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Rushden Argus, 4th February 1898.
Shoe Trade Wages - 1898

Wages in the Army Boot Trade

The following is a copy of a circular addressed to the boot and shoe manufacturers and Government contractors of Rushden, Irchester, Irthlingborough, Finedon, and Raunds, a copy also being sent to the War Office:—

Gentlemen,—At general meetings held in the above places of rivetters, finishers and closers of army and navy boots and shoes, resolutions have been passed re the heavy labour, skill, and care in the lasting, finishing, and closing of Government army and navy boots and shoes, the present prices paid being considered inadequate for the labour involved.

We therefore respectfully submit to your consideration the subjoined statement of wages to be paid uniformly throughout the district, trusting you will make provision for this increase when tendering for the next contract.

A deputation will be glad to meet you at your earliest convenience.

We are, gentlemen, yours respectfully, O. Slater (Irchester). William Bazeley, Arthur Mantle (Rushden and Irthlingborough), E. Hopkins, W. Millard (Finedon), J. E. Hall, G. F. Roughton (Raunds).

Statement

Advance per pair on present prices: —


Closing
Making
Finishing
Army work (steel points)
1d.
1d.
½d.
Army work (nailed)
1d.
1d.
½d.
Marines 
1d.
½d.
Navy
1d.
½d.
Telegraph Service
½d. 
½d.

Tenders for the new orders were due in last Wednesday.

The Rushden Echo, 24th June 1898, transcribed by Kay Collins

THE STAPLE TRADE in Rushden is very quiet just now, and some of the factories are on short time.


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