The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-08-31 00:00:00

COUNTY COURT.

THE STOURBRIDGE OBSERVER

THE STRIKE IN THE NAIL TRADE. i

Large meetings of the nailtra now on strike were held
on Monday at Halesowen, f,ye Waste, and in the even-
ing a mass meeting was held at the Cross Old Hill.
Mr. Joseph Hackett presided, and remarked that the
nailera were, if possible, stouter now than when they
first turned out on strike six weeks ago. They were not

going to allow the four thousand nailers in the Broms•
grove district to rule the trade, aucl if therelwere 20,000
opvratives at Bromsgrove, instaad of the small number
of 4,000, the up-country men would continue to stiike
independently of them. 'that strike would save them from
the tyranny of the masters or would prove their destruc-
tion. If they failed in the struggle they would be
entirely in the hands of the masters, and he cud John
Price should never attempt 30 improve their position

again. He urged upon the men and women th; neces-
sity for establishing a union amongst them for the pro-
tection of their trade against uupriucipled masters. He
denied teat the leaders of the men were being paid for
their services, ae it wee said it wes to their iuterest to
prolong the strike. it was stated in the newspapers
that they (the masters) had offered an advance averaging
from 10 to 20 per cent. They pat 6d per bundle upon
his (the speaker's) class of work, so that upon 7s 5d he
should receive, according to tire new list, an advance of
In, while the advance upon half-fine clouts waa only
three farthinge. (Laughter.) The masters wanted to
break their ranks, but tne men had got the reins in their
oen hands, auu let theirs hold them tight. (Cheers,)
They had now got to fight out the battle for themselves,
and he. in conclusion, urged upon the people to aduere
to the original resolution.
Mr. John Price said the greatest difficulty they had to
contend witn was the action taken by the livonisgrove
men. He wished they had never joined with them in
the strike. (Hear, hear.) They were told that the
reason the dispute was not settled was because they
(the masters) were waiting for the men at Old Hill to
give way. He could confidently say they would have to
wait a long time. (Cheers.) He then referred to the
previous strikes which the up-colntry hid undertaken
in conjunction with the Bromsgrove men, and attributed
the failure in each case to the mismenagement of the
leadmg men. He believed the people were firm enough
if they were managed properly. He impressed upon
them that if they lost this time it wculd be no use try-
ing again, and emphatically declared his intention of
resigning his position amongst them if they yielded to
any other terms from the masters than these demanded
by the original resolution. It had gone forth that he
-was ruling the people despotically, but he inaintairied
that he was only standing up in defence ot the interests
of their trade. (near, he r,) He had always advised
them to conduct themselves peaceably, and during the
present strike there had not been one aingle breach of
the peace committed. (Cheers.) He cautioned them
not to fetch iron out until the advance price was ob.
taniete. He was pleased to say that Mr. G, A, H. Beet
had sent .i:d for distribution amongst the men, and he
called upon the meeting for an exprese'on of their grati-
tude.
A resolution was then proposed, seconded, and carried,
expressing the thanks of the meeting to Mr. Best for his
literality.
Mr. Price contieued that he believed the advance
asked by the horse-nail makers depended upon the issue
oi the present strike, and une. of the leading masters
had stated that he should yield the advance to the horse
nail makers, if the other makers succeeded in obtaining
the advance He 'then called upon the meeting for an
expn ssion of opinion as to whether they were resolved
to persevere in the strike.
The usual resolution to play on until their demeeids
were conceded was put and ca.ried without a single dis-
sentient.
On Tuesday last large meetings of the nailers on
strike were held at Sedgley and Gornal with the object
of discussing the state of affabs at the present time.
els. John Price, the president of the • ailinak,rs'
:soeiety, attended all three of the meetings, and ex-
13adleti what had taken place since the last conferences.
As they were aware, he had been charged with acting
despotically, but such was far from the case. (Hear,
near.) His aim was the permanent good of the nailers,
and he was aliviiys glad to do the best he could fur
them. In the preseut condition of things it was thought
wise to cad a district meeting of all the representatives,
and which was now arranged to be held at old Hill,
For his part he sheuld be prepared to consider the
;;ew list which he understood the masters were framing,
ind if it came anything like near to the demands of the
nail: rs he should have pleasure in advising those on
strike to accept it. He should do this with the hope
of seeing the long and sad strike terminated It must
not, however, be understool that the bailers would
be prepared to make a further concession from the
1875 list than about 121 per cent. If this was agreed
at the meeting of the representatives there was not very
great fear but it would be accepted by the nailers them-
seives.—Resolutions were passed adhering to former
resolutions in case the new list should prove unsatisfac-
tory.
A great distress among the nailers owing to the long
continuance of the strike is now assuming a rather
serious aspect, and on Saturday afternoon last Mr. F.
A. Homer, out of a fund subscribed for the purpose,
again presented tickets of relief to the nailers residing at
Sedgley. The extent of the relief given was calinlated
on the number of workers on strike at each house.
Hr. F. A. Homer is appealing to the benevolent for
their assistance to relieve the great and obvious suffer-
iegs of the women and children consequent on the strike,
hoping that the merits or demerits of the strike—into
which he does not enter—will not influence persons in
withholding help. Tee tickets varied in value from is
6d to 3s eacn, according to the number of hands at play
in the houses where the relief was administered. On
eaturday afternoon last many of the women, on strike
visited the ironworks, &c., for some miles round, and
obtained considerable pecuniary assistance from the
various operatives. It is arranged to renew the visits in
ii similar manner the next wages days,. if in the mean-
time the strike is not closed, many promising to render
all the aid they can consistent with their own limited
employment.
It is painfully obvious there is very serious distress
arnatig the wrought raiders on strike in Staffordshire, a
g eat many of whom are resorting to begging and other
expedients for food. In co esequence of the large
number of persees out on strike the claims on the
oeuevoieet have become more than can ire bcrne : hence
a committee is appealing for subscriptions to relieve the
suffeeng women and children.

