Transport’s Part in War - Rushden Contractor Explains Road Organisation

New ways of organising road transport for economy and efficiency in vital war service was described by Mr. W. J. A. Peck, of P.X., Ltd., in an address to Rushden Rotary Club last Friday.

Mr. Peck pointed out that although goods road transport was the oldest of all forms of transport, and was the staple inland method up to the time of the railway monopoly, it was a comparatively new industry, having developed on a national scale only since the last war. It grew very quickly, and consequently was not well organised as an industry, and uneconomic competition was unfortunately prevalent. This was largely due to the very small operating units.

The Road Traffic Act of 1930 and the Road/Rail Act of 1933 made the industry a closed one by the introduction of a licensing scheme. No new vehicle could be put on the road without an application being published and heard in public.

At the outbreak of hostilities the Defence Emergency Organisation which had been prepared was immediately brought into operation. Vehicles were grouped, and control was exercised by means of petrol. Control was far more effective on motor goods vehicles than on private cars, as a record of use had to be kept for each journey from the start, together with details of the goods carried, so that unessential transport was effectively cut out.

“Blitz” Test

The organisation, of which a part was undertaken by members from the industry, had been very successful, but with the heavy “blitz” period in the autumn of 1940 and spring of 1941 the very heavy demand on road transport proved to the Government that further measures were necessary, and while the appeal made to the industry was responded to magnificently and saved the day, the Government was uneasy and for the first time fully realised the industry’s importance in the war effort.

After consultation with leading members of the industry, the Government road haulage scheme was launched. This offered the road transport operators the opportunity to charter vehicles to the Government at reasonable hire remuneration, whether the vehicle was used or not, and created a reserve on which the Minister of War Transport could call instantly, the vehicles always being operated under his control. Only as many vehicles were chartered as were necessary for security reasons.

The industry itself was taken into partnership with the Ministry to deal with Government traffic which the Ministry could not accommodate on its chartered fleet. This organisation was known as the Hauliers’ National Traffic Pool. He had the honour of being the chairman of the Management Committee of the North Midland Area on behalf of the industry.

Rubber Crisis

With the entry of Japan into the war and the loss of our Far Eastern possessions and 90 per cent.of the world’s rubber production, we were faced with an issue that was not expected, and a difficult situation arose. Long distance transport was now being brought under direct control completely. This was being done in order to conserve rubber and motor fuel, and it was estimated that some 25,000 vehicles now engaged in long distance traffic would be controlled by the Government.

Under this enlarged organisation of the Ministry of War Transport there would be 12 divisions, each of which would be divided into sub-divided areas. Area Haulage Officers would be appointed, and would be mainly drawn from the haulage industry. Vehicles would be grouped into 450 units, each centred on a firm with the necessary facilities, and there would be a controller for each unit who would normally be a member of the staff of that firm.

Steps were now being taken to determine the centres and boundaries of the new areas. These measures were intended to maintain the industry in an efficient condition as an essential reserve of transport, so that, despite restricted supplies of rubber and fuel, a sufficient number of vehicles would be ready in time of need.

Helping Victory

The question of finding suitable employment for drivers of vehicles which would be temporarily laid up, so that they would be available at short notice, was under discussion with the Ministry of Labour and National Service. This new scheme was to be put into operation by January 31st.

“You will find many defects in this transport scheme,” he concluded, “but we must all do our utmost to make this scheme a success, for we know that it will help to bring the victory for which we are striving. This new arrangement can only be done gradually, but I am certain that the Ministry can, and will, get full support from the industry, who will see that it is carried through.”

A vote of thanks to the speaker was moved by Rotarian R. Paragreen, Rotarian A. H. Whitton presided.

Welcome For Our Allies - Rushden Takes Up National Scheme of Hospitality

Intent on taking any opportunity to be of service to Americans visiting this country, the Rushden Committee of Welcome got to work on Wednesday evening.

