvanized gas barrel
lead covered wire and soft copper wire,cleats etc and extra labour:-Extra on original
estimate :-£176.7.0
Bells Five six inch watertight pushes,two five way indicators, twelve plain pushes,six
three inch bells, extra bell wire and labour :- £32. 5. 0
The Clerk was directed to ask Messrs Isles & Co. what allowance they will make for the
tubes now in the boreholes if they are withdrawn before they remove their Machinery.
It was decided not to entertain an offer of Fire Indicators & Alarm apparatus.
The Architect submitted sketches and designs of the furniture for the Board Room
The same was approved and the Architect directed to prepare Specifications to be
approved later , upon which an advertisement be issued inviting Tenders for its supply.
The Rev. J.J. Darmody & Mr Beresford Jones were appointed a Sub Committee to
purchase the following:-
6 Couches 6 Easy Chairs
24 Sitting Room Chairs 8 Tables
6 Sideboards 1 Dozen BenchWood Chairs for
Nurses Dining Rooms
and also obtain prices for the furniture &c required for the Masters’ Apartments.
These Minutes were read at a Meeting of the Board held on the 28th August 1903 and
the recommendations contained therein were approved and adopted.
John W Sankey
Chairman of the Board
New Workhouse Committee
25th August 1903
Present:- Mr J.W. Sankey Chairman
Revs. J.J. Darmody & G.G. Johnson and Mr. Plant.
The Architect was also present.
The Minutes of the last Meeting were read and confirmed.
The Tender of Messrs Fish & Sons to supply the Central Cabinet for the Dispensary
according to Plans & Specification, for £30 was recommended to the Board for
acceptance
Read letter from Messrs. Fowler Langley & Wright giving the boundary line they
have settled with the owner of the adjoining land on the Northern boundary of the
Site. The settlement was agreed to and approved.
Read offer from Messrs. Isles as for foot? for the Tubes now sunk in the Borehole.
The price was subject to the cost of taking out and carriage.
The Clerk was directed to ask for a Net price.
The Chairman suggested the following hours in connection with the formal opening:-
Ceremony of opening 11.30
Inspection 12 to 1.30
Luncheon 1.30
and the same were approved.
Mr. Sankey reported that he had ascertained from Alderman Moreton that the
increased supply of Water to the New Workhouse by the time it is occupied
is now assured.
It was decided to recommend the Board to have the floor of the Board Room
covered with thick plain cork felting or linoleum. The Rev. J.J. Darmody & Mr.
1. Beresford Jones to obtain samples and prices.
It was decided to furnish the room on the ground floor at the North West
Corner of the Board Room Block for the use of the Clerk, and that a Roll Top
Desk, an Arm Chair,& 3 other chairs, similar to those recently bought for the
Master’s Office,to be purchased by the Rev. J.J. Darmody and Mr.H.Beresford
Jones.
The Specifications of the Board Room furniture were read and approved. The
Clerk was directed to advertize for Tenders to be returned by first post on
September 2nd and the authority of the Board asked to to enable this Committee
to deal with them and accept a Tender to expedite the delivery of the furniture.
It was decided that a Meeting of this Committee be held on Wednesday
September 9th at 3 0’clock.
These Minutes wre read at a Meeting of the Board held on the 28th August 1903
and the recommendations contained therein approved and adopted
Meeting of the Committee for purchasing and recommending the purchase of
certain furniture & fittings required at the New Workhouse.
Meeting held 26th & 27th August 1903
Present:- Rev. J.J. Darmody & Mr. H. Beresford Jones.
Your Sub Committee have compared prices & patterns of various kinds of
floor covering and recommend that the Board Room, Committee Room
adjoining, Nurses Dining Room, & two Sitting Rooms,two Officers’ Mess
Rooms and the Officers’ Sitting Rooms be covered with Nairns’ extra thick
cork carpeting for which Messrs Edwards & Sons price was quoted at 3/-
per square yard, laid [pasted] [since reduced to 2/11.1/2], and Messrs
Phillips & Jones price at 2/11d per square yard laid [pasted]. The Tender
of Messrs Phillips & Jones is recommended for acceptance.For the
Bedrooms it is recommended that they be covered with the class of Carpet
known as Axminster Waste. Messrs Edwards & Sons price quoted 3/6
per yard, made and laid [since reduced to 3/4]; and Messrs Phillips & Jones
price quoted was 3/3 per yard made & laid, and the latter was recommended
for acceptance. In those Bedrooms where a strip of carpet only will be laid
the same quality of Carpet is recommended, or the Roman or other similar
Carpeting, at the discretion of the Master. If the latter is used, the Master
will give the order to the firm quoting the lowest price.
The following goods are recommended for purchase the prices being 10-25%
below market prices :-
From Messrs Edwards & Son
3 Arm Chairs [Officers] each 11/6
3 ” ” ” 15/-
11 ” ” ” 25/-
2 Couches ” ” 95/-
6 ” ” ” 50/-
24 Sitting Room Chairs [leather] ” ” 17/6
4 ” [velvet] ” ” 17/6
9 Tables ” ” 17/-
6 Sideboards ” ” 70/-
[3′ 6″ x 1′ 6″ as sample selected]
Stair Carpet [Master] @ 11/6 per yard
” [Assistant Master and Assistant
Matron Stairs Horsehair
Carpet 22.1/2″ wide ] @ 3/- per yard
Carpet for Master’s Dining Room £5 . 5. 0
” ” ” Drawing Room £5. 12.6
[Subject to it being right in coloring]
From Messrs Phillips & Jones [for Master’s Apartments.
