Rushden Research Group: Schoolboard 1898

The Argus, 4^th March 1898, transcribed by Kay Collins

School Board 1898

The Argus, 4^th March 1898

Local Notes

We offer our hearty congratulations to the executive of the Rushden Liberal Association, on the success achieved by the party at the School Board election on Monday. From the first the issue of the contest was really never in doubt, but the result is gratifying as it gives fresh proof, if such were necessary, that Rushden intends to be true to its traditions and to maintain its reputation as the stronghold of Liberalism. We may be pardoned if we reiterate—for we feel the subject is one of great importance—the necessity of united action, on the part of the Labour and Liberal parties at all future elections. That their views and interests are identical is more than demonstrated by the experience of the past. It is only from the Liberal party that those progressive measures, so essential to the advancement of the working classes, may be looked for. With this in mind we trust that the representatives of the two parties will make renewed efforts to arrive at an understanding, so that the next time the necessity arises for the electorate in record their votes at the poll they will be found working side by side. As now constituted there are four Liberals, three Conservatives, one Labour member, and one Independent on the Board. This is the first time in the history of the Rushden School Board that a lady has sought and gained a seat on the Board. Mrs. Vann's career will be watched with interest. We regret that the Labour party should have lost a seat on the new Board, but we are confident that their interests will be carefully guarded by Mr. Mantle, as well as by the Liberal representatives.

A question worthy of the consideration of the new School Board was asked at the public meeting held at Rushden on Saturday evening, namely: "Will the Board allow the playgrounds attached to the schools to be open to the children for recreative purposes after school hours?" The only objections we could gather from the replies of those seeking seats on the Board were that the grounds would, as had been demonstrated by experiments in the past, be over-run by youths, whoso schooldays are over, as a football ground to the exclusion of legitimate scholars, and, further, that the school premises had been, wilfully damaged. To argue that, the school children should suffer through the playgrounds being monopolised by those not entitled to the use of them does not sound logical. It is feared that should the suggestion take practical form the presence of a person in authority would be necessary, but we venture to think that the difficulty of supervision could be overcome by periodical visits of the "gentlemen in blue", and need not entail the expense necessitated by the appointment of a caretaker. In the absence of a recreation ground at Rushden, this appears to be the only method which would tend to detract from the dangerous habit which the children have of playing in the streets.

Hardly does one election pass over than another follows in its train. The excitement produced by the School Board contest had scarcely abated before the vacancy on the County Council had to be filled. It will not be long 'ere we shall be in the throes of the Urban District Council and Board of Guardians election. There is already some talk in the town as to the possible candidates who will seek a seat on the local governing body. The day on which nominations will be received is March 17th. The 22nd of this month is fixed for the notification of withdrawals, and the contest will be on April 4th. Nominations for the Urban Council will be received at Rushden, and those for the Board of Guardians at Wellingborough.

Teachers and others interested in education will hear with pleasure that Mr. F. A. Channing, M.P., has once more expressed himself in hearty accord with the demand for unsectarian education under popular control. At a meeting of the Birmingham and Midland Education League, on Tuesday night, a letter was read from Mr. Channing which gave great satisfaction. The member for East Northamptonshire held that the policy of the League was not the only logical one for educational reform, but hatits ultimate triumph was the only way to secure the full and adequate development of educational opportunities. In the report presented to the meeting the executive committee expressed their conviction that the present condition of the law affecting national education was intolerable; that sound education was largely subordinated to sectarian interests, and the rights of Nonconformists ignored, while money from the public purse provided almost all the income of schools under private management. As a consequence elementary education in England was far from being efficient. Gross anomalie and serious abuses abounded. A resolution was passed regretting the reactionary educational legislation of the present Government, and expressing the opinion that elementary education could only be rectified by placing all elementary schools under effective local popular control.

The School Board election which took place at Rushden on Monday, was fought purely upon political lines. As was generally anticipated the four Liberal candidates came out of the contest at the head of the poll. Comparing the votes recorded for the candidates of either party, collectively, it will be seen that the Liberals received 1,492 votes more than the Conservatives, the figures being 4,920 against 3,4 In addition to this it may be fairly conceded that the 2381 votes recorded for the Labour candidates contained a predominance of Liberal voters, and it is to be hoped that in future elections these two parties whose aspirations are so similar will be found working hand in hand. The Board, as at present constituted consists of four Liberals, three Conservatives, one Labour, and one Independent, and is a loss of one seat to the Labour party.

