17th June 1903
Messrs. Green and Underwood have changed their addresses, the Clerk was instructed to inform the Telephone Co. to make alterations to the telephone system.
11th Nov. 1903
It was resolved that the sum of £1 be paid to the widow of the late Geo. Burgess for services rendered by her and her late husband as caretaker of the Fire Brigade and Fire Engine Station from 25th Dec. 1902 to the date of his death. [buried 24th October1902 Grave C637 no MI]
Charles Foskett 6 Denmark Road Rushden is to be taken
to the Magistrates Court for failing to pay 2/6 after having a Chimney fire.
27th June 1904
The Secretary reports the following fires:-
1903
Aug. 5th. Call at 12.50pm. to Melchbourne Stack fire. Engine away for 16 hours £180 damage.
Aug. 8th. Call to Hargrave. Bed and bedding damaged. 10.52pm.
Sept. 19th. Call at 6.45pm. to Greens Yard. Bed and Bedding damage slight.
Dec. 22nd. Called at 8.00am. to Washbrook Road. Roof alight. Damage slight, but not required.
Dec. 8th. Called to Geo. Chettles at I0.30pm. work room badly damaged.
Jan. 14th. Called to the Police Station at 1.55pm. Explosion of heating appliance.
Jan. 24th. Called to light showing 16 miles away.
Feb. 23rd. Called to a light showing at Irthlingborough.
THEATRE DUTIES
Duties on 24 occasions - 2 Men with standpipe and hose attended.
March 23rd. Called to Messrs. Sharpe and Smart Factory, Glassbrook Road, Rushden.
April 5th. Called to Messrs. Hill's Property, High Street.
10th. May 1904
Council approved of the following items for £70.
1000ft. of hose.
6 Adaptors.
1 Handlamp.
2 Extension Ladders.
1 Bell.
One Dozen Hose Lappings.
1 New Engine Cover.
Alterations to Engine.
Report Received from the Secretary for the fire at Hyde & Co. Glassbrook Road.
8th. Feb. 1905
The Secretary gave the report of the Fire Brigade to the Council showing 5 fire calls during the year. The Secretary also reported that the new rules have been adopted and were working out well.
26th July 1905
The Clerk reported that he had received a letter stating that Wellingborough U.D.C. are buying a new steamer and inquired if Rushden U.D.C. would like to contribute towards the cost as perhaps it would be required at Rushden, although if required an additional charge would be made. The Council replied that they are considering buying a new steamer.
30th. Aug. 1905
New Rules adopted - £10 approved for requisites - also tenders out for painting of new Fire Station and Town Depot.
11th Oct. 1905
Mr. Bales moved that at the next meeting he would put a resolution for a new steamer.
8th Nov. 1905
Mr. Bales moved for a new steamer. Amended so that it was not purchased until the new water-mains were laid.
12th Sept. 1906
Mr. Bales moved that he would apply for a new steamer.
26th Sept. 1906
It was arranged that the Fire Brigade would give a demonstration on Saturday afternoon next with a view of showing the water pressure in the mains at high and low level in the town.
12th Dec. 1906
A resolution was received from the Tradesmen and Ratepayers Association. That this meeting respectfully asks the Rushden U.D.C. to defer the purchase of a steam fire engine and horses and the building of stabling for the same. Council decided to receive the deputation.
2nd Jan. 1907
The annual report of the secretary of the Fire Brigade was received whichi showed that 4 small fires had occurred in Rushden and 2 fires in Raunds. Messrs. W. Saddington and H. Whittington, two of the fireman had resigned. Mr. M. Wildman had joined the Brigade. A table of attendances showed members drill periods were satisfactory. It was noticed that some members had been missing for three consecutive and the Council asked the Secretary for a reason. If no reason was forth coming Rule 7 would apply whereby the members would be struck off the Fire Brigade strength.
The Council received the deputation from the Ratepayers and Tradesmen's Association (A. Willmott, Jas. Sargeant, G. Ellis, Geo. Bayes) who stated that because of the depressed state of the town and high rates, the purchasing of a steamer and erection of stables and provision of horses should be deferred. The Council informed them that it had been passed after much careful consideration.
9th Jan. 1907
The Council allocated £400 for the erection of stables on the Depot Site.
30th Jan. 1907
Fire Brigade Sub Committee went to Wellingborough to see their new steamer, and expressed a view that it was a good appliance. The Sub Committee, have obtained the specification of the engine supplied for £300 with accessories.
The Sub Committee recommended buying it with £50 for additional hose.
The Committee deliberated and it was resolved to obtain an estimate from Merryweather and Messrs. Shand Mason & Co.
17th Feb. 1907
Loan of £400 obtained from Royal Liverpool Friendly Society at £23 2 8 p.a. for 30 years.
Application for loan of £350 for new steamer made.
27th Feb. 1907
Tenders received from Meryweather and Shand and Mason Co. included with 1425 ft. of hose. Mason & Shand Co. was the lowest at £32.