Dining Room
Oak Suite £18
” Sideboard £15
” Table £ 3. 15. 0
” Coal Vase 19/6
Bed Room
Walnut Suite £24
” Bedstead £ 4
Drawing Room
Settee & two Easy Chairs
[upholstered] £ 9
[conditional on being suitable to the Rooms]
Occasional Table 27/6
” 40/-
3 Occasional Chairs 63/- [the three]
Brass Coal Vase 29/-
These recommendations are made after careful comparisons & pricings.
Your Sub Committee recommend that the Nurses Bed Rooms be furnished with a
Single Wardrobe, a combined Wash Stand & Dressing Table, one chair, set fender
and fireirons. One room has been so furnished, and your Sub Committee also
recommended that 18 Single Wardrobes & 5 combined Dressing Tables and Wash
Stands for other Officers’ Bedrooms, to be also bought, and recommend that Tenders
for the supply of the whole to be advertised for, Suites similar in all respects to the
sample bought including 19 fenders and sets of fireirons.
Read to a Meeting of the New Workhouse Committee August 28th 1903 ‘approved’
recommended to the Board for acceptance.
John W Sankey
New Workhouse Committee
28th Aug 1903
Present: Mr. J.W. Sankey Chairman
Rev G.W. Johnson. Rev, J.J. Darmody
Mr. F.W.Plant & Mr. Beresford Jones.
The Clerk read the report by the Sub Committee appointed to consider as to the
Purchase of certain furniture, particulars of which are given on the foregoing three
pages.
Upon the motion of the Chairman the report was unanimously approved and
recommended to the Board for acceptance
John W Sankey
Chairman
New Workhouse Committee
5th August 1903
Present Mr. J.W. Sankey Chairman
Messrs Moreton, Myring, Pritchard, Plant & Beresford Jones.
The Minutes of the last Meeting were read.
The Clerk stated that he had not received the report by Mr. Baldwin Latham as to
the Artesian Well and was directed to write requesting that it be furnished at an
early date.
The Clerk was directed to inform Messrs Isles & Co.that all operations as regards
pumping and boring be suspended until further instructions are given. The pumping
test was made on Monday last, since which day no further work has been done by
Messrs Isles.
It was decided that the tenders of Messrs W.J. Spend? & Sons the Sub Contractors
for Painting ?? for Painting the Radiators and some coverings be accepted as follows:
78 Small Radiators @ 2/- ea
9 Large ” @ 3/- ea
Approximately 300ft 3.1/2″ gird from Radiators 1/2d per ft
” 300ft 2.1/2″ ” ” ” 1/4d ”
” 1400ft 8″ pipes in Imbecile Block 1/4d ”
” 8000ft 6″ ” ” Workhouse 1/4d ”
” 3000ft Electric Tube Piping 1/2d ”
” 460ft Wood Casing 1/2d ”
for approximate sum already stated Total £27.4.5 & instructions given for this work to be proceeded with at once.
The Clerk was directed to write to the Architect urging the forwarding of the further
particulars to enable the supplemental estimates by Messrs Woods, Stack & Co. in
connection with the Electric Bells and Telephone Installation is to be obtained.
The Clerk reported that the Architect had advised the despatch of the Plan for the
Central Cabinet Table for the Dispensary, and was decided that, subject to the approval
of the Plan by the Chairman of the Dispensary Committee an advertisemant be issued
inviting tenders for its supply.
The Clerk reported as to his interview with Mr. Woodward the Borough Water Engineer.
The permission of the Railway Company has not yet been obtained to enable the
completion of the extra water supply to Heath Town. It was decided that Mr. Woodward
be further urged to give the Guardians some definite indication when the work will be
completed. Ordered that the Clerk write the Contractors for Iron Fencing asking them
to expedite delivery.
Mr Pritchard submitted prices for the furniture necessary for the Master’s Office & it was
decided to purchase from Messrs Edwards & Sons
One Roll Top Desk £10.10. 0
One Revolving Chair 8. 3. 6
Three Douglas Chairs @ 7. 6 each
It was further decided that Mr. Pritchard & the Master arrange for the purchase of Cork
Linoleum for the floor.
The question of the date for the formal opening of the New Workhouse was considered
and it was resolved to make the following recommendation to the Board that the Opening
Ceremony be held on September 24th upon which day an inspection be made of the
buildings & that the inmates be removed from the present Workhouse to their new home
on the following day.
That arrangements to be made for the general public to inspect the buildings and see
generally upon such days and at such times as may be afterwards fixed.
It was decided that the next meeting be held on the 17th inst. at 3.0 O’clock and that
the Architect be requested to prepare a report as to the work not yet completed that is
likely to affect the occupation of the premises.
It was reported that the proposed Plan as to the arrangement of the Board Room Furniture
had not been received from the Architect
The Committe recommend that a screen with a 3ft 6in door be placed in the main entrance
passage.
It was decided that a signal bell be fixed on the west gable of the Kitchen, and that arrangements be made for more room for working in the basement of the House, the Clerk of Works being directed to at once proceed with the work.
The Clerk was directed to write the Architect requeting the replacement of certain Wood
Tops of the Ironing Tables which have been rejected, and as to the fittings for the padded
room.
