By a unanimous vote at Wednesday’s meeting the Rushden Urban District Council decided to part with the Spencer Park war tank, which, at the request of the Ministry of Supply, will be broken up for conversion into modern armaments.

“I hope,” said Mr. A.F. Weale, “that every ounce of it will find a true billet.” Mr. H. Waring suggested that the concrete bed on which the tank stood should be retained in readiness for a souvenir of the present war.

The Council adopted a scheme for intensified local salvage work, and the annual report of the Librarian showed a remarkable increase in reading.

A letter from the Ministry of Supply stated that the Director of Scrap Supplies had been informed that the Council possessed a 20-ton fighting tank, and asked, in view of the urgent need for scrap iron and steel, that it might be broken up, to be refashioned into more modern and useful armaments. The Finance Committee advised the Council to part with the tank.

Councillor Capon, who moved the adoption of the report, said he did not think any comment was needed.

Councillor Weale, who seconded, said that just over two years ago, when this question came before them, he was in opposition to the disposal of the old war trophy. However, the conditions and circumstances had drastically changed, and he did not wish to be thought inconsistent, because he thought the changed circumstances warranted them in disposing of the tank.

Referring to the need for sacrifices, Mr. Weale added; “I hope that the old tank, like the old soldier, will give most useful service, and I sincerely trust that every ounce of it will find a true billet.”

Councillor Waring said he hoped they would retain the concrete bed on which the tank stood, because the present soldiers were doing marvellously well, and one day some gun or tank they had used would probably be placed there and would serve better for them than the tank of a previous generation.

The disposal of the tank was agreed to, and the Council will ask the Ministry of Supply for the names and addresses of reputable firms who are engaged in the breaking-up of old tanks.

In a special report on salvage work the Surveyor (Mr. J. W. Lloyd) said that the collection of waste paper was commenced on March 1, but the scheme had now been extended to include scrap iron, tins, rags, bottles, jars, etc. Waste paper had come in fairly well, but metals and rags had not been so plentiful – due, no doubt, to the fact that Rushden was well combed by scrap iron dealers.

In his opinion the way to obtain better results was to pay the men engaged on the work a percentage on the net proceeds of the sale of waste material, excluding paper and cardboard. The men had already asked for some payment, as they had, in common with the workmen of many other councils, been in the habit of selling scrap metals and dividing the proceeds.

It was hoped to dispose of the paper unbaled, and by doing this the cost of a machine (about £30) and labour would be avoided. Tins would be crushed by the steam roller, but not baled.

The Surveyor said that thanks were due to the Co-operative Society for lending two old cottages in George-street which made an excellent central depot for waste material. There was no doubt, he added, that the salvage of materials generally would have to be intensified.

The Health and Sanitary Committee endorsed the Surveyor’s report, and on their recommendation the Council agreed to pay the workmen one-half of the net proceeds of the salvage (excluding paper and cardboard).

Councillor Roe said he was sure it was a mistake not to pay the men for collecting paper and cardboard – they would not get so much if they did not pay them.

Mr. Roe then quoted a case in which, he alleged, a man saved 15 bags of paper and offered them to the Council’s collectors, who told him that the best thing he could do was to burn them.

Councillor Richardson said the point had been fully considered and would be mentioned at the next committee meeting.

Councillor Roe : Perhaps the Surveyor can tell me why this man was refused?

The Surveyor : I have no knowledge of this particular case, but I shall enquire into it in the morning.

Councillor Roe then gave the name of the person concerned.

The annual report of the Librarian (Miss M. Perkins) showed that in the year ending March 31st 74,944 books were issued, compared with 61,643 in the previous year. Details were: Adult fiction 48,388, adult non-fiction 11,861, juvenile fiction 11,530, juvenile non-fiction 3,165. The stock was increased by 1,111 books to 5,920, and membership rose from 2,784 to 3,972, including 817 juveniles. Membership tickets were issued to 94 adult and 343 juvenile evacuees, and since the abolition of the age limit 251 children under ten had become members – 158 local children and 93 evacuees.

One hundred and fourteen books were borrowed through the East Midland Regional Bureau, and 312 juvenile books, to be lent to both evacuees and local children, were supplied by Walthamstow school libraries.

