The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1876-08-05 00:00:00

Tfl _V, ST.OU.ItfidiDGE.OBSER.VER.

to be paid. Highway Account, £55 les 9cl; Im-
provement Account, £l9 is sd; Urban Sanitary
Authority, £49 8s 7d. The estimates for the Im-
provement and Highway Rates were laid before
your Committee and examined.

Mr. Hughes moved the adoption of the report
which was seconded by Mr. Stringer and carried.

GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE REPORT.

Your Committee report that troughs have been
placed at the corner of Church Street, near the
Golden Lion Inn, Beauty Bank, and one in Smith-
field. They have been supplied by the Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

REPORT OF THE MEDIAL OFFICER OF HEALTH.
—The Visitation Report Book was laid before your
Committee. Premises in Round Court, New St,
Park Street, Church Street, Hagley Road, Worces-
ter Street, Bowling Green Lane, Lion Street, and
Portobello have been visited by your Medical
Officer of Health, and instructions given for the
removal of nuisances found there. MORTALITY
RETURNS. Number of deaths registered from
June 17th to July 22nd is 10, three of which are
under one year, one nineteen years, and six of 50
years and upwards. Death rate 12.79 per 1,000.
Births in the same period 36. Birth rate 46.75
per 1,000. Your officer's report is satisfactory.
No case of zymotic disease has yet appeared in the
tpwn this summer, and the death rate is low. The
death rate in the united kingdom is 21. During
my official and other visits I have noticed several
cases where the proximity of a drain to a well
renders it suspicious that the water in that well is
detrimental to health, but upon looking at the
water and tasting it it gave no sign that it was so,
consequently I have no power either to order the
closing of the well or the removal of the drain. It
is also a fact that some of the most unhealthy
water is in many cases of a perfectly clear appear-
ance and without taste. I would, therefore, ask
the Commissioners to take into consideration the
advisability of allowing me to order an analysis of
water to be made in such cases as I regard sus-
picious.
INSPECTOR OF NUISANCE'S REPORT.—Nuisanees
remaining from last month, 14; reported during
the month, 95, total 109; removed old 10, new 83,
total 93 ; remaining 16. Eighteen cases of over-
crowding have been reported during the month,
15 have been removed.
REMOVAL OE NIGHT SOIL.

One hundred and four privies, eight ash pits, and
one cess-pool, belonging to one hundred and thirty
houses have been emptied and cleansed, and the
contents removed. The slaughter-houses with
three exceptions, and the public lodging-houses
are reported to be in good sanitary condition.
Mr. Hughes moved the adoption of the report,
which was seconded by Mr. Allsop, and carried
REPORT OF THE IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE.

Your Committee report the drain has been laid
down in Lion Street, as far as Mr. Webb's cottages.
Worcester Street Drainage. Your committee
report progress. Two truck loads of York stone
have been received

The chairman moved the adoption of the report
which was seconded by Mr. Kelley, and carried.
Mr. Kelley said he had a few words to say about
the Railway company. He had been informed
that the company were re-lotting the ground and
cottages, and another report was that they were
trying to stop up Foster Street. He should be
very glad to get some information, and should
move that the clerk write to them about it.

The chairman said that had not Mr: Kelley
brought the subject forward, he intended doing so
himself. He did not think the company had kept
faith with them. It appeared to him as if they
were trifling witk them, and he as chairman did
not intend to be trifled with. He did not believe
in bullying them, but he thought some pressure
should be brought to bear upon them and let them
know that they were not going to sleep. When at
the Board in London they promised very fairly,
but they had not kept their promise. He did not
wish to hold out any threat towards them but would
suggest:that the clerk write to them for Information
Mr. Allsop said he endorsed what the chairman
had said and suggested that some resolution should
be passed and sent to the Board.
Mr. Stringer said it had been reported that he
wa3 an obstacle in the road because they wanted to
purchase some of his land, but the quantity they
wanted was so very small that it would prevent
them going on, and he at once put the matter into
his agent's hands to settle the question as they
knew more about the value of land than he did, and
willing to abide by what he said. He considered
that the line should be constructed at once, as
there was a,great want of railway accommodation,
not only in Stourbridge but in Kidderminster. He
thought the Great Western Railway Company were
the proper persons to make the line, but if they did
not think proper to do so, he should suggest that
some other company be requested to do so, and that
the towns give them their support.
Mr. Perkin said it was a fact that the company
were re-letting the ground and the cottages, and it
did not look as if the company were going to make
the line.