Ordered that Matchboarding be fixed over the doors to the ceiling of the Water Closets
in the Imbecile aand Epileptic Wards & that cisterns be cased.
It was decided that three bays to be fitted with racks be arranged for in the basement, the
detail for which the Clerk of Works has prepared.
The above Minutes were read at a Meeting of the Board held on the 14th August and the
recommendations found therein were approved and adopted.
John W Sankey
Chairman of the Board
New Workhouse Committee
17th August 1903
Present:-Mr J.W. Sankey Chairman
Revs. J.J. Darmody & G.W. Johnson, Messrs Beresford Jones, Moreton & Myring
It was decided to ask Messrs Fish & Sons to give a price for supplying the Central
Cabinet for the Dispensary and that an advertisement inviting Tenders for its supply
to be issued.
Authority was given to Messrs Fowler, Langley & Wright to obtain the assistance of
a Surveyor in settling the position of the boundary Wall on the North side of the Site.
The following supplementary Estimates for additions to the previous Contracts were
accepted from Messrs Woods, Stack & Co:-
Telephones Two Wall Instruments,One Duplicate Switchboard, three additional ways
on board originally quoted for, extra wire & labour fixing ,One able Instrument £73.5.0
Telltales One forty way Gents Clock as specified [cost of ten additional ways],Thirteen
watertight Pegging Boxes . Four hundred yards excavating and Galvanized gas barrel
lead covered wire and soft copper wire,cleats etc and extra labour:-Extra on original
estimate :-£176.7.0
Bells Five six inch watertight pushes,two five way indicators, twelve plain pushes,six
three inch bells, extra bell wire and labour :- £32. 5. 0
The Clerk was directed to ask Messrs Isles & Co. what allowance they will make for the
tubes now in the boreholes if they are withdrawn before they remove their Machinery.
It was decided not to entertain an offer of Fire Indicators & Alarm apparatus.
The Architect submitted sketches and designs of the furniture for the Board Room
The same was approved and the Architect directed to prepare Specifications to be
approved later , upon which an advertisement be issued inviting Tenders for its supply.
The Rev. J.J. Darmody & Mr Beresford Jones were appointed a Sub Committee to
purchase the following:-
6 Couches 6 Easy Chairs
24 Sitting Room Chairs 8 Tables
6 Sideboards 1 Dozen BenchWood Chairs for
Nurses Dining Rooms
and also obtain prices for the furniture &c required for the Masters’ Apartments.
These Minutes were read at a Meeting of the Board held on the 28th August 1903 and
the recommendations contained therein were approved and adopted.
John W Sankey
Chairman of the Board
New Workhouse Committee
25th August 1903
Present:- Mr J.W. Sankey Chairman
Revs. J.J. Darmody & G.G. Johnson and Mr. Plant.
The Architect was also present.
The Minutes of the last Meeting were read and confirmed.
The Tender of Messrs Fish & Sons to supply the Central Cabinet for the Dispensary
according to Plans & Specification, for £30 was recommended to the Board for
acceptance
Read letter from Messrs. Fowler Langley & Wright giving the boundary line they
have settled with the owner of the adjoining land on the Northern boundary of the
Site. The settlement was agreed to and approved.
Read offer from Messrs. Isles as for foot? for the Tubes now sunk in the Borehole.
The price was subject to the cost of taking out and carriage.
The Clerk was directed to ask for a Net price.
The Chairman suggested the following hours in connection with the formal opening:-
Ceremony of opening 11.30
Inspection 12 to 1.30
Luncheon 1.30
and the same were approved.
Mr. Sankey reported that he had ascertained from Alderman Moreton that the
increased supply of Water to the New Workhouse by the time it is occupied
is now assured.
It was decided to recommend the Board to have the floor of the Board Room
covered with thick plain cork felting or linoleum. The Rev. J.J. Darmody & Mr.
1. Beresford Jones to obtain samples and prices.
It was decided to furnish the room on the ground floor at the North West
Corner of the Board Room Block for the use of the Clerk, and that a Roll Top
Desk, an Arm Chair,& 3 other chairs, similar to those recently bought for the
Master’s Office,to be purchased by the Rev. J.J. Darmody and Mr.H.Beresford
Jones.
The Specifications of the Board Room furniture were read and approved. The
Clerk was directed to advertize for Tenders to be returned by first post on
September 2nd and the authority of the Board asked to to enable this Committee
to deal with them and accept a Tender to expedite the delivery of the furniture.
It was decided that a Meeting of this Committee be held on Wednesday
September 9th at 3 0’clock.
These Minutes wre read at a Meeting of the Board held on the 28th August 1903
and the recommendations contained therein approved and adopted
Meeting of the Committee for purchasing and recommending the purchase of
certain furniture & fittings required at the New Workhouse.
Meeting held 26th & 27th August 1903
Present:- Rev. J.J. Darmody & Mr. H. Beresford Jones.
