FAREWELL TO A WORKMATE—The employees of Mr. E. Parsons, baker and butcher, experienced a pleasant departure from the turmoil of every-day work on Wednesday week, when they had a supper and social evening to bid adieu to one of the workmen, Mr. Charles Saxby, who has been engaged by the firm as a butcher for a period of eight years, and is about to follow a similar occupation in South Africa. About fifty were present at the gathering, which was exceedingly enjoyable. Mr. E. Parsons occupied the chair, and others present were Mr. J. E. Parsons, Dr. Baker, Mr. Baker, and Mr. S. Eade, of Farndish. After the supper a little speech-making ensued, when the health of the guest of the evening was heartily drunk, and Mr. E. Parsons wished him every success. During the evening several vocal contributions were rendered by Mr. E. Saxby, Mr. W. Tucker, Mr. G. Saxby, Mr. F. Smith, Mr. H. Bond, and Mr. E. Parsons. Mr. Saxby sails with the best wishes of his comrades, and it is their earnest hope that he may have a successful career.

Farm Sale—Messrs Pendered & Son Ltd., conducted a very successful sale on Monday at the Manor Farm, Irchester, where the late Mr John Edward Parsons carried on business for so many years. Mrs Parsons, the executrix, is giving up the farm, which is to be occupied by Mr Len Parsons, of Sanders’ Lodge, Rushden. Despite the bad weather, a large company attended, and there was brisk bidding. The lots comprised 27 beast, 247 sheep, 13 horses, 100 head of young poultry, and a great quantity of agricultural implements. Of the beast the cows fetched up to £43 10s., and the fat heifers up to £30. The horses, a fine lot, sold well, top price being made for an eight-year-old, which sold for 130gns. A six-year-old made 100gns. In the sheep sale ewes made up to 108s., and lambs up to 77s. Some remarkably high prices were realized for implements. For instance, one double-furrow plough fetched £16, and another £11, whilst horse hoes made up to £4 10s. One of the Ransomes cultivators realized £12, a grass mower £13 10s., single ploughs £7, a 12-coulter corn and seed drill £35, Scotch carts £22, a binder and sheaf carrier £25, another £20, one of Roberts’ elevators £29, a 16 coulter corn and seed drill £44, etc.

Appeal—At the Northants Tribunal on Monday, Messrs E Parsons & Son, of Irchester, food contractors for the Army, appealed for William C Cross, 27, class A, married, engine driver, slaughterman, etc.—Exemption was granted until February 1st, final.

Extract from a Military Tribunal in May 1918

Arthur William Russell, aged 40, Grade 2, manager for Messrs. E. Parsons Ltd., Pork butchers etc. Mr. George appeared for the firm and said the respondent was engaged the whole of his time in the distribution of food. Military appeal dismissed and no V.T.C. condition imposed.

CHRISTMAS FARE—Splendid Show of Hams, Bacon, Pickled Ox Tongues, Dairy-fed Pork, Home-made Lard. Noted Pies and Sausages, fresh daily, and all table delicacies. No Registration needed to purchase from W. Russell, Ltd., 72, High-street, Rushden (late E. Parsons, Ltd).