Three Hundred Applications For Forty-Five Houses
The Late Mr. Ernest Bayes
Hard Tennis Courts For Spencer Park

  Wednesday, present Councillors C. W. Horrell, C.A., J.P. (chairman), C. Claridge (vice-chairman), T. Wilmott, T. F. B. Newberry, J. Roe, A. Allebone, D. G. Greenfield, M.D., W. C. Tarry, F. Knight, J.P., T. Swindall, L. Perkins, B.Sc., F. Corby, J. Spencer, J.P., J. Hornsby, G. W. Coles, J.P., C. Bates, and W. Bazeley, J.P., with the Clerk (Mr. G. S. Mason), the Surveyor (Mr. W. B. Madin), and the Sanitary Inspector (Mr. F. S. F. Piper).

  Before the ordinary business of the Council began the Chairman referred to the service at the War Memorial that morning, attended by the Council members among other members of the public, to pay tribute to the heroic men who made the supreme sacrifice.  Since the last meeting of the Council, Mr. Horrell said, they had heard with very great sadness and sorrow of the death of one of their colleagues and fellow-Councillors, Mr. C. E. Bayes.  They were all well aware of Mr. Bayes’s devotion and interest in the Rushden Council and all it represented.  He was sure they would like on that Day of Remembrance to show their tribute of appreciation of the honourable life and devotion to duty that Mr. Bayes had always displayed, and they could do that in no better way than by standing in silence a moment.

  This the Council did.

  Arising out of the minutes, Mr. Knight was informed that the land being purchased from Mr. Sartoris would be enfranchised.

Housing Committee

  A meeting of the Housing Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Monday, October 19^th, 1925, when there were present: Messrs. C. Bates (chairman), C. W. Horrell, T. Wilmott, W. Bazeley, and T. F. B. Newberry.

Selection Of Tenants

  The committee had before them a list of all the applications received, upwards of 300, and made a selection of 45 tenants for the houses now in course of erection as they become ready for occupation.  In making the selection the committee had regard in the first instance to the circumstances in which the applicants were now living, but other things being equal, in all cases gave preference to the earlier applicants.

  Presenting the above report, Mr. Bates said that every one of the house lettings had been by a unanimous vote of the committee. 

  The report was adopted.

Plans, Etc., Committee

  A meeting of the Plans, Highways, and Lighting Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, October 28^th, 1925, when there were present:  Messrs. T. Wilmott (chairman), A. Allebone, G. W. Coles, F. Knight, and W. C. Tarry.

Plans

were presented for:

  Drying-room to their factory in Portland-road for the Co-operative Wholesale Society, Ltd., and passed.

  Additional w.c. at the rear of the cottages in High-street South for Messrs. Jacques and Timpson, and passed.

  Additions to factory at the rear of Park-place for Mr. John White, and passed subject to slight amendments to be settled by the Surveyor.

  Corrugated-iron shed on his land in Newton-road for Mr. F. Hawkes, and no exception taken.

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

  House at the corner of Robinson-road and Cromwell-road for Mr. S. Wright, and passed.

  House in Robinson-road for Mr. F. Robinson, and passed.

  House in Prospect-avenue for Mr. H. G. Denton, and passed.

  Bungalow on the Wymington road for Mrs. M. A. Dilley, and passed.

  Applications for subsidies in respect of the foregoing six houses were received, together with estimates of the cost thereof, which did not exceed, including the cost of the land, £700 in any case, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to issue certificates in respect of same as coming within the Council’s scheme for the subsidy of £100 each.

Subsidy Houses – Garages

  The committee had before them copy correspondence between Mr. H. Penness, of 65, Newton-road, and the Ministry of Health with reference to permission being given for the erection by Mr. Penness of a garage at his house at that address.  The letter from the Ministry stated that whether the permission should be given was a matter for the determination of the Council, having regard to the terms and conditions subject to which the subsidy had been premised.  As one of the conditions for granting the subsidy was that a garage should not be erected in connection with the house, the committee were unable to recommend the Council to give the permission asked for.

Watercourse On Higham Boundary

  A letter was received from Mr. Thompson, of Higham Ferrers, asking the Council to construct a culvert over the watercourse running along the north side of his property abutting on Kimbolton-road, and promising to contribute £5 towards the cost.

  The committee were unable to accept any responsibility for this work and were unable to make any recommendations on the subject.

Allen-Road

  It was resolved to recommend the Council to declare such portion of this road as had recently been made up under the Private Street Works Act a public highway repairable by the inhabitants at large.

