Application For A Petty Sessional Court Refused
The Washbrook-road Improvement
Representation on the County Council

    Wednesday, present Messrs. C. W. Horrell (vice-chairman, presiding), T. Swindall, T. Wilmott, C. E. Bayes, C. Claridge, F. Knight, J.P., J. Spencer, J.P., J. Hornsby, and G. W. Coles, J.P., with the Acting Clerk (Mr. W. L. Beetenson) and the Surveyor (Mr. W. B. Madin).

Council In Committee

  A meeting of the whole Council in Committee was held at the east end of Washbrook-road on Wednesday, July 16^th, 1924, when there were present: Messrs. C. Bates (chairman), C. W. Horrell, C. E. Bayes, C. Claridge, G. W. Coles, F. Corby, J. Hornsby, F. Knight, J. Spencer, T. Swindall, and T. Wilmott.

Washbrook-Road Footpath

  The committee inspected the line of the footpath and approved a new line as set out by the Surveyor, and he was instructed to carry out the work forthwith.

Health Week

  The committee authorised Mr. Piper to call a representative meeting for the purpose of making arrangements for Health Week, to be held in October next.

Allen-Road

  The Surveyor submitted tenders for the making up of this road under the Private Street Works Act, and it was resolved that that of Mr. H. Wilmott for £1,020 be accepted.

Hayway Sewer

  The Surveyor also submitted tenders for the laying of this sewer, and it was resolved that that of Mr. H. Wilmott be accepted, amounting to £430.

Feast Week

  An application was received from Messrs. C. Thurston and Sons for the use of part of the Park for Feast Week, and it was resolved that the same be acceded to subject to them agreeing to pay an increased charge of £35.

Wembley

  It was resolved that the employees of the Council be allowed a day off, with pay, on Saturday, August 30^th for the purpose of visiting the Exhibition at Wembley.

  The report was adopted.

  In reply to the Council’s letter asking for £35 from Mr. Charles Thurston for the use of Spencer Park for Rushden Feast Week, Mr. Thurston wrote stating that he regretted he could not pay £35 as there were so many other expenses to meet.  He would be willing to pay £25, or £30 if the Council would clear away the rubbish.

  On the proposition of Mr. Swindall, seconded by Mr. Coles, the offer of £25 was accepted, Mr. Thurston to do the necessary repairs.

  Mr. Spencer voted against the acceptance.

  Mr. Hornsby said he wished to record his vote against the alteration of the pavement line in Washbrook-road (from the High-street corner towards the brook).  He said he was not in favour of it and regarded it as an unnecessary expense.  The Highways Committee were nothing like unanimous on it.  They met twice on the site and were divided in opinion.  Then the whole Council met and inspected the path.  The expense was not needed for widening the road.  The amount of traffic which passed there was a mere flea-bite compared with the traffic in High-street.  The money could have been spent more wisely is other ways.  He would like to have seen a row of trees planted there.  It was within the knowledge of the Council that the trees in Wellingborough-road and Higham-road had had to be cut for the ’bus traffic, but the beauty of trees in Washbrook-road need not have suffered in that way.  Money could have been better spent in rounding off sharp corners.  He wished it to be known that he voted against the scheme.

  The Chairman pointed out that the work was done.

  Mr. Wilmott said he hoped that the Highways Committee would still plant trees in Washbrook-road when the proper season arrived.

Health And Sanitary Committee

  A meeting of the Health and Sanitary Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, July 30^th, 1924, when there were present:  Messrs. C. W. Horrell (chairman), C. Bates, G. W. Coles, F. Corby, and T. Wilmott.

Health And Sanitary Reports

  The report of the Medical Officer for the past month was received.

  The Sanitary Inspector reported that during the past month 24 additional nuisances had been dealt with, of which number 12 had been abated.  Of the outstanding nuisances, 18 had been abated.

  Forty-three visits had been made to premises where food was prepared or sold; during these inspections a quantity of beef and mutton offal had been found to be unfit for human consumption and destroyed in the usual way.

  At the depot a quantity of bedding had been disinfected, and a bed destroyed at the sewage farm, all after cases of infectious disease.  Eight rooms had been disinfected.  The Inspector gave a detailed statement of his work and inspections since the last meeting.

Petroleum Acts

  An application was received from Mr. F. Wilkins, High-street South, for a licence to store 60 gallons of petrol at the rear of the Waggon and Horses Inn.  It was resolved to recommend the Council to accede to the application subject to the proposed store being to the satisfaction of the Inspector.

Milk And Dairies Act, 1922

  Applications were received from Mr. Percy F. Tompkins, Mackworth Green, Finedon, to be registered as a wholesale and retail purveyor of milk, and from Mr. A. J. Waller, of Moor-road, Rushden, to be registered as a cowkeeper and dairyman, and it was resolved to recommend the Council that their names be placed on the registers.

Manning’s-Lane

  The Inspector read a letter from the owners’ agent stating that he was unable to carry out the improvements suggested by the sub-committee who had visited the houses, and requesting the Council to take the necessary steps for obtaining a Closing Order.

