The monthly report for March of the National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives, discussing the revised schedule of reserved occupations, comments:

“The application of the schedule will have serious repercussions on the employment of women operatives in the industry, on the quantity of footwear produced, and on other considerations of an industrial character.”

References to the effect of the new schedule on the boot and shoe industry have been published recently, but the Report supplies more than a hint that the schedule goes much further than was at first anticipated.

“It was never contemplated that any amended reservations would be as drastic as the new one appears to be,” it comments, after stating that it had been confidentially understood that the previous age of reservation could not be maintained.

It will be noted that the new schedule indicates the age of reservation on April 1st, on approximately Aug. 1st, and on approximately Oct. 1st. It will also be observed that the age of reservation, as from April 1st for a specified list of operations, will be raised from 25 to 30, and for the remainder of the operations from 30 to 35.

“We remain unaffected under the second date in the schedule (Aug. 1st), but under the third section (Oct. 1st) the 30 age group will move up to 35, and all operatives on operations other than those specified will be de-graded, that is, there will be no age reservation for any operative not employed on one of the operations listed in the schedule.” states the Report.

“Grave Concern.”

“It should here be pointed out that when the schedule of reserved occupations was first compiled we expressed our disapproval of registering certain operations on a preferential basis.

“We preferred a uniform age of reservation covering all operatives, but this the Government would not concede. In like manner, we have expressed to the Government our grave concern as to the effect which the application of the third stage will have on the industry as a whole, and in this respect it is possible that this stage will be reconsidered and other operations added to the list before the date of application.

“The Employers’ Federation has been at some pains to establish the probable effect of the new schedule on the man power of the industry, and their inquiry has shown that approximately 9,000 boot operatives will be de-reserved on April 1st and eligible for military service. Should the schedule remain unaltered, a further 5,000 will be de-reserved on Oct. 1st, by which time the industry will have given up more than 42 per cent of its pre-war male operatives for military and other services.

“Naturally, the application of the schedule will have serious repercussions on the employment of women operatives in the industry; on the quantity of footwear produced, and on other considerations of an industrial character. These we shall deal with as rapidly and effectively as possible.

Reservation Change For Clickers

The new revised schedule of reserved occupations makes an additional alteration affecting press clickers (outsides) in the boot and shoe industry.

Press clickers (outsides) are now reserved similarly to hand clickers, who are still reserved at 30.

The Rushden Echo & Argus, 11th April, 1941, transcribed by Jim Hollis

Discussing “unofficial” basement shelters at its meeting on Wednesday, Rushden Urban Council was informed by its Surveyor that the much-used basement at the Queen-street School is unsuitable in its present condition, and needs strengthening.

The meeting was the last one of the Council’s year, and high tributes were paid to the outgoing Chairman (Coun. J. Allen), who in reply spoke with pride of the town’s response to the nation’s call.

Minutes of the War Emergency Committee contained a warning to the public against the use of unsuitable basements as raid shelters, and stated that the Surveyor had been instructed to post notices at these premises.

Coun. Capon said it was felt that the public, in their own interests, should be guarded in using any shelter which might present itself to them. The town was being satisfactorily covered, although it would take time to do, and they would like the public to take reasonable care.

Coun. Waring said the public were not fully qualified to judge the safety of basements. One popular basement – because it was heated and lighted – was at the Queen-street Schools. The people who used it had a sense of security, but he would not like to think they were in a fool’s paradise.

Coun. Roe said he thought the Surveyor should make an inspection and express an opinion.

Factory’s Problem

“We thought we had done something clever at the factories,” said Coun. Allebone, “until the surveyor’s assistant came round and said they were not up to the Ministry of Home Security’s specification. Now others are being built. I think all shelters in Rushden should be classified so that people going into one that was not reasonably safe would do so at their own risk.”

The Clerk (Mr. W. L. Beetenson) pointed out that notices were being posted at unsuitable basements.

The Chairman: Our own shelters will be scheduled, and those that do not come under our supervision will not be scheduled.

“Not Suitable.”

Coun. Sawford said he agreed that the public should know whether the Queen-st. Schools were suitable or not. The trouble, to his mind, was that there was only one outlet.

