The Division of The Town Into Wards
Representation on The County Council
Housing Subsidies

  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) and the Surveyor (Mr. W. B. Madin).

Parks Committee

  A meeting of the Parks Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, October 8^th, 1924, when there were present: Messrs. F. Knight (chairman), C. Claridge, G. W. Coles, F. Corby, L. Perkins, J. Spencer, and T. Swindall.

Spencer Park Bowling Greens

  The Chairman reported that the groundsman was experiencing considerable trouble with the greens on account of the abnormal number of worms therein.  It was resolved to instruct the Surveyor to purchase half-a-ton of worm-killer from Messrs. Sutton and Sons, in order that the greens may be immediately dressed therewith.

  The report was adopted.

Health and Sanitary Committee

  A meeting of the Health and Sanitary Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, October 22^nd, 1924, when there were present: Messrs. C. W. Horrell (chairman), C. Bates, G. W. Coles, F. Corby, and T. Wilmott.

Health and Sanitary Reports

  The report of the Medical Officer of Health for the month of October was received.

  The Sanitary Inspector reported that since the last meeting 39 visits had been made to premises where food was prepared or sold.  During these inspections quantities of port and pork offal, beef and beef offal, and 29 tins of food had been found to be unfit for human consumption and destroyed in the usual way.  The carcases of four pigs and a quantity of canned food had also been submitted for inspection.

  At the depot a quantity of bedding had been disinfected, and various articles of wearing apparel, bedding, etc., destroyed at the sewage farm, all after cases of infectious disease.

  Forty-one nuisances had been dealt with during the past month, of which 16 had been abated.

  The Inspector gave a detailed statement of his work since the last meeting.

Milk and Dairies Act, 1922

  An application was received from Mr. Ireson, of No. 94, Glassbrook-road, to be registered as a cowkeeper and dairyman, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to accede thereto subject to the premises being to the satisfaction of the Inspector.

Sale of Crops

  The Farm Sub-Committee reported that the sale of crops took place at the farm on Monday, the 6^th inst., and realised £147  17s.  6d., about £10 more than last year.

Scavenging

  The Surveyor was instructed to obtain prices for covered carts for scavenging and submit 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, November 5^th, 1924, when there were present: Messrs. C. Bates (chairman), C. W. Horrell, C. E. Bayes, C. Claridge, G. W. Coles, F. Knight, T. Swindall, and T. Wilmott.

Tradesmen’s and Other Accounts

  A number of accounts amounting to £1,545  12s.  2d. were examined and passed for payment.

Memorandum of General District Rate

  The Rates Clerk submitted the following Memorandum of General District Rate made on April 9^th, 1924.

  The Rates Clerk also submitted a list of Irrecoverable amounts as follows:

And it was resolved to recommend the Council that they be written off as such.

Steam-Roller

  It was resolved to recommend the Council to instruct the Clerk to at once make application to the Ministry of Health for sanction to a loan of £575 for payment of the new steam-roller.

  The report was adopted.

Plans, Etc., Committee

  A meeting of the Plans, Highways, and Lighting Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, November 5^th, 1924, when there were present: Messrs. C. Bates (chairman), C. W. Horrell, C. E. Bayes, J. Hornsby, F. Knight, J. Spencer, and T. Swindall.

Plans

were presented for:

  Two houses in Oakley-road for Mr. Arthur Sanders, and passed.

  House in Spencer-road for Mr. W. Packwood, and passed.

  House in Spencer-road for Mr. W. Wendall, and passed.

  An application for the subsidy in respect of each of the foregoing houses was received, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to instruct the Surveyor to issue certificates in respect of the same as coming within the Council’s scheme for the subsidy of £100 each.

  Drying-shed (amended plan) at their works off the Kimbolton road for the Rushden Chrome Tanning Co., Ltd., and no exception taken.

  An additional w.c. to their factory in Moor-road for Messrs. Ashford and Campion, and passed.

