At a meeting of the Rushden Urban Council on Wednesday the following reports were received from the

Housing Committee.

  A meeting of the Housing Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Wednesday, October 15^th, 1919, when there were present: Messrs. F. Knight (chairman), John Claridge, C. E. Bayes, W. Bazeley, J. Tomlin, and T. Wilmott.

Town Planning, Etc., Act - Survey of Housing Needs

  The Form of Survey issued by the Ministry of Health and required to be completed by October 31^st, was carefully considered and the information required given in detail.

  A meeting of the Housing Committee was held at the Council Buildings on Tuesday November 11^th, when there were present: Messrs. F. Knight (chairman), J. Claridge, C. E. Bayes, W. Bazeley, J. Tomlin, and T. Wilmott.  The Chairman reported that in consequence of the poor quality of the concrete used in the foundations of the houses first commenced the work had been stopped by the architect, and after some negotiations with the builder it had been agreed that he should recommence building operations at the other end.  The architect advised that it was absolutely necessary to employ a clerk of works, and Mr. Herbert Windsor had been appointed at a salary of £3 per week.  A representative from the Housing Commissioner had visited Rushden and approved of the steps taken.  The Clerk read correspondence with the Housing Commissioner with regard to further tenders for the remaining houses, and it was resolved to at once invite tenders for the 40 houses on the Newton-road frontage, in two lots.  It was agreed to sell Mr. W. G. Wilmott 1,000 yards of turf from the sites of the houses to be erected in Trafford-road, and the Surveyor was instructed to lay a six-inch drain at the rear of this site.

Housing Needs

  The Clerk read the replies which had been sent to the Ministry of Health with regard to the housing needs of Rushden, showing that no industrial development was anticipated, and that no reduction was anticipated in the number of persons employed in the town.  Particulars as to population were sent as follows: Pre-war population, 14,200; average annual increase for the five years before the war, 240; estimated present population, 15,000; anticipated increase, 250.  Number of dwelling houses in the district, 2,944; working-class houses built annually during the five years before the war, 8; working-class houses built 1915-18, 72.  Empty houses, none.  Tenements with more than two occupants per room, none; houses intended for one family now occupied by two or more families, 290.

  Estimated housing needs: Working-class houses required during the next three years to meet the unsatisfied demand for houses, 290; to replace buildings which will be demolished, 19.  Net estimate of number of houses required, 309.  Unhealthy areas which may have to be dealt with, none; inhabited houses which cannot be made fit for habitation, none; houses already subject to closing order, 1.

  Scheme of the Rushden Urban Council for new dwellings (approximate number of new houses to be provided, including scheme in hand) under the Housing Act; Houses with living-room, scullery, and two bedrooms, 40; houses with living-room, scullery, and three bedrooms, 213; houses with parlour, living-room scullery, and three bedrooms, 32; ditto, and four bedrooms, 24; total, 309.  Average number of houses per acre, 11.  The scheme to be carried out as soon as possible after approval by the Ministry of Health.

Houses To Come Down

  The Clerk said that about 19 houses at the back of the Co-operative Stores in High-street (reaching to Rectory-road) would be pulled down when the Co-operative Society proceeded with their extension scheme.

  Mr. Spencer said he thought this was the weakest report he had ever known.  It was weak on the point that no industrial increase was expected, and he certainly did not think 290 houses would be sufficient.  He thought a census of the town should be taken on the question.  People were buying houses, and the tenants were afraid of being turned out.

  Mr. Bazeley said the report was as accurate as the Housing Committee could make it.  As to the development of the industry of the town, the place could not develop until the houses were built.

  The Chairman said he agreed with Mr. Bazeley, and added that it was not an easy matter to deal with the authorities in London.  The committee were not so negligent in their duties as Mr. Spencer suggested.

  Mr. Spencer: I did not suggest negligence, want of vision, that is all.

  The Chairman: if you were on the Housing Committee, Mr. Spencer, you would know something of the difficulties we are facing.

  Mr. Hornsby said he quite approved of the steps taken with regard to houses being erected, as it was no use building them unless they were safe and sound.

  The reports were adopted.