The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-08-30 00:00:00

POTATO.

he trade for potatoes continues pretty steady, but there
are full supplies, and prices are rather more in buyers'
favour. Early shaws, 116 e. to 1505.; regents, 130 s. to 100 s. ;
early rose, 110 s. to 1505.; and kidneys, 130 e. to 1808.

HOP.
The weather has been exceptionally unpropitious for the
hop gardens during the year, and the prospects everywhere
are most unsatisfactory. The weather is not yet powerless
to effect a material change in the prospects, but, short of
absolute failure, the worst results would appear to be appre-
hended. In the Borough there has been a moderate amount
of activity, and higher prices prevail for most classes of
hops. East Kant goldings, £5 be. to £8 les.; Dad Kent,
£5 to £7 10s. ; Weald of Kent, £5'63. to Le is.; Sussex:
lOs to £5 15s. Farnham and country, £5 106 to ZS
Californians. £5 51 to £6 6a.; Bavarians, £5 to 10s.

Fat ortolans, 2s.GtoAME3s. z ttNalDianrOgrivaLTs,
ll's.. to Is. Sd ; grouse,
2s to 55. ; black game, 2s 6d. to 45. ; snipe, 9d. to is.; plovers,
10d. to is. ; widgeon, 94. to le. 3d. ; rabbits, Ild. to Is. 10d. ;
pigeons, 6d. to 9(1.: Irish fowls, Is. 6d. to Ss ; Boston ditto,
2s. to 2s. 91. ; Essex ditto, Is. 3d to Si 3d ; Surrey ditto, 68.
to 7s ; Sussex ditto, 2s to ss. ; haunches of venison, 30s. to
655. each; forequarters of ditto, 81 to 90. per lb.
FISH.
Fresh herrings, ss. to 68. 6d. ; red ditto, is. 61. to 38. gd. :
roused ditto, is 6d. to Si. 6d. ; kipper ditto, Ns to 12s. •
bloater ditto, 88. to 118.; pickle ditto, 6s 6d. to 7s. 6d '
• Per
hundred: crimped salmon, 2s. 31. to 28. 6d. per lb.
•
lobsters, Ils. 6d. ta 40s ; crabs, Bs. 6d. to 3 cker
58. ; m "
2s. Gd. to 4s. ; mullet, is. to Se. 6d. • greY ditto, 28. Bel,
per dozen ; native oysters, £.12 lie. Per bushel • L°
35.
3d.
ditto. s. to 70. dd. per hundred. , common

not lib,. ''vie Et the English, the Dutch, the
For cent 4- -1 other European nations
Portuguese, am- ia Africa, mostly upon
have had settlements .._ -n one towards
the coast, and little has be....
mysterious
permanently penetrating into the _
interior. From the time of Mango -Park
Africa has been the scene of adventurous ex-
ploration, almost vying with the dangers of
Arctic expeditions. Nearly forty years ago
a very considerable effort was made by the
British pnplic to start a colony in Central
Africa, and the Great Niger expedition set
out upon its mission. The sum voted by
Parliament towards it was £60,000. Sanguine
hopes of its success had been formed; bat
fever broke oat amongst the crews of the
ships, and they were compelled to return.
The enterprise was relinquished, owing to
disease, heat, and hardships; and the idea of
establishing a colony i the middle of Africa
was given up. In 1645 the Great Sahara
was explored by James Richardson, who died
in the prosecution of his laboars, just as
Mingo Park had done. Then followed Dr.
Vogel, who is said to have been assassinated;
bat Dr. Barth, more fortunate, was enabled
to return to England, where he received the
Royal Geographical Society's medal. Next
Dr. David Livingstone, whose name will
ever be held in remembrance by those who
achnire missionary travel, presented himself
to his friends in England after an absence
o$ sixteen years. In that time he had tra-
versed a large part of the heart of South
Africa, and walked about 11,000 miles, prin-
cipally over country hitherto unexplored.
Da Chailln's travels in Central Africa created
much controversy nearly twenty years ago;
and next we had the famous Walk across
Africa by Captains Spoke and Grant, result-
ing in the discovery of the source of the Nile
in Lake Nyanza Victoria. Nor must the
adventures of Sir Samuel Baker, nor the ex-
pedition of Mr. E. D. Young in search of
Livingstone be overlooked in a glance at this
subject. Livingstone at length fell a martyr
to the cause he loved so well, and his remains
are now at rest amid the groined arches of
Westminster Abbey.

