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| The Rushden Echo, 10th & 25th April, 1925, transcribed by Gill Hollis |
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Rushden Urban District Council
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10th April, 1925 Important Statement Regarding Housing Wednesday, present: Messrs. C. Bates, J.P. (chairman), C. W. Horrell, C.A., (vice-chairman), T. Swindall, T. Wilmott, C. E. Bayes, C. Claridge, F. Knight, J.P., F. Corby, L. Perkins, B.Sc., J. Spencer, J.P., J. Hornsby, and G. W. Coles, J.P., with the Clerk (Mr. G. S. Mason), the Surveyor (Mr. W. B. Madin), and the Sanitary Inspector (Mr. F. S. F. Piper). In reply to Mr. Wilmott, the clerk said that there was no more correspondence from the L.M.S. Railway Company regarding the covering to the platform at the Rushden station and the opening of Rectory-road. Council In Committee A meeting of the whole Council in Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, March 11th, 1925, when there were present: Messrs. C. Bates (chairman), C. W. Horrell (vice-chairman), C. E. Bayes, C. Claridge, G. W. Coles, F. Corby, J. Hornsby, F. Knight, L. Perkins, J. Spencer, T. Swindall, and T. Wilmott. Housing The sub-committee appointed to visit the Ideal Home Exhibition in London reported that they were well satisfied with the steel and concrete houses they inspected there. They understood that the Ministry were making a grant of a subsidy of £200 in respect of two houses built as demonstration houses. Subject to this being correct, it was resolved to apply to the Ministry for permission to erect two of such houses. It was also resolved to take the necessary steps to erect six concrete houses similar to those inspected, all houses to be of the non-parlour type. The report was adopted. Housing Committee A meeting of the Housing Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, March 18th, 1925, when there were present: Messrs. F. Knight (chairman), C. Bates, C. W. Horrell, C. E. Bayes, J. Hornsby, J. Spencer, and T. Wilmott. Steel Houses A letter was received from the Ministry of Health stating that the Minister regretted that it had been necessary to limit the experiment of erecting demonstration houses to selected districts and that it had not been found possible to include the urban district of Rushden. Further Houses The Chairman informed the committee that the Surveyor had been in communication with one of the large builders in Rushden, who had informed him that he would be prepared to put up and complete this year any number of houses up to 40 in the Irchester-road district, if sites could be obtained there, at the price tendered for by him in respect of the last four houses on the Trafford-road site. The committee were unanimously of opinion that this offer should be accepted and that other builders should be invited to put up the same or a smaller number of houses on similar terms within a similar period. The Sites Sub-Committee were requested to make immediate inquiries as to the sites available and obtain prices therefore and report to a further meeting at the earliest possible date. They were also asked to interview the builders and ascertain how far they would be prepared to further the scheme, and also, if necessary, see the committee of a local club and inquire if they would be prepared to assist matters by postponing their proposed building operations for a year. No. 32 Kings-Road The Surveyor was instructed to carry out certain necessary repairs at this house on a change of tenancy. The report was adopted. Housing Committee A meeting of the Housing Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Friday, March 27th, 1925, when there were present: Messrs. F. Knight (chairman), C. Bates, C. W. Horrell, C. E. Bayes, J. Hornsby, J. Spencer and T Wilmott. The Sites Sub-Committee reported that they were now in a position to secure a number of plots of land on the Irchester-road and in Graveley-street from various owners, sufficient to provide sites for about 30 houses, and it was resolved that the Clerk and Surveyor be authorised to visit the Ministry of Health and lay the position before them at the earliest possible moment, with a view to the Ministry giving provisional sanction for the work to be commenced forthwith. The Sites Sub-Committee were requested to continue their inquiries with a view to obtaining additional land in the same vicinity. With regard to the sale of a plot of land in Oval-road to Mr. George Headland at 3s. per yard, the minimum price authorised by the Ministry, an inquiry was received from Mr. Headland if the Council would sell him an additional frontage of 9ft. off the adjoining plot. The Surveyor informed the committee that this would not interfere with his arrangements for the four houses to be erected on the remaining plots, and on this understanding the committee recommended the Council to authorise the sale. The report was adopted. Finance and Estates Committee A meeting of the Finance and Estates Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, April 1st, 1925, at 10 a.m., when there were present: Messrs. C. Bates (chairman), C. W. Horrell, C. E. Bayes, C. Claridge, G. W. Coles, F. Knight, T. Swindall, and T. Wilmott. Estimates The Clerk submitted the estimates for the financial year ending March 31st, 1926. The total estimated expenditure was £31,412 13s. 7d., and the estimated receipts, other than general district rate, £15,370 0s. 2d., which with the balance