MANUFACTURERS' DINNER—The dinner given by the leather merchants to the boot manufacturers of this enterprising village and district (inaugurated last year through the energy of Mr. W. T. Poole, Northampton), was repeated on Feb. 9th, under the presidency of M. W. T. Morris (Morris and Son), at the Wheatsheaf Hotel, Rushden. It now bids fair to be a welcome annual to the gentlemen interested. Most of the manufacturers responded to invitation, and among the weekly visitors to this energetic and prosperous centre present were: Messrs. Jansen (London), John Morrell (Leeds), Fletcher (Dastler, Palmer and Co.), W. T. Poole, (Baxter, Hemsworth, Linley, and Wilkes), James, (Fisher and Sons), Rose (Conyers and Sons), Warwick (Bevington and sons), Maddock (Bevington and Morris), F. A. Williams, vice-chairman (J. J. Williams and Co.), Wells (Dove and Wilcox), &c.— After the usual loyal toasts, "The Bishop and Clergy," proposed by Mr. Haddock, and replied to in a humorous speech by Mr. Morrell.—The Chairman gave the toast of the evening, "The trade of Rushden and neighbourhood." He spoke of the great and rapid increase in the business of the town, as evidenced by the numerous new and imposing factories, the increase in population, and extensive building operations, together with the thoughtful care of the masters in their varied efforts and worthy undertakings for the benefit of their employees, producing an exemplary amount of contentment and respect.—Mr. George Denton (Chairman of the School Board, and leader of all good work in the district), and Mr. William Claridge, sen, responded.—After speeches by Messrs. Colson, Knight, Cave, Jansen, and others, toast and song was the order of the evening, which, owing to the enforced departure of the hosts, was brought to a somewhat early conclusion.