THE SUBSCRIBERS

A meeting of the subscribers followed, and, in addition to those already mentioned, there were present Messrs. W. Clarke, Geo. Selwood, F. Cowley, W.B. Sanders, A.C. Ashby, W.F. Darnell, Percy Collins, George Skinner, sen., B. Ladds, Robinson, and others.

Mr. Claridge again presided, and explained that it was desirable to carefully consider the question, and certain things had occurred that led the committee to re-consider it. It had been discovered that a building on the site previously adopted would involve a cost of £200 more than on ordinary sites. Then the committee of the Council, having considered the objection to the pulling down of the Vestry Hall, and the offer made to purchase it, had agreed to recommend the Council to acquire the land at the corner of Park Road and Newton Road. Many had, therefore, thought it would be better to have the two schemes together. He had long favoured the site now in question, but was prepared to bow to the wishes of the town, and only wished that the most preferable site should be chosen. He was sorry for the delays that had taken place during the last eighteen months, but an addi­tional £500 had been gained, and, if a more suitable site were now secured, the delay would again have been beneficial. He again read the letters of Mr. Wilkins and Mr. Swindall.

Mr. W. Clarke objected to the decision of that meeting being final. Two town's meetings had decided upon a particular site, rightly or wrongly. If the general public were called to two meetings, why not again? If they had the power to decide that night he thought it would be childish and unjust, He also thought that the site on the Green was a most suitable one, and the question of expense was being made too much of a “bogey”. He was grateful that the point in regard to the Vestry Hall had been conceded. Then would not Mr. Carnegie be suspicious at the dallying with their question? He was afraid there had been an undercurrent of opinion that had spoilt the question of the free library. If his points could be answered he was willing to consider the new site, which was, of course, a good one, though he thought the Green better. Would Mr. Carnegie allow the building to be attached to another? The Chairman: It would be quite distinct. Mr. Claridge: I did not know that.

The Chairman, on the question of the town’s meeting, said that the committee considered that the subscribers ought to decide. Mr. Clarke: The town will have to uphold it.

Mr. G.H. Skinner also thought that they should go to the town on the question. There was also a strong feeling, in view of the heavy rates, against having the library at all. So if they were to have it, it should be had at once. The cost of maintaining would have to come on the town.

The Chairman said that the condition of trade had prevented the raising of the money, but the charge of shilly-shallying for the purpose of changing the site was altogether foreign to him. (Hear, hear.)   But there was so strong a feeling on the committee and on the Council that if the Vestry Hall was sold, and another site purchased, the two should be together, that they were almost bound to delay. As to the cost, the surveyor was fully of opinion that the Green site would mean £200 more for the same building.

Mr. F. Corby thought that the idea had been nursed because neither of the sites previously considered had been really suitable. (Hear, hear.)

Mr. Madin said that the story of the cost was no "bogey." The builders spoke without having the plans before them. An architect had to consider the oversight of the buildings after­wards. On the Green site they would have to have store-rooms beneath, and at the back a 60ft.fall more would be required. On the new site the plan would be almost the same for the ground floor, and they would get a better ar­rangement, together with an emergency exit. They would also get windows on every side, which, for a reading-room, would be an advan­tage. They would have a better class of build­ings, and better fittings. (To Mr. Skinner): The £2,500 would put a building on either side, but on the new site they would get a better building for their money.

Mr. Bazeley held that the position had altered since the town's meeting was called, for then they had to form a committee and arrange for subscriptions. The question had been before the town for eighteen months, and to call another town's meeting might destroy the scheme, as, of course, the non-subscribers were in a majority.

Mr. W.B. Sanders asked what was the obliga­tion to Messrs. Lilley and Skinner, and the Chairman said a moral one. Mr Clarke: But we lose their £50. The Chairman: The land is so much cheaper. Mr. Geo. Bayes: Less land. The Surveyor: More useable land.

Mr Ballard thought they should be as careful about spending Mr Carnegie’s money as their own, and he thought that Mr Carnegie would have no objection to a better site.  Even if they had a town’s meeting he thought they could easily prove to the town that the change was desirable.  And as to Mr Skinner’s reference to maintenance, the penny rate would have to be paid wherever the building was put.  He still thought, however, that the question of maintenance should be considered, as a penny rate would only produce £130.  If they went on with the scheme, however, he greatly preferred the Newton Road site.

Mr T.C. Clarke thought that if the Newton Road site had been before the town’s meeting it would have been chosen before the other.

Mr Skinner asked if it would not be better to approach Messrs Lilley and Skinner before coming to a decision. The Chairman said that it had been fully considered, and he thought with regard to what Mr Skinner had said that the subscribers would have complained that it was cut and dried if that had been done. 

Mr Selwood supported the idea of again consulting the townspeople, though personally he was in favour of changing the site.

Mr Mason then read the resolution passed by the committee, and after further discussion, Mr C.G. Jowitt again moved his resolution.  Mr Clipson seconded. Mr Ladds moved an amendment that the matter be referred to a town’s meeting. Mr Selwood seconded, and Mr Clark(sic) supported. Ten voted for the amendment and twelve against it. On the resolution being put no one voted against it.

