“Hurry Up Ministry On Housing Subsidy”
Children in Danger of Drowning

  Wednesday, present Messrs. Charles Claridge, J.P. (chairman), J. Hornsby (vice-chairman), T. Wilmott, J. Roe, A. Allebone, W. C. Tarry, D. G. Greenfield, M.D., J. Allen, F. Corby, T. Swindall, C. W. Horrell, C.A., L. Perkins, B.Sc., M.B.E., J. Spencer, J.P., 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).

Parks And Baths Committee

  A meeting of the Parks and Baths Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, the 16^th June, 1926, when there were present:- Messrs. C. Claridge, C. Bates, G. W. Coles, C. W. Horrell, L. Perkins, J. Roe, J. Spencer, and T. Wilmott.

  In the absence of Dr. Greenfield, Mr. Claridge took the chair.

Site For Open Air Swimming Bath

  A letter was received from the Ministry of Health stating that in view of the District Valuer’s report the Minister was not prepared to sanction a loan for the full amount proposed to be paid for the land, and suggesting that the Council should enter into negotiations for the purpose of obtaining a reduction in the price.

  The Clerk reported that he had seen the owner, who declined to make any reduction, and that he had written to the Ministry to this effect with the other information required and asking for an interview.

Fountain Near The Green

  A letter was received from the Rushden Temperance Society calling attention to the fact that this fountain erected by the Society many years ago was not furnished with the water supply, and asking that this might be done at their expense.

  The Clerk reminded the Committee that the water was disconnected some years ago owing to the nuisance caused by children playing at it and the risk of damage to the children themselves from the motor traffic.

  The Clerk was instructed to inform the Society that the same conditions now applied and with greater force so far as danger to the children was concerned, and the Committee did not see their way to comply with their request.

Cycling In Park

  The attention of the Committee was called to the growing habit of cycling in the Park.  It was pointed out that this was contrary to the regulations and the Surveyor was instructed to see that notices were posted up calling attention to the matter.

Opening Of Hard Tennis Courts

  These Courts were formally opened to the public on Thursday, the 24^th June, by the Chairman of the Council.

Cycling In The Park

  The Park-keeper reported to the Committee that Mr. Waplington, of 9, College-street, Higham Ferrers, after a previous warning, had been found riding in the Park and refused to dismount when asked to do so by the Park-keeper.

  It was resolved to recommend the Council to take out a summons against Mr. Waplington for infringement of the Council’s Bye-laws.

  The report was adopted.

  In reply to Mr. Perkins, it was stated that the offender above referred to was about 18 years of age.

  Mr. Bazeley asked whether the Clerk had received any further information about the swimming baths.

  The Clerk said that the Ministry refused to receive the deputation suggested and asked to be supplied with an estimate of the total cost of providing the baths.  That information was being prepared by Mr. Madin.

Housing Committee

  A meeting of the Housing Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, the 23^rd June, 1926, when there were present:- Mr. L. Perkins (chairman), Messrs. C. Claridge, J. Allen, A. Allebone, C. Bates, W. Bazeley, F. Corby, J. Roe, J. Spencer, and T. Wilmott.

Assisted Housing Scheme

  The Clerk reported that there was a considerable sum in hand on the Repairs Fund Account.

  It was decided to take in hand the outside painting of all the property.  The Chairman and Mr. Wilmott were requested to inspect the houses and authorised to instruct the Surveyor to prepare specifications and advertise for tenders.

Waiting List For Casual Vacancies

  A waiting list of 12 applicants was agreed upon, from which the Chairman and Mr. Bates were authorised to select tenants on a casual vacancy occurring for any of the Council houses.

Further Houses – Irchester Road

  A letter was received from the Ministry of Health stating that the Minister approved the proposal of the Council to proceed with the erection of 36 houses on the Irchester-road site and that subject to the usual conditions being fulfilled he would be prepared to recognise them as eligible for the exchequer grant.  The letter stated that the tenders should not be based on ordinary Bills of Quantities but obtained upon plans and specifications only and that the contract price should not be subject to adjustment for variations in the cost of wages and materials.

