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| The Rushden Echo, 10th September, 1926, transcribed by Gill Hollis |
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Rushden Urban District Council
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Further Group Of Houses To Be Built Rectory-Road Improvement Proposed Extension of the Cemetery Managers for the Intermediate School Wednesday, present Messrs. Charles Claridge, J.P. (chairman), J. Hornsby (vice-chairman), T. Wilmott, T. F. B. Newberry, J. Roe, A. Allebone, W. C. Tarry, D. G. Greenfield, M.D., J. Allen, F. Knight, J.P., F. Corby, T. Swindall, L. Perkins, M.B.E., B.Sc., C. W. Horrell, C.A., J. Spencer, J.P., G. W. Coles, J.P., and W. Bazeley, J.P., with the Clerk (Mr. G. S. Mason), the Sanitary Inspector (Mr. F. S. F. Piper), and the Assistant Surveyor (Mr. J. W. Lloyd). Housing Committee A meeting of the Housing Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, August 18th, 1926, when there were present: Messrs. L. Perkins (chairman), C. Claridge, A. Allebone, C. Bates, W. Bazeley, F. Corby, J. Roe, J. Spencer, and T. Wilmott. Irchester-Road Sewer The Surveyor reported that Mr. W. G. Wilmott and the executors of the late Mr. John Clark had both agreed to accept compensation after the rate of 1s. per yard run for the right to lay the proposed sewer from Irchester-road to Wellingborough-road through their respective lands, plus 6d. per yard run for tenants compensation. It was resolved to recommend the Council to accept these terns. The total length of the sewer in question is 490 yards. Rent Arrears The Collector submitted a list of tenants in arrears with their rent, and the Chairman undertook to see a number of them and point out to them that they were in danger of their tenancy being terminated by the Council. Further Houses The Surveyor submitted a sketch plan showing his proposals for the erection of the further houses decided upon by the Council at their last meeting, which was approved. With regard to these houses, the Clerk was instructed to give notice to the Allotment Society that the remainder of field No. 50 would be required for building purposes by March 25th next and request them to make arrangements to give possession on that date. The Clerk was also instructed to inquire from Mr. Gates if he would give up possession of the frontage of field No. 42, occupied by him as tenant, on the same date. Building Contracts The Clerk reported that he had received an inquiry from one of the contractors whose tender had been accepted for the new houses on Irchester-road as to the Ministry’s regulations with regard to the increase of cost of bricks and materials required for the buildings, and that he had replied by sending the contractor an extract from a letter from the Ministry authorising the invitation for the tenders, in which they stated that the Minister was of opinion that the contract price should not be subject to adjustment for variations in the cost of wages and materials and that the model form of contract now in use contains no provision for such adjustment. The report was adopted. In presenting the above report Mr. Perkins said that 100 houses were urgently needed at once. There were cases of parents and three children all having to sleep in one bedroom. There were also many cases of great inconvenience to Rushden people for want of houses. Mr. Newberry asked why so many houses should be erected in the Irchester-road district when in Bedford-road land could be bought for 1s. a yard, the road was made, and electric cable and sewer were already laid in. The Chairman said that that had already been considered by the Housing Committee. Mr. Newberry: It might have been, but will the ratepayers be pleased with this matter? I think they ought to have been consulted before we spent this money. Mr. Perkins said there was no reason why the Council should not proceed in other parts of the town. The Council had already committed itself to the purchase of the land on Irchester-road and were trying to arrange the lay-out so that there should be a minimum of road-making and a minimum of sewer-making. If other proposals were brought before the committee they would receive every consideration. It was not their desire to favour one part of the town any more than another – if it could be regarded as a favour to have a house-building scheme. Mr. Newberry: I was thinking of the expense. We are spending over £17,000 and it may rise to £30,000. Council in Committee A meeting of the whole Council in Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, August 18th, 1926. when there were present: Messrs. C. Claridge (chairman), J. Hornsby (vice-chairman), A. Allebone, C. Bates, W. Bazeley, G. W. Coles, F. Corby, D. G. Greenfield, C. W. Horrell, F. Knight, L. Perkins, J. Roe, J. Spencer, W. C. Tarry and T. Wilmott. Rectory-Road Improvement The Clerk reported that at Mrs. Warner’s request he with Mr. Knight had had a further interview with her on the subject of compensation in connection with the proposal to take the road through Beaconsfield-terrace and remove part of the existing outbuildings to the houses in Beaconsfield-place. Mrs. Warner informed them that she was now prepared to accept £500 provided that the Council reconstructed the outbuildings where pulled down. It was understood that if Mrs. Warner’s offer were accepted it was still possible that compulsory