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| The Rushden Echo, 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd May, 1908, transcribed by Gill Hollis |
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Rushden Urban District Council
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The Annual Meeting The annual meeting of this Council was held at the Council Chambers, Rushden, on Wednesday night. A telegram was received from Mr. F. Ballard, the retiring chairman, to the effect that he had missed his train and would be unable to be present. The members in attendance were: Messrs. W. Bazeley (vice-chairman), F. Knight, J. Claridge, G. Miller, G. H. Skinner, C. E. Bayes, J. S. Clipson, T. Swindall, C. Bates, and A. J. Dobbs, with the Clerk (Mr. G. S. Mason), the Surveyor (Mr. W. B. Madin), and the Sanitary Inspector (Mr. H. Hunter). The Clerk was voted to the chair pro tem. Election of Chairman Mr. Miller said that as he had recently been before the electors and had in a measure, at least, received their confidence he had much pleasure in moving that Mr. Claridge be the chairman for the coming year. In doing so, he intended no slight on Mr. Bazeley, the present vice-chairman, but wished to remove a slight put on Mr. Claridge when he was selected by the town at the election to occupy the chair. He thought it would be no injustice to Mr. Bazeley to ask him to continue in the vice-chair for another year. He was pleased to say that was the only occasion on which politics cropped up at their meetings, and he would like to point out that if his motion were agreed to the Conservative party would practically sacrifice any opportunity of providing the Chairman during the present Council. Mr. Skinner seconded the motion. Mr. Bates proposed the election of Mr. Bazeley, and said there was an understanding last year that the vice-chairman should be elected to the chair this year. Mr. Claridge would be a good chairman, but Mr. Bazeley would be as good, if not better, and he did not think it right that one gentleman should occupy the chair several times to the exclusion of others who were equally capable. Mr. Swindall had much pleasure in seconding the amendment. He thought it would be a great slight on Mr. Bazeley and the working-classes if Mr. Bazeley were not elected. Mr. Bazeley’s conduct on the Council had always been upright and honourable - (hear, hear) – and he had thought every member of the Council would be pleased to support him. Mr. Miller: Would it be a slight on Mr. Bazeley to wait another year? Mr. Swindall: The opposition would be the same next year. Mr. Miller: I should not oppose him. Mr. Claridge said he did not know that Mr. Miller was going to propose him, and under the circumstances he did not feel justified in allowing his name to go to the vote, especially seeing that Mr. Ballard and Mr. Paragreen were away. He was pleased to place his services at the disposal of the town, but did not think he would be justified in taking the chair. He should not say a word against Mr. Bazeley, but Mr. Bazeley was a young man and perhaps could afford to wait a bit longer before he occupied that prominent position. He asked Mr. Miller to withdraw his motion. Mr. Miller said he had no alternative but to withdraw Mr. Claridge’s name. He had no personal objection to Mr. Bazeley, for he knew his ability, but on those occasions they generally gave a political vote, and he felt it his duty to propose Mr. Claridge. There was no other nomination, and Mr. Bazeley’s name was put to the meeting. The voting was equal, four voting for and four against. The motion was again put by the Clerk, and this time the voting was 4 – 3 in favour of the motion. Mr. Bazeley, in taking the chair, thanked the Council, but regretted there was not more unanimity about his election. He certainly did not expect the opposition. He did not accept the position on any personal ground, but because he felt that the chair should not be monopolised by any party. He would try to carry out the duties in an impartial manner, and trusted to receive the support of the Council. Mr. Claridge thought they would all be ready to congratulate Mr. Bazeley and to support him. Mr. Miller congratulated Mr. Bazeley, and assured him of the same support he had given to every other Chairman. Mr. Knight spoke in a similar strain, but took exception to the statement that there was an understanding last year that Mr. Bazeley should be elected. There might have been a suggestion. Mr. Bates: Most of us understood last year that Mr. Bazeley would succeed to the chair this year and that a Conservative Vice-chairman should be elected. The Vice-Chairmanship Mr. Claridge proposed the election of Mr. Skinner as vice-chairman and mentioned that