Application made to the Local Government Board for approval of the loan.
The Secretary asked for 3 new tunics, 6pairs of trousers and 4 pairs of boots.
27th March 1907
The Secretary asked for the bell at Mr. C.E. Bayes to be transferred to Mr. M. Wildman‘s house.
25th May 1907
The Local Government Board approved the loan of £320 for the new steamer.
26th June 1907
The Captain of the Fire Brigade reported that the steamer would be delivered on Friday next. Other local authorities have been invited to the acceptance tests.
31st July 1907
A loan of £320 has been obtained from the Loyal Pride of Cornwall Lodge of Oddfellows, St. Austell. £16 at 20 ½-yearly payments.
A policy has been taken out with the National Boiler General Insurance for the new steamer for £500.
1st Jan. 1908
Yardley Hastings Fire Brigade asked if the old Manual Fire Engine was for sale.
27th Jan. 1908
The Council decided not to sell the old Fire Engine but an estimate of £2 18 6 to repair the wheels was accepted from Mr. Brazier.
29th Jan. 1908
The Secretary reported 3 fires during the year.
18th March, small fire at Scroxtons, Portland Road.
15th June, small fire at Ellards, York Rd.
Resignation of Mr. C.E. Bayes, from the Brigade.
25th Nov. 1908
Mr. Burgess has left the Fire Station Cottage. Mr. James Whiting is to take over as Caretaker on the same conditions as Burgess. Estimate to renovate the Cottage was accepted at £615.
An engine pit is to be made 5'6" x 3'x3" x 3'x3" deep so that the engine can be cleaned underneath.
3rd Feb. 1909
The Clerk reported that Mr. C. E. Bayes was seriously ill.
26th Feb. 1909
The Fire Brigade Sub Committee asked that Messrs. Shand Mason & Co. be instructed to come and replace the boiler tubes in the steamer.
28th June 1911
The Secretary reported that one call was received during 1908.
It was resolved that the Fire Station main doors should be repainted.
25th June 1911
The Fire Brigade Sub Committee recommended an offer of £40 for the old Manual Fire Engine from Yardley Hastings. Northampton Corporation were willing to sell an old steamer. This engine was in good condition and could be acquired at a reasonable cost of £60.
11th Sept. 1912
The Captain reported to the Council of the success of the station, during the national competitions. A letter of congratulations was sent to the Captain from the Council.
8th Jan. 1913
Report received from the Secretary of the Fire Brigade and referred to the Highways Committee.
21st May 1913
Letter received from the Secretary stating that Mr. R. F. Knight had been elected 3rd Officer.
27th August 1913
The Fire Brigade Sub Committee reports that it has been necessary to repair several of the tubes in the boiler of No. 1 Engine and that Shand Mason Co. strongly advise that a complete new set of tubes be purchased. The Brigade and the Sub Committee considered the suggestion and strongly recommend that it be acted upon. It was resolved to advise the Council accordingly. The total cost would be £13/10/-.
Accidental Insurance:- the firemen, having expressed a strong desire that they might be insured against accident - it was resolved that a policy be taken out covering them to the extent of £250 on death and £1/10/- per week on total disability with other benefits for partial disability at a premium of 6/8 per member per annum.
29th Oct. 1913
An application was received from the North East District of the National Union of Fire Brigades for the loan of the Fire Escape in June next, on the occasion of the annual competitions at Castle Ashbey. The Council agreed.
11th Feb. 1914
The report was received from the Brigade from which it appeared that the engine and gear were in good order.
3 small fires had occurred during the year, the average time taken to turn out to each was between 3 and 4 minutes.
The drills and attendances for cleaning purposes had been satisfactory.
28th Oct. 1914
It was resolved to recommend the Council to adopt the following scale of charges for attendances at fires:-
| Steamer for first hour |
|
£5:0:0.
|
| " " " each subsequent hour |
|
10:0.
|
| Cleaning steamer and gear |
|
15:0.
|
| Officers and Men for first hour |
|
2:0.
|
| " " " " subsequent hours |
|
1:0.
|
| Cleaning hose per length |
|
2:0.
|
| Fire Escape and Hose Cart |
|
10:6.
|
| Horse hire as per account. |
|
|
| Damage to plant, uniform etc, and coal, refreshments according to circumstances. |
11th Nov. 1914
Mr. Bales moved that the scale of charges for Officers be made at 2/6 for the first hour. Motion defeated.
27th Jan. 1915
The Fire Brigade Sub Committee reported that the boiler of No.1 Steamer had been examined and found in excellent order, the gauge only required slight adjustment.
The Sub Committee recommended that 6 lengths of hose be purchased.
29th Sept. 1915
The Surveyor was instructed to have the windows cleaned by a local window cleaner.
29th March 1916
An application was received from Mr. Clark asking permission of the Council to lay a 6" main from the Water Board’s main in the High Street to his factory at the junction of Midland Rd. and Station Rd. for the purpose of a fire extinguishing apparatus.