powers would have to be sought in respect of other properties required, and the committee felt they could not recommend the Council to accept any offer until terms had been agreed with all the owners concerned. A sub-committee consisting of the Chairman, Mr. Horrell, and Mr. Perkins was appointed to seek further interviews with the owners in question. The report was adopted. Mr. Claridge, presenting the above report, said that the Clerk had been in communication with the various owners, but up to the present he had not been able to make any appointments. The Salvation Army stated that one of their officers would be down shortly and when he arrived he would see the Council’s representative. In regard to two other owners, matters were left with their estate agent. In the case of Mrs. Warner, that lady wrote to say that she would not receive any more deputations and any further communications must come through the Clerk. Parks and Baths Committee A meeting of the Parks and Baths Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, August 18th, 1926, when there were present: Dr. D. G. Greenfield (chairman), Messrs. C. Claridge, C. Bates, G. W. Coles, C. W. Horrell, L. Perkins, J. Roe, J. Spencer, and T. Wilmott. Bicycle Riding A report was received from the Assistant Park-keeper that two young ladies were riding their bicycles in the Park on July 29th after previous warnings from him. The Clerk had since received letters from both the ladies regretting their infringement of the By-laws and promising not to offend again, and also offering an apology to the Park-keeper. In the circumstances the committee resolved to take no further proceedings, but thought the public should understand that apologies cannot be accepted as a matter of course. Baths A letter was received from the Ministry of Health inquiring whether any scheme had yet been prepared for the construction of the bath, and, if so, asking to be furnished with the amount of the estimated cost. The Surveyor submitted the plan showing the proposed bath and estimated the cost of carrying out the work at £4,000. The committee approved and instructed the Clerk to furnish the Ministry with the information required. Bowling Green The Emergency Committee were requested to inspect the greens and make a recommendation to the committee as to the renovation thereof. Grass The Surveyor was instructed to arrange for the grass to be mown. The report was adopted. Dr. Greenfield emphasised the point in the committee’s report to the effect that offenders must not expect to escape the consequences of cycling in Spencer Park by merely apologising. Replying to Mr. Knight, the Clerk said that the plans and estimates of the proposed baths had been sent to the Ministry the next day after the committee met. Mr. Knight said that the Council had not had a chance of going through the scheme and they would be committed. The Clerk: The Ministry asked for an estimate of what money we thought we should need to spend. That was given by the surveyor. The Council do not thereby commit themselves. Mr. Spencer: Has a reply been received from the Ministry? The Clerk: Not yet. Mr. Spencer said he thought it was time the Ministry began to take action. The Council had committed themselves to provide baths. Plans, Etc., Committee A meeting of the Plans, Highways, and Lighting Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, August 25th, when there were present: Messrs. C. Claridge (chairman), G. W. Coles, C. W. Horrell, F. Knight, T. F. B. Newberry, J. Spencer, T. Swindall, W. C. Tarry, and T. Wilmott. Plans were presented for:- House for Mr. W. Packwood in Blinco-road, and passed. An application for subsidy in respect of the foregoing house was received, together with an estimate of the cost thereof, which did not exceed, including the cost of the land, £700, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to issue a certificate in respect of same as coming within the Council’s scheme for the subsidy of £100. Additional drainage to the bank premises in High-street for the National Provincial Bank, Ltd., and passed. Store shed in Graveley-street for Messrs. Beesley and Son, and no exception taken. Cycle shed near his house in Prospect-avenue, for Mr. H. G. Denton, and no exception taken. Motor Lorry The Surveyor submitted further prices for the overhauling and repair of this lorry, but before coming to a decision with regard thereto he was instructed to obtain prices for new lorries of two and four tons capacity and submit to the next meeting. Public Lighting The Lighting Sub-Committee reported that they had met and decided to recommend that additional lamps be fixed, one on Wymington-road and one on Oval-road. They had met representatives of the Higham Ferrers Corporation on the site and had agreed with them as to the position of the proposed electric lamp near the borough boundary. The total cost of both fixing and maintenance would be borne equally between the two towns, and the sub-committee recommended that the work of fixing the lamp be put in hand. They also recommended that full street lighting be commenced on Saturday, September 28th inst. The committee agreed, and resolved to recommend the Council accordingly. Duck-Street The sub-committee appointed at the last meeting reported that they had met Mr. Sanders and had agreed with him as to the amended street line near his house. Census of Traffic The Surveyor reported that as instructed, a census of road traffic had been taken on Irchester-road near Mr. Eaton’s house during the week ended August 15th, 1926, which resulted as follows:
