Motor Pump For Fire Brigade
Damage In Jubilee Park

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

  The Chairman said he had received a telegram from Mr. C. W. Horrell, C.A., stating that he would be unable to attend.

  Mr. Corby (who was unable to be present at the last meeting) thanked the Council for having elected him as vice-chairman of the Council, and also for the unanimity of the choice.  He had not sought the office, as he had no wish to add to the responsibilities he already had, but it had been urged that he was a native of Rushden and had served on the Council for nine years and that he ought to allow his name to stand as a candidate for the vice-chair.  After some hesitation he had consented.  All his interests were in Rushden.  He had lived in the town all his life and was proud of the place.  He had seen it develop from a busy village to a busy town.  Though they had perhaps not got all the facilities of some towns, they could wait for such development, because they had what some other towns envied – a pulsating life in the town.  He wished the chairman good health during his year of office.

Plans, Etc., Committee

  A meeting of the Plans, Highways, and Lighting Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, April 27^th, 1927, when there were present: Messrs. J. Hornsby, A. Allebone, C. Claridge, G. W. Coles, C. W. Horrell, F. Knight, T. F. B. Newberry, J. Spencer, and T. Wilmott.

Chairman

  It was resolved that Mr. Hornsby be appointed Chairman of this committee for the ensuing year.

Sub-Committees

   The following sub-committees were appointed:-

  Lighting and Fire Brigade – Messrs. Allebone, Newberry, and Wilmott.

  Depot – Mr. Coles.

Plans

were presented for:

  Two houses in Cromwell-road for Mr. W. Boddington, and passed.

  Mission Hall (amended plan) in Albion-place for the Spiritualist Meeting, and passed.

  Garage at the rear of No. 123, Higham-road, for Mr. G. Tailby, and passed.

  Workshop at the rear of garage in Washbrook-road for Mr. A. Peck, and passed.

  Drill hall for the 4^th Battalion Northants Regiment in Victoria-road, and passed.

Hayway

  A letter was received from Mr. T. Smith, of No. 31, Hayway, calling attention to the lack of provision of accommodation near his  property for the storm water, and asking the Council to give the matter attention.

  A sub-committee consisting of the Chairman and Messrs. Knight and Wilmott was appointed to visit and inspect the site and report to the next meeting.

Rectory-Road Improvement

  The Clerk reported that arrangements had now been completed with all parties for the extension of Rectory-road through Beaconsfield-terrace in connection with this improvement.

  The Surveyor was instructed to at once proceed with the work.

Fire Brigade

  A letter was received from the Hon. Secretary to the Fire Brigade stating that demonstrations had been held with two makes of motor fire-pumps and the Brigade recommended that the “Dennis” be purchased, at the price of £810 net.  Certain equipment would be required in connection therewith at a cost of £78  2s.

  It was resolved to recommend the Council to apply to the Ministry of Health for sanction to a loan to cover the cost of the pump and equipment and, subject to such sanction being granted, to make the purchases accordingly.

Road Materials

  The Surveyor submitted tenders for the ensuing year’s supply of road materials, and a sub-committee consisting of the Chairman and Mr. Wilmott was appointed to go through them and instruct the Surveyor to place orders for the current year’s requirements.

Newton-Road

  The Surveyor was instructed, in repairing this road from the Council’s houses to the Rectory Farm, to use tarmacadam.

Main Roads – Tar-Spraying

  The Surveyor informed the committee that Messrs. Johnson Bros., of London, who were tar-spraying the main roads in the neighbourhood, were prepared to so dress the main roads in this district with “Spraymex” at a charge of 2.7d. per yard.

  It was resolved to recommend the Council to accept the offer.

Motor Lorry

  The Surveyor reported that the motor-lorry recently purchased had been delivered and was working quite satisfactorily.  Owing to the weight of the vehicle exceeding five tons, the licence amounted to £60 annually instead of £54.

  The report was adopted.

