The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-09-10 00:00:00

WORDSLEY.

CHANGE RINGING.—On Thursday night, September
8, 1870, was rung at Trinity Church, Wordsley, by six of
that society, 720 changes of single bob minor, the fir.t
rung for upwards of 30 years. The band was stationed
as bllows : H. C. Porter, treble; T. Jordan, 2nd; C.
Hatton, 3rd; 0. E. Jones, 4th; W. Hughes, sth; W.
Lawrence, tenor. Instructed by W. Lawrence, and con-
ducted by W. Pugh.

. . _ .„...
AID TO TAN SICK AND WOUNDED.—A public meeting
of the inhabitant+ of the parish of Kingswinford was
held on Monday evening, at the Wordsley Institute, to
promote the above object. Major Fletcher occupied the
chair, and in opening the proceedings observed that dur-
ing the past few weeks two of the most powerful nations
in Europe had entered into a most lamentable war, the
meld destructive that ever took place on the continent,
in consequence of the enormous armies, the improved
weapons, and the unparalleled bravery of the soldiers on
both sides. There were about 100,000 wounded men
lying upon the battlefield and in hospitals, and the
greater part of whom were helpless, and had not had
their wounds properly attended to. Be thought it
called forth their sympathy. became the men who were
suffering had taken no part in bringing about the war.
They were told that after the great battle at Woerth the
wounded remained on the battle field four days and
nights before they were removed. Imagine, if they
could, the sufferings of the poor men in that time, and
no help given to them. He hoped that assistance would
be sent from that parish, as it was required speedily.—
The Rev. A. Girdlestone moved the first resolution as
follows :—" That the sufferings of the wounded German
and Frencn soldiers demand the aid as well as the sym-
pathy of their fellow beings." They were asked that
evening to assist in a work of charity which belonged as
much to the laity an the clergy. The two nations had
evidently been determined on each other's destruction,
which had brought about a great amount of suffering.
He had heard several objections made against assisting
the wounded, on the ground that by helping them they
would really be encouraging the war. He denied it, and
considered that in binding up the wounds of a suffering
brother and attending to the sick he was following in
the footsteps of his Great Master when he was upon
earth. If they left the wounded °neared for the result
would be that thousands would die. Be could not think
that any one had got such a hard heart an to let the
wounded remain on the battle field, and be trampled to
death under the horses feet. He sincerely trusted that
they would assist in sending out help to alleviate the
sufferings of the thousands in France and Germany.—
'the Rev. W. Bagnall seconded the resolution, and ear.
neatly entreated that help might be sent for the poor •
wounded soldiers.—Mr. Card.'r supported the resolution,
which was carried.—Mr. B. St. John Matthews moved ,
the next resolution :--" That those present do form a !
committee, with power to add to their number, in order I
to organise efforts in this parish, and that Major Fletcher
be asked to act as treasurer."—Mr. L. Freer, J.P.. sec•
ended the motion, which was carried.—The Rev. J. Stone
next moved "That a subscription list be DOW entered
upon, and that the funds raised be transmitted through
the society for aid to the wounded."—Mr. B. Smith
briefly seconded the motion, which was carried unani•
mousiy.—Mr R. Plant proposed a vote of thanks to the
chairman for presiding, and to the trustees for the use of
the room.—Mr. E. Turner seconded the motion, and it
was carried.—Major Fletcher having responded, the
meeting appointed Messrs. B St. John Matthews and E.
furrier the secretaries to receive subscriptions and arti-
cles in the shape of linen, +tc. The sum of £l7 was
subscribed in the room.