Another Forty Houses To Be Built
Rents Under The Wheatley Act
Housing Subsidies
Tenant’s Defiance of Council
Covered or Uncovered Swimming Bath?

  Wednesday, present Councillors C. W. Horrell, C.A., J.P. (chairman), C. Claridge (vice-chairman), T. Wilmott, T. F. B. Newberry, J. Roe, A. Allebone, W. C. Tarry, D. G. Greenfield, M.D., F. Knight, J.P., F. Corby, T. Swindall, L. Perkins, B.Sc., J. Spencer, J.P., J. Hornsby, G. W. Coles, J.P., W. Bazeley, J.P., and C. Bates, with the Clerk (Mr. G. S. Mason), the Surveyor (Mr. W. B. Madin), and the Sanitary Inspector (Mr. F. S. F. Piper).

Housing Committee

  A meeting of the Housing Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, Nov. 18^th, 1925, when there were present: Messrs. C. Bates (chairman), C. W. Horrell, W. Bazeley, T. F. B. Newberry, and T. Wilmott.

Irchester-Road Site

  The committee had under consideration the number and type of houses to be erected on this site and instructed the Surveyor to prepare a scheme for 40 houses, twelve of the parlour type and the remainder of the non-parlour type.

  A letter was received from the Ministry of Health with reference to the application by the Council for sanction to a further housing site on the Irchester road and requesting that the Department might be informed in the first instance of the Council’s reasons for desiring to acquire this site in view of the fact that there was still surplus land on the Trafford-road assisted housing site.  The Clerk was instructed to inform the Ministry that the Council had already erected 158 houses on the Trafford-road site and that it was absolutely necessary in the interests of the town that some provision be made for further houses in other parts.  The Irchester-road site was distant 1½ miles from the Trafford-road site and a considerable number of factories were situate in that district.  In the opinion of the committee, it was unfair and unwise to place all their houses in one district of the town when it was possible to obtain convenient sites in other districts.  The site on the Irchester road fronted a public highway in which sewers, water mains, and gas mains already existed, so that there would be no expense in road making, etc.  To develop the remaining part of the Trafford-road site in accordance with the lay-out plan already sanctioned by the Ministry, including road-making, sewers, gas and water mains, would cost approximately £4,000 and only provide sites for 50 houses – i.e., £80 per house.  It was estimated that the Irchester-road land would provide sites for 40 houses, and the cost of the land being £1,239 this equalled £31 per house, and if there was added to this the liability in respect of roads provided for in the contract this would be increased to £50 per house, so that it was obvious that it was a better and cheaper proposition to build on the Irchester-road site.

Subletting

  The Clerk submitted a list of tenants of the council’s houses who had either sublet or taken in lodgers without the consent of the Council.  There was no case of serious overcrowding, but the Clerk was instructed to draw the attention of each tenant to the infringement of the Council’s regulations and to request that they would take the first available opportunity of dispensing with the sub-tenants.

  The Clerk informed the committee that, Mrs. Upton having made default in dispensing with her lodgers for one month after notice, he had in accordance with the instructions of the council, given her a week’s notice to terminate her tenancy, which would expire on Saturday next.  In case of continued default until the next Council meeting, it was resolved to recommend the Council to instruct the Clerk to take the necessary ejectment proceedings.

No. 7, Kings-Road

  The committee were informed that the present occupier of this house had recently purchased one and would be leaving in the course of a week.  The actual tenant was Mrs. Margaret Willmott, who was now residing at the Waverley Hotel as manageress there, and she was desirous of retaining the tenancy of the house and putting in a sub-tenant.

  The committee were unable to agree to this and instructed the Clerk to give notice to Mrs. Willmott terminating her tenancy.

Rents Under The Wheatley Scheme

  With regard to the 45 houses recently erected under this scheme, for which tenants were selected at the committee’s last meeting, it was resolved that the rents be provisionally fixed at 10s.  3d. per week on the understanding that a revision be made at the expiration of six months, making the rents comply with the provisions of the Act of Parliament.

Public Works, Road, And Transport Congress

  The committee thought it would be of advantage to the town if the Chairman of the Highways Committee and the Surveyor attended the congress and inspected the exhibits, and authorised them to do so.

  The report was adopted.

  On the question of the proposed use of the Irchester-road site, Mr. Coles asked whether the Council proposed to start on the erection of the houses on that side at once and compensate the allotment-holders, or whether they were going to wait for six months.

  Mr. Bates said, in view of what crops were now on the land, he personally would favour proceeding at once, but the committee should consider the point.

  The Clerk read a letter from the Ministry of Health, dated December 8^th, stating that they considered it inadvisable that additional land should be required while the Trafford-road site was not all used up.

