The Argus, 20^th Dec 1889, transcribed by Kay Collins

Local Intelligence
Trade Items. — Messrs. J. Denton and Coombs have taken possession of their new factory in Washbrook-road. — Mr. C. Bull has removed into larger premises recently vacated by Mr. F. Knight. — Mr. B. Claridge has taken his eldest son, Mr. O. Claridge, into partnership. — Messrs. West and Child's new factory is completed, and Messrs. Lilley and Skinner had been advertising for tenders for a new factory.

Notes of the Week
Not much business has been done in Rushden during the week. Most of the factories "knocked off" early, and instead of the usual skurrying to and fro with finished and unfinished work, numbers of shoe hands have perambulated the streets, the general air being "We've got no work to do". Entertainments, bazaars, and social parties have been the principal events of the week, and the generality of the populace, have done their best to spend a pleasant holiday.

THE STAPLE TRADE—A Rushden manufacturer estimates that the output from the factories in the town is 40,000 or 50,000 pairs of boots a week.

Prices for Army Boots – Important Communication Received at Rushden
We hear than an important communication was received in Rushden this morning by the Government contractors, which will, we believe, give universal satisfaction. A more rational system of arriving at the prices of boots between the contractors and the Government has now been adopted, and the new method will undoubtedly effect economy, and will ensure the distribution of prices on a much fairer basis.

While the new system of payment will relieve local manufacturers of much anxiety, it will also ensure a more equitable payment all round, and must ultimately work out as a saving to the Treasury.

Leather Supplies—Most of the boot manufacturers in this district have now received certificates for Army and war-time leathers for the quarter July-September. Some free bends have been released by the Department for civilian purposes. There are also a few chrome bends under 9-iron in substance released for civilian footwear.