New Food Control Plans
Rushden’s Chance of a Fresh Deal
Higham Council Fighting for Local Office

A joint food control committee for Higham Ferrers and Rushden was discussed by the Higham Ferrers Town Council on Monday, when Ald. Frank Walker disclosed that the regional authorities have threatened to amalgamate the committees of Higham, Raunds and Irthlingborough. Higham prefers either to be left alone or to combine with Rushden, and it was stated that Rushden Urban Council has declared in favour of a Rushden-Higham committee.

Some time before Christmas, said Ald. Walker, the Higham Food Control Committee, of which he is chairman, received a letter from the Regional Office at Nottingham saying that they had a scheme under consideration for amalgamating the committees of Irthlingborough, Higham and Raunds, with one central office and a paid full-time man and staff. They thought they would be saving man-power and probably expense.

After some discussion, continued Mr. Walker, his committee unanimously decided to oppose this, and informed Nottingham of their decision. They did not see how the alteration could save man-power, their own officer and staff being part-time workers.

All Satisfied

The committee had been in existence 3½ years, and everything was going on extremely well. The people and the tradesmen were satisfied, and they had been congratulated by the district Officer on the efficient way the control had been carried out. The tradesmen had many forms to deal with and found it very convenient to go straight to their own officer.

“We thought it was a shame to upset this now that the war may probably not last so very long,” said Mr. Walker, “but we put a rider at the end of the letter to say that, if they still insisted on it, we should suggest that Higham Ferrers, being the central town, should be the head office, as it is easy to reach from the other places.

“They replied that they still thought their plan should be put into force, as there was better accommodation at Raunds than we had here. An official came to see our accommodation, which is not large enough for an officer and a large staff.

“Probably there is something more behind it. The Food Executive Officer at Raunds secured a job at Nottingham, and soon after he arrived there this proposal came about.

Appeal To Rushden

“Replying again to the Regional Office, we said that if it was their intention to reorganise the district they should establish a central office at Rushden. This would be better for us than the other plan, and Rushden would find it better than going to Wellingborough, as they have been doing.

“We approached the Rushden Council asking for their support, and we received a reply saying that they would support any action we could take to bring this into effect.” (Applause).

Concluding, Ald. Walker said it was a pity that the Regional authorities had nothing better to do than trying to upset arrangements that were going on nicely. He understood that Nottingham could get an order made by a higher authority and that Higham could not appeal.

The Mayor (Ald. J. W. Barker): If public opinion can’t do it, nothing can.

Coun. Colton said they had seen the unfortunate position of Rushden people, who had had to share a distant office and had been put to considerable inconvenience. He was pleased to see that their approach had been received to readily and generously by Rushden.

Full Support

Mr. Colton moved that the Council give the Food Committee wholehearted support in defence of its position. He paid a high tribute to the work of Mr. Pitts, of the Higham Ferrers staff.

Seconding, Coun. Rowlett said he had nothing but praise for the local officials who would do anything to help the tradesmen. He thought the Rushden Council would be only too pleased to come in with them, and this was a thing that the authorities should remember, as the two towns adjoined. The change would be of more benefit to Rushden than to Higham Ferrers, as many Rushden people had to go to Wellingborough on food control business and were at a big disadvantage.

Ald. Walker said that under the Higham-Raunds-Irthlingborough amalgamation scheme Higham had been offered a branch “in a small way” such as Rushden had.

The resolution was carried unanimously.

………

5th February, 1943

New Milkmen for 5,000
Official Economy Scheme at Rushden

More than 5,000 Rushden milk consumers have been compulsorily transferred from one milkman to another, and up to 1,500 homes will be affected by the re-grouping, which will begin to operate next Sunday.

The change is regretted by the Rushden War-time Dairymen’s Association, which has 21 members, but has been enforced by the Ministry of Food with a view to saving petrol, rubber and labour. A real saving is ensured, for there has been much overlapping of delivery areas. Under the new scheme one tradesman will cover three streets instead of 22, a second seven against 57, a third nine against 55, and a fourth eight instead of 36. The town has about 120 streets.

The dairymen have worked their scheme out carefully and the customers affected by the changes have received notice from the Wellingborough Food Office. Any customer inadvertently overlooked should notify the Food Office or the milkman serving his street.

