The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1885-10-17 00:00:00

COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO THE

MAYOR OF DUDLEY,

On Thursday a dinner was given to the Mayor of
Dudley (Alderman Howat) in recognition of his
public services. It Vok place at the Dudley Arms
Hotel. Alderman Garratt (ex-Mayor) presided,
and the vice-chair was occupiel by Alderman
Thompson. Among those present, in addition to
the members and officials of the Corporation, were
Mr. Brooke-Robinson (Conservative candidate for
the borough), Mr B. Mugley (Liberal candid ite
for the Northern Division of Worcestershire), the
Rev. J. S. Veysey, the Rev. G. McMichael, and
Messrs. E. T. Terry, E. Fisher Smith, E. M. Warm-
ington, J. Russell. W. Greenhill, S. Bagott, J. W.
Higgs, T. Brettell, W. P. G-reenway, A. G. Hoe
M. Allen, W. H. Thompson, and H. Coldieott.
At the close of the repast the Chairniaa gave
"The Queen," and other loyal toasts.
Alderman Thompson proposed "The Bishop and
Clergy and Ministers of all Denominations," and to
this.the'Revs. J. S. Veysey and G. McMichael re-
sponded.
Alderman Walker introduced the toast of "The
Army, Navy, and Auxiliary Forces"; and it was
acknowledged by Messrs. J. W. Higgs and S.
Garratt, jun.
Mr. Brook-Robinson, in proposing "The Lord-
Lieutenant of the County and the County an
Borough Justices," said that about that time last
year there was some talk of "mending or ending,"
but they could not mend Lord Beauchamp, and be
was sure they did not want to end him—(applauFe
and laughter).
The toasts was replied to by Mr. E. Fisher Smith
and Mr. J. Russell.
Alderman Baggot gave "The Counteag of Dudley
and the Earl of Dudley."
In proposing "The health of the Mayor," the
Chairman said that during two years of office his
Worship had been most attentive to very various
duties, careful of the dignity of the town, and had
sell carried out the motto he Lad adopted 'Rest
and be watchful," In conclusion he would say
that the Mayor had pilotted the borough ship suc-
cessfully for two years, and they could award his
Worship a certificate marked "excellent"—(loud
cheers).
The Mayor, in rising to respond, was enthusiasti-
cally cheered. He referred at length in the legacy
of work which he had endeavoured to ixecute. He
alluded to the comp:etion of the arrangements for
the purchase of the old Glass House, and the pro-
posal to mato a new ro;t4 to Netherton. He con-

eluded by acknowledging very heartily the cordial
reception given to the toast.
Other toasts followed. During the evening an
excellent programme of music was well rendered by
th,3 Dudley Glee Union.

BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS AT DUDLEY.
At the Dudley County Court on Tuesday, before
Sir Rupert Kettle (Judge), an application was
made by Mr. Waterhouse on behalf of Messrs. Tur-
ley and Sons, ironmasters and farmers, of Tipton
and Sedgley, for the sanction of the Court to a
composition of 6s 8d in the pound in three equal
instalments, at one, four, and seven months. Mr.
Waterhouse said Mr. B. Percy Jobson (the Official
Receiver) had reported that the debtors had not
kept their books sufficiently well to show their
f nancial position three years before their bank-
uptcy ; and further, that they had kept on business
after they knew they were insolvent. To the first
objection he had to reply that it was entirely due
to the illnesses of Mr. James Turley, the senior
artner. He regretted the bookkeeping had thus
fal'en into arrear, but it was from the cause he had
named and that alone. As to the trading after
knowledge of insolvency he could only say that it
was too common for persons never to take stock,
an I sometimes some of the oldest firms were most
emis4. He might add that the creditors were not
opposing.
His Honour said the Act was not ea-ily under—
stood, and he must consider the Official Receiver's
report in the present case as though the bankrupts
were applying for their discharge. Yet, on the
other hand, he could not modify his decision that
day; he must either confirm or refuse, and give no
qualification whatever.
Mr. Waterhouse pointed out that the creditors
would suffer if they did not get the composition,
and he read letters from three of the principal
creditors expressing regret at the failure, and speak-
ing highly of Messrs. Turley.
His Honour: "I have no discretion to ignore the
Official Receiver's report."
Mr. Waterhouse urged that all the books wore
well kept, except one, and he had given the reason
for that. The debtors, too, only traded for one
month after they knew they were insolvent, and
that they did at the earnest request of the creditors
at the time so as to keep the furnaces going. If
ever there was a case which deserved merciful con-
sideration it was the present one.
His Honour said he did not make the law, and
the bankrupts were not in his hands, but in the
law. It would be well to wait for a decision until
after the hearing of another application.
Mr. Hooper then applied for confirmation of a
composition in the case of Edward Southwick,
builder, Rowley. He considered that his Honour
had the same power as though he was dealing with
a discharge. He could give, amend, qualify or
refuse. Short of a misdemeanour his Honour had
the fullest discretion.
The learned Judge said the Ounces alleged in
both cases before him were that the bankrupts had
not kept such books as were proper, and that
the books they had did not show the bankrupts
position.
Mr. Hooper and Mr. -Waterhouse then consulted,
Ind the former said they would agree to have an
order for the taking of fresh evidence so that more
light could be thrown on the cases,
His Honour said there should be a filing of affi-
davits in case of an appeal. It was a most im-
portant matter, and affected many far beyond the
limits of that Court, and had better be re-opened.
The cases were then adjourned.