Carlow Post - Saturday 24 September 1870

This extract, kindly shown to us by writer and historian Turtle Bunbury, offers a fascinating window on Ballin Temple of yore:

Paulville, Sept 13, 1870.

Having been called to assist Mr Campion in the inspection of Cottages, I feel pleasure in giving the following statement: - I saw two cottages on the farm of Mr William Burgess, Tobinstown, and they were beautifully situated, with fine spacious approaches at front, neatly gravelled, also at angles of the roads leading to the scenery at Lisnevagh, Rathvilly, Tullow, &c; were supplied with convenient piggeries; also a plot of ground to each cottage, which is well planted with vegetables. These cottages are lofty and well ventilated, elegantly cleaned up ; the beds, furniture, and other requisites neatly arranged, and the appearance of the cottagers gave full evidence of comfort and domestic happiness. Mr Burgess has the advantage of the services of these industrious cottiers, and I have no doubt, in return, he cheerfully administers to their requirements. Such considerations are very satisfactory. These cottages were erected by Colonel Bunbury, and the materials are of most costly description, and neatly finished in every department. I had the pleasure, not only of inspecting these cottages at Tobinstown, but also at Moyle, for some years past, and always found them in beautiful order, and the occupants fully supplied with all the necessaries of life. Much credit is due to the fostering hand of Mr Smyth, and also Mr Manley, who is local steward, who knows these cottagers are well supplied; and I have reason to believe, from these and all the other kind acts on record, not only to the poor, but to his tenantry in general, the Colonel has justly merited that reward which must attend such acts.

I also inspected four cottages in picturesque Ballintemple. These cottages seem to have been erected by the predecessors of the present Sir Thomas Butler. In a word, they were clean and creditable in every department. The beds and furniture were good and plentiful, the rooms in general tastefully ornamented with several pictures, all necessary requisites in the kitchens, and several little cupboards bending with weight of china, delft, and glass, and clocks were alsopretty general. The occupants also told me they have frequent visits from Sir Thomas and his good mother, Lady Butler, both of whom are always prepared not to think, but toknow the cottagers have everything to make them happy. Everything was so arranged that Mr Campion and I were much puzzled to form our distinctions. On my return from these cottages. I met a fine, respectable-looking old man, with whom I had a conversation. Amongst other things, he told me he was upwards of forty-eight years steward tothe Butler family, and when retiring was allowed a very handsome annual remuneration for past service, which he ispunctually paid, and also well paid for any daily services he is now capable of rendering the property. These kind acts, as well as those to the cottagers, give convincing proofs, that the indulgent hand of Sir Thomas is extended to his honest and trustworthy people; and it is to be hoped that Sir Thomas and Lady Butler may long survive to nourish that good feeling which at present exists, and for which these good people give every expression of gratitude in return. Such a state of things is very satisfactory, and ifsuch was made generally practicable, the country would, in a short time, be seen in a state of domestic happiness.

Philip Nolan. Assistant-Inspector." Carlow Post - Saturday 24 September 1870