The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1871-10-28 00:00:00

BE STOrPrBTPCF VPFF*IOI-F"0.

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first beggar he thought deserving it, and to
make the mull. stipulation to him, and contended
that was through Christianity. He gave several
instances of the usefulness of children in the
cause, and earnestly requested that those chil-
dren who were present would do all they could
in order that the Gospel might be sent to the
poor heathen. Great work had been done in
India, Africa, Madagascar, and other places, but
a great deal yet remained for such societies as
their own to dn. lie gave several instances of
the progress of Christianity in India, and, for
example, we insert the following, which is taken
from one of the lives of Havelock—" Au °nicer
was one day walking past one uf the great Hitt-
ite() temples, when he thought he heard a tune
of one of the psalms. He went quietly inside
mdil lie got into the sacred place of worship,
and there be beheld a sight that fairly astounded
him. Havelock, the great soldier, was standing
in front of WO soldiers, with the Bible in 11.114
hand. They had just finished singing, and
Havelock was about to read them a chapter out
of the Holy Book. The place was lighted with
candles, and each of these candles was placed
in the lap of a Hindoo idol. Thus the gods
that the Hindoos worshipped became the lamp-
bearers for Christianity.- He said Christianity
would in time become spread throughout the
world. The three greatest nations of the pre-
sent time—England, America, and Germany—
all had the Protestant Bible in thetr hands, and
that being the case it would soon be spread
throughout the world. He then seconded the
resolution proposed by the Rev. R. Keyworth.
After sonic other remarks the speaker resumed
his seat.

'the Herds. A. Palmer, Mather, and other gen-
tlemen addressed the meeting.
A collection was wade, which, with the sums
collected on Handily, amounted to about .t,15.
The proceedings were brought to a close with
a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

DISPENSARY. —The adjourned meeting of the
Dispensary Snbseribers was held in the dispen-
sing room, on Thursday, the Rev. D. Maginnis
in the chair. It was called for the purpose of
deciding whether the subscribers should have 6
instead of 4 patients' tickets distributed for each
guinea. It was resolved that the increase from
4 to 6 should be made during the ensuing year,
and it was resolved that the consideration of ap-
pointing a nurse should, for the present, be de-
ferred. A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed
the proceedings.
DRUNK AND RIOTOUR.—At the Public Office,
on Monday, before W. C. Firmstoue, Esq.,
Thomas Heston, labourer, was charged by Su-
perintendent Freeman with being drunk and
riotous, on the 22nd inst. From the evidence of
Police-constable Limpet, it appeared that the
defendant was in the circus on Saturday night.
He was drunk, and pushed against the manager's
wife. The manager then put him outside, when
defendant struck him, and became very riotous.
Defendant was fined 5s and costs; in default 14
days.

CHURCH OF ENGLAND ASSOCIATION. - The
second meeting of the Recreation Class took
place on Monday last. There was a :good at-
tendance, and after a reading from Mr. A. Clarke
and a recitation by Mr. S. Colborn, a lively dis-
cussion occupied the remainder of the evening,
on the desirability of short hours of business
and labour in thickly populated countries. The
discussion was introduced by Mr. T. Akery, and
the meeting was unanimous in the affirmative.
In v, ill be seen in our advertising columns
that Mr. R. R. Montgomery purposes visiting
Stourbridge to give a course of readings
from various authors, and we have no doubt that
on each occasion there will be a large attend.
ance.

ACCIDENT.—An accident, happily unattended
with any fatal results, occurred on Wednesday
evening. It appears that Mr. James Ho!croft,
the magistrate, was driving down Church St.
when a horse and trap, driven by a lad in the
employ of Mr. Hewitt, daryman, ran into Mr.
Hulcroft's carriage. The occupants of the trap,
a boy and a girl, were thrown out onto the road,
but they fortunately escaped without injury.
Hewitt s horse was killed on the spot, but Mr.
Holcroft's carriage was not much damaged.

