|
14th October, 1932
Rushden Urban District Council
Suggestions for Local Relief Scheme
Important Work For Finance Committee
The Finance Committee of the Rushden Urban Council are to consider the question of relief schemes with a view to relieving local unemployment, and will, should they approve any work of sufficient magnitude, recommend application to the Ministry of Health for sanction to a loan.
This decision was made at the meeting of the Council on Wednesday evening, and was the outcome of a resolution submitted by the Rushden Unemployed Association.
Several members of the Council expressed themselves in disagreement with the Economy Campaign and spoke of the urgent need for providing work.
Members Present
The members present were Messrs. J. Roe, J.P. (in the chair), J. Spencer, J.P. (vice-chairman), W. C. Tarry, T. F. B. Newberry, C. Claridge, A. Allebone, C.C., F. Green, J. Allen, L. Tysoe, C. W. Horrell, C.A., T. Swindall, A. Wilmott, L. Perkins, M.B.E., B.Sc., G. W. Coles, J.P., J. Hornsby, J. T. Richardson, W. E. Capon, and D. G. Greenfield, M.D., with the Clerk, Mr. G. S. Mason, the Surveyor, Mr. J. W. Lloyd, and the Sanitary Inspector, Mr. F. S. F. Piper.
Relief Schemes
A letter was read from the Rushden and Higham Unemployed Association containing a resolution asking the Council, as officials governing the town, to take immediate steps to ease the unemployment problem by urging the Ministry of Health to remove their restrictions and to provide works of a constructive nature. Among the works mentioned were a bowling green, tennis courts, a bandstand, and a museum at the Hall.
The chairman: This resolution has been sent by the Unemployed Association. The question of providing a bowling green and bandstand was considered some months ago, but it was understood at the time that no loan would be granted for this purpose, and as no provision had been made in this year’s estimates it was deferred for twelve months. With regard to the tennis courts that matter has not even been considered. The question of the museum, as you know, is in hand, and we hope to open it shortly.
“At the present time this Council is spending £500 on the Wymington-road improvement, also making a new road on the Housing Estate at a cost of £2,700. The Water Board are laying a new main in Newton-road, which is costing a considerable sum and the Housing Committee have given instructions for plans to be prepared to be presented to the Ministry of Health for further houses, and when sanction is received the work will commence almost at once. So I think this Council is doing everything possible to absorb the unemployed of the town.
“At the present time the general labourers, bricklayers’ labourers, plasterers and carpenters’ labourers, out of work, total 25. Mr. Wilmott states that he will employ 15 of these on the work on the New Estate, and I am given to understand by the Surveyor that on the Wymington-road and new sewer extension works, which have been approved to-night, he will get all the labour he requires from the Employment Exchange.
“So it will be seen that we are doing all we can. With regard to the economy restrictions, I do not think much notice will be taken of a letter from this Council.
“Mr. Allebone said tonight he was going to press for the Wellingborough-road improvement, and that will mean a lot of general carting and may find employment for some out of work.
Mr. Perkins: I am going to press for the whole question to be referred to the Finance Committee. The bowling green and the bandstand can wait, but if anything is to be done in order to improve the town I think it will be well to anticipate that day and get some work done as soon as possible. One thing that always surprises me is that the town is joined to Sywell by only one pipe. If I did not expect the town to grow I would not suggest anything being done, but the time will come when it will be necessary to have a second pipe. That is one suggestion I should like the Committee to go into, and possibly recommend to the Water Board what should be done.
“A second and more immediate point concerns Spencer Park. The Fair has spoilt part of the ground, but it is not a bit worse that the rest of it. People can play equally well on it, and if we had a team of eleven Councillors against another team to play there they would see it is not a fit place to play on. I would rather see work done there than a bandstand erected, for which money will go away from the town.
“Then, if the Committee think of any larger scheme, I think we should petition the Ministry of Health for sanction to go on with it. This economy stunt is quite wrong. What we want is to get people to work and if all public authorities were determined to carry out schemes, which will have to be done, in order to get a move on now, it would give considerable employment.
“I shall move that the Finance Committee go carefully into all possible schemes tin order to try and get immediate employment in the town, and further consider if any larger schemes could be presented to the Ministry for sanction to a loan.”
Mr. Spencer: I shall second that, and can suggest one or two other works. There is the levelling of the site in Irchester-road, and work to be done in Hayway – although I know we were refused a loan. I am pleased only so few of those in the building trade are out of employment, but it is the boot and shoe workers, who have been out of work one or two years we want to think about.