Asked to give an opinion, the Surveyor (Mr. J. W. Lloyd) said: “At the moment the school is not suitable; it should be strengthened. I shall be pleased to give my opinion on any shelter brought to my notice.”

Coun. Bailey asked that the attention of the education authorities should be drawn to the condition of the school shelters, particularly those at the South End School.

“I understand that the matter has been dealt with,” replied Coun. Capon.

Strengthening Tenders

In reply to Coun. Ritchardson, who wondered if the new “table” shelters could be supplied to people willing to pay for them, the Clerk said that, as far as he knew, there were none available for a place like Rushden at present. As soon as more was known, a report would be made about them.

The tender of Messrs. H. C. Tann, Ltd., of Finedon, at £778, for the strengthening of three basements for A.R.P. purposes, was accepted subject to Government Approval.

Permission was obtained to install electric heating instead of coal stoves in the public semi-surface shelters. Lighting of the shelters from the electricity mains was also arranged.

The erection of 12 surface shelters in various parts of the town was agreed to, Messrs. H. C. Tann, Ltd., securing the contract at £250 per shelter.

Fire Fighting Sand

Through the W.E.C. the Surveyor reported that 115 tons of sand and 3,850 sandbags had been distributed free of charge. To business premises 450 bags were supplied at a charge of 3d each.

To meet 14 applications for allotments, the Clerk has taken possession of 300 poles of unoccupied land on the west side of Hall-avenue.

A Parks Committee report noted that the Spencer Park bowling greens were in good condition compared with previous years. Attention was called to the dangerous state of the banks of the brook, and the Surveyor was instructed to give them attention.

Part of the spare ground at Spencer Park has been let rent free for allotment purposes.

Coun. Green reported that the whole of the spare land at Rushden Hall would be planted with vegetables, particularly carrots, onions, and tomatoes.

Arrangements were made for a season of band concerts at the Hall from April 13th to Sept. 28th.

Rent Arrears

Notice to quit was ordered to be served on three Council house tenants who had failed to reduce their rent arrears.

The Housing Manager (Mr. H. C. Allen) reported that the Council tenants were keener than ever in the cultivation of their gardens. In a few cases of neglect, however, he was trying to arrange for other tenants to cultivate the ground.

Tenders for the internal decoration of houses were accepted from Messrs. Prickett and Dunkley (£109 10s.), Mr. A. W. Jacques (£109 4s. 4d.), Mr. H. Freeman (£448 10s.), and Mr. H. B. Wilson (£159 19s.).

Building plans were as follows: Additions to garage, United Counties Omnibus Co.; air raid shelters for Messrs. Fred Corby, Ltd., Messrs. Denbros, Ltd., Messrs. W. Green and Son, Ltd., Messrs. C. K. Woods, and Messrs. B. Denton and Son, Ltd.; extensions to premises of Messrs. P.X. Ltd.

A decrease of £306 on the rating valuation was announced by the Rating Committee, and Coun. Sugars explained that the reduction was due chiefly to objections. There were also some deletions, he said.

An application for the diversion of the footpath from Grange Farm to Ditchford has been received from the Nene Valley Sand and Gravel Co., Ltd., and will be considered at the next meeting of the Highways Committee.

Coun. Allebone invited members of this committee and West Ward councillors to study the proposal and inspect the plan of the diversion.

Salvage

Materials salvaged during March were valued at £60 and included 10¼ tons of paper, 12 tons of crushed tins and 13 cwt. of bones.

The Council’s seal was affixed to a rate of 6s 2d in the £ for the half year, the Clerk stating that the amount of the rate was £26,488.

Rushden’s three representatives on the Wellingborough Area Guardians Committee were re-elected.

Coun. Spencer drew attention to the lighting of the Council Chamber, which is somewhat restricted by the use of shades. “It is not very nice from here,” he complained; “it hides the beauty of the chairman and vice-chairman.”

The Chairman : At the next meeting we shall be in daylight, so Mr. Spencer will be able to have a good view. No doubt Mr. Cox (the prospective chairman) will appreciate that!

Annual Meeting

When April 23rd was proposed as the date for the Council’s annual meeting Coun. Spencer asked: “What is the objection to the 16th; are our friends going to the seaside or something?