Mr. Taylor said the price of land could not be
settled by the different valuers, but the cost of
it did not stand in the way. He believed the
company would execute the work, and make the
line, but he did not think it would be done this year,
but would suggest that a letter be written to Mr.
Grierson, asking for information.
The chairman said the clerk knew as well as he
did that there was nothing to prevent the company
from getting possession of the land. As regards
Mr. Stringer he must say when at the Board in
London not a word was said against Mr. Stringer,
and although he was a member of their Board, he
had a right to get the best price for his land as well as
any other man.(Hear, hear).
It was ultimately resolved on the motion of Mr.
Stringer, seconded by Mr. Kelley, that the
clerk do write a letter to the Board asking for
information.

Woextrzxs' TBEAT.—Mr. Anthony Watkins,
nail manufacturer, entertained the whole of his
workmen to tea on Monday evening. Good pro-
vision had been made for their comfort, and the
evening was pleasantly spent.
ROBBERY AND ASSAULT.—At the Public Office,
on Thursday, before It. L. Freer, Esq., James
Garrotty, alias Mcolr, and John McDonald were
charged with robbing and inflicting serious injury
to George Lee, on the 15th January last.—Mr.
Addison appeared to prosecute, and Mr. C. Collis
defended.—Mr. Addison briefly opened the case,
stating the injuries that prosecutor had received
from being knocked down and kicked, two of his
teeth being kicked out, and he had to be attended by
a medical man.—George Lee, the prosecutor, said I
am 'bus driver in the employ of the Talbot Hotel
Company and live at Stourbridge. On Saturday the
15th January last, I was returning home about ten
o'clock at night, but called at the Duke William
Inn and left before closing time. I was sober and
saw police-constables Firth and Philpotts. After
speaking to Firth I went towards Birmingham
Street and when near the Freemaason's Arms I met
five men. Two men were walking first. Prisoner
McDonald was one of them and he tripped me
up and I turned round and asked him what he did
that for. As I turned round three more men set
upon me and beat me. I was in the middle of
five men when I was knocked down and kicked.
I cannot say that Garrotty was one that kicked
me when I was down, but he was one of the five
men present. He wore a white smock. I was
kicked all over the back, knocked down, and two
front teeth knocked out. I cried out " Murder "
and said "Oh, God! what have I done to have
this." I got up and went to Mills's house and
asked for protection, but he did not give me pro-
tection and I was refused admittance. I then
went to Jeavons's shop and while there I heard
the voice of a female but I could not see one.
Shortly after I saw police-constables Philpott and
Firth and they accompanied me home. While
going home I was pelted. The hat produced was
the hat I wore that night and I bought it at Mr.
Friends, West Bromwich. There was packing
placed inside the hat by Mr. Friend at the time I
bought it. While on Jeavons's step I was struck
on the face. Dr. Birt afterwards attended me.
Cross-examined: I was off duty about 8 o'clock
and I went to Kinver, and had two glasses of
whiskey, and had two glasses of ale at the Duke
William. Inn. I never saw Garrotty before, but
I will swear he was one of the men from his dress
and face, but I did not see him strike me. My
back was towards Garrotty when I was struck.
I had not seen either of the prisoners before that
night. Re-axamined : I identified the prisoners
on Sunday last at the police-station. There was
seven or eight present.—John Holdnall, black-
smith, residing in Stourbridge, said I recollect
January 15th last. I was in Coventry Street
about 11 o'clock and saw the last witness near
Mills's public-house. I was going in the direc-
tion of the Cliff when near Mills's house I heard
a disturbance and went to see what was the mat-
ter and saw prosecutor about to fall. I saw
prisoner Garrotty kicking prosecutor while he was
on the ground. I saw McDonald there but did
not see him kick prosecutor. Prosecutor called
out "Murder." When prosecutor got up he went
into Jeavons shop and Garrotty struck him again
and made prosecutor's face bleed. Prosecutor
said, "Good God, what have I done to get this."
I saw a female there close by. Prosecutor was
kicked fearfully. I did not give evidence last
time. I did not want to be in the case.—Charlotte
Jennings, wife of Thomas Jennings, of Darby
Hand, said I was near Jeavons shop about eleven
o'clock and saw prosecutor there. I saw Garrotty
strike prosecutor a blow while I was on the step
I Joavono door. Jack AloDonald wao lomat at

