Ald. C. W. Horrell in London, writes apologising for his inability to attend this meeting.

The Baths and Parks Committee reported that a letter was received from the Secretary to the Northants Education Committee, asking that arrangements be made for the school children to attend the baths for instruction in swimming as last year, however, it was desired that instruction be given on two days instead of one day each week. The letter also enquired at what rate the Council proposed to charge the Committee. It was resolved that the rate be the same as last year, viz., one penny per head, and that the arrangements for attendance be left in the hands of the Emergency Sub-committee.

A letter was received from the Secretary of the united Sunday Schools, asking for permission to assemble the children in Spencer Park on Thursday the 17th July, as usual, and also inviting the Council to witness a “March Past” of the scholars.

The committee agreed to accede to the application and resolved to recommend the Council to accept the invitation.

The Chairman reported that having regard to the recent damage in Spencer Park the police had suggested that they be supplied with duplicate keys of the Park in order that they might periodically inspect same at night.

The committee agreed and instructed the Surveyor to have keys made accordingly.

Presenting the above report, Mr. Allebone said that the police now had duplicate keys, and that should act as a deterrent to possible offenders.

Mr. Perkins said that the park was locked but entrance was possible near the hard tennis courts, where a gap in the hedge was used to let players go into the next field to fetch lost balls. It would be better to stop up that gap altogether, even if they had to put in a little gate which could be locked. Otherwise it would be better to allow the general public in to keep a watch on the place.

Mr. Tom Wilmott said there was an open gate on the Hayway side.

Mr. Allebone pointed out that the hedge at the entrance to Spencer Park was so low that people would get in if they were determined to do damage. The Council wanted the people of Rushden to appreciate what was done for them and not to do damage.

The Chairman concurred and added that it would have effect with the police having keys.

Dr. Greenfield : Do you intend to proceed against anyone as trespassers?

Mr. Allebone : If cases are brought before the committee it will be for them to decide.

Mr. Knight said it was not merely trespassing but damage.

The report was adopted.

On a reference to ‘Birchall’ Road in the report of the Highways Committee, Mr. Perkins said he did not think the new school was to be there. It was not an appropriate term for a school! (Laughter). When any new names were chosen in future he suggested that the whole Council be consulted. New roads sometimes got fantastic names and that sort of thing should not be done in haphazard ways.

Mr. Swindall said he did not agree. If the owners of private estates wished to give a place a name they should be allowed to do so and the Council could give names to Council estates.

Mr. Allen said he had expected to see something with respect to the control of the direction of traffic in Church-street. It left much to be desired. He thought the County Council would defray the cost of a signal and that would ease the traffic considerably.

The Chairman said that the Urban Council had no control over the traffic which was for the police to attend to. Regarding signs, he understood that the cost was to be ascertained.

The Housing Committee reported that tenders were received for the erection of a further 60 houses on the Irchester-road site, and they recommended the Council, subject to the approval of the Ministry of Health, to accept the following :-

Contract No. 22 for 10 houses of the non-parlour and 2 of the parlour type, Messrs. A. W. Lewis & Sons, Burton Latimer, £4,454.

Contract No. 23 for 14 houses of the non-parlour type, Mr. R. Marriott, Rushden, £5,317.

Contract No. 24 for 14 houses of the non-parlour type, Messrs. A. W. Lewis and Sons, Burton Latimer, £5,260.

Contract No. 25 for 8 houses of the parlour type, Messrs. Underwood and Weston, of Northampton, £3,228

Contract No. 26 for 12 houses of the parlour type, Messrs. Underwood and Weston, Northampton £4,812.

Tenders were received for the inside renovation of 36 houses on the Irchester-road and it was resolved to recommend the Council to accept that of Mr. A. T. Nichols, the lowest at £109 7s.

Tenders were also received for the outside painting of 28 houses in Oval and Trafford-roads and it was resolved to recommend the Council to accept the following :-

Contracts No. 1 and 2, Messrs. Prickett & Dunkley, £30, for each ten of 20 houses.

Contract No. 3 for 10 houses, Mr. W. Packwood, £27 10s.

Contract No. 4 for 8 houses, Mr. W. Packwood, £24.

Presenting the above report, Mr. Perkins said the committee regretted that they had to go out of town for so much of the work, though one contract was let in Rushden. He would mention that the increasing number of Council houses would mean that extra help would be wanted some time to inspect for repairs. A certain amount was added to the rents for repairs, and either necessary repairs must be done or the rents lowered. (Hear, hear).

The report was adopted.

The Health and Sanitary Committee stated that the Medical Officer reported that a case of smallpox had been notified and was admitted to hospital on the 16th June. All necessary precautions had been taken and the patient was progressing satisfactorily. It appeared that the patient had been in contact with smallpox while an inmate of a convalescent home at Mablethorpe. The officer stated that there appeared to have been delay by the Mablethorpe authorities in notifying this case. He had written to the medical officers concerned, but had received no reply.

