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| The Rushden Echo & Argus, transcribed by Jim & Gill Hollis |
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Wartime in Rushden - June & July1942
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12th June, 1942
No Blackout at A.R.P. Depot There were lively moments at the Rushden Urban Council’s meeting on Wednesday, when members insisted that the absence of blackout facilities at a Rushden A.R.P. depot should be brought to the notice of the County Council. Anticipating an objection from County Councillor Allebone, Mr. J. Allen became involved in a few words with him while the Chairman’s view that the Council had “no right to interfere” was brushed aside. The same fighting mood was maintained in a discussion on British Restaurants, and the War Emergency Committee was persuaded to reflect again upon its still negative attitude. Calling attention to the condition of the A.R.P. depot in Portland-road, Coun. Bailey declared: “I mentioned this many months ago, but we are still without a blackout for the building where the vehicles are stored. If the lorries for the rescue parties and the trailers for the first aid are required at night-time the men have to grope round the buildings. It is unfair to them and unfair to the people who live nearby. I think it is high time it was considered.” “We Are Helpless” Coun. Capon: It is not under our jurisdiction. The Chairman (Coun. W. J. Sawford): It belongs to the County Council. Coun. Allen: Then I move that the attention of the County Council be drawn to it at once. It arose at the time I was Chairman, and I thought it had been dealt with satisfactorily. I think the County Council should be brought to book. “It should be done,” agreed the Chairman, “but this Council has no right to interfere. When we are helpless in the matter I am afraid nothing can be done.” Coun. Allebone had begun to speak when Mr. Allen jumped up on a point of order, declaring vigorously: “I don’t want this to be shelved to-night by any means that may be moved by County Councillors or otherwise.” “I somewhat object to that remark,” retorted Mr. Allebone, “I think I am as much interested in the welfare of Rushden as Mr. Allen is, and I think he should wait until he hears what others have got to say.” Coun. Allen: Under Standing Orders my proposition has been moved and not seconded, and therefore cannot be debated. Coun. Spencer hastened to second the resolution. Heard No More “We would all like to second it,” said Coun. Cox. “We have had representatives over from the County and they are all aware of what is wanted, but we have heard no more.” Observing that they wanted to do all they possibly could for the betterment of the town, the Chairman put the resolution which was immediately carried in loud chorus. Coun. Allebone followed up with his deferred remarks. It was, he said, the duty of the Rushden War Emergency Committee, if they felt that the blackout was necessary to call the attention of the County War Emergency Committee to the matter and ask for an immediate reply so that action could be taken before the winter set in. After another review of the British Restaurant question the War Emergency Committee reported that they had carefully considered the whole of the arrangements already existing for workers and others to obtain meals. They were of the opinion that there was no great demand for a restaurant at Rushden, but that arrangements should be made for the provision of meals in an emergency caused by enemy action. Emergency Meals The Clerk had been asked to arrange for the use of the Independent Wesleyan and Park-road Methodist schools when required, and to make all other necessary arrangements with the county officer. In time of need, it was stated, meals would be transported from a County Council depot in heat-retaining containers. Coun. Roe said he thought every-one would be satisfied with the arrangements made for providing meals for those who might be rendered homeless by enemy action, but he noted that the committee were again turning down British Restaurants. Another body in the town (the Trades Council) considered that there was a need for one. They represented a large number of workers and he supposed they knew what the facts were, or they would not be pressing so often. “It is very easy,” continued Mr. Roe, “to say we don’t think this is required, but if there is a large number of workers who could make use of it I think we ought to go very fully into the matter and not turn it down. Unpleasant Conditions Coun. Spencer enquired if the committee knew how many firms had canteens where meals were supplied to the workers, and how many workers came into the town. It was very unpleasant to sit down to meals under the conditions he had many times observed. It was true that by using canteens and restaurants people obtained extra rations, but quite apart from this, he would like to know the position. “We have not all the facts before us,” replied Coun. Capon, “as to all the firms that have provided canteens, but we know there are plenty who provide some facilities for drinks or hot meals even if they have not canteens. “We spent a considerable amount of time on it, but we did feel that from all the data we had at our disposal there was not an urgent need for a British Restaurant in Rushden. We are, however, watching things very carefully, and should the need reveal itself at any time we shall give consideration to it.” Coun. Roe said he was pleased that the committee intended to keep it in view. Coun. Green said the report of the Trades Council meeting disclosed a great diversity of opinion among the members. Evidence Wanted Coun. Cox said he had had contact with members of that body and had asked them if they would bring evidence to show the need. One