“It was done to please me,” said Mr. Cox, “as the 16th was not a very convenient date.”

With everybody satisfied, the 23rd was agreed to.

A letter from the Minister of Home Security urged the Council members always to carry their gas masks and thus set an example to the public.

“I am sure the members will take that advice,” said the Chairman.

Coun. Allebone: As long as you say “all of us” and include yourself! (Laughter).

The Chairman: I include myself, of course.

Chairman Thanked

Proposing thanks to the outgoing chairman, Coun. Green said that Mr. Allen had had a very strenuous year and taken part in many things with great success – particularly the Spitfire Fund and the War Weapons Week, which exceeded all expectations.

Seconding, Coun. Sugars said that when he handed over the chain of office 12 months ago he foresaw a busy year for his successor, and this had been fulfilled. The two financial efforts he had led had been of great benefit to the town and country.

Coun. Spencer said he had sat under the chairmanship of all the chairmen but one since the Council was formed, and could say that Mr. Allen had conducted the business in a very able manner. He looked upon him as a perfect gentleman.

Returning thanks for a hearty vote, Mr. Allen said he had been treated very kindly by the members and owed thanks also to the Clerk and other officers, to whom the smooth working of the Council was largely due. The officers had had an extremely busy year, and some of their work had not been of the pleasantest character.

Others in the town deserved thanks, and he did not think there was any place in the county which had so many willing volunteers for service to the community. The wonderful parade in War Weapons Week made him proud of the public spirit shown on all sides – it was marvellous.

Good Efforts

Mr. Allen referred to the Home Guard as “a wonderful organisation” and also praised the A.T.C., saying that when they saw the lads on parade they would not be able to grouse at the younger generation. He did not think he had ever seen a smarter lot of lads turn out in the town.

For the Spitfire Fund effort Mr. Allen said the credit was due to the chairman and committee rather than himself. The War Weapons Week success was due to the enthusiasm of the workers generally. It had an infection of enthusiasm, and the people realised that it was vital to the life of the nation.

The Chairman added that the Press had given great support to national and local efforts put forward in the town. He also mentioned the happy relations existing between the Council and neighbouring authorities.

Speaking of his own health, Mr. Allen declared: “It has been one of the best years I have had since I left the Army. I think it is the only year that I have not been ill.”

Coun. Cox also acknowledged a vote of thanks.

Members in attendance were Couns. J. Allen, J.P. (chairman), T. W. Cox (vice-chairman), A. H. Bailey, J. Roe, A. Allebone, J.P., C.C., F. Green, Mrs. O. A. H. Muxlow, W. F. Capon, J. George, T. J. Swindall, J. Spencer, J.P., J. H. J. Paragreen, H. Waring, W. J. Sawford, E. A. Sugars and J. T. Richardson. Apologies for non-attendance were received from Couns. R. W. Davies and A. F. Weale.

The Rushden Echo & Argus, 11th April 1941, transcribed by Jim Hollis

New Sort of Carnival - Social Services Effort Planned at Rushden - Vital Services

Rushden will hold a “Social Services Effort” this year, to take place on June 14t , in place of the Rushden United Services Carnival. This was the decision of a meeting of representatives of different organisations in the town, held on Monday in the Council Buildings.

The proposition brought before the meeting was that an effort should be held in aid of the local charities and health services. It was necessary, said Coun. J. Allen, J.P. (chairman of the Urban Council), that these should function just as much in war as in peace.

The charities brought to notice were the Rushden Serving Men’s Parcels Fund, Boot and Clothing Fund, Hospital Week Committee, Manfield Orthopaedic Hospital, Clubs’ Blind and Crippled Fund, After-Care Committee, and Nursing Association. It was decided to add the Rushden branch of the Red Cross and the Rushden auxiliary of the County Blind Association.

Mr. S. Hawkes emphasised that these charities were vital social services and must go on, and that they were dependent on voluntary local efforts. There was a lot of benefit in having a continuous programme, and other towns carried this out with great success.

Coun. Allen said the proposition was as already stated, but at the previous meeting there had been an amendment, which was afterwards out-voted. This amendment was that the effort should not extend over a single day, but a whole series of days.

