The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-03-01 00:00:00

TUE INCORPORATION QUESTION.

A meeting of the Commissioners was hell on
Tue-day evenin;. in the Commissioners' Room,
Corn Erch:mge, Mr. W. J, Turney pre.i led. There
were prtsent Messrs. Hicklin, Stringer, Underwood
Walker, North, Pearson, Parkes, P 1 itt, Junes, and
H. Turey.

The Ch:tirman said the object of the meeting was
to give the numbers of signatures to the petition
for Incorpor,tion up to the 23rd ult and were as
follows :—S;ourbridge 1,302, Lye 2-3, Upper Swin-
ford 152, Wollaston 55, Wordsley 48, Amble3ote
40, Wvaltscote 18, Pedmore 1, total 1,899. A
num er of signatures had been obtained since,
making the total about 1,030 or 1 935. He thought
be 6hosi!d not be cut of order in moving the follow-
ing resolution, "That the soli..Ators be and are
hereby instructed to deposit the petition to her
M .jesty in council at the earliest date and further
th t they be and hereby instructed to take such
pre:eerlings therein as they be advised from time to
tine an I t) carry out the instructions of thislßoard,
as may necessary for carrying out the &-.j!cts of
the pe:ition." The number of signatures in Stour-
bri lee wis as nearly as possible 75 per cent., con
siicrinz the influence which had been brought to
bear in getting nam-s to the counter petition.
Mr. Stringer seconded the resolution. With re-
gard to the number of signatures obtained, it was
known that very great infiuenle had been brought
to bear in the various parishes in opposition to the
schome. He believed that when the matter came
b4ore the proper authoriVes the opposition would
be I bok-d upon as nothing. Their object was not
only to benefit Stour oridge, but the surrounding
neighbourhood.

Mr. t, Purney supported the resolution, and said
they had arrived at the time when they fe.t they
were jutifiel in sending up a peition to her
Majes yin Council. It was not al, ogetber a
question:of the number vf signatures ; but it would
become a coestion of evidence, on one side or the
othJr, aUcting the public health. The Rural
San tary Authority ha passed a -emarkable resJlu-
tion. thit they signify to the Privy Council their
opinion that it was un le•sirable for any of the town-
ships under their control to be included in the
cha ter of iqcorporation being applitd for by the
Sto urbridge Commissioners. They did not deign
to -ay why it was not desirable, but some statements
wer, male at the time the resolution wis adopted,
whieh Mr. Turney urged were groundless. It was
said that they (the petitioners) charged the Board
of Glarli.ins with inability to carry out their work,
but he was glid to see one of the Guardians ron—
tr tote 1 thit statement. The sanitary c ndition
of CI! district, however, was not as it ought to bp,
and they wanted a scheme for the benefit of the
whole district.

Mr Shepherd, solicitor to the petitioner, s ated
with reference to the resolution of the Rural
Samtary adverse to the incorporation schem!, tat
he wrote on behalf of the promoters on 20th Dec.,
to the Clerk to the Guardians, explaining the
scheme, and eending copies of the petition anl of
the sta.ement issued by the promoters. He offered
in his letter to confer with the Authority or anyone
acting on their behalf with reg trd t) the schema ;
but he had never hal any acknowledgment of th
letter. A resolution, however, ha.l been passed by
the Rural Sanitary Authority azainst the incor-
poration scheme, and Mr. Seepherd mentioned di tt
on finding this, he wrote to the clerk to the
Geardians again, and he stated the purport of hi 4
letter and it reply he 11,1.1 TOCeire.l. 144 r. Shepherd
said one of the facts he wishet to produce with re
gaxd to the scheme would be the statements in
the reports of the medic ii officer to the Rural
Sanitary Authority. He had asked for permissi.m
to publish that statement, but at present had
received no answer to that application, With re-
gard to the question of the death-rate, he was
afraid there would be found some seri us fignei.,.
He held in his hani the ReAstrar-Generars report
for 1882 —the last published—ad he was afraid
he should be able to relent to them that the death-
rate of two or three of the rural townships was
higher than that of seven out of ten of the large
Icities in the country, although the death-rate in
the country was generally beloet that of towt,s. It
had been, stated, however, by Nfr. J. E. Swind.)ll
that the inhabitants of Upper Swinford were
ing ape itien that the Rural Sanitary Authoity
hael done their work to the entire confection of the
inhabitant P.

Mr. Platt supported the resolution, and said the
oppon-uts of the scheme hal plenty of ideas, but no
ream) sor arguilien a against the scheme. .A,se --
tions were made thar if corpuration was carried
rents gouid be raisel Od. a week at Wollas+en, and
is a week a the Le, ad at Pedmore he supposed
the cw‘ would not give half much milk a
under th old Act—(laughter). Mr. Platt said there
appealed to be a grrat difference in the condition
ol the hotues ot the people to what was forewirly the
ose gen: ',men with comfortable houses o ild
remember and
that property had i a obligations as well
as its rile] Altetiug mt 3 w,ll-known lines he
would say :

'I he catfug s of England.
How fpurfally they smell ;
Di•e.w, is re th-i v. ry air,
There's fev r ia the well.
The rosolu ioa was carried, an•l tF e meeting ter-
minated.