The Clerk was instructed to write to the Clerk to the local council asking for an explanation.

The Medical Officer reported that having regard to the case of smallpox in the district, it was necessary that chicken-pox be made compulsorily notifiable.

The committee agreed and instructed the Clerk to take the necessary steps.

The Veterinary Inspector reported that the whole of the 174 cows in Rushden were clinically normal, and with few exceptions in good condition.

A letter was received from the local committee for the after-care of the tuberculosis, stating that one of the most important matters they had to deal with was the finding of suitable employment for patients who are unable to continue their usual occupation and requesting the Council to do what they could to assist in this branch of the work.

The Clerk was instructed to reply that the Surveyor would bear the application in mind when suitable work presented itself.

Dr. Greenfield said that they hoped that with the recovery of the patient that would be the end of smallpox in Rushden from that source. The Medical Officer and the Sanitary Inspector had done everything possible to check any spread. It was a very disquieting fact that the case came from a convalescent home, and even though the address of the patient was known the Medical Officer at Mablethorpe had not written to the Medical Officer from Rushden. He thought that where a man had been in a convalescent home and his address was known, directly the authorities knew it was a case of smallpox, they should have communicated with the Rushden authority straight away. Notification went from one County Medical Officer to another County Medical Officer, and then to Rushden. Otherwise, everything was satisfactory, and he believed the town was safe from further cases.

The report was adopted.

With regard to the resolution of the Council of the 13th February, 1929, whereby discount and allowances are made for prompt payment of rates, the Finance Committee recommended the Council that in future where the demand notes are issued late, for whatever reason, the discount and allowances shall have effect if payment be made within one month from the date of such demand, provided that when the demands are served in the months of March and September the latest day for payment shall be the 31st and 30th of those months respectively.

The Finance Committee recommended that a deputation consisting of the Chairman of the Council, the Chairman of the Hall Committee and the Clerk be appointed to interview the Minister of Health with a view to the expedition of the enquiry with regard to the purchase of Rushden Hall and Park.

Mr. Roe said that since the above report had been circulated he understood that the Clerk had received a telephone message from the Ministry to the effect that they would dispense with the inquiry.

Mr. Coles : That means that the committee must get to work as soon as they can.

The report was adopted.

On the subject of raising a loan of £23,000 for 60 houses, Mr. Knight asked whether there were any new designs for houses. He said it would be a pity to have them all in one monotonous style.

Mr. Lloyd said that there were six different designs, and they would be taken alternately.

Mr. Perkins explained that the committee did not want to make very big changes, but they were expecting to do another 40 houses in a few months to complete the 100 decided on, and he hoped that part of the scheme would give scope for a good deal of variation.

Several matters of interest were discussed at the monthly meeting of the Rushden Urban Council, on Wednesday evening.

These included a letter from the Rushden Free Church Council, deploring the lighting of shop windows on Sunday evenings by a certain firm in the town, coupled with a request that the Council should endeavour to secure the discontinuance of the practice; the suggested laying out of a piece of land on the Irchester-road at an estimated cost of £500; the question of rent arrears of Council House tenants in addition to several matters in connection with Rushden Hall. Tenders were also accepted for the erection of 46 houses in Tennyson-road.

The letter from the Rushden Free Church Council, which was read by the Clerk, stated that the members desired to call attention to what they felt was a breach of etiquette of the town’s manners by a firm which had recently come into Rushden, lighting up their shop windows on Sunday evening. The letter stated that the Council were aware that Sunday shop window lighting was common in some towns, but that they did not want it to become a common practice in Rushden, and they asked the Council to use all possible influence to secure its discontinuance.

Mr. Coles : “I do not suppose we have any power to force them to stop lighting their windows, but a letter could be sent, and I do not doubt but that it would have the desired effect, as it has done in cases before.”

It was agreed to send a letter to the firm in question.

The Housing Committee reported with regard to rent arrears that they had had before them a revised list of arrears, from which it appeared that all but one tenant had slightly reduced their indebtedness since the last meeting.

The Committee reported that at a further meeting twelve tenants in arrears with their rents were interviewed, and had had pointed out the consequences should the arrears not be quickly cleared and the future rent regularly paid. In all cases promises were made for the early liquidation of the debts. Several letters had been received from tenants unable to attend the meeting, and promising the early reduction of their arrears.

In submitting the Housing Committee’s reports, Mr. L. Perkins, with reference to the rent arrears, said the committee was satisfied that the tenants were making an attempt to get level. There were many tenants three or four weeks in arrears, and they did not want that state of affairs to go on. “It is not always those who are poorest who get behind,” commented Mr. Perkins. “In many cases the husband does not know.”