SIEETING OF IiELb.A3-ATES AT
HILL,
On Wednesday morning lust a meeting of the delegates
from the various districts interested in the present strike
was held at the Royal Exchange Inn, Old Hill, when re
presentatives from the following places were present :
:-lalesswen, Old /1,11. Lye Waste, sadgley. Upper and
.ower (+erne', Dudley, Oldswieford, Itowiey, Black-
neath, Long Lane, Quarry Bank, Gory 1111, Haysieh.
be meeting was convened for the purpten of consider-
ing the suggestions thrown out by Mr Join Prce
(allairintia of the Nailforgers' Association) at meetings
ield on ;:uesday laet in the Dudley district.
.dr John Price oceui:ied the chair, and explained that
it. of ihe Ifeeing was to consider whi,ther col e
ineatis ci,uld be ft ,iced to bring about so amicable and
atiefac,ory • statlewe.nt of the dispute between the
..;£OteTS Sod toe operatives, Ho asked them to coos r
the adv:sability of accepting and eedors:ng the sugges-
t. as made ny 0101 od the previous day, at Dudley. with
~spect to accepting from the masters a wages list based
ueeu the 1875 list, less 12/ per cent., to be paid on all
classes of w)rk at the uniform rate. He ipointed out
that although the proposal was 21 per cent. less than
their °mina' demands it was considered by the leading
men advisable to exhibit towards their employers a con-
ciliatory spirit with a view to bring adesnd to the unhappy
strike.
A. considerable discussion followed, in which some of
the delegates argued in favour of adepting the suggos-
tion and others against it. Ultimately it was pr posed
that the suggestion should be embodiebi in a resolution
and adopted as the basis of their demands. Ar amend-
ment was moved to the effect that the proposal be not
accepted, but that the strike be continued until the
original demands are *onto led by the employers. The
amendment, however, was alandoned, and a resolution
to accept a new wages list from the employers, based on
a 12/ per cent. reduction from the list of 1875, was
adopted-unanimously.
During the day large meetings were held at Darby
End, Woodside, and Netherton, for the purpose of con
firming the action taken by the delegates in the forme-
part of the day At each meeting similar resolutionr
to that adopted by the meeting of delegates was carried
On Wednesday night a n.ass open-air meeting was
held at the Cross, Old Hill, presided over by Mr. John
Price. He (Mr. Price) explained why the delegates had
come to the decision to accept from the masters, if they
would yield it, a list 2i per cent, below what they ori-
ginally demanded. He said they were driven by circum-
stances to meet the masters in that way. The leaders
thought it was time the people were at work, but at the
same time he warned the operatives against accepting
anything below the demands 'lade by the exeeutive com-
mittee. He hoped the masters would appreciate the
conciliatory spirit in which they (the men) were nteeting
them. When the next revised list came out it would be
the same for the Brornsgrove men as far them, and he
should think the Bromsgrove leaders would be ashamed
of their conduct in deserting them in toe last two strikes
He considered that by the resolutions of the meeting of
delegates they would meet the masters in a proper and
conciliatory spirit, and he hoped that soon the -dispute
would be ended, and that a good feeling would
once more prevail between the employers and their work-
people.
Mr. Joseph Hackett said they had departed that day
from their original demands because the masters said
they cou'd not afford to give tl,ie full demands of the
men. They had accordingly reduced those demands 21
per cent. But if the masters did not give them the
prices asked now they (the men) must not move, and
he hoped that the whole districts would stand out for
the 1875 list in fall, and not resume work until that was
conceded. (Cheers and veices, . That's it.") They
could not get lls p(r week each the whole year round,
and it was said that the masters desired to reduce them
still lower.
Mr. Price mentioned that the Rev. J. Ormiston hal
given to him for his own private use, but he had
4iven it into the funds tor the assistane of the men out
on strike,
A vote of thanks was accorded to the donor for his
kindness.
At the close of the meeting a resolution was put and
carried appreving of the action of the meeting of dele-
gates, and pledging themselves to abide by its decision,
and remain out COLL strike until the 1875 list less 12i per
cent, was conceded by the employers, to be paid at one
uniform rate upon all classes of work.

