| AdminHistory | The Stables Sub-Committee was originally formed in February 1880, and was a joint sub-committee between the Health Committee (see BCC/1/AR) and the Public Works Committees (see BCC/1/AO). The function of this sub-committee was to take over the entire management of the feeding of the horses of both departments, initially for a three month period, and keeping special accounts, as the committee was dissatisfied at the disproportionately high cost of keeping Corporation horses compared to authorities in Liverpool, Manchester, and the 'omnibus companies of this town'.
The trial period was eventually extended, and in September 1880 moves were made for a standing sub-committee, a veterinary surgeon and a Stables Department to be appointed to look after all the Council horses. In November 1880 the sub-committee was renamed the Stables Sub-Committee and in the following January, and a veterinary superintendent was appointed. After November 1911, this sub-committee and the Stables Department were transferred to the newly created full-standing Lighting, Stables and Refuse Disposal Committee (see BCC/1/BP), though the minute numbers continued.
There were several main stables in Birmingham, located at Sheepcote Street, Holliday Street, Lancaster Street, Coventry Road, Park Street, and Barn Street, with another at Montague Street, where there was a forge for shoeing, as well as several minor stables. Detailed accounts were kept over food and bedding, smithing and veterinary costs, as well as the state of the horses themselves, their purchases and sales. |