Commander Cameron and Mr. H. M.
Stanley have, during the last five years,
materially added to our stores of information
respecting the African continent. Yet the
facts which have come out at the Sheffield
meeting of the British Association show that,
to use the words of Sir Isaac Newton, we
have been merely gathering a few pebbles
on the sea-shore, while the vast undiscovered
ocean of truth still lies before us. It

probable enough that the next few years
will see a considerable increase in the num-
ber of African travellers. The thirst for
adventure and for geographical knowledge
will be amply gratified in those who are
venturous enough to organise little expedi-
tions .from Zanzibar to the great Zambesi
river. Between the temples and the pyra-
mids of Egypt, of thirty centuries ago, and
the arid wastes roamed over to-day by the
cannibal tribes of Gaboon and Ogawa, there
is an enormous distance of time; and that
both should have eiistedon the same quarter
of the globe appears little short of marvel-
lous. At all events, the interesting discus-
sions at Sheffield have shown, if proof were
needed, that there is an immense world for
the eivilizer and the missionary in Africa ;
that the dangers of making one's way are
not so great as have been ima,,oined ; that the
n,;,cives are not all cruel and ferocious; but
that the results would well repay any effort
spread civilization and the gospel in their
midst.

BRIDGE OVER THE RAILWAY NEAR Sr. JOHN'S
CHURCH.—Your Committee have considered the
matter and have referred it to a sub-committee to
report thereon at the earliest possible date. Also
n reference to a footway out of Birmingham Street
into Angel Street. The levelling and channeling
of the streets at the Lonelands was adjourned for
the present.
The Clerk produced a letter "To the Hon. the
Mayor of Stourbridg-e, which was as follows :
" Alloa Manse, Scotland, 23rd August, 1879.—May
it please your Honour. I am building a second
church in my parish, and find great difficulty in
raising the money on account of the dulness of
trade. I am therefore applying to benevolent
people elsewhere, and I beg your Honour to allow
your secretary to send me the names of a few Scotch •
men in your neighbourhood to whom I might hope-
fully apply. Your Honour's ob,'dient servant,
'-,xander Bryson."
The Commissioners did not fall in with the
sitswltien tk; send the writer " the names of a herr
S cote innent,"
Mr. Kelle-y cirew adention to the inconvenience
caused in the Ilemplands by the flood water.
The Chairman said that, with regard to the floods,
he had had an invitation from Mr. Holmes, on be-
half of the Canal Company, fa Bttend a meeting
with regard to the floods aLong the etrarse of the
Stour. He declined to go as representing till
Board till he had consulted the Commissioners, and
he Was then asked to go in a private capacity.
Mr. Billingliam said he did not think it desirable
that the chairman should attend as officially repre-
senting the Board, but in a private capacity.
Mr. C. Evers cousi&red that was hardly the
position to talie up.
Mr. Kelley said he was soti'y lot the people at
the bottom of the town, who must hata lost some
hundreds of pounds. They were ratepayers and ,
paid heavily, and if the Commissioners could dr,
anything to prevent their property bLing destroyed
they ought to do so. He proposed that the Chair-
man should go officially from that Board to the
meeting referred to.
Mr. C. Evers seconded it. _ _ _

Other members of the Boar seemed to be afraid
that the Commissioners might be committed ih
some undefined way if the chairman went officially.
The resolution was ultinnt Ay withdrawn, it
being understood that the chairman and clerk wont.)
at tend in their private capacity.
The busines3 of the meeting then terminated.
The following are retiring members of the Board
at the end of the local government year. East
Ward Messrs. H. Billingham and W. Edwards ;
West Ward: Messrs. C. Mills and B. ; South
Ward: Mr. C. Scott. 'There will be nine vacancies
to be filled at the election next week, four other
former members of the Board having personally bo-
corne disqualified by non-Itttc!ndance,

CHARGE Op STEALING A SOVERIGN.— Isaac
Williams, of the Lye. was charged with stealing a
sovereign from Henry I3iHingham, on the 25th inst.
Mr. Roskell appeared to prosecute, and Mr. Prescott
defended, After hearing the evidence the prisoner
was committed to take his trial at the next Quarter
Sessions, bail being accepted in two sureties in £25,
and himself in £5O.

