biglam/hmd_newspapers huggingface dataset:
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-04-30

WOOL.

The wool market has been very firm. At the public sales
of colonial produce there has been a good attendance, and
bidding* have been animated for all qualities, whilst those
suitable for export have risen 43 per lb. English wool tins
been steady in value and inquiry. Current prices of English
wool :—Fleeces: South Down Doggers, le. Sad, to is. Id.;
half-bred ditto, 1. 3d. to is. 44. : Kent fleeces, Is. 3d. to Is.
34d. South Dowagers awl mothers, be. to Is. lid. ; Leon.
ter ditto, Is. 24.1. to Is. 344. Sorts Clothing, Is. to Is. 40.
combing, 11d, to Is.
POTATOF.i.

There markets have been somewhat scantily supplied with
potatoes. The trade has been steady at our quotatioes.
1.:1,1;lash Shawls, 110 s. to 120..; Regents. 120 s. to lita. ; Scotch
Regents, 100 s. to 140 s. ; ttoeks. nos. to 110 s. pea too.
HOPS
- - -

The hop market has been vary quiet. With only mode
rate supplies, and those of an todiderent quality, the de.
mand has ruled inactive at stationary currencies. Mid and
nod Kents, £7 to £l2 12.5. Weald of Keats, £6 to an
memoir, £.5 151 to £6 125.; Itavariane, £6 60. to SA;
French, £5 to £6 10s. : Americana, £4 5A to £6; Yearlings,
£1 105. to La IS.. per cwt.
FISH.

Marko well supplied this morning; demand brisk, at the
following prices :—Trsdat, 110 to Is 51 : mackerel, 3e. to
41. per dozen • smoked haddocks, large 301. to 405. ; ditto
small, 20s. to 2,13. per barrel ; lobsters, Is. to is.; crabs, e.
to 3s. each: native oysters, t.:O to £10; commons, 151. to Ms.
per brutheL
.....

-
TALLOW.
The market haa been firm. y.C., spot, 445. 6.1. per ewt
own allow, tla 9d, net mad

WANTED, an APPRENTICE, to the
PAINTING sod PLUMBING BUSINESS
A pply tn W. Green.* Woraeste,.itrees, Stourbridp

I
4
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-04-30

A LOST CHILD.

The following letter appeared in Wednesday's Daily
Telegraph
Will on on permit an agonised father to beg a small space in
your valuable paper as a means of recovering a lost little
boy, rased fonr years? I should not have thought of
troubling you in the matter, hut noticing the extraordinary
efficacy of the thorough publicity which you gave to a
io miler loss in a higher station of life a short time since. I
have ventured to tmspass on your kindness by recording my
lost Yesterday evening, the little boy in question, accom-
panied he a little gut, aged live, the child of a neighbour,
went with other older children into the Regent's Park, where
it appears, they were left by themselves, and, as the even.
ing advanced, my wife and I, naturally growing anxious,
together with the parents of the other chill, scoured the
neighbourhood to find traces of them, but to no effect.
With the night our terra., were, of course, redoubled,
and a kOul friend of mine divided with me the hopeful, yet
pain at lit uty of inquiring atoll the outlying and neighlamring
police-stations, workhouses, &•., and wals lig round the
outer road of the park steel.—gaining, however, not the
slightest clue. If you can aid rise by Inserting this and the
Undermen,ihned description of the children, you will lay me
under *debt of lasting gratitude.-1 am, Sir, your humble
servant, W. Ca RD.
51, Cirencester-place, P itzroy-square, W., April 25.

Stanley Card: Fair complexion, brown hair, blue eyes, scar
on the left side of head from a burn; dressed lx a light
print frock, white holland pinafore, black jacket, turban hat
red drawers, button leather boots, and white socks.
Louisa Perkins Fnir complexion, light brown hair, light
blue eyes, light print frock trimmed with white braid,
cloth jacket, turban hat with feathers, white socks, and lace
boots.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-04-30

THOMAS BROWN,

Is succeeding to the above Business, begs to inform
the tlentry and Publi, generally,th at he can supply them
with

WEDDING CARS, WAGONETTES, CARS, CARS
PH/ITONS, GIGS, AND OTHER VEHICLES.
For Business or Pleesure Parties, on the Shortcut
Notice.

