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At Maybole this seventh day of January Eighteen
hundred and fifty.
Convened the following Members of Committee appointed to
superintend The Maybole Ragged School and for taking
such steps as may be considered necessary for raising
funds and placing the Institution on a more permanent
and efficient basis.
Revd Mr
Dodds
Baillie
Porteous
Mr James
Murdoch
Mr Alex
Gemmell
Mr Mathew
Gibson
Mr
William Hannay
Mr R.
McMillan
Mr Murdoch is chosen Chairman in the absence of Mr
Dykes the Convener-
The Secretary reported
to the meeting that in compliance with the request of
the General Meeting held on twenty fourth October last,
he had got the report printed and had circulated about
one hundred and eighty copies, and that the oversight
committed in not embodying the approval of the Revd
Dodds motion in the Report had been supplied by a
circular stating that fact. He also begged to state that
he had received from Lady Hunter Blair a second
subscription of two pounds along with a parcel of her
children's old clothes and from Lady Dalrymple Fergusson
of Kilkerran a subscription of two pounds for both of
which he had tendered the thanks of the Committee.
The
Secretary stated that with the view of saving trouble
and time of the meeting, he had drawn up a few rules for
the regulation of the Institution for their
consideration and the same having at the request of the
meeting been read over and considered verbatim, And such
amendments as seemed necessary made. Thereon the Meeting
approved of the same as amended and which are of the
following tenor.
1.
That a small Sub Committee be appointed to consider and
dispose of all applications for admission into the
school, and that in disposing of such applications the
Committee while they be regulated by the circumstances
of each case, will no doubt keep in view two general
rules which are thought to be worthy of notice and which
have been found useful hitherto - namely that of a
strict enquiry into the moral character of the parents
or parent or other parties in charge of the child or
children and the ability of these parties to afford
maintenance and education and that in every case where
there is both moral qualifications and pecuniary
ability, the application be rejected and that the
exception to the rule be those cases where although
pecuniary ability does exist, there is a want of a moral
or religious qualification for the training of the child
- and with regard to such exceptional cases if the child
is admitted that efforts be made to obtain such a stated
weekly payment from the paternal party as their, his or
her circumstances may seem reasonable. It is also
earnestly recommended to the Sub Committee to endeavour
to find some sort of employment for such of the children
as may be of an age fitting for such.
2nd. That all
applications for admission into the school be lodged
with the Secretary and laid by him on the first Monday
of each month before the Sub Committee along with such
information in relation thereto, regarding the
circumstances of the child, as will enable the Sub
Committee to dispose of the application, with power
however to the Secretary in reference to all cases of
emergency, whether in relation to an application, or to
any other matter requiring immediate attention, to call
a meeting of the Sub Committee, to consider and dispose
of the same.
3rd. To enable the
Secretary to obtain the requisite information concerning
applications for admission, he is requested to associate
with him in the investigation any one or more members of
the Committee, and it is expected that the enquiry will
embrace domiciliary visits to the applicant's residence
and family, and a full examination into the whole
circumstances.
4th. That the School be
examined by the Sub Committee or quorum quarterly, and
commencing the first of these examinations on the last
Wednesday of March next and so on quarterly thereafter.
5th. For further
promoting the efficiency.
and
prosperity of the Institution, it is resolved that two
Ladies, be invited fortnightly in succession, to visit
the School, the Secretary always giving previous notice
to the Ladies by a card intimating the day and hour when
their visit is expected.
6th. That a
General Meeting of all interested in the Institution be
held annually in the month of April when the Treasurer
will exhibit a full account of the income and
expenditure and when also is expected that a report will
be produced and read of the progress which the
Institution has made during the past year and embodying
such suggestions and recommendations as experience may
dictate calculated to promote it's further usefulness.
7th. That the
Treasurer be requested to issue circulars under the
auspices of the Committee to the [Rectors] and others
soliciting subscriptions for the present year and as it
will be proper that the Inhabitants of the town be
waited upon personally it is agreed that the town be
subdivided into Districts and that two gentlemen be
appointed to obtain subscriptions in each District.
The meeting appoint
the Sub Committee above referred to, to consist of the
following Gentlemen :-
The Revd Mr
Menzies.
The Revd Mr Dodds.
The Revd Mr Thomson.
Mr Dykes.
Mr Porteous.
Mr N. Rennie.
Mr M Gibson.
Mr Hannay
Mr Main.
Mr S Rennie.
Mr R McMillan.
Mr Brown.
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Any three a quorum.
The Meeting divided the
town into the Districts underwritten and appointed the
gentlemen whose names are amended thereto.
1. The Main Street on both sides commencing at
Coral } Mr Stewart
Glen down to the Jail including Welltrees Street } Mr
Nimmo
2. From the Jail down the
Main Street
to my Lord's Well } Mr Murdoch
} Mr Hannay
3. The School Vennal and Greenside as far as Whitefaulds
} Mr R.McMillan
farm
house.
} Mr A. Gemmell
4. The
Newyards on both sides as far as Lynstone
and } Mr Gibson
including Townend.
} Mr Porteous
5. The
Kirkwynd and Post Vennal including
Barns } Mr Main
} Mr S. Rennie
6. The
Kirklands commencing at Mr Rankine's
house } Mr W Rennie
on both sides down to Thomas Bell's
house } Mr Jas Baird
} Mr John Farquhar
7. Weaver Vennal onwards to Spout of Welltrees
and including } Mr J Campbell
the Coral Glen and Ballony
} Mr N Fergusson
The Secretary is requested to hand to the Gentlemen
of each District a collecting book.
The meeting
having considered the case of the girl McCafferty said
to be aged about 13 years whose Mother died lately and
who is for the present without any means of support and
who has no education, agree to receive her into the
School for five weeks till it is seen whether she has a
claim on the Parochial Board or be otherwise disposed
of.
