The new building of the Trade Union Club, Higham-road, Rushden, though not quite completed, was in a sufficiently advanced stage to allow for the opening celebrations being held on Saturday last. When finished, the building will be as comfortable and commodious as any in the town or neighbourhood. Underground there is a large skittle room, while on the ground floor are situated the bar, the lounge, smoke-room, the card room and the offices of the local Boot and Shoe Operatives Union. There are a large concert room, reading room, and library upstairs, and a large balcony facing the Higham-road.

THE FIRST FUNCTION in connection with the opening was an address to a large assembly from this balcony by Mr. F. A. Channing, M.P. who passed the club about five o’clock, in the course of his tour of the Division. Mr. Channing who received an enthusiastic welcome said there was no stronger movement to-day than Rational Trades Unionism, and he congratulated Rushden and the neighbourhood on the forwardness of the movement among them. He thanked them most sincerely for their splendid support, which had enabled them to win the grandest victory ever won in East Northamptonshire, a Victory for the cause of Liberty which could not be separated from the cause of Liberalism. (Loud cheers.)

The date stone on Unity House

The Chairman said that trades unions were VERY STRONG IN RUSHDEN and consequently they required a home. They had had one before, but the family had increased and they were compelled to provide those splendid new premises. There were people who complained very much about clubs, but it was not the use of a club, but the abuse of a club, that they found fault with, and it was to be hoped the members would see that that club was used for its legitimate and proper purpose, and that they would meet there for social intercourse, healthy recreation, and useful discussions. (Applause). As the law stood at the present time, it did not touch clubs, but no doubt in the near future there would be legislation, and they would then have to see that there was legislation for the rich man’s club, and that both were put on the same basis. (Applause.) They had splendid premises and it was for the members to decide whether the Club was to be a success. (Applause.) He concluded by proposing “SUCCESS TO THE CLUB.”

Mr. C. Bates and Mr. W. Bazeley responded. The latter, speaking of the early days of the Club, said that they had purchased the land and the old premises for £400, though they had only had £70 with which to start the Club. They had had many difficulties to contend with, but had surmounted them all satisfactorily. (Applause.) Ever since they had started they had met their liabilities, and had endeavoured as a committee of management to keep their expenditure below their income. They had had friends who had seen that they had tried to manage their business on business lines, and it had given them confidence to deal with them, and they had never had any bills put in without being able to meet them. In the old building there was no convenience for club members, but the members had been loyal to the club. They would now in those premises be better able to carry out the rules and object of the club, by providing better means for social intercourse, moral improvement, and recreations. They would have one of the BRIGHTEST AND BEST CONDUCTED CLUBS in Northamptonshire. Their best room was the reading room, and they hoped soon to have a good circulating library. The committee of management wanted to conduct the club in a most respectable manner, so that they could make it a model club and silence all critics against club life. The committee had done their part in getting a good club, and they hoped the members would make a little self-sacrifice to assist them. They were trying to raise loan stock from the members and they hoped this would be responded to heartily. (Applause.)

Mr. Arthur Mantle, in proposing “Success to Trade Unionism,” said that anything which had for its object the betterment of the working classes was deserving of success. Trade Unions protected the wages and promoted the moral, social, educational, and political welfare of their members. They themselves had a club of which ANY WORKING MAN MIGHT BE PROUD, and he hoped that it might be a lasting monument to Trade Unionism in that district.  (Applause.)

Mr. Chas. Freak, in response, said that if it were not for Trades Unionism, the working man would have no representation in Parliament. Although Chamberlain said that the movement was of no use, he (the speaker) thought that John Burns – (applause) – did do some good and he only wished that there were more like him in the House. (Applause.)

Mr. J. Allen then proposed the “Northamptonshire Branch of the Trade Unions,” and Mr. C. Underwood responded, saying that they were determined not to rest until they gained representation on the London executive. (Applause.)

Mr. W. Bazeley proposed the health of the architect and builder, Mr. Sharman and Mr. R. Marriott responding.

The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the Chairman, proposed by Mr. Chas. Freak.

A concert was held later on in the evening.