Has Council Reached The Limit In Housing?

Private Enterprise and Rate Burden May Cause an Early Halt

Salary Increase Opposed During Hour Of Budget Reaction

Town Planning Needed:  Dr. Greenfield On

Scattered Bungalows And Service Costs

  An hour of Budget reaction!  That was the Rushden Urban District Council’s meeting on Wednesday.  Mr. Hornsby had heard from rate payers that the Council was spending too much, and he struck an infectious economy mood by calling for a thorough examination of the housing question in the hope that the Council need build no more.  Mr. Roe readily promised a full investigation by the Housing Committee.

   Dr. Greenfield criticized hap hazard town growth, citing the erection of scattered bungalows as an expensive business for the town.  Mr. Coles agreed that proper planning was necessary in these days of development.  Another economy cry was raised on a proposal to increase an officer’s salary, and the Ministry of Health joined in by declining to accept a housing tender which went beyond the standard price.

  It was the last meeting of the official year and the members allowed themselves the luxury of an amusing interlude about a horse.  They thanked Mr. J. Allen for a year’s able work in the chair, and the appointment of Mr. Arthur Allebone as the next Chairman was foretold.

  Mr. Hornsby said be thought, though he did not know what the other members thought, that it was time they had a kind of stocktaking with regard to the housing matters of the Council.

  He had been from the commencement a supporter of the Council building houses, but he thought the time had arrived – especially in view of the fact that it was now costing something like a 9d. rate -  when every member, especially those on the Housing Committee, should thoroughly overhaul the matter and see whether it was desirable that, when the houses at present planned were completed, they should go on any further.

  With over 700 Council houses already in being, and in view of the fact that a great number were going up by private enterprise (which, as there was still a demand he was very pleased to see)  he thought they as a Council had reached the limit to which they should go before investigating thoroughly to see whether it was wise to go any further.

Heavy Burden

  He noticed that it took a nine-penny rate to finance the housing now, and he thought it would be realised that those who were going in for houses of their own – many of them working men – would find this rate a heavy burden, especially if they happened to fall short of work.  They probably budgeted for their own housing outlay and analysed the position; it was so much a week for instalment of repayment, and on top of that there would be the rates.  Largely through Council housing, however, they had just had to face an eighteen-penny rate increase.

  A fortnight ago Mr. Hornsby continued, Mr. Roe said that the private traders were being hindered very much by the increased assessment last year and the increased rate this year.  He quite agreed with him, but he thought the class of people he had spoken of would feel it equally.

  Mr. Roe confirmed his colleague’s view.  “The new committee will be meeting next Wednesday,” he said, “and this is a matter that they are going into very thoroughly, because the time has arrived, undoubtedly, when we shall have to take stock of our Council houses and really see if we have come to the end of the building, for the time being at any rate.”

  Mr. Roe added a complaint that last Friday night four of the new trees on the Highfield-road were broken about half-way up the stem, and several sticks pulled out from other trees.  The police had the matter in hand, and he hoped they would trace the offenders.  If they did so he was sure a serious view would be taken of the matter.

Outlying Bungalows

  Dr. Greenfield said the Council were constantly getting plans for a number of bungalows, and so on, and it was perfectly obvious that the time must come when they must have a little more “say” as to where these bungalows should be placed.  They had applications for sewerage, water, and so on, for outlying districts, and it was obvious that they were going to spend in some cases as much as these houses cost.

 It was a matter which concerned the Council deeply in connection with the lay-out of the town and he hoped that at some convenient opportunity they would discuss the question of the Town Planning Act.  They were developing the town in a very haphazard and expensive way, and he did hope that at some early date they would see whether they could not develop it in a more rational manner than they were at present.

  Mr. Coles said the position was somewhat “in the air.”  The matter had been discussed by the House of Commons, but they had not come to any decision, though they were of opinion that urban councils might stop this kind of ribbon building, which was very expensive.