The Ragged School of Maybole
sixth February Eighteen Hundred
and Fifty
Convened the
following Members of the Acting Committee -
Reverend Mr
Dodds
Mr M. Brown
Mr R.
McMillan
Mr Murdoch
Mr Hannay
The
Teacher reported that the case of Helen McCafferty was
brought before the Parochial Board when it was arranged,
that she is to continue in the Ragged School and be
maintained for one year at the rate of One Shilling and
six pence per week for food and education.
The Meeting then took into
consideration other claims lodged for admission to the
School on behalf of children since last meeting per took
when the same were severally considered. The meeting
refused the claim for admission of Mary Fisher's son (14
years of age and can read a little)
They admit Agnes
Heggart's child on the condition of paying 2d per week,
not charging the first week and paying it each a Monday.
They admit Hugh Nocker
child of Helen Fisher for one month and on condition
that he ceases to beg and if found begging to be
dismissed.
They admit Mrs
Henderson’s child on condition of paying 4d per week.
They admitted Henry
Higgins on the condition of paying 9d per week also
Edward Higgins child of Mrs __________ on condition of
paying 6d per week.
Messrs Murdoch and Hannay reported that they had visited
their District for subscriptions and had obtained in
whole £6-10/-
The
Ragged School of Maybole seventh March
Eighteen
Hundred and Fifty
Present:
Revd Mr Dodds,
Revd Mr
Thomson,
The Secretary,
The Teacher.
The meeting
was opened by prayer by the Reverend Mr Thomson.
The Teacher
reported that Mrs Henderson could not pay 4d per week
for her child but she says that she could pay 2d per
week. The meeting agree to accept of her own proposal.
Mrs Kechie claims for the admission (P4 of Record Book)
of two of her 3 children (aged 5, 8, & 11) for whom she
offers to pay 9d per week, having been considered, are
of opinion that as these children are supported by the
Parochial Board (who pay her 2/- per week for their
support) the expense of their education falls upon the
Board & they request this be notified to the Chairman of
the Board.
Mrs Trousels claim (p4) for admission of her child of 8
and a half years was next considered. She is not on the
Board and offers 3d per week, has 3 other children 19,
14, & 11 from whom she gets no assistance they having
all left her. The meeting request the Teacher make
further enquiry into the facts stated by her and if true
to receive the child.
Mrs Bashford's claim for admission of her second child
David Bashford aged 11 (p5) and her offer to pay 4d per
week agreed to.
The Meeting request the Revd Mr Thomson to endeavour to
prevail on Mr Gemmell Shoemaker to receive the eldest
son (James Bashford) as an apprentice or if he cannot,
that he will endeavour to prevail on some of his
brothers in the trade to take him.
The
meeting think it right to request the Teacher to desire
the Parent or other applicants for the admission of
children along with the children or child to appear at
the monthly meeting that the Committee may satisfy
themselves by further examination.
The Meeting understanding that Wednesday is thought not
generally convenient for several of the members of
Committee agree to meet on the first Thursday of next
month and to consider if that, or any other day be more
suitable. Meeting closed with prayer by the Reverend Mr
Dodds.
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Ragged
School Maybole 15 April 1850 |
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Present
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Rev. Mr Dodds
Rev. Mr Thomson
Mr Murdoch
Mr R. McMillan
Mr A. Gemmell
Mr J. Campbell
Mr W. Brown |
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Meeting opened with prayer: |
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Mr
Gemmell stated that at present he had no room
for an additional apprentice and therefore he
could not receive the boy Bashford - but Mr
Gemmell undertakes to speak to some of his
Bretheren in the hope that employment may be
obtained and he will report - providing that the
boy is not engaged to the Weaving for a period. |
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The
Application of Mrs Wardlaw for her third child
having been laid before the Meeting - (see
Application Book p.5) - the Meeting agree to
receive the boy for the present free of charge -
it being evident that she cannot pay anything. |
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The
teacher reported that the boy James Irvine left
school on the 1st April in consequence of the
inability of his parents to pay the weekly
allowance. The Meeting considering that the
Father is blind and can do little for the
family, and that there is consequently a claim
on the Parochial Board, request Mr Murdoch to
represent the case at the first meeting with a
view to obtaining some assistance, and in the
meantime allow the two children to return to the
School at a weekly allowance of 4d. |
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The
Meeting decline to receive back Edward Higgins
unless his Mother resume payment of the weekly
allowance. |
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David Bashford left school on 13 April from his
Mother’s inability to pay. The Meeting agree to
receive him for two months gratuitously, at the
end of which his Mother must resume payment of
weekly allowance, otherwise the child cannot be
continued. By that time she will have the aid of
her son James Bashford’s earnings. |
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Jas.
and Chas. Brown, 9 years old each. |
Mrs
Brown cannot pay 1/- per week for her two
children, but will pay 6d. which she receives
from the Board. She was called in and examined,
after which the Meeting continue the children
till next monthly meeting when the case will be
further investigated, and the teacher is
requested to invite the two eldest sons to
attend the Meeting. |
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The
Meeting are of opinion that the monthly Meeting
be hereafter held on a Wednesday and the hour of
the Meeting to be seven o’clock of the evening.
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The
Meeting fix Thursday [senight] for the
examination of the School at 11 o’clock and that
this be intimated from the pulpits of the
several Churches. |
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Maybole
9 May 1850 |
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Present |
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Mr Dykes
Mr Murdoch
Mr Brown |
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The
teacher reported that the boy Bashford has been
engaged for some period to the Weaving. |
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Mr
Murdoch reported, in reference to the boy
Irvine, that there had not as yet been a meeting
of the Parochial Board, but that he will attend
to the matter at the first meeting. |
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Browns |
William Brown, the second eldest son of Mrs
Brown, appeared and was examined regarding the
circumstances of the family, in relation to the
brothers, James, Charles and John, and he states
that he is the only one of the family who
assists them, as his eldest brother is not with
the family and gives no aid - that in these
circumstances they cannot pay more than 6d. per
week.
