At a meeting of this Council on Wednesday night, there were present Messrs. T. Swindall (chairman), F. Ballard (vice-chairman), F. Knight, G. Denton, A. Mantle, J. Hornsby, A. J. Dobbs, C. Bates, G. H. Skinner, J. S. Clipson, J. Claridge, and W. Bazeley, with the Clerk (Mr. G. S. Mason) and the Surveyor (Mr. W. B. Madin).

Free Library Committee

A meeting of the Free Library Committee was held at the Library on Friday, the 11th May, 1906, when there were present:- Messrs. J. Claridge (chairman), J. S. Clipson, G. H. Skinner, L. Perkins, W. H. Brown, W. Bazeley, J. H. Derbyshire, J. T. Colson and F. Ballard.

Minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Committee held on the 9th March, 1906, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, it was agreed that the same be taken as read and be confirmed under the hand of the Chairman.

The Rev. M. E. Parkin

Before commencing the business of the meeting the Chairman referred to the death of the Rev. M. E. Parkin and the loss sustained by the town and this Committee thereby; he moved that a vote of sympathy with Mr. Parkin’s family be passed and communicated to them by the Clerk.

Mr. Clipson seconded.

Carried unanimously.

Future Meetings

It was resolved that in future the Committee meet quarterly and that the next meeting be held in August. It was understood that if occasion required the Chairman would convene a special meeting at any time.

Caretaker

An application was received from Mr. Hazeldine for an increase of his salary, and it was agreed to increase the same to £1/1/- per week to take effect the first week in June.

Gifts

The Management Committee reported gifts of books from the Co-operative Society, Women’s Co-operative Guild, British Women’s Temperance Society, Mrs. Baxter, Mr. J. S. Shelford, and also the sum of £1/1/- for the purchase of books from the Co-operative Education Committee.

It was resolved that the thanks of the Committee be accorded the donors.

The report was adopted.

Plans, &c., Committee

A meeting of the Plans, Water, Highways, and Lighting Committee was held at the Vestry Hall on Wednesday, the 30th May, 1906, when there were present:- Messrs. F. Ballard (chairman) T. Swindall, A. J. Dobbs, G. Denton, J. S. Clipson, A. Mantle, and Fred Knight.

Plans

Were presented by:-

Mr. W. Pennis for additions to his house No. 11, Griffith-street, and passed subject to the outside walls of the w.c. being made 9 inches thick.

Road Materials (Team Labour)

Tenders for team labour were received from Messrs. Wm. Packwood, A. Sharp. W. G. Wilmott, and A. Groom, and it was resolved to divide the work and to accept the lowest tenders, Viz., those of Messrs. Packwood, Sharp and Groom, in respect of a distinct section at the respective rates per ton quoted.

College Street, Oakley Road, and Pytchley Road

The Clerk was instructed to post the usual notices in these streets declaring them public highways and repairable by the inhabitants at large.

Brook South End of Town and Watercourse Hayway

Mr. Dobbs proposed that this Committee recommend the Council to at once make application to the Local Government Board for sanction to a loan for the purpose of culverting the brook at the South end of the town, and also the watercourse running on the North side of the lower portion of Washbrook-road, including the widening of the bridge over the brook crossing the latter road.

The Committee, whilst agreeing that both improvements were desirable, was unable at the present time to recommend an application for a loan.

Brook Culvert Near Manning’s Lane

The Surveyor reported that this culvert was out of repair and required immediate attention.

The Committee instructed him to have the necessary repairs executed at once.

Ambulance Corps

A letter was received from the Rushden division of the St. John Ambulance Association asking the Council to provide suitable accommodation as Headquarters for the Corps.

It was resolved to consider the matter at the next meeting of the Committee.

Mr. Dobbs proposed that the part of the Committee’s report referring to the brook at the south end of the town, &c., be not adopted, but that the Council apply to the Local Government Board for a loan to carry out the work. He said it was false economy not to have the matter attended to. One man had been killed already. Whatever they might say about the expense, it would be the same expense ten years hence. They had to consider the well-being of the inhabitants. Probably some of the infectious disease in the town had its source in the brook.

Mr. Bates seconded the motion.

Mr. Ballard said there were not two opinions on the committee as regarded the necessity for the work but they felt that with the expenses before them they could not afford it.

Mr. Skinner said it looked to him as though they would simply be improving someone’s property.

The Chairman thought it would have to be done by an arrangement with the property owners.

Mr. Bazeley said the public generally would reap the advantage and he thought the money would be well expended. He believed the County Council would do their share with regard to the High-street South improvement. As for the Washbrook, the owner would give the necessary land.