in hand at the commencement of the year (£1,466 3s. 9d.) totalled £16,836 3s. 1d., thus leaving a sum of £14,576 9s. 8d. to be raised by rate. A rate of 7s. In the £ was estimated to produce £15,189 (after deducting the proceeds of a penny rate to be transferred to the Assisted Housing Account), which would provide for a working balance at the end of the year of £612 10s. 4d. It was resolved to adopt the estimates as submitted and to recommend the Council to levy a rate for the first half-year at 3s. 4d. In the £, and the Rates Clerk was instructed to prepare a general district rate accordingly for sealing at the next meeting of the Council. Sanitary Inspector The sub-committee appointed to see the Sanitary Inspector with regard to his salary were authorised to suggest to him that, instead of the Council providing a motor-bicycle for his use, his salary be increased on his undertaking to provide himself with a motor-bicycle and pay for its upkeep. Housing Surveyor’s Salary – Upon the recommendation of the Housing Committee, it was unanimously resolved to recommend the Council to increase the Surveyor’s salary by £48 for the period April 1st to Sept. 30th, 1925, such increase being extra remuneration for services rendered in connection with the erection of eight houses in Oval-road under the subsidy scheme. Sale of Surplus Land – The Clerk reported that he had received an offer of £600 for the plot of land in Newton-road opposite Winchester-road, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to accept the offer subject to the approval of the Ministry of Health. Further Eight subsidy Houses – It was resolved to recommend the Council to apply to the Ministry of health for sanction to a loan of £1,700 for the erection of these houses in Oval-road and for £250 for the construction of the road and sewers. Cemetery The Clerk reported that he had been in negotiation with the owners of the land adjoining the Cemetery and had received the following offers: About 20 acres of land now occupied as allotments, abutting on the Newton road, for £1,800; and about five acres of a field abutting on the Cemetery, approached from Harborough-road, at £85 per acre. It was resolved to recommend the Council to accept both offers subject to the approval of the Ministry of Health, and the Clerk was instructed to proceed with the necessary provisional agreements for the sale and purchase. The report was adopted. Mr. Perkins, having been informed that the increase on the Sanitary Inspector’s salary would be £30 a year, said he did not think that was enough, seeing that his new duties would involve Sunday work and providing and maintaining a motor-cycle. He moved that the minute be referred back. Mr. Hornsby seconded. Mr. Wilmott said that the committee were unanimous on the amount. The motion was lost. Baths Committee A meeting of the Baths Committee was held at the council Buildings on Wednesday, April 1st, 1925, when there were present: Messrs. C. W. Horrell (in the chair), C. Bates, C. Claridge, G. W. Coles, F. Knight, and J. Spencer. Open-Air Swimming Bath The sub-committee appointed at the last meeting to visit and inspect open-air swimming baths in other districts stated that they had visited Bishop Stortford, Chiswick, and St. Albans, and reported as follows: Bishop’s Stortford – These baths were presented to the town last summer by the representatives of the late sir John Barker, but the Urban District Council provided the site and laid on the water, etc. The bath, which adjoins the River Stort, is constructed of reinforced concrete. It is 75ft. long by 35ft. wide, 3½ft. deep at the shallow end, and 8½ft. at the deep end. Water is supplied from the river, which fills the bath within 2ft. of overflow by gravitation, the remainder being pumped by an electrically driven pump on the site. There are 24 dressing-boxes, besides open shed, diving stage, and springboard provided. The baths are open daily during the season, Sundays included, and mixed bathing is allowed. The bath was only opened at the end of July last year, but was well patronised until the middle of September, when it was closed for the winter. This bath cost £2,500, exclusive of site. Chiswick – This bathing establishment was constructed in 1909, largely by unemployed labour. The construction is of concrete. The swimming pond is 150ft. long by 50ft. wide, 3ft. deep at one end, and 6ft. at the other. Water is supplied from the water mains of the Metropolitan Water Board; a spray pipe is fitted at the shallow end of the baths, and scum trough at the other end. There are 140 dressing boxes provided, as well as open sheds with curtains – males on one side of the pond, and females the other side. A full size slipper bath is provided so that a person can have a wash before entering the pond if he is inclined to. There is also a spray bath provided, as well as adequate lavatory accommodation, and provision for storing cycles. The bath is open seven days a week from May to end of September, and mixed bathing is in vogue and, we were told, is very popular. At Chiswick the site has been well screened by planting trees on the borders, and a concrete terrace at one end gives a stand for spectators. Since the establishment was first opened a number of dressing boxes, balcony, etc., and other improvements have been made from the profits. St. Albans – The swimming bath at St. Albans was constructed in 1905. It is situated on land near the River Ver which is leased by the