ENTERTAINMENTS—On Saturday evening last, the second of a series of winter entertainments was given in the Temperance Hall, by the members and Friends of the Temperance Brass Band. There was a large company present, and the evenings entertainment was thoroughly enjoyed.

On Monday evening a concert, under the management of Mr. John Mantle, was given in the same hall to a large audience. All the performers acquitted themselves creditably, and the programme, which is appended, was well carried out:—Piano, cornet, violin, "Les Folies," Messrs. G. and W. Ashton; and Mr. Tom Underhill; song, "The thorn," Miss Lizzie Mobbs; duet, "The singing lesson," Mrs. Robinson, and Mr. W. Ashton; duet (cornet), "The Swiss boy," Mr. G. Ashton and Mr. Tom Underwood; song, "The hell-ringer," Mr. J. H. Mantle; solo (flute), "Tell me my heart," Mr. Fred Warren; song, "Thy face," Mrs. Robinson; song, "Jack's yarn," Mr. Tom Miller; comic song,”Run for the doctor," Mr. W. Ashton; song, "Sing sweet bird," Miss Lizzie Mobbs; cornet and pianoforte, "Blue bells," Messrs. G. and W. Ashton; song, "Esmeralda," Mrs. Robinson; song, "The a farewell," Mr. J. H. Mantle; solo pianoforte, "Butterflies ball," Miss Annie Mantle; song, "Old sailor," Mr. Tom Miller; solo (flute), from "Bohemian girl," Mr. Fred Warren; song, "Still I love thee," Miss Annie Mantle; song, "'Tis the harp in air" Miss Lizzie Mobbs; solo pianoforte, "Flora McDonald's lament," Master P. Patenall; new comic medley duet, "Money matters," Mrs. Robinson and Mr. J. H. Mantle; National Anthem.

ENTERTAINMENT— On Saturday last, an entertainment was given in the Temperance Hall in connection with the Temperance Brass Band. The following programme was well executed:—Fantasia, "Souvenir de Valenci," the Band; glee, "Hunters Chorus," Company; song, "Who will care for Mother, now ?" Miss E. Sargent; recitation, "Deserted," Mr. F. Clayson; duet, "Over the mountains," Miss E. Sherwood and Master G. Farey; song, "Grandfather's clock," (encored) Mr. W. Skinner; glee, "Where art thou, beam of light?" instrumental, Messrs. J. R. Skinner, F. Knight, G. W. Skinner, and W. Skinner; quartette, "Waft me, ye winds," Miss E. Sherwood and Messrs. G. Farey, T. Brightwell, and J. F. Bandey; song, J. Mackness; reading "No grumbling," Mr. B. Vorley; song, "The Gipsy's Warning,''(encored), Miss E. Edwards; dialogue, (by request) "A funny wife, and how she raised the wind," Misses E. Crick, E. Vorley, M. A. Bull, and Messrs. B. Vorley and J. Knight. The entertainment throughout was most successful.

CONCERT—On Tuesday evening last a concert was given in the Temperance Hall, in connection with the Temperance Band, the last of a series which have been given during the winter. The concert was well arranged, the committee having secured the efficient aid of several gentlemen from Kettering, conducted by Mr. C. Lawerence in the part songs. The following; programme was well rendered throughout:— Glee, four instruments, Messrs. J. R. Skinner, F. Knight, G. W. Skinner, and W. Skinner; part-song, "Who will o'er the downs," the Kettering Orpheus Quartette; song, "Over the rolling sea," Mr. W. Skinner; song, " The Holy Friar" Mr. H. Bailey (encore, " Nancy Lee"); duet, "I know a bank," Mrs. E. Bryant and Mrs. Huckston; song, "The spirit of the storm," Mr. J. Farey; part-song, "Stars of the summer night," Orpheus Quartette (encore, "Absence"); song, "Should be upbraid," Mrs. E. Bryant; song, "Death of Nelson," Mr. C. Lawrence, (encored): pianoforte selection, "The battle march," Miss Bryant; part-song, "Sweet and low," Orpheus Quartette; song, "Nightingale's trill," Mrs. Huckston, (encored), "The owl," Mr. H. Bailey, (encored); duet "The fisher's evening song," Mrs. E. Bryant and Mrs. Huckston; song, "The bell-ringer," Mr. W. Skinner; part-song, "The tar's song," Orpheus Quartette (encored); song, "The anchor smith," Mr. J. Farey, (encore, ''Safely follow him"); song, "Good night, beloved," Mr. C. Lawerence. Mr. C. Fisher very efficiently presided at the piano.

ON Monday afternoon the village was paraded by the Band of Hope, headed by the Temperance Brass Band, in their new uniform. Numerous flags, banners, &c., enlivened the procession, which halted at intervals for the band to play and the children to sing selections of music. The band was conducted by Mr. Skinner, and the singing by Mr. Farey. After the procession tea was provided in the Temperance Hall, which was twice filled with the members of the Band of Hope, and twice afterwards by the public. In the evening a public meeting was held in the same place, which was crowded to hear a lecture from Mr. Inwards, subject, "Forty years of my experience as a temperance lecturer," with amusing anecdotes. The lecturer was greeted with frequent rounds of applause. The Rev. J. T. Barker presided.