POSTINGESTABLISHMENT,

COVER'-STREET, STOURBEIDGE.

THE QUEEN'S BUILDING SOCIETY

BRIERLEY-HILL BEE NCH.

Mad 00, Meer oo SW, t. Birmingham.
rON EY promptly Idvanced on nurovel
411 Freehold and Le.Fehl•ld Sec un tIPs.

Fire pr rent. intere.it allowed on Drpoaits, with Bohai
additions.

Preapectns and further information can be obtained
from

AGENT: -

Mi. T. TERLDAY. High.street, BrierlepHill, sad
12, Lower Iligh•street, Sourhrldge.

SOLICITOR:—
Mr. J. WALTER CLULOW, Brierley Hill.

VOR Cheap PRINTING, BOOKBINDING
I. and PICTURE FRAMING, go tr.
T. HOMER,
FIVE WAYS, CRADLEY HEATH.

SAMUEL SALT & SON,
HAGLRY•STREET, HALESOWEN,
AGENTS FOR THE OBSERVER""
. Salt and Son deliver the Übsurfr, to the fol
lowing Townhips:—Halesoteen. Brierley Hill. Quart).
Bask, Cradley Heath. Cradley, Old Hill. Blackheath.
(Musty Hill, Colley Gate, Bartley Green. Quatton, Hut,
Hasbdry, o,dnary, Careless Green. The Lye.
Cleet,Beleroughton, Fairfield, The Lickey, Brom sgrove,
lead iteb, and the surrounding district.

IF you want a delicious Relish, try Loverock's
iscelebrated EVERY MAN'S SAUCE, or Currie
Zislh for the million ! For roast or cold Meat, Rio,hes,
Steaks, Stews, Cutlets, Nish, Chops, Curries, Game,
Poultry, Soup, Salad, Cheese, Seasoning. and all made-
dishes. This Sauce is universally esteemed for its peru
liar delieious rich flavour, sod is relishing in the:higliest
degree, with every kind "I dish. Manufactured only by
Henry Loverock. Chemist, Coventry-street Stourbridge,
asid v.ila Wholesale end Retail, in bottles, 6d, Is, and 2s
sash—Agents wanted.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-04-30

No. 310

SALES BY AUCTION.

HAGLEY MONTHLY STOCK SALE,
lit 3 N MONDAY NEXT, MAT drd, by
OATES. PERRENS. and WOOL.
9IDG E. will comprise 600 Fat SHEEP,
0 Fat LAMBS, 30 Esasl of Fat CATTLE,
a Tsuji-year-old BULL, 7 COWS and CALVES. several
BARRENS, STORES. &c., And a, quantity of Fat and
Store PIGS.
Lunch at Eleven; the Sals:to commence at Twelve
o'clock.
An EXTRA SALE will be held on MONDAY, MAT the
16th.

THE MARQUIS OF GRANBY INN,

UDNAM.

R. H. KING will SELL by AUCTION,
ALowMoiiiisv, MAY nil, 10, at Eleven o clock,
npon the Premises, a quantity I useful HOUSEHOLD
..;e4l/4"IICHMTITHE and other Etteets. belonging to Mrs.
Pardoe. who is leaving.
Catalogues may be ha at the plioe of Sale, and of
the Ladloneer, Stourbridge.

CHADDESLEY CORDITE

rp HE ANNUAL SALE of FAT STOCK will
j be held on MONDAY, MAY :13rd, leo, at the SWAN

•
Mtn*. to be wade to
H. KING, Anetioneer,
Stoorkidge.

STOUEBBIDOE AND BAGLEY.
MR. H. KING will SELL by AUCTION,
OD MONDAY, the ltith day of MAY, 1870. at lb.
TALBOT Horit., STOURBRIDGB, at Six o'clock in the
Afternoon, mubject to Conditions of Sale, and in such
Lots ma shall be determined upon :
In STOURBRIDGE.

