Monday's meeting of boot operatives, presided over by Ald. A. C. Allen, adopted a resolution condemning the setting up of boot und shoe factories in distressed areas. It was considered that there would be no social gain accruing to the country as a result of such measures, since the areas in which boot factories already existed were suffering from unemployment and the setting up of new factories would make an already acute competitive position still more acute.

The meeting also debuted whether trade union officials should serve on county or local committees for national service, but although many opinions were expressed there was no decision.

In a report on flip No. 8 Toe Laster dispute it was stated that the local Board of Arbitration, at a meeting last Friday, had referred the issue to two arbitrators. Mr. Fred Gould had been invited to officiate for the Union, and it was understood that the manufacturers were in touch with a Kettering manufacturer to serve for them.

For the Union Conference at Brighton next Easter Miss Brenda Cumberpatch, Mrs. W. Ainge, Messrs. E. A. Mayhew, Joseph Perkins, W. M. Burgess, Geo. Hales, Walter Hills, Wm. Ainge and Fred Smith were nominated as delegates. Five, including one lady, will be required for Rushden and Higham Ferrers.