1383 COUNCIL

HARROW URBAN DISTRICT

MINUTES of an Ordinary Meeting of the Harrow Urban District Council held on Friday, 19th March, 1954, at 7.30 o'clock in the afternoon, at the Council Offices, Peel Road, Wealdstone.

Present: Councillors W. R. Cowen, O.B.E., J.P. (Chairman), S. R. Miller, F.R.I.B.A. (Vice-Chairman), F. Adkins, Dip.Arch., A.R.I.B.A., J. E. T. Adkins, W. O. Alien, J.P., R. Bailey, A. C. L. Bishop, C. Brown, F.I.A.C., E. G. Buckle, A.R.I.C.S., C. R. J. Calderwood, F. D. Campbell Alien, Mrs. D. A. Nott Cock, S.R.N., S.C.M., O. G. Collins, Lieut.-Col. W. J. K. Crawforth, H. W. Cutler, T. A. Ellement, H. G. Gange, J.P., H. Grainger, C. E. Jordan, A. E. Kingett, J. C. Leigh, J.P., C.C., A. J. Lovell, J. T. Macaulay, Lieut.- Commander A. E. P. F. Macrae (R.N.V.R.), S. C. Mansell, Capt. F. B. Mason, C. G. L. Morley, A.M.I.Mech.E., A.M.I.E.E., H. T. Mote, M. C. Nokes, A. O'Loughlin, C.C., Mrs. I. M. Potts, M.B.E., J. R. Pye, Mrs. E. Rivers, E. A. Rogers, F. Sampson, J. W. P. Shapland, H. R. Sheldrake, T. T. Swan, J.P., Mrs. E. M. Syme, A. E. Thomas, L. S. Woodruff and W. G. Worts.

PRAYERS. The Chairman's Chaplain (the Rev. J. D. Richards) opened the meeting with Prayers.

MINUTES. Resolved: [6625] That the minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 19th February, 1954, and of the special meeting of the Council held on 3rd March, 1954, having been circulated, be taken as read and signed as a true record.

COLONIAL ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE—MR. R. E. SNOWDEN. The Chairman of the Council extended a welcome to Mr. R. E. Snowden, a Colonial Administrative Officer serving in Basutoland, who was making a study of certain aspects of local government administration, and who was present at the meeting. COUNCIL 1384

CHARTER OF INCORPORATION. The Clerk of the Council submitted messages of congratulation and good wishes, from the following Authorities, Organisations and personages, upon the grant of a Charter of Incorporation to Harrow: — His Worship the Mayor of Wembley (Alderman Cyril H. Smith, J.P.). His Worship the Mayor of Baling (Alderman W. H. Crowe, J.P., C.C.) and the Haling Borough Council. His Worship the Mayor of Aylesbury (Councillor A. J. Sage, J.P.). The Chairman of the Ruislip-Northwood Urban District Council (Coun­ cillor L. Freeman, M.B.E., J.P.). The Chairman of the Urban District Council (Councillor R. P. Matthews, J.P.). Sir William Grimshaw, J.P., Chairman of the Non-County Boroughs Committee. Alderman A. A. Naar, M.B.E., Chairman of the Borough and District Councils' Association. Alderman A. H. Edmond, Deputy Mayor of Wembley. Mr. lan Harvey, T.D., M.P. Mr. Norman Bower, M.A. Col. M. F. Kittoe, O.B.E., T.D., D.L. Councillor W. A. Harrison, of Whitby, Yorks. (Past Chairman of Harrow Urban District Council). Mr. A. D. Chesterfield, Chief General Manager, Westminster Bank, Ltd. Mr. R. F. B. Campbell, M.A., Headmaster of The Lower School of John Lyon. Mr. Jack Rowley, Chairman of Harrow Arts Council. Mr. A. T. Durbridge, District Manager, Eastern Electricity Board (Northmet Sub-Area). Mr. A. L. Scanes, Industrial Life Offices (Harrow and Wembley Com­ mittee). Harrow and District Caledonian Society. Newton Farm Youth Centre. The Chairman intimated that he had, on behalf of the Council, acknow­ ledged these messages with appreciation and thanks.

ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR HOUSING PURPOSES: " THE OLD HALL," PINNER. The Clerk submitted petitions forwarded by the Pinner Association and the Hatch End Association, respectively, from (a) 109 residents of Moss Lane and Paines Lane, Pinner; and (b) 63 residents of Briants Close, Old Hall Drive, St. Thomas' Drive and Uxbridge Road, protesting against the Council's pro­ posals to redevelop " The Old Hall," Pinner, for housing purposes. Pursuant to Standing Order 6, both petitions stood referred to the Planning and Housing Committees for consideration. 1385 COUNCIL

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. CORONATION CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE. Councillor Jordan, in moving the adoption of the report of the Coronation Celebrations Committee of 9th February, 1954, expressed the Council's appre­ ciation and thanks to all the local organisations and individuals who assisted the Council in the organisation of Coronation celebrations. Resolved: [6626] That the report of the Coronation Celebrations Committee, as set out in the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 9th February, 1954, be re- received and, in so far as the same requires confirmation and is not otherwise dealt with in these minutes, be confirmed.

HIGHWAYS AND CLEANSING COMMITTEE. Upon motion by Councillor Grainger, Resolved: [6627] That the report of the Highways and Cleansing Committee, as set out in the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 17th February, 1954, be received and, in so far as the same requires confirmation and is not otherwise dealt with in these minutes, be confirmed.

RECOMMENDATION I: Private Street Works: Accommodation Road off Mead Road, . Upon motion by Councillor Grainger, Resolved: [6628] (1) That, subject to the approval of the Minister of Housing and Local Government and to the issue of consent to the borrowing of the necessary monies, the Council hereby accept the tender of John Sugrue & Sons, Ltd., amounting to £731 19s. 4d. (being the lowest received), for the making up of the accommodation road off Mead Road, Edgware, as shown upon the plan now submitted, signed by the Surveyor and dated 17th February, 1954; and (2) That the Clerk be hereby instructed (a) to apply to the Minister of Housing and Local Government for consent to borrow the sum of £798 (including £66, the cost of providing street lighting) for the execution of the works referred to in paragraph (1) of this resolution; and (b) to prepare and execute all necessary documents in the matter. RECOMMENDATION II: Private Street Works, The Heights, Roxeth. Councillor Grainger having moved a motion in the terms of recommendation II of the report of the Highways and Cleansing Committee of 17th February, 1954, Councillor Mansell moved, and Councillor Lovell seconded, the follow­ ing amendment, which was negatived:— That recommendation II of the report of the Highways and Cleansing Com­ mittee of llth February, 1954, be referred back to the Committee for further consideration. Whereupon it was Resolved: [6629] (1) That The Heights, Roxeth, in the Harrow Urban District, not being at present levelled, paved, metalled, flagged, channelled, made good or lighted to the satisfaction of the Council, the same be levelled, paved, metalled, flagged, channelled, made good and provided with proper means of lighting, under and in accordance with the provisions of the Private Street Works Act, 1892, and COUNCIL 1386

in accordance with the specification, plans, estimate and provisional apportion­ ments now submitted and hereby approved; and that the expenses incurred in executing such works in respect of such street or road shall be apportioned upon the premises fronting, adjoining or abutting thereon, according to the respective lengths of frontage of such premises, regard being had, in each case, to the greater or less degree of benefit to be derived by any premises from such works; (2) That the Clerk and the Surveyor be hereby instructed, jointly or severally as the case may be, to take the following steps in the case of such street or road:— (i) to give all requisite notices, and in case any objections are received, to obtain the decisions of the Justices thereon, unless the objections be with­ drawn; and (ii) to advertise for tenders for carrying out the approved specification, the tenders to be on the basis that alterations to the specification, as required by the Justices, may be made; (3) That the Highways and Cleansing Committee be hereby authorised to accept the lowest tender received in each case; and (4) That the Clerk be hereby instructed to make application to the Minister of Housing and Local Government for consent to the borrowing of the monies required for making up the said street or road, based upon the amount of the accepted tender or tenders.