ENTERTAINMENT—On Christmas Eve the Temperance Brass Band gave an entertainment in the Temperance Hall, which was well attended. Mr. J. Claridge, who presided, in a very able opening speech, asked all present to encourage the band in their endeavour to abate the evils of intemperance, by conducting such meetings as the one they were at. He then briefly noticed the evils of intemperance, and the advantages of total abstinence. The following programme was well rendered, especially the reading and recitation of Mr. C. L. Bradfield:— Carol, "A Virgin Unspotted," the company; song, "Home again," Mr. W. Skinner; carol, "Hark, What means those Holy voices," company; song, "He isn't a marrying man," Mr. G. W. Skinner; recitation, "The madman," Mr. F. Knight; carol, "In a Manger," company; duet, "The minute gun at sea," Messrs. D. Crick and W. Skinner; recitation, "The Drunkard's wife," Miss L. Lawson; anthem, "Carol, Christians, Carol," company; reading, "How to cure a cold," Mr. C. L. Bradfield; song, "How d'ye, how d'ye do," Mr. W. Skinner; recitation, "The Sacrilegious Gamsters," Mr. C. L. Bradfield; song, "Under the willow she's sleeping," Mr. D. Crick.

PICNIC—On Saturday the Temperance Brass Band held a picnic to which they invited the public. A substantial tea was provided, after which the band played selections of music, and for dancing in a field kindly lent by Mr. E. Knight. The attendance was not so large as on previous occasions.

ENTERTAINMENT—An entertainment was given in the Temperance Hall, in connection with the Temperance Brass Band, on Saturday evening last, when the programme was well carried out: Glee, the Band; song, "The best of all friends is a friend in the pocket," Mr. W. Skinner; recitation, "Trouble your head with your own affairs," Miss M. Groome; reading, "The black man's temperance lecture,"Mr. P. Wright; part song, "Waft me ye winds," glee, "A little farm well tilled," Messrs. C. Stringer, and G. W. and W. Skinner; song, "Nothing else to do," Mr. C. Stringer; reading, "Poor Muggins, the clerk," Mr. B. Vorley; song, "The tar's look out," Mr. W. Skinner; recitation, "The lips that touch liqour shall never touch mine," Miss S. Black.

TEMPERANCE BAND CONCERT — On Tuesday evening the fifth anniversary of the Temperance Band was celebrated by a concert. The Rev. Canon Barker presided, and the hall was well filled. The President, in his opening address, said he felt somewhat out of place in presiding at a musical entertainment, seeing he never could sing a song in his life, or play a tune on any instrument. He did once commence to learn a flute, but after several attempts he was told he had better leave off, and leave off he did. (Laughter) After some further interesting remarks, the Chairman called upon the band to open the concert by playing "Tancredi." The band was composed of Messrs. C. R. Fisher, piano; K. Skinner, cornet; G. Skinner, clarionet; S. Brown, violin; and W. Skinner, baritone. This was followed by the song, "John," by Messrs. G. W. Skinner, G. Farey, C. Stringer, and J. Farey, which was received with loud applause, as was the song by Mr. Farey which followed. Mr. G. K. Skinner played his solo very nicely, but it was reserved for Mrs. Parsons to obtain the first encore. The Misses Knight and Wilby were well received. Mr. Skinner followed. The first part of the programme was concluded by a reading, "The Northern Cobbler," by Canon Barker. The second part was commenced with the overture, "Caliph of Bagdad," by the band. Miss Wilby followed with "The banks of Allan Water," for which she was encored, as was Mr. Brown for his violin solo. The other performers acquitted themselves most satisfactorily. The concert was a great success.

ENTERTAINMENT—The usual entertainment, in connection with the Rushden Temperance Band, was given in the Temperance Hall, December 24th, when the chair was taken by Mr. E. Knight, who said he was very pleased that an entertainment of this kind was got up on such occasions for the amusement of the young people, for while they are at such places their characters were not being injured. The following was the programme:— Christmas glee, Company; song, "One story's good till another's told," Mr. W. Skinner; song, "The noble Twenty Fourth," Mr. C. Stringer; quartet, "The return of spring," by four instruments; recitation, "Coming home by the chimney," Mr. B. Vorley; song, "Millie's Faith," Miss Wilby; song, "The leather bottle," Mr. J. Farey; Christmas glee, "Hark to the merry bells," Company; song, "There was gladness with the angels," Miss M. Bull; song, "Tubal Cain," Mr. G. W. Skinner; song, "Belle Mahone's Reply," Miss M. A. Harris; reading, "Chiming of the bells," Mr. J. White; "The Tickling Trio," (encored), Messrs. C. Stringer, W. Skinner, and J. Farey; dialogue, "Bill Barrel's Licence." After the programme was gone through, refreshments were served, and games indulged in until 11 o'clock, when the Band started out with their lamps, and played several selections of music in the village.

TEMPERANCE—Owing to the Temperance Band being engaged at Riseley Club Feast, there was no Band of Hope Demonstration here this year. A tea was, however, provided in the Temperance Hall, and out-door games indulged in, after which a public meeting was held in the Temperance Hall, when addresses were given by the Rev. Mr. Davis, of Rushden, Mr. Bell, of London, Mr. Parker, of Finedon, and Mr. Sanderson, of London.

CONCERT—On Tuesday evening the Temperance Brass Band celebrated their sixth anniversary by a concert in the Temperance Hall. The Rev. W. A. Davis occupied the chair. A capital programme was provided, and several friends from Raunds rendered good service. The concert opened with an operatic selection by the band, and the programme included part songs by Mrs. J. T. Tebbutt, Miss L. Part, and Messrs. J. T. Tebbutt and J. Bass, one of which was encored; a song by Mrs. J. T. Tebbutt (encored); a clarionet solo by Mr. G. W. Skinner; songs by Mr. W. Hall; a reading by Mr. Knight; a song by Mr. J. Bass; a quartette by two cornets, tenor horn and baritone, admirably rendered by Messrs. F. Knight, G. Groome, G. Farey, and W. Skinner; song by Miss Part (encored); Fantasia by Mrs. J. Gant, who also did efficient service as accompanist; and a recitation by Mr. G. W. Button.

TEMPERANCE BAND—The annual entertainment in connection with the above band was given in the Temperance Hall on Christmas Eve. Mr. E. Knight presided, and delivered a very appropriate speech to a fair audience. After the programme was gone through, refreshments were served and games indulged in up to eleven o'clock when the band started round the village stopping at the principal places and playing carols and anthems suitable for the season. The programme of entertainment was as follows:— Selection, "Semiramide," Band; song, "The Tars look out," Mr. W. Skinner; song, "Will you come to my mountain home," Mr. C. Stringer; recitation, ''The grand crusade for sober freedom," Mr. Gr. W. Button; duet, "The singing lesson," Miss S. J. Knight and Mr. W. Skinner; song, "Bothered by my pretty flowers," Mr. C. Stringer; reading, "Our band's first outing," Mr. C. L. Bradfield; glee, "Hail smiling morn." Band; dialogue, "Modern philanthropists," Mr. G. W. Button, J. Knight, G. King, and E. Wrighton.

Letters to the Editor

Rushden Temperance Band.
SIR,—The members of the Rushden Temperance Band take this early opportunity of returning their most sincere thanks to the inhabitants of Rushden for the generous support they have received this year. Though the money collected this Christmas is more than in any previous year, yet we hope to prove ourselves worthy of greater favours in the future.— Yours, &c.,

CONCERT—On Monday evening, in connection with the Temperance Band anniversary, a concert of vocal and instrumental music was given in the New Hall, which was fairly filled. The concert was opened by the band playing Delannoys' overture, "Leopold," in an admirable manner, evincing the most capital rehearsal. Mr. Ekins's fine bass voice was heard to advantage in "The Bugler," for which he received an encore. He also sang with much power the tine song, "Stranded." Mr. J. A. Twist was honoured with an encore for his violin solo, and substituted "Home, sweet home" (varied). Mrs. Parsons, who is always a favourite, was received with applause, and encored for her first song, "Tit for tat," but we think her next song was the better of the two, "Youth and age." Professor Shepherd's oboe solo was a masterly performance. The singing of Mrs. Bull and Mrs. G. White was heartily cheered. Mr. J. K. Skinner's rendering of the air, "My heart and lute" was a fine performance, the player doing full justice to the very difficult piece. Mr. Hope sang, "True to the last," and "The yarn of the Nancy Bell" with his usual judgment. Miss Self's piano solo was a very fine performance, and was deservedly encored, when she substituted the fine old Scotch air, "Auld Lang Syne." Mr. G. W. Skinner did full justice to a fantasia on the clarionet, and was loudly applauded. The concert was musically a decided success.
Extract from Rushden Board School report in the same newspaper: ..........It was decided to allow the Temperance Band the use of the Mixed School three evenings per week for practice, from 7.30 to 9.30, for £5 per year, the band to pay for gas extra.

TEMPERANCE BAND—At the invitation quadrille party, given in the Public Hall on Saturday evening last, by the above band, a waltzing competition for two money prizes took place. Three couples entered, viz., Mr. S. Denton and Miss Emma Sears, Mr. and Mrs. H. Willis, and Mr. H. Tunn and Miss J. Sears. Mr. Wiles Knight officiated as referee, and awarded the prizes to the two first-named couples, in the order given. A large company assembled during the evening.

BAZAAR AND CHRISTMAS TREE—The Temperance Silver Band will hold a bazaar and Christmas Tree in the Public Hall on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 27th and 28th. Mr. Maurice Child's choir of Little Lady and Lasses will assist on Friday in their character pieces. On Saturday there will also be a public tea. (Advt.)