FLEnno-PNEnaiollicA.—An outbreak this disease has
occurred at the Olive Hill Farm, near Halesowen,
making the fifth case in that neighbourhood. In the
present instance, as the owner of the farm (Hrs.
Phillips) has been careful to keep her cattle isolated
from others, the ocoarrence of the malady is some-
what singular. Supiri,Aendent Kemp, distr:ct inspector
being caked in, after -übtaining the advice of Mr. A.
Green, veterinary surgeon, Dudley, found it necessary
to have one cow killed. The value of the animal was
'*out At

BRIERLEY HILL.
BREACH OF TILE PEACE.—At the Police Court, on Mon-
day, before Messrs. El. 0. Firmetone and R. L. Freer,
Daniel Dunn, John Wotton, WiNain Baker and Ben-
jamin Fairpor were charged with committing a breach
of the peace by fighting on the night of ide 17th inst.—
c-constable Lafford proved the case and said he
saw the defendants fighting ingpairs.-- Defendants
pleaded guilty.—The case was net pressed and defend-
ants were discharged on payment of costs and promising

not to offend again.
BREACH OF THE PEAOE BY FIGHTING.—JAH Guest
and John Bent w,re charged with eommitting a breach
of the peace by fighting on the 171 h inst.—Defeudaut
pleaded guilty.—lhe case was not pressed and withdrawn
on payment of costs, 70 each.
Cuaaold or DAUNKENNESi.—SamueI Burford, iron-
worker, was char.ed with being drunk on the night of
the iSiti inst.—Police-sergeant Hinton said that he
found the defendant lying in the road and incapable at
Wordsley.—Defendant was fined 5s and costs ; in default