RECOMMENDATION III: Annual Contracts, 1954/55. Upon motion by Councillor Grainger, Resolved: [6630] That, and as far as may be necessary pursuant to Standing Order 31 (7) in regard to acceptance of other than the lowest tender, the Council hereby accept (1) the tenders (which include those other than the lowest) for the supply and delivery of materials, and for the execution of the works stated, for the year ending 31st March, 1955, detailed in the report of the Highways and Cleansing (General) Sub-Committee of the 3rd February, 1954; and (2) the tenders of Glendining (Roads), Ltd. (being the second lowest received), for the provision and maintenance of white markings on pedestrian crossings to the Council's specification, and of Constructex, Ltd. (being the second lowest received), for the provision of new markings on pedestrian crossings to their own specification which are guaranteed for three years, all tenders being subject to the con­ ditions set out in the General Conditions of Contract and Specification; and that the Clerk be hereby instructed to prepare and execute any contracts in the matter which may be necessary.

RECOMMENDATION IV: Central Depot, Elmgrove Road: Equipment. Councillor Grainger, in moving the adoption of recommendation IV of the report of the Highways and Cleansing Committee of 17th February, 1954, requested the consent of the Council to the substitution of the sum of £1,459 13s. 6d. for the sum of £1,459 13s. 9d., appearing in paragraph (2) of the recommendation. Such consent having been given, it was Resolved: [6631] (1) That, pursuant to Standing Order 31 (5) (b) and (7) and subject to the approval of the Minister of Housing and Local Government and to the issue of consent to the borrowing of the necessary monies, the Council hereby accept the following tenders:— 1387 COUNCIL

(a) That of C. C. Wakefield & Co., Ltd., of Grosvenor Street, London, W.I, amounting to £269 9s. 3d. (being the fourth lowest received), for the supply and installation of one " Wakefield " high pressure washing plant with overhead swing arms; (b) That of C. C. Wakefield & Co., Ltd., of Grosvenor Street, London, W.I, amounting to £379 10s. (being the second lowest received), for the supply and delivery of one " Wakefield " 68 cu. ft. 2-stage air compressor; and (c) That of F. J. Edwards, Ltd., of Euston Road, London, N.W.I, amounting to £831 10s., less 1\ per cent, (being the lowest received), for the supply and delivery of one Colchester " Mascot" 8£ in. centre gap bed lathe (8ft.); (2) That the Clerk be hereby instructed (a) to apply to the Minister of Housing and Local Government for consent to borrow the sum of £1,459 13s. 6d. for the purchase of the equipment referred to in paragraph (1) of this resolution; and (b) to prepare and execute all necessary documents in the matter, including a mortgage with the Public Works Loan Board; and (3) That the Council hereby approve a supplementary estimate, amounting to £174, to meet the loan charges for the financial year 1954/55 in respect of the proposed loan referred to in paragraph (2) of this resolution.

CIVIL DEFENCE COMMITTEE. Upon motion by Councillor Mrs. Nott Cock, Resolved: [6632] That the report of the Civil Defence Committee, as set out in the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 18th February, 1954, be received and, in so far as the same requires confirmation and is not otherwise dealt with in these minutes, be confirmed.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE. Upon motion by Councillor Brown, Resolved: [6633] That the report of the Education Committee, as set out in the minutes of the meeting of the Committee heM on 24th February, 1954, be received and, in so far as the same requires confirmation and is not otherwise dealt with in these minutes, be confirmed.

