biglam/hmd_newspapers huggingface dataset:
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-04-26

AN EMPRESS'S CEINTURE.

The Times says that an interesting personal relic is
about to be sold under the hammer of Messrs. Chris-
tie, which, besides its associations, is well worth
seeing as a specimen of excellent jeweller's work of
the time of the Empire. It is a ceintnre, or girdle,
presented as a wedding gift to the Empress Marie
Louise by Napoleon. A memorandum pinned to the
lining of the case which contains this elegant orna-
ment tells us that it was bequeathed in 1847 to the
late owner—who was, it may be added, the late
Countess of Westmoreland, who died recently at the
great age of 87—by the will of the Empress, widow of
Napoleon, "with whom I lived in much friendship
and intimacy at Parma and Florence from 1815 to
1830."

The cemture is of gold, the design being classic, of
the style of the Empire, formed of two narrow bands
of open work, set with pearls in the form of the Grfek
honeysuckle at the edges, and joining at the cextre
with a large antique onyx cameo of Apollo azd a
muse, from which hangs a long pendent increasirg in
width down to the lowest edge, where it is ornammted
with five imperial crowns, each having a tasiel of
loose pearls, The pendant, being flexible, is made of
broad open-work links of two patterns, repeated
alternately, and gradually larger and larger from the
waist downwards. The one of these is a sort of true
lover's knot, enclosing a wreath with a star of gold;
the other, a wreath with the Napoleon Bee. The
edges are ornamented throughout with honeysuckle
ornament in pearls set ajour, giving the utmost elegance
and finish to this beautiful girdle, which was executed
by M. E. Nitot et File, Paris.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-04-26

DEATH FROM EXCESSIVE
DRINKING.

A labourer, named George Fletcher, was
found on Wednesday night by the police
helplessly drunk in thc streets at Barslem.
North Staffordshire. He was conveyed
home, and, as he failed to recover conscious-
ness, a doctor was sem for. The man died
in a few hours, the catse of death being cer-
tified to be due to excessive drinking of
spirits. It has been ascertained he was
drinking rum in large quantities on Wed-
nesday.

SHOCKING END. OF A DRINKING
BRIT.
The North Stafford coroner held an
inquest on Wednesday evening on the body
of a young woman, named Maclaughton.
She was drinking at midnight on Saturday
with a man named Lewis Eswton. Both
went home very drunk, the man so much as
that he fell on the file. The deceased pulled
him off, and he then fell up against her,
knocking her on the fire, and being unable
to get off again, she was burnt to death.
The jury returned a verdict of accidental
death.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-04-26

AN AMUSING DIISTAKE.

Queen Victoria's visit to Faris gave rise to a some-
what amusing mistake, according to the Paris Figaro.
The Princess Beatrice wieSing to inspect some of the
chief Parisian eights, Lord Lyons informed the
French Fine Art Minister that the Princess would
probably visit the Louvte before the admission of the
general public, that pofsibly the Queen might accom-
pany her daughter, ard that Her Majesty's incognito
must be strictly respected, and no official reception
must be prepared. Anxious, however, that the illus-
trious visitors shoild have an efficient guide, one of
the chief officials of the Fine Art Ministry, M.
Turquet, posted himself early in the morning at
the gat3way of the Louvre, and shortly after a
carriage appea.ed containing a matronly English
lady and two pung girls. M. Turquet rushed forward,
helped the visaors to. descend with the most profound
respect, and careful to style the lady only "Madame,"
escorted thi travellers through the Louvre, pointing
out the chief beauties with the utmost care. Once he
forgot hitraelf, and called the matron " Your Majesty."
"Sir," slid she, with a strong English accent, "you
are mistaken," and IVl.Turquet poured forth a thousand
excuses in consideration of the Queen's fixed deter-
mination to keep up her private character. The visit
over, M. Turquet went back triumphant to the
Ministry, where he learnt, to his great disgust, that the
Queen and Princess had never been near the Louvre
at all, Finally, he discovered that the visitors to
whom he had paid such deference were the English
governess and the two daughters of the Comte de
Montebello, Seeretary to the French Embassy in
London, who had mistaken the time at which the
Louvre opens.

THE FRENCH RORKE's DRIFT."—On the ensign
which will be presented to the 84th Regiment at the
approaching distribution of new colours to the whole
of the French army, will be inscribed, after the name
of the battle of Gratz, the
.word e "Un contre dix."
This distinction is accorded to the 84th as a nieinerito
of its gallant behaviour on the 24th of June 1809,
when the reFiment, with three companies of the 9th,
entrenched in the cemetery of Gratz, maintained for
fourteen I,ours a desperate atztvgle with the 20,000
men of Gyulai', corps, killing 1 200 of the enemy and
capturing two colvors before they were relieved by the
arrival of General Broussier.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

HOME, FOREIGN, AND COLONIAL.

THE NEW LAW ON FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.—The Act
to amend the Poor Law Amendment Act, 1876, with
respect to members of friendly and benefit societies,
has been issued. The 23rd provision of that recited
Act has been altered, and it is now enacted, and the
enactment is in operation, that the provisions in the
section shall not apply to any moneys which a pauper
or pauper lunatic, having a wife or other relative
dependent upon him for maintenance, may be entitled
to receive as a member of any friendly or benefit
society; but such moneys, subject to any deductions
for keeping up his membership, shall be paid or applied
by the officers of the society to or for the maintenance
of such wife or relative, and where a pauper or pauper
lunatic has no wife or relative dependent on him no
claim by guardians of any union shall be made on a
society for expenses incurred in his relief, unless and
until the guardians or relieving officers shall have de-
clared the relief to be given on loan, and shall have,
within thirty days, notified the same to the society or
branch, in writing, of which the pauper or pauper
lunatic is a member, and as such entitled to receive
any payment.

