EMPLOYEES SICK AND BENEFIT SOCIETY—From a perusal of the first balance sheet of Messrs. J. Cave Son’s employees Benefit Society, which has just completed the first year of its existence, it appears that the receipts of the past year amount to £65 9s. 11d., and the expenditure to£44 10s. 8d., leaving a balance of £20 19s. 3d. in the hands of the treasurer. This society, which was originated for the purpose of helping the employees in time of sickness without the trouble and publicity of a "whip round," gives for the payment of 1d. per week 5s., 1½d. per week 8s., and 2d. per week 10s.; and according to certain rules and regulations returns a part of the amount paid in subscriptions to the employee upon his leaving his employment.

The number of employees in the society is 140, and it will be at once seen that amounts could not be paid without some out-side help. This is obtained by utilising the donations in the shape of "Christmas boxes" given by leather manufacturers, travellers, &c., who trade with the firm. The sums thus obtained amounted to £14 11s. 6d., hon. members subscriptions to £5, members subscriptions £45 18s. 5d., making a total of £65 9s. 11d.

Northampton Mercury Saturday January 11^th 1890, transcribed by Susan Manton 

Cave and Sons’ Employees Benefit Club

The annual holiday of this club came off on Saturday. About 200 members and friends sat down in the Public Hal to a splendid repast, served by Mr. Keywood, the manager of the Coffee Tavern, the company including Messrs. Paul Cave, Amos Cave, Fred Cave, and Arthur Cave, members of the firm.

Mr. Paul Cave, the president, said it gave him great pleasure to preside over the gathering, and he should do all he could for the club. (Applause) Mr. W. Skinner proposed the toast of “The Sick Benefit Club” which was seconded by Mr. J. Farey in a few remarks, in which he alluded to the starting of the club four years ago. In case of an employee having a protracted illness, they used to have a “whip round” on his behalf, but they thought a club would create a more independent feeling and he acknowledged the help the club had received from the firm. Mr. T. Brightwell proposed “The Firm of Cave and Sons”. Mr. J. Corby seconded this and said it was owing to the business abilities of such firms as theirs that Rushden had forged its way to the position it now occupied in the country. Mr. Paul Cave replied and Mr. J. Farey then proposed the toast of “The President” which was seconded by Mr. Rice, to which Mr. P. Cave responded. After a vote to Mr. Keywood for his excellent catering, on the motion of Mr. Arthur Cave, had been passed, the party adjourned till the room had been cleared after which songs were given, this department being contributed to by Messrs. F. A. Cave, J. and G. Farey, W. Skinner and J. Smith. Mr. Powell then gave an entertainment consisting of lime-light views, which was much enjoyed, the holiday winding up with dancing.