The
Meeting unanimously agree that the family must
pay 1/- for the three children during summer
months and 6d. per week during the winter months
- and direct the teacher to intimate this to the
family. |
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Murdoch |
The
case of Catherine Murdoch’s child of eight and a
half years (see Application Book p.7) was
considered, but as it is a case for the
consideration of the Parochial Board, Mr Murdoch
is requested to lay the same before the first
meeting along with the case of Irvine, with the
view of having it arranged that the boy Murdoch
be sent to the Ragged School as otherwise his
education, it is believed, will be neglected,
and at the charge of the Board entirely.
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Higgins |
Andrew Higgins (see original application p.3)
presented a note stating that he is not able to
pay 9d. per week as hitherto - and can now only
give 6d. per week. The Father having been sent
for, stated that he had other three younger
children whom he must educate and that he has
already one of these at Mr McGarrach’s School
and is to send the other two on Monday first,
and that therefore he could not pay more than
6d. The Meeting are of the opinion that the rate
should be reduced to 6d. provided the Father
send the other two to school on Monday and so
long as he keeps the three younger children at
school, but that if he fails to do so, the rate
be raised to 9d. - and direct the teacher to see
to this |
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Notice of children after leaving school. |
The
Meeting consider it very desirable that some
notice be taken of those children who have left
the Ragged School, that the Committee may be
acquainted with their future progress in life
and will then now request the teacher to make
reports occasionally to the monthly meetings. |
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Maybole 5 June 1850 |
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Present |
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Reverend Mr
Dodds
Mr Richard
McMillan
Mr William
Brown |
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Meeting opened with prayer - |
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Hempkin’s children |
The
case of Edward Hempkin’s children, a Widow with
5 children - Book of Applications p.7 - was
taken up. This man’s family is in deplorable
condition, apparently, of poverty and xxxxxx. He
offers 8d. per week for two children - the
youngest two. The Meeting agree to receive the
two children in the terms specified.
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Findlay’s
children. |
The
Meeting next took up the case of Alexander
Findlay’s children (p. 9 of Book of
Applications) six in number - 12, 9, 6, 4, 2. He
wishes to have the two eldest received at 1/-
per week. The Meeting considering that these
children are destitute of education and have in
some respects got out of the parental
constraint, agree to receive the two eldest, but
under the condition to be strictly enforced,
that if the children fail to attend regularly
they are to forfeit a meal for each instance of
absence and also the 1/- must be regularly paid. |
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Teacher’s application for increase of salary. |
The
teacher respectfully directed the attention of
the Meeting to the salary at present allowed to
him by the Institution, being 6/- per week,
which he felt to be inadequate for the
comfortable sustenance of himself and wife -
both of whom are engaged in the service of the
Institution. He would be satisfied with an
increase of 1/- per week.
The
Meeting direct the application to lie over till
a future meeting for consideration and at same
time expressed their opinion in favour of the
increased allowance. |
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Case
of Jas. Thomson |
The
teacher represented the case of James Thomson
who had been lately at School and whose Mother
had turned him out of doors as being beyond her
constraint. The Meeting with the view of
reclaiming the boy authorise the teacher to
receive him into the Home on the same terms
with the Parish children, namely at 1/6 per week
for two months and to report the result to the
Committee at the end of said period. |
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The
teacher read his report as to the present
condition and conduct of some of the children
who had left the school which was satisfactory.
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Three boys who had left the School, Bashford,
Irvine and Higgins were brought in and
conversations had with them as to their present
occupations - and advice given to them for their
future guidance.
Meeting closed with prayer by Mr Dodds. |
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Maybole 12 July 1850 |
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Present |
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Mr Dykes Princ.
Rev Mr Dodds
Mr McMillan
Mr Hannay
Mr Brown
The Revd Mr Thomson |
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Hempkin’s case. |
The
teacher reported that Hempkin had not accepted
of the offer stated in the preceding Minutes.
The teacher is requested again to see him, and
find out the reason of his declining to send in
the children and to endeavour to obviate it. |
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Findlay’s case. |
The
teacher reported that
Findlay had sent
his two children and that they had been
attending regularly. |
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The
Meeting agree to the proposal of the teacher of
increasing his allowance by one shilling per
week. |
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Thomson’s case. |
The
teacher reported that the boy Thomson had been
brought into his Home and remained for five
weeks when he went off. No efforts were spared
to retain him and to reform his habits, but
without success. The Meeting request Mr McMillan
to endeavour to find employment for him as a
weaver under some master who takes an interest
in his moral welfare - and who would at same
time permit him to attend some period of each
day at the School. Mr McMillan kindly agreed to
undertake this good service. |
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Case
of Mrs Logan’s son. |
The
Meeting took up the application on behalf of Mrs
Logan’s eldest son (15 years old) Book of
Applications p. 9 - who cannot read - and her
own circumstances not admitting of paying more
than sixpence per week.