AVERAGE PRICES OF BRITISH CORN.—The following
are the average prices of British corn for the week
ending June 7, as received from the inspectors and
officers of Excise :—Wheat, 41s. 7d.; barley, 265. 6d.;
oats, 21.5. 8d per imperial qr. Corresponding week
last year :—Wheat, 495. Od. ; barley, 395. 10d. ; oats
245. 9d.

COCKCHAFERS AND POULTRY.—In many parts of
the country the cockchafer is for about a month the
commonest of insects (says the Graphic). So numerous
are they that trees particularly aff-cted lir them pre-
sent of an evening the aPpect of gigantic beehives
surrounded by myriads of big drones or humble bees.
The larva of the cockchafer is a most destructive pest,
and it therefore Is asserted that in utilising cockchafers
as food for poultry a double purpoge would be served.
For fowls they form a most valuable variation of grain
diet. The beet way to collect large numbers is to
shake them down from the trees in the early morning,
to put them in ea .ks, and dry them in an ordinary
aren. Village children will collect vast numbers for a
quite nominal sum,
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

.4(
101;v4 143'
11 I (4-
dui:r
• 7,
ki I
i
11‘i/
tent in
. b..s tr -

J REGISTERED FOR
TRANSMISSION ABROAD. )
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

MEDICAL CAUTION.

yFIE Special Treatment nth:TU.3 and used
with such great success by Dr. Hunter for the
$t thirty years, can only be obtained at 44, Great
9iarlel Street, Birmingham. Book of Testimonials,
With advice how to regain Health and Manly Vigour,
%%4:Directlons for Self Treatment, free to any addrtio
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

GENERAL NEWS.

THE LEEDS IRON TRADE.

The failure is announced of Mr. Joseph
Tillotson, iron bridge and girder ma,lufac-
turer, Hunslet Roads, Leeds. The liabili-
ties are estimated at between £12,000 and
£15,000. The assets are said to be large.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

POPULATION OF THE SANDWICH

ISLAND.

A census of the population of the Sandwich Islands was
taken in December 27, 1878, and th result is especially in-
terestiug, as demontitratb g the coitinuous decline of the
native element and the increase in tee number of foreigners.
The total in pulation of the seven nhabited islands of the
group was 57,985, distributed as topws (says Times):—
Hawaii, 17,034; Maui, 12,39; Oahu, 20,236 (of
whom 14,114 are residents ei the capital) ; Kauai,
5,631 ; Melokai, 2,581 Of whom 806 ferm the
"Leper colony '") ; Lanai, 14; and Niif en, 117.
This shows an increase it population of 108
during the six years *time the previous census
of 1872. But it is sad tc reflect that in 1823
the population of the group lees estimated at 142.0(.0.
The native Kan ekes amount iew to only 44,038, which
is a decrease of about 5,000 sfece 1872. On the other
hand, the number of the nixed breeds ( leildren of
native mothers by white or Chinese fathers) is 3,420,
which is an increase of 933. Tlue whites are now 4,561,
being 1,133 mole than six yars ago. But the greatest
increase is in the number o Chinese, which has risen
from 1,938 in 1872 to 5,916 Of the entire population
of 57,985, 34,103 were male and 23,882 females, show-
ing an excess of 10,221 male, or 42'88 per cent. Yet
the number of children under six years of age is
greater by 739 than ie. 1873 It is also noteworthy
that whereas the decrease inthe number of natives dur-
ing the six years precedief 1872 was 12'31 per cent.,
the decrease during the eixyears ending in Ib7B had
fallen to 7'Bo, so that the lupe of the eventual survival
of the Hawaiian race need lot yet be abandoned. The
following are the numbers or the several foreign
nationalities, exclusive of Caine3e, together with the
correspondine numbers it 1172 :—United States,
1,276 (889) ; British, 883 (610 ; Portuguese, 436 (395) ;
Germane, 272 (224) ; Freed, 81 (88, the only instance
of decrease) ; other foreignss 066 (364). The number
of children of foreigners (exclesive of the " mixed
breeds ") born In the isLude wts 917, against 849 in
1872.
Tele is the flret time tat i eneus has shown an
increaee in the population of the Send wich Islands;
but the increaee, it will be seen, is wholly duo to the
development of the foreign elemeet.

WHAT SIR HENRY' BESSENIEtt lialr GO TO SLEEP IN.
—A Stifel (Maight
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

GOLD IN SOUTH AMERICA.

In French Guiana gold digging commenced in 1856
and in the next six years about 13,1200 z. of gold were
procured. A few years later the Dutch settlers began
to work the goldfields in their colony, and in the two
years ended 1877 gold to the value of £2-5,000 was ex-
ported to Amsterdam.
In the meantime still greater progress has been
made in Yen zuelan territory aojoining. In 1869
about 20,0000 z. of gold were obtained there, and the
introduction of improved machinery durine the last
ten years has largely increased the output. Large
numbers of Cornish miners, of miners from California
and British Columbia, and labourers from the dif-
ferent West India Islands haV. been attracted to these
fields and now it is reported from Surinam and
Cayenne that rich veins of gold have been found simul-
taneously in several parts of the auriferous area which
bid fair to eclipse the wealth of both California and
Australia. One man, it is stated, in four weeks
gathered upwards of 401 b. weight of pure gold, with
little labour, and similar instances of the abundance of
the metal are numerous. A regular rush has been
made towards the diggings, and it is feared that com-
plications may ensue, if precautions are not promptly
taken, in consequence of the conflicting claims of Eng-
lish, Dutch and French settlers, of citizens of
the Venezuelan Republic, and of the native tribes.
Although gold has not been actually worked in
Britian Guiana, its existence in the interior
has long been suspected and even ascertained;
and the fresh discovery must have important
influence on the future of the colony. Unfortunately
the limits of the British colony and the Venezuelan
Republic have never been accurately defined, con
staut disputes occuring in consequence. The fact that
the gold region of Caratal extends into the territory of
four distinct nations, none of which has ever yet
clearly marked its limits, will lead, no doubt, to mull-
fold disputes, unless judicious arrangements are at
once made among the Powers interested.—Cobnies
and India.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

BROMSGROVE.

THE GAME LAWS —At the Petty Sessions, on
Tuesday (before Captain Bourne and Mr. R. Small-
wood), Lucy Tipper was charged with being unlaw-
fully in possession of a pheasant on the 4th instant.
Defendant is a dresser of poultry, and on the 4th
Police-constable Jones found her in the act of pluck-
ing a pheasant —Defendant pleaded that she was in
ignorance of the law, and received the phe sant to
dress in the ordinary course of her business. It
was brought to her house to dress, and she was told
to do it quickly, as it was wanted to cook for dinner
Captain Bourne said that any person found in
Possession of a pheasant before the Ist of October,
and after the 15 th of February, was liable to a pen-
alty of .21. They ought to have had before them
the person who was going to have the pheasant for
dinner. As they belicvad defendant had extol in
ignorance, she would be let off on paying the costs.
58. 6d.

LOCAL BOARD.—The monthly meeting was held
on Wednesday night, Mr. William Jefferies in the
chair.—A highway rate at is. in the pound was
ordered, and a general district rate at 10d. in the
pound, ordered at the last meeting, was signed.—
The Board fixed Friday, the 27th inst., for the sub-
committee, consisting of all the members present,
to meet the County Local Board with a view to an
extension of the town boundary.—The report of
Dr. Carey showed that 22 births and 17 deaths
were registered in the past month, against 32 births
and 12 deaths in the corresponding month last year
The death-rate was 29 2 and the birth-rate 37 8 per
thousand. The health of the district was improving.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

ANOTHER WEAPON OF WAR.

An invention has been patented by one of the late
chief mechanicians of the small-arni manufactory at
Steyer which is attracting much attention in Austria
and Germany, since, should its practical application
prove feasible, it will acid very greatly to the pawer
of musketry fire. The invention consists of an
apparatus, described as very simple in design,
and construction, by which any orainary breech-load-
ing rifle can, whenever it may be desired, be tempo-
rarily converted into a repeating arm. The apparatus
holds ten cartridzes, and can he carried by the soldier
in his pocket. When necessary it can be fitted on the
rifle in a moment, when the ten rounds can be fired
just as rapidly as the same number of cartridges can be
discharged from any magazine rifle. The inventorhassub.
mitted his apparatus, which has been recently materially
simplified and improved by Werndl, the well-kno wu
small-arm manufacturer to the Imperial War Mi-
nistry, and a series of experiments are, it is stated, to
be shortly carried out with it. Of the importance of
the invention, should it be found possible to apply it
in practice, there can be no doubt. —Pall Mall Gazette.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

THE VICTORIA CROSS.

The Queen has been graciously pleased to signify
her intention to confer the decoration of the Victoria
Cross on the undermentioned officer of Her Majesty's
Army, whose claim has been submitted for Her
Majesty's approval, for his
_gallant conduct in rescuing
a mounted sower of the 13th Bengal Lancers, on the
31st January, 1879, as recorded in the accompanying
statement : •
teers,

Lieutenant Reginald Clare Hart, Royal Engine's.
for his gallant conduct in risking his own life in endea-
vouring to save the life of a private soldier. The
Lieutenant• General commanding the 2nd Division
Peshawar Field Force reports that whel on convoy
duty with that force on 31st January, 1879, Lieutenant
hart, of the Royal Engineers, took the iniative in
running some 1,200 yards to the rescue of a wounded
sowar of the 13th Bengal Lancers in a river bad ex-
posed to the fire of the enemy, of unknown strength,
from both flanks, and also from a party in the river
bed. Lieutenant Hart reached the wounded sowar,
drove off the enemy, and brought him undercover
with the aid of some soldiers who accompanied him on
the way,
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

EVERGREENS AND FARM STOCK.

A good deal has been said on the poisonous nature
of yew tree clippings, and every now and again we
hear of cows or horses being poisoned by munching the
branches that heve besrn carelessly thrown in their
way. The Journal of Foreury points out that the
danger is not confined to the yew tree, but that many
other evergreens possess the same deadly capability
when in a half-withered state. Horses, and even pigs,
have been destroyed by eating th 3 clippings of laurel
and box trees. Ivy prunings have proved
as fatal to sheep, and it is said that fallow deer
have occasionally been killed by being per-
mitted to browse on the same plant, which,
though apparently wholesome enough when
in a fresh growing eondition, appears to acquire a
deleterious character when it has ceased to grow and
becomes shrivelled and dry. Our contemporary has
noted fourteen cases that have occurred this sprinz,
and seems inclined to attribute the acquisition of a
poisonous character to incipient fermentation. There
may be something in this, perhaps, but it seems just
possible that the noxious principle is contained in the
juices of the living plant, and merely becomes con-
centrated by the drying of the branches clipped off.
It seems certain that animals may eat with
apparent impunity not only box and laurel, but the
yew tree also when in a growing state, but
it may reasonably be doubted whether they do
not receive more or less injury from them, and until
the matter has received a little more attention than
it has done owners of farm stock would do well to
look to the fences of their shrubberies and ivy growths.
The question is raised as to whether clippings are as
deadly at other seasons of the year as they are in
spring. This is considered to be doubtful, but it is a
fact that animals have been killed by prunings of the
kind referred to at all seasons, and care should be
taken at all times therefore, although it may be a fact
that the poison may be more virulent at one time than
another.— Globe.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

LIBERATED AFRICANS.

The Civil Commissioner at the Seychelles group of
islands, dependencies of Mauritius, states in his report
made last year, that the returns for 1877 showed 2,421
liberated Africans distributed over the group, but the
exact whereabouts of 305 was not known, and pro-
bably the majority of these were dead.
The Commissioner says that the position of the
African is quite as good as that of the creole, and the
former has the advantage of being preferred as a
labourer. After his allotment service is over, he is
more or less of a skilled labourer, and he could earn
more wages than he actually does were he to work
with method and diligence. When he gets task-
work he usually does in five or six hours what
in an ordinary way would take him eight or ten hours;
this shows that be is not overworked, and that he has
reserve of strength he might turn to account.
Usually, while working under allotment, he learns the
labour he afterwards follows. Compared with other
available labour he is considered the beAt cook, the
best household servant, the best farm labourer, and
much more to be depended upon for keeping at work
than the creole, besides which he is more robust. The
building accommodation is fairly good. As good a
dwelling for the climate and the requirements of the
African can be built with palm-leaves as with almost
any other material.
In 1877 there were 462 adult liberated Africans
working with masters to whom they had been allotted
by Government for five years, and for their pay,
rations, and accommodation the Government was re-
sponsible. The 240 minors were al o under the
guardianship of the Government. The other liberated
Africans were free to work and engage themselves on
such terms as they pleased ; men can earn from lOrs.
to Is. a month, the women not quite so much. They
are under the protection of the Civil Commissioner
and the Inspector of Africans, but the Government is
not responsible for the amount of their pay.
Marriages among liberated Africans have much in-
creased, and the Commissioner anticipates that shortly
there will be very few African women not settled in a
home. The good effect of marriage on both African
man and woman is seen to be cons:derable. As a
rale, liberated Africans marry only among themselves;
but there have been recently a few instances of their
intermarriage with creoles. The former Governor,
Sir Arthur rhayre, reports that the climate suits the
liberated slaves very well, and that they are well pro-
vided for and well treated in every respect, and a
larger number are much required.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

mercial constituency sent the baron to Parliament as
one of its four members. He dispensed much of his
vast wealth in the cause of charity and benevolence,
and is spoken of by all who knew him as a genial and
kindly man.
Those great Temples of the Drama, Covent Garden
and Her Majesty's Theatres, are just now in the full
tide of the London season. Italian opera is per-
formed at both, the prima donnas at Covent Garden
being Madame Patti and Madame Albani, and at Her
Majesty's, 'Madame Christine Nilson and Madame
Gerster. To show the different nationalities which
send their representatives to London for the perform.
ance of the opera, it may be mentioned that Madame
Patti is an Italian, Madame Albani a Frenchwoman,
Madame Nillson a Swede, and Madame Gerster an
Hungarian. The spectacle of either of these houses on
a great night, would convey a most telling idea of the
wealth and beauty of the British capital. The overture
does nct begin until half-past eight and it is ten minutes
later before the first bar of the opera is heard. Yet,
as early as six o'clock there is a crowd round the doors;
and as the lowest price of admission is half-a-crown,
the amount of money in such an enormous place as
Covent Garden must be very great. Viewed from
the amphitheatre stalls, the impression produced
is a very effective one. The ladies in full dress, the
gentlemen in evening attire, the ample orchestra, the
brilliant light; and the shower of bouquets directed at
the prima donna, all combine to make up a marvel-
lous picture. The whole of the opera is sung—a great
strain upon the physical powers of the artists.
Considering that it is given in a foreign language,
it is of great interest to note the attention with
which it is followed by those who have supplied-
themselves with books of the words. The votaries of
music follow every bar with the closest of notice, and
are so absorbed in this work that, much as they are
delighted with the rendering of this or that particular
part, they are careful to applaud only in places where
their approbation can be manifested without destroy-
ing the sound of one single note of the entire perform-
ance. With Italian opera at two of the best houses,
and French plays at the Gaiety, those who appreciate
ths drama in foreign languages have now ample oppor-
tunities of doing so in the metropolis.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

EAGLLY.