Throughout the day the polling was quietly conducted, and although each party endeavoured to bring their voters to the poll early, a large number waited upon the last hour. The committee rooms of the Liberal and Conservative parties adjoining the Alfred-road Board Schools were the scene of much activity, and at night large knots assembled to discuss the probabilities of the candidates, though it was freely surmised that the Liberals would receive substantial majorities. The result of the election was expected to be known shortly before ten o'clock, but the count occupied more time than was generally expected. It was sometime after that hour that the figures were declared, and were received with the utmost enthusiasm by the assembled crowd. The figures were as follows:-

SUCCESSFUL
Colson (L)		1,395
Bradfield (L)		1,268
Vorley (L)		1,132
Newman (L)		1,125
Mantle (Lab.)		1,088
Cave (C)		929
Vann, Mrs. (I)		900
Miller (C)		881
Skinner (C)		820
UNSUCCESSFUL
Owen (C)		798
Lovell (Lab.)		700
Baxter (Lab.)		593

The Argus, 25th March 1898

Rushden School Board

The first meeting of the New School Board was held in the Vestry Hall, Rushden, on Friday evening. There were, present: Messrs. J. T. Colson, C. L. Bradfield, A. Mantle, F. Newman, B. Vorley, T. Miller, G. H. Skinner, and Mrs. Vann.

Preliminary

Mr. C. L. Bradfield was temporarily elected, to the chair, during which the usual formalities of the new Board were gone through.

Election of Chairman

Mr. A. Mantle proposed that Mr. J. T. Colson be elected chairman of the Board.

Mr. B. Vorley seconded. It had been his pleasure, he said, to work side by side with Mr. Colson for the last three years, during a part of which time Mr. Colson occupied the chair of the old Board. He (Mr. Colson) performed his duties in an excellent way, and the work had been most amicably conducted. Mr. Colson's experience as an old member of the Board would be a very valuable help to them, for he had served for nine years. He was thoroughly in touch, with the working of the schools, and this was a very necessary qualification for the post they would now elect him to.

The proposition was carried nem con., Mr. Miller not voting.

Mr. Colson having taken the chair, returned thanks, saying that he would endeavour to fulfil the duties to the best of his ability. Of course he might not act the same as others might if they were in his place, but he would use his best endeavours to act in a disinterested way. Having sat on three Boards he could say that the chair had always been supported in a very generous manner, and as far as that Board was concerned he felt confident that the same staunch support would be accorded him. (Applause.)

Election of Vice-Chairman

Mr. Bradfield then moved that Mr. A. Mantle be elected to the vice-chair. Mr. Mantle had been very consistent in the attendances at the meetings of the old Board, and they all knew he put his heart into the work. He had deeply interested himself in all that concerned the schools, and he was confident that Mr. Mantle had merited the honour. The vice-chair had been held by many good men before, and it would lose nothing in being occupied by Mr. Mantle.

Mr. Skinner seconded, and the motion was carried. Mr. A. Mantle, in reply, hoped that the chairman would enjoy good health so that his (Mr. Mantle's) services would not be called into requisition. He would try to do his duty as far as he possibly could, for he looked upon it as no small honour.

Mr. T. Miller said that although he took no part in the voting he would give the chairman his support as far as he possibly could.

Ballot Boxes

The accounts were next passed, and when the cost of the recent School Board election was mentioned the chairman said that it had been suggested that it would be a very good thing if they provided ballot boxes, etc., for the elections.

Mr. Miller: It would be a very good thing if they are going to be often used.

The Chairman: If they are going to be used four times a year it would pay for them in one year.

Eventually the chairman stated that he would mention the matter to the Urban Council, and the subject dropped.

A Small Precept

A precept was ordered to be served on the overseers for £250 to be paid on June 3rd. This is the smallest precept for seven years, last year's precept being for £500.

Resignation

Miss Biggs (assistant mistress at the Newton-road Infants' School) wrote resigning her post, having obtained an appointment under the Leicester School Board.

The resignation was accepted, on the proposition of Mrs. Vann, seconded by Mr. Bradfield.

Easter Holidays

It was decided, on the proposition of Mr. Bradfield, seconded by Mrs. Vann, to close the schools during Easter—from April 7th to April 18th.

The Rushden Echo, 13th May 1898, transcribed by Kay Collins

LABOUR AND EXEMPTION— About 90 labour and exemption certificates were granted at a special meeting of the Rushden Board School Board on Friday last.

The Rushden Echo, 20th May 1898, transcribed by Kay Collins

Rushden School Board

At the monthly meeting on Tuesday evening Mr J. T. Colson presided and there were present – Mrs. Vann, and Messrs. A. Mantle (vice-chairman), G. Miller, B. Vorley, F. Newman, G. H. Skinner and J. Heygate (clerk).

Financial

The Clerk reported that on the general account the balance was overdrawn to the extent of £31 5s. 7d., but a precept was due in June for £250, and he was daily expecting a payment from the Education Department for additional grant, which he anticipated would be £375.