Tenders For Above

  Tenders from builders in the town and district were received and it was resolved to recommend the Council to accept the following:-

  Contract No. 1, 6 houses “A” type.  W. Packwood & Son, £2,649.

  Contract No. 2, 4 houses “B” type.  R. Marriott, £1,760.

  Contract No. 3, 8 houses “C” type.  R. Marriott, £3,943/10/0.

  Contract No. 4, 10 houses “C” type.  W. Thompson & Sons, £4,803/10/0.

  Contract No. 5, 8 houses “C” type.  W. Thompson & Sons, £3,783/10/0.

Purchase Of Further Land On Irchester Road,
Over Which The Council Have Options

  It was resolved to recommend the Council to exercise their option to purchase from Mr. H. Sartoris Trustees Fields Nos. 48, 44, 43 and part of 42 containing altogether 36.094 acres at £50 per acre, they having already exercised their option with regard to the frontage of Field 42 containing 5330 square yards at 1/0 per yard.

Layout

  The Surveyor submitted plans for the layout of the entire site including the land already purchased and that over which it was proposed to exercise the option of purchase.

  It was resolved to recommend the Council to instruct the Surveyor to attend at the Ministry with the plans and submit same to them with a view to formal approval.

Sewers

  The Surveyor informed the Committee that he had made an inspection of the fields opposite the building site owned by Mr. John Clark’s Executors and Mr. W. G. Wilmott and had interviewed the owners, who satisfied him that the sewers might be allowed to pass through the lands in question on payment of a reasonable compensation.

  The cost of constructing these sewers would be considerably less than carrying them along the Irchester-road, and he estimated the total cost of the sewer from Knuston Spinney into the Wellingborough-road opposite the entrance to the Sewage Farm approximately at £1,100.

  The Committee were satisfied that this would be the most satisfactory way of sewering the whole of the building estate, and instructed the Surveyor in completing his layout scheme to make provision accordingly.

  The report was adopted.

  In reply to Mr. Bazeley, Mr. Perkins said that the money for repairs on houses applied only to those erected under the Chamberlain and subsequent Acts.

  Mr. Bazeley said that the Kings-road houses had not been completely painted outside for eleven years.

  It was stated that painting had been done five years ago of the Kings-road houses.

  Mr. Hornsby asked when the contractors were likely to start.

  Mr. Madin: Straight away.

  Mr. Corby said that in the light of past delays he hoped there would be no such delay in the future.

  Mr. Perkins said that the Housing Committee would be able to deal with contractors who held up work unnecessarily.

  In regard to the sewer from Knuston across the fields to Wellingborough-road, Mr. Swindall said he did not know whether the Council should proceed with this part of a housing scheme which might be affected by the Government’s reviewing of the subsidy.  He thought the scheme should not be carried on until the Council knew whether they would be able to go on with the housing.

  Mr. Spencer suggested trying to hurry the Ministry up on the subsidy question.

  Mr. Allen asked whether the Council had any liability in regard to a pond at the back of the Oval-road houses.  He said that many children played near the pond, and if any of them got drowned he wondered whether the Council would be responsible, as the pond was not fenced.

  The Clerk said the position was that children in the field were trespassers.

  Mr. Allen: Surely the Council would rather the children were in the field than on the roads.

  The Chairman said the matter could be referred to the Housing Committee.

  Mr. Allen: It won’t get any further then.

  The Chairman: What do you suggest, then?

  Mr. Allen: Put a fence round the pond.

  The matter was referred to the Housing Committee, Mr. Spencer remarking that that was the proper thing to do, and it might be well to consider a recreation ground for that part of the town.

Plans, &C., Committee

  A meeting of the Plans, Highways, and Lighting Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, the 30^th June, 1926, when there were present:  Messrs. C. Claridge (chairman), G. W. Coles, C. W. Horrell, F. Knight, T. F. B. Newberry, J. Spencer, T. Swindall, W. C. Tarry, and T. Wilmott.