STOCK SALE.—At this sale on Monday last there
was a good supply of stock in every class and a large
attendance of buyeri. The entries comprised 136
pens of sheep and lambs, and 35 head of cattle,
besides an avenge lot of pigs and calves. The
mutton trade was vely brisk and beef was well sold;
Mutt=d to 10d ; bet Ed,
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

-

THE HAIR.—For 40 years Mrs. S. A. ALLEN
WORLD'S Hem REsToutan has received the commendation
and favour of the public. It has acquired the highest
place that can be obtained for any moderate enterprise,
andcontributed to the adornment of tens of thousands of
persons, who have the proof of its servisable character.
It will positively renew and restore Ike original and flak..
rai colour of grey, white, and fa led Hair. It will
strengthen and invigorate the Hair, top its falling, sad
induce a healthy and luxuriant growth. No other pre-
paration can produce thesame beneficial result. Sold by
allWhemists and Perfumers, in large b Atlas, 6s. Depot,
116 8; 116, Southampton Row. London.
ANOTHER CURB OF CONSUMPTIVE COUISH BY DR,
Lococs's WAFERI3.—From J. Pratt, Chemist, Stafford
Street, Wolverhampton, "A lady had been suffering
from a severe consumptive cough for 12 or 18 years.
and, after consulting several physicians, was induced to
try your Wafers. The first dose gave instantaneous
relief, and she has not had another attack." In
asthma, consumption, bronchitis, coughs, colds, rheu-
matism, and all hysterical and nervous complaint.
instant relief and a rapid cure is given by the Wafers
which taste pleasantly. Sold by all druggists at le,
id., 21, 9d., 4s. U. and lls . per box.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

AND OTHER

CLARKE'S

The most remarkable results ever effected by a Heal
ng Remedy are produced by POWELL'S EMBROCAIION-
H,R.H. the Duke D'Aumale, the Right Hon. the late
Earl of Clarendon, K G., the Right Hon. Frances
Countess Waldegrave, the Right Hon. the Countess of
Radnor, and many other eminent persons have given
testimonials as to the extraordinary efficacy of POWSLL'II
RIBUMATIO EMBROCATION. The relief which it affords,
the cure which it effects in all cases of rheumatic and
neuraligic pins, gout, lumbago, and all sudden and
painful attacks, aches, pains, and weaknesses in any part
of the body calling for an external application, are at
once speedy and permanent. It is sold by all chemists
in bottles at Is. lid. and 2s. 9d. Mr. S. Hughes is our
Agent at Btonrbridge.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

PLOUGHING BY ELECTRICITY.

The Times of Monday published the following lettei
Sir,—For some long time past interesting experi-
ments have been made at Sermaize•les•Beins (Marne),
France, in the use of electricity as a motive power, and
during the past week an important trial of ploughing
by electricity was accomplished in presence of various
officials belonging to the department—viz., General
Clinchant, the erefect, the Sous Prefect, M. Henry
(chief engineer), a delegation from the Institute, M.
Dureleste ( Enspector-General of Bridges), a deputation
from the National Society of Agriculture, &c. The
trial resulted in a complete success. One of Howard's
double furrow ploughs was used, supplied by M. Th.
Pilter, of 24, Rue Alibert, Paris,
The plough worked steadily and completely to the
satisfaction of all present. A gentleman whom I have
known for many years, M. Gourguillon, of Vitry-le
Frau cols, who saw the experiment, speaks of it in the
most assuring terms. He says the motion is conveyed
to a drum from the electric machine and thence by a
coil of wire to the plough. There was po stoppage of
any kind, but the plough did its work steadily, about
Bin. deep.

The inventor is a M. Felix, owner of a large sugar
manufactory at Sermaize-les-Bains.
It may be many years before this can be brought
Into profitable practical use, but if it can, what a
revolution it will accomplish! If motive power can
be utilised from electricity for one thing, why not for
another? _ _

M. Peronne, of Sermaize•les-Bains, who writing to
one ot the papers is very sanguine of its ultimate
accomplishment, says "it may be utilized in towns
and places for industrial purposes—a powerful elec-
trical machine might be constructed, and the power
conveyed by wire to different industries at a moderate
cost to those using
I am not able to say whether the cost of ploughing
by electricity is more or less than steam power—most
probably more at present. I can only report the fact
of its having been accomplished. I am, however,
promised further details.
I am sorry to say that the crops look wretched
everywhere in this generally much-favoured country.
Everything is backward; the wheat has not grown
lately—how can it, with constant cold winds and wet?
The barley and all the cereals look sickly and yellow,
and if this miserable weather continues the general
crop must be very deficient.—l am, Sir, yours truly,
J. S. COCKSEDGE.
Charlevllle (lea Ardennes), France, June 2.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

THE PRINCE OF WALES AND
AUSTRALIA.

The Sydney Morning Herald, of April 24, says :
"Reference has frequently been made of late to the
probability of the Prince of Wales visiting Australia;
and it appears from an explanation made by Sir
Henry Parkes on the 16th, that on the 3rd of January
last the Governor sent a telegram to the Secretary of
State, of which he read a copy :—" January 3, 1879.—
Ministers have asked me to ascertain, through you,
whether it would be agreeable to the Prince of Wales
to receive a formal invitation for himself and the
Princess of Wales to visit New South Wales, and be
present during the first International Exhibition ev
held in Australia."
An answer was received, dated the 20th of January,
which may be accepted as evidence that the matter
was very maturely considered. The answer was in
these words :—" From the Secretary of State for the
Colonies to the Governor of New South Wales.
January 20, 1879.-4 have been requested to convey
the best thanks of their Royal Highnesses the Prince
and Princess of Wales for the proposed invitation to
them to visit Sydney during the forthcoming Interna-
tional Exhibition, and to express their deep regret
that it would be quite out of their power to undertake
so long a journey, at all events during the present
year."
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

SIR EDMUND BUCKLEY, BART.

At the Manchester County Court on
Thursday a settlement was arrived at re-
specting the affairs of Sir Edmund Bucklay,
of Manchester, and Grotton Hall, Yorkshire.
The estate is to be sold to the trustees of the
late Edmund Buckley for £46,500, the pur-
chase money to be applied in payment of the
final composition of not more than Is. in
the pound. The discharge of the debtor
was granted by the Court.