Mr. Clipson said the whole matter was thoroughly gone into some time ago, but they failed to come to a satisfactory arrangement with the owners concerned.

Mr. Dobbs said it was false economy to put off the work. It was as if he kept his wife without food and then bragged that he was saving money.

Mr. Denton said he could not accept that. The Council had not been backward in carrying out necessary improvements but he thought it would be madness to undertake what Mr. Dobbs asked at the present time, seeing what the financial position of the town was.

The motion was lost, and the report was adopted.

Finance, &c., Committee

A meeting of the Finance, Estates, Cemetery, and Sanitary Committee was held at the Vestry Hall on Wednesday, the 30th May, 1906, when there were present:- Messrs. T. Swindall (chairman), F. Ballard, W. Bazeley, J. Hornsby, J. Claridge, G. H. Skinner, and C. Bates.

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 Account

By the Collector’s account produced it appeared that he had during the month collected the following sums:-

Collector’s Fittings Account

The Committee examined the Collector’s fittings account, from which it appeared that he had collected the following sums during the month:-

Cemetery Registrar’s Account

The Committee also examined the Cemetery Registrar’s account from which it appeared that the following sums had been paid to him during the month:-

Treasurer’s Accounts

From the Treasurer’s accounts produced it appeared that the following sums had been paid to him during the month:-

And that the following balances were in hand on the under-mentioned accounts:-

Tradesmen’s and Other Accounts

A number of accounts were examined and passed for payment.

Health and Sanitary Reports

The Sanitary Inspector reported that 10 cases of infectious disease had been notified since the last meeting, viz., seven of scarlet fever, two of erysipelas, and one of enteric, particulars of which he submitted to the Committee. He had visited all the cases and inspected the premises which he found in good order; one case of erysipelas had proved fatal. The Inspector was unable to account for the case of enteric fever, the drainage and w.c. were found in good order and the town water used; the case was a mild one, and doing well.

During the month the Inspector had visited nearly all the cowsheds and dairies in the district and found them in a satisfactory condition. He had also inspected the roadside ditches which had been cleaned where necessary. In consequence of complaints as to the state of the brook, it had been flushed and swept down. The Inspector suggested that it should be swept at least twice each week during the summer.

The Inspector informed the Committee that between the 19th and 21st instant someone had broken into the hospital, breaking two panes of glass; nothing had been taken away, and no further damage done. The matter was in the hands of the police.

With regard to the drainage of Mr. Lewis’s property on the Wymington Road, referred to at the last meeting, the Inspector reported that at present nothing had been done by Mr. Lewis to remedy the nuisance. It was resolved to forthwith serve Mr. Lewis with formal notice requiring him to carry out the necessary works of drainage within 14 days from the service of such notice.

Resignation of Sanitary Inspector

A communication was received from Mr. J. B. Martin asking the committee to accept his resignation at the close of the present quarter but offering to continue on for a short time, if desired, until his successor was appointed. Mr. Martin wished to thank the members of the Council for all the kindness shown to him during the 12 years he had occupied the post of Sanitary Inspector.

The Chairman expressed on behalf of the Committee their regret at losing Mr. Martin’s services and appreciation of the way in which he had always fulfilled the duties of his office.

It was resolved that the resignation be accepted and that the Clerk be instructed to advertise for a successor at a salary of £60 per annum. It was understood that the person appointed would not be required to devote the whole of his time to the duties of his office.

Education Bill

A circular letter from the West Bridgford U.D. Council was received asking this Council to support a resolution which they had passed in favour of Urban Districts with a population of 10,000 and upwards being constituted the Education Authority for all schools within the Urban district area.

It was resolved that this matter be submitted to the Council for consideration at their next meeting.

Farm Committee – Sale Of Crops

The Committee reported that they had arranged for the sale of the crops to take place by public auction on the 11th June at 6 o’clock.

Phthisis

A circular letter was received from the Kingston Union requesting this Council to support an application to the Local Government Board to include phthisis on the list of notifiable diseases.

No action was taken.

General District Rate

The Collector submitted a General District Rate which he had prepared in accordance with a resolution of the Council, at 2/4 in the £, and it was resolved that the Council be recommended to make the same at their next meeting.

The Chairman said he was sure they would all regret that Mr. Martin was severing his connection with the Council. Mr. Martin had been a very good servant indeed and had carried out his duties in a most careful manner.

Mr. Clipson, referring to the cases of infectious disease, said he understood there had been no fresh cases during the last few days.

The opinion was expressed by Mr. Knight and Mr. Denton that the new Inspector to be appointed should, if possible, be appointed to some other office, so that the Council’s work could occupy his whole time.