The
Mother and boy having been called and conversed
with, the Meeting agree to receive the boy on
Monday first. |
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Teacher to keep a record of history of the
children. |
The
teacher is directed to keep a book or record of
the name and conduct of each child while
attending the School - the date of leaving - the
trade or employment in which he engages after he
leaves School - and of his behaviour, so far as
he can discover it, while being taught a trade,
or otherwise engaged - so that the supporters of
the Institution may thus have the means of
knowing the history of the child after leaving
the Institution. The Secretary will provide him
with a book for this purpose. The teacher has
hitherto kept a record, but which is not in a
shape which provides of a ready reference to
each child. |
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Case
of Knocker. |
The
teacher reported that Hugh Knocker had left the
School and he had been previously attending very
irregularly - that he had also found that he
goes out and begs over the parish. The Meeting
approve Mr McMillan and the teacher to make
another effort with the boy and his Mother to
effect his regular attendance at School, and to
report to next Meeting. |
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Recreation to teacher. |
The
Meeting on the request of the teacher, allow him
three days for recreation, two days at one
period and one day at another - the days to be
selected to suit his own convenience. |
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The
Meeting was opened with prayer by the Revd Mr
Dodds and closed by the Revd Mr Thomson. |
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Maybole, 21 August 1850
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Present |
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Mr Mathew
Gibson |
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Mr William
Brown |
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David Bashford’s removal |
The
teacher reported that David Bashford left School
on the 10th Current and went to learn weaving
with William Heron in Kirklands for three and a
half years, the boy receiving half of his own
earnings. William Heron is a quiet man. The
Teacher has arranged that the boy is to continue
to attend the Sabbath School kept in the Ragged
School. The Teacher is requested to keep his eye
over this boy and also to endeavour to secure
his regular attendance at church. |
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The
teacher reported that several of the children
are now in need of clothing, particularly
trousers. The Meeting think it would be proper
to give notice in the several churches that
donations of clothes will be gratefully
received, both to meet the present demand and
the approaching winter. |
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Maybole, 17th September, 1850 |
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Present |
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The Rev Mr
Thomson |
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“ Mr
Dodds |
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Mr Gibson
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Donations |
The
teacher reported that several articles of
clothing had been received from Mrs Mxxxxxxxx
and Mrs Menzies since the notice was given in
Church that such articles were required.
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Mr
Reid’s wish to be member of committee. |
The
teacher mentioned that the Rev Mr Reid wished to
be a member of the sub committee. The sub
committee allow this matter to lie over till
next meeting to see if they have power to assume
Mr Reid - but at the same time express their
feeling that Mr Reid should be allowed to sit as
a member if competent. |
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Boy
Logan |
The
teacher reported that the boy Logan (admitted 12
July 1850 minutes) had left. The teacher is
directed to see to bring the boy back on paying
4d per week and to report to next Meeting. |
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Crabs |
The
teacher is authorized in the meantime till next
meeting, to procure for the use of the School 3
creels of crabs. |
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McHutchison’s
children. |
The
Meeting took up the application on behalf of
John McHutchison’s (2) children. McHutchison
offers to pay 1/- per week (see Application
Book page 11). Having heard the teacher as to
the circumstances of the child, the case is
deferred till the next meeting. |
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McCulloch’s
child. |
They
also took up the case of Hugh McCulloch’s
daughter Margaret (see App. Book p11). He offers
to pay 6d per week for her. They agreed to admit
the girl in these terms. McCulloch is a widower
and always out of work.
The
Meeting was opened with prayer by Mr Dodds and
closed by the Rev Mr Thomson. |
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Maybole 4th October 1850 |
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Present |
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Mr
Dykes The Revd
MrThomson |
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Mr Hannay |
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Mr W Brown |
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Wm
Logan’s case |
The
teacher reported that Wm Logan has not yet been
sent to the School and he thinks his entry may
be as well delayed till fever which is at
present among the family have left them.
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McCulloch |
The
teacher also reported that McCulloch’s child
came to the School two weeks ago and is
attending regularly. |
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Andrew 11 yrs
Jas. 9 yrs
children of
W.
Hathorn xxxxxxxxx |
The
case of the two children Hathorn was taken up
by the meeting - the one 11 and the other 9
years old - whose father (able-bodied) lately
deserted them - and the Secretary explained the
interest which Lady Blair took in these
children. The Meeting are of the opinion that
the support of these children, until the Father
is discovered, falls upon the Parochial Board -
and the teacher is directed to defray the charge
of their bed in the interim and to claim payment
from the Board. |
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Mrs
Trousel’s child. |
Mrs
Trousel complains that she cannot continue to
pay 4d per week for her child. She is a widow -
has five children - youngest 8 years old. The
woman having been examined, the meeting is of
opinion that her circumstances are such as quite
enable her to pay the said weekly rate.
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William Milhall’s child, a girl - claim to be
admitted to the School and will pay 4d per week.
She was formerly at the School and attended
regularly. The Meeting allow her to be
readmitted. |
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John
Wardlaw |
John
Wardlaw son of ______ Wardlaw left School on
the 18 September on its being discovered that
his father is alive, and he has since been put
to Mr Henderson’s school by his father. |
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The
two boys John and Hugh Hutchison sons of John
Hutchison, drainer, having been called in, the
Meeting agree to admit them on their paying
regularly 1/- per week for both.
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(The
following entry for a later year has been
inserted into the book at this point). |
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Maybole 22 July 1855 |
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Present Mr Goudie Mr McCracken
and Mr Brown |
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Reilly’s case. |
Thomas Reilly’s case - 7 children - eldest 14,
12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2. See Book - agree to admit
one to School gratis, provided he pay for the
other 2 - and that Margt be sent to a
Sabbath School. Some of
them can read. |
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Jas.
Graham |
Widow Graham’s grandson, Jas. Graham, aged 7 -
admitted to education gratis. |
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Mrs
Craig’s two grand-
children |
Widow Craig desires to have two grandchildren,
Jean Greaves, aged 5 and Joseph Craig aged 8 -
she paying one penny per week for each of them.