BETTING PROSECUTIONS AT
LIVERPOOL.

Five of forty betting mon wrested on
Wednesday were placed before the magi-
strates on Thursday at Liverrol charged
with offences under the Betting tict. George
M. Charles, publican, was fired £5O and
costs, or three months' implsonment, for
permitting betting in his louse. Henry
Court, bookmaker, for makin€ bets was fined
£5O and costs, or three monthsimprisonment;
Thomas story, assistant to Buns, was fined
£3O and costs, or one month ; imprisonment;
Henry Burns, publican, or betting, was
fined £5O and costs, or thx)e months' impri-
sonment; and JamesLarcfnabe, a well-known
betting man, £5O and coB, or three months'
imprisonment. Notice appeal was given
in all the cases.

SUPPOSED LOSS )F LIFE AT SEA.
;The fine English larque Raymond, 873
tons, which sailed frka Liverpool for Dela-
ware Breakwater, "LS., on the 26th of
jezury 114154 hivi no yet roiled her pert eX
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

(From Punch.]
A PRINCE WITH A PATRONYMIC.

Hail, Bulgaria's new Prince, Alexander Vogorides,
A Physician and Sage of old time bore a name
With thine own patronymic vihich rhymes—Dioscorides.
In his way he worked wonders; in thine work the same.

Be was great in the science of medical botany;
May'st thou prove in State physic a Doctor no less;
Though of herbalist lore not perchance having got any,
In thy practice no simples thou 'lt need for success.
Dire disorders dispel, allay fierce animosities;
Dispense equal doses of justice to all—
Turk and Christian alike—that Bulgarian atrocities
Bulgarians, well-governed, ne'er more may befall.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

HARTLEBURY,

STOCK SALE.—On Tuesday, the third periodical
sheep and cattle sale was held at the Dog Inn,
Hartlebury, and if this sale is to be taken as any
criterion, Hartlebury stock sale bids fair to become
an established market. There was a collection of
about 300 sheep and lambs, and 50 bead of cattle,
with a moderate entry of pigs. If stock of similar
quality continues to be sent, this sale will attract
(as has been the case already) some of the principal
buyers of the surrounding districts.—Stock was
contributed by Messrs. H. H. Griffin, Geo. Griffin,
Jno. Giles, W. Lett, T. Wheeler, H. Harris, J.
Russell, Cookes, T. Banks, W. A. Silvestre, W.
Amphlett, T. Boulter, and other eminent feeders.
There were purchasers from Birmingham, Stour-
bridge, Worcester, Kidderminster, Stourport,
Omberaley, and the Black Country. The fat cows
and bullocks were a superior lot, and realized .230
downwards. Some splendid fat bulls ranged from
' ..£2O to £33 each. Shorn ewes made as high as 75s
6d per head. Shorn tegs 68s per head. Other
stock was well sold in proportion.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

THE COLONY OF TASMANIA.

At a meeting of the Royal Colonial Institute held at the
Pall-mall, Regent-street, London, a paper on "Tasmania--
Past and Present " was read by Dr. J. Lindsay Miller. The
chair was taken by Mr. J. A. Youl, C.M.G.

The lecturer began with an interesting account of
the discovery and settlement of the island and of the
events which led to the disappearance of all the
aboriginal inhabitants. Of the climate he spoke
most favourably, it was now ascertained beyond
doubt that the salmon the ova of which were
sent from England by a fellow of the insti-
tute, Mr. James A. Youl, was now established
in the Derwent, while English trout had BO in-
creased and multiplied in nearly every river in the
settled slistricts that they furnished abundance of
sport. The colony had for twenty years had a free
Constitution, elected its own Parliament, and made its
own laws. They had not come to manhood suffrage.
For many years, too, an excellent system of national
education had been in operation, "free (to the poor).
secular, and compulsory," all the advantages and
honours of which, except the "Tasmanian Scholar-
ships," were open te both sexes. At the State
school the poorest boy received a sound edu-
cation for nothing, and if apt and clever
he might obtain an exhibition of so much
money per annum to enable him to attend a superior
school for a period of four years. There he was pre-
pared for the examination for the degree of Associate
of Arts which was annually conferred by the Council
of Education. The associate who stood highest on the
list received a scholarship, by means of which he
might continue his studies for a further period of
two years, when he might hope to pass the examina-
tion for the "Tasmanian Scholarship." Two of these
scholarships, tenable for four years, of the annual
value of £2OO each open to youths between 16 and 20
who had resided in the colony for five years),
were bestowed annually, the conditions being that the
holders should proceed to Europe, and prosecute their
studies at a British university. Living was much
cheaper than in England, and Dr. Miller especially
commended the advantages of a residence in Tasmania
to persons of small, fixed income; such would find
house rent moderate near Hobart-town, for instance,
excellent society, a capital club, first-class schools for
their children, and every comfort and convenience for
civilised life.
In the discussion which followed, Mr. Denistor

Wood, late Attorney-General for Victoria, dwelt
upon the orderly character of the population. The
convicts formerly sent to Tasmania had died out or
passed over to Australia, while, in order to induce a
desirable class of persons to emigrate, free grants of
land were t one time made to retired officers of the
Army and Navy.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

THE ALBERT MEDAL.

