Delay in the capping of walls denuded of their iron railings was complained of at Wednesday’s meeting of the Rushden Urban Council.

A swift training course for fire Guards was announced, and the chairman (Coun. W. J. Sawford) made a special appeal for the immediate salvage of all spare rubber.

Coun. Spencer asked what progress had been made in the repair of walls from which iron railings had been removed.

“I know it is the Ministry’s job,” he said, “but unless we liven them up there may be little done before the winter. Many of the walls are becoming dangerous; many of the single brick walls are gradually being pulled or pushed down. I think the worst should be attended to.”

Suggesting that the Highways Committee should appoint a sub-committee to inspect the properties, Mr. Spencer said that people who had wealth were getting new walls put up, but others found their walls falling down and bricks scattered about.

The Chairman said that as Mr. Spencer had not given notice of a resolution he was out of order. The repairs would be done as soon as possible, and everything was being done in rotation.

Mr. Spencer then gave notice to raise the question next month.

War Emergency Committee minutes showed that handbooks are being purchased for the Fire Guards, and the question of providing axes has been adjourned.

Coun. Capon reported on the training of the Fire Guard, saying that at the enthusiastic meeting of Senior Fire Guards and some of the Wardens on Tuesday men were appointed as special instructors in each district.

Sixty or 70 in number, they would attend a course of lectures by the Divisional A.R.P. Officer during the next fortnight and then pass the instruction on to the fire Guards generally.

There were still 2,250 Fire Guards in the town, and he was quite sure they were very keen and enthusiastic.

The Chairman: I should like to say how pleased we are that we have these 2,250 Fire Guards – a sixth of our population.

Coun. Capon added that 25 per cent. were expected to be trained by the end of September, 75 per cent. by the end of October, and the whole by the end of November.

Coun. Bailey criticised the delay in issuing axes and recalled that at the last A.R.P. exercise they were told how important they were. He asked if axes had been issued elsewhere in the county.

Coun. Capon: I am afraid I am not in a position to answer that.

Coun. Allen: The point is that it is absolutely necessary for the Fire Guards to have axes.

“It will be discussed at the next meeting,” promised the chairman.

A half-yearly rate of 6s. 3d. in the £ - the same as for the previous half-year – was approved.

“Bone Conscious”

In his salvage report for July and August the surveyor (Mr. J. W. Lloyd) noted a considerable increase in the quantity of bones - 13½ cwt. in July and 22¾ cwt. in August. Tyres collected weighed 3 tons 7 cwt. July sales realised £129 and August sales £104.

Mrs. Muxlow observed: “I think Rushden people are becoming bone-conscious; they are becoming aware of how necessary it is for us to save these bones. It is a very good quantity.

Coun. Spencer: Some of the joints are becoming nearly all bone! (Laughter).

The Chairman appealed to the townspeople to do all they possibly could in salvaging rubber. They had done remarkably well in paper salvage and he hoped they would take the lead in the county by enabling the Council to send many tons of rubber away.

There were people in Rushden who did things without being asked, and it would be very encouraging if rubber salvage groups were formed voluntarily and the rubber taken to the Council’s depot in Newton-road, where he would like to see 10 tons of it as soon as possible to set a good example.

The Clerk (Mr. W. L. Beetenson) said that 90 per cent of the world’s natural sources of rubber were now in enemy hands.

Mrs. Muxlow suggested that the 75 salvage stewards in the town could help.

Coun.Allebone said that boys collected paper because they could get something for it. If a little could be given for the rubber it would come in more quickly.

Coun. Bailey: You will not find it much inducement, because in spite of the shortage they are only giving £1 per ton.

A.T.C. and the Library

Books issued from the Public Library during the April-June quarter were as follows : Adult fiction 17,892, adult non-fiction 4,279, juvenile fiction 5,032, juvenile non-fiction 1,764. The grand total showed an increase of 3,008 compared with the second quarter of 1941.

