It having been suggested that a systematic factory collection should be made in Rushden towards, raising additional funds on behalf of the Rushden Nursing Association, a meeting of factory foremen was held in the Coffee Tavern, Rushden, on Monday, to discuss what special efforts could be made. Mr. W. S. Hartwell was voted to the chair, and among those present were: Mr. J. Claridge, J.P., Mr. J F Knight, Mr. J. W. Ashdown, and Mr. E. Claridge (representing the Nursing Association), Messrs. W. Whiteman, G. Abbott, J. Hardwick (representing Mr. E. Claridge’s  factory), H. Clayton (Mr. W. Claridge's factory), Mr. C. K. Lack (Messrs. Sanders and Sanders), S. Chettle (Mr. H. H. Hobbs), J. Bailey (Messrs. J. Cave and Sons), W. Rowthorne (Messrs.  Knight Bros.), Cox, J. Chiles, (Mr. F. Noble), E. Miller, H. Eden,   Pargenter (Messrs. Barratt and Co.), J. Scott (Messrs. W. Sargent and Co.), W. Pack (Mr. H. Bull), and J. G. Clarke (Messrs. B.  Denton and Sons).

The Chairman stated that the Nursing Association were in need of more funds. During the past year they had found it very necessary to have an extra nurse as the work was so heavy. For the twelve months ending September there was a total number of 446 cases, and the number of visits paid by the nurses 11,779. They would see by that that there was a lot of work to be done and the Nursing Association was compelled to engage another nurse to help in the work. The Association, now required at least £200 a year. It was thought that if a systematic factory collection was taken once a month from all the employees in the different factories in  the town, say one penny from each employee, they would be able to raise one half of the expenses connected with the Association. He might say that this was brought about because other places had adopted something on similar lines. If the factory he represented made this collection, he calculated that they would raise about three times the amount they did at present. They all knew how greatly the services of the nurses had been appreciated, and he did not know how some of the poorer people would have got on but for the nurses and the kindness and attention they had shown. The Association was worthy of all the support could give it, and he might mention that the employers were willing to have the collection made.

On the motion of Mr. G. H. Clarke, seconded by Mr. J. Giles, it was agreed to establish an employers’ nursing fund, for the Nursing Association, and to make monthly collections. It was further decided to have the collections on the first Saturday in each month, on the motion of Mr. F. Perkins, seconded by Mr. C. Whiteman.

Mr. H. S. Hartwell and Mr. John Scott were unanimously elected as joint secretaries. It was agreed, to have a committee of twelve members, seven to form a quorum.

Mr. J. Claridge stated that he would like it known that the collections would be entirely voluntary and no pressure would be brought to bear upon any men in the factories. The Association was in need of more funds and thought that the men would be glad to help in the good work which was being done.

The selection of a committee was held over, it being thought necessary that the representatives should be chosen from different firms.