All that FREEHOLD OLD-LICENSED INN known
u the " Vauxhall Inn," with Stabling. Combhouse,
Yard, Green, and (larden, situate near to Foster-street.
Stembridge, and late in the occupation of Mr. Raybould.
at the annual rent of £3O, containing in area 2,01.10 square
yards.
The Premises which have lately been re•arranged (the
greater part rebuilt) are well adapted for carrying on.
good trade.
Also the remaining UNSOLD LOTS of the virx-
HALL BUILDING ESTATE, containing together
5418 square yards, having capital frontages to the new
street, and varying in quantities from 510 to 715 square
yards. These Sites are very pleasantly situated, and are
within five minutes' walk of the titourbridge Railway
Station. The new streets are thoroughly drained, and
junction pipes are laid down to each lot.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-04-30

DISCHARGE OF MORE GOVERNMENT
WORKMEN.

An order has been received at Devonport
Dockyard for the discharge, on superannuation,
of about 120 workmen more than the number
ordered to be uischarged under the estimate of
the current year. The reason of this order is
Wad to be the necessity of retaining more men
at Keyham yard that the staff to which it was
arranged thst the establishtuent should be re-
duced. The Ke3hana men arP paid at a higher
z ate than those to he discearged, so that is said
a considerable loss to the country will be the re-
sult of this arrangement.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-04-30

G LEN FIELD STARCH.

Is the only kind need in
Her Majesty's Laundry.

PLAYING CARDS.
TISOIE Lamas who have not yet need the GLENFiELD
Srearn, are respectfully solicited to give it a trial. and DLAYING,CARDS, ls.
carefully follow out the directions printed on every -I-
package. It is rather more difficult to make than other ]LAYING CARDS, Is. 6d.
Starches, but when this is overcome, they will say like
the Queen'. Laundress, that it is the finest Starch they
ever used. When you asi for the Gletfield, see that you
get it.

LAYING CARDS, 2s.

PLAYING CARDS, 2s. 6(1.
LAYING CARDS, :A.
PLAYING CARDS, 85. 6.

CHILDREN'S PICTORIAL PEZZIA
BOORS, Is.

PRESENTS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS

AN En:ENSE VARIETY AT

FIELD'S

repaired.
New Music at Half.price.
PLANOEORTE% FOR SATE 01 RUM HIGHSTREET STOURBRIDGE

" OBSERVER " OFFICE.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-04-30

DREADFUL MURDER OF A NOBLEMAN
AT ST. PETERSBURG.

For many years the capital of Russia has not been the scene
of a crime so horrinle as the one perpetrated at the end of
last year in the Sparsky Pervulok (writes a correspondent of
St Petersburg, under date April I2J. That case, which has
been watched at St. Petersburgh and in the whole tif the
Russian empire with an unexampled morbid anxiety, has
just been judged by the criminal court of St Petersburgh,
with the assistance of Jurymen. The new criminal proce-
dure in Russia resembles very much the one used In France.
On the very first day of the trial a compact crowd besieged
the approaches of the court. Although no special ticket of
admiselon had been distributed, all the available places in
the court were occupied as 80011 as ei,ht o'clock in tile
morning, anti an enormous crowd stationed outside to get a
glimpse at the prisoners.
Ihe trial was opened at halt-pant eleven ; the presiding
Judge was 11. Chanachine.
I ift) -one witnesses had been summoned ; hut six of them
did not antis, their names ; three were absent from St.
Petersheirgh, three were too ill to attend.
The President exhorted the inrymen to dispel every pre-
conc, ived idea, and to give their verdict merely on the
evidence adduced at the trial. Then the Chief Clerk read
the act of accosation, which I translate verbs, on :
On the evening of the 19th of November, Iblil, the super-
anima! ed curia. councillor. Nichols. tie Zoln, went to the
Nobility Club, which he left by ten o'clock. Since that time
he was missed, in spite of the most active searches of the
police. On the let of January of the pre=ent year an artisan
1 of It Petersburgh, Alexander Ivatiof, called at. the office of
the detect;ve police, and declared that M. de Z din had been
killed in his presence during the night of the 7th or the Bth
of Nov. ether, in the house belonging to Tour, situated in
the Spardtv Petevalok. and in the lodgings of Maxime
Intuit a burgess of St. Petershurgh ; it was Maxims Ivanof ,
who had committed the crime with the assistance of persons
living in his lodgings. M. de Z Mies corpse had been put in a
trunk, and sent to Moscow by rail on the ath of November.
A telegram from Moscow confirmed that at the station of
the Nicola! Railway there was a trunk which hail not been
claimed by anybody, and which had arrived on the Bth of
November. That trunk having been opened, the corpse of a
man was found in it. During the inquiries set atrout iirbm
that crime, Alexander 'vaunt, an artisan 01 .01 Petersburah,
the peasants Anthony Gratchef and John Fedorof, arid the
woman Alexandra Ard6ief, a native of Cronstadt, acknow-
ledged having taken part in M. de Z ,Im's murder, while
Daria Twirl* e, the daughter of a soldier, avowed having
concealed that crime. .