The “bespoken” books most in demand included “Mein Kampf” (especially the unexpurgated edition) and Mr. J. A. Gotch’s “Squires’ Homes and Other Old Buildings of Northamptonshire.” Mitchell’s “Gone With the Wind” still headed the list in the fiction section.

In five cases where books were overdue and reminders had no effect the caretaker called at the borrowers’ homes.

The Library Committee reported that in the coming year £240 would be available for new books and £35 for the re-binding of books. They have decided to send to the Rushden House Sanatorium any books no longer required in the library.

Councillor Spencer said that every department of the library had been used well, and the increase of the reading public was immense. They were pleased with this progress and hoped it would continue.

While agreeing with the Ministry of Health that hostel accommodation should be provided for evacuee children who are unsuitable for billeting in private houses, the War Emergency Committee felt that in the interests of economy a joint hostel should be established, preferably in Rushden, for Rushden, Higham Ferrers, Irthlingborough and Raunds. It was resolved to ask the City Council to make this provision.

The appointment of a caretaker for the first-aid post at the Moor-road School has been recommended.

The Housing Committee, which has appointed Councillor Swindall as its chairman, recommended that in the special circumstances of the contract an additional sum of £14 15s 8d. should be paid to Messrs. A.T. Nichol, Ltd., in respect of a house decoration contract, covering the cost of an advance in workmen’s wages.

A report on Fire Brigade requisites mentioned the “enormous” amount of clerical work now necessary at the station. The purchase of a type-writer was authorised.

Equipment was ordered for 26 additional auxiliary firemen.

The arrival of five trailer pumps has created another problem at the Fire Station, and the Surveyor was instructed to prepare a scheme for converting some open sheds into an auxiliary station capable of holding the whole of the equipment.

It was reported that the whole-time fireman has joined H.M. Forces, and the reorganisation of the whole-time personnel at the Fire Station was agreed upon.

Councillor Spencer said he noticed that there was no report on the extension of war-time lighting in the town. It would not be long before the dark nights returned, and he hoped the town would be adequately lighted so far as war conditions would allow.

Councillor Allebone: Everything is in hand, and at the next meeting of the committee a full report will be given on the proposals for the lighting of the town next season.

No building plans were before the Plans Committee at its last meeting.

Permission was given for a Sunday School procession to assemble in Spencer Park on June 15.

Four milk samples out of 12 sent for test were reported “bad.”

It was decided to order 200 yards of wrought iron fencing for the land now being prepared as a cemetery extension.

In view of a satisfactory report from the After-Care Committee the Council declined to support the Kettering Town Council’s resolution calling upon the County Council to extend their public health services in respect of after-care work.

The Council agreed to distribute copies of official leaflets on food economy.

A resident who paid his rates after the day appointed for discount applied successfully for his discount to be allowed. It was a case where the assessment had been amended and the demand not served until immediately before the end of the financial year. The Council agreed that in such exceptional cases, where the time allowed for discount would otherwise be very short, a month should always be allowed in future.

The question of extra remuneration to one of the Council’s officers was taken in committee after Councillor Roe had begun to speak on the question, the Chairman saying that he had no wish to shirk any discussion, but he must abide by Standing Orders.

Mr. Roe expressed himself as satisfied after the Clerk (Mr. W. L. Beetenson) had read the relevant passage from Standing Orders.

Councillor Capon drew attention to the rate arrears account, showing £26 outstanding as being “a credit to the town.”

Councillor Allen was appointed to succeed Councillor Sugars on the Wellingborough and District Joint Isolation Hospital Board. Councillor Sugars was reappointed as a Charity Trustee.

Withdrawing his notice of motion for a revision of meeting times, Councillor Spencer said he had found that seven o’clock (the hour he would have proposed) would be inconvenient for a number of members.

When the Council accepted an invitation to take part in the Hospital Sunday parade on May 19, Dr. Davies asked sadly, “Is it quite necessary to walk all the way up the High-street?”

Councillor Waring : We are supposed to march, Mr. Chairman. (Laughter).

Councillor Green : I don’t know whether we ought to take a few lessons in marching.

The Clerk : We had better appoint a sergeant-major first!

Permission was given for the United Charities Fete to be held in the Hall grounds.

