30th April 1926 - Rural District Council

Original image on Facebook

Rural District Council

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

Mr G.C. Wilson proposed that Captain H.H. Williams be elected Chairman for the ensuring year. Capt. Williams was one who had done a large amount of work for the Guardians and the Council, and he was one of those members who attended every meeting.

Capt. E.T. Morris seconded.

Capt. Williams, in thanking the members for electing him, said he appreciated the honour and privilege. The position meant a certain amount of work, but one's labours were lightened by the way in which the members worked together and by the Council's excellent clerk.

The Chairman then proposed that Mr G.C. Wilson be appointed Vice-Chairman. Mr Wilson had done a large amount of good and practical work.

Mr H.E. Dudley seconded.

Mr Wilson thanked the members for his appointment, and said he would do his best.

COMMITTEES

Mr C. Hummerstone proposed, and Mr W.J. May seconded, that the following be appointed to serve on the Housing Committee:

Mrs K.J. Dimsdale, Captain E.T. Morris, Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. F.B. Cannon, C. Fraser, G. Graves, C. Hummerstone, W.H. Kittow, H.C. Marshall, W.J. May, E.J. Marchal and G.C. Wilson.

The following were appointed to serve on the Hospital Committee:

Mrs K.J. Dimsdale, Rev. L.W. Wright, Capt. E.T. Morris, Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. John Bygrave, C. Fraser, C. Hummerstone, A.J. Hayes, H.C. Marshall, W.J. May and A.W. Page.

The following were appointed to serve on the Water and Sewage Farm Committee:

Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. F.B. Cannon, H.E. Dudley, W.H. Kittow, W.J. May, T.J. Stick and A.J. Hayes.

SURVEYOR'S REPORT

The Surveyor reported as follows:

ISOLATION HOSPITAL

No cases of infection disease have been notified during the month, and the hospital remains closed.

WATERWORKS

The consumption of water during the past month has been:

1st week - 264,000 gallons.

2nd week - 249,000 gallons.

3rd week - 256,000 gallons.

4th week - 258,000 gallons.

The water level remains stationary at 42 feet, being the same level as April 29th last year. Water services have been made to premises in the High Street for the Electro Tanneries, LTD., and to premises in the London Road.

WESTMILL WATER SUPPLY

In consequence of complaints made by the tenants of the Council's cottages alleging impurity of the water supply, a sample of water has been submitted to the Counties Laboratories for analysis.

The analyst reports as follows: "This is very hard water of the highest degree of organic purity. The hardness is such that it will rapidly fur kettles, boilers, &c. We regard the water as a pure and wholesome supply."

A same from the newly-dug well at Westmill has also been submitted for analysis, and the analyst reports: "This is a hard water containing a trace of vegetable matter in suspension, which is doubtless due to the recent sinking operation. In other respects it is satisfactory and of a fair degree of organic purity. Assuming that the well is efficiently constructed, we regard the water as suitable for drinking and domestic purposes.

HOUSING

The Survey reported on the Housing Scheme as follows:

All the cottages owned by the Council are in occupation.

A tenant makes application to erect a small motor shed at one of the cottages at Meesden.

The Chairman said the application would be granted.

A letter was read from the Ministry of Health with reference to the sundry expenditure in connection with the Housing Final Accounts, and stating that subject to audit the amounts would rank for financial assistance.

ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY

The North Metropolitan Electric Supply Company wrote stating that they had been obliged to alter their proposed route owing to the trouble of getting way leave. The route would not be about 500 yds. further east.

The Chairman said the Company had not stated where the new line would be diverted, and he thought it would be a good thing if the Clerk wrote and asked the Company.

This was agreed.

LOCAL EDUCATION

The Clerk stated that the Herts. County Council had asked the Council to appoint three members on the Local Education Committee of the Herts. County Council. The following were then elected: Capt. H.H. Williams, Messes. C. Hummerstone and G.C. Wilson.

ADVERTISEMENTS REGULATION ACTS

A circular was read from the Council Council respecting the above Act which gives power to protect from disfiguring advertisements.

1. The view of rural scenery from a highway or railway or from any public place or water.

2. The amenities of any village within the district of a Rural District Council.

3. The amenities of historic or public buildings &c.

The County Council also pointed out that a conference upon the subject was being held in London on Friday, 7th May, and asked for two representatives of the Council to be appointed to attend.

Capt. Morris proposed that Capt. H.H. Williams and the Rev. L.W. Wright be appointed. This was agreed.

GRANT

The Clerk stated that the sum of £93 0s. 10d. had been placed to the credit of the Council under the Agrucultural Rates Act of 1896.

30th April 1926 - Buntingford Board of Guardians

Original image on Facebook

Buntingford Board of Guardians

The Chairmanship

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room yesterday (Thursday).