The figures for the 1923 census were:
The report was adopted. Mr. Perkins said he had found that there were still people who did not know that the subsidy of £100 was a clear gift from the Council. It had not to be repaid and was not in any sense a loan. Nothing was required in return except that the houseowner should obey the restrictions as to the size and non-extension for the required period. The £100 came from the council, and the Council hoped to recoup themselves if government lasted long enough in the country! The Council hoped to get £6 a year per house until the Ministry’s share was paid. Mr. Spencer: I hope it is not the present Government that is to last. (Laughter.) Mr. Corby: Was Mr. Spencer speaking for the Council? (Renewed laughter.) Mr. Hornsby moved that the street lamps be lit on September 11th instead of waiting for the 18th. There was no seconder. The Chairman said that the lamps were not yet put on the standards, so that it would scarcely be possible. Health and Sanitary Committee A meeting of the Health and Sanitary Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, September 1st, 1926, when there were present: Messrs. J. Hornsby (chairman), C. Claridge, J. Allen, W. Bazeley, D. G. Greenfield, T. F. B. Newberry, T. Swindall, and W. C. Tarry. Health and Sanitary Reports The report of the Medical Officer for the months of July and August was received. The Sanitary Inspector reported that 80 nuisances had been dealt with during the past two months, of which 53 had been abated. Seventy-six visits had been made to premises where food was prepared or sold, during which inspections a quantity of beef, beef offal, and pork offal, together with 418 tins of canned meat, fruit, fish, etc., to the total weight of 16cwt. 2qr. 14lb., had been found to be unfit for human consumption. At the Depot a quantity of articles of bedding and wearing apparel had been disinfected, and at the Sewage Farm some bedding had been destroyed, all after cases of infectious disease. The Inspector gave a detailed statement of his work and inspections during the past two months. Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act The Inspector reported that during the past two months two complaints had been received and four premises inspected under this Act. Factory and Workshop Acts The Inspector also reported that since the last meeting all factories in the district had been circularised with a view to obtaining the number of outworkers employed. Forty-seven lists had since been received containing the names of 80 outworkers, seven of which lists would be transferred to other districts. Petroleum Acts An application was received from Messrs. Wadsworth Bros. for a licence to store 100 gallons of petrol at the rear of their garage in Park-road, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to accede thereto subject to the store being constructed to the satisfaction of the Inspector. Notification of Births Acts, 1907 & 1915 The Clerk submitted an Order made by the Ministry of Health on August 4th, 1926, whereby the duties of this Council under the above Acts were transferred, as from September 1st, 1926, to the County Council. A communication was also received from the County Medical Officer enclosing copy of a circular which had been sent to all medical practitioners and midwives practising in the county notifying the transference. Public Health and Clean Milk The Inspector submitted reports on the bacteriological examinations of four samples of milk taken in this district. One of the cases was satisfactory, and the Inspector was instructed to communicate with the three other purveyors with a view to the dairies being kept in a better condition. Milk and Dairies Order, 1926 The Clerk reported that this Order, a copy of which had been supplied to each member of the committee, would come into operation, for the most part, on October 1st next. The Order made general provisions for securing the cleanliness of dairies, etc., and for the protection of milk against infection and contamination. It also made special provisions with regard to cowkeepers and for the conveyance and distribution of milk, churns, etc. It was resolved that every cowkeeper and dairyman in the district be supplied with a copy of the Order. Refuse Disposal The sub-committee appointed to visit Letchworth and Aylesbury stated that, as instructed, they had visited and inspected the means adopted by these towns for the disposal of refuse and gave a report thereon. The Surveyor was instructed to have sufficient copies of the report typed and supply each member of the committee with one, for consideration at the next meeting. Mortuary The question of the provision of a public mortuary for the town was again considered, and a sub-committee consisting of Dr. Greenfield, Mr. Swindall, and the Surveyor was appointed to interview the Ambulance Association with a view to the provision of a site under the latter’s room in Station-road. Cemetery – Further Land A communication was received from the Ministry of Health stating that upon the information at present before them they could not see their way clear to sanction a loan for the purchase of the area of 5½ acres coloured green on the plans. The further