BOARD OF GL4aDIANS.—Tiyi w9ekly meeting
of this Board was held yesterday. Mr. Ray-
bou!d in the chair. There wee? ni!:o present
ALS3I7I. IL Billingharn, Wood, Mullett, Hale,
IP:trims, Lavender, Kelly, Rant, Bird, MEL,
itollinsuu, (Keg end Brook 3. Admitted 17 ;
discharged f 5 dead 1 ; remaining in the house
472 ; corresponding week last y:tir 455. Out-
door relief Kingswinford district £35 103. 01
Stourbridge district ,C 22 5-4 ; Halesowen
district £lB ss. 61. non-resident paupers 4s. ;
total, £76 ss. 2.1., last year .1:61 5s 101.---ne
follelving letter was road from the Local Govern-
ment Board, in relation to the recent corres-
pondence boti,FFeen Mr. Mullett .and Dr.
TUotnpson.—Local Government Board, White-
hall, S.W., AuguA 22A, 1879.—Sir, 1 am
directed by the Local Oovernment Board to
acknowledge thc receipt of your letter of the
18th nit, transmitting a copy by the tlitifirdia.ns
of the S:.ourbridge Union, rerpeolin4 •the
Boards' opinion with respect to a correspond-
ence which had recently taken place between
Mr. Mullett and the Ciuhrdians.--Mr. Mrtll:f.t
said the BoArd must not exp.let that he wotal
withdraw front his determination to take stens
to vindicute his character. He also remarked
that if the .A.,Rl,,Symbent COMaiittei had acceded
the other week to his, request to reduce the
assessaient of the n-flme wnere ho resided, he
could have let it on a lease to o, certain gentle-
, nntu for a term of year, and 11J Ethollid then
have left the neighbourhood. Severa! 0 the
tinardians expressed their surprise that he
should desire any reduction in his assessment,
when he knew it was nut assessed ;Ahoy') itB
value. Thu subject then dropped.

ECALESOWEN.
13REAcii OF THE PEACE.—At the Police Court
held on Tuesdayi before Messrs. Gem, Gibbons, and
Phillips, Charles Holloway and William Neal
were charged with committing a beach of the
peace by fighting on the iekh. Police constable
Parkes said that he saw the two de-fondants fight-
ing.—Pleaded guilty. As this was the first offence
they were let off on payment of costs 8s each.
CHARGE OF TAKING THE,EE PIGEONS.—Lase
Hipkiss was charged with illegally taking three
pigeons on the 29th ult, the property of Henry
Wesley. Mr. W. S. Hayes appeared to prosecute.
Complainant said from information received he
went to the defendant's house about the pigeons. He
afterwads saw one and identified it as his property
which had been killed by a cat. The pigeons were
worth 2s 6cl each. Defendant said that he caught
three pigeons and gave them away. and that he
afterwards received sixpence which he offered to
give to Wesley. Police-constable Knowles also gave
evidence and Defendant said he was in the habit of
catching pigeons. They all did. He had no
particular reason for doing it. Mr. Gem: Then if
were to call at your house and leave my purse, what
should you do with it. Defendant., keep it unless
you came after it. I should think it was mine. Mr.
Gem this is a nice stal of morality. Defendant was
cautioned and fined 2s Gd and costs, and axpence
the,value of one pigeon.
CHARGE OF STEALING BRANDY.—Ilenry Davis
was charged with stealing on the 25th hist, two
quarts of brandy, the property of Hannah Smith, of
Romsley. Complainant said the defendant lodged
, in her house. She heard a noise in the cellar went
down, but did not see the defendant she missed a
bottle of brandy, she afterwards saw the defendant
in a cottage drunk. The brandy and bottle produced
was her property and cost 14s. there was rather over
a pint in the bottle left. James Davis, labourer,
said he was in Mr. Smith's house on the day in
question. Saw the defendand conic ont of the cellar
by lifting a lid. He had something wrapped under
his coat. He was not sober at the time. Joicey
Ellis another witness was called who said she lived
in one of the complainant's cottages. She went
into an adjoining cottage and saw the defendant
lying on'jfie floor asleep drunk and the bottle of
brandy by the side of him. Police-constable Pull
proved apprehending the prisoner. Pleaded guilty.
Sentenced to 14 days hard labour. •
ANNUAL LICENSING MEETING.-At the Petty
Sessions on Tuesday, Superintendent Kemp pre-
sented the following report :—Gentlemen: I have
the honour to report for your information that
within this division there are fifty-three licena)d
victuallers, twenty beerhouse keepers, fourteen
persons licensed to sell beer off the premises. two
tor the sale of wines, and three for the sale of
oiler. Total number of licenses in the division 92.
Since the last licensing meetingon the 10th of Sep•
tember, one licensed victualler has been summoned
for selling during prohibited hours, and was fined
Sc and costs. One charge of permitting drunken-
ness was dismissed. Two beerhouse keepers have
been summoned for keeping open durine: prohibited
h Jars; ohe was fined Is and costs, and the other £5
and corits, and the license was ordered to be endorsed.