  The Chairman said that the Council could not accept that position for one moment.  It had been fully discussed, and it was shown that the difference in sewerage, water, and gas to each house would be as to £80 in Trafford-road and £40 in Irchester-road, apart from the fact of convenience of the public.  He suggested that a deputation be appointed to wait on the Ministry to put the facts before them.

  Mr. Spencer moved that Mr. Horrell, Mr. Bates, the Clerk, and the Surveyor be appointed such a deputation.

  Mr. Coles seconded, and said it was right that houses should be built in all parts of the town.

  Mr. Perkins suggested that the Ministry be told that more than 40 houses were proposed on the Irchester-road site.

  The motion was carried.

  Mr. Coles said he thought the committee were very drastic in their suggested action regarding Mrs. Upton.  He admitted that it was a bad case, but others had also transgressed.

  Mr. Bates said the question had been discussed on two or three occasions, and nobody was more sorry for Mrs. Upton than were the committee, but they could not let the matter slide.

  Mr. Perkins asked if it would still be too late, if the tenant complied with the wishes of the Council, for her to cling to her house.

  The Chairman said she had had two months already.

  Mr. Coles said the woman could not pay the rent, and it was an absurd position for the Council to take up.

  Mr. Claridge favoured backing up the committee, who, he said, had had all the facts before them.

  Mr. Spencer felt he could not vote for such a proposal, much as he would like to support the committee.

  Dr. Greenfield pointed out that some committees would resign if they were not supported after so much consideration of a subject.

  Mr. Coles objected, and said he did not put his view in any sense of want of confidence.

  Mr. Bazeley said he was willing to resign from the committee if the Council had not confidence in the members.  The circumstances they were considering had been exceptional.  The tenant had made application to be allowed to take a sub-tenant, had been refused, and three days later had received the sub-tenant, his wife and family into the house from Irthlingborough.  The Council’s authority would be gone if they allowed such procedure.  (Hear, hear.)

  Mr. Horrell said the Council were landlords and they could not allow their conditions to be broken.  In no other case of subletting, as far as the Council knew, had they been defied like it.  They had investigated every case where they were responsible, and in the two or three cases of violation promise had been made to comply with the conditions at the earliest possible moment.  It would be a huge blunder, and would not add to their dignity, if the Council went back on their word.  The woman had been to see him.  Nobody expected they were going to turn her into the street.

  An amendment which Mr. Coles had moved on the lines of his suggestions, and which had been seconded by Mr. Spencer, was withdrawn by the mover, Mr. Spencer abstaining from voting.

  Mr. Newberry was informed that the previous Council had considered the question of flats for working-class families similar to those at Northampton let at 6s. a week, and had come to the conclusion that they were not suitable for Rushden.

Swimming Baths Committee

  A meeting of the Swimming Baths Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, October 25^th, 1925 when there were present: Messrs. C. Claridge (chairman), A. Allebone, F. Corby, J. Hornsby, L. Perkins, and J. Spencer.

Swimming Bath

  The committee reported that they had visited and inspected both the open and closed swimming baths at Kettering, and, in view of the information obtained there, had decided that the proposed bath at Rushden should be 75ft. by 40ft.

  It was estimated that the cost of constructing a bath of this size would be about £3,500, but before preparing any detailed estimates the Surveyor was instructed to obtain from reliable reinforced concrete makers a specification and price for the construction of the bath itself.

  The report was adopted.

  Dr. Greenfield suggested that the length be greater, even if the bath were narrower, to be better for swimming.

  Mr. Perkins said the committee had regarded the Kettering bath (75ft.) as plenty long enough and suitable for swimming races.  The idea of the breadth being rather great was to allow for plenty of room for non-swimmers, though he personally would like to have had the bath 100ft. long.

  Mr. Claridge said the measurements were only suggested and not unalterable.

  Mr. Spencer pressed for the work to be started as early as possible.

  Mr. Swindall asked that the Council in committee consider the whole suggestions of the committee.

  Dr. Greenfield suggested that a second estimate be prepared showing the cost if the measurements were 100ft. by 30ft.

  Mr. Knight:  Also another for a covered-in bath.

  Mr. Claridge:  The Council has already decided against a covered-in-bath.

  Mr. Knight:  One can be used for about three months and the other eight months in a year.

  Mr. Claridge:  One would cost about £4,000 and the other about £20,000.

  Mr. Knight:  Rubbish, rubbish!

  Mr. Wilmott said he had heard of the extraordinary cost if the bath was covered in, but he was not satisfied.  He moved that an estimate be prepared by the Surveyor showing the cost.  Some people thought it would fail to be accepted.  That was the ratepayers’ question.