RECOMMENDATION I: Appointment of Co-Opted Members of the Education Committee. Councillor Brown having moved a motion in the terms of recommendation I of the report of the Education Committee of 24th February, 1954, Councillor Bailey moved, and Councillor Swan, J.P., seconded, the following amendment, which was negatived: — That the name of Mr. G. Carney, of the Harrow Trades Council, be substi­ tuted for that of Miss D. E. Hunt, of the Council of Harrow Community Associations. Whereupon it was Resolved: [6634] That the following be appointed co-opted members of the Education Com­ mittee to hold office until the appointment of their successors in 1955:— COUNCIL 1388

Name Nominating Body Mr. G. E. Clair ...... Federation of Parent-Teacher Associations Mr. F. W. Coppin ...... Employers: Kodak, Ltd. Mr. E. J. Gibbons ...... Roman Catholic Voluntary Grant-Aided Primary Schools Mr. A. J. Garrett ...... Harrow Teachers' Consultative Committee Mr. R. Heslop ...... Harrow Teachers' Consultative Committee Miss D. E. Hunt ...... Council of Harrow Community Associations Mr. C. A. Lillingston ... Harrow School The Rev. H. Eland Stewart Harrow Council of Churches

RECOMMENDATION II: Membership of Youth Sub-Committee. Upon motion by Councillor Brown, Resolved: [6635] That Mr. Ivor Clark be hereby appointed a member of the Youth Sub- Committee to serve thereon as a representative of the civic life of the District until re-appointment or the appointment of his successor.

PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE. Upon motion by Councillor Kingett, Resolved: [6636] That the report of the Public Health Committee, as set out in the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 23rd February, 1954, be received and, in so far as the same requires confirmation and is not otherwise dealt with in these minutes, be confirmed.

HOUSING COMMITTEE. Upon motion by Councillor Campbell Alien, Resolved: [6637] That the report of the Housing Committee, as set out in the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 25th February, 1954, be received and, in so far as the same requires confirmation and is not otherwise dealt with in these minutes, be confirmed.

RECOMMENDATION I: Northolt Park Racecourse Estate: Letting of Lock-up Shops. Upon motion by Councillor Campbell Alien, Resolved: [6638] That, subject to the approval of the Minister of Housing and Local Govern­ ment, pursuant to Section 164 of the Local Government Act, 1933, the Council hereby agree to grant a lease for a term of 21 years (with an option to break after 7 and 14 years) in respect of one of the lock-up shops numbered in The Heights, Northolt Park, Greenford, on the Council's Northolt Park Racecourse Estate, at an annual rental (subject to approval by the District Valuer) of £450, and instruct the Clerk to prepare and execute any necessary documents in the matter.

RECOMMENDATION II: "Cannon Croft," Eastcote Road, Pinner: Rents of Dwellings and Garages. Upon motion by Councillor Campbell Alien, Resolved: [6639] That the Council hereby fix provisional net weekly rentals, as shown in the table set out in recommendation II of the report of the Housing Committee 1389 COUNCIL dated 25th February, 1954, for the several types of Council dwellings, and garages, described in the said report and now in course of erection at " Cannon Croft," Eastcote Road, Pinner.

RECOMMENDATION III: Housing Repairs and Maintenance Account. Upon motion by Councillor Campbell Alien, Resolved: [6640] That the Council hereby approve a supplementary estimate on the Housing Repairs and Maintenance Account for the sum of £10,672 for the year 1953/54, to meet (a) the excess cost of £6,672 and (b) the cost of £4,000 for external painting works carried out in advance of the 1954/55 programme.

RECOMMENDATION IV: Provision of Amenities for Social and Welfare Purposes on Council Housing Estates. Upon motion by Councillor Campbell Alien, Resolved: [6641] That the Council hereby (1) approve the expenditure of £110 7s. 2d. as part of the cost of installing gas and water services at the canteen building, Rayners Lane Estate; and (2) subject to the approval of the Minister of Housing and Local Government pursuant to section 164 of the Local Government Act, 1933, grant to the Rayners Lane Tenants' Association a lease of that building for the period of ten years in the first instance, at an annual rental of ten pounds, as from 28th August, 1952, and instruct the Clerk to execute any necessary documents in the matter.