FREE LIBRARY FOR RUSHDEN

TENDERS ACCEPTED LAST NIGHT

Discussion on Trade Union Wages

A meeting of the Rushden Free Library Committee was held at the Vestry Hall, Rushden, to receive tenders for the Free Library building which is to be erected on the Newton Road by the generosity of Mr. Carnegie, the multimillionaire. 

The Chairman said that after the change of site from the Green to Newton Road had been confirmed, the Town Surveyor (Mr. Madin) had been asked to prepare plans, specifications, etc and tenders had been invited. Thirteen tenders had been received, and on the whole the tendering had been exceptionally good.  Mr. Madin had allowed £520 for heating, furniture, gas fittings, fence, and contingencies, so that it might be taken for granted that he had made ample allowance.

Mr. Madin then produced the plans which were highly eulogised.

The tenders for the building – Ketton Stone being used – were as follows:-         

Mr. Madin’s estimate was £2360

Mr. Denton: When is the work to be completed?

Mr. Madin: I have stated six months, and the builders have expressed themselves that this is sufficient.

Mr. Ballard:  Then we shall be in by Christmas?

The Chairman:  I think so.

Mr. Colson: It will take some time to furnish the place.

The Chairman proposed that the tender of Mr. Packwood be accepted.

Mr. Clipson seconded.

The Chairman: I suppose Mr. Madin sees no fear that the work can be carried out at that price?

Mr. Madin: None whatever.

Mr. Bazeley: Is there a FAIR WAGES CLAUSE in the contract?

The Surveyor:  No. We do not put it in town work contracts so I did not think it necessary to put it in this.

Mr. Bazeley said it was recognised that Mr. Packwood paid wages under the rates paid by other builders in the town.  Mr. Packwood was not a member of the Builders’ Association.

Mr. Derbyshire: It is a well-known fact that Mr. Packwood does not pay up to the statement price, and I do not suppose he has one trade unionist working for him.

Mr. Bazeley said it was an unfair advantage to the other builders in the town if Mr. Packwood was paying lower wages that they were.

Mr. Denton felt sure that inferior men at low wages would not do the work to the satisfaction of the Surveyor.  The Committee could be satisfied that the workmen would earn proper wages.

Mr. Bates: I am prepared to vote for the resolution if Mr. Packwood will say that he will pay the trade union rate of wages.

The Chairman said the question might have been raised at the last committee meeting when they gave instructions respecting the plans.  But he did not see that they could do anything now, beyond trusting that Mr. Packwood would pay trade union wages.

Mr. Derbyshire: I know that some of Mr. Packwood’s bricklayers are getting 1½d. an hour less than other builders are paying.

The Rev M.E. Parkin: Are we obliged to accept the lowest tender?

The Chairman: No.

Mr. Ballard: I think we ought to give it to the lowest unless there is something in the way.

Mr. Swindall said that if they accepted the tender subject to the insertion of the fair wage clause, he thought Mr. Packwood would readily agree to it.

Mr. Mason: Is it fair to alter the conditions now?

Mr. Denton: Have we any right to assume that Mr. Packwood is not going to pay trade union wages?

Mr. Swindall thought Mr. Packwood would give an assurance that he would pay trade union rates.

The proposition to accept Mr. Packwood’s tender was then carried by eleven votes to three.

In reply to a question as to whether there would be any stone-laying ceremony.

The Secretary read a letter from the secretary of Mr. Carnegie, dated August 8^th. He tendered the thanks of Mr. Carnegie for the invitation to be present at the opening of the library, but regretted that he would be unable to accept it, as he would be in America at that time.

The Chairman said that when the date was first fixed for the opening of the library they had forgotten that the date (the first Saturday in December) was one on which a mission, which had been fixed for some time, would be started in the town. He had therefore thought it would be wise, in writing to the Marquis of Northampton, to alter the date to the last Saturday in November.  Mr. Mason then read two letters from Lord Northampton. In the first he thanked the Committee for the honour done to him in inviting him to open the Free Library.  He should be very glad to accept if it could be arranged, but Saturday was a bad day for him, and it would depend upon the hour whether he could manage it or not. In reply to that the Secretary wrote fixing the hour as three o’clock, and Lord Northampton wrote on September 8^th that he could manage to get there and leave at 4.30, and he would have much pleasure in opening the building.  In reply to Mr. Bates, Mr. Madin said that the builder had promised to be ready by the last Saturday in November.  On the motion of Mr. J.T. Colson, seconded by Mr. Bates, the date was approved.

Discussions then took place as to the arrangements for the day, and ultimately it was decided to have a procession from the Midland Railway to the building. After the opening by Lord Northampton, the building to be handed over to the care of the town, Mr. Claridge representing the Committee, and Mr. Clipson, as Chairman, accepting on behalf of the Council.

It was also agreed to have a dinner in the evening, to which the Committee, subscribers, and representatives would be invited.  Several names were suggested of gentlemen who could be asked to speak. Ultimately a sub-committee was appointed to carry out the arrangements.