A very successful exhibition of gas cooking stoves and fittings was opened in the Public Hall, Rushden, on Tuesday and was continued on Wednesday, Thursday, and to-day. The exhibition was arranged by the Rushden and Higham Ferrers Gas Company in conjunction with Messrs. John Wright and Co., of London and Birmingham, the makers of the famous Eureka gas cooking stoves. In addition to the stoves there was a splendid show of up-to-date fittings, which are now being stocked by the Gas Company. Among the exhibits was an object lesson in the use of gas for lighting purposes. This comprised a sample of one of the burners commonly used in Rushden, together with a sample of the burners supplied free of charge by the Gas Company. Both burners were supplied with the same amount of gas, but the burners supplied by the Gas Co. gave out a far better and clearer light – of course, at the same cost as the other.

A feature of the exhibition was the course of practical lectures on cookery by Miss Mary Ball, L.C.A., holder of the first-class diploma. At 3o’clock daily she gave demonstrations of high-class cookery, and at 7.30 she dealt with household cookery. The demonstrations were very popular.

The exhibition was opened on Tuesday afternoon by Mr. E. Claridge, chairman of the Gas Co., who called special attention to the fittings now supplied by the Company. He also referred to the reduction in the price of gas.

Mr. T. Watson (engineer and manager) also alluded to the objects of the exhibition.

Each day the exhibition has been patronised by a large number of people.

Last night considerable interest was aroused in a cookery competition open to children attending the day schools at Rushden and Higham Ferrers.

Twelve girls competed – four from Newton-road school, four from Alfred-street, and four from Higham. Miss Mary Ball and Miss Course acted as judges, and the winners were :-

1. Maggie Ette, Newton-road Council school, Rushden.

2. Bay Sinfield, Alfred-street Council school, Rushden.

3. Florence Winter, Higham Ferrers Council school.

Each of the others received a consolation prize, beside which Mr. E. Claridge presented each with a box of chocolates.