Mr. Skinner had served on the Council and in most public offices for many years. Mr. Clipson seconded the motion. There was no other nomination and Mr. Skinner’s election was agreed to. Mr. Skinner cordially thanked the Council for the honour they had done him. Mr. Swindall congratulated Mr. Skinner, and said that when he suggested last year that Mr. Ballard should take the chair and Mr. Bazeley succeed him, his idea was that Mr. Skinner should follow Mr. Bazeley. Committees were elected as follows:- Finance and Estates: The Chairman and Vice-chairman, with Messrs. Ballard and Claridge. Health and Sanitary: The Chairman, Vice-chairman, Messrs. Ballard, Bates, Miller, Paragreen, and Bayes. Plans and Highways: The Chairman, Vice-chairman, Messrs. Swindall, Claridge, Clipson, Dobbs, and Knight. Water Board The following six gentlemen were re-elected representatives of the Council on the Higham and Rushden Water Board:- Messrs. Ballard, Bates, Clipson, Knight, Claridge, and Swindall. Plans Committee The report of this committee showed that plans for alterations to Messrs. Jaques and Clark’s factory, for sanitary accommodation to a workshop in Park-road, additions to Messrs. W. Green and Sons’ factory, and houses, stables, and drainage for Mr. G. Tomlin in Carnegie-street, had been submitted and passed. The report was adopted. Main-Road Footpaths The Plans Committee reported that the Surveyor had been instructed to prepare estimates for the improvement of the footpaths in Church Parade, in front of the Coffee Tavern and in front of the Capital and Counties Bank, the County Council to pay an amount equal to the cost of ordinary repairs and half the cost of the improvement, and the Rushden Council to pay the other half. The report was confirmed. Washbrook-Road At the last meeting of the Council the report of the Plans and Highways committee relative to the improvement of this road was referred back for further consideration. The committee now reported that the Surveyor had informed them that the recent heavy rains had caused the bank of the watercourse to give way and that it was necessary to do something at once. The committee recommended that the watercourse should be piped in through the most dangerous part, twenty or thirty yards long, at a cost of about £20. Mr. Dobbs moved as an amendment to the committee’s report that the whole of the watercourse be piped and filled in, and said it was a scandal to the Council that it had not been done before. If they only did a little this year, it would be years before the work was completed. The money would be well spent. Mr. Bates seconded the amendment. Mr. Claridge and Mr. Skinner supported the committee’s recommendation, which was carried with only two dissentients. Irchester Road On the recommendation of the Plans Committee, it was decided to make up the bank of the ditch on this road, where it has given way, at a nominal cost. Street Lighting It was decided to cease full street lighting on May 7, and that the summer lighting be the same as last year. Inspector’s Resignation Mr. H. Hunter wrote that it was not without feelings of regret that he had respectfully to inform the Council that he had been appointed Inspector of Nuisances to the Malden District Council and wished therefore to resign his position at Rushden. Mr. Claridge said they would all regret to lose the services of Mr. Hunter, who had proved himself a most efficient and valuable officer. They wished to congratulate him on his appointment, however, and trusted he would have a very prosperous future. The Chairman and the Clerk also spoke in high terms of Mr. Hunter’s ability and Mr. Hunter thanked the Council for their appreciatory remarks. Damage By Children Mr. Claridge called attention to damage done by children in pulling up sods on the Green and throwing them about and also in pulling the trees about. The Surveyor bore out what Mr. Claridge had said regarding the damage. It was resolved to post notices warning the offenders. “Tip-Cat” Mr. Claridge also called attention to the prevalence of this dangerous game in the streets and said he had heard of some narrow escapes from serious accidents to cyclists through the game. Mr. Knight mentioned an instance where a cyclist was heavily thrown from his machine through a “cat” catching in the spokes of his machine. Mr. Dobbs said it was certainly a dangerous game, but the Council must be careful or the youngsters would be agitating for a recreation ground, and he should not blame them either. It was decided to call the attention of the police and schoolmasters to the matter. Extension of The Railway Mr. Miller gave notice that he would move at the next meeting that the Council approach the Midland Railway Co. with a view to the extension of the railway from Rushden to Raunds. Mr. Paragreen was unable to attend the meeting, having met with an accident. |