ANNUAL MEE CING OF T LIE -;TOURPIDGE
FIltE BraGALE.
The fifth annual meeting of the Stourbidpa

Fire Brigade took place on Thursday evening in the
Commissioners' Room, Corn Exchange. Dr. A.
Freer occupied the chair, and the following gentle-
men were present, Messrs. H. Cochrane, A. Worth-
ington, W. J. Turney, W. Jones, W. Platt, Dr.
Hammond Smith, T. Wall, G. Scriven, and T. F.
Bland.

The ion. See., Captain Turney, read a letter from
Captain W. G. Webb, who was unable to preside
owing to an engagement in London.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and
confirmed.

The following report for the year 1883, was read
by the captain.
Your Committee have great pleasure in presenting
the Fifth Annual Report, and th y venture to an-
ticipate that the improved position of the Brigade,
both as regards itspublic usefulness, and financially,
will be rpprecieeed by is many supporters.
The debt upon the Stearn Fire Engine has been
entirely paid off, and after providing for all liabili-
ties, there is a balance in ham! of £l9 Oa Set. The
Brigade is thus free from d. bt for the first time
since its formation, end your Committee trust that
the continued support of the subslribeis will keep
it n t is satisfactory state.
, The total amount colleted under the heads of
Life Members, Donations and Annual Subscriptions
is .£56 19s 6d, being £7 23 6d less than the amount
for the previous year. The Annual subscriptions
however exceed tho3e of last year by .£l3 4s 6d.
, This is an important improvement, as it is to the
Annual Subscribers, almost enti-ely, the Brigade
must eventually look for funds to carry on the
work. The whole of the revenue for 1883 has
been derived from ordinary sources, viz:—Dona-
lions, Subscriptions, and charges for attendance at
fires. Althoegh the latter item is larger than in
previous years, the actual profit on this account,
after deducting expenses out of pocket, and wear
and tear of appliances, is only £3 38 10d.
Since the formation of the Brigade a sum of £456
94 8d has been collected in donations and subscrip-
tions alone. This amount is made up as follows:
forty-two life members, £2lB 55,; donations under
.25, -£122 5i 2d ; and annual subscriptions £ll5
19s 61 Of this sum the Fire Insurance Companies
have subscribed £27 Is Od only, during the five
years. The Launishire Fire Insurance CO., Plicenix
Fire Insurance Co., Norwich Union Fire Office, and
the Mutual Fire Insurance Co., are the only offices
who have contributed, Tne Phcenix Office presented
the thigade with their old manual engine, and the
manual engine belonging to the Alliance Fire In-
surance Co, is used by tho Brigade. Your Com-
tnittee hope the Brigade will receive support from
other offices who do a large business in. the town
and neighbourhood.
Although the Brigade is now out of debt, funds
are urgently required for necessary expenses. The
unif ems are rendered almost useless by the hard
wear and tear of of the past five years, and a sum
of about £6O will soon have to be expended in re-
placing them. Your Committee have also been con-
sidering the advisability of patting down electric
call bells to certain of the members' residences,
which would probably entail an annual outlay ot
£l3 to £l4. The electric bells would be a great
improvement and convenience to the Brigade, as
they would effectually call the firemen without
giving a public alarm, which is often the means of
impeding the Brigade in their work.
The Steam Fire Engine has been used at three
fires during the year, and has been the means of
saving a considerable amount of property. The
engine is in good working order, and has done its
work in such a manner as to fully justify its pur-
chase. Particulars of all fires attended, appliances
1 in charge of the Brigade, and the number of active