  Mr. Knight seconded the motion.

  By nine votes to six it was carried.

Plans, Highways, And Lighting Committee

  A meeting of the Plans, Highways, and Lighting Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, Nov. 25^th, 1925, when there were present: Messrs. T. Wilmott (chairman), A. Allebone, G. W. Coles, Fred Knight, and W. C. Tarry.

Plans

were presented for:

  Storeroom at the rear of No. 47, High-street, for Mr. H. O. Miller, and passed.

  House in Prospect-avenue for Mr. A. C. Underwood, and passed.

  An application for a subsidy in respect of the foregoing house was received, together with an estimate of the cost thereof, which did not exceed, including the cost of the land, £700, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to issue a certificate in respect of same as coming within the Council’s scheme for the subsidy of £100.

Miscellaneous Buildings

  A number of applications were received for permission to erect small wooden buildings near their premises, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to take no exception thereto.

Garages To Subsidy Houses

  The committee reconsidered the question of permitting garages to be constructed in connection with houses which had received the subsidy.  It was now understood that the Ministry would allow local authorities to exercise their discretion in the matter, but the Minister, in sanctioning the granting of subsidies, distinctly stated that he could not authorise the Council to issue certificates in respect of houses of which the net cost to the owner, after allowing for subsidy, is in excess of £600, including the cost of the land.

  The consequence of this restriction is that no building owner, where the cost of his house and land amounts to £700, can have a plan passed which includes a garage in addition.  If, on the other had, the house were passed and subsequent to its completion the owner obtained permission for a garage, making the total cost exceed £700, the Council would be abusing the authority given to them by the Minister, and in these circumstances the committee felt unable to grant the permission asked for.

Additional Subsidy Houses

  The Clerk informed the committee that the present authority for making a lump-sum grant in respect of subsidy houses was limited to those likely to be commenced before December 31^st next, and the Council would be unable to issue further certificates unless they obtained an extension of time.

  The Clerk was instructed to apply to the Ministry for permission to issue 50 further certificates in respect of houses commenced before June 30^th next and completed before December 31^st following.

Roads Improvement Act, 1925

Public Health Act, 1925

  The Surveyor submitted a letter from the County Surveyor inquiring if the Council considered it necessary for any improvement lines to be stipulated for on the main roads under these Acts.

  He had consulted with the Clerk thereon and replied that at the present time he did not think any action need be taken in the matter.

  The committee approved.

White Lines

  Mr. H. J. Newman attended the meeting and discussed with the committee various methods of road construction by which the white lines could be made more permanent.

  The committee thanked Mr. Newman for his attendance and informed him that information on the subject was being carefully considered by road authorities in general and the Surveyor would no doubt bear his suggestions in mind.

Workmen’s Wages 

  It was resolved to recommend the Council to increase the wages at present paid to their motor driver in accordance with Grade B of the scale authorised by the Local Authorities’ Non-Trading Services (Manual Workers) Provincial Council, and to pay labourers whilst actually employed on mixing or spreading tar an extra 1d. per hour, the foreman asphalter to be specially recognised as such by an increased wage.

Hayway

  The committee instructed the Surveyor to use tarmac for the resurfacing of that portion of this road, which he proposed undertaking this year.

Allen-Road

  The Clerk reported that notices declaring this road, so far as it had recently been constructed, a public highway repairable by the inhabitants at large had been posted at each end of the street.

Council Employees

  A memorial was received from a number of the unemployed calling attention to the fact that some of the employees of the Council were not residents of Rushden and asking to be given preference when opportunity occurs.

  The Surveyor informed the committee that the non-residents referred to numbered five out of a total of 50 employees and that they had been working for the Council for five years and upwards, and the only reason that they were not living in Rushden was the difficulty of obtaining houses.  When he required additional labourers he invariably applied to the local Labour Exchange and employed men on their recommendation.

Public Lighting

  In consequence of the additional lamps recently erected on the Wymington road, it was resolved to recommend the Council that the lamplighter for that district be paid an additional wage of 4d. per night.

  With regard to the suggestion recently put forward that full lighting throughout the town should be made effective during the lighting season irrespective of moonlight nights, the Surveyor submitted an estimate of the additional cost of doing so amounting to £162  5s.  8d.

  The committee were unable to recommend this course to be adopted this season, but instructed the Lighting Sub-Committee to make a report to the next meeting as to any additional lamps they might think desirable should be fully lighted in prominent parts of the town.

  The report was adopted.

  Mr. Perkins asked whether the owner of the house to which a garage had been built (Mr. Penness) had erected his house before the price restriction was put on.