  Extension to the covered way at the Royal Theatre, and passed.

  Motor garage and store in the allotment field off Washbrook-road for Mr. W. Campion, and no exception taken.

  Box and cycle shed for the Tecnic Boot Co., Ltd., near their factory on the Bedford-road, and no exception taken.

  Workshop and greenhouse at the rear of No. 58, Harborough-rad, for Mr. E. J. Wrighton, and no exception taken.

  Two additional w.c.’s to factory in Moor-road for Messrs. Ashford and Daniels, and passed.

  Additional exits to factory in North-street for Messrs. W. A. Patenall and Sons, Ltd., and allowed, the existing staircase to be kept free of any obstruction.

  Portable garage in Washbrook-road for Mr. Ashford, and no exception taken.

Miscellaneous Buildings

  Applications were received for permission to erect small wooden buildings near their premises, as follow:-

Mr. F. Webb, 24, Robinson-road;

Mr. W. Lowe, 6, Essex-road;

Mr. D. Shortland, 36, Queen-street;

Mr. H. Neal, 30, Queen-street;

Mr. T. Burfield, 141, Queen-street;

Mr. W. Dickens, at rear of South-End Schools;

And it was resolved to recommend the Council to take no exception thereto.

Newton-Road Improvements

  The letter from Mr. John White asking the Council to sell him a strip of land at the west end of his factory for the purpose of providing an entrance thereto, referred to this committee by the Council at their last meeting, was considered.  The Clerk was instructed to inform Mr. White that the Council had only acquired sufficient land for the provision of lavatories, and the committee were unable to recommend the sale of any part of it.  The Clerk was also instructed to suggest to Mr. White that he should endeavour to negotiate the purchase of a small strip direct from the Church authorities.

Churchyard Approach

  The Surveyor submitted a plan prepared by Mr. Talbot Brown showing various alterations and amendments to the proposed entrance, and it was resolved that it be placed before the whole Council in Committee after their next meeting.

Mr. Newman’s Road Invention

  The letter received by the Council at their last meeting from Mr. Newman asking permission to experiment, at his own expense, on the roadway known as “Skinner’s-hill” was considered, and the Clerk was instructed to inform Mr. Newman that the committee could not recommend the Council to entertain the idea.

Bedford-Road Culvert

  The sub-committee reported that they had inspected the brook near the Tecnic Boot Company’s factory on the Bedford-road with a view to the construction of a culvert, and had met the County Surveyor on the site.  The County Surveyor approved the idea and agreed to place the matter before the Ministry of Transport with a view to obtaining a grant for what would be a considerable road improvement.  The Surveyor estimated the cost at £900, towards which the Tecnic Boot Co., Ltd., had promised to contribute £100, leaving £800 to be provided; of this sum the Ministry of Transport would, if they approved the scheme, make a grant of 50 per cent., leaving £400 to be found by the County and District Councils.

  The Surveyor was instructed to prepare a detailed estimate of the cost of the works required and submit to the County Surveyor with a view to the matter going forward.

Diversion of Footpath

  The committee had before them a plan of the proposed diversion, which they generally approved subject to the Surveyor being satisfied as to the construction of the new footpath.  He was instructed to prepare further details and submit to the next meeting.

Building By-Laws

  The Surveyor submitted an amended print of the proposed By-laws, embodying practically the whole of the suggestions made by the Ministry of Health on the print previously submitted.

  It was resolved to recommend the Council to approve the amended print subject to any modifications the Surveyor and the sub-committee agreed upon, and instruct the Clerk to forward it to the Ministry with a view to their adoption.

Public Lighting

  A memorial was received from the residents on the Wymington-road asking the Council to provide lighting facilities along that road.

  The committee resolved to recommend the Council to postpone any works here until next season.

  The Surveyor reported that the electric light column near the “Rose and Crown” had been smashed by one of the motor-’buses.  The cost of renewal was £12, and he was instructed to send in the account to the Company.