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8th May, 1908 New District Rate A special meeting of this Council was held on Wednesday evening to approve the estimates of receipts and expenditure for the ensuing year and to fix the amount of the new rate. The members present were: Messrs. W. Bazeley (chairman), G. H. Skinner (vice-chairman), F. Knight, J. Claridge, G. Miller, F. Ballard, C. E. Bayes, J. S. Clipson, T. Swindall, J. Paragreen, C. Bates, and A. J. Dobbs, with the Clerk (Mr. G. S. Mason), the Surveyor (Mr. W. B. Madin), and the Sanitary Inspector (Mr. H. Hunter). Before the business was proceeded with, Mr. Ballard expressed his regret at not being present at the annual meeting and explained that he was away from home and missed his train. He hoped he was not too late to congratulate Mr. Bazeley and Mr. Skinner on their election and to wish them a very successful year. He was sure they would have the Council’s support, and if he had been at the annual meeting it would have given him much pleasure to vote for both gentlemen. The Chairman said he very much appreciated Mr. Ballard’s remarks and only regretted that he and Mr. Paragreen were not present at the last meeting. Mr. Skinner also thanked Mr. Ballard for his remarks. Mr. Paragreen said he was very pleased that the Chairman had been promoted, but he thought it was understood 12 months ago that that would be the case. He was sorry to hear that some of the members of the Council opposed Mr. Bazeley’s promotion, because it did not look exactly brotherly not to carry out the arrangement that was, he believed, in their minds twelve months ago. However, it had turned out in the right way, after all, and he congratulated the Chairman. The Chairman then moved that the estimates for the ensuing year be adopted and that the district rate be made out for 5s. in the £. He said the estimates had been most carefully gone through by the Finance Committee, and all the items of expenditure had been kept down as low as it was possible to keep them, consistent with efficiency. It was owing to the increase of £600 in the Council’s contribution to the Water Board this year that a 5s. rate was necessary. When it was understood that out of the 5s. rate, 2/6 in the £ represented the Council’s contribution to the Water Board the ratepayers would understand that the Council had no alternative but to raise the rate. They all regretted the necessity for the increase but the expenditure of each year had to be met in each year as far as possible. The total estimated expenditure amounted to £10,943/16/0, and the receipts to £2,303/9/6, leaving an adverse balance of £8,640/6/6. Deducting from this balance £291/6/9 cash on account of private streets left a net balance to be provided for of £8,348/19/9. To cover that it was necessary to levy a 5s. rate, and he was sure the ratepayers would see, if they studied the estimates, that all the expenditure had been cut down to Rock Bottom Level. Mr. Ballard seconded the motion as a duty. He felt that each year should bear its own burden as far as possible. This year, even with a 5/- rate they would not quite be able to meet their expenditure and their bank balance at the end of the year would be slightly reduced. It would be false economy, therefore, to make a rate for less than 5/- in the £ under the circumstances. Mr. Claridge said he was very sorry it was necessary to levy a 5/- rate, but he saw no alternative. He had hoped they would be able to do with a 4/8 rate, especially seeing that the poor rate would be higher this year. No doubt there would be complaints, but the extra contribution to the Water Board amounted to 4d. in the £, and accounted for the whole of the increase. He regretted that they were not in a position to carry out improvements in the town, but with the present high rates improvements were out of the question. The new school would mean another addition to the rates, so it behoved them to be as economical as possible. It was probable, too, that the county rate would be higher, so it seemed likely they would have to continue a 5/- rate for some years, at any rate until the small Water Board loan was paid off. Mr. Swindall, as a large ratepayer, was very sorry they had to increase the rate. He believed the ratepayers would understand that the Council could not help themselves. Out of 2s. 6d. at their disposal, 1s. 2d. went to pay off loans, so that the current expenses of the town were really met by 1s. 4d. in the £. Mr. Skinner was very much disappointed at the raising of the rate, especially seeing that it occurred just after he had been elected vice-chairman. (Laughter.) He saw no possibility of escaping the increase, however. The motion was then agreed to. |
