The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1873-02-08 00:00:00

Trif STOURSIIMGE OBSERVED._

Prices remained firm, with an upward tendency,
makers being reluctant to book orders at the pre-
sent prices. All classes of finished iron are .21
per ton dearer all round. It was understood that
some large orders had been received on Russian '
account for sheets, but there was a disinclination
on the part of manufacturers to accept them at
the ruling prices. Some large orders have also
been received for bars. All classes of iron re-
quired in the local hardware trade were in good
request. The quotations for pig iron run from £7
5s to £7 Ws per ton for the best classes, other
qualities being in proportion. The coal trade is
most satisfactory, but the supply is scarcely equal
to the demand.

The attendance on 'Change on Thursday was
large, but only a very moderate amount of busi-
ness was done, and the time was chiefly occupied
in discussing the present unsettled state and future
prospect of the trade. Large orders are in the
hands of merchants, who are anxious to book them
at current rates,but manufacturers show no inclina-
tion to add to their already well-filled books unless
at a considerable advance on present prices. In
the iron trade the wages difficulty has caused
makers to be exceedingly cautious, and as in the
course of a few days it is expected colliers in the
South Staffordshire district will demand an increase
in their pay, there can be no doubt that the pre-
sent hesitancy on the part of iron manufacturers
is justifiable. On Saturday last, a well-known
South Staffordshire firm sent out circulars an-
' flouncing their prices as follows :—Bars, £l3;
hoops, £l4 lOs ; plates, £l5 10s and since then
they have issued other circulars which announce
an advance of 108. per ton on each of the sorts
named, with a proportionate advance on other
descriptions. The pig iron trade continues firm,
but it is impossible to state the exact market price,
as makers do not show any desire to accept orders,
although best brands of native all-mine are
generally quoted at £7.