QUESTION. The Clerk submitted a question, notice of which had been given pursuant to Standing Order 12, which was answered as follows: — Asked by Subject Matter Answered by Councillor Pye Land at junction of Honey- Councillor Campbell Alien pot Lane and Glebe Avenue: Reconsideration of the possible development of this land for Council housing purposes.

ESTABLISHMENT COMMITTEE. Upon motion by Councillor Crawforth, Resolved: [6642] That the report of the Establishment Committee, as set out in the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 1st March, 1954, be received and, in so far as the same requires confirmation and is not otherwise dealt with in these minutes, be confirmed.

RECOMMENDATION I: Salaries Increase Award: Consequential Adjustments. Upon motion by Councillor Crawforth, Resolved: [6643] That, in consequence of the application (as approved by Council resolution 6610, 19th February, 1954) to the Council's permanent staff of the salaries increase award, ranging from £10 to £25 per annum, of the National Joint Council (Staff), the Council hereby approve and adopt the recommendations of the Establishment Committee, as set out in the Committee's report of 1st March, 1954, in regard to the adjustments of the salaries of two shorthand- typists; temporary male and female clerks; the Local Fuel Overseer; a short- COUNCIL 1390 hand-typist in the Local Fuel Office; and temporary clerks of works; all such salary adjustments to take effect as from 1st April, 1954; subject, in the case of the staff of the Local Fuel Office, to the approval of the Minister of Fuel and Power.

RECOMMENDATION II: Local Government Superannuation Act, 1937: Exten­ sion of Service. Upon motion by Councillor Crawforth, Resolved: [6644] That, pursuant to Council resolution 3613 (28th September, 1946), and to the provisions of section 7 of the Local Government Superannuation Act, 1937, approval be hereby given to the service of Mr. A. Turner, a gardener in the Open Spaces Section of the Surveyor's Department, being extended to 8th April, 1955.

OPEN SPACES COMMITTEE. Upon motion by Councillor Collins, Resolved: [6645] That the report of the Open Spaces Committee, as set out in the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 2nd March, 1954, be received and, in so far as the same requires confirmation and is not otherwise dealt with in these minutes, be confirmed.

RECOMMENDATION I: Catering Rights in Byron Recreation Ground. Upon motion by Councillor Collins, Resolved: [6646] That, pursuant to Standing Order 31(7), the Council hereby accept the tender of Greeves (C.S.), Ltd., of Wiilesden (being the second highest received), amounting to £57, for the grant of catering rights at Byron Recreation Ground, during the period 1st May, 1954, to 30th April, 1955; and that the Clerk be hereby instructed to arrange for the completion of an Agreement.

RECOMMENDATION II: Removal of Ashes from Centenary Park. Upon motion by Councillor Collins, Resolved: [6647] That, notwithstanding Standing Order 31(5) as to advertising for tenders, the Council hereby accept the offer of W. W. Drinkwater (Willesden), Ltd., to pay to the Council 2s. per cubic yard for, and to remove within about a fort­ night from the date of being required so to do by the Council, approximately 1,270 cubic yards of ashes now heaped in Centenary Park; and that the Clerk be hereby instructed to prepare and execute any necessary documents in the matter.

RECOMMENDATION III: Construction of Bowling Green at Pinner Memorial Park. Upon motion by Councillor Collins, Resolved: [6648] That the Council hereby accept the tender of Maxwell M. Hart (London), Ltd., amounting to £650, for the supply and delivery of 2,000 square yards of Lancashire sea-washed turf for use in laying the proposed new bowling green at Pinner Memorial Park; and that the Clerk be instructed to prepare and execute any necessary documents in the matter. 1391 COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION IV: Renewal of Fencing at " High Capers," Harrow-on- the-Hill. Upon motion by Councillor Collins, Resolved: [6649] That, subject to the Harrow School Philathletic Field Trust contributing £150 towards the cost thereof, the Council hereby accept the quotation of M.S.J. Fencing Contractors, of Enfield, amounting to £329 11s. for the supply and erection of chain link fencing on the boundary between " High Capers " and Bessborough Cricket Ground, Bessborough Road, Harrow; and that the Clerk be instructed to prepare and execute all necessary documents in the matter.