Admitted. |
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Mrs
Holgan’s |
Widow Holgan’s request to have two children, Jas
9 and Thos 6, admitted for education and food
and will pay 1/- per week. Agreed to admit them
for 1/2 and Mr McCracken to pay for the Board 2d
each per week for education and to pay the 1/2
weekly out of her allowance. |
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The
teacher is to apply for a supply of Testaments
for the Ragged School -12 copies in whole. |
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Maybole 12 November 1850 |
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Present |
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Rev Mr Thomson |
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Mr Mathew Gibson |
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Mr William Brown
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The
meeting took up the case of Robert Close and
having called him in and examined into the case
are of the opinion that his child ought not to
be admitted unless he pays 6d per week.
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The
Meeting agree that Mrs Henderson must continue
to pay for the one of her children as hitherto.
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The
claim of Jean Sloan was taken up when the
Meeting agreed that if she pay 3d per week her
child be received.
Maybole 19 November 1850
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Present |
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Revd Mr Thomson |
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Thomas Dykes |
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The Meeting was held for the
special purpose of considering and disposing of
an application by Thomas McVey to be allowed to
keep an evening school for the children of such
of the neighbours as chose to attend. Thomas
stated that he had been asked by one or two of
his neighbours to open an evening school which
was much wanted in the locality and hoped that,
as it would add a little to his small income and
would not interfere with his duties as Teacher
of the Ragged School, his application would be
acceded to and he farther stated that he had
seen both Mr Dodds and Mr Brown and that they
were quite agreeable to the proposal.
The Meeting being satisfied
from the explanations given by the teacher that
an evening school would be advantageous to
several xxxxxxxx while it would not interfere
with his duties to the Ragged School, agreed to
grant the application, the evening school to be
open from eight o’clock to 10 o’clock.
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(Signed)
Jno. M. Thomson |
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Tho. Dykes |
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Maybole 23 December 1850
Present
Mr Dykes
Mr Brown
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The case of Robert
Hxxxxxxxxxx who has left School in consequence
of his mother failing to pay the weekly
allowance was considered and the teacher is
requested to ask Mr Hannay, who is acquainted
with her clergyman, to speak to him on the
subject and to use his influence |
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with the mother to pay the
weekly sum of 4d per week, in which case the boy
will be received back to the School. |
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At Maybole 14 January 1851 |
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Present |
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The Reverend Mr Thomson |
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William Brown |
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The teacher brought before
the Meeting the following cases of arrears of
the weekly payments for children.
Widow Trousel’s son Thos . .
. . . . . . . . . 2 weeks @ 4d £ - -
8
Widow Irvine’s son Wm. . . .
. . . . . . . . . 2 weeks @ 2d £ - -
4
Esther Buchanan’s son Samuel
Thomson .3 weeks @ 2d £ - - 6
- “ - her son
Edward Higgins 2 weeks @ 6d £ - 1 -
Wm Milhall’s daughter
Janet 3 weeks @ 4d £ -
1 -
3 / 6
Widow Trousel depends on
being employed as a Labourer in filling drains
and from the want of such work in the present
season she says she is unable to pay up the
arrears, but promises to do so, when she gets
work. The Meeting are disposed to give her
farther delay under the circumstances and
especially as she has hitherto paid regularly.
Widow Irvine’s excuse is that
she has fallen behind in her rent and will pay
up so soon as that is cleared off. The Meeting
direct the Teacher to intimate that if the whole
allowances up to Monday the 20 Current be not
paid on that day her son is to be dismissed from
the School. The Meeting direct the same notice
to be given to Esther Buchanan and Wm Milhall |
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Mrs Bell’s Children. See Book
of Applications |
At Maybole 10 February 1851
Present the Reverend
Mr Thomson
William
Brown
The Meeting having considered
the case of Mrs Bell’s children and called her
in for examination, they find that her youngest
child has died since her application - that she
is still in much distress - as her earnings
after deducting her weekly rent (9d) is quite
inadequate to maintain herself and three
surviving children. She farther stated that she
had got notice of her husband being in Carlisle
and had communicated the fact to the Inspector,
but that nothing had been done to compell him to
do his duty.
The Meeting think it proper
that her eldest child (who cannot yet read) be
received into the School for the present free of
charge. |
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McLachlan’s
case. |
The Meeting having considered
the case of McLachlan are of the opinion that
the two children, John and Robert, be received
into the school at 4d each per week until the
end of March - and after that date 5d each per
week to the end of April and thereafter 6d each.
McLachlan and his family are of the Catholic
faith. |
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The Meeting adjourn McCabe’s
case for farther investigation. |
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At
Maybole 4 March 1851 |
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Present |
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The Revd Mr Dodds |
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Mr Brown |
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The Revd Mr Thomson |
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Mr Jas. Murdoch |
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Meeting opened with prayer by
the Rev. M. Dodds. |
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Boy McCulloch |
The Meeting’s attention was
directed to the case of the little boy Andrew
McCulloch who has got an almost inveterate habit
of tearing and destroying the books given him to
use in school, and the books of the other boys.
The teacher reports that he has tried every
method to correct his fault, both by advice,
by personal chastisement xxx but without
effect, and that he was now at a loss what
course to follow with him. The teacher exhibited
a number of books which had been destroyed by
this boy. |
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The Meeting having duly
considered the case and before dismissing the
boy from the school direct the teacher to put
him under the charge or surveillance of two of
the most active boys in the school who will
watch him and restrain him from doing any injury
to books and to report the result to the next
meeting, when the case will be finally disposed
of. The two boys to be paid one penny each for
their attention. The two boys named are Andrew
Hathorn and Joseph McCafferty. |
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Milhall |
The meeting took into
consideration the case of William Milhall who
wishes to get his girl Margaret admitted into
the School. It was agreed that she be admitted
on condition that he pay up the existing
arrears & also sixpence per week for his two
children. |
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Mrs Thomson’s
children |
Mrs Thomson appeared and
promised to pay one shilling on Monday week and
a shilling per week until her existing arrears
are paid up. The teacher to report at next
meeting. |
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Meeting closed with prayer.
