The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-12 00:00:00

THE PROPOSED INCORPORATION OF
STOURBRIDGE.

A meeting of ratepayers was held in the National
School at Arablecote, on Tuesday night, to further
consider tho best means of opposing the incorpora-
tion scheme instituted by the Stourbridge Com-
missioners. Mr. P, Pargeter was in the chair. He
stated that the committee, which had been ap-
pointed by a former meeting to con-
duct the opposition to tne above scheme, having
noticed that the Stourbridge Commissioners had
drawn up a petition for a Charter of Incorporation,
had resolved to employ Messrs. Corser and Walker,
solicitors, to oppose the scheme. The Upper-
swinford committee had retained the same gentle—
men. He said that steps had been taken in Amble.
cote by the Rural Sanitary Authority to meet the
requirements of the place, and the difficulties that
had arisen in regard to sewage, till the main district
was formed. The Rural Authority had been
always willing to promote the public health as far
as it lay in their power. It was pocket interest
that bad prompted the Stourbridge Commissioners
to adopt the course they were taking. They had an
idea that if they could include the surrounding
parishes Stourbridge would be the centre of the
borough and have grand public buildings, and be
made very attractive at the expense of the whole
borough. Speaking of some remarks made by Mr.
W. J. 'rurney at the last meeting of the Stourbridge
Commissioners, he said that he did not know any.
thing about the circulation of statements to the
effect that those who signed the petition fora charter
wouldmake themselves liable for the expenses, but
he contended that the Commissioners, who
delegated to a committee power to draw up a
scheme and engage legal assistance, would, if they
did no. get a chlr.er, have to pay the costs them-
selves. He still believed thattne proposed scheme,
if carried out, would detrimentally affect their in-
terests at Amblecote, and vastly increase their rates.
Stourbridge itself would reap whatever benAt3
miet ar.se from incorporation, whilst the outlying
places would only have their rates increased.

Mr. W. Corbett remarked that what he had said
ith regard to the responsibilities of those who had
signed the petition was not with the .object of in-
timidating anyone. The statement he hai made
was grounded upon the opinion of a lawyer of
great eminence, who told lum that the Coin.
mi.sioners and the ratepayers who signed the peti-
tion would be responsible in case the char! er was
not granted. If Mr. Turney and others were sure
that respcnsibility did not attach to those who
signed the petbion, why did they not lay before
the public the rule governing the payment of the
expense of such applications, or tell them from
whence the kformation could be obtained. He
be i3ved that they should succeed in defeating the
attempt to incorporate Amblecote with Stour-
bridge.
Mr J. Skidmore moved" That they thoroughly
approve of the ae.ion of the committee in obtain-
ing legal assistance to draw up a petition to be
signed by the ratepayers of the hamlet and other-
wise opposing the scheme of incorporation instituted
by the Stourbridge Commissioners."
Mr. J, Hill seconded the resolution.
Mr. Bishop said he should move an amendment
that no action be taken in the matter, but he did
not suppose there was anyone who would second it
—(laughter). If they did not join Stourbridge now,
they would have to do so afterwards on the sewage
question.
The Chairman explained their position with
reference to the joint sewei age scheme.
Mr, Bishop said he believed incorporation would
be beneficial to the working classes. Birmingham
would have been a very insignificant town if it had
not been incorporated F 30111,3 years ago, but now they
had good institudons there which they should never
get in that neighbourhood without incorporation.
Mr. Corbett : Nor with it.
Bishop : I do not see we shall get much
without it.

Mr. Whitehouse stated that incorporation led to
greatly-inc i eased rates in Woodtdde Ward, Dudley,
and they would find it would hava similar results
there.

Mr. Bishop: No doubt it will save your
pockets.
Eventually the resolution was put to the meeting
and carried, three h Inds only being held up agains
it.
On the motion of Mr. Corbett it was resolved
that a voluntary rate should be made to meet the
expenses of opposing the scheme.
The proceedings then terminated.