14 days.
Cauxios TO Cm:min.—Caleb Pearson, of Quarry
Bank, was charged with being drunk, on the 16th inst,
whil3t in charge of a horse and cart.--Police-constable
Hollins proved the case.—Defendant pleaded guilty and
was severely reprimanded, and fined 23 61 and costs; in
default It days' hard labour.
DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. James Simmonds, a
collier, was charged with being drunk and disorderly,
on the 17tb inst.—Police-constable Mee proved the case,
also a previous one.—Defendant was fined 5s and costs;
in default 14 days.—Henry Bailey, glass cutter, was
charged with being drunk and disorderly, on the 17th
inst, at Amblecote.—Podice-constable Evans proved the
case.—Fined 2s 64 and costs.
HIeYAY OFFENCE.—SamueI Warton, John Jones,
Thomas Reynolds, Mark Plant, and John Corbett, of
Pensaett, colliers, were charged with loitering on the
footpath and causing an obstruction, on the 22nd inst.
—Pelice-constable Keenan said he saw the defendants
card playing and obstructing the free passage of the
road.—The cases were withdrawn on payment of costs,
6s 6d each, and the case of Corbett was dismissed.—
Mary Yates, Mary Ann Walters, Sarah Ann Mitton,
and Hannah Williams were charged with obstructing the
free passage of the road
.at Broekmoor and making use
of obscene language.—Police-constable Lafferd said that
the defendants were making use of obscene language on
the 17th mat, and obstructed the road.—The defendants
denied the charge.--The Magistrates said that from the
evidence given by the officer. There conduct was very
disgusting and disgraceful. rhey did not wish to put a
heavy fine upon them end t .ay should fine them Is and
costs only and hoped that such oisgracefal conduct
would never be repeated.,
CHARGE OF DAMAGING WHElT.—Selina Meese. Fanny I
Pearce, and Clara Wassail were charged with wilfully
damaging a quantity of wneat, on the 16,11 inst, the pro-
perty of George Smith, of Bromley.—Polii eeeonstable
Latlerd said that he saw all the three del endants pulling
up wheat and when they saw him they threw it down,—
Defendants denied pulling up any wheat but admitted
being in the fieldeesDefeeleants was fined 23 to include
COSI,
CHARGE OF OBSTRUCTION.—Henry Hickman was
charged with obstructing the free navigation of the
Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal Company, on
the 12th and 13th July last.—Mr. Waldron appeared to
prosecute, and Mr. Clulow defended.—ln opening the
case Mr. Widdren said that Lir. Clulow objected to the
case going on as he did not put in the bye-laws. He
now put fthem in and he iheuld prove that on the
12th Ana 13th of July that tee defendant put a large
quantity of manure on the towing path and caused all
oestruction. The effect was that two donkeys were
dlowned. If he proved the case he should ask the
Bench to flue the defendant the full penalty 40s.—Ur
Beach engineer to the company, produced the bye-laws
and said that be passed near toe lacks on the 12th July
and saw about a boat load of manure on the towing path
and nearly blocked up the road and he seould bay there
there was not three feet of room to pass. Tne conse-
quence Was that two donkeys were thrown into the canal
aud,drowned and they were worth £7. The manure
should have been stacked.—Richard Turner, lock keeper
corroborated the last witness as to the obstruction and
said be had measured the towing path and there was
only two feet six inches to pass, and reeter hearing fur-
ther evidence Mr. Clulow addressed the Bench for the
defence awe said that the defendant had a contract with
Earl Dudley and that his men put the manure on the
towing path instead of stacking it.—.l.le Bench Con-
sidered the case proved and fined the defendant 103 and
costs.
DISTRICT SESSION OF THE GOOD TEMPLARS.-011 Mon.
last the West Staffordshire Good Templars held a dis-
triet lodge session (thirteenth) in the Congregational
School Room, Albion Street, Brierley Hill. Brother J.
Mason, district counsellor, presided, Brother J. Phillips,
D.0.T., being prevented from attending by domestic
afillctien.—The reports presented spoke favourably as to
the increased consolidation amongst the lodges of the
Order.—After the usual business there was a discussion
as to mission work, which question was ultimately rele-
gated to the Executive; and as to political matters, the
meeting a series of resolutions pledging the members of
ihe district to support at a Parliamentary election only a
candidate who was in favour of the Permissive Bill and
Sunday Closing Bill. This decision was to be communi-
cated to the va ions political organisations in the dis-
trict, and it was resolved to arrange for political lectures
to be given at the different lodges.—ln the;latter part
of the day there was a meeting in the Market Place, and
a public gathering in tne Town,Hall, at which several
addresses on the subject Qf temperance were delivered.
—The next sesssion has been fixed to take place at Dark
House, Coseley. .
CHARGE AGAINST A GROCER,—At the Police Court,
on Thursday, before Mr. Isaac Spooner (Stipendiary),
John Deaville, grocer, Round Cak, was charged by Mr.
Horder, Inspector of Weights and Measures, with
having in a shop a scale out of balance.—Mr. J. W.
Clulow appeared for defendant.—Mr. Horder's state-
ment was that on the sth June he visited the defend-
ant's shop, and found a girl weighing sugar. She had a
copper bowl upon a scale, on the other side being some
weighte, including a half-pound weight, in which she
was weighing half-pounds of sugar. He found, how-
ever, that the half-pounds would be twe ounces light.
Ihe defence was that the girl was not weighing sugar,
but had merely placed the weights upon the scale while
clearing off the counter. The scales were only used for
weighing tea.—Mrs. Deaville and Miss Fern, assistant,
were examined, and Mr. Spooner said he believed their
eviaeuee. Considering, however, the fact that the
bowl was actueay found upon the scale they must pay
costs.