STEALING CLOTHES.—John Shaw, who has no fixed
abode, was charged with breaking into the house of
Samuel Parker, a labourer of Leaton, and stealing
therefrom a quantity of wearing apparel and other
articles, on the 16th inst. Prisoner pleaded guilty.
Prosecutor said that on the night of the 15th inst.
the prisoner came to his house about 8 o'clock. He
gave him something to eat and put him in a stable
which was close by, to sleep in for the night. On
the morning of the 16th inst., he missed a quantity
of wearing apparel, viz :—a cloth coat, waistcoat,
trousers, a moleskin waistcoat, and a pair of mole-
skin trousers. The articles were the same produced.
Ann Parker, prosecutor's wife, said she went out of
the house on the morning of the 16th inst., between
7 and 8 o'clock. The goods were all right in the
house then. On returning in about half-an-hour
aiterwards she saw some cuffs and collars on the
floor and also missed the articles produced. She
looked round the house, and saw that the window
was broken and that some one had entered by that
way. Ellen Crosswell, lodging-house keeper, of
Bridgnorth, said that prisoner came to her house
on the 16th inst. Prisoner said he had not got
any money, and asked if there was a pawnshop in
the town. She replied there was not. He gave
her a scarf, the same one as produced. Montague
William Box, baker, of Stone, said he bought a
muffler from prisoner for which he paid Bd, the
same one as produced. Police-constable Wood
stationecl at Enville, said that on the 16th inst.,
from information received he went to the house of
Parker and found that a pane of glass was broken
near the fastenment of the window. There were
footmarks outside under the window. He received
the prisoner into custody on the 20th inst.
Prisoner was wearing the black waistcoat, shirt,
trousers, hat, stockings, and scarf at the time, the
same as produced. He received a scarf from Ellen
Cresswell, and a muffler from Montague William
Box. He charged him with breaking into the
house of Parker, and stealing from there a quantity
of wearing apparel and other articles, to which he
replied, "On the 16th ,vas it." Prisoner said it
was the first time he had ever appeared before ths
magistrates on such a charge, and that it was i
through want that he did t. Prisoner was com-
mitted to take his trial at the next Sessions.
n zst o n sets m
a et
Et
pear
ua-r
STONE Tusewrisc.--At ,the Police Court on Thurs-
d ty, before Mr. Boughey (Stipendary),
WS ham co Ter, (11),
:ass eth"rocgwei
a with
throw-
ing in the highway on the 21st inst. Mr. Pearce,
surgeon, said the boy
tree which stool opposite his house, but he di.l not
wish to press the case. Defendant was cautioned
and ordered to pay costs.
OiesraucTisu THE FOOITATIL—WiIYiaII Cave was
charged by Mr. Pearce with driving a horse and
cart en the footpath in Albion Street., Brierley I till
on the 23rd inst. Complainant said that the de-
ft ndant drove the horse and cart on the footpath for
the purpose of getting pears off a tree. He did not
wish to press the case. Defendant was lined I s
and costs in default 7 days,
DRUNK AND AssativriNa Tas , Yoram John
Baker was charged with being drunk and assaulting
the police on the 12th inst.. Mr. Addison appeared
to prosecute and Mr. Clulow defended. Police-
ccnstable Garra said he was on duty in Pensuett on
the 12th just, near the lir!gla Oak Inn, He saw the
