The Rushden Echo and Argus, 16th December 1949, transcribed by Gill Hollis

D.P’s. Will do Road Work
Because of shortage of local labour, “displaced persons” are to be employed on highway work in Rushden.

Told by the Surveyor that his staff of men for highway work had been reduced to nine, and that he found increasing difficulty in obtaining men, the Urban Council agreed on Wednesday to accept the offer of the Agricultural Executive Committee to provide displaced persons.

They asked for six men who will be employed for a trial period of three months.

The Clerk (Mr. A. G. Crowdy) reported that no offers had been received for the brougham (which it one time conveyed patients to the isolation hospital) and it was decided to sell the vehicle as scrap.

“We are rather disappointed,” said Councillor H. Waring. “We thought such a unique article as this would appeal to quite a number of people.”

New Lights
The Council agreed to provide twelve mercury vapour bulb type lamps for the Hove Road estate and six for the Headingley Road estate

Tenders are to be invited for improvements to the highway at the junction of Queen Street and Rectory Road, following demolition of the Salvation Army Hall.

The treasurer’s action in refusing to accept, for holding until the due date, post dated cheques forwarded to him in payment of rates, was confirmed. The view was taken that the responsibilities for ensuring that payments were received in time to obtain discounts was a matter for ratepayers concerned.

The Medical Officer reported fourteen cases of scarlet fever and ten of whooping cough. There were ten births and eighteen deaths last month.

During the meeting the Chairman presented a certificate to Mr. Harry Martin, a member of the staff, who has passed the Intermediate Examination of the Institute of Municipal Treasurers and Accountants.

The Council discussed in committee an application from Northampton Wireless Relay, Ltd., for permission to operate a radio relay system in Rushden. Representatives of the company attended.