membeis are contain d in the Captain's report to
the Commissioners, printed herewith, The Cone-
missi mers hive purchased 600 feet more hose,
which has already been of great service at fires.
An Ambulance Class, composed of members of
the Brigade and Police Force, was held under the
Stourbridge Centre of the St. John's Ambulance
Aesoeiatioo, Mr. H. H. Smith, lion. surgeon to the
Brigade being the Lecturer. All the member,
attending passed the examination, and have been
, granted the Associ-ition'e Certificate.
On September 29th the Midland Fire Brigade
Asseeiation held one of their monthly meetings at
Stourbri ige, and were received by this Brigade.
About forty representatiree of neighbouring
Bzigade attended, aud a number of interesting
drills were gone through in the town, at the grounds
of the Hi 1 Street Board Schools, kindly lent for the
occa-ion by the School Boar I.
By the kind invitations of the Earl of Dudley and
Lord Lyrte:ten, the Brieacle have hell drills it
Ilim!ey Hall and Hagley Hall, for the purpose of
testing the a:pliances laid dewn tor t leir protection
against fire.
,ur Committee beg to thank Air. Geo. Scriven
for his valuable services as Auditer, and in eon
elusion they offer their sincere thanks to the eub-
scribers for th jr support, and trust that the efforts
of the lirigade to protect 'He and eroperty in the
town and neighbourhoo I may meet with their con-
tinued approval.
The captaiu stated that since the report had been
made out more ni,mey had bee') collected, and all
bills were paid and there was now £2B at the Bank
This was the first time the Brigade had been out
of debt (applause). He hoped to see the electric
bells in wo king older in two or three weeks; the
centract had been signed. When that was done
the Brigade and. Police would be put in direct com-
munication with the Fire Ststion, so that bceh
would be able•to attend fires without attracting the
public. The finances of the Brigade were more
satisfact ey than they ha i ben before, but he
hoped the sappert of the public would not be withdrawn
on that account, a 3 tee-e were annutl expenees
which could not be avoided. The Brigade had
been in existence for five year:, and was a
recognised instittuion ia the district. It was the
only 13-igade among 40,000 people, the nearest on
either site of Stourbri Ige b ing Brierley Hill and
Kiddertnineter. Thus the Brigade had to serve a
lere,er a. ea than wetly vople imagined.
The report was adopted.

M-, S .riven wts re—cote I audito: for the ensu-
ing yea-.
The Chairman s Lid he thought there would be a
great improvement to the Brigade if they would
elect an officer to guird the hose at fires. The way
people trod upon the hose at tires disgusted him as
a spectator. He also lef •rred to the formation of
thc A.!Libulance Class in connection with the
Briga e end said it WA4 in a very sa.isfactory state.
Mr. T. Wall moved tbat Mr. H. Coehrime be
elected as trustee in place of Mr. Charles E. Firm-
stone, w:•ich was seconded. by Mr. Hammond Smith,
Mr, U. Cochrane said there was one thinv he had
to complain about and that was that the Fire In •
sura.me Companies ought to subscribe something
towards the brigade for s Lying their properties,
thus saving their shareholder's money. He hoped
exile re ognition of brigade's services had been
sent from St. Thomas a Church, for if it had not
been for the brigade the roof of th) church would
have failon in and the damage would have been
consider Lble.

The odlowing officers wee elected for the eniu•
iw year :—C.iptain, H. Turney ; Lieutenant, J. T.
For i ; Hon. Surgeon, Dr. 11. Hammond Smith ;
.Su,erintendent, H. D. Williams; Treasurer, W.
Perry ; and Hon. Sc., Captain 11. Turney.
Mr. 'l'. P. Bland and Mr. C. Evers were elected as
hon. members to act on the committee.

After a vote of thanks to the enairm In the pro-
ceeding 4 terminated.

ACTION AGAINST THE TRAMWAY COYTRAC rort.—
At the County Coact, on S.turday—before Mr.
A.mphlett, deputy judge— a cm., of Richard v.
Fell was ca.11:1 on, in which Waintiff, a hrf-wei
travelle., s.)light to recover :415 danang,es for per-
sonal inj nues. There was a -imilar ca,-;e against
the°,4ame defendant by Mr. Nicholls, maltster, of
Stourbridge. Mr. Waldron was for plaintiff and
Mr. Crowther DAvi,s for defendant.—The defendant
is the contractor who has I,id the tramway from
Dudley to Stourbridge, and it was alleged that part
of the roadway at Brett? 11 L ine was left in an in-
sufficiently protected on the 10th November. The
plaintiff Riclia.r.ls and the other plaintiff were
driving down Brettell Lane on that night, when
they were both thrown out of their dogcart and in-
jured, the accident being attributed to the un-
guarded condition of th., road.—For the defence, it
was alleged that the road was properly protected by
lights and fires, and watched.—/lis Honoar g.ve a
verdict for the defendant in Richard's ca.°, but Mr.
Waldron iatim.ted that he should apply for a new
trial.—lle withdrew the second case.
REPORT OF THIS DAY'I SEED MARKEP.-4ireSSTP.
W. H. & 11. Le May, Seed Factors, 68, Borough
High Street. Londoi, Rep it :—The Market was
thinly attended to day, but tlao demand was only
limited. Red Clover —The supp'y of English con •
Linues large, and prices are in buyer's favour.
French Seed is also easier. American is with lot
alteration. A.l,yke and Trefoil ar-_. both fi m tt' e
late reduction. White Cover is scarce, and prices
must be quot,d is to '2E3 higher. French Italian and
Petennials are for the moment somewhat neglected.
February 27th, 18.35._

PEOPLE'S CoNcEnT.—The experiment of a series
of psopie's concerts is to be tried in Stourbridge,
and vie first one took place in the Corn Exchange
on Saturday night. The rJoni was about two-thirds
full. An ex-ellent prop:: 'mate was presented, in
which Miss Clara Surgq, Aliss Bourne, Mr. James
Mathews, and Items. J. N. Crow, 11. Marston,' nd
T. El Rhodes to ,k r art.
"lioueu oNll,A.Ts."—The Thing desired found at
ast. Ask chem;sts, grocers or oilmen, for Rough
on Rats It clears out rate, mice, beetleP, roaches
flies, bedbugs, insects- ground moles, Ltc. 74d. and
Is 14d boxes. . - -