Your Sub Committee have compared prices & patterns of various kinds of
floor covering and recommend that the Board Room, Committee Room
adjoining, Nurses Dining Room, & two Sitting Rooms,two Officers’ Mess
Rooms and the Officers’ Sitting Rooms be covered with Nairns’ extra thick
cork carpeting for which Messrs Edwards & Sons price was quoted at 3/-
per square yard, laid [pasted] [since reduced to 2/11.1/2], and Messrs
Phillips & Jones price at 2/11d per square yard laid [pasted]. The Tender
of Messrs Phillips & Jones is recommended for acceptance.For the
Bedrooms it is recommended that they be covered with the class of Carpet
known as Axminster Waste. Messrs Edwards & Sons price quoted 3/6
per yard, made and laid [since reduced to 3/4]; and Messrs Phillips & Jones
price quoted was 3/3 per yard made & laid, and the latter was recommended
for acceptance. In those Bedrooms where a strip of carpet only will be laid
the same quality of Carpet is recommended, or the Roman or other similar
Carpeting, at the discretion of the Master. If the latter is used, the Master
will give the order to the firm quoting the lowest price.
The following goods are recommended for purchase the prices being 10-25%
below market prices :-
From Messrs Edwards & Son
3 Arm Chairs [Officers] each 11/6
3 ” ” ” 15/-
11 ” ” ” 25/-
2 Couches ” ” 95/-
6 ” ” ” 50/-
24 Sitting Room Chairs [leather] ” ” 17/6
4 ” [velvet] ” ” 17/6
9 Tables ” ” 17/-
6 Sideboards ” ” 70/-
[3′ 6″ x 1′ 6″ as sample selected]
Stair Carpet [Master] @ 11/6 per yard
” [Assistant Master and Assistant
Matron Stairs Horsehair
Carpet 22.1/2″ wide ] @ 3/- per yard
Carpet for Master’s Dining Room £5 . 5. 0
” ” ” Drawing Room £5. 12.6
[Subject to it being right in coloring]
From Messrs Phillips & Jones [for Master’s Apartments.
Dining Room
Oak Suite £18
” Sideboard £15
” Table £ 3. 15. 0
” Coal Vase 19/6
Bed Room
Walnut Suite £24
” Bedstead £ 4
Drawing Room
Settee & two Easy Chairs
[upholstered] £ 9
[conditional on being suitable to the Rooms]
Occasional Table 27/6
” 40/-
3 Occasional Chairs 63/- [the three]
Brass Coal Vase 29/-
These recommendations are made after careful comparisons & pricings.
Your Sub Committee recommend that the Nurses Bed Rooms be furnished with a
Single Wardrobe, a combined Wash Stand & Dressing Table, one chair, set fender
and fireirons. One room has been so furnished, and your Sub Committee also
recommended that 18 Single Wardrobes & 5 combined Dressing Tables and Wash
Stands for other Officers’ Bedrooms, to be also bought, and recommend that Tenders
for the supply of the whole to be advertised for, Suites similar in all respects to the
sample bought including 19 fenders and sets of fireirons.
Read to a Meeting of the New Workhouse Committee August 28th 1903 ‘approved’
recommended to the Board for acceptance.
John W Sankey
New Workhouse Committee
28th Aug 1903
Present: Mr. J.W. Sankey Chairman
Rev G.W. Johnson. Rev, J.J. Darmody
Mr. F.W.Plant & Mr. Beresford Jones.
The Clerk read the report by the Sub Committee appointed to consider as to the
Purchase of certain furniture, particulars of which are given on the foregoing three
pages.
Upon the motion of the Chairman the report was unanimously approved and
recommended to the Board for acceptance
John W Sankey
Chairman
2nd September 1903
A Meeting of the New Workhouse Committee was convened for this date, one Member
only, the Rev. J.J. Darmody attending, who, with Messrs Icke & White, made an informal
inspection of the Buildings.
J.W. Sankey.
New Workhuse Committe
21st September 1903
Present:- Mr.J.W. Sankey Chairman
Rev. J.J. Darmody, Messrs Moreton,Plant, and Pritchard.
It was decided that the Auxiliary Tank [referred to a Folio 133] be purchased from
Messrs J Wolstenholme & Co, for £65.
It was decided that the fixing of the Rust’s Vitreous Tiles in the Infirmary & Epileptic
Block on Wednesday be suspended until further orders.
It was decided that all work by the Contractor be suspended on Wednesday until
Monday next. This shall not necessarily apply to the Engineers and fitters or to any
workmen whose services are required by the Master of the Workhouse.
The Architect submitted a scheme for fire extinguishing appliances which was
approved except that the specification be such that admits of competion by the
various makers of such appliances.
The Committee inspected the Buildings and gave such orders as to the progress
of the work of completion as was deemed expedient.
These Minutes were read at a Meeting of the Board held on the 25th September
and the recommendations contained therein approved and adopted.
John W Sankey
Chairman of Board
New Workhouse Committee
9th September 1903
Present:- Mr. J.W. Sankey Chairman
Rev. J.J Darmody, Mr. Pritchard
The Architect was also present.
The Clerk reported as to his action in purchasing half the quantity of Axminster Waste
Carpeting from Messrs Phillips & Jones and half from Messrs Edwards & Sons @ 2/10
per yard in lieu of the whole quantity from Messrs Phillips & Jones at 3/3 as recommended
by the Sub Committee, which was approved.
The Clerk reported that the Contractors for the Board Room Furniture had stated that the
size of the of the Members’ Chairs & mthe Chairman’s Chair [as shown on the drawings]
was smaller than normally made and supplied, by them & suggested they should be
2ft 2 in x 2ft 2in instead of 1ft 9in x 1ft 9in.For making the Chairs the size suggested their
extra price would be 2/- per chair. After discussion it was decided that the Chairs be of the
size suggested by the Contractor.
