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., L. Perkins, B.Sc., F. Corby, 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).

Housing Committee

  At a meeting of the Housing Committee held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, November 19^th, 1924.  Present: Mr. F. Knight (chairman), Messrs. C. Bates, C. W. Horrell, C. E. Bayes, J. Hornsby, J. Spencer, and T. Wilmott.

Visits to Northampton and Birmingham

  The Chairman reported that he, with Mr. Bates and the Surveyor, had visited Northampton and inspected the houses now in course of construction, which included some tenement houses. From inquiries they made it would appear that concrete in some cases causes dampness in the rooms, and the committee were not satisfied that it would be wise to adopt this material for building in Rushden.

  The Chairman further reported that he, with Mr. Bates, Mr. Horrell, Mr. Bayes, and the Surveyor, had paid a visit to Birmingham and looked over the houses in course of construction there. These were also of concrete, and the arrangement and planning of the buildings excellent.  From information obtained the committee unanimously agreed that for any further houses to be erected in Rushden they should adhere to brick construction if at all possible.

Further Houses

  It was resolved to proceed with a scheme for the construction of a considerable number of houses, and with this end in view a committee consisting of the Chairman, Mr. Horrell, and Mr. Wilmott was appointed to consider sites and report as soon as possible.  In the meantime it was resolved to at once proceed with the erection of eight houses on the developed portion of the Newton-road estate, under the supervision of the Surveyor, under the 1923 Act.  The Surveyor was authorised to obtain any assistance he might require.

  Mr. Knight said that the Housing Committee had not gone to sleep on the question.  He hoped the public would realise that the Council were doing all they possibly could.  There had been a change of Government.  The thing was not standing still.  They were convinced that the old brick and tile houses were the best.    The report was adopted.

  In reply to Mr. Claridge, Mr. Knight said that there was concrete and concrete.  Workmen had said that linen in the concrete houses had been spoilt by damp through the wrong kind of materials being used in the making of the concrete.

  Mr. Claridge thought they were quicker erected.

  Mr. Horrell said they were told that the speed was no greater because of getting going on making blocks.  When the blocks were made the houses went up quicker.  The cost to Rushden was likely to be very much higher because of going to Coventry for concrete blocks.

  Mr. Swindall said they need not go to Coventry for concrete, but he found that such buildings were costly and less satisfactory than brick buildings.

  Mr. Wilmott said that concrete was used mainly where authorities found difficulty in obtaining bricks.  Mr. Spencer said he had no feeling in the matter of bricks or concrete except in so far as speed was concerned.  It was the slow progress of erecting houses that was so lamentable.  If builders, employers and operatives, would put their back into the work, the problem could be solved.  (Hear, hear.)  He would support giving bricks another trial.

  The Chairman said he was convinced that the committee had done the wisest thing.

Public Swimming Baths Committee

  A meeting of the committee appointed to consider the advisability of providing public swimming baths was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, November 19^th, 1924.  Present: Mr. C. Bates (chairman), Messrs. C. W. Horrell, C. Claridge, G. W. Coles, F. Knight, and J. Spencer.

  The committee discussed the general question of open-air and closed baths, and instructed the Clerk to obtain particulars from other Local Authorities as to the cost of construction and maintenance of closed baths, the committee to meet again when this information had been obtained.

  The Clerk reported that the information he had been instructed to obtain was in his possession now.

  The Chairman said that a meeting of the Swimming Baths Committee would be held to consider the information.

Health and Sanitary Committee

  A meeting of the Health and Sanitary Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, November 26^th, 1924.  Present: Mr. C. W. Horrell (chairman), Messrs. C. Bates, C. Claridge, G. W. Coles, F. Corby, L. Perkins, and T. Willmott.

Typewriter

  The Inspector informed the committee that his typewriter was practically worn out, and asked for permission to purchase a new one.

  The committee referred the matter to the Finance Committee with a recommendation that a new machine be purchased.

Covered Scavenging Carts

  The Surveyor reported that the price of a four-wheeled covered van was £80 and for a two-wheeled covered cart £50.  The committee were of opinion that so long as they used the present tip the cart was the most desirable vehicle for the purpose, and resolved to recommend the Council to purchase two from Messrs. Ball & Co., of Rothwell, subject to the Chairman and Surveyor being satisfied with the cart after inspection.

  The report was adopted.

Kings-Road Cottages

  A letter was received from Mr. William Bazeley, of No. 27, Kings-road, stating that he had recently had his house renovated throughout at a cost of about £14 and asking the committee to make him a grant in respect thereof.

  The committee took strong exception to contributing to repairs not authorised by them, but, as part of the renovations included in the bill were rendered necessary by a slight subsidence, agreed to recommend the Council to make a grant of £5.

  It was also resolved that a circular be left with each tenant to the effect that in future no contribution would be made in respect of any work done by them not first sanctioned by the Council.