the time. On Sunday last I called at the Stour-
bridge police-station and six men were called out
and I identified the two prisoners that were near
the Freemason's Arms on the nightprosecutor was
struck. Prosecutor was bleeding.—George Birt,
surgeon, said:l was called in to attend the prose-
cutor in January. I found he had a bruised and
cut face, one of his teeth was loose, and the eye
closed and swollen and he had been bleeding.
There was a wound over the ear and kicking
would be a likely thing to produce it—Police-
constable Philpotts said that on the 15th January
last I was in Birmingham Street in company
with Police-constables Firth and I heard prosecutor
shouting "Murder." Prosecutor was covered
with blood and his left eye was so swollen up that
he could not:see. At that time the two prisoners
were present. I went home with the prosecutor.
—Police-constable Firth corroborated.—Police-
sergeant Jones said I charged the two prisoners
on Sunday night at the station with being in
company with others and assaulting George Lee,
on the highway at Sturbridge and stealing his
hat on the 15th January last. Garrotty said, "I
never touched him and I will swear to my God I
had just left the Kings Head, when I got there
they were fighting and I got amongst the crowd."
After charging McDonald in a similar way he said,
"I am as innocent as a child in that lot."—Mr.
Freer, said there was no evidence to prove that
McDonald either struck. or kicked prosecutor, had
there been enough evidence no doubt he would
have been sent for trial and received a severe
punishment. He was then discharged and
Gurotty was committed to take his trial.
TRANSFERS.—At the Police Court, yesterday,
before Colonel Fletcher, Lord Lyttelton, and J.
B. Cochrane, Esq., the following transfers took
place: The Falcon Inn, Lye, from Henry Scott to
Edward Richard Wall; Old Star, Wollescote,
from Edward Richard Wall to Samuel Brooks;
Noah's Ark Inn, Upper Swinford, from Noah
Forrest to James Carter; Swan Inn, Mamble
Square, from Richard Millward to Joseph
Hodges.
CHARGE OF USING OBSCENE LANGUAGE.—Hann ah
Betts was charged with using obscene language
in Coventry Street, on the night of the 22nd ult.
—Two female witnesses proved the case. The
language used was of the most revolting descrip-
tion.—Defendant was fined 5s and costs; in de-
fault 14 days.
CHARGE OF OVERCROWDING.—SamueI Hall was
summoned by H. Williams, sanitary inspecto ,
for permitting an overcrowding in his house on
the Ist inst, so as to be injurious to health.—
Complainant stated that he had several times
visited the defendant's house. There are two
bedrooms, the one 15ft. by 9ft., 7ift. high, and
there are two families there. There was defend-
ant and his wife and 7 children, and another
family of 3. There was a deficiency of 977 cubic
feet for his own family. Defendant promised to
get out of the house in a month and take no more
lodgers in The case was adjourned for a month.
CHARGE OF THREATENING .—Alfred Jarvis was
charged with using threatening language to
Sarah Ann Davies, on the 28th ult.—Mr. Hayes
defended.—Complainant said she lived as servant
to defendant's mother when the defendant
threatened to kill her and pulled her about.—
The defendant was dismissed with a caution.

ASSAULT CASE.—John Timmins was charged
with assaulting Sarah Burkes, on the 80th ult.—
Complainant said she went to look for her brother
when the defendant came across the road and
struck her three times with a stick over the back.
Witnesses were called to support the case.—The
tlefence was that he was at the Lye at the time
the alleged assault took place and called two wit-
nesses to prove it.—The case was adjourned for a
week.

ASSAULT CASE. —Samuel Timmins was charged
with assaulting Ellen Timmins, on the 29th ult.
From the evidence adduced the parties ar related
to each other, and on the day in question, com-
plainant went to the White Lion Inn, to look for
her husband who was drinking with defendant,
On returning, and when opposite the town clock,
defendant said he would not let his—wife follow
him about the street, and struck her a violedt blow
on the forehead, blackened both her eyes, and
knocked her down. She had two children NQth
her at the time. Corroborative evidence was given
by Police-constable Philpott, and defendant fined
20s and costs.

APPLICATION FOR SURETIES.—Mary Lawley was
charged with using threats to Martha Timmins
on the 31st ult. Complainant said that the de-
fendant picked up a half brick in Court Lane, and
threatened to kill -.her. Defendant had often
threatened her before. Witnesses were called to
corroborate, and the Bench told complainant if she
would pay the costs they would bind her over.
Complainant said she could not, and the case was
dismissed.