The committee was formed last Friday by delegates called together by the Rushden Sub-Committee of the Ministry of Information, and Wednesday’s meeting was still more representative, covering, as it did, the churches, the club movement, Toc H., British Legion, W.V.S., Co-operative Educational Committee, Trades Council and Highfield Men’s Fireside.

Coun. T. W. Cox, chairman of the M.O.I. Sub-Committee, presided in the unavoidable absence of Coun. W. J. Sawford, J.P., Chairman of the Rushden Urban Council.

It was agreed to meet the request of the M.O.I. that a list should be compiled of local residents who would be prepared to entertain American soldiers wishing to visit the district on leave or during convalescence. In these cases, it was explained, the visitors would be provided with rations and would receive their introductions at the discretion of the American Red Cross.

Many more people, it was thought, would like to offer some form of hospitality to a member of the nearest American unit, and with the two purposes in view it was decided to make up a private hospitality register by circulating forms on which prospective hosts and hostesses can supply the necessary particulars. These forms will be distributed by the committee members or can be obtained from the secretary.

The committee agreed that cards of introduction should form part of the scheme, and members expressed the hope that a good register would be prepared before Christmas.

Coun. W. J. Sawford was elected chairman, Coun. T. W. Cox vice-chairman, and Mr. L. V. Elliott (“Evening Telegraph” Office) hon. Secretary.

Food Seat For Trade Unions - Baffled U.D.C. Makes Concession At Last - Council Clerk to Retire

After years of dispute the Rushden Trades Council has been given a seat on the Wellingborough Area Food Control Committee…..It happened on Wednesday at the Rushden Urban Council’s meeting and to make the “new order” complete the Trade Union men were allotted a share in the local fuel control work.

An important feature of the meeting was the announcement that the Clerk will retire next March and that many candidates have already applied for the position.

The Finance Committee announced that Mr. W. L. Beetenson, Clerk of the Council since 1934, had given formal notice of his intention to retire on March 31st next. It was resolved to accept the notice with regret and to place Mr. Beetenson on superannuation in accordance with the Local Government Superannuation Act, 1937.

The vacancy has been advertised, with December 10th as the closing date, and selected candidates are to be interviewed by the Finance Committee on December 21st.

“We have a very full list of applicants,” said Coun. Allebone.

Food Control

When the Chairman announced that the Council had to appoint three persons to membership of the Wellingborough Area Food Control Committee it was mentioned that the three retiring members were Coun. Cox, Coun.Spencer and Coun. Mrs. Muxlow. A letter had been received from the Rushden and District Trades Council nominating Mr. W. Ainge for one of the seats.

In reply to Coun. Roe it was stated that Mr. Cox and Mrs. Muxlow were willing to serve again, but Mr. Spencer could not be expected to do so until he had recovered from his illness.

For the other Labour councillors, who are all members of the Rushden Co-operative Society’s committee, Coun. Sugarssaid they wanted a fuller statement in reference to the previous ruling that they were ineligible to serve. “As members of the Co-operative Society we have no direct business with this committee,” he said.

The Chairman (Coun. W. J. Sawford): I understand from the Clerk that no-one is eligible from the Society.

Coun. Sugars: On what grounds?

The Clerk: Because they are directly interested, I suppose, or if not directly, indirectly.

Council “Covered”

Coun.Waring said he had been approached more than once and would have been pleased to serve, but if there was a ruling debarring him from membership he must accept it. It had been stated that the members serving must be directly responsible to the Council, but if they had two councillors on the committee this requirement would be met adequately. He should therefore propose the appointment of a nominee from the Rushden Trades and Labour Council.

On the proposition of Dr. Davies, Mrs. Muxlow and Mr. Cox were reappointed.

Coun.Waring then proposed the appointment of Mr. Ainge, Coun. Richardson seconded, and it was carried.

On the advice of the Highways Committee it was decided to appoint two members of the Urban Council and one member of the Trades Council as “consumer members” of the Fuel Advisory Committee.