Appointment

The Committee reported that they appointed Miss M. E. B. Brighouse, of North Wingfield, Derbyshire, as assistant mistress at the Newton-road infants’ school at £4 per annum, and that she had commenced her duties.

Increase

On the recommendation of the committee the salary of Mr. George Bayes, school attendance officer, was increased by £5 a year.

[part of a longer article]

The Rushden Echo, 18th November 1898, transcribed by Jim Hollis

Rushden School Board

At a meeting of this Board on Tuesday night, there were present:- Messrs. J. T. Colson (chairman), F. Newman, G. H. Skinner, B. Vorley, Paul Cave, A. Mantle, and C. L. Bradfield, and Mrs. Vann, with the Clerk (Mr. Heygate).

The New Church Sunday School

The Clerk read a letter from the Rev. W. R. Morse (Rector of the parish) agreeing to take the Newton-road school for a Sunday school, the school to be used twice a day and the rent to be £7. He (the Clerk) had informed Mr. Morse that the arrangement would be subject to a month’s notice.

The Chairman said the school was commenced on Sunday and there were a number of children present. Two rooms were used instead of the one room originally wanted.

The New Infants’ School

A letter was received from the Education Department, approving of the plans, specifications, and tenders for the new infants’ school in Newton-road, and consenting to the borrowing of £4,750 for 50 years.

The Clerk said that immediately after the last meeting he wrote to the Atlas Insurance Co., to ask whether they were prepared to negotiate for the loan at less than 3¼ per cent, but received a reply to the effect that they would not lend the money at as low a rate as 3¼ per cent. He had received another letter from the Prudential Insurance Co. to the effect that the total indebtedness of the Board was greater than one year’s rates and under the circumstances it was not their custom to lend more money, unless the previous loans were for remunerative works. To that letter he (the Clerk) had replied that £9,000 of their loans was for remunerative works, but he had not heard from them again.

The Chairman said that if the Insurance Company did not lend them the money the board would have to apply to the Public Works Loan Commissioners, unless they could borrow it from some Corporation such as West Ham, from which the Urban Council had just obtained a loan at £3 2s 6d per cent.

Salaries of Teachers

The committee recommended that the salaries of Misses Scott, Gadsby, and Newell, from whom applications were recently received, be increased by £5 per annum, but they were not yet prepared to report on the applications of Misses Brigstock and Turner.

On the motion of Mr. Vorley, seconded by Mrs. Vann, the report was adopted.

Applications for increases were received from Misses Knock, Jacques, and Packer, and were referred to the committee.

The Chairman remarked that fresh applications came on at every meeting.

The Clerk suggested that the Board should follow the example of the Wellingborough Board and set aside a special meeting to consider such applications.

Mr. Cave thought it would be a good thing to work to a scale.

The Chairman said that unfortunately there had been cases which they could not work to a scale.

Mr. Cave said that it meant, of course, that those who could not work up to the standards would have to leave.

The Chairman said he knew that it was the usual thing to have a scale, but there were difficulties in the way here.

Mr. Bradfield thought that the difficulties would last about a year, but the Board would be glad that they had tackled them. He would be inclined to support an experiment.

The consideration of the subject was deferred.

A sum of £10 was voted to Mr. Jenkins for extra work in connection with the evening continuation school this session.

Appointments

The committee reported that they had appointed Miss Alice Carter, of the British Board-school, Northampton, assistant mistress at Alfred-street Infants’ school at £45 per annum, and had also appointed Miss Eva Barber, of the Kettering-road Board-school, Northampton, assistant mistress at Newton-road schools on the same terms.

The committee’s action was approved.

Attendance

The Attendance Officer (Mr. G. Bayes) forwarded a report dealing with a number of cases where the attendance of children was not satisfactory, and stating that many children were absent through ringworm and other diseases. He suggested that it would be wise to close the schools on Thursday afternoon (for the circus.)

The board decided not to close the schools.

Damage

It was reported that a piece of fencing at Alfred-street schools had been broken by the scaffolding used by the contractor for Messrs. Cave’s new factory.

Mr. Cave said on the other hand about 60 panes of glass had been broken in the factory since it was erected, mainly by boys attending the schools.

It was decided to write to Mr. Cosford, the contractor, with regard to the damage.

The Night of The Meeting

Mr. Cave again introduced the question of an alteration in the night of meeting, and said it was very inconvenient for him to attend on Tuesdays.

The Chairman didn’t think the Board could open the question then.

Mr. Cave said the alteration from Friday to Tuesday was made while he was abroad and he had not an opportunity of considering it.

Mr. Bradfield said there was a motion at the last meeting of the Board to the effect that the meetings be held on Thursday nights but it was defeated.