The District Auditor reported that there was no matter to which it was necessary to direct the Council’s attention. “That is an excellent report,” said the Chairman. “It is a credit to the officers we have,” said Councillor Capon.

The question of a “cost of living” bonus for the Council’s officers and staff was adjourned by the Finance Committee for further consideration.

Committees announced their new chairmen as follows : Housing, Councillor T. J. Swindall; Highways, Dr. R. W. Davies; Parks, Baths and Hall, Councillor F. Green; Library, Councillor J. Spencer; Health and Sanitary, Councillor J. T. Richardson; Finance, Councillor W. E. Capon.

Members in attendance were Councillors J. Allen, J.P. (in the chair), T. W. Cox (Vice-Chairman), A. H. Bailey, J. Roe, A. Allebone, J.P., C.C., F. Green, Dr. R. W. Davies, Mrs. O. A. H. Muxlow, W. E. Capon, A. F. Weale, 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.

The sugar ration will be cut from 12oz. to 8oz. on May 27th, butter will be reduced from 8oz. to 4oz. on June 3rd, and the bacon ration also will soon be reduced.

These new restrictions on consumption, brought about by the loss of Scandinavian and Dutch supplies, and the use of shipping space for armaments, were announced in a broadcast on Wednesday by Lord Woolton (Minister of Food), who also gave the nation a pledge – “whatever happens you shall have food.”

Giving details of the reductions, he said :

It may be difficult, this communal sacrifice, but you are prepared for sacrifices. When the question is “shells or sugar,” I know what your answer will be. We are facing facts, and you know this as well as I do. The threat of an attack draws nearer. We shall meet and beat it when it comes, but mark this, whatever happens, you shall have food. That is my responsibility. I am satisfied with our stock and transport plans. Let the Nazis know that they cannot starve us.

“This is no time for speech-making; it is a time for action. At the Ministry of Food we are at our action-stations. Our plans are prepared. We are ready from hour to hour for all emergencies. I speak both to the general public and the staff of the Ministry scattered over the country. We are fellow soldiers in the war against Nazi aggression.

“You are, I know, ready to co-operate in every way in our common cause. Your co-operation completes our plan of campaign. We have two immediate objects. First, to see that there is food for all at prices all can afford. I know the urgency of this. Much has been done. More will be done.

“Second, we must save shipping space and purchasing power abroad for essential armaments. To this end I propose on May 27th to reduce the sugar ration from 12 oz. to 8 oz. a week. The cut will be on everybody, manufacturers as well as the ordinary citizen.

“Butter also must be reduced on June 3rd from 8oz. to 4oz. Following the Scandinavian situation we have also lost important supplies from Holland. The bacon ration also will soon have to be cut. I am taking you fully into my confidence. I know that is what you prefer. You will realise that the steps we are taking are logical moves in a prearranged plan, not hasty and ill-considered expedients.

“I appeal for the special co-operation of every member of the food trade in the country. Our arrangements for distributing food supplies throughout the United Kingdom are deliberately flexible. We can divert them so that our people will be fed wherever they may be.

“It is possible, however, that you traders will have to use your special knowledge and experience to the full. You may have to improvise. Nothing in that for you. You are the men to whom the public will turn for advice which only you can give.

“I say this to you, therefore: Act on your own initiative if need be. If a special emergency should occur, feel entirely free from official restrictions. In every area there are local committees of each trade who will give you all possible help and advice.

“But this I stress again: Use your initiative if the time comes. Food traders have played their part in national life in peace; in war you are of vital importance. Never let it be said that you have failed in wartime to do the job because of Government formalities.

“Use your own common sense and knowledge to keep your customers supplied. I know I can rely on you. Finally this is my message to the women on the food front : you can feel safe.”

A statement issued by the food Ministry says the reduction in the sugar ration is rendered necessary owing to a partial failure of the crop in the British West Indies and to the necessity of conserving currency resources. The supply of sugar to catering establishments will be reduced concurrently with the reduction in supplies to house-holders.

From July 1st the allocation of sugar for manufacturing will also be reduced, but no alteration will be made in the allocation to any industry now receiving 40 per cent of basis usage or less. The Ministry recognises that it may be necessary to make supplementary allocations in special cases later on.