From the declaration of the above prisoners, it appears
that In November, 169, all of them, together with Alexandra
Eenienof, the daughter of a nowcommfaeloned officer, were
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-04-30

THE LATE MR. PEABODY.

On tbe aiteof the temporary grave of George Peabody
in Westminster Abbey are inscribed these words :

Here were deposited,
"From November 12t0 December 11,
" 18, 9,
"The remains of
"George Peabody,
'Then remov, d to his native country,
"And buried at Danvers, sm. Peabody,
" In Miosachusetts.
" I have prayed my Heavenly Father day by day
" 'That I might be enabled before I died to show my grati-

tude
" For the bleasings which He bas bestowed upon me
ily doing some great good to my fellatnen.
"

-
" 'Let your looht J,o shine be fore men that thou may sor
your good works, and ylorify your Father which vs in
heaven.' "

The text was suggested in the funeral oration of Dr.
Wmthrop al that which might most suitably be in-
scribed on Mr Peabody's gravestone, and the words
quoted from Mr. Peabody are taken from the same
address.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-04-30

rHE MARKL

lONDAI

Only moderate supplies of English wheat were on sale here
to-day. Owing to the extreme heat and the absence of rain
the trade has been Min, and Is. per qr. more money has been
realised. The advance, however, has not been readily paid,
and sales have progressed slowly thereat. With foreign
wheat the market has been fairly supplied. The de-
mand has been steady at fully late rates. Moderate
supplies of barley were on the atmds. The trans.
actions were not extensive, but prices were well maintained.
Malt was quiet, on former terms. The eupply of oats was
moderate The trade was firm, at ti per qr whore money.
Beans were steady, at bite rates. Peas realiad extreme quo-
tations, with a moderate demand. Maize was in healthy re-
quest, and prices had an upward tendency. Flour was quiet,
but firm in value. .

M A RE -LA N E. —WEns MAY.
The prospect of an entire change of the weather, and of a
supply of the much-needed rain, has had a depressing effect
on the market to-day, and has effectually checked the
upward movement The receipts of English wheat have
again been very moderate, nevertheless the demand has
been inactive, at about Monday's quotations. There has
been a fair supply of foreign wheat on the stands, for
which the inquiry has been limited, on former terms. Mode-
rate supplies of barley have come to hand.
METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET—MONDAY.
Quietness has beet the feature of the cattle trade to-day,
and prices have been without movement. As regards beasts,
the total number offered has been decidedly less than au
average. in consequence of the limited receipts from abroad.
From Norfolk an increased supply has come to hand, in ex-
cellent cntalition. From Scotland also some prime stock has
been received. For all breeds the demand has ruled inactive;
nevertheless, the quotations have been mamtained, the
best Scots and crosses selling at as. 10d. lob, per Sib. From
Norfolk, Suffolk, EMltn, and Cantimidgeshlre we received
about 1,500 soots and crosses, from d her tarts of England,
200 v.rious bre.ds, from Scotland 213 Scots and crosses, and
front Ireland 50 oxen. The market has been more freely
supplied with sheep. The trade has been steadier, at
previous quwations. The hest Dow, and half-breds have
realised 4s. 10d. to 511. per alb. Lambs 'lava b-en steady, at
from 7s. 61. to Bs. per Sib. Calves have been quiet, and pigs
Sold slowly.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-04-30

MARRIED.