Bound To Plan

  It occurred to him that Dr. Greenfield was on the right track – that the problem was all wrapped up with the Town Planning Scheme.  The Council decided three years ago not to join the county planning scheme, as they did not think it would be of any advantage to them or recompense them for the cost; but their position now was that sooner or later they would be compelled to join the county scheme, whether they liked it or not, and would have to contribute.  It seemed to him that the Highways Committee might very well investigate the whole matter and report to the next meeting.

  Dr. Greenfield:  Hear, hear!

  The Chairman:  I think that will be very satisfactory.

Salaries “Epidemic”
Application Referred To Committee

  A recommendation from the Finance Committee that the Housing Manager’s salary be increased by £25 per annum brought Mr. Hornsby to his feet.

  “I would like to move that this be adjourned for six months,” said Mr. Hornsby.  “If my memory serves me aright it is only 12 months since an increase was granted.  There has been quite a number of applications from the staff for increase of salary which I have supported up to now – indeed there has been almost what I might term an epidemic.

  “As a humble member of the Council I have heard various views this last fortnight since the estimates have been public property, and they tell me we are spending too much.  I am quite prepared to spend more on salaries when it is proved that the case merits it, but I think we ought also to remember the other side that contributes.  If this is granted, others may come along.  I am not saying that this gentleman does not merit an increase, or that others do not, but it seems that the time is short since the last increase was given.

  The Chairman:  I think it is the usual procedure for a recommendation to increase a salary to come from the appropriate committee before it goes to the Finance Committee, and I do not remember the Housing Committee having this before them.

  Mr. Roe said it came direct to the Finance Committee.

  Mr. Capon:  It was addressed to the Finance Committee and was too late for the Housing Committee.

  On the proposition of Mr. Allebone, seconded by Mr. Hornsby, the question was then referred to the Housing Committee.

  Mr. Dilks:  I might say that this matter was thoroughly thrashed out in the Finance Committee, and while not wishing to say too much about what transpired, I would like to emphasize the fact that I did oppose the application in the first instance, but having such a prominent economist on the committee telling us that he considered it a just case I withdrew and agreed to the proposition.  I am not one to wish to oppose the payment of proper salaries, but I did at that particular meeting stress the point that this Council has practically pledged itself to watch in the future any additional expenditure in any shape or form whatsoever.  I think the time has come when the Council should consider very minutely before they acquiesce to any further demands on the exchequer fund.

  Mr. Dilks added that he would oppose any increase of salary until the Council found itself in a better financial position.

Horse-Play

  The Council spent a few facetious minutes over a horse.  The Sanitary Committee had to confess that the arrangement entered into for the supply of the necessary horse hire in connection with the removal of infected bedding, etc., had not proved satisfactory, and that it had been cancelled.  Another quotation at 2s.  6d. per hour was recommended for acceptance.

  Mr. Richardson explained sadly that a horse was procured to carry infected bedding at the rate of 1s. 9d. an hour.  What had happened to it he did not know, but another had to be procured at 2s.  6d. per hour.

  Mr. Sawford:  I mentioned this when it was brought forward in February and they told the Council that it was going to be a satisfactory method.  Now they come along and state that it is unsatisfactory and will mean additional expense.  What guarantee have they now that it will be any more satisfactory?  Personally, I should like to see a motor procured.  Surely the Council should have sufficient work for a small van.

  Mr. Richardson:  I don’t think the idea has failed, because we haven’t seen the horse! (Laughter).  The idea was quite all right had it come into being, but we did not find the horse when the Inspector wanted it.  I don’t see that we can find any fault with it.

One Job Only

  Dealing with the van suggestion Mr. Richardson said:  “When a vehicle has been used for infected bedding, what other use can you put it to.  Who wants to use it when it had carried these things?  A car or a van would be an expensive item for just that one purpose.”

  Mr. Sawford:  You agree it was not satisfactory under the old method.  What guarantee have you to get the horse now?

  Mr. Dilks (Solemnly):  I think Mr. Sawford is the last man who should come to this Council and recommend a motor, seeing that only to-day he went to Northampton in his car and drove so well that the belt broke and smashed his radiator.  (Loud laughter.)

  “What should we do if we had the bedding in that?” demanded Mr. Dilks.