Plans

were presented for:-

  Two houses in Washbrook-road for Mr. G. S. Peck and Mr. E. D. Peck, and passed.

  House in Washbrook-road for Miss G. B. Lilley, and passed.

  Bungalow off Washbrook-road for Mr. A. S. Waller, and passed.

  House in Prospect-avenue for Mr. F. Harlow, and passed subject to a plan being provided on linen.

  Applications for subsidies in respect of the above-mentioned houses were received together with estimates of the cost thereof, which did not exceed, including the cost of the land, £700 in any case, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to issue Certificates in respect of same as coming within the Council’s scheme for the subsidy of £100 each, provided the Ministry sanction the extension of time in respect of both the commencement and completion of the buildings.

  Two houses on the Wellingborough-road for Mr. A. Sanders, and passed.

  House on the Bedford-road for Mr. W. C. Tarry, and passed.

  Two w.c.’s at the rear of Spencer Park Garage for Mr. F. Lawrence, and passed.

  Shop front at the Maypole Co.’s new premises in High-street, and passed.

  New business premises for the Rushden Industrial Co-operative Society, Limited, on the Higham-road, and passed.

  With regard to the last-mentioned plan, it was passed on the understanding that the Co-operative Society would make the two storm water drains running under the site secure by a bedding of concrete and that they would enter into the usual agreement for future responsibility in connection with the drains so far as they run under the buildings.

Field Footpaths

 A letter was received from the Rushden Allotment Society asking the Council to repair the footpath running alongside their field to the east of the cricket field.

  It was pointed out that the Council were not responsible for the repair of footpaths of this character although they had power to expend money for that purpose.

  The Committee felt unable to recommend the Council to set a precedent by repairing the footpath in question as it might lead to very extensive demands in respect of other footpaths, and the Surveyor was instructed to reply to the letter accordingly.

Bedford-Road Improvement

  The Surveyor submitted a letter he had received from the County Surveyor with regard to this improvement.  The County Surveyor stated that he had been in correspondence with the Ministry of Transport on the subject.  The Roads and Bridges Committee of the County Council found it impossible to make any grant this year from the County funds, and such being the case the Ministry were unable to make a grant.  The matter would be carefully considered on the estimates for next year.

  The Committee considered that the work of this improvement should be included as ordinary maintenance and the Surveyor was instructed to enquire from the County Surveyor if the cost could be included in next year’s annual estimate.

White Lines

  A letter was read from the County Accountant stating that no sum could be included in this Council’s claim for the year ended 31^st March last in respect of placing White Lines on the roads during that year.  It was, however, under consideration as to whether the cost of such for the current year might not be included in the claim for the year ending 31^st March, 1927.

Rural Roads In Urban Areas

  Referring to the recent circular issued by the Ministry of Transport with regard to the making of grants towards the maintenance of rural roads in urban areas and to the application made by this Council for a grant towards the Newton and Wymington Roads, a letter was now received from the Ministry stating that they did not consider any portion of the Urban District of Rushden came within the terms of the circular.

First Aid Outfit

  Upon the recommendation of the Depot Committee it was resolved to procure and place at the Fire Brigade Station a First Aid Outfit at an estimated cost of 26/-.

Motor Lorry

  The Depot Committee also recommended that the motor lorry be thoroughly overhauled and that the Surveyor be instructed to obtain an estimate of the work from Mr. David Nicholson.

  The Committee agreed and resolved to recommend the Council accordingly.

Health And Sanitary Committee

  A meeting of the Health and Sanitary Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, July 7^th, 1926, when there were present: Messrs. J. Hornsby (chairman), C. Claridge, J. Allen, F. Corby, D. G. Greenfield, T. F. B. Newberry, T. Swindall, and W. C. Tarry.

Health And Sanitary Reports

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

  The Sanitary Inspector reported that 27 additional nuisances had been dealt with during the past month, of which 26 had been abated.

  Ten rooms had been disinfected since the last meeting after cases of infectious disease.  At the Depot a quantity of bedding and wearing apparel had been disinfected, and at the Sewage Farm a quantity of bedding had been destroyed, all after cases of infectious disease.

