Speed Limit To Check Rushden Road Dangers?
County Refuses Signals at Oakley Cross Roads
Many Debates and Quibbles at Rushden Council Meeting
Milk at The Schools: Dr. Greenfield and Mr. Allebone at Variance

  Road dangers at the “Oakley” junction were discussed at Wednesday’s meeting of the Rushden Urban District Council, when it was learned that the County Council does not propose to put traffic signals there.  Dr. Greenfield protested strongly against the lack of action, but in taking up the debate other members had no hesitation in placing the blame on motorists, for whose correction they suggested the introduction of a speed limit.

  Other debates and questions of procedure sprang up in surprising fashion, and the Council found itself listening to the pros and cons of milk rations for schoolchildren, Mr. Allebone replying with some warmth to Dr. Greenfield’s charge that the School Managers were not making the most of the scheme.

  Two resolutions were received in opposition to Sunday shop opening; one member wanted superannuation for the Council’s workmen, and the appointment of an accountant was challenged on a point of order.  There was also a debate on the Housing Committee’s proposal to extend the appointment of the present Housing Inspector, who has been displaced under the re-staffing scheme.

Members Present

  Members in attendance were Mr. John Spencer, J.P. (Chairman), Ald. C. W. Horrell (vice-chairman), Messrs. T. F. B. Newberry, J. Roe, A. Allebone, C.C., F. Green, D. G. Greenfield, M.D., J. Allen, W. E. Capon, A. Wilmott, G. W. Coles, J.P., J. Hornsby and J. T. Richardson.

Cross Roads Debate

  In reply to the Highways Committee’s request for more signs at the Oakley cross roads, a letter was received from the County Surveyor stating that his Motor Caution Signs Sub-committee did not consider it necessary to do anything further in the way of erecting caution signs at that spot.

  “I am deeply dissatisfied with this reply we have had,” said Dr. Greenfield, who opened the discussion.

  “I fully recognise that there are dangers at many other cross roads, but this is an extraordinarily dangerous place.  We have had two fatal accidents there, and have done nothing.  I know there are other expenses to maintain, but I am afraid the delay will go on until we have another accident there.  I think it is necessary that the Council should firmly express its opinion about it, and that something should be done for the safety of the public.”

  Mr. Richardson said that the doctor had forestalled him in raising this question.  “I was there at the last fatal accident in High-street,” he continued, “and many expressed the opinion that we should have proper signals at that point.  I am prepared to think that the time is coming when we shall have something even greater than we have had.  Not one, but many people may be killed at once in a place like that.  I am very dissatisfied with the County Surveyor’s statement here, and I feel it is high time something was done.”

  Mr. Wilmott said there were many cases even more important and urgent than the cross roads.

County Council’s View

  Ald. Horrell said this matter of the “Oakley” cross roads had been under the consideration of the County Council on more than one occasion.

  “I think,” he added, “the people of the county know perfectly well that these roads are very, very open.  There is a good view all round them, and if they start putting automatic signals at all open places such as that, they will have a pretty big job on.

  “The County Council are very anxious, of course, to do all they can to avoid accidents, but I am bound to point out that we of this Council have not got to a decision amongst ourselves as to what we recommend could be done.  Signals are quite all right and very necessary in many places, but up to the present time there is not a signal in Wellingborough and there is not an automatic signal in Kettering.  It is a matter of whether we could get any advantage from an automatic signal.  Nothing else would be of much good.”

  Mr. Horrell said the authorities had got to consider very carefully the whole question of whether the signal was the best method of control.  It held up traffic for a long time.

  Returning to the question of the “Oakley” cross roads, Mr. Horrell said if they stood there and watched the cars they were really surprised at the pace at which they came.  That was the trouble.

  Mr. Spencer and Dr. Greenfield said they quite agreed.

  “I would like, of course, to see something done,” Mr. Horrell resumed, “but this is a difficult position in which to place an automatic signal.  None of us can deny that the place is open, and accidents ought not to occur there.  I am on a sub-committee that considers these applications from all over the county, and when they say “What do you suggest?” I am not in a position to know what to suggest.”