In the early days of the war steps were taken to secure the fullest available supplies of raw sugar from the Dominions and Colonies, and the position would have been satisfactory but for the failure of the West Indies crop. It has only now been possible to measure the extent of the damage to this crop and of its effect on the sugar supply position.

The Ministry also announces that supplies of glucose will be rationed from June 1st. The allocation to individual firms will be based on a percentage of their pre-war usage during the twelve months ended June 30th, 1939.

Subject to the supply of raw materials, the percentage allocation for any trade will correspond with the percentage allocation of sugar to that trade and any variation in the sugar allocation will be applied to the glucose allocation from the same date.

While provision has been made for adequate supplies of butter, the loss of Denmark and Holland as supplying countries renders necessary a reduction in the ration. Since it is essential to conserve supplies, appropriate reductions will be made in allowances to caterers.

Street savings groups and a savings group league are the methods whereby Rushden is to attempt to swell its National Savings total. Plans for increasing savings were ventilated at a meeting at the Rushden B.W.T.A .Hall on Thursday evening, this meeting being attended by secretaries and treasurers of savings groups, principals of business concerns and other interested townspeople.

The chair was taken by Councillor J. Allen. J.P., chairman of the Rushden Urban Council, and also on the platform were the speaker, Mr. R.H.C. Hammond (Assistant Commissioner for the Northamptonshire Savings Group), Ald. F. Walker, J.P., (Mayor of Higham Ferrers) and Mr. A. Maclean (secretary of the Rushden and District National Savings Committee).

The chairman expressed his admiration of those present who were spreading the gospel of National Savings in order that the widow’s mite could play its part along-side the rich man’s thousands in obtaining the material resources so vitally necessary to the attainment of victory.

As good as the public response had been since the special campaign was launched by the Chancellor of the Exchequer last November there was still a lot to be done. He appealed to them to put forth all their resourcefulness, initiative and energy especially during National Savings Week.

Behind the immediate appeal for increased saving lay an appeal for something deeper and more potent – an appeal for the spirit of sacrifice. No great cause was ever carried to triumph without sacrifice. Without sacrifice the war would not be won. To give up unnecessary pleasures should not be irksome when it helped the soldiers, the sailors and the airmen in the struggle for freedom.

Mr. Allen went on to say that he wanted the National Savings movement to get going strongly in the town and district. He wanted to see that Rushden could do even better than in the years 1914-18 towards helping win the war.

Mr. Hammond said that those present would have heard that £180,000,000 had been saved since November. That was a large sum, but it was not enough. They were hearing a lot about the Battle of the Gap. That was not the only gap that existed. The gap they were concerned about was the money gap – the gap between the money being spent and the amount coming in. They would have to bridge that gap with savings.

There was £5,000,000 a week coming in from National Savings, and the purpose of Savings Week was to send that sum up rapidly. It had to be remembered that for six years Germany had been preferring guns to butter. For six years the Germans had been going without so that they could get their mighty army of tanks and aeroplanes. In England they had left it late, but not too late if everyone would lend a hand.

Three things had to be realised. It had to be realised that the war was a total war – it affected everyone. They had to realise also what the price of defeat would be, and thirdly they had to realise that to neglect to work for victory was to ask for defeat. There was a lot to be heard about the Fifth Column. He knew who the Fifth Columnists were – they were apathy, neglect, and “putting it off until to-morrow.”

In Rushden they had started something which other people had not. A week previously was formed the first street savings group. That was an idea which they wanted to spread.

Some bad news had been heard during the last few days. People were talking about the possibilities of invasion. He did not want them to be too despondent, for both Napoleon and Philip of Spain thought about getting across to England, but they never did. If they all lent a hand they would not only achieve victory, but they would deserve it.

Reporting on local progress, Mr. Maclean said that since November the local Area had contributed £107,000 – a truly magnificent response to the national call for saving. Of this huge total Rushden’s share was £78,000 and Higham Ferrers had contributed £15,000. The rate per head per week had worked out at 3s 9d for Rushden and 3s 5d for Higham Ferrers. It behoved every patriotic citizen to ask himself the exacting question: “Am I bearing my due proportion of the country’s war burden?”

There were 96 active groups in the area, 52 in Rushden, 15 in Higham Ferrers, and 29 in Raunds. There were very few factories where groups had not been formed, but there were still some. The average membership of groups was well under 50 per cent. of the possible number, though happily some groups had made such splendid progress as to be able to record 100 per cent. membership.