Rectory-Road Improvement

  The Chairman and Surveyor were authorised to see the Rector with a view to permission being obtained to improve the corner of Coffee Tavern-lane by taking off a small portion of the property formerly belonging to Mr. E. F. Barker and to give an undertaking to do any necessary works in connection therewith.

Public Lighting

  A letter was received from the Clerk to the Wymington Parish Council agreeing to erect a lamp near the boundary of Wymington parish and expressing the opinion of the Parish Council that a third lamp should be provided by the Urban Council.

  The Chairman informed the committee that the two lamps already agreed upon had been so placed that a third could be added when desired.

  The committee agreed that the two must suffice for the present season.

No. 103, Washbrook-Road

  The sub-committee appointed to visit this property reported as follows:  “That the recent additions be taken down so that the enclosure does not project more than 6½ft. from the face of the wall of living-roam and be not more than 7ft. high in front.”

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

White Lines

  A letter was received from Mr. H. J. Newman asking the committee to grant him a personal interview in order that he could explain to them his scheme with regard to the provision of white lines.

  It was resolved that he be invited to attend the next meeting.

Motor Caution Signs

  A letter was received from the Clerk to the County Council intimating that the Roads and Bridges Committee would, instead of dealing with isolated applications, in future deal with them en bloc at the commencement of each year, and asking that any applications this Council might wish to make should be sent in before January 1^st next.

  At present the committee did not anticipate any applications for the ensuing year.

Workmen’s Wages

  A letter was received from the National Union of General and Municipal Workers calling attention to the schedule of rates of pay in force with regard to motor-drivers, etc.

  The Surveyor was requested to look into the matter and report to the next meeting.

Washbrook-Road Railway Bridge

  A letter was received from the L.M.S. Railway stating that instructions had been given for the work to be carried out at an estimated cost of £50 and that an account of the actual cost, whether more or less than this figure, would be sent to the Council in due course.

Bedford-Road – Diversion Of Footpath

  An application from the Tecnic Boot Co., Ltd., was received for turning and diverting a certain highway – to wit, a public footpath in the parish and urban district of Rushden leading from Rushden to Higham Park – by making and providing a new public footpath between the points C and B on the plan annexed to the said application as indicated by the dotted line between these points in lieu and place of the existing public footpath, which it is proposed to stop up between the points marked A and B on the said plan as indicated by the dotted line between those points.

  The Committee unanimously resolved to recommend the Council to agree to the diversion as shown on the plan and to authorise the Clerk to perform the necessary ministerial acts.

  A letter accompanying the application stated that the new footpath would be made and fenced by the Company at their own expense and that the land to the south of the fence would be thrown into the Oakpits and become the property of the Council.

  On the presentation of the above report Mr. Coles said he would be the last to object to extension of factory premises at a time like this.  He thought it might have a serious effect on the Free Library and Council Buildings in regard to noise and stopping light.

  Mr. Wilmott said that the committee had no option but to pass the plans since they conformed with the usual requirements.  The points raised by Mr. Coles were a legal matter.

  The Chairman said that the Council could do nothing until they could prove the new place a nuisance, and that could not be done until it was erected.

  On the question of the erection of a garage to a subsidy house, Mr. Roe asked whether the Council had made a condition of the granting of a subsidy that no garage should be erected.

  The Clerk said it came under the general conditions in the Ministry of Health regulations.

  Mr. Perkins moved that the minute be referred back and that if the committee were unable to alter their decision the whole Council in committee discuss the point.  He understood that workshops could not be added to subsidy houses, but he did not think it was intended that a place to keep, say, a mangle or garden tools should not be erected, and the mistaken idea had got abroad that people could not have a garage.  If a man had saved enough to buy a house and, better still, had saved to buy a car in addition, he (Mr. Perkins) was prepared to vote every time that permission be granted.  They could not prevent a man having a car, and he should be allowed to put up a place in which to keep it.  It was a fault of small committees of the Council that the present attitude had been adopted by the committee.

  Mr. Spencer said he had been of the opinion that nothing but the house could be erected under the subsidy scheme.

  Mr. Roe seconded Mr. Perkins’s motion, and said he could not see any reason for refusing to allow subsidy-house owners to put up a garage.  If a house were sold, could the Council prevent the new owner erecting a garage?  The Council must encourage subsidy houses, and not put forward restrictions.

  Mr. Wilmott said the position of the committee was that if permission were granted after a house were erected, why not allow the owner to put up the garage when the house was being built?  Then it was a question of whether the house and the garage would come within the cost of £700.  Owners could build what they liked in three years after the house was erected.  He also wanted to encourage thrift.  He had no objection to the minute being referred back.