It was decided to recommend that a desk and seats be provided for the use of the Clerk’s
Assistant, similar to the reporters desk as now shown. [ JWS has initialled some ‘errata’
on this page ]
The Clerk reported that he had given notice to the Contractors for the supply of
Mattresses, that the Mattresses they have delivered are not of the quality
contracted for & requested thir removal in accordance with the terms of the
agreement with them. The Contractors attended and the Mattress opened by the
Master, and two other Mattresses, taken from those delivered to the New
Workhouse were inspected. The Committee found that the Coir is not of the
quality subcontracted for, and the Contractors were informed that they must
adhere to the conditions of the Agreement and supply others that are satisfactory.
The Clerk reported that the Secretary to the Dudley Art & Metal Co.[the Contractor
for Iron Fencing] had had an interview with him in which he requested that the
Guardians would extend the time mentioned in their Contract for the supply and
fixing of the Fencing one or not more than two weeks, by which time he hoped
to complete the Contract. After consultation it was decided that the Clerk ascertain
by Friday, if they can definitely promise delivery of the Fencing within the two
weeks suggested extension of time, if it is allowed by the Guardians.
It was decided to recommend that Messrs Barret & Son be instructed to prepare
a plan of the land upon which the Workhouse Bilston Road, stands, for the purpose
of offering it in portions for sale as they may deem to be most desirable.
The Clerk was directed to write to the Architect with reference to the dado in the
Corridor of the Imbecile Block at present unfinished,& as to the fire extinguishing
appliances.
Ordered that the Architect be requested to give an estimate of the cost of an
auxiliary tank of 3000 Gallons capacity for storing rain water for use in the
Boilers together with the necessary fittings, connections.
These Minutes were read at a ]
Meeting of the Board held on ] John W Sankey
11th Sept 1903 and the recomm- ] Chairman
endations contained therein adopted ]
New Workhouse Committee
Septr 2nd 1903
Mr Sankey Chairman
Rev. J.J. Darmody Messrs Greensill, Pritchard & Boyes.
The Clerk read letter from the Architect in reply to the communication directed by
the Committee as to the dado in the Imbecile Block.
The question as to the fire extinguishing apparatus was adjourned to the next Meeting.
The Architect stated that the cost of an auxiliary tank for storing Rain Water for use in the
Boilers would be £80-£90. The question as to the fixing of such a tank, was, after
discussion, adjourned to the next Meeting.
The Clerk reported the receipt of a letter from the Contractors for the Unclimbable Iron
Fencing. It was decided that if the Contractors can give a definite reply tomorrow [Saturday]
that the Fencing will be delivered and fixed by the 30th instant they be allowed the
extension of time to that date, failing which the Board be recommended to enter into a
Contract with the next Contract tenderer for the execution of the work.
The Committee recommend that authority be given for the purchase of fittings and
appliances for the Operating Theatres at a cost not exceeding £120 from Messrs Down Bros.
11th Septr 1903
The Contractors for the supply of Mattresses submitted two samples of
Mattresses filled with Coir which had been ‘teased’, which were inspected
by the Members. The Contractors were informed that if the Mattresses were
filled with Coir equal to that now submitted, they would not be rejected but it
was decided there be no reduction in the amount specified to be inserted in
each Mattress.[JWS has initialled some errata in the margin]
These Minutes were read at a Meeting of the ]
Board held on the 11th Septr 1903 and the ] John W Sankey
recommendations contained therein adopted ] Chairman
New Workhouse Committee
15th September 1903
Present:- Mr. J.W. Sankey Chairman
Rev.J.J. Darmody Messrs Greensill,Beresford Jones, Moreton and Myring.
The Clerk reported that no satisfactory answer had been received from the
Dudley Art Metal Co. as to a definite promise for the completion of their
Contract, the time stipulated for which had now passed. The matter was left
with the Committee to discuss as to purchasing from the next lowest tenderer.
It was decided to recommend the Board to fix an auxiliary tank of 3000 gallons
capacity for supplying the boilers with rain water, the Architect’s estimate for
which [with the necessary fittings], is £80-£90.
Ordered that 2 Boat Loads of ‘Deep’ Slack be obtained from the Holly Bank
Colliery Co.
The question of the adequacy of the fire extinguishing appliances was adjourned
to the next Meeting at which the Architect is present.
The Committee interviewed the Engineer as to the assistance he will require in
running the Engines &c.He said he would require an Assistant with Knowledge
of Electricity and also a Mechanic and that the Boilers would require 3 Stokers.
It was decided to recommend the Board to appoint an Assistant Engineer at a
salary of 36/- weekly and a Mechanic’s labourer with Knowledge of High Speed
Engine Driving and of Electric Lighting Plant at a salary of 32/- weekly.It was also
decided to recommend the Board to appoint three Stokers at a salary of 28/-
weekly.
The recently appointed Night Porter asked to be appointed a Stoker. It was
decided to recommend the Board appoint him, and select his successor as Night
Porter from amongst the applicants who recently applied for that appointment,
without readvertising.
Read letter from Rust’s Vitreous Mosaic Co, to the Architect stating that they had
had difficulty in making the angles and promising to use every effort to expedite the
completion of the dado in the Imbecile and Epileptic Corridor.
The next Meeting was fixed for Monday the 21st instant at 11.30.
These Minutes were read at a Meeting of the Board held on 25th September 1903
and the recommendations contained therein were approved and adopted.