Rushden Co-operative Society will maintain its old rounds. The other purveyors will, where possible serve the area nearest to their own premises.

………

12th February, 1943

Council Wants Oakley ’Bus Barrier
Members Critical of “Delaying Action”
British Restaurant may be a Hut

Asked by the Transport Ministry to try white lines instead of a barrier at the “Oakley” ‘bus stop, Rushden Urban Council decided at Wednesday’s meeting that a barrier was essential. Coun. Bailey urged that the fire guard should be controlled by the N.F.S., and Coun. Capon talked of a British Restaurant in a hut. Farewell was said to the Financial Officer (Mr. A. Maclean), who leaves next week for the north of England.

The Highways Committee reported that a representative of the Ministry of War Transport had inspected the proposed sites for ‘bus stop barriers. The Transport Commissioner had afterwards approved them all with the exception of those at the “Oakley” and the railway bridge in High-street. The Committee, however, has pressed for a barrier at the “Oakley” because of the large number of persons using the stop at meal-times. The Surveyor has applied for a licence for the release of the necessary materials.

“It doesn’t seem to be moving as fast as we would like,” observed Coun. Richardson, who presented the report.

White Lines Proposed

The Clerk (Mr. W. L. Beetenson) said he had now received a letter from the Ministry of War Transport, asking the Council to put down white lines, instead of barriers, at the “Oakley” and the railway bridge.

Coun. Allebone protested against this course in the case of the “Oakley” stop. It was not, he said, a question of there being room for the people to stand, but a question of them standing in order. He was agreeable to painting the lines as a test, but if it closed the door he was inclined to suggest telling the Ministry that the Council knew best about local conditions.

Coun. Capon: It doesn’t shut the door; it asks us to try the lines first.

Coun. Roe said there was not a place in Rushden that needed barriers more than the “Oakley” stop did. The Council should press for a barrier there and should not paint the white lines.

“Left Standing”

Coun. Richardson said that rushes were likely to occur at the “Oakley” because it was not the starting point of the ‘bus routes. It was essential to have a barrier there. “We find other places getting on with it while we are left standing,” he complained.

Coun. Roe moved that a letter be sent to the Ministry pressing for a barrier at the “Oakley” at once.

Coun. Waring, who seconded, said the effectiveness of white lines after dark was nil.

Coun. Allebone said the scheme had hung about for three or four months. Now they had got to get “a permit for iron and a permit for something else.” It might take another six months to get the other barrier if they did not insist on it now.

The Chairman agreed with the speakers. Coun. Allen moved that the resolution be put, and a unanimous vote was given for Coun. Roe’s motion.

It was learned from the County Council that mobile canteens for use in emergency were stationed at Higham Ferrers and Irchester and could be sent to Rushden if required. This was considered a satisfactory arrangement.

Fire Guard Control

Approval was given to the appointment of a Fire Guard Staff Officer – to act also as clerical assistant to the Chief Warden – at a salary not exceeding £250 per annum, the County Council having agreed to pay half the salary.

Receipt of 400 eyeshields for the use of the Fire Guard was reported.

Coun. Bailey said he was fully convinced of the necessity for providing clerical assistance for the Chief Warden, but he was not convinced it was in the best interests of the town that the assistant should be appointed Fire Guard Staff Officer. The first fire watchers were trained by the N.F.S., and there were many in the town who felt that this business should still be handled by the N.F.S.

Plenty of N.F.S.

There was a large, permanent staff at the Fire Station and an ever-increasing number of part-time personnel, and he was convinced that it was absolutely essential that they should have close co-operation between the Fire Guard and the N.F.S. He thought, as many of the Fire Guard did themselves, that the administration of the Fire Guard should be taken over by the N.F.S. If anybody in the town was competent to deal with fires, it was the National Fire Service itself. It should not be left to part-time Wardens to instruct Fire Guards.

Referring to Mr. Herbert Morrison’s recent announcement, Mr. Bailey said he hoped it did not mean the appointment of a lot more paid officials.

“You will notice,” said Coun. Green, “that the appointment is subject to the approval of the Regional Fire Prevention Officer.”

The Clerk: That approval has already been received.