  The resolution was carried, and the remainder of the committee’s report was adopted.

  Mr. Coles, having complained of the street lamps in Rushden not being lighted on certain nights when there was supposed to be a moon shining, was advised by the Chairman to call the Lighting Committee’s attention to the matter.

Finance And Estates Committee

  A meeting of the Finance and Estates Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, November 4^th, 1925, at 10 a.m., when there were present: Messrs. C. W. Horrell (chairman), C. Claridge, C. Bates, L. Perkins, and J. Roe.

Housing Act, 1924 – Loan £18,500

  The Clerk reported the receipt of a cheque for this loan from the National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives, which had been paid to the Treasurer’s Loan Account No. 46.  It was resolved that £6,500 of this sum be placed on deposit with the National Provincial Bank.

Memorandum Of General District Rate

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

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

  The report was adopted.

Parks Committee

  A meeting of the Parks Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, November 4^th, 1925, when there were present:  Messrs. F. Knight (chairman), G. W. Coles, D. G. Greenfield, J. Roe, T. Swindall, and W. C. Tarry.

Further Land

  The committee considered the question of the purchase of a further portion of land on the north-west side of the Park, but, having regard to the fact that the owners of the land were not prepared to sell other than the whole field of 33 acres, could not recommend the Council to enter into negotiations at the present time.

Hard Tennis Courts

  The Surveyor submitted estimates for the provision of two hard tennis courts in the Park, and it was resolved to recommend the Council that two such courts be provided, at the north-west corner of the Park, at a cost of £500, inclusive of netting, fillings, etc., subject to a loan being obtained for the purpose.

  It was also resolved to recommend the Council to make application to the Ministry of Health for sanction to a loan for this amount.

Worm Destroyer

  The Surveyor was instructed to order a quantity of worm killer and grass seeds for the bowling greens and tennis courts.

  The report was adopted.

  Mr. Knight said the committee felt certain that the repayment of the loan would be covered by the takings from the tennis hard courts, partly because the courts could be used when the grass courts were too wet.  (Hear, hear.)

  Mr. Coles spoke similarly, and added that the committee did not like having to take up more of the Park, but they could not buy the extra land they wanted, as the owner would not sell less than 33 acres.

  Mr. Corby asked for information on the estimated income being enough to pay the loan charges.  Would the courts be satisfactory he asked, and said the outlay could not be met out of current rate.

  Mr. Knight said that the four grass courts last season brought in about £60.  He understood that the labour on the hard courts would not be so much as on the grass courts, and they could be played on almost immediately after rain.  Last season so many players had to be turned away, not being able to get games.

  Mr. Swindall said the courts would be on the top side of the Park, and, one being higher than the other, they would be rather picturesque.

  Mr. Bazeley said that at Northampton players preferred hard courts.  He thought the committee’s proposition a good one.

Health And Sanitary Committee

  A meeting of the Health and Sanitary Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, November 4^th, 1925, when there were present: Messrs. F. Corby (chairman), W. Bazeley, D. G. Greenfield, T. F. B. Newberry, J. Spencer, and T. Swindall.

Health And Sanitary Committee

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

  The Sanitary Inspector reported that 20 nuisances had been dealt with since the last meeting and six preliminary notices served.

  At the Depot a quantity of bedding had been disinfected, and two beds destroyed at the Sewage Farm, all after cases of infectious disease.  Twenty-six rooms had also been disinfected, together with four rooms and four other offices at the Moor-road Schools.

  Thirty-seven visits had been made to premises where food was prepared or sold, during which inspections a quantity of beef and beef offal, mutton offal, and port offal, to the weight of 2cwt. 1qr. 23lb. had been found to be diseased and destroyed in the usual way.

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

Slaughterhouse Licence

  An application was received from Mr. E. Thompson for a licence in respect of a slaughterhouse he was erecting on Kimbolton-road, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to accede thereto.

Milk And Dairies Act, 1922

  An application was received from Mr. Frederick Collins, of 196 Wellingborough-road, Rushden, to be registered as a cow-keeper, dairyman, and retail purveyor of milk in respect of the Rectory Farm, Rushden.  It was resolved to recommend the Council to accede thereto subject to the buildings being to the satisfaction of the Inspector.

Destroyed Bedding

  An application was received from Mrs. A. Brown, of 10, Washbrook-road, for compensation in respect of a bed recently destroyed after a case of infectious disease, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to replace the bedding at a cost not exceeding £1  7s.  6d.

