|
|||
| The Rushden Echo, 13th March, 1925, transcribed by Gill Hollis |
|||
|
Rushden Urban District Council
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
The Provision Of Public Baths Wednesday, present: Messrs. C. Bates, J.P. (chairman), C. W. Horrell, C.A. (vice-chairman), T. Swindall, T. Wilmott, C. E. Bayes, C. Claridge, F. Knight, J.P., F. Corby, L. Perkins, B.Sc., J. Spencer, J.P., J. Hornsby, and G. W. Coles, J.P., with the Clerk (Mr. G. S. Mason), the Surveyor (Mr. W. B. Madin), and the Sanitary Inspector (Mr. F. S. F. Piper). Health and Sanitary Committee A meeting of the Health and Sanitary Committee was held at the Council Buildings on February 16th, 1925, when there were present Messrs. C. W. Horrell (chairman), C. Bates, G. W. Coles, L. Perkins, C. Claridge, and T. Wilmott. The Chairman informed the committee that this meeting had been called for the purpose of considering what steps of an emergency nature it was desirable to take in view of the case of smallpox which had occurred in a neighbouring town. The Medical Officer stated that he was circulating literature on the subject in the town and was arranging for chicken-pox to be notifiable for a limited period. The chairman of this committee with the chairman of the Council and Mr. Perkins were appointed to confer with the Medical Officer and empowered to take any steps they might consider desirable on his advice in case of any emergency arising. The report was adopted. Baths Committee A meeting of the Baths Committee was held at the Council Buildings on February 18th, 1925, when there were present: Messrs. C. Bates (chairman), F. Knight, J. Spencer, and C. Claridge. A letter was received from Mr. Coles, who was unable to attend the meeting, strongly advocating the provision of an open-air swimming bath as soon as possible. The Clerk submitted particulars of the cost and maintenance of public baths in Market Harborough and Kettering, and, having regard to the large capital cost which would have to be incurred in the provision of covered swimming baths, the committee agreed that the present time was not opportune for incurring such expenditure, but the committee on the whole were in favour of providing an open-air swimming bath provided a convenient and suitable site could be secured. It was decided to further consider the matter after the Health and Sanitary Committee meeting on Wednesday next. A further meeting of the same committee was held at the Council Buildings on February 25th, 1925, when there were present: Messrs. C. Bates (chairman), C. W. Horrell, C. Claridge, G. W. Coles, F. Knight, and J. Spencer. The committee further discussed the question of the provision of an open-air swimming bath in conjunction, if means will allow, of slipper baths, boys and girls to have equal opportunities of using the baths. It was resolved that, before further proceeding with the scheme, a sub-committee consisting of Messrs. Coles, Horrell, Claridge, and the Surveyor should visit towns already provided with similar baths and report thereon to a future meeting. The report was adopted. Housing Committee A meeting of the Housing Committee was held at the Council Buildings on February 20th, 1925, when there were present: Messrs. F. Knight (chairman), C. E. Bayes, C. Bates, C. W. Horrell, J. Hornsby, J. Spencer, and T. Wilmott. Housing Act, 1923 – Tenders For Eight Houses Tenders were received for the erection of eight houses in Oval-road under the provisions of the above Act. The eight houses were divided into two blocks of four houses each, and six tenders were received for each block. The following tenders were accepted subject to the contractors undertaking to complete the houses and hand same over to the Council ready for occupation on September 1st, 1925. The Chairman, with the Surveyor, promised to see the contractors and explain to them that this provision was vital. Block “A,” Mr. Robert Marriott, £1,858 Block “B,” Mr. A. Sanders, £1,800. These were the lowest tenders for each block. Hospital, Bedford-Road It was resolved that Mr. Mawby be allowed to occupy the living apartments of this hospital until otherwise required by the Council for use. Assisted Housing Scheme Mr. Ernest Wagstaff was elected tenant for a house in Newton-road recently occupied by Mr. W. Holliday and now about to become vacant. Surveyor’s Salary It was resolved to recommend to the Council that the salary of the Surveyor be increased by £48 for the period April 1st, 1925, to September 30th, 1925, such increase being extra remuneration for services rendered in connection with the Council’s housing scheme. The report was adopted, except the recommendation in regard to the surveyor’s salary. On the question