  The Clerk said the price restriction was made since the house was built, but that previously the Ministry had made a regulation that a garage could not be allowed.

  Mr. Perkins said that if the restriction came after the house was built the man should not be affected, but no future house-builder must do the same.

  Mr. Roe contended that it was all settled on the question of the price of the house.  If it cost above £700 the garage could not be allowed, and if it cost less then the Council should not interfere, and he would vote against interference.  The garage would be rated.

  Mr. Wilmott said that now the Council had estimates of the cost of subsidy houses but they did not when Mr. Penness’s house was put up.  If it would be shown that the house cost less than £700 he also would be prepared to let the garage stand.  A man might want a brick-built garage costing £50.  He got a subsidy from the Council and immediately built a garage.  Why not tell all comers that they could put up a garage?

  Mr. Spencer said that the scheme was originally meant to help the working men to build houses, and they were being built for less than £400, and then it went up to £500, and would soon be up to £1,000, so that the object had gone, because no working man could afford now to take advantage of the subsidy.  When he was on the committee they refused permission over and over again for garages to be erected.

  Mr. Bazeley said he understood that before the £700 restriction anyone could get a subsidy on a house costing £1,500, but no garage could be erected for the first three years.  The Act was passed for working-class houses.  Anyone who could build a house and a garage and buy a motor-car was hardly in the position of a working man, and the Act was being exploited and such people, in his opinion, were not entitled to the £100 subsidy.

  Mr. Perkins moved an amendment that, as the restriction had come after the house had been erected, in that particular case only it be allowed.

  Mr. Hornsby:  Would not that be contrary to the Clerk’s ruling?

  The Chairman:  The house and garage must still come within the £700 limit, and if it is the Council cannot help themselves.

  Mr. Wilmott said the conditions were that more money could have been spent but no garage could be erected when the house was built.  He would be satisfied if it could be shown that the cost was less than £700.

  Mr. Allebone said there could be no two opinions on the point.  There were bound to be cases that seemed unfair.  As regarded Mr. Spencer’s and Mr. Bazeley’s remarks about houses for working man, he knew a working man who had had a house built and would not have the subsidy because the house would not be big enough.

  With the passing of the minutes the matter dropped.

  On the subject of public lighting, Mr. Wilmott said that the committee had considered lighting on all nights, whether there was a moon or not, and as the total cost would be £152  5s.  8d., nearly a penny rate, it was thought that the matter might be left over for the present season.  There were some nights when the moon was bright enough to see the length of streets, and lights came from certain premises in the town.

  Mr. Spencer asked the committee to consider replacing missing or broken name-plates for some streets.

Finance And Estates Committee

  A meeting of the Finance and Estates Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, December 2^nd, 1925, at 10 a.m., when there were present:  Messrs. C. W. Horrell (chairman), C. Claridge, J. Hornsby, L. Perkins, and J. Roe.

  The accounts of the Surveyor, Collector, and Treasurer were examined.

Tradesmen’s And Other Accounts

  A number of accounts were examined amounting to £5,273  10s.  2d. and passed for payment.

  Arising out of the accounts, the committee suggested that on the purchase of apparatus or goods not of a normal character the approval of the Chairman of the committee authorising the purchase should be endorsed on the bill before its submission to this committee for payment.

Allen-Road

  The Clerk reported that the notices requiring payment of the apportioned charges for the making up of this street under the Private Street Works Act had expired, and he was instructed to take the necessary steps for the sale by public auction of the plots of land affected.

Market Tolls

  It was resolved to recommend the Council to appoint Mr. T. Martin, one of the regular stall-holders on Saturday evenings, as Assistant Collector at a remuneration of 2s. per night.

Workmen’s Wages

  The committee had before them the recommendation of the Highways Committee to increase the wages at present paid to their motor driver and labourers employed in tar-spraying, etc., in accordance with the scale authorised by the Local Authorities’ Non-Trading Services (Manual Workers) Provincial Council, and also the wages of the foreman asphalter.

  The committee approved.

Local Government And Other Officer’s Superannuation Act

  Correspondence with the Clerk of the County Council was read, from which it appeared that he had now settled with the Minister of Health the terms and conditions of admission.  The correspondence stated that the 1^st day of April next had been fixed as the appointed day for purposes of admission, the following requirements to be complied with:

  1.  An amended actuarial report and estimate on the basis of April 1^st, 1926, as the appointed day be obtained.

 2.  The Council to pass a resolution in accordance with the procedure indicated in Paragraph 22 of the circular 403.  This procedure is as follows:  A resolution authorising the execution of the agreement and its submission to the Minister for his approval to be passed by a two-thirds majority at a meeting of which a month’s notice is to be given, accompanied by an estimate certified by an actuary of the cost to the local authority of the admission of their officers and servants, such resolution to be confirmed at a meeting held not less than one month later.

