The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-04-26 00:00:00

case pointed to the fact that it was wilfully done. a.
two windows were broken. The Bench tined de-
fendant 20s and costs, and 20s the damage claimed.
FOWL STEALING.—Georg o Kendlic'-c walpiarged
witn stealing on the 20th ult. a hen fowl, he prop-
erty of Daniel Beddall, amyl. of Walton Hill. Cleat.
Mr. Collis defended. Defendant was further
chargf d with stealing a pair of steelyards, the prop-
erty of John Pitt. Prosecutor proved that the fowl
produced was his property. and worth 2s. Police-
se, geant Payne proved apprehending the prisoner.
Mr. Collis. for the defence, pleaded guilty to steal-
ing the fowl, James Wallace, farmer, of Cleat said
that he borrowed the steelyards on the 2nd Feb-
ruary, 1875, from Mr. Pitt, to weigh some straw.
He missed them on the 4th. The steelyards pro-
duced are the same I borrowed. Know them from
a mark on the end of the steelyards as if they hal
been in a vice. Also know them from the number,
310. Cross-examined: After using them took them
into a barn. Have used them many times to weigh
straw. Defendant was working for me as that
time with other men. John Pitt, blacksmith, proved
that he lent some steelyards to the last witness, and
the steelyards produced are my property. Know
them from one of the hooks which was put on by
myself. Also know them from the centres being
taken out. They are worth 20s. George Work-
man, labourer, residing at Clent said that the pri-
soner brought him some steelyards some time ago.
It would be in February, 1875. Bought them from
him and paid him 10s. Prisoner said that he bought
, them at a sale at Hunnington. Handed them to
j Police-sergeant Payne' who proved apprehending
prisoner, who said he knew nothing about the steel-
yards. He afterwards said he aught a pair at
Hunnington. He further stated that he had bought
them for a scrap dealer, and gave 12s 6d for them,
and afterwards scld them to Workman for 10s.
Prisoner denied stealing the steelyards and was com-
mitted to take his trial at;the next Quarter Sessions
bail being accepted himself in £2O and two surities
in £lO each.
REFUSING TO QUIT.—John Stevens was charged
with refusing to quit the house of John Hall, when
requested. Lousia Greenwood proved that defend-
ant refused to quit, and had to send for the police.
Police-sergeant Jones proved that defendant was
drunk. He fell down and he had to pick him up,
and put him out of the house. Three previous con-
victions were proved against the defendant who was
fined lOs and costs ; in default one month.
OBSTRUCTING THE HIGHWAY.--Thomas FOX Was
charged with allowing a wagon to remain in the
Hagley Road, on the 22nd, longer than is allowed
for loading or unloading. Police-constable Morgan
proved that the defendant's wagon was near the
Swan Inn, for one hour and ten minutes laden with
coal. Withdrawn on payment of costs. A similar
charge was preferred against Benjamin Cuttler, for
leaving a horse and cart in the Hagley Road for more
than one hour. Police-constable Morgan proved
the case. Ordered to pay costs.
DAMAGING A FENCE.—Bomard Evans and Henry
Evans, two boys, were charged with wilfully damag-
ing a fence on the 21st, inst, the property of George
Horseley. Police-constable Morgan proved that lie
saw both the defendants tear down a new fence
Complainant proved that the damage done was 2s,
but had laid it at is. Did not wish to press the
case. Fined 2s 6d each to include costs.
NON-PAYMENT OP HIGHWAY AND IMPROVEMENT
RATES.—A number of persons were summoned by
James Hipkiss for non-payment of rates. Mr.
Prescott defended Edward and Edwin Ricketts, and
in a long legal argument contended that no order
could be made, as John Taylor, the clerk, had signed
the notice instead of the Commissioners ; also that
the notice was not stamped, as required by law.
The case was ultimately adjourned for a week, to
allow the Commissioners to be represented.