Attention was called to the prevalence of canvassing the members of the Committee by persons seeking houses. The committee deprecated the practice and intimated that intending applicants would serve their purpose best by confining themselves to the form of application provided at the Council Buildings.

The Clerk reported the receipt of a letter from the Ministry of Health approving the proposal of the Council to erect a further 46 houses on the Tennyson-road, for which it was stated that the following tenders had been received and recommended for approval. 4 houses of the parlour type and 8 of the non-parlour type, Mr. W. Dickens, Rushden, £4,696; 12 houses of the non-parlour type, Messrs. Underwood and Weston, Northampton, £4,464; 10 houses of the non-parlour type, Messrs. W. Packwood and Son, Rushden, £3,750; 12 houses of the non-parlour type, Messrs. Underwood and Weston, Northampton, £4,470, for filling up the pond, as specified, Messrs. W. Packwood and Son, Rushden, £15. It was recommended that application should be made to the Ministry of Health for sanction to a loan of £17,500 for the purpose of carrying out the works.

The recommendations were approved.

Mr. Perkins said, in referring to the tenders, that there were two from outside Rushden, but he thought it was their duty to get as low a tender as possible, as the cost would ultimately fall on the tenants. If the difference was a pound or two per house, it would not matter so much, but in these cases it was too great a difference to be overlooked.

The Committee reported that they had visited and inspected the site and considered the plan for the proposed layout of the vacant piece of land on the Irchester-road, and they recommended the Council that for a distance of about 60 yards, the plot be laid out as an open space at an estimated cost of £500, and that the Baths and Parks Committee be requested to undertake the work.

Mr. J. Roe, chairman of the Finance committee said no provision had been made in the estimates this year for such an amount. He quite agreed that something should be done at that part of Irchester-road, but suggested that the matter be referred to the Parks and Baths committee for them to consider it in their next estimates. The finance committee, said Mr. Roe, were not prepared to negotiate for a loan for such a small amount, but were not prepared to meet it out of the current rate.

Mr. A. Allebone said that if the matter was delegated to the Parks and Baths Committee, he would be of the opinion that it would be desirable to let it out in small amounts. They could make a pleasant and useful spot at considerably less cost than £500. Something must be done quickly, because of the time of the year, but they could make it presentable without spending anything like such an amount.

Dr, D. G. Greenfield said he would like to support the idea, but he did not think £500 was necessary. Would Mr. Perkins, he asked, be prepared to withdraw the amount mentioned and leave the matter for consideration? “The resolution does not bind us to do it this year,” he said.

Mr. A. Wilmott suggested the matter should be placed before the Plans and Highways committee instead of the Parks and Baths. Mr. Perkins: “The matter was brought forward because it is the right time of the year. It is just as well to remove an eyesore, even if you do not spend much money. There is no doubt it is ugly.” He suggested spending a little money in clearing the place with their own labour - the whole scheme might take twelve months, and with the first £100 or so clear away the weeds, etc., and make the spot look more like Rushden. Mr. Perkins said he was quite willing to withdraw the amount of £500, and suggested as an alternative that a small amount be submitted to the Finance Committee each month, in order to get on with the tree planting. Mr. Perkins recommended leaving the matter in the hands of the Housing Committee, as they had a further small layout to consider and did not want to spoil matters by having it in too many hands.

Mr. Roe and Dr. Greenfield agreed to this procedure, and the resolution was then passed. Mr. Spencer said he hoped the committee would make a pleasant place of it.

The resolution that the Parks and Baths committee consider the matter was deferred.

The Council were also recommended to obtain tenders for the making of short lengths of road on the south east side of the open space, with a view to the erection of about 26 houses there next year.

Mr. T. Wilmott asked how much the road would cost.

Mr. Perkins said the amount would be spread over 400 houses. In reply to a question by Mr. J. Richardson as to whether the work would be done by tender or by direct labour, he said that from past experience they had found the expert work, as obtained by tender, satisfactory.

The Hall committee recommended the Council to fence the land connecting the Park with the Wymington-road, with bell top iron fencing, at a cost including gates of £184 10s. 0d., and also erect some stock proof fencing for other places where required.

This was agreed to.

Replying to a question by Mr. Allen concerning the cost of the work, the chairman said it would be met by drawing from the £500 which had been set by to meet such emergencies.

The committee also recommended the installation of hot water heating apparatus in the Hall, with radiators in the downstairs rooms, at an estimated expense of £87 10s.

In submitting the committee’s report, Mr. T. Wilmott said the object of installing the heating apparatus was to keep the house in good order until it was wanted. He stated, in reply to a query from Mr. C. W. Horrell, that the heating apparatus could be extended to serve some of the top rooms, and that the boiler could easily be enlarged.