" ihICIIIIPABIA."-A new, quick, complete cure
r -111 urinary atfectons, (stnarting„ frequent ditti-
ult) and kidney diseases 43. At Dtuggist, London
gency, No 1, King Edward Street

CHURCH OF ENGLAND ARSOCIATION.—The annua
Soiree in connection with the above Association
was held in the Corn Exchange, on Monday even
lug, A?ter tea a vocal and instrumental concert
was given. The Rev. L. B. Penley, who presided,
explained the objects of the Association and saio
it ought to be supported by all classess and religous
sects. He ihm thanked the ladiei who had supplied
the tea trays and those ladies and gentlemen who
were going to take part in the programme. Th,
grand selection by Messrs. J. end A. de Escofet
and Miss de Esco:et was given in brilliant style and
they were loudly applauded. Miss Melvina Field
sang Cloister Voices in the first part, and for her
second song Daddy she obtained an encore and sang
Tit for Tat. The cornet solo by Mr. J. de Escofet
was well rendered. Miss de Escofet sang Ave
Maria in good style and was well applauded. Mr.
J. Matthews, the well-known musician, ;played his
solos with his usual skill and was well received.
The Rev, W. A. Jones's reading was given in good
style and well appreciated. Miss Scott is a brilliant
performer on the piano, he played that instrument
with great skill and taste and for the solo Pasquinade
she received an encore. The other gentlemen
rendered their parts as well as could be desired.
The following was the pregramme :—Grand
selection—lnstrumental, "Lucia di Lammermoor,"
Messrs J. and A. de Escofet and Miss de Escofet;
song, "Cloister Voices," Miss Melvina Field ; song,
'Ave Made," Miss deEscofet, with violin obbligato;
Flute solo '• Tu Vedrai," Mr. J. Matthews; song,
"The Death of Nels )n," Mr. T. La wley ; pianoforte
duett, " William Tell," Miss L. M. Scott and Mr.
G. Bates : reading, Rev. W. A. Jones • glee, "By
Celia's Arbour," Wribbenhall Glee Union ; violin
solo, " Dancla," Mr. A. de Escofet; song, "When
the tide comes in," Mr. J Muston; Flute solo, "My
Mother bids," and "Rondo." Mr. James Mathews;
pianoforte solo, "Pasquinade," Miss L. M. Scott;
ng. "Daddy," Miss Melvina Field; glee, When
evening twilight," Wribbenhall Glee Union.
A recent writer in our local papers has wisely
observed that "one of the follies of the age is to buy
dear Wines and Spirits." Another folly is to
suppose that buying from those who make the
largest return of duty is buying them in the
cheapest market. The Merchant who pays duty
upon thousands of gallons pays in exact proportion
to the retailer clearing a single cask, A great profit
must be gained to cover enormous expenses of large
business premises, cost of advertising, and an
, allowance of profit to the Agent, greater in
many instances than taken by them in the respect-
ab.e Merchant. To buy cheap is to buy where but
one profit is made, and we cannot better illustrate
our argument than by pointing out the way in
which our townsmen, Messrs J. Rutland and Son, o
, 63, High-st, have opened up the trade. We have
, no hesitation in saying that 25 per cent, is now
saved by their bringing the producer and the con-
, sumer together, over the prices paid a few years
, ago, and a trial will fully bear out our assertions
Dudley Herald, December 24th, 1881.

"RUPTURES:"— WHITE'S Moe-MAIN LEPER TRUSS
is the most effective invention for the treatment of
Ilernia. The use of a steel spring, so hurtful in
its effects, is avoided, a soft bandage
_being worn