Present: Capt. E.T. Morris, Capt. H.H. Williams, the Rev. L.W. Wright, Messrs. F.B. Cannon, W.J. May, G. Graves, E. Bygrave, T.J. Stick, E.J. Marchal, W.H. Kittow, A.J. Hayes, G.C. Wilson, H.E. Dudley, and C. Hummerstone, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke), the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), and the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin).

Capt. H.H. Williams was voted to the chair.

THE CHAIRMANSHIP

The Chairman said the first business was to elect a new Chairman of the Board.

Mr W.J. May said he had much pleasure in proposing that Mr C. Hummerstone be appointed Chairman for the ensuing year. Mr Hummerstone had been on the Board for the past nine years, and no one had taken a keener interest in the affairs of the Board.

Mr A.J. Hayes seconded the proposition.

On taking the chair, Mr Hummerstone said he had hoped that Mr May would carry on for another year, but as it was the Board's wish that he (Mr Hummerstone) be elected Chairman he would do his best. (Hear, hear).

The Chairman moved that Mr F.B. Cannon be elected Vice-Chairman. The members all knew what interest Mr Cannon took in matters of local government. 

The Rev. L.W. Wright seconded.

Mr Cannon thanked the members for electing him and said he would do his best.

COMMITTEES

On the proposition of Mr W.H. Kittow, seconded by Mr G.C. Wilson, the following were appointed to serve on the House Committee:

Mrs K.J. Dimsdale, Rev. L.W. Wright, Capt. E.T. Morris, Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. F.B. Cannon, C. Fraser, G. Graves, C. Hummerstone, H.C. Marshall, W.J. May, A.W. Page and G.C. Wilson.

Capt. H.H. Williams moved, and Mr F.B. Cannon seconded, that the following be appointed to serve on the Finance Committee:

Capt. E.T. Morris, Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. C. Fraser, C. Hummerstone, H.C. Marshall, W.J. May, E.J. Marchal, A.W. Page and G.C. Wilson.

The following were appointed to serve on the Assessment Committee on the proposition of Capt. E.T. Morris, seconded by Mr E.J. Marchal:Gr

Capt. E.T. Morris, Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. F.B. Cannon, H.E. Dudley, C. Fraser, C. Hummerstone, W.H. Kittow, W.J. May, T.J. Stick, and G.C. Wilson.

MASTER'S REPORT

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 17, women 15, children 2. Total 34. Corresponding period last year - men 21, women 17, children 3. Total 41. Casuals 18. Corresponding period last year 9. Since the last meeting of the Board 55 casuals have been relieved.

GIFTS

Gifts of books have been received from the Captain (Salvation Army), Mrs Veasey, Mrs Scarborough Taylor and Mrs J. Smith. On 28th the inmates were invited to a concert given by "The Bunties" Concert Party, and a most enjoyable time was spent.

----

A discussion arose as to the increased number of tramps, and the Master as given instructions with regard to certain cases.

The Chairman said the Board were grateful to the donors of the gifts and to "The Bunties" Concert Party.

HOUSE COMMITTEE REPORT

The House Committee visited the House on April 19th, and found the inmates carefully attended and comfortable.

The contract work to the day rooms, sick wards and scullery was well in hand. The question of dealing with the excess of tramps was discussed by the Committee.

The Committee also inspected the meat and found it quite satisfactory.

OFFICERS' SALARIES

The clerk read a circular from the Ministry of Health giving the average weekly cost per inmate for officers' salaries and rations, also of buildings and repairs. The following is an extract - Officers' salaries - Buntingford Union 7/5 and a half, Ware Union 9/3 and a half, Royston 8/5. Buildings and repairs - Buntingford Union 3/2 and a quarter, Ware Union 2/4, Royston Union 2/2 and a quarter.

The Chairman said the Buntingford figure of 3/2 and a quarter included the cost of the new heating arrangements.

RELIEF

Several cases of relief were dealt with by the Board, and instructions given to the Relieving Officer.

OVERSEERS

The Board appointed overseers for the following parishes: Broadfield, Buckland, Little Hormead, Meesden and Rushden.

GRANT UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL RATES ACT

The Clerk stated that the sum of £240 14s. 4d., under the Agricultural Rates Act, 1896, had been placed to the credit of the Guardians.

9th April 1926 - Buntingford Board of Guardians

Original image on Facebook

Board of Guardians

Monthly Meeting

Big Increase in Tramps

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room on Thursday of last week.

Present - Mr W.J. May (in the chair), Capt. H.H. Williams, Capt. E.T. Morris, the Rev. L.W. Wright, Messrs. H.C. Marshall, C. Hummerstone, H.E. Dudley, G. Graves, E. Bygrave, F.B. Cannon, A.J. Hayes and G.C Wilson, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke), the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), and the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin).