An interesting suggestion had been put forward by a member of the local committee that a savings league, consisting of the groups of the town having a membership of 50 or over, be formed to foster friendly competition and rivalry.

Concluding, Mr. Maclean said that the local committee aimed at raising £1 per head for the three districts per week, which would yield £20,000. The figure was high, but the committee were confident of success.

Ald. Walker observed that Higham would have to “pull its socks up” as it was 4d behind Rushden.

Later in the meeting Mr. L. Bradshaw referred to the street savings group which had been formed and said that it had 20 members. He thought that these street groups were the right idea for Rushden.

Mr. Hammond said that the personal approach was the best means of inaugurating new groups, and he thought street groups were a good idea.

Mr. Bradshaw volunteered to accept responsibility for a Prospect-avenue group, other members of the audience volunteering to take charge of Moor-road, Park-avenue, and Griffith-street.

Following further discussion Mr. Maclean said he would approach persons in each street with a view to getting street groups formed, and further meetings would be held to discuss the scheme.

It was also decided to form a savings league, Mr. Maclean explaining the proposed rules. Councillor W. E. Capon volunteered to act as secretary of the league.

Critical “rumours” were replied to by Councillor W. E. Capon, chairman of the War Emergency Committee, at the Rushden Urban District Council’s meeting on Wednesday. Mr. Capon denied that there was any lack of attention to necessary duties, but pointed out that in some matters the Council had to await the decisions of authorities.

A scheme for the reception of a further 800 child evacuees from London was outlined on the committee minutes, and the Council gave notice of their readiness to use compulsory billeting powers, but the “Echo and Argus” understands that Rushden is not involved as a reception centre in the evacuation work now proceeding.

A plan for subdued lighting in every street was adopted, but the W.E.C. will have power to modify the lighting hours at any times in accordance with national defence requirements.

According to the minutes of the War Emergency Committee on May 9, the Clerk (Mr. W. L. Beetenson) on that date made a report on the Government evacuation scheme. The number of evacuees then billeted in Rushden was 469, made up as follows : Unaccompanied children 412, accompanied children 17, children counted as adults (working) 5, helpers 5, teachers 22, mothers 8. The question of providing a club for the children was considered and adjourned.

The Clerk also reported that in the event of further evacuation the town would receive about 800 children from Leyton, who would arrive as follows : Third day of evacuation, 280 girls; fourth day, 240 mixed; sixth day, 285 mixed. Lists of available accommodation, having regard to those householders who had already received and were still accommodating evacuees, had been prepared, but it had been found impossible to prepare a roll of householders who were willing to receive the children.

Councillor Capon said there was no suggestion at present that compulsory billeting would be resorted to, but if they had any further evacuees and it was necessary the committee would not hesitate to use their powers. Hostel accommodation was being provided for all children who were unfit for billeting, and the Clerk had already requisitioned certain premises for that purpose.

Each child would be medically examined either before evacuation or upon arrival at the railhead, and none would be billeted who had not been certified as fit therefore.

Reporting on air raid shelters, the War Emergency Committee stated that plans of four shelters in or near High-street had been forwarded to the Home Office, whose Regional Technical Adviser visited Rushden and suggested that each shelter should provide for 50 persons instead of 30 as originally planned. Amended plans had now been approved, and the estimated cost of each shelter was £185.

Speaking for the committee, Councillor Capon said that as public officials they took very little notice of rumours suggesting that there was a lack of attention to various matters. A lot of work went on behind the scenes, and where it meant spending the County Council’s money or obtaining Government grants they naturally were not masters in their own house. Naturally there was not daily consultation about these things, but they could almost say there was daily consultation when-ever there was anything that needed prompt attention.

“I say that,” added Mr. Capon, “to allay any fear that anything is not done which might be done.”

Councillor Roe reverted to the billeting question and asked that consideration would be given to people who had already had evacuees.

Councillor Waring said he took it that it was impossible to prepare a roll of willing householders because there was not a sufficient number of people who were willing.

Councillor Spencer said he was exceedingly pleased that Mr. Capon had spoken in answer to criticism. A tremendous amount of voluntary work was being done, and a word of commendation was sometimes due. The members of the Council knew, and he thought the town at large knew, that they were doing all they possibly could.

