FEMALE BENEFIT CLUB TEA—On Monday last the Rushden branch of the Higham Ferrers and District Female Benefit Society held their annual tea at Rushden. The branch numbers 113 members, and it was deemed advisable this year to hold a feast at home instead of as formerly going to the central tea at Higham. About 100 of the members attended the tea, which was admirably served in the New Hall of the Coffee Tavern, and in addition to the members there were also present at tea Rev. Canon and Mrs. Barker, Mrs. Sartoris, of Rushden Hall; Mrs. Crew, Mr. O. Parker, the central secretary, Higham; Mr. W. Packwood, &c. Tea over, Mr. Parker read an abstract of the accounts, showing the society to be in a very favourable condition; after which the company adjourned to the Rectory Grounds, kindly lent by the Rector to enjoy the usual dancing to the strains of the Rushden Band, conducted by Mr. W. Skinner, but the weather being unpropitious it was necessary again to take shelter in the large hall, where dancing was kept up till ten o'clock. The company were all delighted with the excellent accommodation the Hall afforded for the dance, and the meeting was a decided success. The evening closed with a vote of thanks to Mr. W. Packwood, proposed by Mr. O. Parker, and seconded by Mr. Ruddle, for the efficient way in which he had carried out his duties as secretary to the branch.