Mr. Mantle said he was very doubtful whether they would get a qualified man for £60.

Mr. Bates thought a Sanitary Inspector could very well fill up the whole of his time at the work, but it would be necessary to pay about £100, not £60.

The report was adopted.

Education Bill

The Council then considered the letter from the West Bridgford Urban Council, referred to in the Finance Committee’s report, asking for support for a resolution in favour of Urban Councils of districts with a population of 10,000 and upwards being constituted the education authority for all schools in their area.

The Chairman said there were also several proposals in the Education Bill on which they might wish to express an opinion.

Mr. Knight: And get the Government to alter the Bill. (Laughter)

Mr. Skinner asked how the town would be affected financially.

The Clerk said they could not tell exactly.

The Chairman said the opinion had been expressed by several that it would cost the town more.

Mr. Denton said he was not in favour of these small authorities, though they would have rather more direct control. He moved “That the Council is not prepared to support the creation of a number of education authorities in the county, but approves of an elected ad hoc authority to control both elementary and secondary education being substituted for the present education committees.” The County Council could not properly attend to the matter, and it would be very much better for a county authority to be specially elected to deal with education.

Mr. Bazeley thought it must be preferable to have the schools under their direct control, but asked how the system worked in Kettering.

Mr. Ballard believed the present system was satisfactory to Kettering people, but he did not know what the financial effect was. Personally, he was in favour of home rule in the matter, and would be prepared to pay his share of any increased expense, but he did not think the townspeople of Rushden would support them in incurring the additional expense which would almost certainly follow a reversion to something like the old School Board system.

Mr. Denton did not think Kettering was getting much advantage from its home rule. He believed it would be mutually beneficial to the county and to Kettering if Kettering came under the Education Committee.

Mr. Bazeley thought the great question was as to which system gave the best education for the children. If it cost a little more money, but was better for the children, then they should support the West Bridgford Council’s recommendation. The question was whether education would be improved.

Mr. Claridge did not think the education of the children was affected by the system adopted. He was in favour of a specially elected body for a large area.

Mr. Denton believed the work went on fairly smoothly at present, and that the recommendations were nearly always adopted.

In reply to Mr. Ballard, Mr. Denton said that if that Council had the control of the school they would pay for their own schools and also contribute to the county expenses.

Mr. Knight seconded the motion, which was agreed to, and it was decided to send copies of the resolution to the West Bridgford Council, Mr. Channing, M.P., and Mr. Birrell, M.P.

13^th July, 1906

Rushden Urban District Council
The Next Elections

  At a meeting of this Council on Wednesday night there were present Messrs. T. Swindall (chairman), F. Ballard, F. Knight, A. Mantle, W. Bazeley, C. Bates, J. S. Clipsin, G. H. Skinner, J. Claridge, A. J. Dobbs, G. Denton, with the Clerk (Mr. G. S. Mason), and the Assistant Surveyor (Mr. E. Madin).

Elementary Education

  At the last meeting of the Council, it will be remembered, a resolution was passed expressing disapproval of a proposal to delegate the control of elementary education to the urban councils of small towns.

  A letter was now read from Mr. F. A. Channing, M.P., cordially approving of the resolution, and another letter was received from Mr. Birrell, President of the Board of Education, briefly acknowledging receipt of the resolution.

Plans, &c., Committee

  A meeting of the Plans, Water, Highways, and Lighting Committee was held at the Vestry Hall on Wednesday, the 27^th June, 1906, when there were present:- Messrs. F. Ballard (chairman), T. Swindall, A. J. Dobbs, G. Denton, J. S. Clipson, A. Mantle, and Fred Knight.

Plans

were presented by:-

  Mr. E. Brown for additions to his house No. 17, Montague-street, and passed.

  Mr. G. M. Strachan for three houses and shops on the Wellingborough-road at the corner of Dayton-street, and passed subject to Bye-laws No. 30 and 56 being complied with.

  Mr. Badhams for w.c. to his house on the Newton-road and passed.

Brook, High Street South

  The Surveyor read a communication from the County Surveyor stating that he proposed to authorise him to construct an unclimbable iron fence to protect the brook in the place of the present rail fence near Mr. Asher Abbott’s property, and also to execute the necessary repairs to the retaining wall there and that the matter would come before the Roads and Bridges Committee of the County Council at their next meeting.  The Committee expressed a strong opinion that only works of a temporary nature at a small cost should be incurred at the present time, and Mr. Denton undertook to ask the Roads and Bridges Committee of the County Council to appoint a small Sub-committee to visit Rushden and confer with this committee on the subject.