DRUNK AND DISORDERLT.—At the Publio
Office, on Monday,' before Mr. W. C. Firmstone,
Reuben Taylor, of this town, and Charles
Fisher, of the Lye, were charged with being
drunk and disorderly, on the let inst. P.C.
Richard Payne said that he found Reuben
date.
Hderuhnadk
his
Celhentrhceisi-
estz et,
blood, and his shirt was torn. He found Fisher
s o cno vtehree dabove
very drunk in High-street, at nine o'clock on the
sane evening. He told him to go home, when
defendant replied that he had been to Worcester
Gaol before, and would go again. Witness then
locked him up. Both defendants were fined ss.
each and costa; and Mr. Firuistone told them
that if they came there again he would double
the fine; and if they came a third time he
would send them to prison without the option
of a fine.
WORKING MEN'S INSTITUTION.— The annual
meeting of the above institution was held in the
hltaereadiningth-reooemairo,naeMdontdhaeyren i,,,g,ah,
sta3r gle.ei Nw
dVal.
te
ieid
ance of members present. The minutes of tb•
last meeting were read and confirmed. Tile
Secretary read the report, which showed that
the reading-room had.been well attended, and
the following papers, &c., placed upon the tables:
Daily News, Telegraph, and Birmingham Post;
weekly's :—lllustrated London News, Penny
Illustrated Paper, Beehive, Reynolds, Midland
Counties Herald, Brierley Hill Advertiser,
County Express, Stoarbridge Observer, and the
Alliance News. Periodicals : All the Year
Round, Good Words, Good Words for the Young,
Leisure Honrs,Chambers'Journal, The English
Mechanic, Cassell's Magazine, London Journal,
Family Herald, Punch, Fun, British Workman,
Floral World, and the Herald of Peace. The
Finance report showed that the increase for the
past year, including a balance brought forward
of .£2 Os 6id, amounted to £2l tOe sid ; and the
expenditure to £22 14s, leaving a balance due to
the treasurer of 17s 60. It was resolved to
make an appeal to the public for donation to
support the institution. Resolved that the best
thanks of the meeting be given to Mrs. Akroyd,
for her kindness in presenting the institute with
a donation of .fl, and for the January number
of the Workman's Magazine. From the libra-
tans' report the following was the number of
books lamed during the past year :—Histery,
SO; Memoirs, Biography, and Travels, 143;
Poetry and the Drama, 81; Science and Philo
sophy, 40; Novels and Romance, 1,105; Mis-
cellaneous 135 ; Magazines,Essays,and Reviews,
145 ; total, 1,738. Election of Otlicers.—The
following gentlemen were elected as officers for
the ensuing year :—President, Mr. W. Newnatn;
Vice-President, Mr. T. S. Brown ; Treasurer,
Mr. J. T. Short; Secretaries, Messrs. H.
Richards, and G. Cook; Librarians, Messrs. R.
Jukes, J. Holmes, and J. Dunn; Committee,
Messrs. J. Hicklin, J. H. Harris, G. Lichfield,
W. Dunn, R. Wassail, W. Smith, J. Brewton,
B. Atkinson, D. Scott, J. Onions, J. Homes, L.
\V. Sneyd, and J. Dunn; Auditors, R. Wassail,
and W. Newnam. A vote of thanks to the re-
tiring officers, and chairman closed the proceed-
ings.
GRAND CONCEIZT.—A grand vocal and instru-
mental concert was given in the Corn Exchange,
on Monday evening last, in aid of the Amblecote
Church Schools. There was a highly respect-
able audience, the front and second seats being
well filled ;but the haat had scarcely anything to
show more than a complement of empty benches.
The programme for the evening was opened by
a pianoforte duet, "The Fairy Queen," per-
formed by Miss Fisher and Mr. S. Simms, and
the ability of both the lady and gentlemen being
well known, it is needless to say that it was exe-
cuted with great brilliancy and precision. Miss
Wharton then sang in a pleasing manner C. A.
Horn'. "Cherry Ripe," and was followed by
Mrs. Fennell, who gave a magnificent piano-
forte solo, " Selections from " Faust." This
lady, who, as is well known, is one of the cleverest
performers on the pianoforte in the district,
played in her usual brilliant and effective inanne•s
and the instrument being an exceptionally good
one the performance was a decided treat to all
who had the pleasure to listen to it. Mr. Shures
then came forward and said that he was sorry
to say that Mr. C. Fit nistoue,who was announced
to sing S' the Yeoman's Wedding," was uuavoid•
ably absent through illness; but he was happy
to inform them that Miss Davis had kindly
volunteered to sing in his stead. The latter
lady then came forward and sang very credit-
ably " Who'll buy my Roses ?' After which
Miss Fisher gave a delicious rendering of that
sweet and plaintive Italian air " Non ever," by
Tito .3.latiei. Miss Bourne and Miss Richards
next gave Menitehmeha's duet," I would that my
love,' in a very pleasing manner. Mr. C. Webb's
singing of the " Sailor's Grave," was so much
appreciated by the audience that he was cow-
pelied to respond to the encore which was uni-
versally demanded. A flute solo," Cavatina," by
Mr. H. King, was given with that gentleman's
' accustomed brilliancy skill; and the " Market
Chorus," from .3.lasiiniello, which was given by
the entire strength of the company brought the
first part if the entertainment to a close. In
the second part of the entertainment that beauti-
' fal duet from Verdi,, 11 Trovature, " Home to
our mountains," was, we are compelled to say
very indifferently rendered by Miss Davis and
Mr. Green. In justice to the lady, we must say
that this was owing to no fault of hers, for she
performed her share of it very creditably indeed ;
but the voice of the gentleman was not only
weak, but he was out of time and tune, cud con-
sequently warred ilat was anticipated by most
of those present would prove a rich treat. In
strung contrast to this was Miss Fisher's magni-
ficent rendering of that gem," The Jewel Song"
from " Faust.' This lady possesses a rich con-
tralto voice and the exultant and jubilant manner
in which she sang the above beautiful piece not
only testified amply to her vocal ability but also
showed that she has dramatic power of a very
high order. She was rapturously encored at the
conclusion of her performance. Mr. Fisher,
brother of the last lady, bang Shiel's celebrated
song " The Wolf." This, which is, perhaps, the
very best bass song ever written, was very ably
sung by Mr. Fisher, and the ease and precision
with which it was given showed that his ex-
cellent voice had been thoroughly cultivated.
In response to the call for a repetition of the
performance, he gave" the Yeoman's Wedding"
with great ability. Our space wiil not permit
us to take in detail each performance in tLe pro-
gramme. We can only say that the concert, as
weole, was a very successful one. We must
not forget to mention that some annoyance was
caused at the commencement of the concert by
the playing of the Rifle Corps Band in close
proximity to the Exchange, the effect of which
was for a time to completely drown the playing
of Miss Fisher and Mr. SWIMS. We feel com-
pelled to call the attention of the bandmaster
so this as we are confident he must be uncon-
scious of the nuisance caused by such an act;
and trust that he will not allow it to occur
again.
TRIPLLTS.-011 Monday last, Mrs. Sankey, resid-
ing in webb's Yard, gave birth to three children.
The mother is doing as well us can be expected, but
all the children are dead.
Tim Lars CHACO-LC or SLLLINO BAKAD.—In the
cases of Mrs. Southall and Jane Dent, who were
charged with selling bread without weighing, aud
which were adjourned for decision from last week.
The Bench considered the cases not proved and dis-
missed them.