  On the subject of the new fire engine pump the Chairman said it was a very important matter.  The Brigade were very interested in their work, and they felt that they ought to have further equipment in case of disastrous fires.  It was well known to the members of the Council and others that at high elevations in the town the Brigade would find it almost impossible to deal adequately with serious fires.  Two demonstrations had been given, and the second one had been regarded as the more effective.  The committee had fully discussed the matter and had made the recommendation unanimously.

  Mr. Newberry supported, he said, on the ground that if a factory were burnt down so much unemployment would be caused.

Parks and Baths Committee

  A meeting of the Parks and Baths Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Monday, May 2^nd, 1927, when there were present: Messrs. J. Hornsby, W. Bazeley, G. W. Coles, F. Knight, D. G. Greenfield, L. Perkins, and J. Roe.

Chairman

  It was resolved that Dr. Greenfield be appointed Chairman of this committee for the ensuing year.

Emergency Sub-Committees

  A sub-committee consisting of the Chairman and Messrs. Coles and Knight was appointed to deal with any matters of urgency arising during the year.

Jubilee Park

  Caretaker – The committee considered the question of the appointment of a caretaker for this Park and ultimately it was resolved to instruct the Surveyor to advertise for applications; the appointment to be a part-time one, and in the first instance to be until September 30^th next.  Upon the receipt of the applications the Emergency Sub-Committee were authorised to make an appointment.

  Fencing – The Emergency Sub-Committee were requested to visit and inspect the fences and give instructions for any necessary work of repair to be carried out.

Swimming Bath

  The Surveyor submitted terms from reinforced concrete specialists for the preparation of specifications and the superintendence of the carrying out of that part of the work, but before making a recommendation the committee instructed the Surveyor to interview one of the firms and obtain further information with regard thereto and submit to a special meeting to be held on Wednesday, the 11^th inst., at 6.45 p.m.

  The report was adopted.

  Presenting the above report, Dr. Greenfield said there had been some trouble in the way of wanton destruction of fencing at Jubilee Park.  The committee felt that they must endeavour to put a stop to it.  They would like to appeal to the public to protect the town’s property.  A caretaker could not always be present, but the public were mostly there and could protect what really belonged to themselves.  Also, the committee would like to warn offenders that legal proceedings would be taken against any who were caught.  The Emergency Committee recommended the provision of barbed-wire fencing for Jubilee Park, at an estimated cost of £12  8s.  On the subject of the swimming bath, Dr. Greenfield said they had had a communication from the Ministry of Health on the question of reinforced concrete and loose concrete.  The Ministry recommended the use of reinforced concrete, and that the Council apply to a firm of reinforced concrete engineers and not the makers for the preparation of specifications and quantities.  Three firms had been approached, and the committee recommended that Messrs. L. G. Mouchel and Partners, Ltd., civil engineers, of Birmingham, whose terms were 6½ per cent. on the cost, be engaged to do the work in conjunction with the Surveyor.  That would not include anything above ground.

  In reply to Mr. Allebone, the Clerk said that the percentage mentioned would be based on the total cost of carrying out the work for which the firm would prepare specifications.

  The additional recommendations of the committee were also carried.

Health and Sanitary Committee

  A meeting of the Health and Sanitary Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, May 4^th, 1927, when there were present:  Messrs. J. Hornsby, F. Corby, J. Allen, C. Bates, W. Bazeley, D. G. Greenfield, T. F. B. Newberry, W. C. Tarry, and T. Swindall.

Chairman

  It was resolved that Mr. Corby be appointed Chairman of this committee for the ensuing year.

Sub-Committees

  The following sub-committees were appointed:

  Cemetery – Messrs. Allen, Tarry, and Greenfield.

  Farm – Messrs. Bates, Bazeley, Corby, and Newberry.

  Depot – Mr. Swindall.

Health and Sanitary Reports

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

  The Sanitary Inspector reported that since the last meeting 20 additional nuisances had been dealt with and 21 abated.

