The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-19 00:00:00

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THE FIRE BRIGADE ENTERTAINMENT.-.—The fol-
lowing is copied from last week's edition of the
Original Llandudno Directory :—The Miss Stanley
referred to below ac "Miss Florence" is the
eldest daughter of Mr. E. Stanley, Market Street,
Stourbridge. On Wednesday evening last was
given, in St. George's Hall, Llandudno, under the
distinguished patronage of Lady Augusta Mostyn,
the Hon. G. S. Douglas Pennant, M.P., and
others, one of the most successful entertainments
that ever drew a crowded and appreciat:ve
audience in Llandudno. The proceeds, which
amounted to a sum something in excess of £'2.o,
were devoted to the fund of the Llandudno Volun-
teer Fire Brigade, whose zeal and activity have
placed the town in a position to protect i!self
against the ravages of the "devouring element,"
and the value of whose efforts was signally
acknowledged on this evening, by an assembly
which literally " packed " Mr. Woodcock's hall.
Mr. Burwell's composition for this special occa-
sion, " The Fire Brigade Galop," a piece of a
most dance-provoking nature, opened the second
part, after which the curtain was rung up for
"Anything for a change." If ever we were
criticising amateurs who had played together
upon numerous occasions, we should feel
inclined to say to the ladies and gentlemen who
represented the roles in this comedy, that they
acquitted themselves most admirably, but when
we remember that the present was the first
instance in which they appeared in the company
of each other, and that in some cases the first in
which they had appeared at all "on any stage,"
we are bound to recognise their acting by charac-
terising it as excellent. Mrs. Sunderland Jewell
(Mrs. Burditt) in speech, carriage, and gesture
realised our reading of Mrs. Honeybull, and dis-
played histronic abilities, of no mean order. As
Margaret, Miss Curritt (Miss Parsons), was
sprightly, intelligent, and real, and in her
passages with that human chameleon, Mr. Swop-
pington, acted especially well. Arch, natty and
full of verve, Miss Florence (Miss Stanley) looked
and rendered the servant Eliza, "to the letter."
Perhaps, the fittest way to describe her acting
and its result, would be to say that she lost her
identity in the clever impersonation. Mr. Paul
Honeyball, the half-concerted and altogether
good-natured husband of Mrs. Honeyball found an
vble representative in Mr. Piers (Mr. Cheeseman)
who acted the part to the life. Mr. Swoppington,
the unstable ever-changeable, Mr. Swoppington,
the soul of Mr. Carte Fotoe (Mr. J. N. Young).
"walked out from the picture," as it were. Mr.
Carte lotoes' Mr. Swoppington was, in fact, a
bit of realism much to be welcomed. The small,
but the difficult part, Mr. Jeremy Census was
carefully interpreted by Mr. Mostyn Typo (Mr. J.
C. Tomkins on), in speech " make-up," and every
other idetail Mr. Mostyn Typo realised the some-
what choleric registrar of births, deaths, and
marriages. It is by no means too much to say
that the amateurs, collectively and individually,
reflected great credit upon their stage-manager,
Mr. B. Sykes. The services of Mons. C. Arnould
as coiffeur and artist deserve, ji.dging from
results, the fullest recognition. His special
ability was displayed in the case of Mr. Mostyn
Typo.
Miss DE MONTFORD.—This celebratei lady
mesmerist gave three entertainments in the Corn
Exchange to very good houses, causinc, roars of
laughter at the Coriliesl things she made those on
the platform do whilst they were under the
influence of her wonderful mesmeric power. -

CAUTION TO Boys.—An accident oca. c.urred to a
boy in Market Street oa Thursday morning. It
appears that two boys were playing in the street
at what is called " horscs " when Mr. Downing
was driving, one boy loosed the roie which
caught round one of the horses feet, dragging
the other boy under the wheels of the ve!liele.
Medical attendance was at once procured and
the unfortunate boy is doing as well as can be
expected.
THE SIiaTING in be seen on
reference to our advertising columns that the
enterprising proprietor, Mr. 11. J. Hainge, is
sparing no .expense in making his rink a source
of attraction. He has arranged with the gentle-
men constituting the Astilli Lower Grounds
Skating Club ,to give an entertainment on Tues-
day evening next and we have not the slightest
doubt that the efforts of Mr. Hainge will be
crowned with success. We believe it is the
intention of the proprietor to give these enter-
tainments every fortnight. The rink has been
very well attended during the past week and con-
tinues to gain popularity.
CHURCH OF ENGLAND ASSOCIATION.—The annual
meeting of the members of the above association
was held in the Vine Assembly Room on Tuesday
night. Mr. H. Ridley was voted to the chair pro
tem.—Mr. A. Freer, president for the past year,
read the annual report, detailing the work of the
association. The numbers enrolled was 67, and
the annual income had been £95 5s Id, enabling
the committee to meet all expenses, and carry a
small balance forward. Classes had been carried
on and lectures given, and from the library 2,063
volumes had been issued, more than double the
number in the previous year. A. fciotball club had
been started during the year, in connection with
the Lv,:soci.ation, and had been a considerable
attractio:!.--M.. J. P. Hunt moved that the report
be ade.;ated, and circulated; and this was
seconcl Mr. A. Ingletor. ,nd carried.—On
the tn.: of Mr. S. Sheppa:- ~ seconded by Mr.
J. Att , od, Mr. A. Freer ...as re-elected presi-
dent a the association, and the vice-presidents
w.‘re appointed. Messrs. J. Attwood, H. D.
Holloway, J. Kidson, G. Moody, W. Maybury, H.
Ridley, S. Sheppard, W. Woodward, A.-
lngleton, and C. Holloway were elected the corn
mittee ; Mr. G. oden, treasurer; Mr. C. E.
Davenport, secretary; Mr. ,J. E. Wraight,
assistant secretary; Mr. F. G. Holloway, cash
secretary; and Messrs, F. G. Holloway, T.
Dickinson, and G. F. Rossiter, librarians.—On
the motion of the Rev. W. J'. j. Welch,
seconded by Mr. Newnam, a vote of thanks was
passed to the officers for the past year; and other
business followed.

DEATH OF THE RECTOR OF OLDLWINFOED.—The
Rev. H. Downing, rector of Oldswinford, died at
the
°Rectory, on Sunday morning last, during the
Incoming service. He had been ill for some time
past. The remains of Mr. Downing were interred
on Wednesday, in the burial ground of the parish
church. The funeral was a plain and unostenta-
tious one, but a considerable number of pe• sans
were present at the mournful ceremony. The
isnice was tabu, b v. Dav Llcideu, the