Couns. George and Green were appointed on the proposition of Coun. Sugars, who remarked in reference to the Co-operative group: “We are not eligible; we don’t know why.”

Mr. C. Dunmore, of the Trades Council, was also appointed.

Water and Walls

Coun. Allen suggested that for the safety of children the static water basins in the town should be ringed with barbed wire. The basins, he said, were very tempting to children, and one of them was in Spencer Park.

Coun.Waring: To make doubly sure, could we have life-belts, as they have in London?

The Surveyor (Mr. J. W. Lloyd) replied that the barbed wire had come to hand, and they hoped to fix it as soon as possible. They had indented for life-belts, but these had not come yet.

Coun. Sugars complained that the work of making good the walls from which iron railings had been removed was proceeding very slowly. Children, he said, could not be prevented from playing with the loose bricks, which were left in dangerous positions and might cause accidents. He had nothing to say against those who were responsible for the work, but he did not see why the available building labour should not be pooled.

The Chairman: The labour has been taken away, and we cannot do anything further.

Coun. Swindall: It is a matter for the Labour Exchange. What labour they have they want for more urgent work. We have applied for more labour.

New A.R.P. Depot - Council Thanks Fire Guard Instructors

A long report from the War Emergency Committee showed that additions to the Report Centre, including a room for the Messenger Service, are being planned. County and Government officials have agreed that another combined depot for the Rescue and First Aid Parties is needed, the present quarters at the County A.R.P. Store being too small and very congested. It is therefore proposed to build a depot for a personnel of 40 to 50, with garages to house the lorries and ambulances, on the site of the old tank stand in Spencer Park.

The report mentioned that the Rescue and First Aid Parties may be merged in the near future.

With regard to Fire Guard work it was stated that overalls had been obtained for use during practices at the bomb hut in the grounds of Rushden Hall. The authorities had agreed to supply 400 eye shields, but axes, headlamps and whistles could not be supplied to Rushden.

The committee expressed great appreciation of the public spirit of the Fire Guard supplementary instructors, who have voluntarily waived their right to claim fees for their lectures.

Application has been made to the County Council for a mobile canteen for use in Rushden if required.

Restaurant Search

Confirming the verbal report given last month, the W.E.C. recommended that all necessary steps be taken for the provision of a British Restaurant in Rushden. The committee had made their decision in view of the Ministry of Food’s policy although in their opinion the data at their disposal did not warrant such a service for factory workers residing outside the district. It was agreed that a building capable of seating at least 200 persons at one sitting was required. No such building appeared to be available, but the Ministry of Food was being approached with regard to a hall at present earmarked for another purpose.

This report was adopted.

A detailed health report was given for the first time in many years. It stated that in November one case of pulmonary tuberculosis, one of non-pulmonary tuberculosis, two of scarlet fever, six of whooping cough and one of bronchial pneumonia were reported. There were twelve births (four males, six females), and twelve deaths, including six of persons over 65 years of age.

Coun. Roe thanked the Health Committee and the Clerk for providing this report in response to his suggestion.

The East Northamptonshire Joint Hospital Board was authorised to carry out improvements and additions to the isolation hospital in Bedford-road.

Mrs. Muxlow commented: “We shall have a better building than it was before the Joint Hospital Board took it over.”

It was agreed that the charge to the public for disinfecting bedding, clothing, etc., at the Council depot should be the actual cost plus 15 per cent.

Mrs. Muxlow explained that the requests for disinfection service came from fire watchers and others.

Rates Record

Coun. Allebone announced that £21,041 out of the levied rate of £27,026 was paid by the last day for discount. Adding the small percentage of non-collectable rate, this gave a percentage of 81.5 which was the highest ever recorded in the history of the Council.

A scheme for the payment of wages to Council workmen during periods of sickness was submitted by the Joint Provincial Council. On the grounds that the conditions of service for the Council’s employees were very reasonable and that the staple trade of the district did not make such payments the Finance Committee made no recommendation.

The National Association of Local Government Officers asked that the operation of a new bonus scheme recently approved by the Council should date from April 1st, 1942, this date being “an integral part of the scheme.” The Clerk was instructed to reply that the Council saw no reason to alter their earlier decision.

The Housing Manager (Mr. H. C. Allen) reported that when the internal decoration of 15 houses had been completed the whole of the Council houses would be in a good state of repair. It was decided to serve notice to quit on two tenants whose rents were in arrears.

Plans were passed for a cycle shed at Messrs. Bignell’s York-road factory.

Claim On County

Owing to the increased wages bill it was agreed to make a retrospective claim on the County Council over a period of four years for their extra share of road scavenging costs. The scavenging costs, it was stated, were now £75 per annum in advance of the sum on which the agreement with the County Council was based.

It was decided to erect shelving in the Reference Room of the Public Library at an estimated cost of £22.

Coun. Bailey mentioned that the library had this week broken the record for juvenile issues.

Salvage collected during November was valued at £100 and included 13¾ tons of paper, 14½ cwt. bones, 4 tons of tins, 2 tons 4 cwt. of rubber tyres and 3 tons 8 cwt. of kitchen waste.

It was reported that owing to the return of many evacuees the billeting staff had been reduced by one assistant.

When the Clerk announced that the section of the Shops Act relating to closing hours would be suspended on December 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th, Coun. Capon, who has a reputation for early rising, observed that the notice did not indicate the hour of opening in the mornings.

Glancing slyly along the table, Coun. Roe observed, “It would be no use opening early because Mr. Capon would not be a customer.”

“I have seen him shopping very early!” protested Coun. Weale.

Mr. John Spencer

Referring to the fact that Mr. John Spencer was lying very ill with pneumonia, the Chairman said he had just visited the “Father” of the Council, who wished to be remembered to all the councillors and hoped the time would soon come when he would be back with them.

The Chairman expressed the members’ sympathy, and it was agreed to send Mr. Spencer a letter wishing him speedy restoration to good health.

The Chairman wished his colleagues “The very best and a merry Christmas,” adding “We hope that 1943 will open with a brighter aspect than 1942 did.”

Members present were Couns. W. J. Sawford, J.P. (Chairman), A. F. Weale (vice-Chairman), A. H. Bailey, J. Roe, A. Allebone, J.P., C.C., T. W. Cox, F. Green, J.P., Mrs. O. A. H. Muxlow, Dr. R. W. Davies, J. Allen, W. E. Capon, J. George, T. J. Swindall, J. H. J. Paragreen, H. Waring, E. A. Sugars and J. T. Richardson. J.P.

Rushden Help For China - £1,000 Aim of Town Campaign

Rushden’s newest war effort, a month’s campaign for the United Aid to China Fund, with a minimum of £1,000 as the objective, was launched at a meeting in the Council Chamber on Monday evening.

As agreed at a town’s meeting a few weeks ago, the committee which raised £2,000 for Russia last January has undertaken the new task.

Coun. W. J. Sawford, J.P., chairman of the Urban Council, presided at Monday’s meeting and was appointed chairman of the committee, with Coun. A. F. Weale, his Council deputy, as vice-chairman. The secretaries of the earlier campaign, Miss A. M. Sharwood and Coun. W. E. Capon, were reappointed, and Mr. A. H. Whitton became treasurer.

It was agreed that the campaign should extend for four weeks commencing March 1st, 1943, and confidence was expressed that in view of China’s sad plight (there are 46,000,000 homeless people in the country) Rushden would devote the month to whole-hearted effort.

All Can Help

A programme was outlined, but the chairman said that supporting efforts from whatever quarter would be welcomed.

Mr. L. V. Elliott, Mr. John Cooke, the Rev. Edwin Hirst and the Rev. Norman P. Goldhawk were asked to organise a first-class concert.

Some notable Chinese subjects are available as speakers, and it was agreed to invite one to address a meeting, for which the Park-road Baptists are to be asked to lend their church.