On the 19th inst. at Addison-street Church, Nottin*
ham, by the Rev. W. Spencer, uncle of the bride, George
Banks, of Stoarport, third son of the late Edward Bank*,
of Kidderminster, to Emma Anne Pratt, third daughter
id the late William B Pratt, Islington, Loudou.
On the 2lsl inst., at St John's Church, Stoarbridgee,
Robert, youngest sou of James Herbicide, Cannock, firs
Elizabetu, second daughter of Benjamin Lees, of Storrs,.
bridge.. . _ .

On the 2tith inst,• at St. Jame •'s Church, Dadvj
Edgar Henry, second son of John Lett, Esq., of Stirao
Court, Kiddetnainster, to Ann Maria, eldest thiughttr of
John Rutland. irq. Dudley.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-04-30

THE LEDBURY SCANDAL CASE.

JUDOMENT OF THE COURT.

On Thursday morning, in the Court of Arches,
Sir ft. Phillimorc delivered judgment in this
ease. His Lordship went carefully through all
the evidence given, and said he had been com-
pelled to come to the painful conclusion that
the defendant had been guilty of adultery with
Parry, and of indecency with Lane, When an
ordinary master took advantage of his position
to corrupt his female servants, it was disgrace-
ful; but when a clergyman did so the offence
was greater, and the consequence far more mis-
chievous, The scandal arising from defendant's
conduct was admitted, and appeared to have
taken deep root in his parish, and would not
easily be eradicated. 'the offence had done
much to injure the cause of religion, and weak-
en that oh the Church. That the pariah of
Ledbury had a right to expect the Court to bear
in mind these things, and let no feeliu g,s of com-
passion for defendant's family affect the sen-
tence which the gravity of the offence demanded, ;
his Lordship admitted. He said it was not com-
petent to include in the articles the offence of
January 6; otherwise the Court would have
pronounced a sentence of deprivation. Under
the circumstances, the court would suspend the
defendant from his benefice for five years. He
would not ther be restored to it unless hc had a
good character from a beneficed clergyman dur-
ing the last three years of his suspension. The
sentence would be affixed to the church door of
the parish on Sunday next, and the defendant
would be condemned in the costs of these pro-
ceedings.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-04-30

A QUESTION AS TO BUGS.

The cause of "Luke v. Dipstale " has been before the
Court of Common Pleas, and was an action to recover
damages upon the grouting that a house which the plaintiff
had taken of the deendent in Exeter had not been properly
repaired according t, the agreement. and that part of the
premises was infested with ougs The case came on for trial
before the Lord Chief Baron at Exeter, when the jury found
for the plaintiff for £lO on the first head of claim, and nothing
in respect if the second. Ilis lordship, however, directed
that a verdict should be entered for the plaintiff for M. as to
the bugs. . . .

Mr. Cole, Q C., now moved to set aside the verdict
as to the 40R. and enter one for the defeodant.
The Lord Chief dulti e oheßryed that the costs of
the motion would be ten times the amount of the 40e.
Mr. Cole said that the Lord Chief Baron reserved
the question f c ists, and the question whether the
40s. verdict should stand would probably influence him
as to certifying for costs. The defendant would rest
content if he bad no costs to pay.
Mr. Lopes, Q C., mentioned that if this rule were
granted he shell have to move on behalf of the plain-
tiff for a new trial upon the ground that the damages
in reference to the objectionable insects were quite in-
sufficient. He had no doubt that the Lord Chief
Baron had a strong view upon this point. Mrs. Lob.
appeared in the box, and she was a most beautiful
lady.
toe Lord Chief Justice : Did the bugs destroy her
beauty? (A laugh.)
Mr. Lopes was afraid that they damaged it and that
of her child also.
Mr. Ju.tice Smith : If the Lord Chief Baron has a
strong opinion he will be cure to express it. (Laugh-
ter,) . .

Mr. Lopes: The jurors were Moor men from Dart-
moor, and they looked with contempt upon anybody
who would say that he had been injured by a bug.
Mr. Justice Smith : They lived in a part of the
country where there probably were 110 no.
The Lord Chief Justice mid that the best way would
be to speak to the Lord Chief Baron upon the subject,
but the fact of those two motions and the nicety with
which the pleadings were drawn might show that the
case was a fit one to be tried in a superior courts
Judgment was postponed.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-04-30

IMPORTANT NOTICE ! I

LONG LOOKED FOR, CONE AT LAST.