of precedent, Mr. Perkins said he did not wish to oppose the recommendation, but he asked if there was not some understanding that all matters of finance should be referred to the Finance Committee. If the present resolution were carried, it would create a new precedent. Probably the Housing Committee had overlooked that point. Mr. Spencer said that the idea of the Housing Committee was that the Surveyor should have increased remuneration instead of paying commission to architects. Mr. Perkins said it was an excellent idea, and he would rather that the committee paid to their own Surveyor than to an architect, but the resolution was not in accordance with previous arrangements. Mr. Knight moving and Mr. Horrell seconding, it was agreed that the matter be referred to the Finance Committee. Plans and Highways Committee A meeting of the Plans and Highways Committee was held at the Council Buildings on February 20th, 1925, when there were present: Messrs. C. Bates (chairman), C. W. Horrell, C. E. Bayes, J. Hornsby, F. Knight, and J. Spencer. Classified Roads The Surveyor informed the committee that the County Surveyor required the estimates of the proposed expenditure for the year ending March 31st, 1926, to be supplied to him before the end of the month. It was resolved that the Surveyor include in such estimates: 1. The widening of the bridge in Washbrook-road on the south side. 2. Extension of kerb on the same side of that road as far as Fletcher-road. 3. Asphalting the footpath from the corner of Higham-road and Washbrook-road to Mrs. Smith’s house. 4. Construction of storm-water drain on Irchester-road from Gordon-street to Graveley-street. Main Roads The Surveyor was also instructed to include in his estimate for next year: 1. Asphalting the footpath from Mr. Arthur Cave’s house to Washbrook turn. 2. Providing an improved footpath in High-street South from Mr. G. Clayton’s shop to Wymington-road with granite kerb and Victoria pavement. The report was adopted. Health and Sanitary Committee A further meeting of the Health and Sanitary Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, February 25th, 1925, when there were present: Messrs. C. W. Horrell (chairman), C. Bates, C. Claridge, G. W. Coles, F. Corby, L. Perkins, and T. Wilmott. Health and Sanitary Reports The report of the Medical Officer for the past month was received. The Sanitary Inspector reported that since the last meeting the following foods had been surrendered or seized: Four ox livers, one set of lungs and one heart from a pig, one set of lungs from a sheep, and 25 tins of canned food; total weight, 1cwt. 0qr. 24lb. Twenty-five tins of canned food had been submitted for inspection. Seven rooms had been disinfected after cases of infectious disease. A quantity of bedding had been disinfected at the Depot, and a quantity destroyed at the Sewage Farm, all after cases of infectious disease. It was resolved to recommend the Council to replace part of the bedding destroyed in two cases to the extent of £1 7s. 6d. each. Twenty-four nuisances had been dealt with during the month, of which ten had been abated; 19 of the outstanding nuisances had been abated. The Inspector gave a detailed statement of his work and inspection during the past month. Petroleum Acts Applications for the renewal of carbide and petrol licences were received from Mr. B. Jarvis, the Lightstrung Co., Ltd., the Wargate Motor Engineering Company, and Mr. Arthur Okins, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to accede thereto. Factory Acts Forty-three lists had been received, containing the names of 96 outworkers. Refuse Tip The committee reported that they visited this tip on the Newton road as arranged at the last meeting and found everything much improved and in a satisfactory condition. Cemetery The sub-committee reported that they had met at the Cemetery and recommended that 1,000 indicators be purchased forthwith and that chestnut fencing be placed in the Cemetery field in support of the hedge on the north side, which was very weak. The committee agreed, and resolved to recommend the Council accordingly. Soap-Making The committee further considered the application of Messrs. A. Austin & Co. for permission to establish a soap-making business at their factory in Graveley-street. A sub-committee had visited Peterborough and inspected the works there, and were unanimously of opinion that the Council need not anticipate any nuisance from similar works in Graveley-street, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to consent to Messrs. Austin & Co. commencing such a business there on the understanding that it was entirely a cold process. Meat Regulations, 1924 The committee had under