RECOMMENDATION V: Proposed Extension of Pinner New Cemetery, Pinner. Upon motion by Councillor Collins, Resolved: [66501 (1) That, subject to the approval of the Minister of Housing and Local Government and to the issue of consent to the borrowing of the necessary monies, the Council hereby accept the tender of John Sugrue & Sons, Ltd. (being the lowest received), amounting to £3,466 14s. 5d. for the laying of the surface water drainage on the Pinner Road, Pinner Cemetery extension, for additional burial facilities, as shown on the plan now submitted, signed by the Surveyor, and dated 2nd March, 1954. (2) That the Clerk be hereby instructed to make application to the Minister of Housing and Local Government for consent to borrow the sum of £6,418 (including £200 for a proportion of the salary of a Clerk of Works; £2,059 for the construction of paths; £317 for the construction of grass verges to paths; and £375 for the supply and erection of chain link fencing); and to prepare and execute any necessary documents in the matter, including a mortgage with the Public Works Loan Board. (3) That the Council hereby approve a supplementary estimate for £250 in respect of loan charges payable during the financial year 1954/55 in respect of the above-mentioned works.

RECOMMENDATION VI: Streamside Reservation: Proposed Extension of Yeading Walk. Upon motion by Councillor Collins, Resolved: [6651] That the Council hereby agree (a) subject to the consent of the Minister of Housing and Local Government, and pursuant to section 163 of the Local Government Act, 1933, to the appropriation, for open space purposes, of .8 acres of land situate between Yeading Walk and Lincoln Road, lying on the south-east side of Lincoln Road (as shown on the plan now produced, signed by the Surveyor and dated 2nd March, 1954); and (b) in principle, pursuant to section 164 of the Public Health Act, 1875, and subject to any necessary con­ sents, to purchase, by agreement, for open space purposes, .509 acres of land situate between Suffolk Road and Yeading Walk, fronting the north side of Suffolk Road, near its junction with The Ridgeway (shown on the plan now produced, signed by the Surveyor, and dated 2nd March, 1954), and to request the District Valuer to negotiate terms with the owner thereof, it being under­ stood that a further recommendation as to the purchase price and legal and Surveyors' fees will be submitted, in due course. COUNCIL 1392

SPECIAL COMMITTEE RE PETITION FOR CHARTER OF INCORPORATION. Upon motion by Councillor Brown, Resolved: [6652] That the reports of the Special Committee re Petition for Charter of Incor­ poration, as set out in the minutes of the meetings of the Committee held on 8th February, 16th February and 3rd March, 1954, be received and, in so far as the same require confirmation and are not otherwise dealt with in these minutes, be confirmed.

PLANNING COMMITTEE. Upon motion by Councillor Jordan, Resolved: [6653] That the report of the Planning Committee, as set out in the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 26th February, 1954, be received and, in so far as the same requires confirmation and is not otherwise dealt with in these minutes, be confirmed.

GENERAL PURPOSES AND FINANCE COMMITTEE. Upon motion by Councillor Leigh, J.P., C.C., Resolved: [6654] That the report of the General Purposes and Finance Committee, as set out in the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 15th February, 1954, be received and, in so far as the same requires confirmation and is not other­ wise dealt with in these minutes, be confirmed. Upon motion by Councillor Leigh, J.P., C.C., Resolved: [6655] That the report of the General Purposes and Finance Committee, as set out in the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 4th March, 1954, be received and, in so far as the same requires confirmation and is not otherwise dealt with in these minutes, be confirmed.