defendant who was making use of bad languale.
He went to the defendant and asked him to go home,
when the defendant struck him on the head with a
stick. He then caught
.hold of him to bring him to
the police station and waen h. e got a few yards down
the laue he struck him again in the face with his ties.
As he was on the way to the Police Station they
csine to the defendant's house. Defendant called to
his wife who came out of the house and the defend-
ant said to her, "Hold this stick and I'll give it the
b--novs" but witness held him by the arms and
prevented him. John Mantle, miner, of Pensnett,
said as he was passing down the roac on the 12th
inst., heard a noise and went to see what was the
matter. He saw the defendant pushing the officer
about the road. Complainant asked him to go home
but he refused to do so and said he would not go for
such a man as him. He did not see the, defendant
strike complainant but defendant was v ry drunk.
When defendant got by his home he gave his stick
to his wife, and heard him say he would give it the
b--now. Police-constable Hicklin said the
defendant came to him on Saturday and asked him
if it was him that he had that bother with the other
night. He was very sorry it had °cense& Witness
replied it was not, and said he deserved being locked
up for striking the officer. Defendant said he did
not recollect striking the officer. Mr. Clulow said
he should call independent witnesses who would say
the defendant was not drunk and that he was going
quietly home when the officer went up to him.
Samuel Garbet, miner, sail that on the 12th inst.,
he was at Pensnett and saw the defendantiand com-
plainant together. He saw the officer catch hold
of Baker and say that he was drunk. Baker asked
the officer what he had done and said that he:was sober
Ile said the officer was pushing defendant about.
Charles Josepls Gardener said he saw the defendant
and the officer, in Victoria Street. He saw the officer
knock the defendant against a cinder wall. The
defendant caught hold of witness and said come and
be a friend to me. The officer said go on and mind
your own business. He watched them for about 40
yards but did not see anyone struck. Mrs. Bird said
she was on her way home from Dudley. She hear
a noise and stopped to listen wOat it was about. bhe
heard the delendant say, "What are you going to do
with that, don't strike me." She called to defend]
ant to go home. He said he wanted to go home but
the officer would not let him. They then went down
the road and she followed them as far as her home
but did not go any further, and said defendant did
not use any bad language nor did he strike the
officer. Sarah Gwilt said she saw the officer and
defendant in front of her house which was next door
to the defendant's She asked what was the matter.
The officer asked if it was her husband, and she said it
was not. She then went and called the defendant's
father who came out and caught hold of defendant and
took him into the house. She did not see any blows
struck nor hear the officer say that he had
been struck. Defendant was sober. James Baker,
defendant's fatheasaid he was fetched out of his house
by the last witness. He saw his son and the police
officer. He caught hold of his son and took him
in) the house. He did not hear the officer ain-
lain se having been struek, 'lie Worship s‘id he
clad attended to the case as much as he was able to