Just Aiblished.

S. Salts Lech'', en the Evils of Intemperit—e
1.1.,.. .;., and PPlll.llth Gin-shop, .meng

the Detinkard!

Twenty Pages oi Close Pi inted Letterpress
royal octavo size, Price Gd.
Also sa second tof the tato Disgrailaful Outrage at
Cradley. Price Gd.
To be had at all Booksellers, and at S: SA
Town•crier and Bill•poster, Hagley stir
Halesowen.
CHARLES CLARE,

ROUSE PAINTER, DECORATOR. &c.

OLDSWINFORD AND STOURBRIDGN.

Ratimates given for General Repairs.

JOHN CLARKE,

BOOKSELLER AND NEWSAGENT,

HIGH•STREET, KIN VER.

Agent for the OBSERVER.

W. FIELD,

BANDMASTER,

Wishes most respectfully to intimate to the Nobility and
Gantry in the Midland Counties, that he has an excel.
lent BAND, including Soloists of great merit, suitable
for Balla. or Evening Parties, in numbvra sarying from
three to twisty, as may be arranged.

THE CHOI:,EST NEW lUNCE MUSIC

INTRODUCED.

Adapted also for Dejeauers, Banquets. xo.
IS,VICAR STREET, I'DLET

[• CARD.]
MISSES M. AND E. FOWLER,

DRESS & MANTLE MAKERS.

92, HIGH•WIREET, STOURBRIDGR.

WHOLESALE & RETAIL TOBACCO

WAREHOUSE,

FIVE WAYe, tHADLEY HEATH.
T HOMER. PRO>III,TOII.

ESTABLISHED 1831

S. SALT AND SON,
CRIERS, Bill PoAers, Messengers, and
Atletioneers' Porters. Bookseller, &0.,

HAGLEY-STREET HALESOWES.

The preateat care and attention paid to any bneineas ea•

tended to them.
Agent tor (Anna Company's Teas.
Bishop's Pills. Id._ per Box.

S. Salt and Son are Agents for the •• Oast my " in
Haleanwen and district. News and Advertisements
received.

Valentines and Valentine Books in great variety.
Salt's Lertures and Poems MI various subjects, are sold
by the Author. Prior from Id. to 61 ench Book.

Agent for the Emigration Company.
All back Burnham of the Gbrerrer may be had at

SALT AND SOD'S.

PUBLIC NOTICE.

XHOMER, News Agent, Cradley Heath,
• bens to inform the Pnblie that he is able
UPPLY them with the LONDON DAILY NEWS
PAPER&

ifir ORDER AT ONCE.

CAB, CAB, AND POSTING ESTABLISHMENT.

MRS. A. BROWN, in returning thanks to
the Public for the support she has receive.] in
the above Business, begs to announce that she has trans-
ferred the Business to her son Thomas Brown, on whose
behalf she would solicit a continuance of past favours.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-04-30

FRANCE.

Peals, April 29.

A crowded democratic public meeting was held
yesterday evening, at the Theatre Fofies Ber-
geres, which was dissolved by the Commissary
of Police. The consequence of this was that
violent speeches were made against the Empe-
ror, and the people dispersed singing the Mar-
seilhiise. Three arrests were made.

M. Eugenio Pellatiu was coldly received at a
meeting held at the Boulevard Grenelle.

INDIA.
By INDO-EUROPEAN TELEGRAPH.

Calcutta, April 28, Evening.
Inc Friend ni India reports a serious rising at
Rajpootan, where 2,000 Thakoors and their fol-
lowers have rebelled against the Chief.

-
GENERAL NEWS.

Press Association Telegrains.-.1
April 29th.

It is stated that if any force goes to the Red
River. it will be in the first instance purely
Cauadian.

SUICIDE IN A POLICE CELL.
April 29th.

At Liverpool last night, a drunken sailor
hanged himself in the cell in which he had just
been locked up. after dangerously wounding his
mother-in-law with a razor.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-04-30

WORDSLEY.