had also, as Mr. Spencer suggested, to consider the principle regarding coupons. The War Emergency Committee was waiting for further evidence before it could make up its minds; one member had spoken from experience of a canteen which was very seldom used by the workers of the firm in question. “It is difficult,” added Mr. Cox, “to make up your mind definitely, simply because you see paragraphs in the paper.” “There is some evidence of potential need,” claimed Coun. Waring. “There are a number of factory workers who go into the park for dinner during fine weather, and it may possibly be that, if the terms were sufficiently attractive and the meals likewise, that would be the start of quite a big number of public facilities. If they go into a park then I think they would prefer the greater comfort of a British Restaurant.” The Chairman said the committee would consider it again at the next meeting. It was very difficult to come to a conclusion as to whether this provision should be made in the summer. Salvage Campaign The Surveyor (Mr. J. W. Lloyd) reported that the County Salvage Drive results at Rushden were 17 tons of paper, 4 tons 10 cwt. 3 qtrs. medium iron, 4 tons light iron, 3 tons tins, 9cwt. 3 qtrs. rags, 8 cwt. bones, 2 tons rubber and 1 ton 4 cwt. kitchen waste. Including these figures, the May returns were 23 tons paper, 8½ tons iron, 3½ tons tins, 14 cwt. rags, 15 cwt. bones, 2½ tons rubber, and 2 ton 7½ cwt kitchen waste. The gross value was £167. Mrs. Muxlow said she thought they had made a very respectable showing in the salvage drive. Coun. Allen detailed the arrangements for the United Nations Day procession and service next Sunday afternoon, and expressed the hope that residents on the route of the procession from Spencer Park to St. Mary’s Church would display flags of the united nations. There was a great difficulty, he said, in getting an American flag to place in the church, but they hoped to get one before Sunday. The parade would move off at 2.30; the Rector would conduct the service, and the Rev. E. Victor Whittle, formerly chaplain to the Forces, would preach. The collection would be given to the Red Cross. The Chairman said he sincerely hoped the councillors would support him and that it would be a very successful day. They Save Lives A letter from the Shelter Officer called attention to the merits of the Morrison shelters, which had saved a large number of lives in recent raids. The War Emergency Committee commented on this that 56 shelters were still available and more could be obtained. They advised Rushden people to put up with “a comparatively trifling amount of inconvenience” in order to obtain security. In a report on war-time allotments the Clerk (Mr. W. L. Beetenson) said that 352 plots had been taken up, all applications being met. There were 243 applications in respect of unlet permanent allotments, and the other plots were as follows: 29 (4½ acres) under the Cultivation of Lands Order,34 (3 acres 95 p) under the Defence Regulations, 25 (1½ acres) let privately. In addition 3 acres was being cultivated for the production of vegetables as one holding. The War Emergency Committee considered this “very satisfactory.” It was learned that work on the construction of a static water supply basin in High-street North could not continue. Another site was being chosen and Messrs. Birch Bros. had offered to meet the cost of the work already done on their site. Repairs Postponed It was announced that the estimate for repairing the road in Co-operative-row came to £198. This sum had been apportioned between the 13 abutting owners, the great majority of whom, however, were opposed to the work being done at the present time. It was therefore agreed to shelve the scheme for the duration of the war. At the suggestion of the War Graves Commission the Council agreed to the erection of a notice board at the cemetery marking the portion reserved for the burial of members of the Forces during the war. A further increase of pay to Council workmen was approved, bringing the total war-time increase to 14s. per week. In reply to the Joint Provincial Council the Finance Committee stated that they could not agree at present to a scheme for the payment of sickness allowances, but if a scheme was formulated they would consider it without prejudice. Coun. Allebone said the wages increase – not budgeted for – would cost the Council about £500 per annum. Plaque Delay In connection with the proposal to present a commemorative plaque to H.M.S. Quorn, the Ministry of Health ruled that expenditure of this kind should not be defrayed out of rates. It was resolved to refer the Ministry’s letter to the Warship Week Committee with a view to them raising the funds by voluntary effort. The Housing Manager (Mr. H. C. Allen) reported that the rent arrears on the whole of the Council estates totalled £26 4s. 9d. Members in attendance 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, J. Allen, W. E. Capon, J. George, J. Spencer, J.P., T. J. Swindall, E. A. Sugars, J. T. Richardson, J.P., J. H. J. Paragreen and H. Waring. |