The secretaries undertook to explore the possibilities of a Chinese exhibition. Mr. H. C. Allen is to be asked to organise a flag day on March 27th, and Ald. A. C. Allen to arrange factory collections.

Mr. Walter C. Tarry (for the industrial community), Coun. J. Roe and Mr. Alfred Gramshaw (for the tradespeople) were suggested as friends who would take charge of subscription lists.

A house-to-house collection was entrusted to Mrs. Walter Robinson and Coun. Mrs. Muxlow, with British Legion assistance.

Promotion of dances was left to the Query Club, and Mr. Harry Rice offered to obtain all possible co-operation from the clubs.

Coun. T. W. Cox promised to consider the possibilities of a competition.

Rubber Salvage

The idea of another big salvage drive – a great source of income in the Russia campaign – was received with much favour, and Mr. Whitton emphasised rubber as a special objective this time, declaring that there must be in the town hundreds of hot water bottles with Bakelite tops which did not fit and could not be renewed.

It was agreed to ask for the help of the Council and fire Guard in making the salvage drive a success.

Rushden Fights The “Invaders” - Defence Exercise Reveals - Hospital Problem

Rushden’s first “invasion” exercise was carried out by large numbers of Home Guards and Civil Defence personnel on Sunday morning, the town being defended against “German airborne troops” who approached at four points, made temporary penetrations, and finally overran the greater part of the built-up area, capturing the defenders’ headquarters.

One amusing feature of the exercise, which continued for more than five hours, was the reluctance of Rushden’s Home Guards to drop out when labelled as wounded. The defending garrison fought heavy engagements after undergoing an air blitz, yet throughout the morning the medical services were asking “Where are the Home Guard casualties?”

Umpires had labelled at least 25 men as wounded, but only four arrived at First Aid Posts, and one of these was a genuine casualty, who had torn himself while breasting a barbed wire entanglement. The others had pocketed their wound labels and carried on the fight.

Their spirit was creditable, but they had breached the rules, for how are medical services to be tested if they have no cases?

Fortunately for test purposes, civil casualties were more punctilious and were soon pouring into the posts to give the personnel a full opportunity of demonstrating their efficiency.

In Skinners Hill

Roads Blocked

Rushden, however, has no hospital, and since the attack developed with extreme rapidity, practically all roads out of the town along which the more serious cases would have been transported to Wellingborough were soon blocked by enemy forces. Thus only two ambulances managed to get away with urgent casualties before the exercise closed.

The exercise revealed good liaison and wholehearted co-operation between the Home Guard and Civil Defence forces, and this was particularly evident when telephone communications were temporarily interrupted early in the action.

On the police side a feature of the exercise was the fact that for the first time in country exercises the whole of the police duty was carried out by the Special Constabulary, who earned high praise for good organisation well and keenly applied.

Though the full results of the exercise were not made known, it was acknowledged that the main objective of denying the enemy the use of the roads through Rushden was achieved.

H.Q. Criticism

Reviewing the exercise, the Sub-Area Commander (Col. J. L. Short) reiterated his advice to defence commanders to keep their action headquarters clear of superfluous personnel and stressed the ruling that there must be only one chairman of an invasion committee to deal with, and that the deputy chairman must not be on duty at the same time in the same room.

U S Troops help to deal with a mortar

“Our American comrades in arms,” said the Colonel, “are only too anxious and eager to take part in Britain’s defence scheme, and all of them show a keen desire to work together for the common end.”

The attacking force, which was supported by army tanks, transport, and armoured vehicles, consisted of the 7th (Wellingborough Town) Home Guard Battalion (Lieut. Col. H. L. Allsopp), and the defence was the responsibility of the Home Guard garrison of Rushden, consisting of B. Company (Major A. D. Denton) and E. Company (Major A. Allebone) of the 8th Northamptonshire Battalion, under the general command of Lieut.-Col. V. H. Sykes.