  The Clerk reported that he had applied to Mr. Clinton for the amended actuarial report required.

  The committee approved.

  The Clerk to the County Council requested that the documents and papers might be forwarded to him as soon as possible after the requirements of the Ministry had been complied with, and in no case later than February 20^th, 1926.

Smallpox Compensation Cases

  These accounts as submitted by the Sanitary Committee to the Council were passed for payment.

  The report was adopted.

Health And Sanitary Committee

  A meeting of the Health and Sanitary Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, December 2^nd, 1925, when there were present: Messrs. F. Corby (chairman), W. Bazeley, D. G. Greenfield, T. F. B. Newberry, J. Spencer, and T. Swindall.

Health And Sanitary Reports

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

  The Sanitary Inspector reported that during the past month 15 nuisances had been dealt with, of which 14 had been abated.

  Twenty-eight rooms had been disinfected, all after cases of infectious disease.

  A quantity of bedding and four Library books had been disinfected at the Depot and some bedding destroyed at the Sewage Farm, all after cases of infectious disease.

  Forty-six visits had been made to premises where food was prepared or sold, when meat to the weight of 2cwt. 0qr. 12lb. was discovered to be unfit for food and destroyed in the usual way.

  The Inspector gave a detailed statement of his work and inspections since the last meeting.

Rats And Mice (Destruction) Act

  The Inspector reported that 359 rat tails were received during Rat Week.

  One complaint had been received and the premises visited and two other inquiries made with regard to the prevalence of rats.

Smallpox Hospital

  A number of applications for the post of caretaker were received, and the committee made a selection of four candidates to be interviewed by the Chairman, Mr. Bazeley, and Dr. Greenfield, who were authorised to appoint the one chosen by them.

Cemetery – Proposed Extension

  A letter was received from the Ministry of Health calling attention to an Order in Council of October 23^rd, 1877, relating to the parish of Rushden.

  Under this Order it is necessary before any land could be acquired for burial purposes within the parish to obtain the sanction of the Ministry of Health.

  The letter asked that duplicate tracings should be furnished showing by distinct colour the precise area of the land proposed to be used for burial purposes, and further inquired whether it was necessary to acquire Mr. Hodgkins’s land in addition to the 20 acres proposed to be purchased from Mr. Clark’s executors.

  The Surveyor was instructed to prepare the plans required, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to make formal application for permission to use the land in question for burial purposes.

  The Clerk was also instructed to inform the Ministry that in the Council’s opinion it was highly desirable to acquire the land proposed to be purchased from Mr. Hodgkins, as it would be necessary to take the main drainage through this land.

Disposal Of House Refuse

  Having in view the notice recently received from the purchaser of the Rectory Farm terminating the present arrangements for tipping refuse there, the committee considered what steps should be taken to meet the situation.

  The Surveyor was asked to consider the possibility of providing a destructor on an inexpensive scale at the Sewage Works with a view to an experiment being tried there.

Foot-And-Mouth Disease (Packing Materials) Order Of 1925

  A letter was received from the Clerk to the County Council enclosing a copy of the above Order and calling particular attention to a paragraph which appeared in a circular letter of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries issued with the Order, and asking this Council to render assistance in giving effect thereto.  The following is a copy of the paragraph:

  “The attention of the local authorities of urban areas is drawn specially to the necessity of providing facilities for the destruction of packing materials which are not to be used again for packing goods.”

Mortuary

  The attention of the committee was called to the desirability of providing a public mortuary for the town where post-mortems could be made and bodies placed awaiting inquest.

  The committee were of opinion that if a mortuary could be placed either in the yard at the town depot or in the yard at the rear of the Council Buildings and inquests be arranged to take place at the Council Buildings a much-needed improvement would be effected.

  An alternative site was suggested under the Ambulance Room, Station-road, and inquests be held in that room.

  The Surveyor was requested to consider the matter and report to the committee at their next meeting.

  The report was adopted.

Other Business

  The secretary of the Rushden branch of the British Legion (Mr. R. F. Smith) wrote thanking the Council for their assistance on Poppy Day.

  A letter was received from Mr. R. E. Bayes, on behalf of himself and the other relatives of the late Mr. C. E. Bayes, thanking the Council for their sympathy in the family’s bereavement.

  Mr. Swindall asked what steps the Council were going to take to fill the vacancy just referred to.

  Mr. Horrell said he would like the Council to go into committee to consider the point.