  The committee felt that it was impossible at the present time to take any such action, and instructed the Inspector to ask the owners to be good enough to make the houses watertight and to repair the flooring where unsafe.

Public Urinal

  It was resolved to approach the L.M.S. Railway Company with a view to the improvement of the public convenience near the railway arch.

Inspector’s Holiday

  The committee agreed that the Inspector might take his holidays for 14 days from the 11^th inst.  The report was adopted.

Finance And Estates Committee

  A meeting of the Finance and Estates Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, August 13^th, 1924, at 10 a.m., when there were present: Messrs. C. Bates (chairman), C. W. Horrell, C. E. Bayes, C. Claridge, G. W. Coles, T. Swindall, and T. Wilmott.

Surveyor’s Cash Account

  The committee examined the Surveyor’s cash account with the wages books, the expenditure shown therein being as follows:

Collector’s Accounts

  The Collector’s accounts were also examined, from which it appeared that he had collected the following sums since the last meeting:

Treasurer’s Accounts

  The committee also examined the Treasurer’s accounts, from which it appeared that he had received the following sums since the last meeting:

And that the following balances were in his hands:-

Tradesmen’s And Other Accounts

  A number of accounts amounting to £2,233  8s.  1d. were examined and passed for payment.

Newton-Road Improvement Loans £1,484 and £1,759

  The Clerk reported that, as instructed, he had been in communication with the National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives, who had agreed to advance these loans at 4½ per cent.

  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, August 13^th, 1924, when there were present: Messrs. C. Bates (chairman), C. W. Horrell, C. E. Bayes, J. Hornsby, J. Spencer, and T. Swindall.

Plans

were presented for:-

  Office and lavatory accommodation at the Palace Theatre for the Palace Co., Ltd., and passed.

  Motor garage in Gordon-street for Mr. C. N. Clark, and passed.

  Motor garage in Montague-street (all-steel building) for Mr. A. W. Warner, and no exception taken.

  Storeroom and slight extension to house No. 124, Wellingborough-road, for Mr. W. Tilley, and passed.

  Additions to house No. 10, Wentworth-road, Mr. Mr. J. H. Jones, and passed subject to his making the w.c. comply with By-law 67.

  Motor garage (wooden building) off Queen-street for Mr. Arthur Mantle, and no exception taken subject to a correct plan being submitted.

  Cycle shed at the rear of his house in the Hayway for Mr. G. Golesworthy, and no exception taken.

Miscellaneous Wooden Buildings

  Applications were received for permission to erect small wooden buildings near their premise as follows:-

Mr. R. Parker, 105, Park-road;

Mr. W. F. Bayes, 19, Spencer-road;

Mr. R. C. Maycock, 74, Moor-road;

Mr. S. Linnell, Wymington-road;

Mr. S. Neal, 217, Wellingborough-road;

And it was resolved to recommend the Council to take no exception thereto. 

Infringement Of By-Laws

  The Surveyor reported that Mr. E. J. Wrighton, of Harborough-road, had erected a wooden building near his house without having first obtained the sanction of the Council thereto.

  It was resolved to require Mr. Wrighton to attend the next meeting of the committee to show cause why he should not be required to remove the buildings.

Hayway Corner

  A letter was received from Canon Tonks inquiring what amount the Council proposed to give to the Trustees of the Catholic Presbytery as compensation for the land required to be given up for this improvement.

  The committee did not consider that this was a case in which compensation should be payable, and the Clerk was requested to place the committee’s views before Canon Tonks.

Factory And Workshops Act, 1901

  A notification was received from H.M. Inspector of Factories that he did not consider the factory of Messrs. W. A. Patenall and Sons, Ltd., in North-street, was provided with suitable means of escape in case of fire and asking the Council’s consideration thereof.

  It was resolved that the Chairman, with Mr. Bayes and the Surveyor, make an inspection of the factory and report to the next meeting.

Road Direction Signs

  A letter was received from the Ministry of Transport with regard to direction signs.  The committee were of opinion that Rushden was suitably provided for and that no action need be taken in the matter.

Cromwell-Road

  The Surveyor reported that repairs were necessary to part of this road, but, in consequence of its liability to flood, it was desirable that a surface drain be provided.  The Surveyor was instructed to put in 50yds. of storm drain, with two additional gulleys.

Steam-Roller

  The Depot Sub-Committee reported that the steam-roller showed a very considerable amount of wear, and recommended that inquiries be made from steam-roller manufacturers as to the price they would supply a new roller after giving credit for the value of the old one.

  The committee agreed, and resolved to recommend the Council to act accordingly.

Public Lighting

  It was resolved to commence lighting in High-street on Monday next, the 18^th inst., and full lighting on the 30^th inst.

  It was also resolved to provide five automatic lamp controllers for the five all-night gas lamps.

  The Surveyor reported that he had received a notification from the Electric Light Company of a 10 per cent. reduction in the price charged for current.

  The Lighting sub-Committee were requested to make an inspection of the town with a view to the provision of any additional lamps that may be required.