“When we undertook the work in Spencer Park some years ago we employed a lot of unemployed boot and shoe workers. I know some say it is cheaper to keep them out of work but there are capable men amongst them.
“Unemployment is a tragedy and it gets worse, and any time spent on this resolution will be time well spent.”
Mr. Hornsby: I have very great pleasure in supporting it. I have never approved of the economy stunt. There never was a time in the history of the country when judicious spending was more essential than it is to-day. People want to live, and unemployment, especially for young people, saps their vitality. I hope we will do something to bring schemes forward to assist the unemployed, and also hope the Finance Committee, if they think a bigger scheme advisable, will apply to the Ministry, for the money will be more wisely spent than in unemployment pay.
Mr. Allen: I should like to support the resolution. Two things come into my mind. One is the path along the Newton-road. The Court Estate people pay rates and I do not think they get a great deal in the shape of public services. The houses practically run from the Cemetery to the Court Estate turn, and there is no path. The road scrappings have been placed on the side and it is exceedingly dangerous on dark nights.
“Another point is that if we consider the future, it seems the town is likely to grow in that direction and other things may develop with respect to roads, which might necessitate us reversing our decision with regard to a water supply there in years to come. We might forestall that, for if the laying of water mains might be expensive now, it would be remunerative in years to come.”
Mr. Tysoe: I have never agreed with this economy, because work is the only thing that will put this country right. Nothing else produces wealth and the less we spend the poorer we shall get.
“The letter spells really nothing – tennis courts, a bowling green, and bandstand – you can call them luxuries. You have got to go on a bigger scale, and while we shall be pleased to do anything, it must be on a bigger scale than the letter suggests.”
The matter was referred to the Finance Committee.
Housing Inspection
The Housing Committee reported that they had considered at length the question of the inspection of the various Council houses, including the assisted houses, and now recommended to the Council that Mr. Allen from the Rates Office be appointed as such inspector. It was understood that Mr. Allen would give one day per week to the duties which would consist of inspecting the houses, investigating complaints and reporting to the Committee with regard to repairs and renovations. This would not involve any alteration in the salaries at present paid in the Rating Department but the Committee recommended that Mr. Lack be authorised to engage an office boy at a salary according to the Council’s scale.
Mr. Allen, chairman of the Housing Committee, said: “I should like the Council to allow me to move the reference back of this resolution to the Committee. Since the meeting was held information has been received which makes it almost impossible for this appointment to be made and I think it would be better for this resolution to be referred back to the Committee.”
This was seconded and carried.
Further Houses
The Surveyor was instructed to prepare plans for about 56 further houses of the smaller non-parlour type to be erected on the road at present being constructed by the Council, and to submit the same to the Ministry of Health for approval.
Congregational Association
The sub-Committee appointed to interview a deputation from this Association with regard to the proposal by them of a plot of land on the Irchester-road Housing site, reported to the Housing Committee that they met the deputation on the site and subject to the confirmation of the Council, and the approval of the Ministry of Health, had agreed with them as follows:
(1) That the price of the land be reduced to ninepence per square yard plus half the cost of the road making.
(2) The land to be only used for buildings in connection with religious purposes.
(3) That if such buildings be not erected at the end of 10 years the Council to have the option of repurchasing the land at the same price.
The Committee recommended the Council accordingly, and this was agreed.
Arrears
The Letting sub-Committee were requested to go into the question of arrears of rents and report to the next meeting of the Housing Committee.
Plans
On the recommendation of the Plans, Highways and Lighting Committee plans were approved as follows:-
Two houses in Park Avenue for Messrs. A. Sanders, Ltd.; three bungalows in Avenue-road, Court Estate, for Mrs. M. M. Drabble; new street off Wymington-road for Mrs. M. M. Drabble; garage adjoining his house on the Kimbolton-road for Mr. D. Chamberlain; garage in Portland-road for Mr. H. Scroxton; garage adjoining his house on the Hayway for Mr. C. Tattersall.
Irchester Road
A further letter from Mr. Potton was received with regard to the flooding of his garden by storm water coming from the Council’s Building Estate. The Clerk advised the Council that so long as the nuisance arose as a result of works executed by the Council duly authorised by law they could not be held responsible for the consequences and the Clerk was instructed to communicate with Mr. Potton to this effect.