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| The Rushden Echo and Argus, 10th July, 1942, transcribed by Gill Hollis Parents’ Offer to Council A new route – through the cemetery – to the Newton-road district for the benefit of Harborough-road residents was discussed at the Rushden Urban Council’s meeting on Wednesday. For the convenience of Harborough-road residents, who would otherwise have to make a detour when visiting the cemetery, the Health Committee had agreed to open the gate at the extreme east end of the road. Asking if the hours for opening this gate had been fixed, Coun. Allebone said that some mothers whose children attended Newton-road School wanted facilities for them to take a short cut through the cemetery. They were prepared to form a rota of escorts both to the school and on the walk home. Coun. Spencer said the people going to dinner would also be glad of facilities, and he had no objection so long as no damage was done. The Chairman said the Health Committee would definitely bear these points in mind. They would do all they possibly could for the people at that end of the town. Mrs. Muxlow said she was very glad to know this, because she was informed that the cemetery caretaker was very much disinclined to keep the gate open and had kept children out. About Gas When a reduction in the calorific value of gas was announced Coun. Capon suggested that Coun. Roe, who is chairman of the Gas Company, could explain it. Coun. Roe obliged. None of the consumers would be any the worse off, he said. They would get the same heating power for the same money, and he did not suppose anyone would notice the difference. Mr. John White submitted plans of a cowhouse off Kimbolton-road, and these were passed. A new tar boiler for road work was ordered, the old one having worn out after more than 25 years’ service. Free repair of the Hall bandstand, to be carried out by his own architect, was promised by Mr. John White, who gave the stand to the town a few years ago. Coun. Roe moved that thanks be sent to Mr. White and recorded on the minutes. “It is very generous of him,” he said. Coun. Allen seconded, the Chairman voiced his appreciation and the vote was carried. Mrs. Muxlow mentioned that the latest examination of milk had shown very good results – there were no bad samples at all. Salvage Returns Salvage sold during June was valued at £124 16s. and included 18 tons 8 cwt. paper, 3 tons 13 cwt. crushed tins, 1 ton 8 cwt. iron, 14 cwt. bones, 10 cwt. rags and 100 dozen bottles. Mrs. Muxlow said they were rapidly reaching their quota of bones, and the 14 cwt. last month was a record. New paper economy measures adopted by the Council included a veto on notices and agendas of committee meetings. Discussed at the end of last winter, the suggestion that early morning street lighting should be provided from November to February was reported on by the Highways Committee. The cost would include £31 for alteration of the electric switches, £17 17s. for additional current, and £125 10s. in the case of the gas lamps, which, as new mechanism was unobtainable, would have to be burning continuously. In view of these circumstances and the need for economy in fuel the proposal was dropped, the Council deciding to resume street lighting on the same scale as last year, on August 8th. Basin in Park In place of the original site in High-street North, one in Spencer Park, at the corner near Ealing-terrace, was chosen for the construction of a static water supply basin, the Surveyor having found a proposed site in Washbrook-road unsuitable. Proper fencing was stipulated. Two stuffed pike were mentioned as a gift to the Hall Museum by the Working Men’s Club. Messrs. Charles Thurston and Sons were granted the use of a Feast Week pitch in Spencer Park at a charge of £25. The half-yearly cemetery report stated that there were 77 interments, compared with 97 during the first half of 1941. Thirty grave spaces were purchased, and the total cemetery fees were £143. When permission was given for the town Holiday Fete to be held at the Hall Grounds on August 4, 5, 6, and 8, Coun. Spencer said he hoped there would be one free day, because there were lots of old people who would like to enjoy the fete. The Chairman replied that the Council had no jurisdiction, but if application was made to the General Fete Committee he had no doubt it would be considered. Granting the use of the swimming bath for a gala organised by the Rushden Swimming Club in connection with the Rushden Holiday Fete, the Council claimed 25 per cent. of the gross admission fees. Result of Protest In reply to the letter sent from last month’s meeting the Clerk to the County Council wrote that the County Architect had already been instructed to obtain quotations for blacking-out the Rushden A.R.P. Depot and would submit them to the County Council Emergency Committee. Enclosing a report on the recent exercises at Rushden, the Divisional A.R.P. Officer stated that they were instructive and very useful, and only minor defects were noted. The enthusiasm and keenness of every branch was very high indeed, and the efficiency of the services should be a matter of great satisfaction to the Council. The Chairman said they were very pleased to get such a report. They knew that the A.R.P. organisation always made a good job of what they had to do. At the close of the ordinary business the nine members (including three ladies) of the Rushden team which won the Northamptonshire A.R.P. First Aid contest last year entered the room, and Mr. Twelftree, their leader, received the County Shield from the chairman. Mr. Sawford thanked the team for the splendid work they had done for the town. “We recognise your capabilities,” he said, “and we know that you have the real team spirit without which success cannot be achieved.” Learning Something Mr. Twelftree said in reply that the 1941 contest was the first in which any member of the team had taken part. The success gave them the opportunity of going to the divisional competition at Nottingham, from which they came back with the knowledge that they had learned something. The Chairman explained that the delay in making the presentation was due to the difficulty in getting the shield engraved. Members in attendance 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, W. E. Capon, J. Allen, J. George, J. Spencer, J.P., J. H. J. Paragreen, H. Waring, E. A. Sugars, J. T. Richardson, J.P., and Dr. R. W. Davies. |
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