round the body, while the iequisite iesisting- power
is supplied by the Moe-Main Pad and Patent Lever,
fitting with so much ease and closene-s that it can-
not be detected. Send for descriptive circular, with
testimonials and prices, to J. White and Co.
(Limited) 228, Piccadilly, London. Do not buy of
Chemists, who often sell an IMITATION of Moe-
Main, I. White and Co. have not any Agents.
NEw ALHAMBRA THEATRE. During the week
Mr. Fred B. Norton and his specially organised
company have been performing here to rather in-
different houses. The pieces selected have been
the" Outlawed Son" and " Tue Miracle," the
' former of which is announced for to-night (Satur-
day), when we hope that the efforts of the company
will reeeive the support they deserve.
DRUNK ENNEsS.—At the Police Court, yesterday,
before Colonel Fletcher, C. Cochrane, T. D• Thomas
and A. Freer, Esqrs, William Griffiths, cooper, was
charged with being drunk in the public streets of
Stouroridge on the 25th ult. P.Cs. Heath and
Cartwright and Henry Richards proved the tase.
Fined los and costs.—Alfred Woodheuse was fined
2s 6d and costs for being drunk at the Lye, on the
19th ult. P.C. Jones proved the case Henry
Mills was fieed 2s 61 and costs for being drunk at
81ak,4 own, on the 25th ult. P.C. Holloway proved
the case.—Sylvanus Cartwright %via charged with
t *in d ik on the 23rd aid 26:,h ults, at Wollescote.
Set...cant Cope and P.C. Brazener preyed the cases.
For the first offence defendant was fined 2s 61 and
costs and in the sec mid case 5s and costs —William
Lloyd and Andrew Mitchell were charged with
being drunk on the 25th ult. P.C. Cartwright said
he saw the defendants who were both druek and
making use of bad language. Fined 5s ant costs
each,—Witliam Moseley ms fined 5s and costs for
being drunk at the Lye, lon the 25th ult. P.C.
Jones proved the case.— Henry Smith was charged
with being drunk at Cradley, on the Bth October.
P.Cs. Agg a,nd Clare proved the c Ise. Fined 24
6d and costs.—James Cutler was fined 24 61 and
costs for being drunk at Cradley, on the 23rd ult.
P.C. Gwilliatn proved the case. Bridget Callagan
was fined lOs and costs for being drunk on the 27th
ult. P.C. D 'yr proved the case and Superintendent
Wheeler proved several previous convictions.—Ori
Hart was fined 5s and costs for ,being drunk on the
18th ult. Sergeant Cope proved the ca,se.
Foams DRIVING. Sidney Cutler was charged
furious driving in the township, on the 24th ult.
P.C. Webb said defendant was driving up High-st.,
at the rate of 14 miles an hour. When near F‘etter
Street he drove on to the 'footpath and the horse
fell down. Defendant was very abusive. Colonel
Fletcher said it was a very serious and dangerous
offence. and floe! defendant 20s and costs.
OBSTRUCTION.—AIfred Smith was o-deredito pay
8s costs for leaving his hore and cart on the high-
way. P.C. Cartwright proved the case.
HAWKING wrraour A LICENSE. James Jame-
son was ordered to pay Os costs for hawking with-
out a license, at Cradley, on the 25th ult. P.C.
Chars proved the case.
PITCH AND TOSS. Joseph Taylor, Shadracla
Bradley, Emmanuel Hart, Jesse Cartwright,
Joseph Wooldridge aril Thomas Eveson, all boys,
were summoned for playing at pitch and toss at
Wollescote on the 17th ult. P.S. Cope proved the
case and defendants were each Onecl2s 6d including
costs, except Taylor, who was dismisted.—George
Wooldridge, Wiliam Aston, Bertie Westwood,
Thomas Knowles and William Wooldridge were
charged with playing at pitch hid toss on the 24th
ut, at Cradley. P.C. Gwitloliao‘mffveensprovsd the case,
offend
waogondi nw. a s
Thed -
cDheifregnedda
on
nt s
rloema
seidn
g notguilty.
other defendants were fined, Wooldridge ss, and
the others 2s ad or 7 days.
SCHOOL BOARD CASE. —Francis Scott was sum-
moned by Inspector Baker for not causing his son
to attend school. Defendan t produced a certificate
which proved that the child was 13 years and 4
months old. Inspector Biker said defendant should
produce a certificate of profici,ncy. The Bench
said defendant would have to continue to send the
lad to school until he had passed the fifth stacdard.
Fined Is.

&TILING BaAss.—John Massey was charged with
stealing a piece of brass, the property of Gelrge
Lees, on the 26th ult. at Oldswinford. Prosecutor

said ho lived in the parish of Bromsgrove, and
worked f9r his aunt. On the day in question he
was at the Crab Mill, Oldswinford, with a wagon
and horses. He left there tar ut six in the eve in.
About four o'clock he missed the piece of rass
producA. Prisoner was at flu, Crab Mill at the
same time and he came back into the house and
said witnesses horse was bleeding, and on, g)ing
out he saw thuro was w,lund on the horses head

about half-an-inch long and the brass wasgcn, and
a piece of Llather produced was cut through. John
Wilcox, tandlord ot the Crab Mill lon, said on the
above date he looked into prisoner's wagon and
found the piece of brass and leather
_produced, in a
_ _ _