Speed To Blame

  Mr. Coles (who is a magistrate) was equally emphatic about the responsibility of the motorists.

  “Although these lights are effective,” he said, “I don’t think they would be nearly so effective as a speed limit.  If no-one was allowed to travel at more than 12 miles per hour there would be no accidents at the “Oakley” cross roads.  I am of opinion that the speed limit should be in force again, and that they should be compelled to keep to it.”

  The Chairman:  I think speed is the cause of accidents, or a lot of them.  The pace at which some go is unreasonable, and down the Irchester-road, where it says “Dead Slow,” I have seen them go at 20 or 30 miles per hour, or much more.  I hope our discussion tonight will be a warning to some people.  Certainly in a town of Rushden’s size I think a speed limit would be advisable.

  A Member: They simply trust in Providence!

Milk For Children

  “I wish to speak about this milk supply to schoolchildren,” said Dr. Greenfield, “in the hope that something will be done by the educational authorities in the matter.  This Council had bestirred itself and done extraordinarily good work to get a good milk supply in the town, yet I understand that the educational authorities have not exerted themselves to take up the scheme to any great extent.

  “The consumption of milk in this country is extraordinarily small, but an increasing consumption, I am convinced, would be of great value to the children, of great value to agriculture, and one of the most useful things we could do.  I understand there is a campaign to popularise beer, and it would be a good thing to have a campaign for popularising milk.”

  The doctor added that the average consumption of milk per head in this country was from one-third to half a pint per day, whereas in Denmark and other countries it was two pints.  He thought the educational authorities might think it over and see if something could be done.

  Mr. Allebone:  I would like to say as Chairman of the School Managers that I doubt if the doctor knows what is being done.  In the first place, if he had any ideals of this kind and had written to the Managers, they would have given him sympathetic consideration and full information as to what is being done.  This has been discussed several times amongst the Managers and has had their very sympathetic consideration.

  “The doctor,” continued Mr. Allebone, “does not say whether we should give the milk or not, but in every school to-day they can have the milk provided they pay a penny – for a measured quantity, that is.  The other day I was in the South End School, which perhaps needs it more than any other school, and was surprised at the quantity of children taking the milk.  It was a percentage that was astounding to me.  I know it is more or less left to the headmasters, but they can, and the majority do, take it up at the present time.  I am satisfied that things have been done, and that every child who wants milk can have it.”

  Dr. Greenfield:  I am sorry to contradict, but I have had two or three cases where they tell me they cannot have it.

  Mr. Capon: I think it is only the infant schools that take it up seriously.  South End do.

  Dr. Greenfield: Yes, I know South End do.

  The Chairman said he felt sure the discussion would serve a useful purpose, and that where the scheme had not been taken up, it would be.

The Housing Inspector

  The Housing Committee recommended that to facilitate the changing of offices the Housing Inspector (Mr. Norris) who under the staff rearrangement will be displaced by Mr. H. C. Allen, of the Rates Dept., be retained for another month.

  Mr. Allebone said he did not want to oppose the recommendation, but he had to point out that the findings of the sub-committee which examined the question of staff adjustments were made known to the Council a month ago.  There was now six weeks to go before March 31, when the new officer would take up his office, and he thought Mr. Allen might give them some information as to the advantage that would be gained by keeping Mr. Norris on another month, because the officer who would be taking up the duties had been in that position, more or less, before; he was pretty well conversant with what was necessary on the housing estate, and it should be easy for him to take up his duties on April 1.

  Mr. Coles asked if the resolution was in order.  “I believe,” he said, “that a resolution of the whole Council has been passed, the same subject should not be referred to for six months.”

  The Chairman: I think it is in order.  It is different from an ordinary resolution.

  Mr. Allen: I don’t think it alters the resolution at all.  It is simply to enable the work to be done efficiently.  The present officer has only been doing his duties for a short period, and there is a large amount of work he has done in getting the routine generally in order.  It occurred to me that there should be some difficulty in making the change-over from the different departments, and that Mr. Allen (the new officer) might be required in the Rating Office while the change was being effected.  I am quite sure that it would be a good thing, seeing that the particular office is only in its infancy.  Mr. Allen would then be in a position to carry on at the end of the month.