Typewriter

  The recommendation of the Health and Sanitary Committee with regard to the purchase of a typewriter for Mr. Piper’s office was considered.

  It was resolved to recommend the Council to authorise the Chairman and Vice-Chairman to purchase a suitable one.

Covered Sanitary Carts

  The recommendation of the Health and Sanitary Committee as to the purchase of two covered two-wheeled carts was approved, and it was resolved to recommend the Council accordingly.

Rectory-Road Improvement

  Mr. Horrell reported that he had interviewed Mr. Radburne, who was prepared to sell to the Council the land required for this improvement for £100; this worked out at about 6s.  6d. per yard.

  It was resolved to recommend the Council to purchase at this price, and the Clerk was instructed to forward to the Rector a plan showing the Rectory land required with a view to negotiations being entered into for the purchase of it.

Housing – Architects’ Fees

  Messrs. Talbot Brown and Fisher’s statement with regard to the fees payable to them under the Assisted Housing Scheme was ordered to be sent to the Ministry of Health for their observations and instructions.  The report was adopted.

  In regard to the resolution to pay £5 towards the cost of repairs to Mr. Bazeley’s house, Mr. Hornsby moved that a committee be appointed to inspect the Council property.  He said that not only the first Council houses, but the subsidy houses, should be inspected.  Outwardly some of the doors looked like barn-doors, and no doubt inside renovations were required.  Piecemeal treatment was very unsatisfactory.  One tenant had spent £14 and then asked for payment from the Council.  That was wrong, but all the tenants should be treated alike.  A percentage was put on the rents to cover the cost of repairs.  Some of the private property owners were in advance of the Council.  He suggested that the Finance Committee be asked to appoint three members. 

  Mr. Spencer seconded.

  Mr. Wilmott said it would be well to consider the whole question of the best method.  It was extra responsibility on the rent collector.  Perhaps it would be better to have someone else, lest the tenants think they were not being dealt with impartially.

  Mr. Spencer said he was in favour of the collecting being done by an officer of the Council.

  Mr. Wilmott objected that committees did not do much good through the changes of committees at the end of Council years.

  Mr. Coles supported the motion, and said that the collecting of rents did not affect the matter.  The Council had put 40 per cent. extra on the rents, and the 25 per cent. should be earmarked for repairs.  It was abominable that people should have to pay high rents and yet could not get repairs unless they paid for them again.  The Council had splendid tenants, and they should set an example to other landlords.

  Mr. Knight said that the Housing Committee would be rather glad, as the argument seemed to be that they had not done their duty.  Mr. Woodward, the collector, had only to report tenants’ remarks about repairs, and the Surveyor visited the place and it was put right.  Anyone would think that the Council were the worst landlords in Rushden and “did” their tenants.  The houses which the Council owned were very clean and all new.  The Council objected to the tenants doing repairs without mentioning it to the Council and then expecting the Council to pay.  He thought the Council had met Mr. Bazeley very well.  He had had done what he wanted according to his own taste, and could not very well find fault with…..

  Mr. Coles:  I don’t think that is the question under discussion.

  Mr. Knight concluded that he hoped the new committee would look after the tenants better than the Housing Committee had.

  Mr. Spencer said he did not think the Housing Committee had been responsible for repairs.

  Mr. Wilmott said he was glad the Finance Committee were to appoint the committee, because they would show that there was no money to earmark.    The resolution was passed.

  In reply to Mr. Hornsby, the Clerk said that the Architect had been paid £800 and was asking for the remainder, £2,000.

  Mr. Hornsby:  It seems monstrous.

  In reply to Mr. Perkins, the Chairman said that that was not likely to arise in respect of the next eight houses.

Plans, Highways, and Lighting Committee

  A meeting of the Plans, Highways, and Lighting Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, December 3^rd, 1924, 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:

  Bungalow for Mr. w. A. Dilley on the site of the old Windmill, Wymington-road, and passed.

  House in Carnegie-street for Mr. L. Clark, and passed.

  House in Carnegie-street for Mr. George Clark, and passed.

  Applications for subsidies in respect 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.

  House in Fitzwilliam-street for Mr. H. G. Buttling, and passed.

  Storeroom in East-grove for Messrs. Lovell Brothers, and no exception taken.

  An application was received from Mr. A. E. Kettle for permission to erect a small temporary wooden building at the rear of his premises, No. 9, Bedford-road, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to take no exception thereto.

Subsidy Houses

  The Surveyor reported that Mr. B. Ellis had erected a workshop and cycle shed at the rear of his house in Spencer-road, in respect of which he had received the £100 subsidy.  This was contrary to the regulations of the Ministry of Health with regard to subsidy houses, and the Clerk was instructed to inform Mr. Ellis that the buildings must be at once removed.

  The Surveyor also reported that he had received a plan for the erection by Miss Olive Eden of a motor-garage on the site of the house recently erected by Mr. R. H. Eden, which was also a subsidy house, for which motor-garages were forbidden by the regulations.  It was resolved that the surveyor be instructed to inform Miss Eden that the committee could not pass the plan.

