The Shoe Trade – In an article on the wholesale shoe trade in Northamptonshire a writer to the Leather Trades Circular and Review makes the following observation as to Rushden:- The trade of the villages - or as they are more popularly known “foreign parts” – is of a slightly different character to that of the town. The villages produce a heavier and a commoner boot. Take for instance Rushden, where a really good article is produced, but not quite so well finished perhaps as the town made, still it is a good wearing boot, serviceable and of good appearance. Few places have made the headway that this once little village has. It stands prominent above all others in its go-ahead qualities, not only in business, but in any class of amusement. It is the champion as far as cricket and football are concerned, and its bands and musical society are the best in the county. There is much low-class stuff produced in many of the villages, that is a snare and a delusion to the wearers; this however, is a matter for them, as a distinct demand is certain to find producers. We would like to see the public patronise a good article. The following paragraph culled from another portion of the article, is evidently “hitting at” a certain Rushden incident, and may be thoughtfully considered by Rushden members of the craft:- “Shoe manufacturers are far ahead of tanners and curriers in the prosecution of their industry, and well for us that they should be, for we can ill afford to lose our trade. Trades Union tyranny invariably tends to develop machinery, and thus to depreciate hand labour. There is no denying this and it would be well for the Trade Unionist if he would keep this constantly in mind, and not be led away by the plausible ‘delegate.’ We have known of cases where the men have had their attention called to the mansions of the manufacturers, with the explanation that it represented the sinew and muscle of the working man, entirely forgetting the fact that that there is such a thing as brains as well as muscle, and that but for the brains there would be no need for the muscle.”

Trade—Although the present delightful summer weather is adverse to an early autumn trade, orders appear to be fairly plentiful, and, judging from the activity displayed, most of the Rushden manufacturers are fairly well supplied with orders. In the export departments the output is apparently larger than ever, which is a source of considerable satisfaction. Messrs. Cave & Sons' commodious factory is now nearing completion, and is to be the first factory in Northamptonshire illuminated by the electric light.—Shoe and Leather Record

Presentation—This evening Mr Jenkins, head-master of the Newton-road Schools, has a pleasing function to perform in connection with the boot and shoe class. The students of this class, to show their appreciation of the services of Mr Swaysland, their instructor, have subscribed for a present, and Mr Jenkins has been asked to hand it to Mr Swaysland at the class. Taking into account the great success of the Rushden students last season, the recognition of their instructor’s work is thoroughly deserved.

Patent Granted. Boots etc.
A A Wadsworth, 137 Queen Street, and F Shortland, Portland House, both of Rushden.
This invention relates to means for feeding and guiding the work in a machine for driving fasteners into the soles of boots and shoes. The work is fed forwards by a reciprocating foot, preferably provided with teeth or ratchet form, the foot being adjustably connected to an arm suspended by means of a slot from a stud. The foot is reciprocated in the channel of the sole by means of a lever on the arm of the shaft, which is oscillated by toothed segments, the lever is so arranged that the pressure of the foot is greater during its forward than backward movement. Owing to the slot connection of the arm and the stud the arm has a play which is limited by a screw screwing into the slot; in consequence of this play the foot reciprocates at a practically constant level, so that the foot remains in the channel and so guides the work, which is supported on the usual horn. This ensures that the fasteners are inserted in a corrrect position.