Cemetery Extension

  The Clerk reported that before sanctioning the loan for the purchase of the land adjoining the Cemetery for burial purposes the Ministry of Health required reports of the Medical Officer as to the suitability of the land for the purpose and from the District Valuer as to the price proposed to be paid.

  These reports had now been received and were read to the committee, who directed that they be forwarded to the Ministry.

Smallpox Epidemic

  The committee had before them the claims made by the patients and their relatives for compensation in respect of destroyed bedding and clothes and for loss of wages.

  It was resolved that the Finance Committee be recommended to authorise the payments.

Isolation Hospital

  The committee reported that they had visited the Hospital, and recommended that a married couple without family be advertised for to live at the Hospital and take charge of it, the accommodation consisting of a living-room, one bedroom, and the usual domestic offices, together with the use rent free of about half-an-acre of land adjoining.  The remuneration to be, when the Hospital is not in use, 10s. per week with fuel.  When in use the wife to assist in the domestic arrangements of the Hospital at an additional remuneration to be agreed upon.

  The committee resolved to recommend the Council accordingly.

  It was also resolved to recommend the Council to have the living quarters redecorated and a row of trees planted at the rear of the buildings.

Sanitary Inspector’s Department

  It was resolved to recommend the Council to authorise the Inspector to engage a boy for his office at commencing salary of 10s. per week.

Scavenging

  A letter was received from Mr. F. Collins informing the Council that he wished them to cease carting their refuse on to the Rectory Farm at as early a date as possible.

  It was resolved to accept the letter as six-months notice to terminate the existing agreement at the expiration of its current term.

  The report was adopted.

Various Items

  A circular letter received by the Chairman from the Ministry of Health and the Board of Trade jointly on the subject of a British Shopping Week was brought forward, and, on Mr. Roe’s initiative, it was agreed that the local tradesmen be asked to meet the Council to make arrangements.

  Another letter, which the Chairman said had been handed to him as he came to that meeting and was on the subject of employment of non-residents on roads, was referred to the Highways Committee.

  The Chairman said he much regretted that the Union Jack had not been flown from the Council Buildings that day, of all days.  It was owing to defective ropes.  They seems to have frequent difficulty and sometimes had to call in the assistance of the Fire Brigade with their escape.  He did not know whether a more suitable place could be found for the flag.

  Mr. Madin said a wire cord was necessary, the rope having broken.

  Mr. Knight said that no more suitable place could be found for the flag.  He moved that a proper cord be purchased.

  This was agreed on.

  In reply to Mr. Coles, Mr. Claridge said he was sorry there had been no meeting of the Baths Committee.  It had not been overlooked, and he promised that one should be called before the next Council meeting.

…………………………………..

The Rectory-Road Improvement
Rushden Urban Council And The Railway Company
Agreement Possible Soon?

  At a meeting of the Rushden Urban Council on Wednesday, Mr. C. W. Horrell, C.A., J.P. (chairman), presiding, it was reported by the Plans and Highways Committee, on the subject of the Station-approach, that -

  A letter was received from the Divisional Engineer of the L.M.S. Railway stating he would be in the neighbourhood of Rushden on Wednesday, the 4^th prox., and could meet the members of the Council after the arrival of the train due at Rushden at 11.4 a.m.

  It was decided to ask those members of the Council who previously met representatives of the Railway Company with regard to this and other matters to meet him.

  Reporting on the interview, Mr. Horrell said that the Council deputation met the Railway Company’s representative with regard to continuing Rectory-road to the station.  He reminded the Council that their last application was that the Company give up the land between Beaconsfield-terrace and the station and the road from the station down to High-street, the Council to maintain them after the Company had made the road in good condition.  The Company’s conditions were that the Council could buy both pieces of land, about 1,550 yards, and do the work, and also do away with the footbridge, which conditions the Council thought were unreasonable and unfair.  Last week the Company’s representative went with the Council deputation along Rectory-road and, Mr. Horrell believed, had been impressed with what he saw.  It was rather remarkable that of the Company’s traffic from 60 to 75 per cent. went to the east of Rushden and not more than about 33 per cent. to the west, so that the Company would have the greatest benefit and at the same time High-street would be relieved of much traffic.  Of the eleven L.M.S. drays, seven went to the east of Rushden and only four to the west.  Some 200 tons a week were delivered to the east, irrespective of what was collected.  He believed that the Company appreciated that point.  But the Company appeared not to want o lay out money on the repair of the road.  The committee had been unanimously agreed that the Council could meet the Company on that point by the Council doing the work, as it would be in the town’s interest, and with that the Company’s representative seemed favourably impressed.  Mr. Horrell said he hoped the Council would speedily get a reply.  (Hear, hear.)