Post Office Telegraphs

  The Surveyor submitted a letter from the Post Office intimating that it was proposed to lay underground wires from the Rushden Post Office to the Higham Ferrers boundary in this district, and inquiring if they might undertake the replacement of the surface of the footpaths.

  The committee thought it highly desirable that this work should be done by the Surveyor, and instructed him to so inform the Post Office authorities.

South-End Schools

  The Surveyor reported that negotiations had been proceeding with the County Education authority for setting back the fence in front of the South-End Schools a distance of 3ft. 6in. and increasing the width of the footpath accordingly.  The Education Committee had agreed to this subject to the Council erecting bafflers at the edge of the footpath to prevent the children running direct from the gate into the roadway.  The committee were of opinion that the bafflers suggested would be a nuisance and increase rather than lessen the danger to the children, and the Surveyor was requested to ask the Education Authority to appoint a small deputation to meet one from this committee and discuss the matter on the spot.  The Chairman, Mr. Horrell, and Mr. Knight were appointed to represent this committee.

Bedford-Road Culvert

  The Surveyor presented his estimate for constructing a culvert over the brook on the Bedford-road, together with other additional works of road improvement, and was requested to confer with the County Surveyor thereon and agree figures previous to submitting the application to the Ministry of Transport.

Diversion of Footpath

  The Surveyor also submitted a statement showing the works required in order to make the proposed substituted footpath satisfactory, and was instructed to see Mr. Tarry thereon and ascertain if he was prepared to incur the expenditure required.

  The report was adopted.

Various Items

    In reply to a question, the Clerk said that the L.M.S. Railway Company had replied that the delay in sending to Rushden again (about the opening of Rectory-road) was owing to the interruption of the General Election and other matters.  It was hoped to proceed in a short time.

  The County Council wrote enclosing a copy of an order to the effect that the number of Guardians of the Poor for the town would be increased from five to six, two to represent each ward, at the next and subsequent elections.

  Mr. J. Bugby applied for renewal of his licence to deal in game, the application being granted.

  The seal of the Council was placed to a mortgage with the Rushden Industrial Co-operative Society for £400 at 4¾ per cent. for the Rushden Hayway-road sewerage scheme.

  Mr. Claridge suggested that the pillar-box at Ward’s corner be removed as part of the general improvement scheme.  Just as suitable a place could be found for it elsewhere.  At present it was a lounging place.  The pavement might be made a bit narrower.

  Mr. Wilmott said that vehicles would then turn sharper, and they turned sharp enough as it was.

  Mr. Swindall said that the Council had not had a report on the progress of the work at that corner for a month, and during that time little had happened.  It would now be another month before a report could be presented.

  The Clerk (replying to Mr. Perkins) said that the Council were waiting for Mr. Brown to get out costs.

19^th December, 1924

Sanitary Inspector’s Report

  At the monthly meeting of the Rushden Urban Council on Wednesday week the following reports were received and adopted:

Health and Sanitary Committee

  The report of the Medical Officer of Health for the month of November was received.

  The Sanitary Inspector reported that during the month he had made the following inspections:  Five factories, one workshop, four cowsheds, two milk sellers, two dairies, five dwelling-houses, and three other premises, and that one visit had been made after a case of scarlet fever.

  Forty-four visits had been made to premises where food was prepared or sold, and he found during these inspections the following food diseased or unsound:  The carcase and organs of an ox, one home-killed and one frozen liver from oxen, one head, two livers, three sets of lungs, and three hearts from pigs, the total weighing 9cwt. 2qr. 9lb.  This food had been destroyed in the usual way.

  One room had been disinfected after tuberculosis, one after scarlet fever, and one after other disease.

  At the Depot two beds, four pillows and bolsters, and two articles of other bedding had been disinfected.

  At the Sewage Farm three beds, two pillows, and one article of bedding and one of wearing apparel had been destroyed after  cases of infectious disease.

  Under the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act one complaint had been received, two premises treated, and one notice served.

  During Rat Week, from the 3^rd inst., 120 tails were brought in from rats caught in the district.

  A letter had been received from Mr. F. Cobley, “Ivydene,” Bedford-road, making application for a licence to slaughter on his premises.  Plans for a slaughterhouse had been submitted.  On the plans being approved and the work carried out to the Inspector’s satisfaction, it was resolved to recommend the Council to grant the licence required.

  An application was received for compensation in respect of destroyed bedding, and it was resolved to supply the applicant with bedding to the value of £2  15s.

Finance and Estates Committee

  A meeting of the Finance and Estates Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, December 3^rd, 1924, 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.

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 during the past month:-

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:-

[The end column of this table is on the fold of the paper and is unreadable.]

And that the balances on the under-mentioned accounts were as follow:-

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Tradesmen’s and Other Accounts

  A number of accounts amounting to £4,206  1s.  3d., were examined and passed for payment.