corporation. This bath is also built of concrete, the pond being 105ft. long by 30ft. wide, the water being 3ft. to 6½ft. Deep. The water supply is pumped from the River Ver and filled weekly. The establishment is well provided with dressing boxes and open sheds with curtains. The bath is open seven days a week during the summer months, and mixed bathing was introduced last year. The bathing place is very popular, and we were told there is a surplus of about £80 a year over the working expenses. The bath is provided with lavatories, and a shed is provided for storing cycles. The cost of this bath was £1,518. The sub-committee decided to recommend that steps be taken to provide a site with a view to the construction of an open-air swimming pond 120ft. long by 40ft. Wide. The committee agreed and resolved to recommend the council accordingly. The report was adopted. Mr. Horrell said the deputation to visit public baths in other towns consisted of Mr. Coles, Mr. Claridge, the Surveyor, and himself. The members were satisfied that baths like the Bishop’s Stortford open-air baths would be very much appreciated in Rushden. The receipts at Bishop’s Stortford had been £6 a week. Schoolchildren went in the daytime, and at other times mixed bathing was permitted. The population there was 10,000, so that if that town needed baths Rushden needed them still more. (Hear, hear.) Chiswick baths were much more palatial. He was agreeably surprised to find the attraction of open-air baths. The deputation were informed that they were preferred to closed-in baths. By facing south they could be reasonably warm. With the number of young people in Rushden and the adults employed in industry baths would be a very great asset to the town. The deputation were unanimous in their recommendation. Mr. Spencer said the Council was very much indebted to the deputation for the time and trouble which they had taken to go so fully into the details. Mr. Wilmott, supporting, asked whether the committee would consider closing in the bath in winter, providing a boarded floor to make the place in the form of a hall to let, so as to bring in still more money. A good public hall was very much needed in Rushden. Mr. Horrell said that that was a very different proposition. The baths they were considering would not have a top, nor would there be provision for making a room. Mr. Coles said that the committee had unanimously decided that covered-in baths, estimated to cost £14,000 or £15,000, would be out of the question. Therefore, to bring it forward now seemed to be a red herring thrown across the path. The committee considered the next practicable thing, which was open-air baths. He endorsed what Mr. Horrell had said about it being an absolute necessity in Rushden. If the Council wished at some future time they could cover in the baths. A public hall was not as profitable as some people thought. There were tremendous expenses, and winter-time engagements were not so numerous as might be expected. He was in favour of the town having what they could afford and improve on the scheme when they were able. He thought they could reasonably expect to have a weekly income of £12. Mr. Wilmott said the had no ulterior motive in suggesting that the baths be convertible into a hall. The open air baths were estimated to cost £4,000. He could not see that it should cost another £11,000 for sides and top. He had no red herrings. In fact, he preferred fresh herrings! (Laughter.) To show his support of the scheme, even if they could not have it covered in for ten or 15 years, he would move its adoption. Mr. Perkins supported on behalf of the young people, and pointed out that the resolution was non-committal as regarded expenditure. The present Council would shortly die a natural death, and the present members would have the addition of six others who might like baths in Rushden with a capital “B” - put a top on. Mr. Swindall said he supported on the understanding that the full Council have the full scheme before it for sanction. Members: Certainly. Mr. Claridge associated himself with the remarks of Mr. Horrell and Mr. Coles, and added that he was absolutely in favour of the baths being provided. Mr. Knight, also supporting, said nothing could be settled until the estimated cost of the actual scheme had been placed in front of the Council. They must leave whether it would be a paying concern or not. Rushden was different from some towns if they would rather have open-air baths. He would want to know the difference in the cost of open-air and covered-in baths. As stated above, the report was adopted. Plans, Highways, and Lighting Committee A meeting of the Plans, Highways, and Lighting Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, April 1st, 1925, when there were present: Messrs. C. Bates (chairman), C. W. Horrell, C. e. Bayes, J. Hornsby, F. Knight, J. Spencer, and T. Swindall. Plans were presented for: A bungalow on the Wymington-road for Mrs. M. A. Dilley, and passed. House in Carnegie-street for Mr. J. W. Goode, and passed. House in Essex-road for Mr. L. Brawn, and passed. Applications for subsidies in respect of each of the foregoing houses were received, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to instruct the Surveyor to issue certificates in respect of same as coming within the Council’s scheme for the subsidy of £100 each. Tool-shed at the rear of No. 49, Oakley-road for Mr. J. A. Ashford, and passed. Reconstruction of sanitary conveniences at the