  Sixty-eight visits had been made to premises where food was prepared or sold, during which inspections a quantity of beef offal and pork offal, together with two tins of meat, had been found to be unfit for human consumption and destroyed in the usual way.  The total weight was 2qr. 11lb.

  The Inspector gave a detailed statement of his work and inspections during the past month.

Rats And Mice (Destruction) Act

  The Rats Officer reported that one complaint had been received and five premises inspected since the last meeting.

Petroleum Acts

  An application was received from Messrs. Currys, Ltd., for permission to store 100lb. of carbide of calcium in air-tight tins on their premises, High-street, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to accede thereto.

Dairies, Cowsheds, And Milkshops Order

  The quarterly report of the Veterinary Inspector was received from which it appeared that on June 11^th and 14^th last he visited 21 premises in this district and inspected 168 cows, making an individual examination of each udder.  The whole of the cows were clinically normal and, with few exceptions, in good condition.

Cemetery

  The Cemetery Registrar submitted his half-yearly report, from which it appeared that there had been 50 interments during that period and that ten headstones, 17 kerbs, and seven marble or stone vases had been erected and nine additional inscriptions cut on existing memorials.  The number of grave spaces purchased was 27, and two had been reserved.  One space had been reserved for a second period of 14 years.  The receipts for the half-year amounted to £11  13s.  6d.

Public Health And Clean Milk

  The Inspector submitted reports on the bacteriological examinations of four samples of milk.  Three of the cases, all from milk supplied from dairies outside the district, were considered very unsatisfactory, and the Inspector was instructed to communicate with the local purveyors of the milk in question with a view to representations being made to the owners of the dairies concerned as to keeping them in a better condition.

  With regard to the cost of these examinations, the Inspector reported that the fee payable to the Pathological Department of the Northampton General Hospital was 15s. per sample.

  The Inspector informed the committee that he had been in communication with the Northants County Council Training College at Moulton, but that a course of lessons had not yet been arranged; steps were being taken, however, with that end in view.

Scavenging

  The Chairman informed the committee that he and the Surveyor had, as requested, interviewed Mr. Collins, the owner of Rectory Farm, with a view to the Council being allowed to continue the present arrangements for a tip for a further three months, and had offered to make Mr. Collins suitable compensation for any damage arising therefrom.  Mr. Collins had, however, definitely decided that he could not grant an extension of time.

  Temporary arrangements had been made with Mr. C. Holley for a tip to be made in his field off Newton-road, and the Surveyor was instructed to keep the road-way to it in proper condition.

Sewage Farm

  The Surveyor reported that the fat stock was now being sold and the Farm Manager asked that store stock might be purchased in order to keep down the grass.

  The Farm Sub-Committee were authorised to make the necessary purchases.

County Sanatorium

  A letter was received from the Clerk of the County Council stating that it was proposed to build a house for the occupation of the Medical Superintendent in the grounds of the Sanatorium.  The proposed site of the house was in the corner of the field adjoining Wymington-road some 100 to 150 yards above the entrance to the institution on that road.

  The Surveyor informed the committee that it was possible to sewer the house into the sewer in the approach drive to the Sanatorium, but the shrubs and trees rendered this difficult.  The cost of carrying a 9in. Sewer along the road to the house, including one manhole, was estimated at £150, and the committee recommended that the Council authorise this work to proceed on the County Council agreeing to pay a suitable proportion of the expense.

Cemetery

  The Surveyor submitted an estimate of the cost of providing a greenhouse at the Cemetery.  The amount was considerably in excess of the committee’s anticipations, and, as no provision was made in the estimates for the current year, it was resolved to postpone the matter for a time.

Inspector’s Office Staff

  A letter was received from Mr. Frank W. Linnitt stating that his parents did not feel disposed at the present time to article him to the Sanitary Department with a view to his qualifying as an Inspector of Nuisances, and therefore he was unable to accept the suggestion that he should be placed on similar terms to those of the proposed articled clerk in the Surveyor’s Department.

