The shortage of silver was mentioned at Rushden Trades Council on Tuesday when a member complained about the difficulty of finding coins for gas meters.

Rushden banks report that the situation has not changed but most are just managing to carry on giving normal supplies.

Mr. O. A. H. Muxlow, of the Midland Bank commented: “We have plenty of silver. There is no shortage as far as the Midland Bank is concerned”. He agreed, however, that there were difficulties in some places and said that he believed they were due to hoarding.

Mr. G. S. Gill, the Rushden Postmaster, told us: “So far, we have had no serious difficulty and I have been able to make the normal payments”.

Pensioners, he said, were always asked if they had any change, and were getting used to the idea.

“If things get really bad, we shall simply have to give stamps as change”, he added, “but we should not press them on anyone”.

Rushden Echo & Argus, 5th March 1948, transcribed by Kay Collins

Profits of the Rushden and Higham Ferrers Gas Company amounted to £3,549. In all departments of the business there was an improvement, the most paying branch being the cookers and prepayment meters, which had become very popular.

Rushden Echo & Argus, 19th March 1948, transcribed by Kay Collins

The directors, in their report to the annual meeting on Monday, expressed satisfaction with the new carbonisation plant. Distribution to certain parts of Raunds had been improved by the laying of larger mains, and the company had kept ahead of progress on all housing estates. Despite the rising costs of materials and labour, no alteration in the price of gas was made during the year.

The operating profit for the year was £11,254, and dividends for the second half of the year were declared at the same rates as for the first half.

Revenue totalling £73,613 included £17,163 from ordinary meters, £48,815 from prepayments meters, £1,129 from public lighting, less discounts. A profit of £2,470 was made on fittings and the sale of appliances.

Messrs. J. Roe, J. W. Radburne, A. L. Sanders and H. P. Patenall were re-elected as directors.