  Mr. Green:  It is a small matter.

  Mr. Richardson:  It is.  We haven’t tried the horse – the one-and-nine penny one, I mean.

  Mr. Perkins:  If you are going to have a horse for one-and-nine pence you don’t expect to see it!  (Laughter).

  The Chairman:  I think the horse is the most economical way of dealing with it – if you can get one.

  The comedy ended with the confirmation of the committee’s report.

GUARDIANS RE-ELECTED
Member’s Retirement Talk Cut Short

  Messrs. Allebone and Green were re-elected to the Area Assessment Committee.  An extra representative was required, but Mr. Hornsby, whose name was suggested, is a member of the local Rating Committee and therefore ineligible.  He pointed out that the Council committees would be changed at the next meeting and left it to the Council to decide whether to keep him on the Rating Committee or put him on the Area Committee.  Mr. Coles, whose name was proposed alternatively for the Area Committee, said he left it entirely to Mr. Hornsby.

  The matter was adjourned to the next meeting.

  There was a rush to propose the re-appointment of Messrs. Denton Spencer and Wilmott on the Guardians Committee for the Wellingborough area, but Mr. Wilmott interposed with “Half a minute, Mr. Chairman!”

  “I was thinking about making room for someone else” he said.  “I think someone else might like to have a go.  I have had about six or seven years, and I would be pleased to withdraw my name if anyone else would like to take it.”

  Mr. Capon moved “that the question be now put,” and without further ado the three old members were reappointed.

  Mr. Roe commented on the appointment of the Sanitary Inspector as the officer to enforce certain provisions of the Shops Act, 1934.  “Might I ask what these certain provisions are,” he said, “and is there any pay attached – because the County Council are very fond of handing over jobs for which there is no pay.”

  Mr. Piper replied that there was no pay.  The Council had to attend to the ventilation and lighting of shops, and that sort of thing and the County Council dealt with the working hours of employees.

  The Chairman said it was a statutory matter, and a member was heard to say something about “a Christmas-box.”

  Mr. Allebone:  Under these statutory Acts which our Inspector has to deal with the Ministry of Health contributes half towards his salary every year, so he is expected to do the work.

  Mr. Richardson:  It seems to me that the proposition was just a nominal one and did not call for any comment whatever.  (Laughter.)

New Rate Sealed

  The Council’s seal was affixed to a rate of 6s. In the £ for the half year, bringing in £21,129.

  Mr. Capon called attention to the rate arrears - £2  12s.  4d.  “I think that does us all credit,” he said.

  Mr. Sawford sought information about the inspection of meat.  Had the Inspector the privilege of examining meat that came into the town and was not actually slaughtered in the slaughter-houses of the town?

  The Inspector (Mr. F. S. F. Piper):  Yes, and as far as possible all the meat is examined that is imported into the town.

  Mr. Sawford accepted the answer as satisfactory.

  A tender for the erection of 16 non-parlour houses on the Irchester-road estate was approved by the Ministry of Health, and building will proceed, but the Ministry found the provisional tender for 10 parlour type houses considerably in excess of what would be approved.

  The Clerk and the Surveyor had attended at the Ministry for an interview and were informed that having regard to the standard price for this type of house it was impossible to approve the tender.

  The Council agreed to amend the plans and specifications, and advertise for fresh tenders.

  The Housing Manager reported that at the request of the District auditor special efforts had been made to reduce the rent arrears and the amount owing was about £50 less than was the case a year ago.

  Of the 66 houses ordered in Highfield-road it was reported that 26 were now occupied and a further 12 would be ready shortly.

Building Plans

  Building plans were:- Two houses, Prospect-avenue, Messrs. T. Swindall and Sons;  house, Bedford-road, Messrs. W. Packwood and Son;  eleven bungalows, Newton-road, Mr. A. Osborne;  bungalow, Birchall-road, Messrs. T. Swindall and Sons;  shop, High-street South, Messrs. T. Swindall and Sons,  extensions and alterations at 7, Station-road, Mr. H. C. Swindall;  addition to house, Birchall-road, Mr. W. Timpson; additions to 27, Griffith-street, Dr. R. W. Davies; garage, 105, Higham-road, Mr. H. J. Goodband; sanitary accommodation at the Compass Inn, Bedford-road, Messrs. P. Phipps and Co., Ltd.; tool shed, Prospect-avenue, Mr. R. P. Brookes; extension to sports pavilion, Bedford-road, Messrs. John White, Ltd.; canopy in front of showroom, Station-road, Mr. Jack Joyce.