The report was adopted, but Mr. Bailey registered an emphatic “No.”

Tribute to Officer
Mr. Maclean’s Fine Work for Town

Following the resignation of Mr. A. Maclean as Chief Financial Officer the Finance Committee held a special meeting on January 26th, agreed on an advertisement for a successor, and appointed Couns. Allebone, Sawford and Weale to prepare a short list of applicants for consideration by the committee

The Finance Committee now asked for authority to fix terms and make an appointment, and this was given.

Coun. Allebone said it came as a surprise to him when they received the telegram from Mr. Maclean stating that he had been appointed Clerk to another authority.

At a later stage Coun. Allen said that as the meeting was the last that Mr. Maclean would attend he would like a record placed on the minutes of their appreciation of his services as a very efficient and able officer. The Council would agree that Mr. Maclean had done his work to the satisfaction of every member, and in the town the people would be rather disappointed that he was leaving the locality.

Memorable Campaign

“He has not only carried out his duties to the satisfaction of the Council, but he has taken part in other activities in the town. During my year as Chairman he organised the town for National Savings Street Groups and organised the wonderfully successful War Weapons Week which realised more than £406,000.”

Mr. Allen extended best wishes for Mr. Maclean’s success in his new post.

“I feel this very keenly,” said Coun. Richardson. “I feel that I am losing a friend in the work of this Council – one who was unfailing in his courtesy towards us, and whose ability none could doubt. He has been very valuable to us as a Council, and I trust he will carry with him our best wishes for his future service.”

Coun. Allebone supported. Coun. Sugars declared, “We all endorse all the remarks.”

All Sorry

“We are all sorry that he is going,” said the Chairman. “On the other hand we are all pleased that he is leaving Rushden for a better position. It is the wish of the whole Council that he will have the success he so thoroughly deserves, and that in time to come we shall hear of him going still higher. We all know his capabilities.”

The resolution was carried unanimously.

Dr. Davies mentioned that the Council would soon have two new officers – a Clerk and a Financial Officer – and suggested that it might be possible to acquire houses so that accommodation for the Council’s officers would always be assured. He believed this had been done in other districts.

Coun. Allebone said he was not competent to say whether the Council had power to purchase houses for this purpose, and would like to refer it to the Clerk.

The Clerk suggested that the question should go before the Finance Committee, and this course was adopted.

“Great Hope”
Restaurant Hut May Be Secured

On the British Restaurant question the War Emergency Committee reported that no suitable building appeared to be available. They had therefore suggested to the Ministry of Food that sanction be given to the building of a hall capable of seating 200.

Coun. Capon referred to this as a “vexed question” and gave further news. The Divisional Food Officer, he said, visited Rushden on Tuesday and with the Clerk and himself discussed the matter in all its bearings, both for and against. The result was that if they could find a suitable second-hand hut which could be taken down and rebuilt in sections at a reasonable cost the officer would give his approval. The officer mentioned cases where suitable huts had been found and gave them an address to write to.

The Chairman said this would let the people know that the Council were not sitting still and doing nothing; it gave great hope that in the near future they would have the British Restaurant in Rushden that they had so long required.

Library Report

Books issued from the Public Library during the December quarter were – Adult fiction 19,070, adult non-fiction 4,887, juvenile fiction 5,633, juvenile non-fiction 2,139. The total was 304 less than for the corresponding quarter of 1941. On December 31st, 340 books were on loan to other libraries. Membership comprised 3,954 adults and 1,817 juveniles. Forty members of the Forces borrowed books during the quarter; 420 books were added to the library and 367 were rebound. Seven volumes were presented to the library.

Having heard nothing further from the Ministry of Works regarding the removal of the local food office from the Library to the Congregational Schools, the Clerk has served the authorities with a month’s notice to quit the room at the Library.

Coun. Bailey said that as the result of final notices sent out in accordance with a new rule the position in regard to overdue books had improved considerably. It was very disappointing that no further word had been received regarding the food office after the committee had taken great pains to secure good alternative accommodation.

Hall-Avenue Complaint

Coun. Allen spoke of the condition of Hall-avenue, saying that the residents were complaining bitterly about the state of the road.