The London Gazette of Tuesday night contains the
following :
The Queen has been graciously pleased to confer
the Albert Medal of the Second Class on William J.
Bridges, Qaartermakter of her Majerty's ship
Thunderer. The following is an account of the
services in respect of which the decoration has been
conferred
"On the occasion of the recent explosion which took
place on board the Thunderer, Bridges was at his
station in the shell•room. When the explosion oc-
curred the shell-room was immediately tilled with
smoke and many burning fragments of clothing, &c.,
were blown down into it. The magazine was also filled
with smoke and reported to be on fire. All lights were
put out, and the cries of the wounded were distracting.
The prevailing impression appears to have been that
one of the filled shells had exploded, and the men
stationed in the room made their escape as speedily as
possible, with the exception of Bridges, who, taking off
his woollen comforter, wrapped it round the burning
fragments, and brought them up on the fiats, Bridges
afterwards went down again to make further search
for any smouldering material that uiight have found its
way among the projectiles,"
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

LONDON PARKS- AND GARDENS.

Amongst the "sights" of london the Parks are not the
least attractive, especially at this season of the year, and
with reference thereto, The Times of Wednesday published
the following letter :
Sir,—May is usually the season of bloom for trees
and shrubs, but this year we have had to wait till June
before they fully and almost simultaneously developed
their bright and ornamental blossoms. Although re-
tarded a month, I never remember seeing so many and
splendid blooms as may at present be witnessed in
Kensington•gardens.
The horse•chestnuts, gorgeously studded as they
are with thousands of pink and silver flowers; the
laburnum with its yellow blossoms hanging over
lilacs and guelder-roses; the " wigela rosea,"
dtwered with gay pink flowers, together with the
rhododendrons, unite in forming a most attractive
and beautiful combination, which seems to evoke
feelings of admiration in all classes of visitors. The
hawthorns, too, of which there is a splendid show in
the gardens, aro in most luxuriant and variegated
blossom, filling the air with their delicious perfume and
assisting to render it not impossible for the visitor to
temporarily forget that he is surrounded by a great
and crowded city.—Yours, &c., NATHAN COLE, Head-
gardener, Kensington•gardens, 6, Victoria-grove, Ken-
singtoo, Jute 100

In London, on Monday night, the Annual meeting of
the Open Air Missihn was held at Sion College, Lhudon-
wall, Bishop Perry oresidiiig. The report showed that the
society nunnbtred 376 members, and had connected with it
21 auxiliaries. During the year 68 conferences had been
held in vartoas parts of the country, and the agetits of the
society had visited 331 races, fairs, tt3. The society had
dieribured 795,958 tracts, papers. ttc., and the secretaries
had travelled in its service over 9,293 miles The expense of
these j,turneys, owing to the kindness of friends in the
provinces, had amounted to only b3O. The treasurer ye.
Ported that the total cost for the year of the societ)'s
various liwilertilifngs was Zl,OBO. _
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

THE AMERICAN AND CANADIAN FOOD

SUPPLY.
The supply of American and Canadian food at
Liverpool la 4 week was remarkahle for the great
increase in the quantity of fresh beef, which was
double that of the preceding week. In live stock there
was an equally marked decrease in the arrival of live
sheep and pigs when contrasted with the former week.
The arrivals were the Wisconsin, with 1,580 quarters
of beef and 550 carcases of mutton ; The Nevada,
1,580 quarters of beef and 500 carcases of mutton:
the Pennsylvania, 1,146 quarters of beef; the
Republic, 600 quarters of beef and 250 carcases of
mutton; the City of Berlin 640 quarters of beef, 300
carcases of makton, and 272 dead pigs; and the
Illyrian 400 quarters of beef, making the total 5,946
quarters of beef, 1,600 carcases of mutton, and 272
dead pigs.
W Ala live stock the steamets were :—The City of
Bristol with 421 head of cattle; the Dominion, 340
head of cattle; the Canadian, 280 head of cattle; the
Devonshire, 162 head of cattle; the Illyrian, 140 head
of cattle and 71 sheep, and the Lord Gough with 130
head of cattle; being 1,473 head of cattle, and 71
sheep.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

The Cape Argus contains a telegram from Maritzburg
which says that the negotiations with Cetewayo have fallen
through, the King being unprepared to make unconditional
submission. The terms proposed by him were inadmissable.
Sir Bartle Frere had a grand reception at Kimberley. A
novel sight was presented by the native labourers, with
pick and shovel, lining each side of the road, welcoming him
in the native fashion. The Diamond Mine was illuminated
at night.
The contemplated rapid march upon the Zulu King's
kraal at Ulundi has been abandoned. The difficulties con-
nected with the transport service are increasing owing to
the scarcity of grass.
It is thought probable that Cetewayo will shortly throw
his whole strength against the lower Tugela column. The
health of the troops at the camps is improving.
The correspondent of the Daily Telegraph writes :—"On
the occasion of my visit to Isanclula I had a narrow escape
of being cut off while bathing in the Buffalo. The Zulus
came down on me, but fortunately the men of the Native
Contingent, posted on the Natal side by Colonel Black,
opened a heavy fire on the enemy, and drove them off. Ocr
party was stalked the whole way by Zulus on foot, whilst
mounted men were seen waiting to cut off our retreat had
we returned to Isandula."
A great fire broke out at Grey Town on the 18th inst.
Eleven hundred sacks of flour and grain and other commis-
sariat stores were destroyed.
The Lords of the Admiralty have called for a return of the
number of married women and of children under 14 belong-
ing to the Marines proceeding to Zululand, with the view of
granting them separation money at the rate of ed. per day
for the wife and 3d. for each child. This is the first aloe
such an allowance has been granted on a large scale to the
Royal Marines.