consideration these regulations. The Clerk informed the committee that notice of the regulations had been given to all meat traders in the district and it was necessary to advertise in a local paper the name of the officer to whom all notices under the Order are to be sent, and it was resolved that Mr. F. S. F. Piper be the officer appointed. With regard to the carrying out of the inspections contemplated by the Order, it was resolved that the Chairman and Mr. Claridge confer with the Inspector thereon and make a recommendation to the next meeting. The report was adopted. Finance and Estates Committee A meeting of the Finance and Estates Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, March 4th, 1925, at 10 a.m., when there were present: Messrs. C. Bates (chairman), C. W. Horrell, C. E. Bayes, C. Claridge, G. W. Coles, F. Knight, and T. Wilmott. Tradesmen’s and Other Accounts A number of accounts amounting to £2,646 8s. 3d. Were examined and passed for payment. Local Government and Other Officers’ Superannuation Act, 1922 The Clerk submitted an actuarial report by Mr. L. E. Clinton, F.I.A., stating that the net liability in respect of the officers proposed to be included in the scheme as from July 1st, 1925, was £4,021, which was equivalent to an annual charge for 40 years of £203, added to which the Council would have to pay 5 per cent. on the salaries of all such officers under 55 years of age on the date of admission, which would amount to £57 per annum. Payments would have to be made quarterly, and the first of such payments would be due on July 1st, 1925. It was resolved to recommend the Council to adopt the report with instructions that it be forwarded to the County Council. Market A letter was received from Mr. A. T. Clark asking for compensation in respect of an accident to his wife at the market on December 20th last. The Clerk was instructed to reply that the matter had been referred to the Insurance Company, who declined to admit liability, and that the Council were unable to go behind them. Subsidy House Loan, £5,000 The Ministry of Health’s sanction to a loan of £5,000 for payment of subsidies under the Housing, Etc., Act, 1923, was received. The Clerk reported that he had been in communication with the Rushden Industrial Co-operative Society, Ltd., who had agreed to make the advance in two instalments at 4¾ per cent., subject to the usual six-months redemption clause. It was resolved to recommend the Council to accept the terms. Housing The Chairman and Vice-Chairman, together with the chairman of the Housing Committee and Surveyor, were requested to make an early inspection of the steel house now on show at the Ideal Home Exhibition, London. Public Lavatories, Newton-Road It was resolved to recommend the Council to instruct the Clerk to proceed to the redemption of the land tax in connection with the land recently purchased for this purpose. Special Meeting The committee agreed to meet on Wednesday, the 25th inst., at 10 a.m., at the Council Buildings, in order to clear up the accounts for the year. The report was adopted. On the subject of steel houses, Mr. Hornsby asked whether the sub-committee had visited the exhibition in London and, if so, with what result. The Chairman said that the visit was paid on Tuesday this week. The Surveyor had drawn up a short report. On the suggestion of Mr. Knight, it was agreed to hear the report in committee. Plans, Highways, and Lighting Committee A meeting of the Plans, Highways, and Lighting Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, March 4th, 1925, when there were present: Messrs. C. Bates (chairman), C. W. Horrell, C. E. Bayes, J. Hornsby, F. Knight, and John Spencer. Plans were presented for: House in Shirley-road for the Misses Watson, and passed. House in Shirley-road for Mr. R. Marriott, and passed. Applications for subsidies in respect of each of the foregoing houses were received, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to instruct the Surveyor to issue certificates in respect of same as coming within the council’s scheme for the subsidy of £100 each. Additions to factory in Graveley-street for Messrs. A. Austin & Co., Ltd., and passed. Motor garage in Portland-road for Mr. E. Smith, and passed. Motor garage near the Tecnic boot factory on the Bedford-road, and passed. Cycle sheds on the Newton-road for Messrs. W. Fairey and H. Deighton, and passed. Covering to open yard on their premises on the Higham road for the Trade Union Club, and no exception taken. Kimbolton-Road The Surveyor submitted a letter from Mr. E. Thompson asking the Council to pipe in the water-course for a distance of about 31 yards near some new premises he proposed erecting at the corner