NEGLECT OF Woux.—At the Police Court,
yesterday, before W. C. Firinstone, R. L. Freer,
and J. B. Cochrane, Esqs., Thomas Smith, a
carter, was charged by George J. Eveson with
neglecting his work on the 17th ult. Com-
plainant proved the neglect of service. Fined
ss. and costs.

WILI LL DAMAGE.—Thomas Wilkinson was
charged with wilfully damaging a quantity of
cabbage plants the property of James Mann, of
Love Lane, on the 22nd lust. Mr. Perry up.
peered for Mann, who said they were both car-
penters and had worked together, but defendant
left and accused complainant of being the cause
of hie leaving On the above date defendant
trampled the plants down, doing 31. damage.
Defendant called three witnesses but they did
not see the plants. Fined 58 and costs.—Manu
IN as then charged with assaulting Wilkinson,
and was lined 2s lid and costs.
ALLOWING A NLISANCE.—Thomas Allchurch
Adams was charged with allowing a nuisance at
Ohawnhill. Mr. James Barrett. Inspector of
Nuisances, proved the case, and defendant was
ordered to pay costs and remove the nuisance.

• "
REFUSING TO ASSIST TEE POLlCE.—Janies
Williams was charged on remand with refusing
to assist the police in Birmingham Street. The
evidence has already appeared in„our columns.
The Bench said there uas u doubt on the case
and they should give defendant the benefit of
it and dismiss him. Mr. Addison appeared for
defendant.

HICTHWAY OFFENCE.—Mr. Henry Pearman, of
Holy Cross, was ordered to pay costs for allow-
ing his cows to stray, at Hackman's Gate Lune.
P.C. Davis proved the ease.

SELLING BREAD WITHOUT WEIGHING IT.—
The Lye Co-operative Society were summoned
for selling bread without weighing it. Mr. Clu.
low defended. The evidence in this case has
already appeared. A number of legal points
were argued by Mr. Clulow, but the Bench over-
ruled them, and linel defendants 7s fid.—They
were further charged with having false weights
in their possession. Superintendent Freeman,
Inspector of Weights and Measures, proved
visiting defendants two shops at the Lye, and
finding several weights and two measures all de.
ficient. Fined £1 and costs, in default 14
days.
ANOTHER BASE.—Wm. Henry Jones, baker,
was eharged,with delivering bread out of his
cart and not weighing it. Mr Perry defended.
P.C. Rea proved the case, and defendant was
tined 108 and costs.
ASSAULTING .5 LITTLE GlRL.—Mary Cluiec
was charged with assaulting Julia Gibbons, and
further charged with threading Michael Gibbons.
After hearing the evidence which was of a very
trivial nature, the Bench dismissed the case.
Mr. Addison defended.
PERMITTING BRUNKENNESB.—Henry William
Jones, of the Lye, was charged with permitting
drunkenness in his house on the 15th inst. P.
C. Rea said he visited defendants house that
day and saw one man there very drunk. He
was very abusive. He had ale there. P.C.
Tomlin corrob mated. Two witnesses were cal-
led to prove that the man was not, drunk, and as
there was a doubt, the defendant had the benefit
of it and the ease was dismissed.
FELONY.—Mary Williams, a prostitute, was
charged with stealing a jacket on the 24th big,
the property of Jesse Cartwright. Prosecutor
sail prisoner went to his shop to sell a waistcoat
when she tool: the jacket produced, which was
worth 88 ed. I'. C. Heaven proved apprehend-
ing the prisoner who pleaded guilty and was
sentenced to one mouth's imprisonment.
ASSAULT cASE.—George Male was charged
with assaulting Harriet Male on the 24th inst.,
and was fined 2s lid and costs.
ANOTHER CASE.—Jane Bingham WRS fined
fis lid and costs, for assaulting Mary Ann Evans
on the 218 t inst.

ANNUAL DINNER OF THE STOUR-
BRIDGE LICENSED VICTUALLERS'
FRIENDLY AND PROTECTION SOCIETY.