Exercise Officials

Exercise officials were as follows:- Military Director, Co. R. P. A. Helps (No. 3 Group Commander H.G.), with Major W. M. Metcalf as his staff officer, Chief Umpire (Military), Lieut.-Col. H. L. Allsopp, Civil Director and Chief Umpire (Civil), Mr. F. W. Jennings (Divisional A.R.P. Officer) and the A.R.P. Officer of Rushden, Capt. Marshall Bailey. Among others participating or present were the County Liaison Officer (Brig.-General M. F. Gage), Major R. W. Davies (8th Battalion M.O.), Major T. C. ShillitoZone Staff Officer), representing the Zone Command (Col. P. Lester Reid), and the Deputy Chief Constable of Northamptonshire (Supt. A. J. Norris).

Civil Defence exercises in conjunction with the manoeuvres were among the most formidable the town has ever carried out.

F.A.P. “Crisis”

The early morning “bombing” of the town set a heavy task, the shoal of incidents including 14 which involved casualties. All the services did fine work during the first hour, but when about 40 bombing casualties had been taken to the First Aid Post, the enemy’s approach was signalled, and an emergency post had to be set up in the Methodist Schools at the other end of the town. Staff and equipment moved to the new post by a roundabout route, and the old post, together with its commandant, Miss W. M. Clipson, was shortly afterwards in enemy hands.

Mrs. Helena Baxter took charge of the emergency post, which was in working order before casualties began to arrive.

With the exception of two ambulance loads which got away through Wymington, none of the casualties could be moved to hospitals outside Rushden, the town being almost completely invested. A motor cycle despatch rider reported a clear road to Stone Cross, near Ditchford, but when ambulances went that way they were cut off at Sanders Lodge.

Vehicles Hidden

For some time Newton-road was the only outlet clear of hostile forces and one-third of the town’s Civil Defence vehicles hid in that district until it was safe for them to return. The new motor cycle despatch riders were particularly useful in these operations.

Interruption of telephone communications at 9.15 a.m. threw a tremendous strain on the messenger service.

The enemy finally captured the Report Centre, which was used as battle headquarters.

The Rector’s Criticism

“While we are gathered here for worship this morning you will know that many others are taking part in what is known as “invasion practice.” Whether that is the best or most profitable way to spend Sunday morning – in view of General Dobbie’s remark (that he saw a definite connection between the National Day of Prayer and the victories in North Africa), and in view of the great need for a spiritual front – I personally very much doubt.” – The Rector of St. Mary’s Church, Rushden, preaching on Sunday morning.

Talk of the Town
By Mister Cobbler

After trudging around Rushden for two hours on Sunday morning I felt not a little sorry for the Home Guards, wardens and other foot-sloggers who, unlike myself, had risen with the lark. Hoping to see some of the expected skirmishes, I kept doggedly to a circular route on the fringe of the town, and discovered that Rushden is a particularly tiring place for the hiker who follows this plan. A second impression was of the amazing number of people involved in the “invasion” exercise; they were everywhere on this ring and at most points inside the circle. The first puzzle was to see a lot of nurses crossing from Pung’s-lane into Victoria-road – I had caught them, it seems, in the act of transferring from the First Aid Post to a temporary post in Park-road, and by a devious route. Khaki first showed in quantity at the approach to “Eastfields,” where the gallant defenders were not too be-jittered to pet a respectable-looking horse whose appearance as a factor in “Communications” was evidently a surprise item. Some inquisitive defenders had their noses pushed back into hiding by the nearest sergeant, but as 20 or 30 other men were in the open I couldn’t see the point of this. In Portland-road a warden warned me that I was heading for a hot spot, and in Cromwell-road a loud-speaker van asking the public to keep clear of the streets increased the dramatic tension, though, to be sure, the only visible representatives of the public were one man and two small boys. Furtive khaki figures snooped in gardens and along the various footpaths off the “Rock.” Newton-road, however, looked comparatively peaceful until a convoy of ambulances came in from the country – another baffling incident which kept me guessing until I learned that the vehicles had been ordered to hide at Newton Bromshold for an hour or so.

