The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-05-24 00:00:00

MEET OF THE COACHING CLUB.

No more pleasant, as well as significant, indication
that the London season has set in in earnest could
there possibly be than the opening meet of the Coach-
ing Club, which took place on Saturday close to the
Magazine in Hyde-park (says the Standard). The
weather was, for such an occasion, all that could be
desired-sright without being blinding, and warm
without being hot. A fresh breeze from the south-
west shook out the young summer foliage, and
dimpled the surface of the Serpentine. Notwith-
standing that the scene was shorn of one of its usually
chief features of attraction—the presence of Royalty
—the attendance of the public was much larger
than it has been for many years past. Pedestrians
crowded the footpaths, and fair equestrians
drew up in close columns in front of the
rails, whilst double rows of carriages lined
the sides of the drive of the Magazine to Hyde-park-
corner, and thence to Queen's-gate. The park just
now looks at its best, and it was evident that not only
the occupants of the drags, but the spectators as well,
thoroughly enjoyed the delights of the al fresco show.
First amongst the members of the club to make his
appearance on the ground was Sir Talbot Constable,
who had driven his team of chestnuts from his seat,
Aston Hall, in Yorkshire, to London, 300 miles, in
seven days. At his side, on the box, was seated Lady
Constable. After the lapse of fifteen minutes or so,
came up in quick succession the drags of Mr. Price
Hamilton, drawn by four bays, Sir Bach Cunard's four
browns, Mr. Wood's admirably matched roans Mr.
Wynn's dark browns, and Captain Charles Bell's
browns, bays, and chestnut. These were soon
succeeded by the drags of Viscount De Stern, Mr.
Gassiott, and Mr. Praed, followed in turn by the
three dark greys and blue roan of Lord Charles
Beresford, and Mr. Compton Roberts' magnificent
light bays—perhaps the most beautiful in the whole
collection. Lord Hothfield (formerly Sir Henry
Tuf ton) followed, with his four black spankers, and
took his place at the head of the gallant cavalcade.
Other drags—in all to the number of 27—quickly
took their places, five abreast, amongst them being re-
markable the chestnut and grey of Captain James
Foster, Captain Hatherley's three dark browns and a
bay, Mr. Mitchell's four browns, Mr. Gower Jones' four
blacks, Mr. Banbury's three bays and a brown, and Sir
Henry Mesey-Thompson's dark browns. Then,
indeed, the picture was a very pretty one to gaze
upon the toilettes of the ladies suggestive not
only of coming summer, but of the return
of better spring. Amongst the spectators, those who
had not armed themselves with parasols and um-
brellas sheltered themselves under the shadows of the
spreading beeches and the horse chestnuts, whose
spikes are already bursting into bloom. At a quarter
to one o'clock the procession, headed by Lord Roth-
field, moved away, and a very imposing panorama it
presented as it wound its way round the Serpentine,
margined on either side by the refreshing grass,
which the late copious rains have quickened. By one
o'clock Hyde-park-corner was passed, and Queen's-gate,
through which the majority sped on their way to
Ilurlingbam, was reached. Many of the drags, how-
ever, returned to the park and cantered along the
usual afternoon course.

It is announced that the Queen has approved of the
military parades, &c., usual on her Majesty's birthday
being held on June 28 at all home and foreign stations
with the exception of London and Windsor.
SINGULAR SUPERSTITION.—EIIen Cushion and Anas-
tatia Rourke were arrested at Clonmel on Saturday,
charged with cruelly ill-treating a child three years
old, named Philip Dillon. The prisoners were taken
before the Mayor, when evidence was given showing
an extraoMinary survival of superstitious belief, it
appeared that the neighbours fancied that the
which had not use of its limbs, was a changeling left
by the fairies in exchange for the original child.
While the mother was absent the prisoners entered
her house, and placed the child naked on a hot
shovel, under the impression that this would break
the charm. The poor little thing was severely burnt,
and is in a precarious condition. The prisoners, who
were hooted by the indignant crowd, were remanded.
MR. GLADSTONE ON THE BLOCK OF PARLIAMENTARY
BuslNEss.—The following letter, in acknowledgment
of a resolution urging that before an appeal was again
made to the constituencies the Government should
secure the passing of measures for the consolidation
of the Burial Laws, the amendment of the Marriage
Laws, and the substitution of an affirmation for the
existing Parliamentary oath, has bcon received by
Mr. J. F. Alexander, secretary of the Manchester
Committee of the Liberation Society: "10, Downing-
street, Whitehall, May 16.—Sir,—Mr. Gladstone. has
had the honour to receive the resolution transmitted
by'you, which has been passed by the committee of
the Manchester Librarian Society. He has not failed
to take note of the measures which the committee
desire to see promoted. He fears, however, that as
regards tho present session the hands both of Parlia-
ment and the Government are completely occupied.
I am to add that, in Mr. Gladstone's view, the block
of business is not likely to terminate until the House
of Commons shall adopt further measures for its own
liberty and relief, and until there shall be a change in
the present method of opposition.—l am, sir, your
obedient servant. E, W. HAMILTON."

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