The annaal dinner of the above Society took place on
Weducsday evening, in the Corn Exchange. R. P.
Am phlett, Req., q.C., M.P., presided, supported on his
right by C. Collie, Exq., and G. Collie. Esq. ; on his left
by It. Brooks. Esq., and C. Birbeek (Worcester). The
vice-chair was occupied by Captain Walker, supported
on his right by H. Perry, Msg., and Mr. John Ifughe.,
(President of the Society), and on the left by Dr. Camp-
bell. There were alai present : Messrs. H. King, L
Smith, I. Rollinson (Itrierley Hill), W. Waldron (Blierls)
Hill), T. Parkes. E. Parkes, IV. Edwards, C. Blunsom,
R. Thompson (Ftrierley Hill), F. Joseelyne, C. Myers, S.
Leonard (Cradley), J. Hillman (Kings winford), T. Parke,,
T. Ford. F. Perks. it. Kelly, C. Hambury, H. Rowcliffe,
T. Alichurch. &,.., &c.

Ttr• following gentlemen also attended as deputations:
Mr. A. Harrison, Secretary to the United Towns Asso-
ciations (Birmingham), Messrs. Williams and Wager

_
(Wolverhampton), Messrs. Harbor, and Bullock
gall), Messrs. Smith, Marshall, and Cook (Kiddermin-
ster).
The dinner was served up by Mr. John Dutton, of the
Bell Hotel, in grit-class style. The bill of fare was as
follows Soups, cod fish, stewed eels. saddle of mutton,
roast chine of beef, boiled rump of beef, boiled legs of
mutton, sucking pigs ; roast fowls, roast ducks, boiled
fowles, roast geese, boiled turkeys, hams, tongues, Ira.,
haunch of venison, bares ; puddings and pastry, dessert.
Wines : Still Hock, It ueellas, Champagne, Claret, She'll'.
and Port. . „rd., ..f 100 sat down to dinner.
The Chair,, e(oi, en ;sin. was loudly cheered, said
the first tovt lie had to 'repose was one that was at all
tiuies well received—" The Queen "—(chests). no much
regretted that of late Her Majesty's health had not been
an good as he could have wished; but her health Wilt
I improving, and he hoped before long she would be en•
I abled to resurt her duty in Parliament— (cheers).
Th. Chairman next gave the Prints. end Princess of
W or'loci the rest of the Royal Family
that the Queen had suffered a great calamity by
the de.dli of her illustrious husband, but she had the
comwdetian or being surrounded by a large and blessed
family or sons Zklld daughters. The temperament of the
Prim. of With. had earned for lila, Is merited populerity,
ai.,l he was quite sure that the conduct of the Princess
had carried everybody away with her. He bad jest vi •
tamed Rom trerniaily, and he found there that the Priii-
efts itoyt,; of England (and now the Crown Princess of
Prussia), was the theme of praise and admiration with
everybody in tiermany.
Solo and chorus—. Ood bless the Prince of Wales."
The Chairman next gave—" The Bishop of the Dio-
cese, and the Clergy of all Dentiminatious "—(cheers).
He said it was a peculiar pleasure to him to give that
toast. He said "peculiar pleasure," becense he believed
that the Bishop took his degree at Cambridge two or
three years before he took lila own. Fle was one, if not
the very first of his pupils, and he attended the course of
lectures delivered by the Bishop, from which a friend•
ship had sprung up between them. Ile congratulated the
county upon having a most able, moderate, and ;lisp's-
Rimini: Bishop, to preside over it. He might say with
regard to the Clergy ;if all denominations, that they were
fortunate in having moderate men to occupy those posi-
Cone, who were very earnest in the discharge of their
duties. He believed that there was less eectanan animo-
eity between the clergy of this county than those of any