THE CHARGES OF INTIMIDATION.—At the Dudley
Police Court, on Wednesday, before the Mayor
(Alderman William North), Alderman Bagott, and
Mr. John Bateman, David Homer, Eliza, Homer,
David Woodhouse, John Williams, Benjamin Wil-
liams, Elizabeth Willetts, and Daniel Dymock,
chainmakers, of Cradley Heath, were charged with
intimidating, by threats, Joseph Coley, a chain-
maker, of Dudley Wood. Mr. J. W. Clulow de-
fended all but Dymock.—Chief-superintendent
Burton repeated his statement given at the previous
hearing of the case. This was to the effect that
a mob of 150 persons went to the prosecutor's
shop, and., after abusing him, threatened him for
working, and finally spoilt some of his work.—
Joseph Coley said he and his sons worked for his
brother Felix, who was a chain manufacturer.
The men had given notice for an advance, and
were out on strike for it. Witness had received
the price for his work. On the previous Wednes-
day a mob of about 150 came to his shop, and
several of the defendants began pulling him about
crying "Come out, you blackleg --." The
woman Willetts took hold of his apron, and tried to
pull it off_ He ordered Willetts and Homer out of
his place several times. All the while the other
defendants and the crowd were " booing " him.
Those who were in the shop threw over the " bosh"
or water-holder and spoiled his work, whilst a
fresh batch broke a gauge by which he regulated
his work. Witness had to fetch the police before
he dared venture to resume work. In cross-ex-
amination, witness said Woodhouse and J.
Williams did nothing to him but " booed " him,
and called him " --;—blackleg." Homer and his
wife and Willetts came into the shop with some
thirty others. Dymock stood by the window.—
John Coley, chainmaker, corroborated the evidence
of his brother. and implicated two men not in
custody.—At this point. Mr. Barradale explained
to the defendants that they could elect to be tried
by the magistrates or go to Worcester before a jury
The defendants unanimously agreed to be tried in
that court.—Henry Coley, son of the complainant,
gave evidence showing that the defendants treated
his father in the manner stated. He said he heard
Dymock encouraging the others, saying 'We may
as well be in gaol as out. Mr. Homer asked those
in the shop to fetch his father's "--rabbits out"
so as to have" a pot wobbling."—George Coley,
another son of the complainant, gave corroborative
evidence.—Mr. Clulow, for the defence, said he
should prove that the Williams's had nothing to do
with the complainant, and that although the
Homers and Woodhouse were in the crowd they
took no active part in the disturbance.—George
Grazer, shoemaker. of New Village, said he saw
the mob go to complainant's shop. Joseph Coley,
in a most insulting manner, asked the women
what brought them present. Joseph Coley's
mother threw water over the crowd. Heard no
threats, and saw the two men named Williams in
the main road. Cross-examined: Heard the term
"blackleg" two or three times. The crowd only
asked Corey to come out on strike, but he told them
the prices were lowered through their own fault.
Eliza Homer called Coley a " blackleg,"—Thomas
Rock, carter, said he was at work fifty yards from
Coley's yard. John Williams asked him for a job,
and never went near the crowd that passed on to
Coley's shop. The mob consisted of fifty or sixty
persons, but neither of the Williamses went up the
yard.—Alfred Nock, labourer, gave evidence to
show that the Williams were not there, and that
Homer went to Southall's shop.—John Southall,
horse-nail maker, said Homer and Woodhouse
came into his place for a light and went away.
They did not to his belief, go into Coley's shop.
By Mr. Barradale (clerk): Heard no shooting or
cries of " blackleg " from the mob, which only
went to ask Coley to leave off work.—Joseph Tib.
betts, William Pearsall, and James Round, chain-
makers, gave evidence to show that there were no
a3ts of violsnce, and the latter said he "rushed off"
work when the crowd came to him. They said,
"If we were you we would leave off," and he re-
pima, "Well, I will if you like," and he put on
his jacket and went away. Cross examined: The
crowd also induced others to play. but these re-
sumed work when the crowd had gone away.
There were more than 100 people in the mob. Bad
net been afraid to work, and had not told Mr.
Burton that he was.—Samuel Foley. ohainma.ker,
also gave evidence to show that David Homer was
not present; and Jonas Pitchford, chainmaker,
swore that Elizabeth Willetts never went into the
shop. This last witness swore that the bosh con-
taining the water was knocked over by Mrs. Coley,
the wife of the complainant, who rushed in among
the crowd. To Mr. Barradale : Could not tell
where the bosh stood in the shop. There was no
shooting or " booing" outside Coley's shop.—This
was the case, and the bench retired for consulta-
tion, After ten minutes had elapsd , the Mayor
said the magistrates considered the case proved
ae•ainst all the parties except John Williams.
David Homer, Eliza Homer, and Elizabeth Wil-
letts would each be fined £5. and costs, or six
week's imprisonment, without hard labourer;
Woodhouse, Benjamin Williams, and Dymock
would each be fined 40s. and costs, or twenty-one
days' imprisonment. The Bench did not believe
one word of Pitehrord's evidence, and instructed
Chief-superintendent Burton to make further en-
quiries, with a view to the witness's prosecution.—
The Court was crowded by chainmakers on strike
and otherwise, and Mr. Breakwell and Mr. Forrest
sat behind Mr. Clulow during the whole of the
proceedings