John W Sankey
Chairman of Board
New Workhouse Committee
14th October 1903
Present Mr. J.W. Sankey Chairman
Revs. J.J. Darmody & G.W. Johnson
Messrs Myring & Pritchard
The Minutes of the last Meting were read.
The Clerk was directed to ascertain if the Architect had prepared a Specification
of the Fire Appliances required.
Ordered that £8 be accepted as the value of the Water supplied by Messrs Moss?
& Co. to Messrs Isles & Co in connection with their boring operations, and that a
cheque to be drawn in their favour for that amount.
The Central Infirmary Lockers, and the Tables supplied under respective Contracts,
were accepted as according to Contract.Ordered that they be now paid for.
The Clerk read letter from Messrs G.H Woods, Slacke ? & Co.in which they offered
to maintain the plant from 7am to 6pm daily until the 17th instant, free of any further
charge: he had [after consulting the Engineer, who stated he could arrange to take it
over outside these hours] accepted their offer.The driver-fitter had entered upon his
duties & the Assistant Engineer would do so on the 19th instant. Messrs Woods offered as an alternative to maintain the plant themselves entirely foe £10 per week.
The Clerk’s action was approved.
It was decided that a gin ? drain pipe be laid inside the fencing to be erected upon that
portion of the Western Boundary of the Site created by the recent exchange of Land.
The Clerk read a letter from Mr D. Stevenson stating that the Chloride Electrical Storage
Co. had offered to maintain and repair the Batteries for a period of 5 years for the sum
of £39 per year & for a further term of 5 years for the sum of £44 per year, and
recommending that the offer be accepted. The matter was adjourned that Mr Hardy
may be consulted as to whether he could not do most of this work.
Ordered that a Wood & Glass Partition with doors be erected to enclose the Engine
and appartenant? Machinery in the Laundry.
The Clerk reported that the Architect attended at the Workhouse yesterday with
reference to the matter reported by the Master at the last Meeting of the House
Committee, & now read his report thereon.
It was decided to connect the Meat and Fish Stores by a doorway, The Fish Store
is little used as the Fish is cooked within a few hours of its receipt. It was ordered
that provision be made for hanging the Meat.
The Architect explained that in his original plan he provided accomodation in the Receiving Wards for 12 men & 12 women, but this was reduced partly on the
recommendation of the Assessor ? in the Plan competition [which was read], and
partly upon the suggestion of the Local Government Board. It was considered that
with a Resident Medical Officer the wards would be found sufficient for requirements,
and no action was taken.
With respect to provision on the Male Side of the Main Building the Architect stated
that he originally provided for another Partition but was then considered not to be
necessary and was taken out of the Plan.
There is at present accommodation provided for 336 men – during the past week the
average number sleeping on this side was 290 & the number had exceeded 400, last
Winter 500 men had to be provided for.
A Motion that the Architect be asked to give the approximate cost of completing the
half partition or of erecting another partition, was negatived.
It was decided to recommend the Board to have a ‘call over’ of the Men, immediately.
It was also decided to recommend the Board to direct the Houuse Commitee to
consider the tasks of work for the men in the House certified fit for work by the
Medical Officer.
Ordered that 6 Ventilators be placed in the Trunk? & 2 in the Pump Room if the latter
are considered necessary after a further inspection by the Chairman & Vice Chairman
of the Board. The Chairman & Vice Chairman in consultation with the Master to decide
position of same.
The question of lagging the pipes was considered. It was decided to lag all pipes in the
pump room at once, under he direction of the Master, the remainder to be lagged as
determined later.
It was ordered that the Clerk ascertain the cost of providing a suitable disinfecting
appartus for use in the Isolation Hospital.
It was decided thar the Asphalting of the labour yard be not proceeded with now but
that the ground be rolled and later laid wholly or partly with sets.
Chairman of the Committee
These Minutes were at a Meeting of the Board on the 23rd October 1903 and the
recommendations contained therein were aprroved and adopted.
John W Sankey
Chairman of the Board
New Workhouse Committee
23 October 1903
Present Mr J,W, Sankey Chairman
Revs.J.J.Darmody & G.W.Johnson Messrs Greensill, Beresford Jones
Myring & Pritchard.
The Clerk read a letter from Mr. D Sherman in the proposal to enter into a Contract with
the Chloride Battery Co After interviewing Mr. Hardy the Engineer,and further considering
the proposal, it was decided to recommend the Board to enter into a Contract with that
Company for maintaining the Battery at the New Houses at a cost of £39 per year for the
first 5 years, and £44 per year for the second term of 5 years.
It was decided to permit Mr Smith Clerk of Works to be absent from his duties for three
week ends.
It was decided that all pipes be lagged in the Pump Room & an advertisement to be
issued inviting Tenders for the Work.
The Master reported that the bedsteads supplied by Messrs T. Edaards & Co. were
satisfactory. It was ordered that they now be paid for.
Ordered that one ohmmeter and one Galvanometer be purchased Mr. Stevenson to give
the names of Makers he recommends.
Ordered that the Telephone now placed in one of the Lavatories to the Board Room, be
moved to the room on the right of the entrance to the Board Room Block
The Clerk read Specification of Fire Appliances required.Ordered that the same be approved
and an advertisement be issued inviting Tenders for their supply,
The Master reported that the Laundry Machinery was not working quite satisfactorily. The
Architect stated he was dealing with the matter.