  Forty-eight visits had been made to premises where food was prepared or sold, during which inspections a quantity of beef and beef offal, to the total weight of 6cwt. 0qr. 13lb., had been found to be unfit for human consumption and destroyed in the usual way.

  Fifteen rooms had been disinfected after cases of infectious disease.

  At the Depot a quantity of bedding had been disinfected and a quantity destroyed at the Sewage Farm, also after cases of infectious disease.

  An application was received from Mrs. W. Bull, of 76, Harborough-road, for compensation in respect of destroyed bedding, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to replace part of the bedding destroyed at a cost of £1  7s.  6d.

  The Inspector also reported that the owner of the Kilburn-place property had now provided washing accommodation therefor.

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

Rats and Mice Destruction Act

  The Inspector also reported that under this Act three complaints had been received and four premises inspected.

Milk and Dairies Order, 1923

  An application was received from Messrs. Dickens and Waller, of 76, Midland-road, for joint registration under this Order in respect of their new premises, Lodge Farm, Irchester-road, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to accede thereto.

Milk and Dairies Act – Public Health and Clean Milk

  The Inspector submitted reports on the examination of three further samples of milk, all of which were considered satisfactory.

Medical Officer’s and Sanitary Inspector’s Annual Reports

  It was resolved that these reports be printed and circulated amongst the members as usual.

Refuse Disposal

  The Clerk reported that the contract for the purchase of the land on the Bedford road had been signed and that the purchase would be completed on June 24^th next.

  The Surveyor was instructed to make the arrangements, as soon as possible, for the use of the tip.

Cemetery

  The committee had under consideration the suggestion of the District Auditor, in his report on the recent audit, that the burial fees paid for interments in the Cemetery should be increased, if possible, to an amount which would meet the expenditure.

  The committee, whilst agreeing that the fees at present were inadequate to meet the expenditure incurred, were of opinion that it was inadvisable, in all the circumstances, to make any alteration at the present time.

  The report was adopted.

Finance and Estates Committee

  A meeting of the Finance and Estates Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Thursday, May 5^th, 1927, at 10 a.m., when there were present Messrs. J. Hornsby, F. Corby, C. Bates, G. W. Coles, C. W. Horrell, F. Knight, J. Roe, W. C. Tarry, and T. Wilmott.

Chairman

  It was resolved that Mr. Horrell be appointed Chairman of this committee for the ensuing year.

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 Accounts

  The Collector’s accounts were also examined, from which it appeared that he had collected the following sums during the past month:

Treasurer’s Accounts

  The committee also examined the Treasurer’s accounts, from which it appeared that he had received the following sums since the last meeting:

	£	s	d
Collector, General District Rate	55	15	6
Collector, Fittings	55	8	8
Collector, Cottage Rents	573	13	8
Collector, Spencer Park Fees	11	3	1
Collector, Library Fees, etc.	3	10	0
Collector, Cemetery Fees, etc.	20	11	0
Collector, Miscellaneous	11	13	6
Allotment Society – Irchester-road Land Rents	28	18	0
County Council – High-street South Footpath Improvement	148	0	0
W. Gutteridge – War-time Allotment Rents	8	5	9
Ministry of Transport – Re ’Bus Licences	23	0	0
	939	19	2
Collector – Poor Rate	62	3	11
	1,002	3	1

And that the balances on the undermentioned accounts were as follows:

Oakpits

  The Clerk reported that Mr. S. Winsor had given up the tenancy of the Oakpits as from March 31^st last.  The Surveyor was instructed to again let the land at a rent of £4 per annum.

Irchester-Road Housing Site

  The Clerk reported the receipt from the Ministry of Health of their sanction to the loans of £814 and £1,586 required for the purposes of road-making on the first portion of this estate, and was instructed to negotiate same on the best terms possible.

  The report was adopted.

  The Council decided to apply to the Ministry of Health for Sanction to borrow £920 for the purchase of the motor-pump.