of Kimbolton and Higham roads, and offering £5 towards the expense. The estimated cost was £62. The committee were unable to recommend the Council to incur this expenditure, and the Surveyor was instructed, in intimating the decision to Mr. Thompson, to state that they would be prepared to carry out the work on his agreeing to bear the whole of the cost. Main Roads A letter was received from the Clerk to the County Council stating that their accounts for the maintenance of the main roads would in future be submitted to the Ministry of Transport on the 11th of the month following the end of each quarter. It was essential, if prompt payment were required, for this Council’s statement to be received by the County Council within ten days of the end of each quarter. The Surveyor was requested, if at all possible, to furnish the account within that time. South-End Schools – Footpath Improvement The Clerk submitted a letter from the Clerk to the County Council stating that the Roads and Bridges Committee were prepared to make provision in next year’s estimates for the improvement of the footpath in front of these schools, but were unable to agree to the erection of barriers on the footpath as stipulated by the Education Committee. The question had been referred to the latter committee for further consideration, and the final decision would be communicated in due course. Factory Acts A communication was received from the Factory Inspector with regard to the means of escape in case of fire at Messrs. W. Sargent & Co.’s factory in Crabb-street. The matter was referred to a sub-committee consisting of the Chairman, Mr. Bayes, and the Surveyor to visit and inspect the factory and report. Underground Telegraphs An application was received from the Superintendent Engineer of the Post Office Telegraphs asking for the consent of the Council to the laying of an underground telegraphic line from the Higham Ferrers boundary to the church. It was resolved to recommend the Council to accede thereto. Private Street Works Act – Allen-Road The Surveyor reported that this road had now been completed and presented his final apportionment of the expenses incurred in making up the road, amounting to £1,011 4s. 6d. It was resolved to recommend the Council to adopt the same and to instruct the Clerk to serve the necessary notices on the owners concerned. Rectory-Road Improvement The Surveyor was instructed to prepare an estimate of the cost of the proposed improvement from George-street to Newton-road and submit to the next meeting. The report was adopted. Overseers Messrs. B. Ladds, L. Baxter, F. Green, and F. J. Sharwood were re-appointed Overseers. Railway Station The Clerk read a letter from the L.M.S. Railway Company’s Divisional Inspector, dated February 21st, as follows: “I very much regret that through extreme pressure of work I have been unable to get to Rushden to see you on the matter of the proposed new road, but will do so at the earliest opportunity, although I do not anticipate this will be before the middle of next month, and I will write you further in regard to a definite date. Concerning the question of the Rushden station accommodation, I have no knowledge of this, but I assume that a deputation of your Council would meet representatives of our Traffic Department. I am in communication with the General superintendent upon the subject.” The letter was received without comment. Wheatley Scheme A letter was received from Mr. W. Langley, J.P., secretary of the Rushden branch of the National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives, enclosing a copy of a resolution passed at a recent meeting of the branch, as follows: “That this meeting of the residents of the town of Rushden urges upon the Council the desirability of at once seriously considering the erection of a number of workmen’s dwellings under the scheme known as the Wheatley Scheme, so that homes may be provided at reasonable rents for the working class.” Mrs. Webb, secretary of the Rushden Women’s Co-operative Guild, wrote on behalf of the Guild urging that the Council do all in their power to erect houses by direct labour, so as to meet the demands of the people. Mr. Spencer said he was thoroughly in sympathy with both letters. Mr. Knight: I suppose they think the Council have been neglecting their duties? Mr. Hornsby: No; I take it just to give us a little push so as to get houses erected a bit faster. Mr. Bates said it would be a good suggestion for the new Council. Mr. Wilmott moved that the Clerk acknowledge both letters and inform the writers that the Council and Housing Committee were trying to do their level best to get houses. Mr. Bayes seconded, and it was carried. |
|||
|