consideration of the matter was adjourned until the next meeting. Mr. Allebone, mentioning the question of refuse disposal, asked if all the members of the Council could be supplied with copies of the sub-committee’s report, as there seemed to be a large capital outlay concerned. He said it might be as much as £10,000. The Clerk said that all the members of the Council would receive a copy of the committee’s recommendation after the sub-committee’s report had been considered. Mr. Hornsby said he hoped the figure would not be nearly so high as Mr. Allebone had mentioned. Mr. Allebone said he had heard that figure. On the question of further land for a cemetery Mr. Perkins asked whether the committee would go into the question of what they ought to do with the field, known as the old recreation ground, in Park-road. It was originally bought for cemetery land. They could not use if for a cemetery and did not use it at all. Could they not vacate it? The Clerk: As it was taken for cemetery purposes, before any other use could be made of it the vendor must be given the right to buy it back again. Mr. Perkins: Surely we are not going to be saddled with a piece of land of no use. At present it is no use as a recreation ground. It is just a nice extension of the footpath from the cemetery to Park-road. Now is the opportunity to let the question be thoroughly considered. It is a shame it should not be used. Mr. Coles: I hold a different view entirely. It is used by very small school-children and infants as an open space. I suggest that the matter be left until we get the field adjoining. Then you would have a valuable recreation ground. Mr. Knight: I disagree with both. (Laughter.) Mr. Perkins talks of being saddled with land of no use, and Mr. Coles says it is used considerably by a very large number of small children to play by themselves. It is perfectly safe for them, with neither football nor cricket. It is very generally used. Children would not get safety if we had the other field, because rougher children would go in. Mr. Perkins moved that the committee consider the matter and that they remember all that Mr. Knight had said. That was just what he wanted. There was no seconder. Mr. Newberry said he thought it would be better left as it was. Mr. Corby spoke similarly, and said that the Council had enough land. They were having expense without limit. Finance and Estates Committee A meeting of the Finance and Estates Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Thursday, September 2nd, 1926, at 10 a.m., when there were present: Messrs. C. W. Horrell (chairman), C. Claridge, A. Allebone, J. Hornsby, G. W. Coles, F. Corby, and J. Roe. Tradesmen’s and Other Accounts A number of accounts amounting to £2,660 6s. 7d. were examined and passed for payment. Insurances The Clerk was instructed to prepare a list of the whole of the insurances effected by the Council and submit to the next meeting of the committee. Housing Loan, £17,200 The Clerk reported the receipt of the sanction of the Ministry of Health to the raising by the Council of a loan of £17,200 for the erection of houses in the Irchester-road district. He was instructed to make inquiries with a view to the negotiation of the loan and report to the next meeting. The report was adopted. Intermediate School Mr. Claridge and Mr. Corby were proposed and seconded as the Council’s representatives on the Management Committee of the Rushden Intermediate School. Mr. Spencer complained that the Labour Party was not represented. He said he admitted that as only two representatives could be appointed by the Council it was not possible to have all three parties represented. But when the Assessment Committee representatives were appointed Labour was not considered. He did not know whether there had been any pre-arrangement. He did not propose to nominate anyone on this occasion. The nominations were carried. Mr. Corby, thanking the members, said as far as he was concerned there was nothing pre-arranged and nothing political in the appointment at all. He was sorry Mr. Spencer was not satisfied. Nominations were not finished yet. The County Council had six to appoint. He had been a member of the old School Board and of the present Education sub-Committee for something like 25 years. He was interested in education in Rushden and was certain that the new school would be a great benefit to the town. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Claridge also thanked the members and said he had tried to do his best. He also assured the Council that he had heard nothing of pre-arrangement. He said he was interested in the subject and would be pleased to act as the Council’s representative. The Clerk, replying to Mr. Swindall, said that the present members would hold office until 1928, when appointments would have to be made again. Mr. Newberry said he hoped the members would not increase the education rate. (Laughter.) A letter having been received on the subject of a Rating Committee, the Clerk said that next April the Council, and not the Overseers, would be the rating authority. The Council would probably wish to elect a Rating Committee when other committees were being elected. Mr. Allebone, being appointed to the Assessment Committee, would not be eligible to serve on the Rating Committee, as the Assessment Committee was the Appeals Committee. |
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