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15th May, 1908 The Higham Ferrers Branch Line A meeting of this Council was held at the Council Chambers, Rushden, on Wednesday night, when there were present: Messrs. W. Bazeley (chairman), G. H. Skinner (vice-chairman), F. Knight, G. Miller, J. S. Clipson, C. E. Bayes, T. Swindall, J. Paragreen, F. Ballard, J. Claridge, C. Bates, and A. J. Dobbs, with the Clerk (Mr. G. S. Mason), the Surveyor (Mr. Madin), and the Sanitary Inspector (Mr. Hunter). Health and Sanitary Committee A meeting of the Health and Sanitary Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, the 6th May, 1908, when there were present:- Messrs. W. Bazeley, G. H. Skinner, F. Ballard, C. Bates, G. Miller, C. E. Bayes, and Jas. Paragreen. Election of Chairman Mr. Ballard proposed that Mr. Skinner be appointed chairman of this Committee for the ensuing year. Mr. Bates seconded. Carried unanimously. Election of Sub-Committees The following Sub-committees were appointed: Cemetery – Messrs. Bazeley, Ballard, Bates and Miller. Farm – Messrs. Skinner, Paragreen, and Bayes. Health And Sanitary Reports The Medical Officer reported that only one case of infectious disease had been notified since the last meeting, viz., of erysipelas. The Sanitary Inspector reported that a house to house inspection had been made of the cottages, No. 73 to 91, Duck-street, to which the absence of sufficient closet accommodation constituted a serious nuisance. The Inspector was authorised to serve a notice on the owner requiring him to forthwith provide the necessary closets. An inspection had also been made of No. 16, Duck-street, occupied by Mr. W. Sears, which was found to require thoroughly cleansing and limewashing. The Inspector was likewise instructed to serve a notice requiring this work to be done at once. The Inspector also reported that some wooden sheds at the rear of Nos. 20 and 40, Pemberton-street, were being used as stables. He had served notices requesting the discontinuance of the sheds for this purpose. One house had been disinfected during the month where a death from consumption had taken place. One application had been received for registration as a purveyor of milk in this district. The Inspector submitted his usual monthly statement of work done, complaints investigated, and notices served. Consumption Letters were received from Doctors Owen, Baker, and Greenfield in reply to the request that they should voluntarily notify Phthisis, stating that with the patients’ consent they were prepared to act in accordance with the suggestions of the Council. The Clerk informed the Committee that Dr. Freeman had also verbally informed him he would adopt the same course. Mr. Harry Hunter An application was received from Mr. Hunter asking that he might be granted a testimonial on his leaving to take up duties under the Malden and Coombe Urban District Council. The Committee expressed their high opinion of the work done by Mr. Hunter whilst in Rushden and unanimously resolved to recommend the Council to accede to the request. The report was adopted. Railway Facilities Mr. Miller, in accordance with notice, moved that the Council respectfully request the General Manager of the Midland Railway Company to lay before the directors of the Company the question of the advisability of extending their branch line from Wellingborough, which now terminates at Higham Ferrers, to Raunds, as provided in the original scheme. He felt sure that all the members of the Council would support that motion, because the extension was in the interest of the town. There was great disappointment when the line was not extended to Raunds. One had only to look at the map to see at what disadvantages the people of Rushden and Higham were in getting railway communication with the eastern counties. To get to Raunds they had to travel 26¼ miles, when the distance from Higham Ferrers was about four miles. There was a considerable amount of trade between Rushden and Raunds, and the tradespeople of Rushden would look on it as a great boon if the Company could see their way to extend the branch line. At the present time the eastern counties were practically shut off from them. There were difficulties in the way of the extension, but it was so desirable that he thought all the local authorities should support it. The Mayor of Higham Ferrers was strongly in favour of the proposal, and the Higham Ferrers Council would no doubt support it, too. The Raunds Council had already made efforts to get the line carried on, and if a strong case were made out the Company would no doubt consider it. He once had the honour of being a