Trade Union Club, Higham-road, and passed. Mission hall in Albion-place for Messrs. Jaques and Timpson, and exception taken. House on the Higham-road for Mr. E. Thompson, and passed. Team Labour Tenders were received for daywork carting for the ensuing six months from Messrs. Wilmott, Holley, Spriggs, and Ashford. It was resolved to recommend the council to accept the tenders of Messrs. Spriggs and Ashford, the lowest. The Surveyor was instructed to advertise in the usual way for tenders for the ensuing year’s supply of road materials and submit to the next meeting. Public Lighting It was resolved to recommend the Council to cease general lighting on April 18th, but to continue the lighting of the lamps in High-street for a further month from that date. It was also resolved that the lamps at the north corner of the Triangle, Washbrook-road; near the Vestry Hall; on the Memorial site; the south end of Bedford-road, and at the crossroads near the Oakley be kept lighted all night. Main Roads The Surveyor reported that he had submitted his estimate for the maintenance of the main roads in this district to the County Surveyor, amounting t6o £2,567 2s. 6d. This was exclusive of the sum of £340, the estimated cost of completing the footpaths on the Higham-road and High-street South near the South-End Schools, which had also been sent to the County Surveyor. The committee approved. Factory Acts The sub-committee appointed at the last meeting stated that they had visited and inspected the factory in Crabb-street occupied by Messrs. W. Sargent & Co., Ltd., and submitted a report on the provision of the means of escape provided in case of fire. It was resolved to require Messrs. Sargent and Co. to submit a scheme for improving the means of escape in respect of the top floor. Rectory-Road Improvement As instructed, the Surveyor submitted an estimate of the cost of widening and improving this road from Park-road to the Rectory Cottages, amounting to £1,800. The purchase price of the land required was £315. It was resolved to recommend the Council to proceed with the scheme and to make application to the Ministry of Health for sanction to a loan of £2,215 for carrying out the works. The report was adopted. The seal of the Council was placed to the rate mentioned above. Reporting on a visit which he and the Surveyor had made to the Ministry of Health that morning, Mr. Mason said that they took with them a site plan showing the land in Irchester-road and Graveley-street – about 2¾ acres. Mr. Madin had marked out groups of houses, 48 in all. The official in charge took no exception. Under the 1924 Act they were supposed not to put more than twelve houses to the acre, so that 17 houses could not be allowed at all. After considerable discussion the official and the architect agreed to allow Rushden Council to put 46 instead of 48 in the area. (Laughter.) The Council had got to obtain a report from the District Valuer for the land, which the Council had to buy at a fair price. They were assured that the scheme might be proceeded with at once. (Applause.) The Council would have to decide whether the houses were to be erected under special conditions, such as under the Wheatley Act. He thought the errand had been very successful and that there were no difficulties to look forward to. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Perkins asked whether it would be possible to settle the question of the conditions at a special meeting, rather than place it on the agenda for the next ordinary meeting. Mr. Mason said there would be no cause to rush the matter. It could be settled in a month. Mr. Wilmott said that the Housing Committee were wise in their action. He would like to see houses in the Irchester-road district. The delegation deserved thanks for their services in getting the new scheme sanctioned. There would not be crowding-in of the houses. The Chairman said it was a very satisfactory report. Mr. Horrell moved that the thanks of the Council be given to the retiring chairman, who had carried out his duties genially and impartially, the year having been most successful. Mr. Corby seconded, Mr. Hornsby and Mr. Claridge supported, and it was carried. Mr. Bates suitably replied and offered personal thanks to the vice-chairman, the Clerk, Sanitary Inspector, and the Press. Mr. Spencer moved thanks to the vice-chairman. Mr. Bayes seconded, Mr. Bates supported, and it was carried. |
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24th April, 1925 Mr. C. W. Horrell Elected Chairman The first meeting of the newly elected Rushden Urban Council was held on Wednesday, the chamber having been accommodated with extra seats for the six extra Councillors. There were present Mr. C. Bates, J.P. (retiring chairman), Mr. C. W. Horrell (vice-chairman), Dr. Greenfield, Messrs. T. Swindall, C. E. Bayes, T. Wilmott, T. F. B. Newberry, J. Roe, W. C. Tarry, A. Allebone, F. Corby, L. Perkins, B.Sc., J. Spencer, J.P., J. Hornsby, and G. W. Coles, J.P., with the Clerk (Mr. G. S. Mason), the Surveyor (Mr. W. B. Madin), and the Sanitary Inspector (Mr. F. S. F. Piper). The Chair Mr. Bates moved that Mr. Horrell be appointed chairman for the forthcoming year. Mr. Claridge, seconding, said that Mr. Horrell had been a member of the Council for six years and had done excellent work, especially in the last year. He would make an admirable chairman. Mr. Horrell served with diligence, not only on the Council, but on other important bodies in the