  In connection with the Church-street improvement the Council accepted the tender of Messrs. A. Sanders, Ltd., at £266  10s. (the lowest) for taking down Mr. A. E. Hill’s store shed, providing him with similar accommodation, and constructing a wall on the new building line.  For the road works the tender of Mr. Herbert Wilmott at £225  4s.  2d. (the lowest) was accepted.

  The Veterinary Inspector reported that the cows examined were clinically normal, and the majority in good condition.

  Six samples of milk examined under the Clean Milk Production Scheme were all satisfactory.

  Thirty-three names appeared on the list of outworkers from the factories.

  Mr. Piper was authorised to attend the Sanitary Inspectors’ Conference at Weymouth in September.

  Mr. Hornsby gave notice to move at the May meeting “That the minute which was passed by the Council fixing the rents of de-controlled houses in Kings-road be rescinded and that in future no distinction be made in the rents of houses in Kings-road whether controlled or de-controlled.”

CHAIRMAN THANKED
He Has Enjoyed Being Busy

  Mr. Green proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Allen for the very able way in which he had conducted the business of the Council.  Mr. Allen, he said, had served them very well indeed and given them all an opportunity of expressing their views and opinions on every subject brought before the meetings.  All the members would wish to have recorded on the minutes their appreciation of him and their thanks for his services.

  Mr. Coles, seconding, said he thought that as the years rolled on the occupant of the Council chair had more calls on his time than ever.  In spite of that Mr. Allen had put in something like 100 per cent of attendances at the meetings, and whenever his services had been required he had complied.  He had satisfied the members of the Council, and the whole town appreciated the work he had put in.

  Mr. Dilks:  As one of the younger members of the Council, and one, perhaps, who does not really understand the proper routine of Council work, I wish to express my sincere thanks to Mr. Allen for the very courteous manner in which he has conducted the business, and the wonderful and gentlemanly manner in which he has allowed us beginners to express our thoughts, however crude they may have been.

  The resolution was carried with applause.  Mr. Allen said he had enjoyed the position.  He felt it to be a position of honour, and he trusted that he had not let the Council down, and that he had been as just as it was possible for him to be under the circumstances.  He had put in a good deal of time, both inside the Council walls and outside, and he had enjoyed it all.  He had been blessed with good health and had been very fortunate in that respect.

Officers Complimented

  In thanking the Vice Chairman and the officers, Mr. Allen referred to the very able way in which the Clerk (Mr. W. L. Beetenson) had conducted the work of the Council.  It had been a new venture and he was sure the Clerk had been exceedingly busy.  They had also seen the results of Mr. Maclean’s work as Accountant in his first year, and they heartily appreciated the good work he had put in.

  Mr. Perkins seconded the vote of thanks to the Vice-Chairman.  “I think,” he said, “we may safely regard him as our Chairman-elect, and we know he has taken very great pains to master the work of the Council so that when the time comes he will be fitted to succeed what has been an able Chairman.”

  Mr. Allebone briefly replied.

  Members in attendance were Messrs. J. Allen, J.P. (Chairman), A. Allebone, J.P., C.C. (Vice-Chairman), J. White, J. Roe, T. W. Cox, F. Green, L. Perkins, M.B.E., W. E. Capon, A. Wilmott, J. E. Dilks, G. W. Coles, J.P., W. J. Sawford, J. Hornsby, E. A. Sugars and J. T. Richardson.

  The Chairman mentioned the illness of Mr. John Spencer, expressed the members’ sympathy, and added that they heard with great pleasure that Mr. Spencer was recovering.  They trusted that he, and Mr. J. S. Denton, also, would soon be back in health and strength again.