member of a deputation which waited on the late General Manager, Mr. Turner, who said that the Wellingborough and Higham Ferrers branch was one of the best paying branches on the line. He (Mr. Miller) did not suggest that the extension would pay as well, but they did not know the possibilities of tapping the eastern counties. Mr. Skinner seconded the motion and was quite sure the extension of the line would be a great advantage to Rushden. Mr. Clipson, speaking in support, said a line between Rushden and Raunds would be a great convenience to him personally. Mr. C. Bates said it would be a great convenience to many workpeople, who now had to walk between the two towns, night and morning. Mr. Claridge also supported the motion, and said it would greatly strengthen the application if similar action was taken by the Higham Ferrers, Stanwick, and Raunds Councils. Mr. Dobbs said if the Railway Directors had had his journey that day in the thunderstorm, the extension would soon be made. He was glad to see members of the Council prepared to spend money on a necessity, when it belonged to the Railway Company. The Chairman thought it was a breach of faith on the part of the Company not to have extended the line before this. He believed the extension would be a very good thing from the Company’s standpoint. At present, if there was an extension to the eastern counties, it took about an hour and a half to travel seven miles from home. The resolution was carried unanimously, and it was decided to inform the Company that if it was desired a deputation from the Council would wait on the directors. The District Rate A resolution was passed that the new district rate, at 2/6 in the £, should be sealed. The amount the rate will produce is £4244/6/5. Appointment of Treasurer A letter was received from the General Manager of the Northamptonshire Union Banking Co., informing the Council that Mr. J. W. Ashdowne, the manager of the Company’s Rushden branch and treasurer to the Council, had been compelled to retire by mental affliction. Mr. F. L. Heygate had been appointed branch manager, and the hope was expressed that the Council would favourably entertain Mr. Heygate’s application for the treasurership of the Council. Mr. Claridge moved that the Council record their appreciation of Mr. Ashdowne’s services. From the time the town began to develop Mr. Ashdowne had done all he could for its welfare. He very much regretted the cause of his retirement and hoped he might soon recover. Mr. T. Swindall seconded the motion and said no man had done more to help in the development of Rushden than Mr. Ashdowne. Mr. Skinner endorsed all that had been said, and the motion was carried nem. con. A letter was received from Mr. Heygate applying for the position of treasurer and on the motion of Mr. Claridge, seconded by Mr. Miller, and supported by Mr. Ballard, Mr. Heygate was unanimously appointed. Workers’ Educational Association A memorial signed by a large number of organisations in which working men are interested was received. The memorialists asked the Council to convene a town’s meeting with a view to forming a local branch of the Workers’ Educational Association. The Chairman said that the memorial had been in preparation for some time, and that the reason a town’s meeting was asked for was to emphasize the fact that the association was quite non-political and non-sectarian. The Association aimed at co-ordinating existing educational agencies and devising fresh means for raising working people educationally, step by step. Their programme included university extension lectures, and things of that sort. The promoters did not wish to run the town to any expense, and he was authorised to say that the Co-operative Society would lend their hall free of charge. Mr. Ballard proposed, with much pleasure, that the request of the memorialists be acceded to. Mr. Claridge seconded the motion and thought it their duty to support anything which was for the improvement of the town educationally. He hoped more interest would be taken in the meeting this time than in the meeting called a couple of years ago. The motion was carried unanimously and it was resolved that the meeting should be held in the Public Hall. The Rushden Volunteers A letter was received from the Rushden Conservative and Unionist Association stating that at the annual meeting of the association a resolution was carried unanimously, protesting against the practical disbanding of the Rushden Company of Volunteers. The hope was expressed that the Council would consider the matter and support an application to the authorities to reconsider their decision. Mr. Miller said there was no wish to make any party capital out of the matter, but he was sure they all felt it was