New Van For Street Watering

  The Surveyor reported that with the present van and water cart he was unable to water more than a very small part of the roads in the course of a day, and to do this work in a satisfactory manner in the principal streets it was necessary to procure a second van.

  The Surveyor was instructed to obtain quotations and submit same to the next meeting.

Mr. F. Cowley

  A communication was received from Mr. H. Adnitt on behalf of Mr. Cowley intimating that he proposed to throw into the footpath a narrow strip of land extending along the frontage of the property recently purchased by him from the late Mr. Wilkins’s Trustees, and was prepared to dedicate the same to the public on condition that the Council put down a pavement.

  The Committee unanimously resolved to recommend the Council to do this.

Sewers

  The Surveyor reported that in consequence of the alteration now being carried out in the sewerage system at Higham Ferrers a connection recently made by this Council of the sewer running down the north side of Higham Hill with the Higham Ferrers sewer, would have to be re-made and that he was conferring with Mr. Sharman, the Engineer to the Corporation, on the subject.    The report was adopted.

Council in Committee

  A meeting of the whole Council in Committee was held at the Vestry Hall on Wednesday, the 27^th June, 1906, when there were present:- Messrs. T. Swindall (chairman), F. Ballard, J. Claridge, G. Denton, A. J. Dobbs, J. S. Clipson, A. Mantle, C. Bates, W. Bazeley, J. Hornsby, F. Knight, and G. H. Skinner.

Inspector of Nuisances

  A letter was received from the Local Government Board stating that having regard to the large population of Rushden they were of opinion that an Inspector of Nuisances should be appointed who would be required to devote the whole of his time to the duties of the office, and requesting this Council to re-consider their proposal in accordance with this view.

  The Committee considered the matter at length and came to the conclusion that if one Officer could be appointed to act as Sanitary Inspector for the Urban District of Rushden and Waste Water Inspector for the Water Board and to devote the whole of his time to the duties of these offices the work might be carried out satisfactorily to both parties at a considerable saving in expense.  The Committee were of opinion that a salary of £100 would in the first instance be adequate for this work, apportioned £75 to the office of Inspector of Nuisances and £25 to that of Waste Water Inspector.

  It was resolved to approach the Water Board with a view to such an arrangement being carried into effect.

Team Labour

  Mr. Hornsby introduced the question of the Council providing its own team labour for scavenging purposes instead of hiring as at present, and submitted a statement of last year’s actual expenditure amounting to £391/6/3.  Mr. Hornsby estimated the cost of erecting stables on the depot side and the purchase of three horses and harness, and two vans and two carts at £840 which in the first instance would be raised by loan, and re-payments of which for the buildings would extend over 30 years and for the horses and carts etc., five years.  The re-payments of the instalments and interest, the keep of the horses, allowing a proper sum for depreciation, and the wages of five men would bring up a total annual cost of £520, an increase over present arrangements of about £130.  Mr. Hornsby considered that if this scheme were carried out the work would be done much more efficiently, three drivers would be used in addition to the two scavengers as at present and the collection of the house refuse be made from the rear instead of having ash-bins set outside on the pavement as now.

  After considerable discussion the matter was adjourned for a month in order that enquiries might be made as to what provisions could be made for a tip in case the Council adopted the scheme.    The report was adopted.

Finance, &c., Committee

  A meeting of the Finance, Estates, Cemetery, and Sanitary Committee was held at the Vestry Hall on Wednesday, the 4^th July, 1906, when there were present:- Messrs. T. Swindall (chairman), F. Ballard, W. Bazeley, J. Claridge, G. H. Skinner, and C. Bates.

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 Account

  By the Collector’s account produced it appeared that he had during the month collected the following sum:-

Collector’s Fittings Account

  The Committee examined the Collector’s fittings account, from which it appeared that he had collected the following sums during the month:-

Cemetery Registrar’s Account

  The Committee also examined the Cemetery Registrar’s account, from which it appeared that the following sum had been paid to him during the month:-

Treasurer’s Accounts

  From the Treasurer’s accounts produced it appeared that the following sums had been paid to him during the month:-

  And that the following balances were in hand on the under-mentioned accounts:-

Tradesmen’s and Other Accounts

  A number of accounts were examined and passed for payment.

Health and Sanitary Reports

  The Medical Officer reported that only one case of infectious disease had been notified since the last meeting, viz: of scarlet fever.

  The Sanitary Inspector stated that the case of scarlet fever referred to by the Medical Officer occurred in Manton-road, the case was a mild one, and the only one now on the books.