The Clerk said that his duties as Clerk to the Wellingborough Board would be interfered with by holding the meetings on Thursday nights.

The Chairman said Mr, Cave was considered when the alteration was made, because it was mentioned that it would be somewhat inconvenient for him to attend.

Mr. Cave said it was not very pleasant to come in at the fag end of the meeting and not know what was done. It didn’t look like working harmoniously together when one member is practically shut out.

Mr. Skinner: Could we have the meeting later?

Mr. Cave: It would suit me if it was an hour later, but I have a business engagement on Tuesday nights which cannot be put off.

The Chairman thought it was very improper to discuss the matter that night after having discussed it so recently.

Mr. Cave: But I am debarred from the meetings.

The Chairman pointed out that the night of meeting was altered to suit Mr. Skinner, who could not attend on Fridays.

Mr. Cave gave notice that he would initiate a discussion on the subject at the next meeting.

The Rushden Echo, 23rd December 1898, transcribed by Jim Hollis

Rushden School Board

Mr. J. T. Colson presided on Tuesday and there were also present:- Messrs. A. Mantle (vice-chairman), P. Cave, G. Miller, C. L. Bradfield, B. Vorley, F. Newman, and G. H. Skinner, Mrs. Vann, and the clerk (Mr. J. Heygate).

Money

The Clerk reported that the balance in the treasurer’s hands was £300 19s 6d.

Cheques were drawn for salaries and various accounts.

Vacancies

With regard to the appointment of an assistant master and mistress of the Newton-road schools. It was decided to interview several applicants on December 29th.

Salaries

An application for an increase of salary from Mr. Jenkins, head master of the Newton-road school, was referred in the usual way to the committee.

The wages of the caretaker (Cirsley) were increased £5 a year.

Applications for increase from Misses Brigstock, Packer, Jaques, and knock were again referred to the committee.

Quite Correct

The Clerk reported that the audit showed the accounts to be correct.

Christmas

The schools are to be closed for a fortnight – from mid-day on Friday to Jan 9th.

Very Prudential

The Clerk said he had furnished the Prudential Assurance Co. with particulars and they had finally declined to loan the money for the new school on Newton-road on the ground that the liability of the parish exceeded by a very considerable sum the rateable value of the parish. He then applied to the West Ham Corporation but the borough treasurer wrote in reply to say that they had no funds available at present, though they would have in the spring. He had now arranged for the Ecclesiastical Commissioners to lend the money for 50 years at £3 2s 6d per cent.

The Old, Old Question

Once more arose the question of altering the time or night of the meeting. At present the monthly meetings are at 6.30 p.m. on Tuesdays, and previously the Board met at 6.30 on Fridays.

Mr. Paul Cave said that Friday night would be convenient to him, though it was objectionable to Mr. Skinner. Could the Board arrange to have the meetings an hour later on Tuesdays, then he (Mr. Cave) would be able to attend on his return from London.

The Chairman said there was always routine business to be done first.

Mr. Cave: But I want to be here for all the business.

Mr. Mantle moved that the meetings be at 7. 15. on Tuesday nights.

Mrs. Vann seconded.

Mr. Bradfield said that to alter the day or time of the meeting for one member was doing a good deal.

Mr. Cave said that when he came on the Board the meetings were on Friday night. He was prepared to come straight to the meetings on his return from town.

The Chairman thought the whole question was between Mr. Skinner and Mr. Cave. All the other members were satisfied with Friday night but Mr. Skinner, and now Tuesday was not convenient to Mr. Cave. Even now, when they started at 6.30 some of the members did not stop to finish the business. Personally he should prefer 7 to 7.30.

Mr. Cave: We might hurry on with the business, perhaps.

The Chairman thought there was no dallying now. He thought they might give more consideration to the business sometimes, not less.

Mr. Vorley said that when the meetings began at 6.30 the members could get to other meetings afterwards.

Mr. Cave said he could not get there at seven o’clock.

Mrs. Vann thought they ought to have the meeting 15 minutes later if by doing so Mr. Cave could attend.

Mr. Miller: Would the alteration be inconvenient to the clerk.

The Clerk said that as he always drove to and from the meetings of course every quarter of an hour at night made a difference.

Mr. Vorley moved that the meetings begin at seven o’clock, and the Chairman seconded.

Mr. Mantle’s proposition (to begin at 7.15) was carried by five votes to two.

Mr. Cave: If we are here late, perhaps it will be because the business is not conducted properly.

Mr. Bradfield: Since our present chairman has been in the chair the business has been considerably expedited. We get through the business quicker than we used to do.

The Chairman said that if the business was not expedited it was in the power of the members to ask him to close the discussion.

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