Interrupted by the Chairman, Mr. Allen agreed that this question should be referred to the Highways Committee. Hall-avenue, he said, was not a public road, but it was time something was done. The pavement was very bad indeed. A serious accident had occurred there, and the Council could give no redress. The tenants had paid all their road charges and should be considered. He understood it was likely to become an important road, and it should be taken over.

Nominated in a letter from the Rushden Labour Party, Mr. J. E. Dilks, chairman of the party, was co-opted to membership of the Council in place of the late Mr. John Spencer, and will be asked to serve, as Mr. Spencer did, on the Housing, Parks, Rating and Library Committees. Coun. Richardson, who moved his appointment, said that Mr. Dilks had had experience on the Council and would carry on the traditions that were so nobly upheld by Mr. Spencer. Coun. Roe was the seconder.

It was disclosed that the War Emergency Committee made the decision on the Council’s behalf to support any application that Higham Ferrers might make to the Divisional Food Officer with a view to the linking up of Higham and Rushden for the purposes of food control, with the central office at Rushden.

Tenants Rebuked

The Housing Manager (Mr. H. C. Allen) reported that 62 applications for houses were received during 1942, comparing with 43 in the previous year. Nineteen of the applicants resided outside the district. Five of the applicants had been accommodated.

Rent arrears totalled £22 10s. 9d. which was the lowest figure ever recorded.

Following a report that some Council tenants were trying to arrange exchanges of houses without the consent of the Housing Committee, it was announced that in no circumstances would an exchange be allowed without the committee’s knowledge and approval.

Coun. Sugars said the practice was contrary to the agreed policy of the Council. Where there were cases, such as overcrowding, which really needed consideration, they would do their best to make what arrangements were necessary.

Coun. Allen: Have the committee had any case where the tenants have exchanged without authority?

Coun. Sugars said he did not know of any case, but advertisements offering exchanges had appeared in the local Press, and when this happened it was time the committee took control.

Depot In Park

It was reported that the Surveyor’s plan for a new Rescue and First Aid Party depot in Spencer Park had been submitted to the higher authorities. This project was first mentioned some time ago. The Council decided to recommend that the depot should be erected on the Washbrook-road side of the park, about 100 yards from the main entrance.

Approval was given to the building of a new control room, lavatory, sleeping quarters for both sexes, and boiler house, all for the N.F.S., near the Council’s depot in Newton-road. The trailer pump house is also to be extended.

A satisfactory amendment of the agreement with the County Council regarding county and trunk road scavenging was reported. It makes full allowance for increasing labour costs.

No objection was raised to the erection of further overhead electricity lines on land near the Higham Park boundary.

Now that the fence has been removed from the little piece of public ground in High-street South it was agreed to place a seat there “if possible,” and to ask Messrs. Birch Bros. and the Eastern National Bus Company to make this a stopping place for their buses.

Mr. Richardson observed that this piece of ground was almost a “hardy annual” subject of controversy during his early years on the Council.

Health Report

The Medical Officer (Dr. D. A. McCracken) reported one case of pulmonary tuberculosis, two of scarlet fever, four of whooping cough, three of pneumonia, one of erysipelas and one of measles during January. Four males and seven females were born, and there were 13 deaths, including nine persons over 65 years of age. A small number of scabies cases had been sent to a Public Assistance hospital and would cost the Council two guineas per case per week.

Six out of ten milk specimens tested recently were found satisfactory. Mrs. Muxlow said she was pleased that there had been an improvement, and hoped there would be further improvement.

Mrs. Muxlow and Mr. Bailey were appointed, with the Librarian (Miss Marion Perkins), as a “scrutiny committee” to see that salvaged books which might be useful to the Services and Public Library were not destroyed.

The Cemetery Registrar reported 79 interments at Rushden during the last half-year, compared with 84 during the second half of 1941. Thirty-six grave spaces were purchased, and cemetery fees totalled £134 8s. 6.

Investment

It was agreed to invest £1,000 – part of a £4,075 balance on the Housing Repairs and Equalisation Account – in Savings Bonds.

The Council adopted a higher scale of salaries for jun. or clerks, and a pay increase (already in operation) of 1s. 6d. for all Council workmen was confirmed. Mr. Adams, the Surveyor’s technical assistant, was voted a payment of £25 (subject to County Council approval) for spare-time work in connection with A.R.P.