The Committee whilst recognising the many objections to the laying of a private main under the public highway, were of the opinion that the duty of rendering assistance in providing the best means of preventing fires in large factories of the town was paramount and resolved to accede to the request subject to the Council fixing a fire hydrant on the main when laid in a position to be selected by the Surveyor and also agreeing if a similar fire service is required in the same neighbourhood, to allow the main laid by him to be used for the purpose. The person requiring the service will pay to Mr. Clark a fair share of the cost incurred by him in laying it. The proportion to be paid in every case to be settled by the Council Surveyor. An agreement to be entered into between the Council and Mr. Clark will be paid for at Mr. Clark's expense.
11th Oct. 1916
Common Seal affixed to an agreement between Mr. John Clark and the Council.
20th Dec.
The Clerk reported that notice had been received from the Contract Manager on behalf of the Postmaster General instructing that in future the annual charge in respect of the telephone at the Fire Station would be increased to £6/5/0.
30th Jan. 1918
Annual report of the Fire Brigade submitted from which it appeared, that drills were satisfactory, the appliances had been kept to a high standard of efficiency and were all in good working order. The Brigade were called out 6 times, 2 serious and 4 slight fires.
It was resolved to recommend the Council to lodge appeals before the Local Tribunal in respect of the firemen who were of military age.
28th Aug. 1918
The Fire Brigade Sub Committee reported that they had met the members of the Brigade with regards to their application for exemption from military service and having in view the number of efficient men now available – resolved to recommend the Council to instruct a solicitor to support the pending appeals of Wooding and Timson.
It was resolved to recommend the Council to authorise the Brigade to purchase additional hose and other apparatus at a cost of £40.
8th Jan. 1919
The Vice Chairman reported that on 17th. Dec. last, the Fire Brigade attended a large fire at Yelden. The expenses of the men amounted to £50/14/5 for which he had obtained cheque as follows which has been signed by the Chairman and 2 members of the Council Messrs. F. Knight and G.K. Turner.
26th March 1919
The Surveyor submitted the report from the National Boiler and General Insurance Co. that No.1 fire engine was satisfactory.
25th June 1919
A communication was received from the Fire Brigade with regards to a scale of charges for attendance at fires and suggest the adoption of the scale put forward by the National Fire Brigade Union. The Brigade also asked for a retaining fee of £2 each per annum.
It was explained that neighbouring authorities all have under consideration the question of adopting the scale of charges referred [line of type missing here]
… the district and to await the decision of the other Councils before definitely deciding upon a scale. In the meantime however, they agreed to vary the scale of charges for allowances of the men at fires from 2/- to 3/- for the first hour and from 1/- to 2/- for each subsequent hour.
23rd July 1919
A further letter was received from the firemen asking the Council to reconsider the decision to adopt the scale of charges suggested by the National Fire Brigade Union.
24th Sept. 1919
Scale of Charges:- the Sub Committee had met the firemen of the Brigade and had agreed to recommend the scale of charges to the full Council. With regards to the question of the pay for the cleaning of the Engine and equipment after practice, the Sub Committee had made enquiries at Wellingborough and Kettering and Kettering replied that the resident fireman at the station did this as he was engaged full time by the Council. At Wellingborough, the Council paid 10/- each time the Steamer was cleaned after practice and the men were now asking for an increase to 20/-. The Sub Committee considered that a fulltime fireman should be appointed to live in the Cottage but in the meantime pay 20/- to the firemen for cleaning up after practice.
The annual scale of charges is as follows:-
| Steamer for the first hour |
|
£5:0:0.
|
| " " subsequent hours |
|
10:0.
|
| Cleaning engine and gear |
|
£1:10:0.
|
| Officers for the first hour |
|
10:0.
|
| " " subsequent hours |
|
10:0.
|
| Firemen for first hour |
|
5:0.
|
| " " subsequent hours |
|
5:0.
|
| Cleaning hose per length |
|
2:0.
|
| Fire Escape and Hose Cart |
|
10:6.
|
| Horse hire as per account. |
|
|
| Damage to plant and uniform, coal according to account. |
Council recommended accordingly.
Resignation received of G. R. Turner as 3rd. Officer after 35 years service.
12th Nov. 1919
A letter was received from Mr. Fred Knight resigning the Captaincy of the Brigade after 42 years service, the last 35 years as Captain. In accepting the resignation, the Council expressed their highest appreciation of his services. It was resolved that he be made Honorary Captain for life.
A letter was also received from the Secretary of the brigade that Mr. R. F. Knight had been nominated as Captain. The Council accepted the nomination.
31st Dec. 1919
A letter was received from the Irchester Parish Council stating that in the event of an outbreak of fire in the Parish, if they could depend on the assistance of the Rushden Fire Brigade and if so upon what terms.
The Clerk was instructed to reply that the Brigade would be pleased to attend if not otherwise engaged and to enclose a copy of the scale of charges for out of town fires.