In reply to a question the Architect reported that he had been in communication with Messrs
Rust who had had reported to him that the corners for the dado in the Imbecile Block were
completed and was requested to urge that the corners now be finished without further delay.
Ordered that the next Meeting be held on Tuesday the 3rd November at 2.30 pm.
W.H. Pritchard
Chairman of Committee
These Minutes were read at a Meeting of the Board held on the 6th November 1903 and the
recommendations contained therein approved and adopted.
Chairman of Board
New Workhouse Committee
3rd November 1903
Present: Messrs. Beresford, Jones, Myring, Plant and Pritchard.
In the absence of Mr. Sankey, Mr Pritchard to preside.
The Committee considered the Specification of the Goods for the Operating Theatre &c
referred to this Committee by the Board. It was decided to recommend the Board to
purchase from Messrs Down Bros the goods mentioned in their List
viz. For the Operating Theatre £114. 1 .2
For the Hospital £ 29.15 .0
Ordered that the large window in the Operating Theatre be divided & the Centre Third portion
be made to open as a casement window.
The Committee inspected various building works.
Chairman of the Committee
These Minutes were read at a Meeting of the Board on the 6th November 1903 & the
recommendations therein approved and adopted.
W.H. Pritchard
Chairman of Board
New Workhouse Committee
10th November 1903
Present Mr J. W. Sankey Chairman
Rev. J.J. Darmody and Mr. Pritchard.
It was decided that Mr Marshall be requested to state what Contracts are still
incomplete and the length of time they will take to complete & to be informed that
the Guardians take it for granted that there is no doubt that all workmen will be off
the job by Christmas. It was also decided to ask Mr. Marshall what measurements
remain to be taken by the Clerk of Works, assuming that each measurements have
been made as the works have progressed.
The Committee adjourned the consideration of the Tender for Fire Extinguishing
Appliances until the Architect is present.
The Committee considered the Tenders for lagging. It was thought unnecessary to
lag small pipes with 3 inches as specified.
It was decided to ask Messrs. Hickman for an amended Tender stating what their
price will be for the work using for the smaller pipes covering sufficient only to show
a temperature on the outside of not more than 15 degrees higher than the surrounding
atmosphere,
It was decided that the next Meeting to be held on Tuesday next at 3 o’clock
R.H. Pritchard
Chairman of Board
New Workhouse Committee
November 17th 1903
Present The Rev, J.J. Darmody, Messrs Beresford, Jones, Messrs Myring and Plant.
In the absence of Mr. Sankey, the Rev. J.J. Darmody was elected to preside.
The Chairman firstly explained to the Architect the anxiety of the Guardians to see the
work completed with all despatch. The Architect in reply to the Chairman that with the
exception of the Road Making he considered that all the Contractors & workmen should
be finished and off the job by the end of the year: he regretted the Mosaic Dado in the
Imbecile Wards was not yet completed & the Manufacturers of the Corners now state
that the completion of this work is controlled by the making of the corners to make a
sufficient number of which takes much time.
Mr Marshall further stated that the Clerk of Works was making, under his superintendance,
a complete Block & Ground Plan showing all drains, pipes, connections &c.
The Tender of Mr W.H. Hilton to substitute sunk inkwells for the inkwells now on the
Board Room Tables at a cost of £3.15.0, was recommended to the Board for acceptance.
The considerarion of the Tenders for Fire Extinguishing Appliances was adjourned.
The Architect stated that the Clerk of the Works was proceeding as fast as possible
with the measuring up.
Mr Whethered ? the Local Government Board Inspector was making his Inspection
of the Workhouse & attended the Meeting. He complained that the Laundry Machinery
was not yet in full working order. He called the attention of the Committee to 13 Sheets
which were scorched, how he had been unable to ascertain. Mr Wethered? suggested
that as it was practically impossible for the Master & Matron to see all the Inmates in
bed before 9 o’clock at night as required by the regulations that Officers in Charge who
made any part of such inspection should report fully to the Master: he also considered
that all persons returning from leave should be seen by an officer: he also suggested
that any Officer taking an inmate up to the Infirmary should be directed to take the Inmate
the the Superintendant Nurse and not to a Probationer Nurse. Mr Wethered? considered that
more supervision is required.Mr Wethered? drew attention to the overcrowding on the Male
Side: there were increases as against this time last year of 19 children 55 men & 12 women:
there were only 3 able bodied men more than at this time last year.
The Committee inspected the position of the Fire Hydrant now fixed outside the Buildings
visited several of the Wards where the Inspector had suggested that Fire Guards should be
immediately fixed to the fireplaces.
W.H. Pritchard
Chairman
New Workhouse Committee
25th November 1903
Present: The Revs. J.J. Darmody & G.W. Johnson
Messrs Moreton & Pritchard.
It was decided that during the absence of Mr.Sankey from England. Mr Pritchard act as
Chairman of this Committee.
The Clerk reported the receipt of a letter from the Architectt stating that the Manufacturers
of the Mosaic Tiling had informed him thar the “corners” were now ready for fixing.
No satisfactory explanation is yet forthcoming as to how 13 sheets were scorched, referred
to by the Inspector.
It was decided subject to the Master making satisfactory arrangements for full reports of
regular visits to the Dormitories by specified Officers, that to sucn extent as may be found
necessary visits by himself and the Matron before 9 o’clock each night according to the
regulations, be dispensed with.
Ordered that all inmates returning from leave be seen by the Porter before being passed into
the House.
