The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-02-08 00:00:00

OLD HILL.

A WIFE BEATER.—At the Police Court, held on
Wednesday last, before Messrs. F. L. Smith and
W. Bassano, William Neath was charged with
assaulting his wife Olivia Neath; on the 3rd inatl
Complainant said that on the above date. the
defendant struck her on the head with a hammer.
Defendant was continually beating her. The
defence was that his wife threatened to send him
to Powick. Defendant was sentenced to 14 days
imprisonment; without the option of a fine, at the
expiration to find two surities in £lO, and himself
in £lO, to keep the peace for six months.
CHARGE or ASSAULT. Samuel Sturman of
Cradley Heath, was charged with assaulting
Samuel Price on the 29th ult. Complainant, a boy,
said that he was an apprentiee to the defendant,
On the morning in question,as he was taking down
the shutters at 7.10 defendant came to him and
kicked him on the thigh.dijoseph Price, father of
complainant said that he saw the bruise on his
son's leg. Defendant denied the charge, and said
the complainant was frequently neglecting his
work day after day, and instead of coming to work
at seven o'clock, it was often eight and nine o'clock.
He often complained to his parents, and his mother
told him if he did not come in time to box his ears,
which he did, but did not hurt him. A witness
was called to prove that defendant did not kick
complainant. The case was dismissed.
NEGLECT OF WORK.—James Bradley was sum-
moned by Messrs. Smith Brothers for lOs 9d the
value of some iron had by defendant. From the
evidence given it appears that the defendant had
the iron to work intO nails. Defendant had not
done the work. Ordered to pay 4s per month, and
costs.—A similar charge was preferred against
John Homer for ..£2 Is 20. Defendant pleaded
guilty. Ordered to ray 2s 6d per week.
HIGHWAY OFFENCE.—John Guest, John Norfolk°
' William 'Hughes, James Hughes, Daniel James,
Roland Edwards, Isaiah Aston, Joseph Hacket,
and Joseph Mills, was charged with obstructing
the highway, at Old Hill, on the 27th ult.—Police-
constable Wickstead proved that he saw a large
number. of persons obstructing the highway at
Dog Lane, by flying pigeons. All the defendants
were present. Samuel Burton gave corroborative
evidence,:and said that Guest, Racket, and Edwards
had threatened him if he gave evidence. Each of
the defendants was fined is and costs, and •
Guest, Racket, and Edwards, were ordered to find
one surety each in £lO, and themselves in £2O, to
keep the peace for six months.
TIIE MINERS FRIENDLY SOCIETY.—The society
was summoned by, Sarah Chivers, for refusing to pay
her £8 which sl e alleged was due being for
the death of her husband, and. £3 being six weeks'
sick pay. Mr. Major, from the office of Mr.
Warmington, or Dudley, appeared for the complain-
ant and Mr. Clulow for the defendant. Mr. Major
said that he had received a notice from Mr. Clulow,
Wing that he was unable to be present in conse-
quence of a meeting at his office, and asking for an
adjournment. Mr. Major said he had no objection
to adjournment, but thought that defendant should
pay costs, as his client was a very poor woman.
The case was ultimately adjourned for a week, Mr.
Clulows' clerk agreeing to pay solicitor's fees.
SprsuLAn CHARGE.—David Jones of Tividale
'is charged for that he being under police super-.
vision, having been convicted twice had no visible
means of supporting himself, and was gaining his
livelihood by dishonest means. Joseph Dftvis, pro-
vision dealer, residing at Tividale, said that the de-
fendant came to his shop about the 19th October.
Defendant had a quantity of grocery goods, amount-
ing to 2s 10d. Defendant represented himself as
being in a good position, and asked him to send the
goods to his house. Witness sent the goods and told
the man not to leave them without the money. At the
time the goods were sent defendant was from home,
mid the goods were left. Defendant had not paid for