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Maybole 8 April 1851 |
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Present |
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The Revd Mr
Thomson |
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Mr Mathew
Gibson |
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William Brown |
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Mr William
Hannay |
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Boy McCulloch’s case.
Disposal of case.
Widow Wallace’s
2 children admitted.
Widow Beattie’s children.
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The teacher reported, with
much regret, that the boy McCulloch had still
followed the mischievous practice of destroying
books - that one night he tore four books - and
has continued to destroy occasionally - and in
fine the teacher considers this boy to be
incorrigible by any efforts of reformation which
he has been enabled to put forth.
The Meeting having again
considered this case recommend that he be
transferred to the Poor House under the charge
of Mr Fergusson for at least some period with
the view of trying the effect of some discipline
there - and if he shall be improved with Mr
Fergusson’s management he may be afterwards
received back into the School.
Widow Wallace’s request for
the admission of her two children, William and
Robert, aged 8 and 6 (out of 6 children). See
Book of Claims 28 March 1851, was considered. It
is believed to be a very pressing and deserving
case, and the Meeting therefore agree to receive
these two children at the rate 2d each per week
on the faith that the Parochial Board will pay
an additional one penny for each child per week
- and request Mr Hannay to bring this last
before the first monthly meeting of the Board
and to report. In the meantime the children are
directed to be received on Friday first.
The case of Widow Beattie’s
children is delayed until it is seen what the
Parochial Board may be disposed to do. |
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Widow Thomson’s children. |
Mrs Thomson is present and is
to pay to the teacher 2/- on Friday and she
agrees that John Houston to whom she works
retain 1/- per week from her earnings to be paid
over to the School till the arrears are paid up.
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Maybole April 30 1851 |
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Present |
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Mr Gibson |
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Mr Brown |
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Widow Branaghan’s children |
The case of Widow Brannagan’s
two children James and Mary aged 9 and 7 was
considered, when it was agreed to admit them on
their Mother paying four pence per week for each
- at least for some little while. |
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Maybole
16 May 1851 |
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Present |
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Mr Dykes
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Mr Main |
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W. Gibson |
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W Murdoch |
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Rev Mr Thomson
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Mr Brown |
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This Meeting, Mr Brown
explained, had been called to have their mind on
a complaint lodged with him against the teacher,
of an alleged undue punishment of Jean Johnstone,
a girl about 8 years old. The teacher, who is
present, was requested to make his statement,
which he did - admitting that he had punished
the child with a small wand plucked from the
garden hedge on the back, in consequence of her
having been detected repeatedly destroying the
school books, by tearing them in pieces - that
he regretted he had made use of a wand altho’
small, and assured the meeting that he would not
again use such a punishment.
The Meeting intimated to the
teacher their disapproval of the mode of
punishment and expressed their determination
thro’ the Secretary not to permit such - and
that he must use the tause – but in consequence
of the assurance given by the teacher they
resolve that no farther procedure take place. |
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Maybole
28 May 1851 |
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Present |
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Mr R McMillan |
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Mr Brown
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The claim of Robert Closs who
requests his child - a boy aged 8 who can
neither read nor write, to be admitted to the
School and who assures that so soon as trade
brings him employment, he will pay a weekly
allowance of 3d per week from the date of his
admission was considered.
The Meeting authorise the
teacher to receive the boy on payment of the
proposed allowance of three pence per week for
the period of four weeks - and to give credit
for that period of the allowance, but if the
same is not then paid the Meeting will consider
whether they will longer allow him to remain. |
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The teacher stated that Jas.
Henderson, one of the boys taught at the School,
is now an apprentice tailor with Mr John
Fergusson, who is highly satisfied with his
service and his behaviour - that hitherto Mr
Fergusson has supplied him with victuals each
day except Sunday and with clothes, and that he
sleeps in his Mother’s room - but that she is
about to leave having been deprived of her room
from inability to pay for it and is obliged to
beg - and she is most anxious that her boy be
provided with a bed throughout the week and with
victuals on Sabbath till his allowance from his
Master be increased.
The Meeting having called in
the Mother she repeated her total inability to
give any assistance and especially as she has
her other two boys to support - and in truth
that she must seek support from the County, that
nevertheless, she will so soon as she can return
and pay what she can for James.
The Meeting agree to provide
bed and Sunday victuals to James in the
meantimebed |
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Maybole 31 May 1851
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Present |
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Mr Murdoch |
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Mr Hannay |
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Mr W. Brown |
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Mr McMillan |
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Mr Gibson |
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The case of John Laverty was
considered. He is an able-bodied man but without
any settled place of abode, and wishes to have
his two children William and Sarah admitted to
the Ragged School and will pay 9d per week for
each which is considerably beyond the usual rate
- or the rate paid by others. |
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The Meeting agree to the
request, it being understood that the allowance
is to be always paid per advance. |
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The Meeting in reference to
the case of the boy Henderson agree to provide
him a bed throughout the week and with victuals
on the Sunday until communication is held with
the Parochial Board with the view of obtaining
their aid to provide these. |
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The case of Samuel Thomson
whose Mother has deserted him and who has no
place of lodging was also considered when it was
agreed to be the unanimous opinion of the
Meeting that this boy should be provided with a
bed in the Poor House - and he to continue to
have victuals and education at the Ragged
School. Mr Hannay is requested to lay the case
before the Pxxxxxx of the Parochial Board. |
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Margaret Reid applied to have
her child admitted to the School. The child is a
female, the illegitimate daughter of Robert
Stevenson, a weaver in Girvan. The child is aged
five and a half years and was never at any
school - offers to pay three pence per week per
advance. |
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The Meeting agreed to admit
the girl provided the money be paid per advance. |
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Maybole 1 July 1851 |
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Present |
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The Revd J M Thomson |
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W Brown |
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The Meeting in regard there
is no business of such importance as to require
to be disposed of in so small meeting, agree to
adjourn the same till next monthly meeting.