Mr. Claridge: I assume that the Council are immune on account of being a public body?
The Clerk: It is because we are carrying out a public work authorised by Act of Parliament.
Mr. Claridge: If individuals were building the houses would they be indemnified?
The Clerk: They would not be carrying out an Act of Parliament.
Mr. Claridge: If we are not legally responsible I think we are morally responsible and I think it is rather a pity not to come to some arrangement with Mr. Potton. If the suggestion made at a Committee meeting were carried out it might have been settled. As it is I think we are going to have some trouble. It would have been much better to settle the matter by compromising. I do not think Mr. Potton is going to let the matter rest.
Mr. Hornsby: I think that it is for the owners of the property the water course runs through to deal with it. Previously a large quantity percolated through, but now it runs off better.
Mr. Allebone, chairman of the Highways Committee: The matter was fully discussed in Committee and the resolution sets out the legal position, and is the unanimous resolution of the Committee.
The resolution was carried.
Fire Brigade
An application was received from the Brigade for permission to purchase six lengths of new hose at an estimated cost of £26 5s. The application was referred to the Lighting and Fire Brigade sub-Committee for consideration and report with permission to act if considered necessary, and following their report to the Finance Committee, the application was granted.
Road Improvement
The attention of the Highways Committee was called to the state of Wellingborough-road on the west side near St. Peter’s Vicarage and the Masonic Hall, and the Clerk was instructed to write to the County Council calling their attention to the matter, and to suggest to the owners of property near the site to make representations on the subject.
Mr. Allebone said he and Mr. Horrell, as members of the Roads and Bridges Committee of the County Council had called the attention of the Committee to the bank in the Wellingborough-road. In view of the call for drastic economy, their efforts had not been fruitful yet, but he hoped that before the next meeting of the Council he would be able to report something more satisfactory in respect of that part of the road.
Mr. Spencer: I think it is a work long overdue, and there are special reasons for it being carried out in spite of the economies. I believe we bought the land for this improvement before the County Council took it over and I believe the balance of a loan obtained for the work was handed over to the County Council, and therefore the work should be done. I wish them success and hope it will be done speedily.
Mr. Claridge: I am quite sure we may leave it in the hands of Mr. Horrell and Mr. Allebone.
Lorry Driver
The appointment of a driver for the new motor lorry was considered, and it was reported that thirty applications had been received from which four had been selected to be interviewed.
Mr. Allebone said the lorry driver had been appointed and the lorry was in action.
Day Work Carting
In view of the purchase by the Council of a motor lorry it was resolved not to renew for the present the usual day work carting contract and the Surveyor was authorised to engage one horse for team labour as required.
Ald. Horrell said he would like to suggest that the whole question of carting should be considered by the Health and Sanitary Committee. Their system was out-of-date and something more economical might be devised.
The Chairman said the Committee had considered the question, which would come before the Finance Committee at their next meeting.
Reflector
An application was received for permission to erect a reflector for a shop window in Duck-street and this was referred to the chairman of the Highways Committee and the Surveyor to give permission if they saw no objection.
Health Reports
The Health and Sanitary Committee reported that the report of the Medical Officer for the month of September was received, and that the Sanitary Inspector submitted his monthly report of the work of the Sanitary department.
Wellingborough-road
The Sanitary Inspector reported that the Notices served on the owners of Nos. 210 to 214, and 206 and 208, Wellingborough-road, to abate the nuisances caused by a defective drain, had not been complied with, and the Health and Sanitary Committee recommended the Council to take proceedings against the owners if the work be not commenced within 14 days from the date of the Council meeting. – Agreed.
Sewage Farm
The Surveyor was instructed to purchase six outer arms for the repair of the sprinklers and was also authorised to order four tons of lime, one stitching plough, one pair of rubber boots and two new scum boards for use at the farm.
Mr. Swindall said the cost would not be above £10.
Scavenging – Team Labour
Tenders were received for the team labour required in connection with the scavenging for the ensuing six months and the Council accepted those of Messrs. C. Adams, G. C. Townsend, B. Folkes, A. Downing and C. Holley, at the respective prices quoted by them.
Veterinary Inspector
The quarterly report of the Veterinary Inspector was received from which it appeared that on the 20th and 22nd September last, he made his usual quarterly inspection of the dairy cows in milk in the urban district, visiting 17 premises and inspecting 157 cows, the whole of which were clinically normal and with few exceptions in good condition.
The Health and Sanitary Committee considered the report very satisfactory.
