The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-01-12 00:00:00

STOURBRIDGE SKATIN 1 RINK.

On Thursday night, in the presence of upwards
of 500 spectators a most interesting event took place
in the form of a presentation to Professor Whitmore.
Previous to the presentation, the public were
skating on the rink which was cleared soon after 8
o'clock when Professor Lowery of Handsworth Rink
and Professor Whitmore came gliding from the
gallery end of the rink on the front wheels of
their skates
.(the back wheels having been taken
off for the occasion). • They then went through
quadrilles and waltzs in a verygraceful style, both
of them keeping time with great precision. A
number of bottles and skate wheels were placed on
the floor, at short distances from each other, and
the .two above-named gentlemen passed in and out
of them on the front wheels of their skates, in
a manner that deservedly "brought down the
house." Mr. Samuel Pearson, the much respected
and obliging manager of the skate department at
the rink, was the next to make his appearance on
the skates, and quite astonished and delighted
those present by the way in which he displayed
his wonderful command over the skates, and we
have no doubt that at some future time this gent-
leman will be heard of to advantage as a roller
skater. Mx. J. Slater, of the Moseley Rink, and
Mr. A. Thistlewood, of kiandsworth, came on in
succession, and showed much dexterity in balanc-
ing themselves on one skate and also on the front
wheels, whilst going at a rapid rate round the rink,
and they were trequently applauded.
Mr. W. Healy came forward, and in a brief
speech intimated that Professor Whittnore was
presented with a medal and gold signet ring as a
mark of esteem and respect in widen he was held
by those ladies and gentlemen who attended the
friends. He (Mr. Healy), had
rink, andhis courteous and attentive manner had
gained him many
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been subscribed by his pupils and friends.
Professor Whitmore on coming to receive the
present was received with loud and prolonged
cheering. He said, ."Ladies and Gentlemen, It
is with great pleasure that I thank you for the
Medal and Signet Ring so kindly presented to me
by Mr. Healy, on behalf of my pupils and friends.
I have been engaged on a number of rinks as
Teacher of Roller Skating, but have never before
had a Medal presented to me, although I have had
numerous gifts of a different character. I am
estremely obliged to all who have subscribed to-
wards this valuable gift, one which in after years
I can look at and think of the pleasant hours have
spent on the Stourbridge Skating Rink. I also
13.,g to tender my sincere thanks to all the ladies
aid gentlemen who have attended the rink to
'skate for their general attention and kindness dur-
ing instruction" (Loud applause) The Medal
bore the following inscription.—" This medal,
together with a signet ring, was presented to Pro-
fessor Whitmore, of the Stourbridge Skating Rink
by his pupils as a token of their appreciation of his
skill and courteous manner, January 10th, 1878."
in entertainment was afterwards given on the
skates by Professor Whitmore, Clown ; Mr. J.
Stater, Pantaloon; Mr. Lowery, Policeman; Mr.
S. Pearson, Nigger; Mr. A. Thistlewood, Black
Female Impersoaator. The performance of all
these gentlemen created roars of laughter and was
frequently and loudly applauded. The evening's
proceedings were brought to a close by the public
skating, and the band playing the ." National
Anthem."

3.lEsm-Enism.—The celebrated lady mesmerist ,•
and psychological star, IVliss Annie de IVlontford '
v.i.11 again favour this town with a short visit for
three nights only on Monday, Tuesday, and Wed-
nesday next, when no doubt she will again meet
with the support her talents deserve. Miss de
Montford is accompanied by the wonderful child
pianist Mille. Eva Rossetti. The advertisement
referrine, to the entertainment will be found on
our firsepage.
DRIJNI{ AND DISORDERLY.—At the Police Court,
yesterday, before Colonel Fletcher, Messrs. J.
Holcroft and R. L. Freer, William Dainty was
charged with being drunk, at the Lye, on the
Bth inst.—Police-constable Taylor proved the
ease.—Tined 2s 6d and costs; in default 7 days.
—James Richards, an old man, was charged with
being drunk and incapable, at the Lye, on the
Bth inst.—Police-constable Taylor proved the
case.—Defendant said he had had nothing to eat
for a day and had never been4before the Magis-
trates before.--Under, the circumstances Super?.
mteudant Freeman said he was willing to with-
draw the case and defendant was discharged with
caution.—James Smith was charged with being
drunk and disorderly, at Clent, on the
sth inst. Police-constable Wallace proved
the " case and said the tdefendant was very
abusive.—Fined 5s and cos s; in default 14 days.
—Thomas Bayliss was charged with being chunk,
. at Hagley.—Police-conidable Wallace proved the
case and defendant was fined 5s and costs ; in
deftwit 14 claph—GteorgeTQflk was charged with