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Maybole 13 August 1851 |
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Ragged School |
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Present |
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Mr W Brown |
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Mr Mathew Gibson
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Widow Wallace who has two
children at the School for whom she pays 2d per
week for each and now desires that another of
her children, Mary, aged 10, be also received,
for whom she will pay 3d per week. See her case
stated Page 19 of the Book of Cases.
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The Meeting agree to receive
the child at 3d per week - the Mother having
born the posthumous child referred to in the
Book - and Mr Gibson recommending her on point
of character. |
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The case of Widow McClelland
(p23) is remitted to Mr Gibson to examine and
report. |
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William Closs, son of Robert
Closs, ( who has now sufficiency of work and who
owes 2/6) is to be dismissed from the School on
Saturday first, unless his father pays up.
The teacher reported that Mrs
Irvine owes 1/8 for her boy aged eight and a
half years. The Meeting, in consequence of her
not having yet much work agree to continue the
boy till next meeting. |
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Isabella Reid desires her
child to be taken into the teacher’s house for a
time or until she returns from the shearing -
but the Meeting declined the request as being
contrary to their rule and in this case not
expedient. |
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Margaret Reid who has a
girl, Margaret Stevenson, at School is in arrear
2/-. She is present and it is agreed that she
pay 6d on Saturday senight and 3d the end of
each of the 4 following weeks.
The teacher reported that Mr
R. McMillan had sent 9/- to be given to the boys
at the School. The Meeting direct the teacher to
apply it to purchase biscuits and distribute the
same among the children on Sabbath after having
been at Church |
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Maybole
8 September 1851
Present
Mr Gibson Rev Mr Thomson
Mr Brown Thos. Dykes Esq. |
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Mrs McClelland’s case
Mrs Irvine’s case |
Mr Gibson reported on the
application by Mrs McClelland’s children, that
she is a woman of good character and very poor -
that she is unable to pay for their support or
education - that she will find their food and
wishes to have their education gratis. The
Meeting agree to receive her two children Sarah
and David to be taught in the School gratis.
The Meeting resumed the case
of Mrs Irvine who now owes 4/- of arrears - and
she having been called in declares her inability
to pay up those arrears at present but assures
the meeting that she will commence paying the
usual weekly rate of 2d and will continue to do
so - and will pay the arrears as soon as she is
able. The Meeting agree to continue the child
and if she faithfully pays the weekly rate for 6
months they will discharge the arrears.
The arrear of Margaret Reid
was reconsidered, she has paid 9d since last
Meeting but she still owes 2/-. She is called in
and it is proposed that she pay up the arrears
in the course of one month and keep up the
payment of the weekly rate, to which she agrees
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Mrs Findlay
arrear |
The teacher reports Mrs
Findlay to be in arrear 2/6, and that she is at
present shearing. The teacher is requested to
intimate to her that the arrears must be paid up
within 8 days or otherwise the children will be
dismissed. |
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Pauper children’s clothes |
The children of the Board are
at present much in need of shirts - and the
girls in want of petticoats. The Meeting direct
the teacher to furnish the Chairman with a
statement of the clothes awanting, that the same
may be attended to. |
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Room for 3 Pauper children |
The teacher reported that
three of the children of the Board had gone to
service and that he could now receive three in
their room.The Meeting direct the teacher to
report this to the Chairman of the Board.
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Vacation |
The teacher is authorised to
give a week’s vacation to the School. |
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Maybole 7 October 1851
Present |
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The Revd J M Thomson |
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Mr W Brown |
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Case of R.. McLachlan’s two
children |
The case of the two children
of Richard McLaghlan, labourer, Robert and John,
aged 10 and 8, was explained. The father is a
widower and his home kept by a daughter - but
the boys will not
obey her when he is from
home, and run about the streets all day idle -
and he wishes these two children to be received
into the School to be taught, receiving their
victuals and bed at home. The father resides in
Kirklands and is a Catholic, but does not object
to them being taught the Bible and Catechism. |
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Deliverance on McLachlan’s
case |
The Meeting, impressed with
the necessity of giving their aid to preserve
these children from falling into bad habits,
agree to their being taught in the Ragged School
on condition of their father regularly paying
one penny for each per week. |
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Mrs Hugil’s children |
Mrs Hudgel, a widow in
Welltrees Street, who has one son John, aged 16
- a daughter, Rachael aged 7, and wishes to have
Rachael received in to the School, but is unable
to pay anything, owing to her son John, being
disabled by a disease in legs from working at
anything. She is not upon the Parochial Board.
Mrs Hudgel, being called in and examined, states
she will give her child her food and hopes the
Committee will give the education gratuitously.
The Meeting agree to her
proposal. |
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At Maybole 10 Dec 1851 |
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Present |
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Revd Mr Dodds
Revd Mr Thomson
Tho. Dykes Esq
W Brown |
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Widow McDade’s children - see
Book p24. |
The Revd Mr Dodds opened the
Meeting with prayer. The case of Widow McDade
regarding her two illegitimate children - Marion
and John Devine, aged 6 years and 4 years to be
admitted to the School to be taught, was
considered. She gets no aid from the Board and
desires that these two children be taught gratis
- and to be fed.
The Meeting are disposed to
admit the children to receive education
gratuitously, but not to receive food.
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Case of Jas. Davidson, child
of Margaret Devine. |
The case of Margaret Devine’s
child James Davidson, aged 5 was considered. The
Mother was present and states that she resides
with her father Edward Devine ( 6d chxxx).