  Complaints had been made to him of a nuisance occasioned by the depositing of rubbish in the back way at the rear of houses in Grove-street.  He had seen the owners, who had promised the rubbish should be removed at once.

Dairy Cattle

  Mr. Bainbridge submitted a report stating that he had visited 29 premises belonging to 27 cowkeepers and inspected 266 milk cows on May 28^th, 29^th, and 31^st, and on the whole found the cows in a much healthier condition than when he inspected them in February last.

  It was resolved to appoint a sub-committee consisting of the Chairman and Messrs. Bazeley and Claridge to deal with these reports and confer with the Veterinary Inspector thereon when considered desirable.

Sludge Cart

  The Surveyor submitted tenders for a new sludge cart, and the lowest vis., that of Messrs. Barrow and Co., £20/10/- was accepted.

Sale of Crops

  The Surveyor reported the result of the sale of crops on the 9^th instant to be as follows:-

General District Rate

  It was resolved that in future no allowances be made for empties on the General District Rate except upon the written application of the owner or occupier of the property containing a statement as to the period during which the property was vacant.

  The Chairman mentioned that no other case of infectious disease had occurred in the town beyond the one mentioned in the Medical Officer’s report, and it was hoped that the fever had now been stamped out.

  The report was adopted.

Reduced Labour

  When the cheques for labour, etc., were presented for signature Mr. Skinner asked whether so much labour was needed now that the weather was fine.

  The Clerk pointed out that the weekly amount had been reduced already by about £5.

Sanitary Inspector

  On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Claridge, it was decided to engage Mr. J. B. Martin as Sanitary Inspector for three months pending the appointment of another inspector, Mr. Martin’s appointment having terminated at the end of June.

The Next Council Election

  The Chairman moved that an application be made to the County Council to extend the hours of polling at the next Urban Council Election from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.  He said it would be a very important election, and the Guardians election would take place on the same day.

  Mr. Bates: Wouldn’t it be possible to make the hours from 9 to 9?

  The Clerk: No.

  Mr. Bates seconded the motion.

  In reply to Mr. Dobbs, the Clerk said the date of the election was fixed by the Local Government Board, but the County Council had power to alter the date if it was thought advisable.

  Mr. Dobbs: The workers would have a better chance of recording their votes if the election was on a Saturday.

  Mr. Bazeley: At present the factory workers have only between 7 and 8 at night in which to vote.

  Mr. Skinner: Wouldn’t they give them a couple of hours at the factories?

  Mr. Bazeley: Yes, three perhaps, and they might be charged with corrupt practices if they did.

  The Clerk, referring to the suggestion to hold the election on a Saturday, said it would not be possible to count the votes the same night at this election, owing to the number of candidates and the cross-voting.  The first time there was an election of the Council they did not finish counting till half-past three, although there were fewer members.  It was too much to ask the poll clerks to attend all those hours.

  Mr. Dobbs gave notice that he would move that the election take place on a Saturday.

  Mr. Bazeley gave notice that he would bring forward another resolution with the object of having the town divided into wards for the purpose of the election, as in the County Council election.

  Mr. Dobbs said there was another question, and that was whether the present Council was large enough, considering the size of the town.  He did not think it was.

  The motion was then put and agreed to.

Licences

  A petrol licence was granted to Mr. G. W. Bates, of church-street, subject to a satisfactory report from the Surveyor as to the building to be used for storage purposes.

  Mr. Beaverstock’s pawnbroker’s licence was renewed.

A Gift to The Council

  The Chairman said Mr. Powell had offered to present to the Council a set of the excellent photographs he took at the opening of the Sywell Waterworks.  He (the Chairman) thought they would be very suitable for hanging in the new Council Chamber.

  On the motion of Mr. Claridge it was resolved to accept the offer and to thank Mr. Powell for his gift.

Visiting The Waterworks

  Mr. Bates asked whether the public would be allowed to visit the waterworks.  There was a strong feeling on the part of many ratepayers that they ought to be allowed to do so.

  Mr. Denton (Chairman of the Water Board) said he would mention the matter at the next meeting of the Board, but considering the importance of the works it would be very necessary that the visits should be made under strict supervision.

  Mr. Ballard thought it would be a good thing to throw open the works on two given Saturdays and one Thursday.  He thought that would meet the case.  It would not do for the works to be open at any time.

  Mr. Bates said that would meet his views.

  Mr. Denton thought there would be no difficulty in giving parties permission under those circumstances.

The Water Board Accounts

  Mr. Skinner thought it was nearly time the Council had the accounts of the Water Board presented to them.

  Mr. Claridge: They are not yet complete.

  Mr. Skinner: I think we ought to have a monthly statement.