other in the country. He only hoped that as time goes
on, the feeling between the clergy of all denominations
will become more uniform. He was quite sure of one
thing that coneerued them their hands wouid be full,
and he thought that there was not sufficient room to hi.
terfere with others work.
The toast was heartily given.
Captain Walker then gave the "Health of the Lord-
Lieutenant of the County "—(cheers). The speaker said
the chairman had remarked that we were highly favdured
In having a most excellent Bishop, but he thought they
were most particularly favoured in Loving a most excel-
lent Lord-Lieutenant. He was one of the exceptions,
for he believed that with one exception lie was the oldest
Lord-Lieutenant. He was desirous at all times to did-
charge his duty. He could moat sincerely say that they
never asked him to take part, or to engage in anything in
the county, but that he was always willing to come for-
ward—(cheers). They never need ask him in vain. Be
then asked them to drink the toast with great cordiality
—(applause).
'the Happiest Land.-
Mr. C. Collie then proposed—" The Members of Par-
liament for the Eastern Division of ihe County of Wor-
cestershire—(great cheering). Mr. Collis said they had
heard that they had a very good Bishop and Lord Lieu-
tenant, but be considered they were especially favoured
in having two good men to represent them in Parliament
—(cheers). It gave him very great ph inure, because
both gentlemen were Worcestershire men, and they both
took an active part in the affairs of the county- Their
worthy Chairman was Chairman of the Quarter Semmes
ant took a very active part in all hid duties of the county,
and their other excellent member, the Hon. Mr. L.; ttel-
ton, took an active pert in the yeomanry and volunteer*
of the county.
The toast was heartily drunk.
Sung—. The Pilgrim of Love."
The Chairman, in responding, said be was extremely
grateful to them for the scantier in which they lima re-
ceived the toast of their healths. He thought he was
not a very indulgent member of the County. Ile bed a
great deal of business to transact, ae he belonged to a
very laborious profession, as his friend, Mr. Collis, had
mentioned. He believed that the attention he gave to
county business MU the reason he could not so much
attend to local interests, and lie therefore hoped it was
not idleness on his part. He was sure that whatever
were the merits of his life, or the faults, idleness was not
one of them. He was pleased that lie belonged to the
county, and be was quite sure that the pleasure was en-
hanced by his being selected to represent the county in
Parliament, for it was the happiest day in his life when
returned for the County of Woreester—(hear, hear)—for
it always gave him much pleasure to take an interest in
the Parliamentary duties which devolved upon him—
(applause),
Dr. Campbell then proposed—" The Army, Navy, Yeo-
manry, mid Rifle Volunteers." It was a great pleasure
to him to do so, as they all knew the noble deeds the
lirmy and navy had done, and he had mach pleasure in
proposing the toast.
Part song--" The Recruit."
Captain Walker replied. In doing so, he thanked them
for the very kind manner in which they had drunk the
tout. He thought that the arny would bear comparison
with any other in the world. Of late years they Mel not
had much opportunity for ',eating the army—thear, hear).
The navy was never found wanting. They hail recently
had a proof that the same Engiish blood existed in them
as ever. The most consummate command and the most
. .