DRUNKENNESS.—At the Police Court, on Monday, be-
ore F. E Vera and 11. Smith, Esqrs., William Smith was
charged with being drunk and incapable, on the 24th
inst. Police-sergeant Breton proved the case, and the
defendant, who pleaded guilty, was ordered to pay the
costs.—John Guest was charged with a similar offence,
and fined its and costs; in default seven days.—Daniel
Beddal was summoned on a like charge, and tined 2s and
cost. ; in default seven days. Police-constable Cottenll
proved both the latter cases.
A REFRACTORY I'ACPER.—Joho Edwards, scold 111811,
was charged with absconding from the Union, OD the
2:ith of March. with clothes belonging to the Guardians.
William lisightley, Superintendent of Labour, proved
the case, and said defendant had absconded from the
Union seven times during the last IS months. Defend-
ant was sentenced to two months' imprisonment, with
hard labour. _ .

STEALING COAL—Sarah Garbett (111), was charged with
stealing a quantity of coal. belonging to the Earl of
Dudley, on the 211 inst. Joseph Hickman, engineer,
said on the above date he was at work, when he saw the
defendant go up to tile bank, and take a piece of coal up
and walk away with it. It was between 40 and 50 pounds,
value 24. Defendant pleaded guilty, and as she had
been previously convicted, the Bench lined Ler lOs is
default one month's imprisonment.
Petcti AND TUNS —Minima Rider was rharged with
playing at pitch and toss, in Bill street, Brierley Hill.
Police-constable Streeton proved the case, which was
withdrawn on payment of curt,
ALLOWING SHEEP TO S IRAS. —Joseph Malpas, an old
man was charged with al/owing 10 sheep to stray on the
high road at Bobisington, on the 20th instant.
constable Dobson proved the ease. Defendant pleaded

Ruilty, and was ordered to pay the costs.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1870-04-30

HAWKERS' LICENCES.

Lord Kinnaird has addreawd the following letter to
the Chancellor of the Exchequer :

"Orate Priory, April 22.

Dear Mr. Lowe—Your non-residence in the country pro-
bably accounts for your under-estimating a serious evil, or
rather an aggravation ot an existing evil, likely to be the
consequence of your proposal to abolish the "hawkers'
Licence." Reducing the amount paid for a licence on a
former OCCIOIIOII had the effect of adding considerably to the
number of hawkers, and if no licence be required they will
spread like a host of locusts over the country. It would cer-
tainly diminish the number in poorhou.es, as any who have
the power of locomotion would provide themselves with a
basket, and thus great encoureuement will he given to
vagrancy. In theory your proposal may be thonght to benefit
the poorer classe., hut in practice it will be the reverse. In
former day s, when the means of communication were scant,
doubtless hawkers conferred a benefit on persons residing at a
dinance from a town or village; but now that these are reached
with so much greater facility the ease is altered, except in rare
inatan °es in the Highlands of Scotland. Even the small
shopkeepers in the 0. duitry can hardly exist, purchasers
preferring the market two, where the choice is greater
and the profit made In the village shops la saved. "the
venal), shopkeeper, who, as it is, has to stand competition
wilts the Inferior gods of the hashers, would boa great
sufferer by your proposal, for the number of hawkers would
be greatly increased. They already swarm in the c, wary,
and as a clips bear a very d.sreputable character,
carrying off all they can lay their hands upon. They are
known to he receivers of stolen goods, and several Instances
have come under my notice where they have instigated
farm servants anal agricultural labourers to acts of dia.
honesty. Some small shopkeepers in towns take out a
hawker's licence aud send a man with inferior goods
through the c entry,
_professing to let their unfortunate
dupes have gtext barganni. wider a promise to receive pay-
m-rit icy histalments—walches, for instance, are frequently
offered, and prove a great temptation to young lads, and
the parents find at the term that their wages are arrested for
their Polls' debts In Cornwall, and I believe in other
counties In E,•gland, summonses before the County Courts
for debts to hawkers, c ditracted by Dui wives and daughters
of miners and others. are very frequent, and many girls fall
victims to these unprieetpled gentry, who get them into their
power. I hope you will be induced to inquire into the circum-
stances connected with hawking, as although you may still
persist Inc )our proposal, aomething might be done to check
the indefinite increase of this public nuisance, and at all
events to make credit irrecoverable by law.—Tours faith-
fully, RINNALRD.
The Right Hon, Robert Lowe.