Note: The last column of the article seems to be one that actually belongs in the middle, before the column that starts "Cottered". I have transcribed this with the text in the correct place to prevent any confusion with screen readers.
Buntingford Rural District Council
The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Rural District Council was held in the Board Room on Thursday of last week.
The Chairman (Mr H.C. Marshall) presided, others present being Messrs. E.T. Morris, F.B. Cannon, C. Fraser, G.C. Wilson, H.H. Williams, C. Hummerstone, W.J. May, F. Prime, J. Bygrave and G. Graves, Mrs C.R. Dimsdale, the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke) and the Surveyor (Mr E.G. Thody).
Isolation Hospital
The Surveyor reported that no cases of infectious disease had been notified during the past month, and that the Hospital was closed.
Waterworks
The consumption of water during the past month was reported as follows:
1st week 207,000 gallons
2nd week 214,000 gallons
3rd week 190,000 gallons
4th week 208,000 gallons
The water level has risen a further two feet and the rest level is now 33 feet, being 2ft. 6ins. higher than in January 1923.
A supply of 400 gallons of paraffin had recently been procured.
Buckland House Scheme
The Surveyor reported that a sample of water taken from the bore hole had been submitted for analyst [sic].
The report stated that the water was distinctly hard, but in all respects it was quite good.
It was considered a wholesome water, and the turbidity would disappear with use.
Electric Light Discussed
It was notified that the North Metropolitan Electric Company proposed applying for powers to supply energy to include the Rural Districts of Buntingford, Ashwell, Hadham and Hitchin.
The Chairman explained the purport of the Bill, and said that he thought the Board would approved of it, but at the same time he thought that a public meeting should be called to discuss the matter.
He hoped that the proposed charge of 10d. per unit would be revised as early as possible.
The Chairman then made the following observations on Clauses 7 and 8 of the Bill:
Clause 7. Under this clause as drawn, the Company can exercise their powers without the consent of the Local Authority where such authority were not authorised distributors at the time of pass the Act. Should the Company obtain the consent of the Council before exercising their powers in the district?
Clause 8. The maximum charge of 10d. per unit, which is to remain in force for a period of three years from the passing of the Act. Under this clause as drawn, a revision of prices cannot take place until after a period of three years. A revision of prices should be permitted to take place any time after the passing of the Act.
It is suggested that Clause 7 should be amended so that the Council would be protected in regard to the Company exercising their powers in the District, and the County Council should consult those Councillors representing the district and ascertain their views before giving their consent.
The following resolution was then unanimously carried:
"That this Council having examined and considered the North Metropolitan Electric Power Supply Bill 1924 are of opinion that Clause 7 should be amended to the effect that the Company shall not exercise their powers to supply in the District except without the previous consent under seal of the County Council, after consultation with representatives of the Local Authorities.
That Clause 8 should be amended so as to permit a revision of charges taking place at any time after the passing of the Act, and not post-poned for a period of three years."
The Chairman, who said that the Hertfordshire Council had the matter in hand, said he would be seeing Sir James Devonshire on the 23rd of January, and that no doubt if the public were willing, and could guarantee a certain number of consumers, the Company would expedite facilities.
Captain E.T. Morris asked if the service would pass through Buckland, and the Chairman said he understood it would.
The Clerk was instructed to write to the Clerk of the Hertfordshire County Council respecting the points raised.
Cottered
The Surveyor stated that owing to carelessness on the part of those drawing water, the elevator was broken on the 8th. The cost of repairs would be £2.
Ardeley
It was reported that the contractor was proceeding with the well-boring, and was down 210 feet. There was 50 feet head of water, and testing was being commenced that day.
A Nuisance at Cromer
The Surveyor reported that a considerable quantity of sewage matter discharged into an open ditch running through the village street. It appeared that the sewage flowed from several properties.
The Surveyor was instructed to interview the owners of the properties with a view to devising a scheme whereby the sewage could be dealt with.
Condemned Cottages
Four cottages situate in Little Lane, which had previously been condemned as unfit for human habitation, were reported to be vacated and closed.
Westmill Cottages
One of the tenants of the Council Cottages at Westmill reported that the mantel shelf in the parlour collapsed, and that his clock and sundry ornaments were thrown to the floor and broken. The tenant had estimated the damage to be about £5.
One of the Councillors caused laughter by saying that he thought mantel shelves should have a notice similar to that on brides, showing what weight they could take.