coat in Vl° wagon.-13,C. Eaves said he appre-
hended prisoner as he was leaving the yard on the
day in question, and found a very sharp knife in his
pos,.ession. There was blood on prisoner's hand.
Prisoner denied all knowledge of the affair, and
said he gave prosecutor every leave to search him,
or his wagon. C ,tonel Fletcher said they had same
little doubt, an 1 they had decided to give him the
!)enefit of it aud dismissed the cas-, although they
considered it <me of suspicien.
Oesemi LANGUAGE —Timothy CAlagao wa
charged with u,itrt obscene langulge on the Is
December. P.O. Webb proved the case. S :ye&
previous convicrions were proved. Fined 10i and
costs ; in default one month.
APPLICATION.—Jesse llipkins, Wes tbromwich,
applic i for an interim authority for the R se and
Cron Inn, 31 irk?.t Street and was adjourned.
BOARD OP GUARMIANB —Mr. Raybould presided
at the usu tl rneeq g f this Board yesterlay. Ad-
mi!.ted, 8 ;disehareel,6 ; dead, 2; total, 551, againQt
.552. R -lief, Kingiwinford, £lO 08 9d ; Stour-
') Lige, £3l Ws 2.1; Ilalesowen, .£25 15 3d; No 1-
resilent, Li 9s 2d; total, 293 is 4cl, a.gainst.293
13. 7 r. Bill stated that two persons had been
round the Lye and Wollescote pari.hes soliciting
signatures to a petition which they said was in
favour of the aged married couples in the work-
house being allowed to live together. It after.
wards turned out that the petition related to the
proposed Incorporation. In reply to a question the
Chqk said the attention of the Inspector who
would hold an inquiry might be called to it. The
death of Mr. S. T. West.m, who had been a mem-
ber of the Board for 21 yeats, was announced, and
it was unanimously decided that a letter of coni'o
lence be sent to 31” s. Weston and family, ex,zes-
sing the regret of the Board.
A DISCLAIMER.—Mr. Robert Page, painter, of
Oldswinford, wishes it to be understood that he
has nothing to do with the Robert Page stimuli ned
at the Police Court, last Friday, for drunkenness.

ADDRESS BY SIR RICHARD TEMPLE.

