The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-02-13 00:00:00

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE INDUSTRIAL

AND FINE ARTS EXIIIBITION.

A Pnblic Meeting in connection with the fartherance
of the above objects, was held at the Talbot Hotel, yea.
terday afternoon. Lord Lyttelton occupied the chair.
They,: were also present the Hon. awl Rev. W. H. Lot.
triton. F. Talbot, Sec. ; Messrs. J E. Sw.ndell, J. Aston,
W. Webb, H immonl. H. K. Harris Mr. McEwen.
Rev. B. Maginnis, K. Strin,ter, BIM, J. Pagett, U.
King, H. Smith, James, E. B. Marten, etc.

Ms Lordship said this was a ladle meeting, but some
of the so•caltai public meetings were very often private
ones, for tney were not very large Ones generally. How-
ever he boned those present would do all they could to
give it their support. He believed the Industrial and
Fine Arts Exhibition would not be bad until neat ILty,
' ""

and would then be held in thelynenie Wounds, %Vol.
verhampton. He thought there was to be another exhi•
bitiori, but he did not think that this would clash with
that. Ile could not help but think that exhibitions of
this kind were productive of very good effects. He did
not know much about it at present, and should call upon
Mr. Talbot, the secretary, to explain to the meeting.
.i•

Mr. Talbot said he had hoped that Mr. Rupee Kettle
would have been present to have given full details, as he
was better known in this district than Smethwiek, where
lie was the previous day. However he (Mr. Talbdt) was
well primed in the office; and proceeded to give an ac-
count of the history and of the movements of the In-
dustrial Exhibition, since April last. The Ii at meeting
was held at the Art Exhibition, Wolverhampton. Since
Os it tints there have been a variety of propositions lad
before the Committee, which had then been formed, het
eventually they had come before the district with a very
distinct proposal, and there is now every prospect of the
Exhibition succeeding. The place where the Exhibition
will he held is the Melyneux Grounds, and there are
about 51 acres of ground. There is also adjoining u
large aheet of water. The Exhibition will be confined
to South Staffordshire and East Worcestershire, where
the works are, which district is well known for its tire-
clay, iron, and glass. The Committee have decided not
to issue medals or certificates, and other distinctions of
merit, to exhibitors ; hut to issue reports upon the
classes of productions which would be exhibited. These
reports would he of historic value in the district in
future times, ins way in which medals could not possibly
be, and he thought it important that manufacturers
Oswald be well represented. The Industrial collection
of Fine Arts, he might say, was in the hands of the
Earl of Dartmouth. There were several gentlemen
round the district who had not yet promised whether
they would send articles or not. Messrs. Chance, of
Soon Lane, had promised to give all the support they
Gould. He might say that they were in treaty for a piece
of laud adjoining, the site of the Exhibition, where per.
Bone could play at cricket. It was also intended to erect
a place for refreshments.
Mr. J. E. Swindell thought there was quite sufficient
in South Staffordshire and the district to form a goal
exhibition. lie did not believe that any county could
do it better than South Staffordshire, and thought it
would prove a very good thing ; and concluded by pro.
posing the following resolution !—"That this meeting is
of opinion that the scheme of the Sonth Staffordshire
Exhibition, as explained to this meeting, is worthy of
the support of the manufacturers of this district, and
this meeting pledges KAI to assist in carrying it oat ;"
which was seconded by Mr. Chadds Webb.
In answer to the Chairman, Mr. Talbot said he did not
expect to excel in fine arts the late Dudley Exhibition.
The Hon. and Rev. W. H. Lyttelton proposed that the
following gentleman be formed into a local committee
for the perpose of carrying out the above resolution
H. R. Harrison, H. Smith, C. Webb, J. P. Hunt, A.
McEwen, C. E. Firmstone, E. B. Marten, T. W.Xebb,
H. Walker, W. Wood, W. Richardson, G. T. Bloomer,
J. P. ane H. P. Grazebrook, E. B. Bailey, with power to
add to their number.
Mr. H. K. Harrison seconded the resolution.
_

Mr. G. Soden w. appointed Local Secretary.
The Rev. D. Maginnis moved a vote of thanks to the
Chairman, which was seconded by Sir. J. A-ton, and the
proeeedinda concluded.
A Committee Meeting will be held on Monday next,
at Twelve o'eloek.