Motor-Lorry

  The Surveyor was authorised to provide a speedometer for this lorry.

Wellingborough and Kimbolton Roads Corner

  The County Surveyor having suggested that the cost of improving this corner might be paid for out of the amount allowed in the estimates for the current year and the Ministry of Transport having agreed, it was resolved that the Surveyor be instructed to proceed with the work forthwith and charge the cost to ordinary maintenance.

Trees

  On the subject of planting trees, Mr. Coles suggested that the committee be asked to plant other parts of the town with trees, and so add beauty to the town.  The right time was now coming, and he thought it would be well to plant a few each year.

  Mr. Wilmott suggested that the committee also take into consideration the replacing of trees that had died off.

  The Chairman promised that the suggestions would be borne in mind at the next meeting.

  Mr. Spencer asked that the Highways Committee also improve the street lighting.  He pointed out that latterly there had been some exceptionally dark nights.  He would like Rushden to get away from the present antiquated method (of a week without street lights every month) and do as most towns, and have lights continuously throughout the winter.

  Mr. Bates said that the committee would also consider that suggestion at their next meeting.

Free Library Committee

  A meeting of the Free Library Committee was held at the Library on Friday, October 31^st, 1924, when there were present: Messrs. J. S. Clipson (chairman), C. Claridge, C. J. Giles, B. M. Jones, W. W. Rial, J. Spencer, and the Rev. C. J. Keeler.

Mr. S. Saddler

  An apology for absence was received from Mr. S. Saddler.

Minutes

  The minutes of the previous meeting of the committee, held on November 14^th, 1923, were read and confirmed.

Book Selection Committee

  It was resolved that the Book Selection Committee, consisting of the Chairman, Mr. W. W. Rial, Mr. S. Saddler, Miss Clark, the Rev. C. J. Keeler, and the Rev. P. E. Robson, be reappointed for the ensuing six months, together with the addition of Mr. B. M. Jones.

Books Issued

  The Secretary reported that the number of books issued for the twelve months to Oct. 31^st last was 32,405, made up as follows:

Additions to Library

  The Secretary also reported that 149 books had been added to the Library during the year as follow:

New Books

  It was resolved to recommend the Council to authorise the committee to expend a sum not exceeding £20 in the purchase of new books during the current financial year.

Papers and Periodicals

  It was agreed to continue the present arrangements with Mr. Charles Robinson for the supply of papers and periodicals for the further period to March 31^st next upon the same terms.

  It was also resolved that the annual sale of papers, etc., be held in December as usual.

Renovation of Library

  The question of the renovation of the Reference Library, the Lending Department, the store-room, Ladies’ room, and the Librarian’s office was considered, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to request the Surveyor to obtain tenders and, if satisfactory, put the work in hand.

Annual Meeting

  It was resolved that in future the annual meeting of the committee be held in the month of March.

Lighting

  The committee considered the question of the lighting of the Library, and decided to suggest to the Council that they take into consideration the advisability of installing electric light in the place of gas.

Reference Library

  An application was received on behalf of a few of the older inhabitants for permission to use the Reference Library from 10.30 to 12.30 in the mornings and from 2 to 4 in the afternoons, and it was resolved to accede thereto.  The report was adopted.  Mr. Spencer said that the Library books were used very much and were much appreciated.

Rushden’s Three Wards

  A letter from the Clerk to the County Council was read on the subject of the division of Rushden into three wards for the purpose of electing six representatives from each ward to the Rushden Urban Council at the next election, copies of the County Council Order making such division being enclosed and a plan showing the effect being displayed in front of the chairman’s table.

  In reply to Mr. Hornsby, who said that the South Ward looked twice as big as either of the others, Mr. Mason said that at the time when the boundaries were fixed the electors in the three divisions were as follow:  South Ward, 2,219; East, 2,173; West, 2,179; so that it was very close.

  Mr. Horrell said that the average was 2,190; thus none of the wards was far from the average.

County Council

  A letter was read from Mr. C. Cross, C.C., re an additional County Councillor for Rushden, as follows:  “As requested by the Urban Council, I brought this question up at the County Council meeting on Friday, October 31^st, Mr. Sartoris seconding and Mr. Horrell supporting.  The Finance Committee reported that it is impossible to get the matter through in time for the election next March, as the question has to be considered by the committee, then brought to the Council, and afterwards sent to the Ministry of Health.  The County Council, however, gave a very sympathetic hearing to the Rushden members, and I had the assurance of the chairman that the whole question of the redistribution of seats, as affecting, not only Rushden, but the whole county, shall be considered early in the life of the new County Council, and I trust that Rushden will secure an additional member very early in the next County Council year.”

  Mr. Swindall said that the Rushden Council were indebted to the town’s representatives on the County Council.  That was far better a result than had been arrived at hitherto.

  Mr. Spencer said they all appreciated the services and hoped that the representatives would persevere with it.

  Mr. Horrell said that the least the Council could do was to tender their thanks to Mr. Cross and to Mr. Sartoris for bringing the matter before the County Council.  He moved a resolution to that effect.  Everyone would agree that Mr. Cross had been to considerable trouble in the matter, and he for one was satisfied that the County Council had given sympathetic consideration to the application.  (Hear, hear.)

  Mr. Hornsby seconded, and said he considered it was a step forward.  They could rest assured that the question would come up for consideration early in the life of the new Council and, he believed, would bear fruit.

  Mr. Coles supported, and said it was quite the right thing to do.  Their thanks were due also to Mr. Horrell.  His (Mr. Coles’s) only regret was that that course was not adopted two years earlier.  However, what had been done late had been done well.  The resolution was carried unanimously.

Gas

  A report from the Gas Examiner showed that the quality of the gas at the Rushden Gasworks on October 13^th was 491.5 B.T.U., and 484.1 on October 28^th, as compared with the requisite standard of 460 B.T.U.

Housing Subsidy

  The Minister of Health wrote agreeing to extend the time for applications for the housing subsidy, and said that houses should be likely to be completed by June 30^th next.

Local Government

  Mr. J. Bond, Clerk to the Kettering Urban District Council, wrote stating that members of the Royal Commission on Local Government would be passing through this locality on a tour of inspection, and he asked for any statistical information which the Council might like to have brought before their notice, as he was desirous of presenting to the Commission in the most favourable light the activities of the authorities in these districts.

  The Clerk added that he had supplied Mr. Bond with statistical information.  The time of the visit he did not know.

Rectory-Road

  Mr. Horrell asked if there was any correspondence from the railway company regarding the opening of Rectory-road into the station approach.

  The Clerk: No, not a word.  But they promised another visit in October.

  Mr. Spencer moved that the railway company be again reminded of the fact.  He said that the improvement ought to be carried out.

  Mr. Wilmott seconded, and suggested that the Highways Committee make a start on widening Rectory-road from the Newton-road end.  They would thus get the thin edge of the wedge in, and the citizens of Rushden would see that the Council were really moving in the matter.  Not only so, but the job would find work for the unemployed.

  The motion (in respect of reminding the company) was carried.

Houses To Let

  Mr. Coles asked whether the Council proposed to go forward with a scheme of building houses to let.  He understood that a deputation had visited some sites in the town.  He need not waste time talking of the shortage of houses.

  The Chairman said that the Housing Committee had arranged to meet to consider the whole question next Wednesday.

Public Baths

  In reply to a further question from Mr. Coles as to whether the sub-committee to consider the advisability of public baths had met, the Chairman said the committee had not.

  On the proposition of Mr. Coles, seconded by Mr. Spencer, it was agreed that the committee meet at the earliest date.

  Subsequently next Wednesday, following the meeting of the Housing Committee, was the time fixed.