To the Electors

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our term of office as Urban District Councillors have expired we beg to offer ourselves for re-election, having been nominated by the Rushden Liberal Association. We fully recognise and thank you for your confidence and support in the past, and, if re-elected we shall endeavour ro continue to work for what we believe to be the best interests of the town.

We are,
Your obedient servants,

RUSHDEN, April1913

TO  THE  ELECTORS.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Having been selected and nominated by the Rushden Liberal Association as Progressive Candidates at this Election we beg to state briefly our views on the local government of the town and to solicit the support of your influence and your vote.

We fully realise the importance of pursuing, if possible, a policy which will not increase the rates at present levied in the District, but, having regard to the absolute necessity of keeping all our public works and undertakings in a state of efficiency, together with the paramount importance of taking all necessary steps for the protection of the public health, we cannot honestly attempt to lead you to believe that there is any immediate probability of expenses being reduced.

The question of Housing Accom­modation in Rushden has now become most important, and we are awaiting with great interest the Report from the Local Government Board upon the Inquiry recently held. It has been urged that it is very unlikely that the present activity in the staple trade will continue indefinitely; and, though it is our earnest wish that the prosperity of the town may continue to increase, we think that a careful and cautious policy should be adopted. Recognising, however, that there is a scarcity of houses at the present time, we feel that, unless the demand is at once met by private enterprise, we must be prepared to support, within reasonable limits, the adoption of the Housing, Town Planning, &c., Act. It would, however, be our aim to do this in such manner that the scheme for additional accommodation would be self-supporting and would not entail any charge upon the Rates.

We are prepared to support in its entirety the Scheme for the improvement of the High Street at its junction with Newton Road—a scheme already passed by the late Urban Council and approved by the County Council.

The Urban Council, as you are doubtless aware, has virtually the power of appointing the Members of the Educational District Sub-Committee and the Managers of the Provided (or Council) Schools. We are satisfied that a high standard of excellence is being maintained in the Public Elementary Schools in the town under the present system, though our own views are that all Public Schools supported by the Public Purse should be placed entirely under Public Control.

The work imposed upon Urban Councils is constantly increasing, as new Acts of Parliament coming into force require to be administered. Much of this work is necessarily relegated to Committees, and as Liberals we believe and would endeavour to secure that all these Committees should be made as widely representative as possible of all sections and interests of the town.

Assuring you of our intention of devoting our best powers to your service, if elected,

We are, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Yours faithfully,

Printed and Published by C. Cross,
"Echo" Office, Rushden.