a great mistake to disband a company such as there was in Rushden. He moved that an application be made for the reconsideration of the matter. Mr. Skinner seconded the motion and thought it was a slur on the town to disband the Company, which was one of the best in the Battalion. Perhaps the authorities thought that Higham Ferrers, being a Borough town, was bigger than Rushden. Mr. Dobbs thought it was opening a wide field to discuss such questions at the Council meetings. He was opposed to the motion, though he was fool big enough to serve for three years as a Volunteer. The Volunteers were intended to defend property, but not the property of the Volunteers. He moved that the consideration of the matter be deferred till the next meeting. Mr. Ballard seconded the amendment. Mr. Miller said he would withdraw his motion, as he would not like any opposition in a matter of that character. The amendment was then put to the vote, and Mr. Swindall was the only dissentient. The vote was challenged by Mr. Skinner, and on the question being again put to the meeting it was resolved by six votes to five to decide the matter at once. Mr. Skinner then moved Mr. Miller’s resolution again, Mr. Miller and Mr. Knight declining to take action. Mr. Paragreen seconded the motion. Mr. Knight said he would support it, though he was afraid it was too late. He took exception to Mr. Dobbs’s idea as to what the Volunteers were intended for. He happened to be at the meeting when the Volunteers were enrolled. He noticed the men then, and noticed them after three years’ training, exercise and discipline and found a remarkable improvement in their physique and bearing. He had taken a great interest in the matter of the preservation of the O Company as a separate Company, but he was afraid it was too late. Sir Francis Channing, Sir Arthur Brooke, Mr. Willan Jackson, and other gentlemen had been using their influence for the maintenance of the Company, and he believed it was the strong wish of the great majority of people in the town. It had been decided, however, that there should be only a half-company at Rushden and a half-company at Higham and Irthlingborough, with headquarters at Higham. The Chairman understood that if the Company had been retained at Rushden many members would not have re-joined because there would have been greater restrictions. Mr. Knight said that was not really the case. The period for camp and the drills would be the same. The enlistment would be for a year longer, but old members of the Volunteer corps would be able to leave after the first year if they did not like it. He believed the conditions would work out about the same. Mr. Dobbs still opposed the resolution. The men of the territorial army had as much responsibility as a soldier, and the only difference was that they did not get any pay. He was surprised at anyone joining the force. He did not like the matter considered as a matter of petty feeling between Rushden and Higham. As for the benefit from the drill, he did not know that it benefitted him, and at any rate he had not felt worse since he left the Volunteer corps. The resolution was carried by 5 votes to 3. ……………………………….. 22nd May, 1908 Appointment of Sanitary Inspector A special meeting of this Council was held on Wednesday night, when there were present: Messrs. W. Bazeley (chairman), G. H. Skinner (vice-chairman), F. Knight, J. Claridge, C.C., G. Miller, C.C., F. Ballard, C. E. Bayes, J. S. Clipson, T. Swindall, J. Paragreen, C. Bates, and A. J. Dobbs, with the Clerk (Mr. G. S. Mason) and the Surveyor (Mr. W. B. Madin). The Clerk reported that at a meeting of the whole Council in committee held that evening, the following applications for the appointment of Inspector of Nuisances were considered, three candidates having first been selected by the Health and Sanitary Committee in accordance with instructions of the Council:- Messrs. C. G. Kingston, West Bromwich; Robert Wilson, Lancaster; and A. H. Merriman, Wolverhampton. The candidates’ testimonials having been read, the applicants were interviewed, and the committee resolved to recommend the Council to appoint Mr. Kingston as Inspector of Nuisances for one year at a salary of £100 per annum. The Chairman moved the adoption of the report. He said he was sure the applicants and testimonials of the three candidates had been most carefully gone through. It had been a very difficult task to choose between the three applicants, for they were three very good men, with the highest references, but the committee felt they were recommending the gentleman who was best fitted for the post to be vacated by Mr. Hunter. Mr. Ballard seconded the motion, which was carried, nem. con. |
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