RECOMMENDATION I: General Rate for the Financial Year Ending 31st March, 1955. Councillor Leigh, J.P., C.C., having moved a motion in the terms of recom­ mendation I of the report of the General Purposes and Finance Committee of 4th March, 1954, Councillor Rogers moved, and Councillor Woodruff seconded, the following amendment: — That the sum of 20s. Id. be substituted for the sum of 20s. 4d. appearing in the fourth line of the recommendation. After discussion of the amendment, and a requisition being made pursuant to Standing Order 24(1) the voting was recorded as follows: — For the amendment (11): Councillors Alien, Bailey, Gange, Lovell, Mansell, Pye, Rogers, Sampson, Swan, Woodruff and Worts. Against the amendment (31): The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Council, and Councillors F. Adkins, J. E. T. Adkins, A. C. L. Bishop, Brown, Buckle, Calderwood, Campbell Alien, Mrs. Nott Cock, Collins, Crawforth, Cutler, Ellement, Grainger, Jordan, Kingett, Leigh, Macaulay, MacRae, Mason, Morley, Mote, Nokes. O'Loughlin, Mrs. Potts, Mrs. Rivers, Shapland, Shel­ drake, Mrs. Syme and Thomas. Whereupon the amendment was declared not carried. 1393 COUNCIL Thereupon it was Resolved: [6656] That the General Rate Estimates for the year ending 31st March, 1955, sub­ mitted herewith, be approved; and that the Council make the following Order for a General Rate for the year ending 31st March, 1955, namely, Ordered: That a General Rate of 20s. 4d. in the pound on the rateable value of each hereditament in the Harrow Urban District, commencing on the first day of April, 1954, be made and levied for the whole of Harrow Urban District, payable by two equal half-yearly instalments, the first instalment to be due on 1st April, 1954, and the second instalment to be due on 1st Octo­ ber, 1954, which rate is estimated to be required to meet all liabilities falling to be discharged by the Council, for which provision is not otherwise made; That the Clerk of the Council be hereby authorised to give notice of such rate within seven days of the Council meeting at which the rate is made, by publishing such notice in one or more newspapers circulating within the Urban District; That the Common Seal of the Council be affixed to the Rate Charge Book for each instalment of the said rate. RECOMMENDATION II: Representation of The People Act, 1949: Section 11: Polling Districts and Polling Places. Upon motion by Councillor Leigh, J.P., C.C., Resolved: [6657] That, in the exercise of the powers contained in Section 11 of the Repre­ sentation of the People Act, 1949, and for the purpose of the Register of Electors to be published on 15th March, 1954, the Council hereby amend the list of Parliamentary Polling Districts and Polling Places approved by Council resolutions 4508 (8th October, 1948), 5044 (24th March, 1950), 5716 (14th December, 1951) and 6508 (6th November, 1953), in the manner set out in appendix III to the report of the General Purposes and Finance Committee of 4th March, 1954; that the action of the Chairman of the General Purposes and Finance Committee in accepting the offer of Mr. George Rogers, to permit his premises at 103, Pinner Road, Harrow, to be used as a Polling Place, free of charge, be approved and confirmed; that Mr. Rogers be thanked for his generous offer; and that the Clerk be hereby authorised to take such further steps as are necessary to effect compliance with the relevant statutory provisions. RECOMMENDATION III: Electoral Registration: Preparation of Register of Electors. Upon motion by Councillor Leigh, J.P., C.C., Resolved: [6658] That, pursuant to the provisions of Section 41(5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1949, Messrs. L. C. Luckett and G. D. W. Shipp (rate col­ lectors) and Mr. W. S. Potter (Chief Technical Assistant) in the Treasurer's Department, be hereby assigned to the Clerk of the Council to assist him in carrying out his duties in relation to the preparation of the Register of Electors for two wards each, it being understood that such officers will perform such duties as the Clerk will from time to time require them to undertake on a part-time basis, and upon terms and conditions as may be agreed between such officers and the Clerk. RECOMMENDATION IV: Harrow Old People's Welfare Committee: Old People's Meals Service: Belmont Assembly Hall. Upon motion by Councillor Leigh, J.P., C.C., Resolved: [6659] (1) That the Council hereby approve the grant to the Harrow Old People's COUNCIL 1394

