A move to establish a modern fire station at Rushden reached a climax in March 1901, when a local Government Board inquiry was held into the situation. Rushden Urban Council wanted to borrow £3,750 for the scheme.

The facts placed before the Board gave ample evidence of the need for improvement in local fire protection plans.

It was reported that the Council rented, for £7 10s a year, an agricultural barn in High Street, and at this place was stored the fire engine, the fire escape and accessories.

The “Argus” commented:- “The need of a properly equipped station must be so apparent that no objection is likely to be raised. At the moment the fire engine and expensive accoutrements are housed in an agricultural barn which is difficult of access and altogether inadequate and unsuited to its purpose.

“In the new station, which it is proposed to erect on the land adjoining the Athletic Club in Newton Road, the latest improvements will be introduced, so that there will be an incentive to the Brigade to take more interest in their work.”

The inquiry was timed well, for three days before there was one of the most serious fires that had occurred for many years.

Cattle Roasted Alive

Cattle were roasted alive when a fire broke out at Bottom Farm, Yelden, damaging property and stock to the value of £400-£500.

Practically all the able-bodied men in the village turned out to fight the blaze, which was first discovered when flames burst from the eaves of a thatched cow-house.

While the village blacksmith cycled to Rushden to call the Fire Brigade, a small army of helpers tackled the flames with water from the brook on the opposite side of the road.

Although two young men from the village liberated some of the cattle, others perished in the flames.

On examination of the ruins afterwards it was found that ten calves and a cow had been roasted to death.

When the fire engine did turn out it had to be towed to the site by three horses owing to the bad condition of the roads. The cow-house was completely gutted when it arrived.

Search for Water

When Rushden Urban Council met the Medical Officer, presenting his annual report, he told them that the district contained an estimated population of 14,359. There were 434 births registered and 150 deaths.

“The water supply is at present insufficient,” he said “The Urban Council have, however, done their utmost, and have expended considerable sums in boring in different localities, at present without satisfactory results.”

Trade competition between the clubs and the licensed victuallers was put aside for the Urban Council elections. Together they formed a new party.

Commented the “Argus”:- “The combination has been viewed by the majority of club members with feelings of suspicion and doubt.”

Profits of the Rushden and Higham Ferrers Gas Company amounted to £3,549. In all departments of the business there was an improvement, the most paying branch being the cookers and prepayment meters, which had become very popular.