Mr. Wilmott said he would like to mention how greatly the grounds had been appreciated during the recent fine weather. “Old Rushdenites,” he said, “have said that they have never seen trees, when their leaves were changing , to look so beautiful. I can assure you that the place is very much appreciated. There are half-a-dozen grey squirrels in the grounds, and there is no reason why they should not stop. I wish they were red ones, but I understand they are being exterminated, so we must look after the grey ones.”

An application was received from the Clerk to the County Council for the provision in the Hall, for an Infant Welfare Centre and it was resolved to ask a representative of the Centre to meet the Hall Committee and indicate the nature of their requirements.

The Baths and Parks Committee reported that the Surveyor had submitted estimates for the provision of a full-sized Bowling Green in Spencer Park, composed of either Cumberland turf or Honie turf. After consideration it had been agreed to adjourn the matter for six months.

Mr. Spencer asked the chairman of the Parks Committee if they had considered the planting of shrubs, in addition to trees, beside the brook in Spencer Park.

Mr. Allebone replied that the matter had been considered several times, but it would be an expensive task to carry out. “If necessary we can see if anything can be done,” he remarked, “but it will be most expensive.”

Plans recommended by the Highways Committee were approved as follows :- House in Purvis-road for Messrs. T. Swindall and Sons; two houses in Blinco-road for Messrs. W. Packwood and Son; two houses in Court Avenue for Messrs. A. Bailey, jun. and sen.; extension to factory in Duck-street for Messrs. R. Tarry Ltd.; extension to factory, Irchester-road for Messrs. Radburne and Bennett, Ltd.

A letter was received from Mr. A. Sanders, on behalf of Mrs. White, asking that the stipulation that each of the three houses about to be erected by her in Pytchley-road must be connected with the public sewer by a separate drain, should be dispensed with, but the Committee reported that they were unable to agree to the application.

The provision of 8 standards and fittings for new lamps in Tennyson-road, at a cost of £60 was approved.

It was recommended that the power of the lamps between the War Memorial and Wymington-road be increased to 150 watt, and that the power of the lamp opposite Rose Hill be similarly increased.

Mr. Newberry asked for increased lighting between Wymington-road and Bedford-road, in which vicinity, he said, there were two dangerous corners.

Mr. Horrell said the committee had considered the whole question, and had made recommendations in the resolution, which was then carried.

Mr. J. Spencer referred to the disappearance and obliteration of white lines in the town, and asked if the Highways Committee had made any decision in the matter.

Mr. Horrell said no decision had been made as far as the committee were concerned. They would, if requested, consider the matter at their next meeting.

With reference to Crabb-street, a letter was received from the Clerk of the County Council, with copy of an order, which the Ministry of Transport have advised the County Council, the Minister has decided to make. It was pointed out that the order, as drawn, only applied to mechanically propelled vehicles, and being limited, would not provide a remedy for the existing mischief, which was entirely due to ordinary bicycles. In these circumstances the Highways Committee recommended, unless the draft order could be amended, that no expense be incurred by advertising or erecting warning boards, and the Clerk was instructed to so inform the County Council.

The Clerk read the following letter from the Air Ministry, in reply to the message with sympathy from the Council concerning the loss of the R 101. “I am directed by the Air Council, on their behalf, and on behalf of the bereaved relatives, to express their deep appreciation of your message of sympathy on the occasion of the tragic disaster of the R 101.”

The Clerk read a letter from the Ministry of Transport in connection with the appointment of Traffic Commissioners under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, which asked for the name of one of the Council members to be submitted to the Ministry for the appointment of Commissioners for the district. The letter stated that there was no remuneration attached to the position, but that allowances would be made under the Civil Service, Grade “A” scale.

Mr. C. W. Horrell proposed that the name of Mr. A. Allebone be forwarded, stating that Mr. Allebone was a member of Roads and Bridges Committee of the County Council. This was carried, Mr. L. Perkins seconding.

On the proposition of Mr. Horrell, it was agreed to recommend that the Rev. C. J. Keeler should succeed the late Mr. B. Vorley as a member of the School Managers. Mr. Horrell stated that Mr. Keeler had resided in Rushden for over 20 years and took an active interest in local affairs.

The members present were: Mr. G. W. Coles, J.P. (in the chair), Mr. L. Perkins, M.B.K., B.Sc. (vice chairman), C. W. Horrell, C.A., A. Allebone, C.C., J. H. Hornsby, T. Wilmott, A. Wilmott, T. Swindall, J. Spencer, J.P., F. B. Newberry, J. Roe, C. Claridge, C. Green, J. Allen, J. T. Richardson and Dr. D. G. Greenfield with the Clerk, Mr. G. S. Mason, the Surveyor, Mr. J. W. Lloyd, and the Sanitary Inspector, Mr. F. S. Piper.