June 2nd, 1846: The Freeman's Journal acknowledges that much has been done to alleviate Irish misery. The exertions of local committees have gone far to stem the approaches of famine. The Treasury has, after innumerable delays, advanced nearly £134,000, thus permitting public works to start in many districts. Railway projects have been sanctioned.
In ordinary times the people would be comparatively prosperous. "In the present year all are insufficient to overcome the calamity with which the land is everywhere oppressed."
Castlebar poor law guardians praise government action. "Although there is a large supply of food in the country, still a great part of this is in the hands of parties who trade in usury and had not steps been taken, by the introduction of maize and Indian corn, to keep the market price at a fair standard, the price of food would be entirely beyond the reach of the humble classes."
The Castlebar Telegraph refers to the "princely liberality" of George Henry Moore, of Moorehall, who is to spend £1,000 on useful public works. Mr Moore has also purchased £800 of oaten meal and is now distributing it to his peasantry the only remuneration he requires is the improvement of their cottages.
June 4th: In King's County, Head constable Corcoran has compiled a list for Lord Rosse and the Cloghan relief committee showing that 1,100 people are bordering on starvation in the neighbourhood of Banagher. Nevertheless, Dr Daniel Vaughan, PP Killaloe and Bridgetown, Co Clare, has arranged for the purchase of 100 tons of seed potatoes in Banagher.
Fever and scarlatina are rampant in Tullamore, where a workhouse fever ward has been opened.
In Nenagh, the relief committee lacks funds and the workhouse is nearly full.
June 7th: While Sir Randolph Routh describes the official corn imports as "almost only a mouthful", Deputy Commissary general Hewetson informs Trevelyan. "I am assured that in all the localities where our meal is in use, the generally health of the people has wonderfully improved. The SS of the peasantry are really grateful to the government lord their timely interposition."
But 1,000 are destitute in Athboy, Co Meath.
John Smith, of Clifden, Co Galway, reports heart rending scenes when Indian meal is being sold at the coast guard station. His account is corroborated by the chief coast guard officer, who says people travel 10 miles expecting to get a portion free of charge, "but which I could not give not being armed with authority".
William Monsell, of Cratloe relief committee in Co Clare, seeks permission to provide Indian meal gratuitously in extreme cases.
In Bray, Co Wicklow, the local relief committee distributes free and cost price food. Twice a week the poor queue for bags of oatmeal and Indian meal on Bray Strand, with Lieut Thomas Dabine of the coast guard presiding.
The secretary of Glenahiry relief committee in Co Waterford reports great distress on the Greene estate, where 33 of the 68 families have pawned their clothing for subsistence.
William Smith O'Brien, who has raised the cry of "ourselves alone", is imprisoned for refusing to serve on a House of Commons committee.
In the Burren region, destitution has increased due to the number of people squatting on common ages 61 families are reported to be in "a very wretched state" on Kilnaboy Common. The Corofin relief committee has collected £206- 13-6 subscribers include Marquis Conyngham (£15), Dowager Lady O'Brien (£10) and Patrick Cahir, tenant farmer (£5).