MASTER'S REPORT

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 18, women 14, children 2. Total 34. Corresponding period last year 40.

TRAMPS

During the past month 56 casuals have been received, as against 13 for the corresponding period last year. On some nights we have had 12, although we have only accommodation for 10.

The majority of the tramps are young men under 40 years of age, who find tramping no hardship since the regulations have been altered. They are insolent, and make it known that they will not work two days for one night's lodging, and as each tramps is supplied with a chopper I do not think it safe to enforce the order. It is only those Unions that have proper constructed cells who can keep tramps for two days.

The blankets (24), which has been more than sufficient for our requirements in the past, are not enough now, and tenders for a further supply, also nightshirts, are before the Board today. It is not long ago since the Board were called upon to relieve 3595 tramps a year, which at the present cost of diet would mean a big charge upon the rates. The first year I was appointed we had 43 tramps, and I have been able to keep them somewhere near that number until the recent new regulations came into force.

After 20 years' experience with tramps, it is my opinion that the majority (with few exceptions) do not respond to kindly treatment, but look upon it as weakness on the part of the officers in dealing with them. Would the Board kindly consider the telephone being fixed in my office so that I am in close touch with the police?

GIFTS

Gifts of books have been receiving from the following and have been much appreciated: Mrs Greg, Mr C. Hummerstone, Mrs H. May, Miss Bowers, Mrs Hamilton and Miss Lushington.

---

The Chairman said he was sure the members felt that the Master ought to be supported, and it was agreed to install the telephone at once.

TENDERS

The following tenders were accepted for the current half year:

Meat - Messrs. W.G. Clark, Ware.

Bread - Mr C.S. Coates, 8 1/2d. and 9d.

Coal - Mr E.J. Sparkes, £1 15s. and £1 17s. 6d.

Milk - C. Smith, 1/- per gallon.

Haircutting - Mr C. Miles.

Coffins - Mr G. Saggers.

Groceries and Oilman's Goods - Messrs. Forrest Stores.

Clothing - Messrs. Hirst, Kettlewell & Co.

Soaps - Messrs. McDoughall and Robertson.

Boots - Messrs. Wilkins & Denton.

Mr Hayes: I notice that no tenders have been received from Buntingford butchers. Were the tender forms submitted to them?

The Clerk: Yes.

Mr Hayes: I think the meat supplied to the Institution should be inspected from time to time. I saw some recently and it struck me that it was not English.

The Master said Messrs. Clark's contract was satisfactory. It was only during the summer months that the meat was ever discoloured, and on any occasion when it had arrived in that condition Messrs. Clark always changed it.

The Rev. L.W. Wright asked if there were any other tenders for the supply of coals, and the Chairman said there was one from Messrs. Nash, of Royston.

16th Dec 1927 - Buntingford Board of Guardians

Original image on Facebook

Buntingford Board of Guardians

Monthly Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room on Thursday in last week. In the absence through illness of the Chairman, Mr C. Hummerstone, the Vice-Chairman, Mr F.B. Cannon, presided, and expressed the hope that the Chairman would soon be well again.

Others present were Mrs Dimsdale, Captain H.H. Williams, Messrs. C. Fraser, G. Graves, A.W. Page, W.J. May, T.J. Stick, A.J. Hayes, G.C. Wilson, and Herbert Ward, with the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), the Relieving Officers (Mr H.H. Macklin) and the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke).

MASTER'S REPORT

The Master presented his monthly report, which was as follows: Number of inmates - men 26, women 18, total 44. Number for corresponding period last year, 37.

Since the last meeting five persons had been admitted and one discharged. The following gifts had been received and much appreciated: Mrs Vasey, books; Miss Thody, magazines; Mrs Searing, books; Mrs Law, books. During the month, 293 casuals have been relieved, against 91 for the corresponding period of last year.

The Master also reported that he had received some subscriptions towards the fund for provided a loud speaker for the men's ward, and he hoped to get enough to meet the cost.

Mr May reported that he had, on behalf of the House Committee, visited that Institution that morning and found everywhere in clean and good order. The new stove had been fixed in the lying-in ward and was satisfactory. The electric light installation was well in hand.

Several cases of relief were dealt with, and a proposition allowing the usual extra Christmas relief (1/6 for adults and 1/- for children) was unanimously carried.

TENDERS

Tenders were received for the supply of goods, &c., to the institution, and the following accepted:

Groceries - Messrs. W.B. Moss & Sons.

Meat - Mr H.A. Jackson.

Milk - Mr C. Smith.

Coffins - Mr G. Saggers.

Hair-cutting - Mr C. Miles.

Bread and flour - Mr G.J. Pearce.

The remaining business, which lasted less than twenty minutes, was of a formal nature.