The Finance Committee, approached by the N.A.L.G.O., confirmed its earlier decision that the Council should not become a constituent member of the East Midland Provincial Council for Local Authorities Staffs.

Messrs. Charles Thurston and Sons were given permission to pitch a pleasure fair at Spencer Park for an eight days period commencing April 2nd, the charge to be £25. It was reported that Messrs. Thurston paid an extra charge of £20 when they extended their visit for a second week last September.

The Parks Committee stated that a boiler, replacing one which had worn out, had been provided for the Rushden Hall greenhouses at a cost of £28. The greenhouses are used almost solely for the production of tomatoes.

Good Salvage

Already sold for £133, the January salvage included 14 tons 8 cwt of paper and cardboard, 3 tons 12 cwt of tins, and 4 tons 13½ cwt of kitchen waste. Mrs. Muxlow described the report as “exceptionally good.”

Counc. Sawford, Weale, Swindall and George were appointed as delegates to an educational conference on Saturday. Coun. Richardson was re-elected for service on the Tuberculosis After-Care Committee.

Members in attendance were Couns. W. J. Sawford (Chairman), A. F. Weale (Vice-Chairman), A. H. Bailey, J. Roe, A. Allebone, J.P., C.C., T. W. Cox, F. Green, J.P., Dr. R. W. Davies, Mrs. O. A. H. Muxlow, 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.

……….

12th February, 1943

Milk Delivery
New Plan Well Received At Rushden

Very satisfactory results are reported by milk retailers on the new milk distribution scheme which commenced in Rushden on Sunday.

The dairymen’s chairman, Mr. E. Mayes, stated on Tuesday that his van alone had saved half an hour a day, and he was hoping for improvements when the scheme got going properly. It also meant a considerable saving of fuel.

On the whole, customers had taken the changes well, and the few difficulties would soon be overcome.

………

26th February, 1943

A Month for China
Rushden’s £1,000 Campaign to Start on Monday

It begins – officially – on Monday, already there is £42 in hand, but Monday is the day when Rushden’s Aid-to-China campaign really springs into life, and throughout March the town will be doing its best to help the far-off millions whose sufferings are almost beyond description.

In the first month of last year Rushden gave over £2,000 for the relief of distress in Russia. The declared aim now is £1,000, but there is no limit. The Russia campaign went far beyond expectations, and the effort for China may fare similarly. It will not be forgotten that several Rushden boys are in the hands of China’s oppressors, and that the Japs have harshly withheld news of these lads from their relatives at home.

Chinese Visitor

Every section of the people has opportunity to help in the campaign, and it is believed that all will combine to make Monday’s opening meeting a stimulating occasion. The Park-road Baptist Church has been lent, and there will be graphic speeches by men who know China – a Chinaman and an ex-missionary. The Council and campaign chairman, Mr. W. J. Sawford, J.P., will preside. And there will be a special choir to sing “Lift up your heads.”

Direct gifts in money will be the backbone of the month’s programme. Weekly factory collections subscription lists, the house-to-house appeal and the flag day should bring in large totals.

There is more than one plan at work to secure a big sum from salvage, and the great point for householders to remember is that every scrap of material salvaged during March, through whatever local channel, will help the fund. The Rotary Club is paying particular attention to rubber, and the Fire Guards will see that every household is ‘tapped’ for this precious commodity. Business firms will be asked to find both rubber and scrap iron.

Music Helps

For those who love a concert, a delightful way of supporting the cause will be to visit the Ritz Theatre on Sunday, March 7th. They have evidently made up their minds to pack the house, and the engagement of such eminent artistes as Irene Scharrer, Elsie Suddaby and Parry Jones, with a charming young violinist, Jean McCartney, merits nothing less. The generous help of Mr. John White and the Ritz directors will make a large profit possible.

The full schedule for the month is advertised, and the town is invited to organise all kinds of supporting efforts. One helpful and interesting feature will be the screening of a two-reel film on China at the Ritz.

Many are helping to carry out the committee’s plans. Coun. W. E. Capon and Miss Sharwood are the hon secretaries, with Mr. A. H. Whitton in charge of the money.