impartial teat had been exhibited by Captain Thrupp,
wlio in command of his ship displayed so mach courage,
that his conduct was the theme of universal admiration.
The officers and crew under the Captain also discharged
their duties in a very admirable manner, considering that
if they did not submit to his proposals they might have
gone to the bottom any moment. With regard to the
yeomanry and volunteers, thee had not been called up
yet for active service. but he 'believed they would be a
very useful force.
Captain Walker gave the ant toast, " The Health of
the Chairman." This was received with loud cheering,
and was drunk with three times three.'
The Chairman briefly responded, and lir posed The
Health of the Vice-Chairman," and in doing no said he
was quite sure it would be well received by those present.
Captain Walker wan one of the best ride officers in the
county, and always took a warm interest in the affairs of
the town.
The toast was warmly receive".
Captain Walker, in reapending, remarked that he was
at all times willing to do the beat he could for the town
—(applause). What he undertook to do he felt it his
duty to do, and no man had a right to shirk his work
when it was pointed out to him. If old England ma.
still to go on well every Mall must put his shoulder to
the wheel, and do the best lie coold—(eheers).
Glee—" Morning."
The Chairman said it devolved upon him to propose
what he supposed they might call the toast of the even
lag. It was Staceess to tie Stourbridge Licensed
Victualler.' Society "—(cheers). He was going to ex-
pers. his opinion upon a social question, viz., the regula-
tion of the sale of intoxicating drinks. As he had said
a short time previously, that whatever he said on this
occasion in referenee to the great crisis solar as regarded
the Licensed Victuallers of this country, it was not with
the view of encouraging favour with them—(eheers). He
claimed to say a few words upon the subject because he
had paid some attention to it. Much had been writt-in
by eminent men upon the crime and drunkenness which
was a disgrace to this country, and to the whole of Eu-
rope. It was necessary some check should be placed
upon it, so far as whae, fair and impartial legislation could
accomplish such an object—(hear, hear) He said ai
once that if societies like the present were designed, or
contemplated the continuance of the present state of
things, or to impede the action of those who wished to
bring about the reform of the licensing system, lie should
not have felt it his duty to accept the invitation to preside
over that meeting—bear, bear). He was satisfied that
such were out the objects of that society—(cheers). It
was impossible that any person could hold the positial
that he had done for so many years at the Quarter Ses-
sions for the county without being satisfied that a large
proportion of the crime in this country could be traced
either directly or indirectly to excessive drinking —(hear)
He had heard eminent magistrates try to define the pro.
portion, some saying threalourths, four.fifths, or seven-
eighths, and so on. But he was satisfied that all that was
merely guess-work, and was not a sufficient data for actual
credit—(hear, bear). He had not the slightest doubt
a large proportion of the crime was caused by excessive
drunkenness. There was not only the crime or geese
evils, but the degradation of character, destruction et
habits of industry, the miserable ruin and poverty it en-
tailed upon families, which were actually greater than the
tangible amount of crime it produced. He asked wile
was responsible for such a state of things 'S Ile said
unhesitatingly—having well considered the subject—that
it was in consequence of the conduct of Parliament that
led to such a state of things. Some 40 years ago licen-
ses of old houses were under the jurisdiction of the
magistrates, and there was not the great excess of public-
houses there was at the present time. Since then, how.
. ever the Beerhouse Act had been passed, by which a
, license could be obtained from the Excise Office, and the
great number which were issued went to swell the revenue
, of the country. The consequence was that they had is
' flood of houses over which they had no cheek, and the
licenses ter which were hewed with the view of raising
as much income as possible. That was not far to the
old publicans. nor to the beerhouse-keepers themselves.
Now, what was the remedy? He would assume they did
I not wish the present state of things to continue, and that
they wished drunkenness to be diminished. Some excel-
, lent men would euideavour to effect that result by giving
a proportion of this population of say parish the power
' of stopping the sale of intoxicating drinks altogether.
That he did not agree with, for he believed it would lead
to a large amount of private drunkenness without such
control as at present there was. This plan, too, he had
never seen accompanied by any plan for compenaatins
those who curried on their business under a license Ban,
Boned by the law, and without that it would be grossly
unjust. Whatever the proposal of Parliament might be,
he, for one, would never consent that the property of
licensed victuallers and beerhouse.keepers should be
contlacated without compensation—icheers). The Go-
vernment scheme of last session, which was introduced
by a personal friend of his own, was also an unjust one;
and when it was first communicated to the Parliament
the House of Commons was thunderstruck at the propo-
sals it contained. Net all the influence of the Govern.
ment with the lila ge snijo, it, they had at their back, woaild
ever have ,ilade it peas-1 so ars). Well, what was the
remedy He believed it alionld be built upon Mr. lb-
Letah's bill of 1869—(hoir, hear). The effect of that
bill was that 9,000 or 10.000 11 -regulated houses had
found it wile to discontinue Mason sh The great prob-
lem was, by some meaua or other, to get a diminution of
1t,,, nuahher of public-lieu., oithotat confiscating the
property of thoae now iii the trade. He did not pledge
himself to the details of a scheme, bat he thought if
they had a scheme for the better regulating and inspect.
ing public-houses, it wool,' lead t a diminution of their
number in time; but in soonr places the number was so
great that an immediate reduction was required—(hear).
One plan suggest.. i Won that they should tax the houses
that remained to compensate those which were done
away with, and that the increased business of the former