It was agreed to adopt a new form of modified street lighting throughout the town. All lamps, whether gas or electric, will be fitted with the new burners, and the cost, subject to war conditions, is £815, this covering repairs and maintenance during the present financial year. The system will be introduced “at the earliest possible date.”

Councillor Allebone said that with this modified form of street lighting the town was naturally more perceivable than if it had no lighting at all. The Lighting Sub-Committee suggest that the War Emergency Committee should control the times fixed for the lighting of the lamps and vary them according to circumstances.

Councillor Sawford suggested that when the W.E.C. met to consider any revision of lighting hours Mr. Allebone should attend the meeting and place the facts before them.

Councillor Richardson said it was useless for the W.E.C. to have powers if they did not use them.

The Council agreed that the W.E.C. should be authorised to extinguish lights at their discretion.

Building plans were as follows : Bungalow, Quorn-road, Mr. W. Dickens; additions to house, Wymington-road, Mr. F. C. Simmons; garage, Oakley-road, Mr. D. Summerfield; additions to slaughterhouse, Bedford-road, Rushden Industrial Co-operative Society.

Approval was given to a district scheme for the co-ordination of fire services under which the Rushden brigade agrees to give assistance to Irchester, Wollaston, Bozeat, Grendon, Easton Maudit, Strixton and Newton Bromshold.

Dr. Davies mentioned that if the Rushden brigade needed assistance it could call upon Wellingborough, and vice versa.

Councillor Spencer said he saw that their near neighbours, Higham Ferrers, were not included. They would not like to see their neighbours in difficulties and not help them.

The Chairman : I don’t think we should see them in difficulties and not help them, Mr. Spencer.

Mrs. Muxlow : I think that on the last occasion our firemen got there first!

The Council agreed that workmen engaged in collecting waste paper and cardboard should receive one-half of the net proceeds.

The Chairman said the salvage scheme was going on satisfactorily and the work was now being done very much better.

A report by the Surveyor (Mr. J. W. Lloyd) showed that the gross value of materials sold during May was £49. The salvage included 8 ½ tons of paper, 2 ½ tons of light scrap iron, 3 cwt. of brass, 1 cwt. of aluminium, 1 ½ tons of rags, 173 dozen bottles and 103 dozen jars.

Out of 12 milk specimens sent for bacteriological examination five were classed “bad.”

Four tenders have been received for the purchase of the old military tank in Spencer Park, and it was decided to accept that of Messrs. George Cohen Son and Co. at £50, the highest. The tank is to be broken up and the materials used for new armaments.

The cost-of-living bonus to the Council’s employees was increased by one-halfpenny per hour as from the first pay day after May 13. It was also decided that the bonus be paid at the rate of three-farthings per hour in respect of overtime worked earlier in the year.

Councillor Roe referred to a resolution proposing bonuses for the officers and staff. He was going to oppose it, he said, and in view of the Chairman’s ruling at the last meeting he asked that it should be taken in committee and in the absence of the officers. This was agreed to.

Councillor Capon announced that the amount of rate collected by the last day for discount was £18,250, or 69.2 per cent.

Councillor Bailey suggested that in order to save paper the list of cheques due for payment should not be circulated to members.

The Clerk said this could be done, but the list would then have to be read out. The Chairman and Councillor Capon pointed out certain objections, and Mr. Bailey replied that he was satisfied.

A letter from the military authorities thanked the Council staff for the speed with which the large volume of work given to them recently was tackled. The writer added : “Your ready services are appreciated by myself and the Canadian officers, who will not forget such quick response.”

The Chairman said the troops were not in Rushden long, but according to the Press they had a good reception in the town. He thought everyone was delighted with the contingent that came into the town.

Members in attendance were Councillors J. Allen, J.P. (in the chair), T. W. Cox (Vice-Chairman), A. H. Bailey, J. Roe, A. Allebone, J.P., C.C., F. Green, Dr. R. W. Davies, Mrs. O. A. H. Muxlow, W. E. Capon, A. F. Weale, J. George, T. J. Swindall, J. Spencer, J.P., J. H. J. Paragreen, H. Waring, E. A. Sugars, J. T. Richardson and W. J. Sawford.