Folios 650-651. Letter from William Goodacre, Clerk to the Guardians of the Mansfield...

Folios 650-651. Letter from William Goodacre, Clerk to the Guardians of the Mansfield Poor Law Union, to the Poor Law Board, regarding vaccination fees. The board have received an application on behalf of the parish of Mansfield Woodhouse, to be re-paid by the sum of £3 4s, paid to Mr Godfrey, late mMedical officer, of this parish in respect of vaccinations during the half year ending Lady day last for the following reasons: A virulent form of smallpox broke out in the parish and it was advisable to vaccinate as many people as possible to stop the disease spreading, Godfrey alleged that he found great difficulty in completing this task at the station in Woodhouse or the people's abodes, as many were working most of the day at the factory one and a half miles away, and 2 miles from his abode. He informed the guardians that swift action was needed and obtained permission from Hollins' and Company to vaccinate at the factory and the owners could urge the people to protect themselves from the disease. He charged 2s 6d per case for these as they were more than 2 miles from his home, some of the rate payers now claim to have the extra shilling returned on the 64 cases because he was bound to vaccinate them at Woodhouse where they reside. The board ask the Board's opinion as to whether Godfrey is justified in his actions and entitled to the sum of 2s 6d per case.

Annotated: as the amount has already been paid the charge will come before the auditor at the next audit and the Board cannot comment as the auditor's decision may become the subject of an appeal.

Paper Number: 35303/1863.

Poor Law Union Number: 337.

Counties: Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.