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Not a Bad Industry for Young
Says M.P. at Opening of Shoe firm’s Canteen
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The Works Canteen in Graveley Street c 1950
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Claimed to be Rushden’s second largest hall, a new social centre and canteen for the employees of Messrs. Eaton and Co., boot manufacturers, was opened on Saturday as “Exeldia Hall.”
Directors, employees and guests saw Mrs. Harry Eaton, whose husband founded the business in 1912, unlock the main door in Graveley Street, saying: “I hope it will be of great benefit and enjoyed by you all.”
A prayer of dedication was offered by the Rev. E. T. Hughes, Vicar of St. Peter’s.
Lunch was served to a large company, including employees who have been with the firm 15 years.
Mrs. D. Sparkes (35 years’ service) presented a bouquet to Mrs. Eaton.
Grace was said by the Rev. David Murray, minister of the Mission Church.
Proposing a toast to Eaton and Co., Mr. A. C. Allen, M.P., Higham Ferrers, who is Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, said he did not believe it was a bad industry for youngsters to go into.
Equal
He recalled that out of strife they got a Board of Arbitration re-formed, and many of their troubles began to get less. The present chairman of the Board was Mr. George W. Marriott, of Eaton and Co. He was satisfied that the arbitration machinery set up was equal to that of any other industry.
Mr. Allen mentioned the firm’s move to Irchester Road in 1917 and the various extensions. The output in 1917 was 1,500 pairs per week; in 1938 it was 10,000 pairs and to-day it was about the same.
Retirement Scheme
He congratulated the firm on introducing the retirement scheme under which men who have served 25 years enjoy a pension of 30s. at 65 with an immediate life assurance of £400, and women at 60 a pension of 20s. and a life assurance of £200.
Mr. G. W. Marriott, chairman of the directors, expressed regret that Mr. Harry Eaton’s state of health would not allow him to attend.
Expressing pride in the firm’s achievement, he said their principle was to serve the public.
Debt to Staff
Acknowledging the debt owed to the staff headed by Miss Pollard (23 years’ service), he said it was up to them all to prevent a return of the difficulties experienced by the industry before the war.
Mr. A. H. Mayes, chairman of the Social and Welfare Committee, expressed good wishes to Mr. Harry Eaton.
Mr. R. H. Eaton proposed “The Visitors,” and the reply was by Mr. T. F. Chater, of Kettering, the company’s auditor.
Presentation
A pencil was presented to Mrs. Eaton by Mr. R. P. Cook of Messrs. Cook and Culling, Kettering, the architects.
Among those present were Mr. W. E. Capon (chairman of Rushden Urban Council), Mr. F. E. Brown (vice-chairman of the council), Mr. D. S. Eaton, Mr. J. S. Kirk (secretary of Rushden and District Shoe Manufacturers’ Association), Mr. R. W. Abbott (local president, Boot Operatives’ Union), Mr. W. H. Imison (National Provincial Bank), Lt.-Col. J. R. Marriott (Messrs. Robert Marriot, Ltd., builders of the hall), Mr. K. Harrison (foreman builder), Mr. E. W. Pacey (secretary and accountant to Eaton and Co.), and Mr. C. J. Balfour (welfare officer).
Sports Ground
The hall has a floor space of 70 ft. by 30 ft. There is a well-equipped kitchen, an office and cloakrooms. Development of a four-acre sports ground has begun, and two hard tennis courts are already in use.
On Saturday evening the whole of the employees attended a whist drive, cabaret and dance.
The regular canteen service has been placed in the hands of the Midland Counties Industrial Catering Co., Ltd.
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