Welfare Committee of the use of the Belmont Assembly Hall (including furniture and equipment), as from 5th April, 1954, on Monday to Friday each week, between the hours of 9.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. daily (2 p.m. on Tuesdays), for the purpose of preparing and serving meals for old people. (2) That the Council, in pursuance of the powers conferred upon them by Section 31 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, hereby authorise the making of the following contributions to the funds of the Harrow Old People's Welfare Committee in respect of their old people's meals service: (a) a contribution at the rate of £500 per annum as from 5th April, 1954, towards the cost of the operation of a central kitchen and restaurant for old people's meals at the Belmont Assembly Hall, it being understood that £200 of the grant is to cover a charge of £130 per annum to be made for the use of the Assembly Hall (including the cost of hard fuel and lighting) and the estimated cost of gas and electric power; (b) a contribution of £150 in respect of the initial cost of pro­ viding cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils and kitchen requisites for the central kitchen and old people's restaurant.

RECOMMENDATION V: Rayners Lane Assembly Hall: Proposed Use as Occu­ pation Centre. Upon motion by Councillor Leigh, J.P., C.C., Resolved: [6660] That the Council hereby agree to grant to the a licence for the day-time use of Rayners Lane Assembly Hall, Rayners Lane, Harrow, as an occupation centre, for a period of 21 years, with a mutual option to determine at the end of the fourteenth year, subject to (a) the terms and conditions approved by the General Purposes and Finance Committee (resolu­ tion 1005: 4th February, 1954); and (b) to the approval of the District Valuer of the proposed rental of £150 per annum; and that the Clerk be authorised to prepare and seal any necessary documents.

RECOMMENDATION VI: Treasurer's Department: Purchase of Accounting Machine. Upon motion by Councillor Leigh, J.P., C.C., Resolved: [6661] That the Treasurer be hereby authorised to place an order for the purchase by the Council of a Class 31 accounting machine for delivery in approximately eighteen months to two years' time, at the price then obtaining (the present day price being £2,214), less £300 in respect of the residual value of two Class 3000 accounting machines to be replaced by the new machine; and that the Clerk be instructed to prepare and execute any necessary contract in the matter.

CHARTER OF INCORPORATION. APPOINTMENT OF CHARTER COMMITTEE. The Clerk of the Council submitted a report (12th March, 1954) in this matter. Upon motion by the Chairman of the Council, Resolved: [6662] (1) That the Council receive the report of the Clerk of the Council that the Charter of Incorporation passed under the Great Seal on 3rd March, 1954. (2) That the Special Committee re Petition for Charter of Incorporation appointed by Council resolution 5819 (21st March, 1952), its order of reference being now spent or otherwise dealt with, be hereby superseded and replaced by a Special Committee, to be called the Charter Committee, consisting of the 1395 COUNCIL same members as the former Special Charter Committee, to make all necessary arrangements in connection with the Charter Presentation Ceremony; to organise such local Charter Celebrations as may be thought fit; and to secure, from the voluntary fund established for that purpose or by means of gifts, the provision of items of civic regalia, etc., and necessary expenditure in connec­ tion therewith; and to undertake all other matters in connection with the grant of the Charter not otherwise delegated to any Committee of the Council.

NOTICE OF MOTION. Pursuant to Notice of Motion, Councillor Gange, J.P., proposed, and Coun­ cillor Lovell seconded, the motion appearing as item 5 of the agenda. Councillor Crawforth moved the following amendment: — That the words " in order to keep a check on rising administrative and other costs and ", appearing in the third and fourth lines of the motion, be deleted. Whereupon the Chairman, guided by the evident sense of the Council, accepted the amendment, and thereupon put the amended motion to the meeting, which was carried. Whereupon it was Resolved: [6663] That this Council invite the General Purposes and Finance Committee to institute an investigation into the general administration of the Council's affairs to ensure that, whilst maintaining a high standard of efficiency for all the services provided by the Council, all possible economies are effected.

CLOSE OF MEETING. All business having been completed, the Chairman declared the meeting closed (10.13 p.m.).