This was then put as a proposition to allow representatives to show their opinion.

Miss D. Hill, headmistress of the Alfred-st. Infants’ School, pointed out that there was a certain amount of risk attached to leaving everything to one day; it was like putting all one’s eggs in one basket. Nobody knew what the national position would be on that day.

The proposition and amendment were put to the vote, and the proposition in favour of one day only was carried.

Committees Elected

The officers elected were: Coun. T. W. Cox (chairman), Messrs. W. A. E. Sherwood and G. W. Marriott (joint secretaries), and Mr. D. A. H. Muxlow (treasurer).

Members elected to the Finance and General Committees were: Coun. Allen, Coun. Cox, Mr. R. Denton, Mrs. Rice, Coun. A. Allebone, J.P., C.C., Coun. Mrs. Muxlow, Mrs. W. Robinson, Coun. W. E. Capon, Mr. F. Brown, Mr. T. Sanders, Mr. J. Sprake, Mr. C. G. Perkings and Mr. S. Hawkes. It was also decided that the names of Mr. John White and Mr. G. Colburn should be added, subject to their approval. Mr. H. Rice was elected secretary of the Entertainment Committee pro tem.; Mr. T. Sanders, Mr. J. Knight and Mr. John W. Cooke were appointed as an Advertising and Printing Committee.

June 14th was fixed as the day for the effort, and Mr. Hawkes said that the Queen’s Flag Day would be Empire Day.

“Rushden Social Services Effort” was the name chosen for the event.

The Rushden Echo & Argus, 11th April 1941, transcribed by Jim Hollis

Served in Matapan

Leading Signalman James Warren, aged 22, whose parents took up residence at 53, Higham-road, Rushden, a year ago, took part in the great sea battle of Cape Matapan. He is serving on board the destroyer “Jervis,” which, as mentioned in dispatches, played such a conspicuous part in the action.

Starting his naval career at the age of sixteen, Leading Signalman Warren entered a training college and has since travelled all over the globe. One of four brothers, one of whom is serving in the Coldstream Guards, he is a native of Tuddoe Colliery, Spennymoor, Durham. His father, Mr. James Warren, is employed by Messrs. E. Woodley and Sons, Ltd., Higham Ferrers.

The Rushden Echo & Argus, 18th April, 1941, transcribed by Jim Hollis

Food Front - Making Pastry Minus Fat - Tested Recipe that is “Very Good Indeed”

If you visit the Ministry of Food you may detect an appetising aroma which has nothing whatever in common with other Government buildings. It is the smell of cooking. Ministry experts are at work in their test kitchen.

The official kitchen is quite small, probably no bigger than yours or mine, but it has the advantage of being fitted with two stoves, gas and electric. It has a good big sink and plenty of cupboards cunningly disposed under the broad low shelves round the white tiled walls. When someone has an inspiration for a new dish it is carefully checked to make sure that it will be economical to make, and that ingredients wanted for it are in good supply. If the recipe is approved, one of the official cooks gets busy. The dish is made and tasted.

Now that national wheatmeal flour is obtainable in most bakers’ shops, the Ministry cooks are now designing recipes which include it.

Cooking fats are precious. A dish with a crust of pastry which contains no fat at all has been made in the kitchen and voted “very good indeed.” It can be used with any kind of filling to make a good hearty meal for a family. As there is no fat in this crust it needs a little milk for mixing. In this case water or milk and water will not make quite such a palatable crust.

BAKED VEGETABLE ROLL: Half pound wheatmeal flour, one teaspoonful baking powder, one gill milk, one pint thick gravy, one teaspoonful of sweet herbs, 1½ pints partly cooked vegetables (anything you may find in the garden or shops, including a few spring onions and, later in the year, a tomato), salt and pepper.

Make a light but firm dough with the flour, baking powder, half a teaspoonful of herbs and a good pinch of salt. Roll out thinly to an oblong shape. Spread with diced vegetables which have been tossed in a little gravy, but do not make them too moist. Sprinkle with the rest of the seasoning, roll firmly into a neat oval, and seal the ends tidily.

Put into a greased baking tin and brush over with the remains of the milk. Bake in a brisk oven for 20 minutes, lower the heat and cook for 15 more minutes. Serve with the rest of the gravy and with potatoes baked in their jackets. Be sure to use the water in which the vegetables have been cooked in the gravy.