The Meeting agree to give the
child education gratis, but not food as they
think the Mother and grandfather should be able
to pay for the food, but if they agree to pay 4d
per week the teacher will give the food.
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Case of Mrs Blyth’s children
Daniel Blyth - 9
Robert - “ - - 4 |
The case of the children of
Mrs Blyth whose husband has deserted her was
considered. She has 4 children (boys) aged 12,
9, 4 and 11/2 - she gets 6d per week from the
Board. The Meeting agree to receive the two boys
of 9 and 4 for education and food, provided the
Board pay the Ragged School weekly one shilling
per week - and recommend to her to lay her case
before the Board for their consideration, and if
the Board agree to the above proposal the said
two children will be received. |
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Child Candlish |
The weekly payment of Mary
Laidlaw for her child - a girl - is reduced from
this time to two pence per week until her health
is better and trade improved.
Maybole 8th January 1852 |
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Present
Revd J M Thomson
Mr James Murdoch
William Hannay |
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Widow Irvine’s
arrear 1/- |
The teacher reported that
Widow Irvine owes 1/- for her boy. The Meeting
directs her to pay one half of the sum on Monday
first. |
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Widow Trousel’s arrear 1/- |
It was also stated that Widow
Trousel owes 1/-. The Meeting directed her to
pay one half by Monday eight days and thereafter
to continue to pay the regular weekly sum
together with the balance of arrears.
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Widow Wallace’s arrears. |
Widow Wallace owes 1/10. She
was present and offered to pay 1/- per week
until the arrears due be paid up. |
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Margaret Reid’s arrears |
Margaret Reid owes 1/-. She
was present but could not say when she could pay
anything. Farther consideration delayed until
meeting. This is the second time Margaret Reid
has fallen into arrear. |
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Mary Laidlaw’s arrear 8d. |
Mary Laidlaw owes 8d. Farther
consideration delayed until next meeting. The
Revd Mr Thomson to enquire into the
circumstances. |
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Maybole, 15 Janry 1852 |
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Present |
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Mr Gibson Mr Murdoch
Mr Brown Jas. M Thomson
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Margt McGowan’s child John
Wilson recd for education. |
Margaret McGowan has a boy
aged 111/2 years whom she wishes to be received
into the School for education - and will pay 2d
per week. |
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Mrs Bonnar’s children, John
and William
|
The case of Mrs Bonnar for
the education and food of her two boys, John and
William aged 10 and 81/2 (see Note Book) was
taken up and considered. The boys present.
Agreed that if Barclay Connelly give food and
bed the Institution will give education and the
boys are desired to come up this evening with
Connelly to speak to the teacher. |
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Widow Tait’s case considered
- and agreed that if her three daughters and son
and herself pay the School 1/- per week they
will be received and the teacher to communicate
this. |
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Widow Brown. Boys Chas. and
Jas. - twins-10 years old. |
Widow Brown owes of arrears a
considerable sum. She is a labourer - cannot pay
at present. Pays at present 1/- per week and now
wishes to pay 6d per week. The Board allows 1/-
per week for these children and Mr Murdoch is
requested to request the Poor Inspector
hereafter to pay the 1/- per week to the Ragged
School.
McLachlan’s case is adjourned
till next week. |
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Margt. Reid’s case |
Margaret Reid’s case resumed
- child to be continued till communication be
had with Joseph Reid, Elbow Street. Pensioner,
and the teacher is directed to write to him to
persuade him to pay the weekly allowance.
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McLaughlane’s sons admitted
|
McLaughlane being now
present, his case was reconsidered, when it was
agreed to admit his two elder sons : viz Robert
and John at 1/- per week.
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Mary-Ann Laidlaw’s daughter
dismissed |
Mary-Ann Laidlaw appeared and
stated that she was still unable to pay the
reduced rate of 2d per week for her daughter,
when it was agreed that in these circumstances
the little girl could not be permitted to remain
in School
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Maybole 26 February 1852 |
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Present |
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|
Revd Mr Thomson Thos Dykes Esq
Mr Murdoch
Mr Gibson
Mr Brown
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Margaret Reid’s case |
Margaret Reid’s case resumed
- teacher reported that he had written to Joseph
Reid as directed by last Meeting but had got no
reply.
The Meeting direct the child
of said Margaret Reid to cease to receive board
after the present week but thereafter to be
educated at the School gratis. Mr Murdoch to
request Mr Fergusson the xxxxxxxx to write the
Girvan Inspector to press the father of said
child, who resides in Girvan, for aliment for
the child. |
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Mrs Brannagan’s case |
Mrs Brannagan has removed one
of her two children from the School, because as
she states, she cannot longer pay for both
children, altho’ it is believed that an
allowance is given by the Board for each. The
Committee appointed by the Board to communicate
with the Managers of this School are requested
to ascertain what allowance is given and to
endeavour to secure the payment for the children
by the Inspector to the teacher
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Mrs Bonar’s children |
The case of Mrs Bonar’s
children, John and William, stands over till her
application to the Board is disposed of. |
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Mrs Wallace |
Mrs Wallace and Mrs Trousel
and Mary Ann Laidlaw are to pay each one penny
per week additional to credit of old arrears.
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Widow Tait’s case |
Widow Tait’s case (p25 Note
Book) - a claim to have her two boys, William
and Andrew, received into the School and to
receive food, was considered. - whom the Meeting
decline to admit there unless their mother pay
the usual weekly allowance. |
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Mrs Keachy’s request |
Mrs Keachy’s request to have
her boy and girl admitted to food in addition to
education and to pay 3d each, is declined - and
if children are withdrawn application to be made
to the Board to secure payment of their
education - and to enforce regular attendance. |
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John Edgar’s application |
The application of John Edgar
to have Robert and John admitted to School and
to receive food without paying anything at
present - the Meeting decline to admit.
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