would help to recoup them. He did not pledge himself
to that plan, but, considering the increase of population,
if the Magistrates were more chary in grunting licenses
the evil would in time remedy itself, fl' thought they
would have to submit to a diminution of limns and in'
creased inspection; end Ile edased that if they raised
the banner of no surrender they would alienate waxy of
their friends, and ultimately fail in their course. He
suggested, in conclueion, that their various societies
, should consult together, and agree on some scheme which
would satisfy the public mind.
, tilee—" As the Moments Roll."
1 Mr. B. Brooks then gave the health of the gentlemen
' forming the deputations—ieheers). After expressing the •
pleasure be felt in their company, the speaker referral to
the remarks of the Chairman bearing upon the Sod, ty,
and contended that the body of Licensed Victuallers ,
were not treated as other tradesmen. He would ask why
they were not? They were a body that paid largely to
to the reveuue, and there was no class of men that were
watched and looked tifter by the police more than they
were. If a little after Pule they were summoned, while
the grocer, draper, and other tradesmen aield keep open
as long as they liked. He did Cot think that Govern.
ment dealt fairly with them. He did not ask for favours,
but merely to be put on the same footing as other trader.
flies— (loud applause).
, Song by Mr. Beckley—. Napolitaine."
Mr. Harrison responded to the toast at considerable
length, surd also loudly applauded.
Mr. 0. Perry gave "'the Honorary Members of the
Soniety."
Mr. G. Collis returned thanks, and said that as a bon•
orary member :if the society, it always gave him great
pleasure to do whet he could. From what they had heard
that pieta from several gentletnen, he was quite satisfied,
and hoped the society would continue to flourish ; and as
one member he should be at all times pleased to do
whatever he could—(applause).
Mr. G. Perry next gave the " Town and Trade of
Stourbridge "—(applause).
Mr. B. Brooks responded. In doing as he said that
most of those present were interested in the welfare of
the town. He hoped that Stourbridge would continue to
improve. All they wanted was a little more trade in the
town, then they would be able to ilo better. The speaker
then referred at sonic length to the kindness his late
tether hacl received from the town, also himself, end to
the presents he bad NO recently received from them On
his late marriage—(applause(.
Song—. Kit, the Cobbler," Mr. ilianipien.
Mr. C. Collie next proposed the " Health of the Soli•
citor to the Licensed Victuallers' Society." In doing so
he said he was quite sure they had selected a very proper
Person, and one that was well qualified to attend to their
business—(applause). A good deal had been said about
restrictions. Mr. Perry was a professional man arid he
had reetrictions, and he (the speaker) thought that if
there were more reetrictions among licensed victuallers,
that it would do no harm, and the trade would be more
confined to good men—tcheersl.
Mr. Perry responded.
Song—. Old Friend, John," Mr. ruderwood.
ho following toasts were also given : The Treasurer
to the Society ;" reel. ntled to by Mr. J. Hughes.
Serenade—, Sweet Love, good night to thee.''
Mr. Brooke proposed The Ladies ;" responded to by
Mr. O. Perry.
Catch—" Would you know my Celia's charms."
" The Presa," by the Chairman; responded to by Mr.
S. Field.

Balliol—" The Village Blacksmith."
"To our absent frii We." The parting glee—" To our
next merry meeting.'
. . .

The paity then broke up, after spending a most eujoy•
able evening. The Birmingham Oleo Union, consisting
of fdes.rs. H. It. Beckley, W. Underwood, E. Woodhall,
and H. 11. Champion, sang some glees and songs during
the evening, and their voices were very effective.