OLD HILL.
STEALING APPLES.—.A t the Police Court, on Wednes
day, before Messrs. Howard and [lingley, lieorge
Harris, David Harris, and Josiah Parkes. three boys,
were charged with stealing a quantity of apples, on the
titli iust, the property of Mr. G. A. H. Best.—
Pc I ice -constable Wickstead said that about four
o'clock in the afternoon on the day in
question he saw all three defendants in the orchard
b:e ,king d ,wn the
_trees and takoig a quantity of apples
G. Woodnall, who represented .dr. Best, said he
did not wish to press the case and he brought them up
e make a ~xxinpla ol tnein. Mr. lest ha,l lost a great
quantity of fruic.—DAVid Harris was discharged and
toe other two pail 8 each, costs.
CHARGE OF STEALING MONEY.—John Dean, horse
dealer, Was charged with s'seaLng Sc from a till, on the
28Ji iust, at the Duke of York public-house.—Mr. Wal-
dron appeared for prisoner and asked for a remand
which was granted, prisoner being bound over in £5O
and one surety of £5O.
Assania CASE.—Thomas Collins was charged with
ass tulting Thomas Henry Brookshaw.—From the evi-
dence it appeared that complainant worked for the de •
Pendant as a sheet iron roller when defendant struck
him with a pair of tongs on the leg.—Defendant denied
the charge of assault and said the complainant was very
diiobediet and refused to work. He merely put the
tongs against-, him (and told him to screw. A witness or.
roborated and the case was dismissed.
COWARDLY ASSAULT.—Henry Nielson was charged with
assaulting Samuel Darby, oa the 21st inst.—Cemplain-
ant said as he was leaving the Half Way House, Rowley.
Some one said " This is the man." Defendant at once
struck him and knocked him down, and while down he
' was kicked several times nail he became insensible
James Priest corroborated.—The Magistrates said it was
a very cowardly and savage assault.—Complainant said
if it were adjourned he could bring further evidence and
summon some others who kicked him.—Adjourned for
14 days.
CHARGE or A.saart.T.—Sarah Taylor was charged with
ass suiting Mary Ann Clift, on the 30th July last.—Mr.
Stokes defended.—Complainant said on the day in ques-
tion defendant threw a bucket of wafer over her and
used bad language.—Mr. Stokes, for the defence, said
that the complainant was in the habit of going to Tay-
lor's house frequently and demanding money. The de-
fen hint keeps the hawse and the brother lives there.
He believed there was some time ago an unfortunate
occurrence between the brother and complainant but
that did not give her the right to continue and abase
the defendant. She had her remedy in a proper legal
way. He should ask the Bench to bind complainant
over as defendant and her sister Ellen were continually
being annoyed by complainant coming all hours of the
day and even so late as eleven o'clock.—Mary Ann Clift
was then charged with using threatening and violent
language towards Sarah Taylor, on the 30th July.—
Several witnesses were called and after hearing the evi-
dence the assault case was dismissed and Clift was bound
over in her own recognizances to keep the peace for six
months.
ASSAULT CASE.--Joseph Bellingham, Caleb Belling-
ham, John Bellingham, and Henry Bellingham were
charged with assaulting Moses Dunn, on the 20th inst.—
Mr. Addison appeared to prosecute. and Mr. W. S.
Hayes defended.—From the evidence of complainant it
app.ntred that he was a tenant of Joseph Bellingham, the
, tither of the other defendants. He was removing some
I timber belonging to his brother when Joseph struck him
with a stick and knocked him down. The other four de-
feedanis then began to beat him and he cried out
" Murder "—Mr. Hayes said it was a case of disputed
right and said defendants did not use more violence than
necessary The fact was Dunn owed Bellingham some
rent and was in the act of removing his goods when the
defendants prevented him and they had a tussle.—
Timothy Hollis, Ellen Field, and Police-constable Syl-
vestre gave evidence as to the assault,—Mr. Hayes said
that in reference to the question of right he should
Prove that complainant struck one of the young Boiling.
hams with a piece of timber and a general row ensued.
He called Joseph Bellingham who said that complainant
was in the act of removing some timber when he de-
manded the rent due. He refused to pay it and he
struck Samuel Bellingham and then there was a row.—
The Bench said they thought the case would be met by
the cases being withdrawn on payment of costs.—Mr.
Addison said he was quite willing to adopt the suggestion
and the defendant paid costs.
DRIIIIICING ALE ON UNLICENSED PREMISES.—Thomas
Groisas, engineer, was charged with selling ale and allow-
it to be drunk on the premises. on the 15th inst.—Mr.
Hayes defended.—Police-sergeant Cooper said he was
near the defencant's house on the above date when a
man called for a pint of fourpenny and half an ounce of
tobacco. He stood and drank it on the premises and he
had a license to sell off only.—The defence was that the
andlady did not see the ale drunk and that ale was sold
to be drunk on the premisee.--Delendant was fined 10s
ve4