Edward Lee

at Dargan Street in Little Bray and near the Town Hall were an early
example from his tenure as Chairman of the Public Health and Artisans
Dwelling Committee. In 1908, he was elected Chairman of Bray UDC.
It was noted by Councillors that, ‘Mr. Lee was a broad-minded liberal
gentleman, who had rendered yeoman service to Bray in his advocacy
of schemes for the better housing of the working classes and his services
deserved this recognition’. 8
One of Edward Lee’s finest achievements was the Purcell’s Field
housing scheme of 1906-1908, now Connolly Square and St. Kevin’s Square.
He invited Lord Aberdeen, the Lord Lieutenant, to inspect the dwellings,
proudly telling him ‘the accommodation was absolutely unique and the
situation fit for a mansion’. 9 Lord Aberdeen was suitably impressed.
‘A good day’s pay for a good
day’s work.’
On his election as Chairman of the Council in 1908, Edward Lee said,
‘I had merely taken a humble part in the advancement of schemes for the
better housing of the working classes, but that, I was willing to do as a
humble worker in the ranks’. 10 He was proud of the attitude taken by Bray
UDC members who had elected him Chairman saying, ‘that every section
of creed and every form of political thought should act in so handsome a
manner as the majority of the Council has done towards me’. 11 However,
in September 1908, his Chairmanship of Bray Urban District Council was
objected to by a gentleman called John Sloane, who said that Edward
Lee was no longer a resident of Bray and was now residing in Stillorgan.
The objection was upheld and he was ‘accordingly struck off’ 12 the Bray
Parliamentary Revisions list.
On 6 th October 1908, at the Bray Technical Schools Reunion of Students
and Friends, the Rev. Mr Glenn proposed a vote of thanks to Edward Lee
for presiding. Rev. Glenn was upset by the mere technicality which had
8 Irish Times. 24/1/1908
9 Irish Times. 30/5/1908
10 Irish Independent. 5/2/1908
11 Irish Times. 5/2/1908
12 Irish Times. 15/9/1908
Model Employer and Man of Moral Courage
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