More than 80 volumes were always on loan to the local A.T.C. Membership at the end of June was 5,356 – an increase of 158 since December. Eleven books were presented to the library and 506 purchased, while Mr. A. W. Head gave a donation to cover the cost of a book on “Old Clocks and Watches.”

Sixth of the Town in Fire Guards

The librarian (Miss Marion Perkins) mentioned that Mr. L. H. Chambers had recorded the monumental inscriptions in the churchyards of Rushden and Brackley.

As the shelving in the lending department has become inadequate for the present stock of 10,000 volumes the Library Committee propose to convert the present reference room into a junior library, use the ladies’ room as a reference department and reserve a table for ladies in the general magazine room. The reference room, however, is used as the local Food Office, and a sub-committee has taken steps to find other accommodation for the Food Control Committee.

Coun. Bailey said that alternative premises had already been recommended, and the Clerk said he had reason to believe that these would be regarded as satisfactory.

The Clerk informed Coun. Roe that the premises were quite central, and the Chairman said he thought they would all be satisfied when the thing had been settled.

Everybody Pleased

A Health Committee report announced that as a temporary measure for the convenience of pedestrians the gate into the cemetery from Harborough-road had been opened daily from 2 to 5 p.m. For the next three months, however, it would be opened from 8 a.m. until the closing of the cemetery each day.

Mrs. Muxlow said the public were very grateful for the new arrangements.

This was confirmed by Coun. Richardson, who thanked the committee as a Harborough-road resident.

The Chairman: We are always pleased to have congratulations for something.

Coun.Allebone: I expect all the people of the South Ward will offer the same, won’t they?

Mr. Richardson added that there were dangers in opening a way through the cemetery, and he hoped that people who saw the place misused would co-operate with the Council.

Mrs. Muxlow: We shall be glad of the co-operation of the public in keeping the cemetery as it should be kept.

British Restaurant

Further reference to the British Restaurant question was made by the War Emergency Committee, who reported that the Trades Council had sent particulars of workers employed in Rushden and residing outside the town, while employers of labour were trying to obtain other information to show whether a restaurant was necessary or not. Pending further discussion the committee has arranged to visit British Restaurants at Desborough and Wellingborough.

It was reported that of 24 milk samples sent for bacteriological examination during the last two months only five were considered satisfactory. The Sanitary Inspector was interviewing some of the purveyors, telling them that the Health Committee took a serious view of the position.

Mrs. Muxlow said they were rather distressed to have such a report, but were assured by the Medical Officer that the test was rather a severe one.

Following an inspection of the A.R.P. Report Centre by the County Emergency Committee the surveyor is preparing plans for enlarging the Centre, which was built about a year ago.

The Clerk reported that 696 free Morrison shelters, 21 of the purchased issue and four of the two-tier type had been applied for. Up to August 28th 460 had been issued out of 502 received, and a further 200 had been allocated to the town.

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., Dr. R. W. Davies, Mrs. O. A. H. Muxlow, J. Allen, W. E. Capon, J. George, J. Spencer, J.P., J. H. J. Paragreen, H. Waring, E. A. Sugars, J. T. Richardson, J. F. and T. J. Swindall.

Home Guards On Song - “Sunshine” Chorus at Rushden Church Parade

Led by the Salvation Army Band, members of Rushden Home Guard marched from their parade ground to the Queen-street Citadel on Sunday morning for a special service conducted by Major Edward Nicholson, the Salvation Army representative and Welfare Officer to H.M. Forces, Eastern Command.

Facing the congregation from the platform were representatives of the Navy, Army and Air Force, and a Salvationist from Chicago.

While prayers were being offered by Corps Sergeant Major Green, the Home Guards remained standing. They were afterwards invited to sing while the rest of the congregation listened. The song chosen was “Sunshine on the hill.” A member of the Home Guard gave the scripture reading.

The Chairman of the Urban Council, Coun. W. J. Sawford, J.P., presided at an afternoon meeting when Major Nicholson gave an address on “Salvation Army activities in war-time.” The scripture reading was given by a sick berth attendant in the Royal Navy.

At an evening service conducted by the Major the Scriptures were read by Pte. Rose, of the A.T.S., and the testimony was given by Corpl. Bishop, D.C.M., M.M., of the Pioneer Corps.

Large congregations were present at all services, and collections taken were in aid of the Rushden Corps Servicemen’s Fund.

Adjutant T. Jewkes opened a meeting at the Citadel on Monday evening, when a lantern lecture on “Spiritual work among H.M. Forces” was given by Major Nicholson, the subjects including “Armies of the British Empire,” “Law and Order” and “Convoy Defence.” Prayers were taken by Miss N. Sharp, former secretary of the Home League, and Adjutant Jewkes proposed a vote of thanks to the Major. There was a good company present.

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2nd October, 1942

First Find Your Horses
Rushden Fire-Fighting in the Old Days
N.F.S. Developments

Members of the Rushden Rotary Club listened to an interesting address on the growth of the N.F.S. given by Company Officer A. P. Timpson, of Rushden, at their weekly luncheon held in the Waverley Hotel last Friday.

Mr. Timpson drew a picture of Rushden Fire Brigade when horses were used and when firemen went home to put on a clean collar before attending the fire. Sometimes when the horses could not be obtained, the men had to push the apparatus, which was very hard work indeed.

These conditions continued up to 1921 until Mr. Jaques’ factory caught alight and went up in smoke because the engines could not get there in time. The Council then decided to have a motor pump.

Mr Timpson said he paid his subscription and joined the brigade in 1921, and in 1936 he was appointed Chief of the Fire Service.

Before the N.F.S. was formed Rushden had equipment which was comparable to that of any town in the country and adequate in case of any emergency.

War-Time Rush

In 1939 they began to train men for the Auxiliary Fire Service “by hook or by crook” in case of emergency. At that time many towns were inadequately provided with equipment and appliances were all the time being switched over from one town to another when it was needed.

Something had to be done about it, and on August 18th, 1941, the National Fire Service was formed with the commander of the London Fire Brigade at its head. The country was split up into twelve regions, and these were divided into areas and the areas into divisions. Each division was split up into sub-divisions and these into companies.

The division which included Rushden was the “C” division which covered 630 square miles, in which there were personnel numbering 1,500. The Rushden Company amounted to about 200 personnel and had 15 pumps.

All appliances such as lorries, pumps, floats and barges and all other equipment were at everyone’s disposal and could be moved to any town in the division in a very short time or even to another division if needed.

Water Supply

Turning to the water question, Mr. Timpson said that there was three-quarters of a mile of water pipe-line in Rushden, and the N.F.S. could link up to it to get to any part of the town. There were also many static water tanks and he understood that they were to have another mile of pipe-line and several more tanks.

They now had with them Welfare Officers, and the personnel had their own benefit fund.

“In Rushden,” he declared, “we used to think that we could run out a hose better than anyone else, but when it came for us to work with another team from another town we found that our methods were different. However, drills have now been standardised, which is a good thing.”

In concluding, Mr. Timpson said that if there was anyone with time on his hands he would be very welcome with the N.F.S. They could only offer months of hard work and study, but they would be doing an excellent and worthy job for their country.

During the question time which followed, Mr. F. J. Sharwood, C.C., asked what method could be used to get a higher pressure of water in the higher parts of the town, to which Mr. Timpson replied that to get the water there they would have to put into operation a relay session pumping from the lower parts of the town. There were, however, static water tanks in the higher parts.

Thanks to the speaker were extended by Mr. O. L. Ash. Mr. A. H. Whitton presided.

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Money Squandered on A.R.P. Battledress
Rushden Council Hears Protest
Queue Problem
Food Control Appointments “In Committee”

Squandering of public money was alleged at the Rushden Urban Council’s meeting on Wednesday, when Coun. A. H. Bailey revealed that A.R.P. workers, well content with their simple overalls, are being compelled, against their wish, to wear battledress uniform.

Other subjects before the meeting were equipment for Fire Guards and the provision of bus queue barriers. In spite of a challenging question by Coun. Allen, the appointment of Food Control Committee members was considered in committee.

Councillor Bailey recalled that some time ago the Council commended the action of the Clerk and War Emergency Committee in declining the offer of battledress for the A.R.P. personnel. Now it was being forced on them whether they wished it or not. He had spoken to the A.R.P. Officer and the Chief Warden, and had been asked to say on behalf of the wardens that the overalls were to be taken away and battledress uniforms issued in their place.

Of what use would the battledress and smart beret be among blitzed buildings? Were the services to be issued with practical protective clothing or this wonderful battledress which was more suitable for church parades and ceremonies?

Council Helpless

After pointing out that the idea of re-issuing the overalls to the Fire Guards was ineffective because there would be only 300 sets, whereas the town had about 2,500 Fire Guards, Coun. Bailey declared: “I want to protest, and protest most strongly, against this squandering of public money.”

There were cries of “Hear, hear,” but the Chairman said he was afraid the Council had no jurisdiction.

A minute of the War Emergency Committee, reporting that the Surveyor had been instructed to ask the Regional Commissioner for permission to provide black-out curtains at the public shelters, brought Coun. Allen to his feet. “It seems to me,” he said, “to be a most ridiculous procedure that the black-out should be held up because of bureaucracy.”

Mrs. Muxlow: Hear, hear! Agreed!

The Chairman: I think you know what the circumstances are.

Coun. Allen: I think if I had anything to do with it, I should purchase the stuff, put it up, and see what happened.

Coun.Allebone: You would do as you were told!

Coun. Capon: The more we act in conformity with the regulations, the better the service we shall get.

Barriers Needed

The Highways Committee has considered the need for barriers at the bus stops, or, alternatively, the painting of lines on the pavements for the guidance of passengers and drivers. The Surveyor (Mr. J. W. Lloyd), is estimating the cost of barriers, and the committee reports that the County Council will raise no objection to barriers or lines being provided.

Coun. Richardson said the estimate would be presented at the committee’s next meeting.

Coun. Green said he had had several complaints recently from people who had been unable to get on the ‘buses. “I have had some experience of it myself at Northampton,” he added.

The Chairman: I think most of us will agree that they are essential, more so in the blackout than in the daytime.

“I had experience of it one night after leaving a Council meeting,” said Mr. Spencer. “A lot of young people rushed up at the last moment, and I had to walk. If there had been barriers I could have got in.”

Eighty-four Senior Fire Guards, it was announced, had attended lectures for training as supplementary instructors, and 58 of them had been through the fire hut smoke drill.

Equipment Ordered

For the training of Fire Guards generally it was agreed to build a bomb hut, costing £50, near the stables at Rushden Hall. As equipment for the Fire Guards it was agreed to apply for permission to obtain some overalls (probably from those hitherto used by the Civil Defence personnel), two fire baskets for use in the bomb hut, 250 practice incendiary bombs, 2,250 pairs of eyeshields, 300 axes, 300 hand lamps and some whistles.

The Clerk reported that 1,044 table shelters (of which 32 were being purchased) and five two-tier shelters had been applied for. Of these, 679 free and 22 purchased shelters had already been supplied to the applicants. This had exhausted the Council’s stock, but 305 more shelters were expected to arrive shortly.

In view of the fact that no seating, heating or lighting are provided at the communal shelters it was agreed to extend the offer of Morrison indoor shelters to householders living near the communal shelters.

Emergency Feeding

As the Ministry of Food has now agreed to the establishment of emergency feeding centres for 10 per cent. of the population, it was decided that the second building, not yet chosen, should be earmarked for this purpose. The Independent Wesleyan Schools, already earmarked, are considered capable of dealing with 1,200 persons in two sittings, but the total provision must now be for 2,180 people, this figure taking into account the populations of Higham Ferrers and Irthlingborough.