The above recipe is useful because it may be varied with the seasons. Practically any kind of garden produce may be used in it. The use of wheatmeal flour enhances its food value.

The Rushden Echo & Argus, 18th April 1941, transcribed by Jim Hollis

Message from Germany - Rushden Prisoner-of-War Grateful for Parcels Fund Gift

Mr. E. Bennett, hon secretary of the Rushden Serving Men’s Parcels Fund, has received with surprise and pleasure the following message from Pte. T. King (Northamptonshire Regiment), who is a prisoner of war in Germany :

“I wish to thank you for the money you have forwarded to my mother. It is nice to know that I am not forgotten by you or the people who formed the fund. You may think this card late, but I only knew a week ago.”

Pte. King, who was taken prisoner shortly before the evacuation of Dunkirk, is a son of Mr. and Mrs. W. King, 15, Trafford-road, Rushden. His message came on a postcard from one of the German camps.

The Rushden Echo & Argus, 25th April, 1941, transcribed by Jim Hollis

After electing a new chairman and vice-chairman on Wednesday evening the Rushden Urban Council held a preliminary discussion on a proposal that its meetings should be opened with prayer.

Custom was followed in the promotion of Councillor T. W. Cox (Conservative) from vice-chairman to chairman, and Councillor Walter Sawford (Labour) became vice-chairman, the vote in each case being unanimous.

The retiring chairman, Councillor J. Allen, moved the appointment of Mr. Cox, saying that all were cognisant of his ability in Council work and of much other voluntary work that he did, particularly in connection with the Northampton Hospital. No worthier choice could be made; they were sure that Mr. Cox would fill the chair with distinction and dignity.

“I very much wish for him,” said Mr. Allen, “that this may prove to be the year in which this terrible war can be brought to an end.”

Councillor Spencer, who seconded, said he had found Mr. Cox to be an upright man – a man of ability who wished to serve his fellows.

Councillor George said that Mr. Cox had served the committees well. “If,” he added, “the victory celebrations are in the programme of the year, I am sure it will be a memorable time and a happy one for all of us.”

In welcoming his successor Mr. Allen wished both Mr. and Mrs. Cox “the best of health and happiness.”

A Long Line

Briefly returning thanks, Mr. Cox spoke of the long line of past chairmen, each of whom had filled the office with a lustre peculiar to himself, doing some good work for the nation and the community, and playing some part in building up “this remarkable town” by his energy, enterprise and wisdom.

“In looking round,” he said, “I think we can count eight sitting members who have passed through the chair. The usefulness of our retiring chairman has been excelled by none. I trust I may be able to follow his footsteps and serve the Council and town with the same dignity, and that when my time comes to vacate the chair I may be able to hear someone say that I also have given some service to the town. I can only add my fervent wish that when that time comes we shall have returned to normal ways and found that promised new order of things, with peace and honour among us.”

Proposing Councillor Sawford’s election as vice-chairman, Councillor Mrs. Muxlow spoke of his interest and enthusiasm in Council affairs and, not least, his work on the Fire Brigade Sub-Committee and War Emergency Committee.

Man of Energy

Councillor Roe who seconded, said he had served under Mr. Sawford as chairman of committees and did not wish for a better chairman.

The new chairman greeted Mr. Sawford with a tribute to his vigour and energy. In reply, Mr. Sawford said he had endeavoured to do all he possibly could on committees. “In the work of the vice-chairmanship,” he added, “I wish only to do as much as I can as well as I can.”

“Christian Basis”

Members Invited to Follow Example of Boroughs

In accordance with notice Councillor Paragreen moved “That all future meetings of the Council be commenced with prayer.”

They had recently joined, he said, in a day of prayer for the nation at the call of the King, and this acknowledged the Christian basis of their national life. If national prayer was good and advisable, prayer was also desirable in the affairs of the town.

Many of the ancient municipalities, among them Watford, Poole and Durham, followed this course, and some had appointed chaplains who led the prayers. If they followed these examples an atmosphere would be created in which they would be better able to take up their task and understand the points of view expressed.

