After a "pre-view" of more than 200 photographs in the "Echo and Argus" and "Evening Telegraph" exhibition now running with great success at Rushden, the chairman of Rushden Urban Council, (Coun. Frank E. Brown) had a tribute to pay to the firm's photographic staff at Tuesday's opening - for their "alertness, style of presentation and work in their day-to-day duties."

Seventy people attended the evening's official opening at the Masonic Hall by invitation of the directors, on whose behalf Mr. T. F. Chater (acting chairman of the East Midland Allied Press), in the unavoidable absence of Mr. R. P Winfrey (managing director), extended a welcome.

Mr. Chater first referred to the service given to Rushden, not only by the "Evening Telegraph," but by the weekly papers, "Echo" and "Argus," which were amalgamated in 1929.

These newspapers, he said, were first established over 50 years ago, the "Echo" originating from Higham Ferrers.

Opening

Coun. Brown, in his speech as opener, said the was sure that the exhibition would be equally well supported as was the "Boots and War" exhibition just after the war.

Referring to the "Evening Telegraph" window in High Street as one of the attractions of the town, he said that the interest shown in the small pictures was indicative of the keen interest shown by the townspeople in news photographs of happenings in the district.

The exhibition was most certainly not one of local celebrities or of officialdom, for only one picture of each of the Rushden and Higham Ferrers councils appeared.

"The arranger," continued Coun. Brown, "has been most discreet and subtle in placing these two photographs in different sections of the exhibition, so that there shall be no question of the various parties, in the still of the night, walking out of photographs and arguing on the merits of amalgamation, either single or complex. (Laughter.)

"And whilst in that bewitching hour before the dawn my spirit may commune with that of His Worship of this very subject. I am delighted that he is here in person to support me on this occasion.

"The subjects in the exhibition are many and varied - some wonderful action photographs, and still more beautiful stills of interiors and exteriors of nearby churches and other buildings of architectural beauty, and many, of course, of recent events."

Coun. Brown singled out for mention a Rushden picture of F. R. Brown, the Northants and England cricket captain, and humorously deplored the lack of relationship to himself. He pointed out that all the photographs, with the exception of the royal wedding, had been taken within a 20 mile radius of Rushden.

"They do cover almost all aspects of local Press photography," he said, "and I understand - I will just say this in a whisper - the exhibition contains more enlarged photographs than were shown at either Kettering or Wellingborough.

Missing

"One photograph I miss, and that is one of that "slater" of our respective councils - "Mister Cobbler," of the "Echo and Argus." I feel this ought to be rectified, if only with a picture of him retreating with hunched shoulders after an announcement that the rates must be increased by one shilling in the £.

"One thing I marvel at is the clearness of the details of the enlarged photographs, and I am sure many local amateur photographers will find much to interest them technically.

"The use of photographs in newspaper work has greatly increased of recent years. A story implemented with pictures can be made much more vivid to us, and the directors of the "Evening Telegraph" are to be congratulated on their most efficient photographic staff.

"I do most sincerely thank them for bringing the exhibition to Rushden, and I am sure it will meet with unqualified success."

Mrs. Brown received a bouquet of pink carnations from Dianne Denton, aged six.

Guests

Others on the "platform" were the Mayor and Mayoress of Higham Ferrers (Ald. And Mrs. J. W. Barker), the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress (Coun. and Mrs. S. Upton), Mr. H. R. Parkin (Editor-in-Chief of the "Evening Telegraph" and allied newspapers) and Mrs. Parkin.

Many of the guests drank personal toasts to the success of the exhibition and its promoters. All made a thorough and prolonged tour of the hall and expressed themselves as delighted.

"Very interesting - an excellent show," declared the Mayor of Higham Ferrers.

"I have enjoyed it very much, and I shall come again," said Mrs. Frank Brown.

"I think the people are going to love it," was the opinion of Mrs. A. H. Bailey.

'Jolly Fine'

"It is a jolly fine exhibition," Coun. Harry Dickens said. "I should think it compares with anything that could be produced in Britain.

"When I look round and realise that all these pictures were taken within a 20-mile radius, I think we have a big stake in the British Isles."

While these and similar compliments were being paid, Coun. Brown took a more practical line.

He suggested that the large aerial view of Rushden would look well in the Council Chamber, and received a promise that it would be presented to the Council in due course.

More than 700 people visited the exhibition of Wednesday and there was again great activity yesterday. Many of the patrons declared that they would have to pay a second visit and it should be emphasised that at least an hour is needed for a thorough inspection. The Masonic Hall will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. up to and including Saturday of next week.