THE REINFORCEMENTS.
In addition to ten general officers sent to Zululand, there
are no less than 13 colonels and 27 lieutenant-colonels, eith3r
actually in Natal or on their way there, besides a very large
number of special service officers sent out for duty
witt
Native levies and with the transport. The force now ix
Natal musters 16 battalions of Infantry, two regiments of
Cavalry, six batteries of Artillery, four companies of Engi-
neers, and three companies of the Army Service Corp., be-
sides detachments of the Army Hospital Corps; while' in
addition to the Infantry and Artillery furnished by the
11,o) al Marines, a troop of Engineers and three com-
panies of the Army Service Corps are en route.
On the arrival of those reinforcements the British army in
Zululand will be considerably larger than that which was
present at Waterloo or at the Alma. At the memorable
battle which ended in the overthrow of Napoleon, the
English troops numbered just under 24,000. At the first
great light in the Crimea the British forces consisted of
26,000 men. When the troops sent out during the last few
days have crossed the Tugela, the strength of the English
army within the Zulu territory will be over 30,000.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

. AGRICULTURAL DEPRESSION.

The Daily News (in a leader on Tuesday) says the
agitation which is being caused by the depressed con-
dition of the agricultural interest has brought out A
curious divergence of opinion between the consumers
and the producers of the staple articles of food. The
householders in the towns have been crying out at the
general costliness of housekeeping; while, on the other
hand, there has risen from all the rural districts a
complaint of the ruinous cheapness of all articles of
agricultural produce. It is difficult to see how these
two complaints can be consistent with one another.
In certain products, such as ham, bacon, cheese,
and salt butter, the English farmer is exposed to
considerable competition, and a considerable fall in
the price of these articles is not, rapidly
proceeding. But the great fall in value of
which producers of all kinds have been complaining
has not yet come home to the great bulk of the con-
sumers in the shape in which they have a right to look
for it, by a considerable reduction in the weekly cost
of housekeeping. A little light has bees thrown on
this difficulty by a return, ordered by the House of
Commons, on the motion of Mr. Foljapbe (issued on
Monday), auto the prices of agricultural produce for
the fifty years ending with 1c,78. A review of the
whole of these valuable tables suggests diat the farmers
are suffering from bad seasons rather than from low
prices; since there is scarcely one of their pp iut.t,
• except wheat and wool, which is not row considerably
higher in prioe tha'n it was in the da.s when the pros-
perity of the agricultural interest unler free trade was
as much a subject of national cmgratulation as its
depression LS of commiseration at tie present moment.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-06-14

t

PRICE ONE PENNY.

PUBLIC NOTICES.

STOURBRIDGE CRICKET AND
FOOTBALL CLUB.

STOtiREIUDGE.

A MILITARY BAND IN ATTENDANCE

ADMISSION 6d.

TRADESMEN'S ADDRESSES,

DIIDLItY AND WALSALL.

THE ATHLETIC SPORTS
In eonnection with the above Club will be held
ON MONDAY, 28th JULY NEXT,
When checks on tradesmen to the value, of £BO will be
given as prises.

VICTORIA HALIe AND ItINK

THE RINK IS NOW OPEN DAILY
h1911:,...(1NG EXERCISE 11 to 1
#ll. thitNOON „ 2.30 „ I
ZUNI G 7 ~ 9 S

ON
MONDAY AND SAIULDAY EVENINGS.

USi OF SKATES. 611.

A riORNFORD,
.
(Late R. THOMSON')
ATT_IORT
LINEN AND WOOLLEN DRAPER
GENTLEMEN'S CLOTHING

Made to Order, on the Shortest Notice.
STYLE AND FIT GUAItANTEED.

LADIES' JACKETS, SHAWLS, DRESSES, ite.

14 and 1,5, BAGLEI 131151.1.1', PICUI.IIIIIDGE

000 PIANOFORTES & IiARMONI-
a
UMS have been TUNED by G.F. GREEN
Professional Tuner, 26 6. CASTI.Z.STBIZT DUDLEY, Sad
67, PAHE STREET, 'WALSALL. Pianofortes Re-
ilked, Re-strung, the Harnmeis Re-covered with Patent
alt, as used by the most emtnent

ONEY ready for immediate investment inlarge or
LVlsmall sums not under £5O, on any description a
cal or personal security no less than one year, at a low
rate viz., 4 per cent, on personal, and 3 per cent on free-
hold or leasehold security. Interest in all cases payable
half-yearly, and not in advance. Distance no object.
All applications will be treated with strictest secrecy and
despatch. Money obtainable on the shortest notice. No
ccmmission.—Apply with full particulars as to nature o
iecurity, amount required, and for what period, to WIL-
LIAM SEYKOER, Esq., Financier, 9, Great Russell-street,
London. W.C.

"rt B. GEORGE JOHNSON, 30, Colmore Row, Bir
mingham, is prepared to make immediate CASH
ADVANCES upon every description of

DUDLEY! DUDLEY!! DUDLEY!!!
CASH ADVANCED AT A FEW HOURS NOTICE.
110 Householders, Farmers, Cart Owners, and others.
1 From £2 and upwards, without unities, and in
strict corifidenee, at the Union Loan Otlice, 3, Priory
Street, Dudley. (Strictly Private.)

LIARMERS not wishing to dispose of their
12 crops at the present low rate of prices can obtain
cash advances from £lO to £lOOO by applying to
FILST FLOOR, 48, UNION PASSAGE. BIRMING-
HAM. Money also advanced to respectable House
holders, Cab Proprietors, Cow Keepers, Professions
Gentlemen and others, without any loan office routine
apply as above.