Councillor Spencer seconded.

Councillor Roe said he had no wish to oppose the resolution, but it was a very difficult matter to discuss. Like others present, he belonged to a church and attended meetings which opened and closed with prayer, and he thought it was a very good thing. He did not know of any other public body in the neighbourhood whose meetings were opened with prayer, and he thought they needed thoroughly to understand what form it should take.

Was the chairman to act as chaplain and read out a formal prayer? If so, it would not carry much weight.

“Must Be Sincere”

“Personally,” said Mr. Roe, “I am in the habit each day of kneeling down and asking God’s guidance, and, that being so, I don’t need another man to do it for me. If it is going to be sincere it is going to be a very good thing, and I think this Council is to be commended for bringing it forward; but I do think we should know a little more about it before we take a decision of this sort. We may at some future time have a chairman whose duty it is to read the prayer and who does not impress one and all. It wants to be done with dignity.”

Councillor Capon suggested a small committee to go into the matter – not on the principle involved but on the method. It could be done by the appointment of a chaplain, or the ministers of the town could be asked to arrange it between themselves.

When Dr. Davis proposed that the Council should go into committee after the meeting, the chairman said it would be better if they were to resolve on the principle first.

“Rather Hurried”

Councillor Green emphasized that he did not oppose the introduction of prayer in any way. He felt, however, that the question had been brought before them rather hurriedly and had not yet had the proper consideration of the members. It was a very serious matter, and members in open Council could not perhaps say what they desired to say.

Councillor Waring said there were two members absent, and every member’s view was important. He personally favoured the proposal, but should there be any important minority opposed to it he would not agree to forcing it on them.

Councillor Green moved that a small committee should consider the question and report to the whole Council in committee.

Councillor Capon said he could not see any point in reporting to the Council in committee.

Councillor Waring: At least two members of the Council have told me that they are opposed to this. I don’t think it is desirable to have too much publicity on so delicate a question.

It was then agreed to appoint a committee, and Councillors Cox, Paragreen, Capon and Roe were chosen.

Teachers’ Claim - Lady Representative to Serve on Library Committee

In a letter sent by the secretary (Mr. F. W. Summerlin) the local Association of the National Union of Teachers asked for representation on the Library Committee. At one time, the letter stated, there were several head teachers on the committee, but for some time past the teachers had had no direct representation.

The Clerk (Mr. W. L. Beetenson) pointed out that co-opted members of the committee must not form more than one-third of the total membership. At present there were seven members from the Council and three outside members. If, therefore, it was decided to co-opt another person, an additional member would have to be appointed from the Council.

Dr. Davies said it would be a good thing to have the N.U.T. represented but it was difficult to have a large committee.

The chairman said they now had a member of the W.E.A. and two other very capable outside members.

Councillor Allen said that in view of the large number of children using the Library it was almost imperative to have someone of professional status to give advice.

On Councillor Waring’s proposition the committee was enlarged by the appointment of Miss Constance Bennett (the N.U.T. nominee) and Councillor Bailey. The present co-opted members, Mr. W. C. Tarry, Mr. E. Freeman and Miss W. M. Clipson, were re-appointed.

Councillor Sugars said that Miss Bennett would be a great acquisition.

Water Board Changes

Councillor Allebone, Allen, Green and Sugars were re-appointed to the Water Board for a period of three years. In place of Councillors Capon and Sawford, who did not wish to be re-elected, the Council chose Messrs. George and Paragreen.

Councillor Spencer said that although the Water Board was a separate authority he sometimes thought a little information about its work might be given to the Council. Such questions as the laying of new pipes affected the safety of the town.

The chairman advised Mr. Spencer to give notice of a motion calling for reports from the Board.

The members agreed to attend the Hospital Sunday civic parade and service on May 4.

Members in attendance were Councillors T. W. Cox, W. J Sawford, J. Allen, A. H. Bailey, J. Roe, F. Green, Dr. R. W. Davis, Mrs. O. A. H. Muxlow, W. E. Capon, J. George, T. J. Swindall, J. Spencer, J.P., J. H. Paragreen, H. Waring, E. A. Sugars and J. T. Richardson. Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A. Allebone, J.P., C.C., and A. F. Weale.