The trade of Luton has been very brisk during the past month, wrote a straw trade expert. In all departments for the bleachers and dyers, and for the manufacturers, there has been great pressure in the velour, felt and covered hat selections, while some makers have also rejoiced in considerable orders for straws.

The following is a Luton [unnamed] man's narrative of his experiences in, and his description of, a moonlight air raid by Gotha aeroplanes on a South Eastern port this week: (The port now known to be Dover, the raid took place on 24 September 1917).

Digest of stories from the Beds & Herts Saturday Telegraph: September 30th, 1917.

The 'Klondyke' allotments on Old Bedford Road, Luton, are almost the oldest gardens of their kind and the tenants are very proud of them. There have been splendid crops this year, and doubtless some of the tenants have been preparing for next year.

Lieut Wilson attended before Lieut-Col Carruthers and Mr C. H. Osborne at Luton Borough Sessions on Saturday [September 29th, 1917] to explain the action of the authorities at Biscot Camp in informing two London railwaymen, twice remanded on bail on charges of loitering in the lines at the camp, that they need not appear further as the charge was not being proceeded with.

• Bute Hospital, Luton.

Scathing things were said about the treatment by the authorities of discharged men, at a meeting of Luton War Pensions Committee at the Town Hall on Friday night [September 28th, 1917].

Digest of stories from The Luton News: Thursday, September 27th, 1917.

We regret to record the very pathetic end to the military career of Luton's only double DCM, Second Lieut Arthur Andrews, of the Northumberland Fusiliers, and son of George and Isabella Andrews, of 110 Wellington Street.

Digest of stories from the Beds & Herts Saturday Telegraph: September 22nd, 1917.

Two years ago there came to Luton a small new industry - the manufacture of fancy leather goods. From portmanteaux to autograph albums, an acceptable class of goods is turned out at the premises of Messrs W. A. Maylor & Co, of Collingdon Street, Luton, a branch of the business at 294 City Road, London.

In the course of a chat with a Luton News representative, the Luton manager, Mr R. G. Hartley said: "Yes, it is true we have purchased larger premises in Moor Street from Mr George W. Pryer, and we intend going there immediately.

Bdr Ernest Palmer (153697, Royal Garrison Artillery), who for many years working in the printing department of The Luton News, has sent home some very interesting letters to his brother and sister, who reside at 154 Leagrave Road, Luton. Bdr Palmer (pictured below) writes:

Digest of stories from The Luton News: Thursday, September 20th, 1917.

Not since pre-war days has there been such an animated debate in Luton Town Council as that which took place on Tuesday night [September 18th, 1917]. It arose over the question of the Mayoralty, Councillor Hubbard raising the question in a letter addressed to the Town Clerk.

Digest of stories from the Beds & Herts Saturday Telegraph: September 15th, 1917.

At Edwards' Restaurant, Manchester Street, last evening, a meeting was held to consider the question of forming a local Socialist organisation and after some discussion it was decided to form a Luton branch of the Independent Labour Party. There were a good number present.

Luton News employee Cpl A. E. Martin (pictured), Royal Engineers, has had a varied experience since he left the counting-house desk for training and his subsequent travels in France, Egypt, Macedonia and Palestine. Writing from Palestine to Mr Lester, of Messrs Brown & Green Ltd, he says: