Perhaps the number of visitors during last week-end was not so great as in former years, nevertheless evidence was not lacking on Feast Sunday that many had not permitted the present troublous times to thwart annual custom, judging by the crowded condition of the High-street. As per usual, also, there were numbers of sweet young things fluttering about in the latest creations which this year have a cut decidedly military, but be it said that such young men as were to be seen about, and these were noticeably fewer than usual, were not so smartly dressed as is customary at Ruzdin Feast. Perhaps they were exercising wise economy in view of the increased cost of living, or what would be more creditable still they were making their present suits last out until such time as an opportunity presents itself for the donning of that most fashionable colour for men which at present time finds the lion’s share of favour with the fair sex. At any rate Col.-Sergts Draper and Ashby have been using their utmost endeavours throughout the week to obtain recruits for His Majesty’s forces, and not without, we understand, some measure of success.

Although the weather has been in rather fickle mood, the fair ground, Spencer Park, has been crowded nightly. Here Mr. Charles Thurston has once again provided his numerous patrons with something new, attractive, and quite up-to-date. This year this inimitable entertainment contractor has provided the energetic youth of Rushden and district with endless opportunities of “strafing” the Kaiser with a minimum of risk. Let it not be said, however, that the numerous effigies of the “All highest” have obtained “more kicks than ha’pence,” as a representative of this journal found that it was the usual thing to spend many more ha’pence than one got chances of administering kicks. “Hit in the centre and John Bull is bound to kick,” shouted the stall proprietor, but it takes a bit of doing was our experience. The switch-back motor cars are, of course, as popular as ever, and this year the “Helter Skelter” provides an opportunity of having “A pen’orth on the mat,” a form of amusement that seems to afford as much pleasure to onlookers as to the participators. This amusement reminds one of childhood’s days, when we used to slide down the balustrades of the “Igh Corcy” steps, polishing the balustrades and incidentally a certain portion of our attire, where mother subsequently had to put a patch, much to the lowering of juvenile dignity. However, it is all jolly good fun, and it all contributes to the maintenance of the characteristic British spirit of good cheer that is going to bring us through on top.

In addition to the attractions already mentioned, there are the ever-popular coconut-shies, hoop-las, darts, rings, shooting galleries, etc., and to-morrow it is expected that all Rushden is going down to the fair ground for the final fling.