In Park-road one or two Home Guards kept a friendly eye on the congregation arriving at the Baptist Church. In Crabb-street quite a lot of them waited grimly in doorways. High-street South was definitely on its toes, and the star item here was Colonel Sykes heading south in an armoured truck; he peeped between the slats with all due caution, and appeared to be enjoying himself. The “Green” was positively war-like, with lots of officers around a well-placed spigot (if that is the word), bristling steel in every hole and corner, and two soldiers bobbing out from behind the churchyard gate pillars to astonish the incoming worshippers. Police, messengers and junior officers seemed to have important business on hand at the foot of Church-street; a red setter, hauled by a tall soldier, and a miscellany of smaller dogs were conducting their own war at the foot of St. Margaret’s. All over the “new estate” crouching figures were scanning the hills. A sense of something about to happen pervaded every alley, every stump of street which curls to Nowhere, every wretched jitty which has ensnared and fooled me in the black-out. (I’ve been longing to work this off my chest). It was no surprise, therefore, to arrive in Wellingborough-road (a feat of navigation which is just possible in daylight) and hear at last the thundering crackers of the invading army. Outside the “Oakley Arms” a whole platoon of men held the crossroads. Inside, they probably held something else; but the point was that they had flaps over their ears, which stamped them at once as enemies of the worst type. They were doing nothing in particular at that moment, and the nearest defenders didn’t seem to mind them. At a depot in Washbrook-road I overheard some remarks concerning the unnatural conduct of some dead men, and at the corner of Higham-road I deduced from the presence of a machine gun, a mortar, and two baffled-looking tanks that Rushden was still resisting. But I had had enough; the fighting fever was over and the armchair called.

The more or less nation-wide scheme of hospitality to American visitors in which Rushden so readily agreed to join has made a promising start in the town and seems likely to extend into adequate proportions according to circumstances. Already quite a number of invitations have gone out from local homes and are in the hands of the Committee of Welcome. There is an assurance of close co-operation by the American authorities, and the nearest unit will make use of the invitations as soon as possible – probably in time for Christmas. There is no doubt of the readiness with which Rushden would fulfil any opportunity to provide friendly informal contacts, and it is equally certain that officers of the U.S. Army appreciate the spirit in which English people seek to be of service to their men. Some very cheering things have been said on either side, and I venture to think that the fulfilment of the scheme will be still more pleasant.

Serious Threat to Health - Rushden Trades Council on Dustbin Nuisance

At the Rushden and District Trades Council’s meeting on Tuesday, Mr. W. Ainge presiding, correspondence was read from the R.U.D.C. accepting the nominations of Mr. W. Ainge to the Area Food Control Committee and Mr. Dunmore to the Fuel and Lighting Committee, at which great satisfaction was shown by all members present.

Despite the fact that the R.U.D.C. were in communication with the Board of Trade in respect to the supply of dustbins, it was felt from information now before the Trades Council that the matter needed urgent attention. It was stated that dustbins that needed replacing as long ago as 1939 were still in use, and were a nuisance not only to the householders but also to the R.U.D.C. employees, the refuse collectors. The danger of disease infection was increasing and would soon develop into a case for the County Medical Officer of Health.

It was noted that 'bus barriers had not yet been erected in the town as promised by the R.U.D.C., and as the need was growing daily the secretary was instructed to write to the authority concerned.

Mr. W. Ainge, reporting on a meeting of the County Trades Council, stated that the chief business was the workers’ priority 'bus tickets. A delegation had been elected to meet Mr. Mills, of the United Counties 'Bus Co., with a view to making the scheme a real workers’ priority.

The After-Care Committee delegate, Mr. Groome, stated that Dr. Lord had formulated a scheme for radiography of children and was receiving great assistance from Wing-Commander James, M.P.

Mr. S. Sharp was elected delegate to the Midlands Federation of Trades Councils meeting to be held at Leicester in January.