PITCH AND Toss.—William Perry, Timor Baker,
Eli Baker, and William Jones were charged with
playing at pitch and toss at Wollascote, on the
31st ult. Police-sergeant Rei prove the case, ond
said he picked up a shilling and a penny. Fined
2s6d each and costs. Joseph Burley who did not
appear was fined 5s and costs.
ASSAULT CASE.—Henry Randle, the [younger,
was charged w ith assaulting John Loyans, on the
4th July. Mr. Cowdell, of Birmingham, appeared
to prosecute, and in opening said the assault arose
out of a case in which Henry Randle the elder, was
charged with urlawfully detaining a child named
Elijah Pinfield, aged three years, son of John Pin-
field. of Birmingham, whose wife died when the
boy was a few days old, and he put it out to nurse
paying for its keep. Ha had issued a summons for
him to give the child up. The child was taken
from Randle on the 24th of June, and placed in
the hands of Loyans,who resided at Fairfield, Bel-
broughton. On the 4th of July the two Randles,
with a woman went to Fairfield,:and forcibly took
possession of the child. The defendant saying he
was a policeman, caught hold of complainant by
the collar, of the shirt and shook him, that was the
assault complained of. Witnesses were called to
prove the case. and the defendant was ordered to
pay the costs. In the case of Henry Randle, the
elder. who was charged with unlawfully detaining
the child, he was ;ordered to give the child up the fol-
lowing day, and to take it to complainant and pay
costs. This defendant agreed to. and the case was
adjourned for a week to see that defendant took
back the child. The Bench told him if he did not
he would if the case was heard be sent for trial at
the Sessions.
PROTZCTION ORDER.—Mr. Holberton, on behalf
of AdelaideWoodhouse applied to the Bench for an
order of protection against John Woodhouse.
Mr. Holberton proved the desertion of complain-
antfs husband, who left her on the 14th April,
1875. She had not heard from him since and had
maintained by her own industry.—An order was
granted.

MESSRS. WEBB AND SONS' STAND AT
THE OSWESTRY MEETING OF THE
SHROPSHIRE AND WEST MIDLAND
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The elegant and well-appointed display of Messrs.
E. Webb and Sons, the Queen's Seedsmen' Wordsley,
Stonrbridge, at Stand No. 18, ;:as of an extraordinary
character and one that fairly eclipsed everything of the
kind that we have hitherto seen, on account of its
enormous size, excellence of arrangemant and superiority
of exhibits; _ .

The splendid collection of specimens of permanent
grasses, nambering some hundreds, peas, foxtails,
fescnes, &a., eze., as used in Messrs. Webbs' noted mix-
tures for permanent pastures, to suit the soils of the
oolite, upper and lower silurian, old red sandstone and
other geological formations, was in itself a great feature.
The success that has attended the growth of the mix-
tures supplied by this well-known firm has been of no
ordinary kind and had we space at our disposal to
enumerate the numerous distinguished personages in
all parts of the globe, including her Majesty the Queen.
and IL R. H. the Prince of Wales, who have patronised
Messrs. Webb in this department, it would tend to show
that their new and successful. system of arrangement
has been widely recognised.
The specimens of symp Itum aaperrimum, or came.
sian prickly comfrey—a new plant for cattle feeding,
were of fine growth; from reports that we have received
it is likely to prove a valuable acquisition to our forage
plants.
Webbs' improved varieties of agricultural roots are of
unexceptionable merit; We think almost everyone in
this district must be well acquainted with Webbs'
imperial swede, a root of sterling quality, which has
taken a leading part in the field crops of late years.
It is of handsome shape, capital keeper, and a variety
that surpasses all others in prooucing peat weights per
acre: The specimens of mangold exhibited—as grow.
lag at Messrs. Webbs' seed farina, were specially notice-
able. Webb,' Xinver yellow globe mangold is a new
variety (introduced last year), totally distinct in many
ways from all others. From the great weight grown
per acre (84 tons) in the past or trial year, in addition to
its superb quality, we may venture to predict for it "a
very successful run." The Staffordahire Agricultural
Society appreciated the highly nutritious feeding
properties of Webbs' yellow fleshed tankard mangold
by awarding it a first prize: His Grace the Duke of
Portland exhibited specimens of Webbs' yellow tankard
turnip of remarkable excellence at the last Birmingham
Cattle Show which obtained first and second prises.
These facts are only a small portion of the evidence
that Messrs. Webb bring forward in support of the
superior quality of their selected prize stocks of home-
grown farm seeds.
A large collection of magnificent prise silver cups
were very much admired. These oups—of chaste
design, manufactured by Elkington and Co.—will b 3
presented by Messrs. Webb and Sons for competition at
the Royal Wordsley Root Show and other Agricultnra
Meetings of the present year. The last Royal Show 11
Wordsley was a decided success, being the largest exhi-
bition of farm roots ever held in Great Britain. The
specimens then shown were of very fine quality, whilst
tny were of monstrous size and great weights;
amongst these were some grown on the farms of her
MOW the Queen, 11.8. Li. the Prince Qi Viralss, many

plers of the realm, and the leading agriculturists of the
kingdc m.

We have heard of the most satisfactory results in this
district from the use of Webbs' special manures, samples
of which were on view.

We cannot pass over the choice specimens of Webbs'
selected prize medal cereals, displayed with such great
taste, without referring to the very large crops of fine
quality that have been grown from a thin seeding per
acre of these improved cereals.
Great credit is due to this enterprising firm for the
practical and simple manner in which their elaborate
" Royal Museum " of Agricultural and Horticultural
produce was arranged; and judging from the largo
assembly of visitors round this stand during the days
of the show, it must have been a great centre of
attraction,