Meeting on October 2nd, the War Emergency Committee was still without “all the information required” on British Restaurants, and adjourned the question once more.

It was reported that the number of official evacuees in Rushden on September 30th was 432, made up as follows: Unaccompanied children 241, mothers with children 50, children with mothers 81, teachers 20, helpers 4, homeless persons 6, children at Eastfields Nursery 30.

As the local retailers cannot obtain adequate supplies of dustbins it was agreed that the Sanitary Inspector (Mr. F. S. F. Piper) should authorise the manufacturers to supply them. It was explained that when the bins were received they would only be issued on the instructions of the Council.

Coun. Roe was assured that private property owners would be able to apply to the Sanitary Inspector if they wished to purchase dustbins.

Steady Salvage

Salvage valued at £112 was collected during September as follows : Paper and cardboard, 16 tons 3 qtrs.; bones, 18 cwt.; light iron, 1 ton 2½ cwt.; rags, 7¼ cwt.; bagging, 13 cwt.; crushed tins, 3 tons 10 cwt.; string, 5 cwt.; kitchen waste, 3 tons 12 cwt.; bottles and jars, 120 dozen.

Mrs. Muxlow said they were keeping up the salvage consistently, and that was the best thing.

Coun.Paragreen drew attention to the fact that the growing crops at the sewage farm had been sold for £220, compared with £54 last year.

Coun.Allebone congratulated the Council’s officers on the very satisfactory report of the District Auditor.

A list of revised property assessments effected a net increase of £30.

Plans were approved for an air-raid shelter at 90 Higham-road (Mr. S. A. Putnam).

A request by the residents for public lighting in Graveley-street was deferred until after the war because it was considered that the type of lamp now used would be ineffective.

Why The Secrecy?

At the close of the public business Coun. Allen enquired “May I ask why it is necessary to go into committee for the appointment of three members of the Area Food Control Committee?”

The Chairman replied “I will ask the Clerk to explain.”

“It is not an appointment, it is merely a provisional appointment,” said Mr. W. L. Beetenson. “The members will not be appointed really until December. I think I had better not say anything further at this juncture. I will explain everything in committee.”

The public part of the meeting was then declared closed.

Members in attendance were Couns. W. J. Sawford, J.P., (chairman), A. H. 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, T. J. Swindall, 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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30th October, 1942

Profit of £2,181 - Finances of Rushden’s Holiday Fete

A balance of £2,181 8s. 4d. from the Rushden Holiday Fete was reported last night (Thursday) at a town’s meeting.

Receipts included the following items:- Donations £331 12s. 6d., Query Motor Club (election of “Miss Britannia” etc.) £242 6s., Messrs. John White’s day £500, Old English Market £300, Hospital Committee competition £127 17s. 10d., British Legion flag day, whist drives and dance £105 6s. 8d., N.F.S. £6 6s., dog show £30 2s. 10d., rifle range £37 4s., Ritz concert £86 3s. 7d., Windmill Club dance £24 17s. 10d., Rotary Club dance £83 4s. 8d., treasure hunt (Eaton and Co.) £20 15s. 1d., Athletic Club concert £4 10s. cricket competition £10, Rushden Swimming Club’s gala £10 10s. 8d., admissions and programme £293 2s. 3d., fur and feather show £26 13s. 1d., C.W.S. girls £40 2s. 9d., Old English Stocks £59 18s. 3d. returned prizes and fees etc. £10 12s. Adult School whist drive £2, “Twelfth Night” performance £20 12s. 10d., R.A.F. and Windmill Club sports and boxing £28 5s. 2d., side shows and miscellaneous receipts £182 8s., refunded tax (Messrs. J. White’s concert) £16 3s. 8d., Messrs. John Cave and Sons’ fete £24 2s.

The expenditure, totalling £503 10s. 2d., included £70 for Entertainment Tax, but this will be recovered. Out of the profit on the R.A.F. sports and the boxing tournament £14 2s. 7d. has been sent to the R.A.F. Benevolent Fund.

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