  Mr. Horrell:  I don’t like to go against a committee, but I must say that I entirely agree with Mr. Allebone.  This special committee has been sitting for some months now.  We were very anxious that the new arrangements should begin together in April, and I don’t see that any real case has been put up for continuing the service of Mr. Norris for another month.  It seems to me that Mr. Allen is not altogether a stranger to the work.  We might as well use the same argument for the transfer of all the offices.

  Mr. Newberry observed that the new officer had passed as an inspector and valuer.

  Councillor Allen:  Of course there are reasons, but I cannot give them here.

  He had been congratulated, he added, by people who thought – mistakenly, of course – that the Mr. Allen who had been appointed was his son.

  “I have no axe to grind in this matter at all.”  he said, “It is rather unfortunate.”

  By a show of hands the Housing Committee’s recommendation was rejected.

A New Accountant

  A report from the Finance Committee stated that 94 applications had been received for the position of Accountant to the Council.  The Acting Clerk and Mr. Allebone had very carefully perused each one and had reduced the number to 18.  The committee ultimately reduced the number to four, whom they interviewed on Wednesday afternoon.

  Mr. Allebone said the four candidates were interviewed that afternoon and the Finance Committee recommended that Mr. Albert Maclean, of Manchester, be appointed.  Mr. Maclean had the necessary qualifications, he was 30 years old and had been chief accounting assistant to the Swinton and Pendleby Urban Council for the past seven years.  It was recommended that he should have a commencing salary of £250, and the Finance Committee were unanimous in recommending the appointment.

  Mr. Allen: On a point of order, was not a resolution passed by this Council that in appointing a responsible officer the whole Council should interview the candidate?

  The Chairman: I don’t remember it.

  Supporting the recommendation, Mr. Hornsby said there was no doubt that the committee had been very careful.

  Mr. Allen:  Has the Clerk no resolution of that description?

  The Acting Clerk: I haven’t got it here.  I don’t remember anything about it.

  A Member: How long ago?

  Mr. Allen: The resolution, I believe, was moved by the whole Council after the appointment of the cemetery caretaker.

  The Acting Clerk: I have not those minutes with me just now.

  The Chairman: In the absence of any other information I will put the resolution.  I think this gentleman should serve us exceedingly well, and I might say that although it is a commencing salary of £250 it will rise to £300.  It is only right that members should know that.

  The committee’s report was adopted.

Junior Clerk

  Mr. Allen said he wished to know if the Council were going to advertise for a junior clerk (needed in consequence of the staff re-organisation) as they had for an accountant.

  The Acting Clerk: Nothing has been done yet.

  Mr. Allen: I am asking the question as to whether they will advertise.

  Mr. Allebone: We have two or three junior employees and nothing is quite definite as to what will be done in respect of them, but if there is a new appointment it will be advertised.

Superannuation

  A report on the Clerk’s superannuation arrangements attracted Mr. Hornsby.

  “I would like to ask the Finance Committee,” he said, “if they would go a bit better and consider superannuation for the other employees.  It seems strange to me that in thinking of superannuation for the highest-rated servant we do not include the others.  The employees have to retire at a certain age and at one week’s notice, but they have no consideration for superannuation.  I hope the Finance Committee will see that some scheme is brought in.  Surely, if the highest rated official is in need of superannuation the lowest paid employee is even more in need.”

  Mr. Allebone: I might say that the Finance Committee will consider the matter at their next meeting.

  The Acting Clerk said that when the superannuation scheme was first brought forward there was a meeting of the workmen, and they unanimously decided that they would not go in for it.  On an application the Council could and would go into it again.

  Mr. Richardson: I was going to ask if the workmen have had that before them.

  The Chairman: That is right.  They have.

Sunday Opening

  Sunday opening of shops was the theme of a letter from the Rushden, Higham Ferrers and District Free Church Council, signed by the Rev. T. W. Gill and Mr. A. G. Larkinson.  The writers deplored the practice of opening shops on Sundays, and felt that the shops were a strong temptation to Sunday School scholars.  In calling upon the Council to secure the closing of shops and other places of business on the Sabbath Day, the letter referred to Sunday opening as seeking a mean advantage over those shopkeepers who loyally respected the religious character of the Lord’s Day.