Ordered that an Inmate upon being taken to the Infirmary, be taken to the Superintendant
Nurse, or she must be immediately informed, or in her absence to a Charge Nurse.
In order to provide for greater and more continued suprevision by the Master upon the
administration of the House & of the Officers it was decided that he be relieved of
purely clerical work as far as possible & for this purpose the Board is recommended
to appoint a Junior Clerk in the Master’s Office at a salary of 8/- weekly & dinner & tea daily
& if the Board so decide, this Committee recommends the appointment of Mr. Chaplin who was
recently a candidate for a similar post which he only failed to obtain by one vote.
The Clerk read a letter and further Tender from Messrs. Hicksons Ltd. for covering the Pipes in
the Pump Room. It was decided the Clerk invite further Tenders from the three previous lowest
Tenderers for certain work specified.
The Committee inspected the Boilers & Machinery & noticed that in several instances the joints
were not tight.
It was decided that the next Meeting be held on Tuesday next at 11 o’clock the Architect & a
representative from Messrs Ashwell & Nesbitt be asked to attend.
Chairman of Committee
These Minutes were read at a Meeting of the Board held on 4th of December 1903 and rhe
reommendations contained therein approved and adopted
W.H.Pritchard
Chairman of Board
New Workhouse Committee
26th January 1904
The Meeting of the New Workhouse Committee was convened for this date, but the
only members present were Messrs Pritchard and Myring. No Meeting was therefore
held.
The Architect was in attendance and the Members considered several matters which
had been referred to the New Workhouse Committee. It was decided to recommend that
the Board call the attention of the Engineers [Messrs, Ashwell & Nesbitt] to the pipe from
the Iron Heater in the Laundry which is now carried straight into the wall of the Stores. It
is recommended that the pipe be carried nearly to the ceiling before being taken into the
wall. It is also recommended that two radiators be fixed in the Stores adjoining the Laundry,
and that the Architect’s attention be called to a leakage in the exaust pipe in the sorting
room of the Clothing Stores.
The Medical Officer reported that another sink is required in the Operating Theatre, which it
is recommended should be fixed. A further radiator is also required, the Architect offered to
supply one of his own design.
The Members were also informed that the Mortuary requires some warming apparatus.
The Architect presented a plan he had prepared for a building for storing coal.
New Workhouse Committee
18th February 1904
A Meeting of the New Workhouse Committee was covened for this date the only
Members present were Messrs. Pritchard and Plant. No Meeting was therefore held.
It was decided to recommend the Board to buy a Sutcliffe’s National Chimney Pot
as an experiment for the Smoky Chimneys of the Medical Officers and other rooms
With regard to the heating of the Padded Room it was decided to recommend that
a pipe be fixed to go around the room near the Ceiling
The consideration of the heating of the Single Wards in the Insane Block was
adjourned to the next Meeting, as was the question o the erection of a Chalet ?
over the Infirmary Corridor; th Architect to make suggestions thereon.
It was decided that instead of the Two Radiators to be fixed in the Stores adjoining
the Laundry, a hot water pi[pe be fixed.
The Master reported on the Electric Lighting at the Workhouse.It was decided to
recommend that the Street Lamps leading to the Nurses’ House be discontinued
altogether until further Orders.
With regard to the five Street Lamps from the Insane Wards to the Infectious Block,
It was decided to recommend that a separate switch be fitted to the Lamp immediately
in front of the entrance to the Insane Block, the other four to have a second switch not to
be used except in case of emergency.
The Switch for these Lamps on the road leading to the Casual Ward is in Pavilion E.
It was decided that a seperate switch be attached to each Lamp post so that only the
light required need be switched on.
It was also recommended that the switch for the 3 Lamps in the front entrance be
removed from the Receiving Ward to the Porters Lodge
New Workhouse Committee
10th March 1904
Present: Mr. J.W, Sankey Chairman
Rev. J.J. Darmody, Messrs Beresford Jones, Myring and Pritchard
The Architect submitted a plan for utilizing the space over the cross corridors
connecting the Hospital Blocks for the treatment of Phisical ? Cases, by
enclosing with roof and sliding windows along each side.
It was decided to recommend the Board to substitute wood panels for the glass
in doors in the Wards for the dangerous class in the Imbecile Block, each with small
inspecting window opening outwards.
The Architect was requested to give immediate attention to the inconvenience caused
by the Chimney in the Kitchen of the Nurses’ House, smoking badly.
The question of the work measuring up & the taking off the quantities &c was considered
in view of the notice which has been given to Mr. Smith, Clerk of Works, that his services
would be discontinued at Lady day.
The Architect reported that nearly two thirds of the measuring up, was completed; he
did not think Mr. Smith could complete under three months. Mr Smith, questioned, said
he did not think it possible to finish measuring up before the middle of June: there was
still £3000 worth of work to be executed.
After further deliberation it was eventually decided to recommend the Board, that if Mr Smith
will undertake to remain in the service of the Guardians until Midsummer Day, the Board
would retain his services till that date, upon his assurance that the work by then be
completed.
Mr. Marsall and Mr. Smith informed the Committee that by the 24th June , all the work
could and would be measured up. Mr Smith gave the undertaking referred to.
Thes Minutes were read at a Meeting of the Board held on the 11th March 1904, and
the recommendations contaied therein approved and adopted.
W.H. Pritchard
Chairman of Board