Wellingborough-Road

  It was resolved to apply to the Rushden Industrial Co-operative Society for permission to make a road improvement at the west corner of this road at its junction with Kimbolton-road.  This would require a certain amount of land to be given up, and it was arranged that the Surveyor should meet representatives of the Society and explain to them exactly what is required.

Classified Roads

  The Surveyor reported that the Ministry of Transport had approved the estimates sent in by him for the improvement and maintenance of these roads for the year 1924-1925.  The improvement consisted of the construction of a footpath on the Irchester road from Gordon-street to the Four Roads.  The committee instructed the Surveyor to proceed with the work at his convenience.

Rectory-Road Improvement

  The Clerk was instructed to again write to the L.M.S. Railway Company inquiring if this improvement was receiving their further consideration and asking for an early reply.    The report was adopted.

  Regarding the suggested improvement at the Kimbolton-road junction, Mr. Coles said that the Co-operative Society agreed to the committee’s requirement.

The County Council

  The Clerk to the Northants County Council wrote, in reply to a letter from the Rushden Council, stating that the latter (on the subject of increased representation of Rushden on the County Council) had been placed before the Finance and General Purposed Committee at their last meeting.

  A member asking what the reply conveyed, the Clerk said he took it to mean that the letter from the Rushden Council had been submitted to the committee of the County Council and that no further action could be taken.  At the last meeting it had been stated that the subject would be considered after the new Council were elected.

  Mr. Coles (who had raised the discussion at a recent meeting) said he did not feel inclined to let the matter stand where it did.  They ought to have been met with greater sympathy.  Rushden was the worst represented district in the county, and he did not think they ought to submit to opposition if there were any further steps they could take.  He would suggest that the Member of Parliament for the division be asked to deal with the subject in Parliament.  It was two years since they made the application, and still they had no sort of reply.  It was most unsatisfactory.

  On the suggestion of the Chairman, and moved by Mr. Coles and seconded by Mr. Spencer, it was agreed to ask the Rushden representatives on the County Council to raise the subject at the next meeting of the County Council.

Petty Sessional Court

  The Clerk read a letter, dated July 10^th, replying to the Rushden Council’s application for a separate Petty Sessional Court, stating that the Standing Joint Committee had carefully considered the application at two meetings.  It did not appear to the committee that there had been any material changes in the circumstances and considerations governing the matter since the occasion of the previous representations by the Rushden Council in 1912 which would justify a departure from the decision then arrived at by the committee, and they therefore regretted they could not accede to the application.

  Mr. Spencer (on whose suggestion the application had been made) said he felt in the same position as Mr. Coles over the County Council representation – “only worse.”  (Laughter.)  He did not think all Rushden minor cases should be tried at Wellingborough.  He would move another resolution later.

  Mr. Wilmott said he did not think it would be any good.

Application

having been made by St. Dunstan’s Hostel authorities for permission to hold a flag-day in Rushden and to be given a date, the Chairman and the Clerk were instructed to refer to The Rushden Echo for a date and give the necessary authority.

  The Rushden and District Electric Supply Company wrote asking the Council’s permission to erect overhead mains through the Rushden urban district to supply Sharnbrook.

  On the proposition of Mr. Knight, seconded by Mr. Spencer, it was resolved that the matter be referred to the Highways Committee.

Loan

  The Council sanctioned the raising of a loan of £400 for constructing the sewer in Hayway-road.

Traffic

  Mr. David Nicholson wrote respecting ’bus traffic at the top of Skinner’s-hill, and said he was pleased to note that ’buses were not to be allowed to stand there.  He had recently seen three ’buses standing at the top of the hill, facing Wellingborough, and a National ’bus standing on the opposite side of the road, facing Bedford.  He asked the Council to imagine the result of motor vehicles meeting there at the time from different directions.

  Mr. Wilmott said he thought the Highways Committee and the police had been informed.

  Mr. Horrell said the Chairman had told him he was afraid the ’bus companies had not observed the instructions given to them.

  Mr. Bayes said the ’buses stopped too long at the top of the hill.

  Mr. Coles said he took it that there was no objection to the ’buses picking up passengers at the top of the hill, but that they ought not to stand there a long time.

  On the motion of Mr. Swindall, seconded by Mr. Coles, it was decided to call the attention of the police to the matter.

  Mr. Wilmott:  That is the second time we have passed that resolution!

A Nuisance

  Mr. Coles drew attention to the nuisance caused on footpaths in Victoria-road by cows, and said it had taken 1½ hours to get the paths cleaned recently.

  Mr. Horrell said he did not know whose cows they were, but he thought the owner’s attention ought to be called to the subject.  On a recent Sunday night the paths were in an absolutely disgraceful condition.

  The Sanitary Committee was asked to deal with the matter.

Congratulations

  Mr. Coles suggested that a letter of congratulation be sent to Mr. Abbott on his having saved two lives at the seaside.  The Council were all proud that a Rushden man should have done so noble a deed, and pleased that he had got home safely.  (Hear, hear.)

  Mr. Swindall supported, and said that the matter was being brought before the St. John Ambulance Association, of which Mr. Ablett was a member, and it was hoped that something would be done in the matter and that the Council would take part.