  A similar letter from the Rushden, Thrapston and District Sunday School Union was signed by Mr. W. E. Capon (president) and Miss L. Norman (secretary).

  Mr. Roe: Have the Council power to make a closing order for Sunday?

  The Acting Clerk: Not that I am aware of.

  Mr. Roe: I thought not.

  The Chairman: I sympathise with the resolution myself, but it seems there is nothing we can do, and however strong our sympathies are we must leave it to the good sense of the people who open the shops, and shall have to hope that they will close them on Sundays.

United Fete

  An application from united health organisations of the town for the use of the Hall grounds for a fete on June 23 was granted.

  Mr. Horrell said he knew perfectly well that it had not been the policy of the Council to grant the use of the park for sectional organisations, but under this scheme all the principal health organisations were included, and it was better to have a day of that sort than to have sectional fetes at the park.  He thought they were indebted to those who had accepted the responsibility for organising the things on the proper lines.

Fire Secretary Resigns

  A letter was received from Mr. W. C. Packwood stating that owing to the death of his father his business did not now permit him the time necessary for the adequate performance of the duties of secretary to the Fire Brigade, and therefore tendering his resignation as secretary.

  It was resolved to accept the resignation with regret, and to offer Mr. Packwood the Council’s thanks for his many years’ service.

  Mr. Wilmott said the resignation of Mr. Packwood had been received with regret.

  A letter was received from the captain of the Brigade stating that at a meeting of the whole of his members it was decided to recommend that Mr. Tom Muxlow, of 87, Newton-road, be appointed secretary in the place of Mr. Packwood.  This was agreed to.

Borrowing Firemen

  The Clerk submitted a letter from the Odell Leather Co., Ltd., stating that owing to the continued drought they were again severely handicapped through shortage of water, and enquiring if the Council would grant permission for the Fire Brigade to attend at their factory at Odell and pump water from the river as they had very kindly done on two previous occasions.

  The Highways Committee fully considered the application at some length and ultimately agreed to accede, subject to arrangements being made for sufficient equipment and hose being retained in Rushden in case of need.  The usual Brigade charges were to be made, plus a sum for the use of the hose.

Slum Clearance

  The Acting Clerk reported that the Council’s programme under the Housing Act, 1930, passed at their December meeting, had been duly submitted to the Ministry of Health.  He had received an acknowledgment, but considered it necessary to interview the Ministry, which he did no January 9.  The Department generally approved the programme, but suggested one or two alterations with regard to procedure, and also stated that a larger scale map was desirable.

  An Order had been submitted giving full particulars of the houses proposed to be dealt with under Section 1 of the Act as clearance areas, together with scale maps showing the situation of the various properties.

  The Order was approved by the Highways Committee, who recommended that it be adopted, and that the Acting Clerk be instructed to take the necessary steps under the Statute.

  The Council accepted the report.

Road Extension

Tenders were received for the construction of a further length of Highfield-road, on the Irchester-road housing estate, in connection with the proposed erection of 70 houses.  It was resolved to accept that of Mr. G. H. Greasley, of Leicester, the lowest, at £2,145, subject to the approval of the Ministry of Health, and to make application for sanction to a loan.

Building Plans

  The following building plans were sanctioned:  Six houses, Bedford-road, for the Rushden Industrial Co-operative Society, Ltd.; three houses, Park-avenue, Messrs. A. Sanders, Ltd.;  wooden garage, Bedford-road, Mr. G. R. Nuttycombe; wooden garage, Birchall-road, Mr. C. Green; wooden garage, Wellingborough-road, Mr. H. H. Reid.

Reappointed

  Mr. Richardson was reappointed to represent the Council on the Tuberculosis After-Care Committee.

Office Telephones

  A Sub-committee consisting of Mr. Allebone, the Acting Clerk and Surveyor, was appointed to confer with the representative of the Post Office Telephones with a view to a main switch board being installed in the Surveyor’s general office, from which five extensions would be made to the other offices.

  Mr. Allebone said the installation would save a tremendous lot of work, and every officer of the Council would have an independent system of telephoning.