There seems hardly so much decoration at Rushden as in previous years, yet there are some good displays in the town. Where decoration has been made, circumstances are all against their being seen to advantage. The intense cold has frozen the moisture on the shop windows, to an amazing thickness, and this in many cases prevents the contents of the shop being seen at all. Of course the butchers are the most conspicuous. In Mr. C. E. Knight's shop, High-street, is to be seen some splendid meat, including a very fine ox, fed by Mr. J. B. Lane, of Rothwell, and which took a second prize at Kettering Show; two more fine beast, fed by Mr. Stewart Mason, of Rushden; another from Mr. Bernard Bletsoe, of Grendon Hall; and four fine Devons from Mr. T. Turnell, of Irchester. The sheep include 17 Downs from the Bedford Christmas sale, fed by a Mr. C. Howard of Biddenham; and several choice Scotch sheep, from Higham Show; whilst the pigs comprise ten splendid bacon pigs from Mr. C. Magniac, of Colworth House; one first-prize pig, which took first at Higham Show, and fed by Mr. C. Lewis, of Rushden; and several from the first feeders in the neighbourhood. The pork side of the shop, too, is well supplied with roasters and porkets. Mr. G. H. Skinner also has a good show which includes six beast fed by Mr. Wm. Cransfield, of Buckden; one fat calf, fed by Mr. Baker, of Ecton; the Down and Scotch prize sheep, fed by himself; and a number of pigs. Mr. Wilmott has killed a fine ox, and the pigs include a cup-winner from Higham Show, fed by Mr. J. Day, of Earls Barton; one second prize winner and v.h.c’s., from Higham, Mr. Smith has also killed two fine oxen, some sheep, and pigs, while the Co-operative Society has also made full provision for its customers.
The grocers have also filled their windows with articles suitable to the season, Messrs. Butcher, Croft, Denton, Tusting, Ward, and Jordan having good displays, the latter making a speciality of Gilbey's wines and spirits.
Messrs. Knight and Son's windows are especially attractive this year. Their large and extensive corner premises, which they purchased last year, are well stocked with the latest designs in artistic furniture, including some very pretty specimens of the new bamboo and Japanese work, which is so popular in London just now. We noticed too, some very comfortable looking wicker chairs, which, we understand, are upholstered in France. Sanitary bedding is also well represented, and certainly appears a decided improvement on what was to be obtained a few years since. Their adjoining premises, which are devoted to the watch and jewellery department, appear to be better stocked than ever with gold and silver articles of chaste and elegant designs. They have a splendid display of gold gem and keeper rings, and their windows certainly go to show that Rushden is already to the front in supplying articles of real artistic merit.
In the furnishing line too, Mr. Darnell, of Alfred-street, has a really good show of all the requirements of a good home, whether useful or ornamental.
The drapers and clothiers have also made some display. Mr. F. Hinwood's windows are very attractive, and the same must be said of Mr. Higgin's windows. At Mr. Bayes', Bradford House, and the Misses Packwood's seasonable articles are shown. Nearer the centre of the town Mr. Bush has a nice window; Mr. Hewitt's display is certainly appropriate and seasonable; Webb Bros’, establishment is bright with ties, scarves, etc. Mr. Bunker, Mr. Ashby, and Mr. S. Knight have also dressed their windows to suit the season. The tobacconists are also well to the front, and the juveniles, too, have not been forgotten by the vendors of sweets and other good things. The greengrocers also make a good display of evergreens and fruit. We hope that the tradesmen may find customers for their goods, and that the latter may enjoy them.
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