Higham Ferrers, April 17th, 1768

The Small-Pox having been lately in this Town, and [preventing many] from coming to the Fairs and Markets, ... ... ... ..., it is thought ... ... the Town, that it is now entirely free from it, and very safe for all Persons who may have Occasion to travel or trade in it.

HIGHAM FERRERS - FLOODS—Haymaking had been begun and several large fields were down at the beginning of the week. There were good crops and excellent quality, but the heavy fall of rain on Thursday has caused a flood, which will silt that not cut, and at the time we write (Thursday evening), it is feared will float that in the meadows that is cut. The water is rising fast.

Rent Dinner—The cottage tenants of the Fitzwilliam estate, according to custom, have just had their annual dinner, part at the Queen's Head, and the other part at the White Horse. A good dinner and plenty of beer and tobacco was supplied at each place.

DISTRIBUTION OF CHARITY—On the 2nd inst. the usual sixpenny loaf was given at the church doors to every householder by the Finance Committee of the Corporation. During the last few weeks the Rev. E. Templeman has been giving away Sanders' and Maskell's charity. The charity is left to the vicar und churchwardens to dispense, and formerly used to be given in a small loaf to each family, but is now given in sums of 2s. 6d.each to a number of the deserving poor. The widows' gowns have been disposed of to the following: Mrs. A. Perkins, Mrs. M. Underwood, Mrs. Ward, and Mrs. Wrighton.

HIGHAM PICNIC—The Sunday School teachers and collectors under the Blake system of Bible reading, had their annual picnic at the Moors on Saturday. There was a good number present, and all appeared to enjoy the outing.

SPORTING—A match took place in the sports field on Monday morning between two dogs belonging to two well-known members of the sporting fraternity of Higham Ferrers, viz., Mr. H. Blackwell’s Jack and Mr. G. Pywell’s Jenny. The latter received twenty yards start in 120 yards, but was beaten by five yards.

HIGHAM FERRERS - TEA AND DANCE—On Friday, as a wind-up to the feast, a public tea was provided at the Cafe Royal, by Mr. Cox, a good number sitting down. After tea dancing was indulged in, an enjoyable time being spent.

THE MUSHROOM SEASON—As Mr. E. Hancock, of the Coffee Tavern, was out walking on Saturday morning, he gathered a large mushroom, measuring in circumference 29 inches.

BUILDING PROSPECTS—We are informed that the borough has been surveyed during the past few days with a view to selecting suitable building sites, 1st for artisan's cottages, 2nd villas and three factories, and that the whole will shortly be in the market. There are at the present time 22 cottages and one factory in course of erection.

THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER—Mr. O. Middleton has been appointed president, Mr. C. E, Sanders treasurer, and Mr. A. Parker secretary of a large committee for the purpose of making arrangements for Guy Fawkes’ Day.

HIGHAM FERRERS - RABBIT COURSING—The finish of the rabbit coursing took place on Saturday last. The first round and part of the second were run on the 8th, when it had to be adjourned for want of rabbits, and at the meeting on Saturday last, in the second round, Judge's "Jacko'' beat Hawthorn's "Judy," Keewood's "Poppy" had a bye. Third round: Wolley's "Roger" beat Scott's "Pincher," "Jacko" beat "Poppy," Wilmer's "Mischief" had a bye. Final: "Roger" beat "Mischief", "Jacko" beat "Roger".

Measles Epidemic—An epidemic of measles has broken out in the town, and so rapidly has it spread that it has been found imperative to close the Infant School, as the attendance decreased by 60 per cent in three days. We hear most of the cases are of a mild type.

The Coming-of-Age of Mr James Albert Grant, eldest son of Mr Alfred Grant (haulage contractor) and Mrs Grant, of The Walnut Tree, Higham Ferrers, was celebrated on Sunday when a small but happy company of relatives and friends assembled at Mr and Mrs Grant’s residence. Mr J A Grant received congratulatory messages and some very choice presents.

The Health of Councillor A E Hurst still gives some cause for anxiety, and his doctor ordered him to go away yesterday for a month.

Summoned at Thrapston Petty Sessions on Tuesday for driving a motor lorry without a driving licence at Raunds on February 27^th, Lewis Robinson, of Higham Ferrers, was fined ten shillings.

RECHABITES—About 100 juvenile-members of the "Morning Star" Tent, Rushden, and the "Progress" Tent, Higham Ferrers, were entertained to tea in the Queen-street schoolrooms on February 28. Bro. Barley, juvenile superintendent, was in the chair, and Sister Megan Capon extended a welcome to the District officers (Bros. J. Harris and R. G. Sherwood), and to the Higham Ferrers visitors. After tea the company were entertained by Bro. A. J. George's cinematograph, and Bro. R. Richards (conjuror), and there were addresses by the District officers and others. Sisters M. M. Stapleton, D.D.R., B.Knight and S. J. Shipman formed the ladies committee, and the secretary, Bro. J. H. Shipman, carried out the arrangements.

An Egg to Cackle About
There was a great argument in the chicken run at 25, Newman St., Higham Ferrers, on Friday when Mr. L. C. Crisp went to collect his egg ration. His pullets were cackling round an egg, laid by one of their number, a Rhode Island crossed with a White Sussex. The April hatched pullet had laid a 5¾ oz. egg, measuring 9 inches round from end to end and 7¾ inches round the middle. The pullet laid a normal egg on Monday morning.

NEW COMPANY
Nene Motors, Ltd. (478,938) —Private company. Registered March 1st Capital £5,000 in £1 shares. Objects:— To acquire the business of garage proprietors and motor engineers carried on by Albert E. Kilsby and Thomas F. Attley at Nene Road, Higham Ferrers.

The directors are: Albert E. Kilsby, 58 Park Avenue, Rushden; Thos. F. Attley, 3 Nene Road, Higham Ferrers, and Tom Norton, 87 High Street, Finedon, Northants.

Secretary: Tom Norton. Solicitors: Parkers and Groome, Cleaver's Chambers, Rushden. Registered office: Nene Road, Higham Ferrers.