town. (Hear, hear.) The motion was carried unanimously and with applause. Accepting office, Mr. Horrell said that he had not the advantage of the previous chairman in having held the office previously. He had served two terms under six chairmen. He recognised the very great help that the chairmen had had from their efficient Clerk, Surveyor, and other officials, and the sympathy and consideration they had had from the members of the Council. He was sure he could rely on the same help, sympathy, and consideration during his year of office. He would like to extend to the members of the late Council a hearty welcome on their return. He welcomed back Mr. Bazeley, who had had considerable experience in local governing work for many years, and he would also welcome the new members of the Council. It was a compliment to all five of them, most of them having sought election for the first time, that the town should have placed such confidence in them. Although various political parties had nominated the members of the Council, during the last six years they had recognised nothing of the party spirit in the work of the Council. (Hear, hear.) He was sure that the new Council would follow the same ideal in accomplishing its work. (Applause.) The Vice-Chair Mr. Wilmott moved that Mr. Claridge be the vice-chairman for the ensuing year. Mr. Claridge, he said, had served his apprenticeship by three years as a Council member and had got on wonderfully well, as all members would admit. He had taken a great interest in the Council and the town, carrying out his duties in a capable manner and with dignity. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Spencer seconded, and said he could bear out Mr. Wilmott’s remarks about Mr. Claridge’s interest. Mr. Claridge had also devoted a great amount of time to the duties of the Council. The appointment would be a very good one. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Swindall and Mr. Corby supporting, the motion was carried unanimously. Responding, Mr. Claridge thanked the members for the honour conferred upon him. He would do his best to carry out the duties. He took it with a certain amount of diffidence, but with the help of the Council and the very capable officials he hoped that at the end of the year he would not have failed in his duty. He took an interest in the town; he was born in Rushden, and anything he could do for the town he would be only too happy to do. He was at the service of the council. (Applause.) Committees On the appointment of committees, Mr. Spencer suggested, and after some discussion it was agreed, that, as the Council was now composed of 18 members, each of the committees be made up by electing six members. Each of the three political parties nominating their own representatives, the committees were elected as follow: Finance, Messrs. Horrell, Hornsby, Perkins, Roe, Claridge, and Bates. Health and Sanitary, Dr. Greenfield, Messrs. Coles, Bazeley, Newberry, Corby, and Swindall. Plans and Highways, Messrs. Spencer, Wilmott, Allebone, Tarry, Knight, and Bayes. Parks, Dr. Greenfield, Messrs. Coles, Roe, Tarry, Knight, and Swindall. Housing, Messrs. Horrell, Bayes, Wilmott, Newberry, Bates, and Bazeley. Baths, Messrs. Claridge, Allebone, Corby, Perkins, Spencer, and Hornsby. The Education Sub-Committee appointments and recommendations for appointment by the Council were as standing. The Library Committee was re-elected, with the vacancy caused by the retirement of Miss Clarke filled by the appointment of Mr. Tarry. The appointment of chairmen was left to the committees themselves. Standing Orders Mr. Bazeley asked if the standing orders of the Council that used to be observed were still in operation. The Clerk said they were, but had been relaxed a little that night. It was agreed that copies be circulated amongst the whole of the members and that they be adhered to for the easy and decorous conduct of the business now that the committees were formed ready for routine work. Mr. Spencer moving, it was resolved that the Housing Committee (which had previously met only when there was special business) meet once a month – on third Wednesdays. It was also decided that the Baths Committee meet at an early date and the Parks Committee at the close of the Council meeting – to authorise commencement of bowls and tennis amongst other things. The Clerk read a letter from the County Council to the effect that the stipulation of a fence on the edge of the pavement near the exits from the South-End School (objected to by the Rushden Council) was likely to be waived by the Education Committee. The letter also stated that the County Council would in that case provide for the sum of £50 being allowed to cover the cost of widening the pavement. (Applause.) Mr. Wilmott said the Council had waited a long time, but the matter looked like ending very satisfactorily at last. Housing On the proposition of Mr. Perkins, seconded by Mr. Swindall, it was decided that a committee of three members of the Council, with the chairman, be appointed to go into the question of the finance of the new housing schemes and make recommendations to the whole Council, Mr. Perkins stating that the details needed very careful consideration. The three members elected were Messrs. Bazeley, Perkins, and Wilmott. Mr. Newberry gave notice that he should move at the next meeting that application be made for a sub-post office for the south end of Rushden. |
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