Sewers
The Surveyor submitted a report on the sewers in Wymington-road and Station-road, from which it appeared that in times of abnormal rainfall these sewers were incapable of taking the extra flow. The Health and Sanitary Committee accordingly recommended to the Council that an overflow pipe be fixed to the sewer at the manhole at the bottom of Wymington-road, at an estimated cost of £20.
Mr. Richardson said things had been very bad during last week, and people had complained terribly.
The Sanitary Inspector said complaints had been received and the matter was put right. It was only a temporary inconvenience.
Mr. Perkins: Am I to understand that we are having the same pipe for this water and for sewage, because if so, I think it is about time to enlarge the storm-water pipes? Economy is all very well in its way but it is about time we had them.
The Chairman said that the resolution (which was carried), would obviate any flooding in future.
With regard to the Station-road sewer the Surveyor stated that this was of nine inch diameter and that the sewer from Midland-road which was of the same diameter connected with it at a point where the two streets met.
The Committee, in this case, recommended to the Council that the Midland-road sewer be disconnected from the Station-road manhole, and then continued to the main out fall sewer near the Ambulance Station, at an estimated cost of £100. – This was also approved.
Cemetery Cans
Mr. Tysoe said: I would like to thank the Press for the way in which they reported my complaint at the last meeting. It has been very effective, as only one can at the cemetery was out of place last week when I went there. I do not know who the culprit is, but I should like to appeal to him or her to put the can in the rack. The others seem to have taken it in good part.
General Rate
The Rates Clerk submitted the following memorandum of General Rate made the 18th day of April, 1932:-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount of rate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recoverable arrears of former rate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental List
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount collected
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recoverable arrears
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount allowed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowances to owners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Irrecoverable arrears
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Rates Clerk also submitted the following summary of the irrecoverable amounts:-
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unoccupied property
|
|
|
|
|
New property unfinished
|
|
|
|
|
Property pulled down
|
|
|
|
|
Excused, no effects
|
|
|
|
|
Divided and re-assessed
|
|
|
|
|
Assessments reduced
|
|
|
|
|
Land built upon
|
|
|
|
|
De-rated (Agricultural hdts.)
|
|
|
|
|
Exempt, in service of the Crown
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Council agreed that these amounts be written off.
The seal of the Council was affixed to a general rate of 5s. 6d. in the £ for the half-year ending March 31st, 1933.
The Clerk said the total amount to be collected was £17,001 1s.
Rate Arrears Account
The Rates Clerk also submitted the rate arrears account for the half year ended 31st March last, from which it appeared that with the exception of a sum of £4/4 (excused) the whole of the arrears at that date had been paid.
The account was approved.
Insurances
The Clerk reported that as instructed at the last meeting he had arranged for the whole of the Council’s insurances to be taken over by the Municipal and Mutual Insurance Ltd., as from the 29th September. A list of the various insurances together with the old and new premium was submitted from which it appeared that there was a net annual saving of £47 2s. 9d.
The Finance Committee and the Council approved and confirmed the action of the Clerk.
Housing Loan, £2,800
Tenders were received for this loan and it was resolved to accept that of Messrs. F. G. Grocott and Son, of Buxton (the most favourable) at 4 per cent.
Workmen’s Wages
A letter was received from the Local Authorities Non-Trading Services (Manual Workers) Provincial Council No. 5 East Midland area, stating that they had agreed to a reduction of ½d per hour in the workmen’s wages in their area to operate from the 1st October, 1932, but that no further reduction was to take place prior to the 31st December, 1933.
The Finance Committee recommended to the Council that the Surveyor be instructed to act in accordance with the agreement arrived at by the Provincial Council.
Sewage Works and Sewers
The Clerk submitted notice of amendment of Valuation List by the County Valuation Officer, of the above, the new rateable value being placed at £404, and was arrived at as follows:-
Five pounds per thousand of the population on the sewers and sixpence per head of the population on the works. It was understood that this was in conformity with the rest of the County.
Library
It was resolved to pay to the caretaker of the Library the sum of one shilling per meeting in connection with the extra work involved by reason of the letting of a room to the local Public Assistance Committee.
Mr. Green, chairman of the Finance Committee, said the Public Assistance Committee paid a small sum for the use of the room, and it was only fair that the caretaker should have a share of it.
Council Loans
The question of the rates of interest on the various Council loans was considered and adjourned until February next.
|