Sir Richard Temple addresssd a meeting of the
Conservative electors of East Worcestershire on
Monday night in the Assembly Room, adjoining
the Queen's Hotel, Belbroughton. There was a
large attendance. Mr. C. P. Noel presided, and
among those present were Major Williams, Dr.
Hobbs, Captain Jameson ; Messrs. Grosvenor, J.
imphlett, Holyoake White, Boucher, W. Higgins,
Bate (secretary), Ruband, J. Nash, J, Pratt, J.
Smith, Mrs. Noel, Miss Wild, Miss Bradshaw, &c.
laThe Chairnern, in opening the proceedings, said
, it would be in the remembrance of those present
that the last time he addressed a meetieg at Bel-
broughton was during the general election of 1880.
At that time the G. 0. M. had stumped Midlothian,
and had made a large number of promises, none of
which had been fulfilled—(hear, hear). Mr. Glad-
stone promised that if the Liberals came into power
there would be peace and a reduction of taxation.
The British flag, however, had been literally sopped
in blood through the way in which the present
vacillating Government had sacrificed the lives of
her Majesty's subjects. Immediately after the
Government entered office agrarian outrages burst
forth in Ireland ; then occurred the massacre of
Cabul and the degrading incidents of the Transvaal
The Government then plunged the country into a
war in Egypt, a war which might have been avoided
if the Government had maintained from the outset
an attitude of firmness and consistency—(hear,
hear). The whole of these difficulties were the
result of the vacilliating policy of the Ministry,
and fully justified the vote of censure proposed
in the House of Commons by Sir Staff' rd North-
cote—(applause)4§More recently had occurred the
terrible massacre of Sinkat, almost wi hin reach of
, the British guns, The consequence was that dis-
credit had been brought upon the English name,
and when things had reached such a pass it was a
time for Englishmen to speak out aed bring other
men into power who would save the honour of the
country—(applause). In Ireland no step was taken
to suppress the outrages until the Dublin murders
happened. As to home politics, what course had
the Government taken with regard to the admission
of Mr. Bradlaugh to Parliament? They found
that Mr. W. H. Gladstone, one of the representa-
tives for East 'Worcestershire, had voted in favour
of Mr. Bradlaugh, and the electors should m irk
their sense of disapprobation of his conduct by re-
turning a more worthy and competent man to the
House of Commons—(applause). The farmers
were dissatisfied with the Government, for the
Liberal legislation had clene them no good. He
trusted the electors would when the time came
dispose of what Lord R. Churchill termed "The
Moonstruck Minister"—(laughter and applause).
Sir R. Temple, who was applauded on rising,
s 'id he was prepared to admit that some useful
measures had been passed by their opponents. For
instance, the Bankruptcy Act, the law regarding
patents, and the Act for the protection of the lives
of our seamen were all measures of a useful and
non-party character. He would also admit that
national education had made great progress,
although a part of that progress had been made
under the Conservative Administration. In ad-
ditim, there had been a considerable advance in
municipal matters, but here, too, he contended that
the Conservatives were entitled to credit. He was
satisfied that there was no great question which
had not shown the improving hand of the Con-
servatives—(applause). In everything relating to
I the progress and welfase of the people the Conserv-
atives yielded to none. Thorough progress wet,
in absolute harmony with Conservatism. He trusted
that each party would do its utmost for the general
benefit of the country, but there was a solemn and
important function for the Conservatives to perform.
Twee first duty was to preserve the Constitution.
They might hope that in Worcestershire there were
no Republicans, but it would be in vain to deny
that there were Republicans in the country. There
were many persons in the great centres of England
who would like to see a S. nate established after the
pattern ef France and the United States. He
ventured to say that the American Senate, though
a venerable and fine institu ion, was nothing liks
so good as the House of Lerds, and he was sure
that the French Senate would not compare with
our Upper Assembly. In the Unit. d States the
Senate had to go through the throes of a general
election periodically, and he asked them if they
wanted to a id to the number of elections in this
country—("No.") He maintained that the House
of L3rds was a thoroughly popular assembly, and
closely identified with the well-being of the State
—(hear hear). Then there was a Liieratienist
movement which aimed at the sequestration of the
property of the Church of England. He would re-
mind his Nonconformist friends that they had had
large endowments left them, and so far as they
were concerned they were welcome to keep them.
But he argued that the property of tee Church
was quite as much the property of the Church as
the endowments of the Nonconformists belonged
to them, and they desired to hand down the Church
uninjured. It was a Conservative function also to
miintaiu property in la! d. Recently Mr. Henry
George had pr pounded certain views with regard
to the land, and they were making considerable
head way in different parte of the country. It was
th ir duty to oppose a rock-like front to all such
unpracticable theories—(applause). The Conserva-
tives also desired to see a religious element main-
tained in regard to public education, Though in
all these matters conservation was essentially the
function of Conservatives, they hoped to obtain the
assietanc of many of their Liberal opponents. It
was the duty of Conservatives to do all they could
to further the interests of agriculture, which was
the greatest of all British industries, lie ventured
to say that the most burning question to the
English farmers was the foot-and-mouth disease
(hear, hear)—which was seriously affecting them.
The foot- and-rnouth disease was the worst of all
the cattle diseases imported to this country,and the
damage caused amounted to several millions sterl-
ing every year. This terrible scourge was not
in_ligenou-, lent was imported from abroad,
principally from the Continent of Etr ope. Every
year thousands of infected cattle were imported,
n .1 was it not extraordinary that we should permit
is to go on extending its ravages. In vain were
fats pubashed showing how the disease was
brought in, for the Government were not acting
.v th the requisite vieour. For every h at of cattle
brought into this country five, ten, or twerey head
of English cattle were infected. Was it net the
fact that since 1879, owing to the bad seasons, the
American competition, and now the Indian competi-
tion, every year more arable land wss being turned
into pasture ; and why, therefore, should we add to
the difficulties arising from natural vicissitudes by
permitting this gigantic evil to Continue? What
ground was there for not preventing the importa-
tion of cattle from the infected districts? It was
urged that it was in order to have meat cheap;
but, he asked, was it to our advantage to have
dissase I meat? The percentage of imported cattle
was small to the home meat supply, and, he said,
meat was more likely to become dear by the spread
of disease among our cattle than by a careful con-
tr.-a of the importasion, Therefore this argument
would not bear statistical examination, Thu it
should be remeruberei that tneat could be imported
as dead meat, which would be far batter than al-
loe lag infection to spread among our flocks a id
herds—(applause). The poople of England should
tell the Government that they must stop this evil,
and it was necessary to hive a strong law, and that
it ssould be strongly administered. In order to
meat the growing competition in ccrefils from
America ana India it was reacesgrry that their
ea-uld be improved machina.y, ierprove I draieage
and increased c apital put upon the land, and he
con -ide at that tee tenants shouli be e inouraged to
put more capitol in the 'ml by incrers.d security
bJmug atro.d d by legislation for their enterprise.
There was some doubt whether the Agricultural
• Holdings Act would not lead to some dispute and
litigetion, but at any rate the Cons rvative party
weut.l be prepared to meet this question in a fair
seirit. Tney would also be willing to do something
in the way of the relief of taxation upon the land
The Conservatives were at ono time in favour of
the abolition of the malt tax, but he was afraid that
when it was abolished it was practically too late,
and the abolition had really done harm to the
farmers—(hear. hear). In ths first place the aboli-
tion of the duty had let in all sorts of inferion
barleys from foreign countries, t the detriment of
the growers of barley in this country, and notably
in Worcestershire. It had also allowed starch and
other things to be btaught into this country for the
manufacture of beer, which w s nroportionately
deteriorated. It had 1, seemed the deman I for
British barley and deteriorate -I the beer, while the
financial results either way ha I not been material.
He thiught Conservatives m ght do something to -
ward awe i ?rating the local ratss At present
there was a great tendeficy on the pert of local
authositi -a to increase the rate, and there was
some m prehension lest new rates woild Fe inpos d.
The ti we had come when a firm stand should be
made agtinst the increase of local taxation—(a.
please). Wnen improvement became financial y
oppressive it almost ceased tobe improvement. ;hie
effect of a stand against the increase of tx t on
wont' be to cause greater economy in the adminis •
tratioa of the rates, Another great cpiell'on w:as
the restoration of order to Ireland, in which he
thought the C >nservativss might co.operate. Wnen
they contrasted the present position of Ireland wi h
he condition in which it was wle i the Conser a-
i:es left office they could not but see that t
caango was very much fur the worse. That elm Ise
commsnced immediately after the Liberals went
into office, and it was evident that the chance of
Government and of policy had hicl'a good deal to
de with the altersd state f things iii Ireland—
(hear, hear). Tile Irish requirel to be convinced ,
that nothing would be yielded to agitation against I
the judgment of the United Kingdom. If they