High-Street Lavatories

  A letter was received from the District Estate Office of the L.M.S. Railway at Rugby approving the amended design submitted for the proposed convenience near the railway arch and enclosing a new agreement for sealing by the Council.

  It was resolved to recommend the Council to seal the agreement at their next meeting, but the work not to proceed until further instructions were given.

  The report was adopted.

Finance And Estates Committee

  A meeting of the Finance and Estates Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Thursday, July 8^th, 1926, at 10 a.m., when there were present:  Messrs. C. W. Horrell (chairman), C. Claridge, J. Hornsby, A. Allebone, G. W. Coles, F. Corby, Fred Knight, and J. Roe.

Tradesmen’s And Other Accounts

  A number of accounts amounting to £2,336  15s.  5d. were examined and passed for payment.

County Sanatorium

  The letter read to the meeting of the Health and Sanitary Committee last evening was submitted to the committee, who approved the expenditure in connection with the construction of the extended sewer in Wymington-road subject to the County Council agreeing to pay half the cost thereof.

13, Trafford-Road

  It was agreed to pay the tenant of this house, who is about to leave, the sum of £1 in connection with inside decorations made by her.

First-Aid Outfit

  The recommendation of the Plans Committee for a first-aid outfit at the Fire Station at a cost of 26s. was approved.

Rushden Allotment Association

  A letter was received from the association asking for compensation in respect of 40 yards of frontage given up on Wellingborough-road, this having been sold to various purchasers.

  The amount asked for was £10, and the committee agreed to recommend the Council to contribute half this amount.

  Regarding the last item, Mr. Swindall asked that that point be referred back to the committee.  He said the Plans Committee met on the site facing the top of Fitzwilliam-street and suggested that a certain amount of land be given up for a good improvement at some future time.  He and other members of the Plans Committee had been under the impression that whatever land was taken would be paid for.  It was to be only £10, which was a very small sum, and he thought the Finance Committee might have allowed that amount.  He understood that the Finance Committee were not all fully aware of how the matter stood when the Plans Committee met there.

  Mr. Horrell said there was no objection to referring the matter back.

  It was agreed to refer it back, and the rest of the report was adopted.

Assessment Committee Representatives

  On the appointment of two representatives to Wellingborough Area Rating and Valuation Committee, Mr. Swindall said they all fully realised the yeoman service which had been rendered by Mr. B. Ladds on the Assessment Committee of the Wellingborough Board of Guardians.  He (Mr. Swindall) would like to have been able to nominate Mr. Ladds as one of the Rushden Council representatives, but he understood that Mr. Ladds had been appointed to represent the Guardians.  Consequently the Rushden Council should elect two others.

  Mr. Horrell proposed Mr. Claridge and Mr. F. Green. 

  Mr. Claridge asked to be excused on the fact of numerous duties.

  Mr. Spencer moved Mr. L. Baxter and Mr. Green.

  Mr. Swindall said he thought there should be one member of the Council a representative, and he moved Mr. A. Allebone and Mr. Green.

  Several other nominations were made, including Mr. C. W. Horrell and Mr. G. W. Coles.

  Finally the Council voted on three names, Messrs. Allebone, Green, and Baxter.  The votes being respectively twelve, seven, and six, the first two names were elected.

L.M.S. And Parcels Delivery

  Mr. Allen asked whether any reply had been received from the L.M.S. Company on the application of the Council for a service of parcels delivery and collection in the new estate, Newton-road.

  The Clerk said that the Rushden Stationmaster told him that he had already applied for the same purpose and the Company refused.

  Mr. Allen moved that further application be made.  It was only a stone’s-throw to the point from which collections and deliveries were made to the rest of the estate.  It looked like a sort of class distinction.

  Mr. Spencer seconded, and said that the estate was part of the town and should be treated as such.

  The motion was carried.

  The Council approved application for permission from the Ministry of Health to raise a loan of £17,200 for the 36 houses and £1,250 for the construction of a sewer from Knuston to Wellingborough-road.