The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-12-11 00:00:00

ISocal alib •-istrict 'Pins.

SPECIAL COMMISSIONERS' MEETING.

Yesterday, a epeciel meeting of this body was
held iu the COlll EX,11::111e, to take into consi-
devotion the sirebility el luenimialising the
Post Office authorities in referenee to the remo-
val of the Post Office from its present positien.
Mr. Stringer occupied the choir. There were
also present Messrs. Hughes, Penney, Newnan',
Packwood, Perkins, Thorne. Woolley, Healy,
Eleock, ellsop, and MeEwen.
The Clerk read the uotice calling the meeting,
after which
The Chairman said he regretted that it was
found necessary to call the meeting. The Poet
Office authorities had asked permission to brine
the wires to tee present Post Office, and the
Commissionere gave them permission so far as
they could, and their clerk had got permlasion of
the clerk of the Turnpike Trustees to let them
cross the High-street to the present Post Office.
But it appeared th .t the Government authori-
ties were putting down the wires at the other
end of the town, which would be very inconve-
nient to many persons. Ile thought the present
site would have been much better then where
they were going, which was at the extreme end
of the town, and nearly out of the county. He
believed that accommodation could have been
found at the present Post Office. He thought
it was the duty of those present to memorialise
the Government to give the upper part of the
town accommodation, it did appear as if they
were playing fast and loose. They were asked
for their permission to allow them to cross the
town with the wires to the present Post Office,
and Government were now taking them to ano-
ther port of the town. Ho should Le glad to
hear what any member of the Board might say
upon the subject.
Mr, Aliso') said he WWI one of those who had
signed the notice) calling the meeting, and he
felt bound to say a word or two upon the subject.
It did appear to him very htrance, that having
asked permission to put the wires to one part of
the town, they ahould then take them to another.
He must say that the pert new %elected was not
the best part, and he felt a little sore on the part
of the Commissioners, when five teen gave it as
, their opinion that the lower part of High-street
I was the best position. But, as it was to be re.
moved there he did not know that they mid do
much in the matter. But by protosting against
it, it would show to their constituents that they
had not taken part in its rentoval—(hear, hear).
Mr. Healey asked lithe clerk had received
any official notice of the removal from the Post
Office authorities. He had been informed that
there was not the requisite room where the pre-
sent office was for the postmaster to have a cornrn
fortable dwelling.house, and for the business of
the office. He believed the Surveyor had been
over and given his sanction for the removal to 1
the lower part of High-street, which should con-
vince them if they had had no official account, I
there was occasion for its absolute removal.
They were aware that he )the postmaster) had to
pay a certain amount of rent, and that there
were very few available premises, and none so
good as those fixed upon, and as the telegraph
was coming into the present office, it would be
very unfeir for those at the lower part of the
town if it was removed to the upper part, as
there would be a telegraph at Oldswinford.
There were a greet many letters received at the
; lower part of the town and telegrams from the
1 works; and it was a very important fact that
Colonel Hutchinson had also reported favour-
ably of the new site. He thoueht the distance
was not more than 140 yards farther.
Mr. Allem) 200 at least.
Mr. Healey said he thought it WO the best
house that could be had in the town for the busi-
ness. 'f here was a good ball and good windows,
and that part of the town was very wide.
Mr. Allsop said the first consideration was the
convenience of the town—(mar, hear). He
thought when the telegraph came down, the
public would be put to great inconvenience.
Mr. Hughes asked if the post authorities would
take any notice of them, or their proceedings?
The Chairman said he thought all present
were satisfied that the post office authorities had
broken faith with the Commissioners—(hear,
hear). He thought the authorities should he
memorialised and requested to give them all the
accommodation they could.
Mr. Healey said they could not say the autho-
rities had broked faith with thein—(voices
"Yes, yea.")
The Chairman : Pardon me, but I must say
so, as they asked for permission to fix the wires
at the present poet office, and now take them
elsewhere.
Mr. MeEwen thought the intention to pass a
resolution was rather premature. They should
first see if there was Just cause for complaint,
and thought it better to let some time elapse be-
fore taking steps, and so ascertain if there had
been any inconvenience.
In answer to Mr. Newnam, Mr. Taylor said
the reason assigned for leaving the present pre-
mises, was that the postmaster could not carry
on the business of the post office and the tele-
graph, and that he was obliged to seek more
commodious premises, and that the intended
site wag the only available premises tube had.
Mr. Penney said he Itel been told that the
men at the new premises was only two feet
larger than the present one.
Mr. Healey : Who told you that?
Mr. Penney: Mr. Broomhall.
Mr. Pekrine said be had been informed there
1.111f4 not aoy nen. room than at the mesent post
office.