once allowed the Irish to think that they could
gain their demands by persistent agitation then
there would be no limit to their demands. Allud-
ing to the Franchise Bill, which was to be intro-
duced by the Prime Minister on Thursday, he asked
what was the duty of Conservatives? It was their
duty to take care that& 1 sections of opinion shoal I
be represen ed in the electoral system, and that
mere numbers should not overbalance wealth and
intelligence. Their only chance of guarding against
an unfair redistribution of political power was to
insist upon a proper redistribution of seats. For
instance, all those portions of Warwicksh;re,
Worcestershire, and Staffordshire subjects to the
influence of Birmingham should be incorporated in
the curtilage of Birmingham, and then the counties
would have fair play. It was really the influx of
Birmingham voters into the suburban districts that
swamped the counties. In other districts perhaps
a contrary state of things prevailed, as in the ca-e
of the metropolis. But this was certainly the fact
in regard to the counties which adjoined the large
manufacturing centres. Adverting to foreign
affairs, Sir Richard pointed out that if France
should drift into a war with China British mercan-
tile interests would be seriously affected, for no
less than 80 per cent. of Chinese trade was in the
hands of the English. He could not imagine how
a war could be allowed to take place without
English honour and interests being compromised.
then, if we did not take care, we should be alienat-
ing the loyalty of the'Australians, for the c donists
were determined that no adjacent islands should
fall under any dominion except that of the British
flag, and that no foreign flag should be hoisted
within sight of their shOres. -Unless we assist, d
them in the object he was afraid that separation
would follow for the colonists were dissati-fied
with our action. It was no doubt a great object
to induce the Auitralians to confederate, and when
that confederation was accomplished he trusted
there would be no difficulty in adding New Guinea
to the British Empire. As to Madagascar he had
no doubt that France would be establishing a
Protectorate along the shores of that island. If the
Protectorate were confined to the West Coast it
would not interfere with us, but if it were carried
aloug the East Coast it would prejudice commercial
relations with the Mauritius and the Cape. Th, n,
with reference to the new treaty with the Boers, he
hoped that the welfare and rights of the native
population of the Transvaal and the frontier tribes
would be duly protected. The two burning ques-
tions of foreign policy at the present time were
Mery and Egypt. The Turcomans had submitted
to the Russites as a result of the great victory of
General Skobeleff, and Mery lead now fallen into
their hands We ought to have prevented the
expedition of General Skobeleff. The Conservative
Government did their utmost to oppose that expedis
tion, though with partial success only. After 1880
the expedition was carried out, and by its results
Russia had obtained not only a military but a po-
litical reputation. Whilst conducting the war she
had actually suppressed slavery along the Turco-
man-Persian frontier, and by so doing she had
done a service to humanity—(hear, heal). Russia
was now on the road to Herat. which was the key
of Afghanistan and on the high :oad to India. So
that when Russia endeavoured to seize Constanti-
nople she hoped to create adiversion on the frontier
f India. Conservative politicians had warned the
English people that this was the main object of
Russia, for Skobeleff had openly avowed that this
was the policy he was instructed to carry out. We
could not now prevent the annexation of Merv, but
it was necessary to come to a further determination
and to insist upon a formal declaration that Afghan-
istan should be out of therange of Russian influence.
We ought to tell Russia that her entrance into
A.fghanistun would be a casus belti—(applause).
Referring to the war in Soudan, he attributed the
outbreak of the Soudanese to the slave trade. Eng-
land had endeavoured to suppress the slave trade
along the csasts of the Red Sea, but had not inter-
fered internally because until recently she bad no
e ponsibility in Egypt. But having establish our
protectorate by force of arms we became responsible
for the government of Egypt, 'lnd as the Soudan
was an integral part of the Khedive's dominions
we had eo right to say, "Ne will keep Lower Egypt
and cut the upper par of the country adrift, leeving
it to an invasion of barbarism"—(hear, hear). He
could hardly restrain his indignation at the con-
templation of such a policy. Sir Richard deprecated
the ambiguity of General Gordon's proclaimation
res ectin .1 the slave trade at Khartoum, as he con-
sidered it would create a false impre.?sion among
the Soudanese and lead to future difficulties—(hear,
hear).
On the motion of Major Williams a vote of thanks
was unanimously accorded to Sir R. Temple for his
instructive address, and the proceedings then ter-
minate],