At a meeting of the Committee of the Stourbridge
Mechanics' lu6titutien, held on Friday evening,
February 7th, at the Library, Mr. William Ryder
was uaaniinouslyelected Librarian and Collector of
the institution.

Jkm MACE IN THE COEN EXCHANOII.—A COM-
pany cMisistiug of athletes, vocalists, &c., gave a
very clever and amusing entertainment in the above
hall, on Thursday evening last. Although the two
first rows of the front seats were empty, all the other
parts of the house were well filled. Of course, the
great attraction was Jem Mace, who has now become
a representative man, he being the last of England's
pugilistio champions. He gave an excellent repre-
sentation of several Grecian statues, such as " Her-
miles slaying the Nemfen Lion,"" Ajax defying the
lightning," &c. Although he is not such a big man
as many of his predecessors, still his physique is per-
fection and thincoupled with his clever posturing
and facial expression made his statutes very able per-
sonatious el w hat he Wall delineating. In represent-
ing the "dying Gladiator," which was given in four
Positions, he was tremendously applauded. At the
close of the performance he cups and belts were ex-
hibited, and he set-to with a relative of his named
Pooley Mace, and displayed some of that cat-like
cleverness with his hands in which he has never yet
met his equal. We regret to say that our space will
not permit us to particularise the other performers,
but in justice to them we must state that their part
of the entertainment required no adventitious aid
from the presence of Mace to make it interesting, for
each and all of them were first-class in their various
departments, and the applause was loud and frequent
during the whole evening.

Dams END DISORDERLY. - At the Petty
Sessions, held yesterday, before Messrs. 11. 0.

Firrastone, J. B. Cochrane, and C. Cochrane,
Emmanuel Hart, of the Lye, was charged with.
being drunk and disorderly on the 4th. P.C-
Tomkins proved the case. Defendant did not ap
pear, and as he had been previously convicted was
fined is and costs; in default 14 days.
DIGORDERLY,—James Griffin, Bagley Road, was
charged by Superintendent Freeman with being
drunk and disorderly on the highway, on the 4th".
P.O Brigg proved the offence. Mr. Perry, for the
, defenee, said the defendant was very sorry and
through him expressed his deep contrition. Fined
5s and costs.
APPLICATION FOR EJECTHENT.—JCIIIiGIa Ray,
made an application to eject William Parks from
a house in tlic Heath Lane, Oldswinford. Mr.
Perry appeared for complainant. James Under-
wood proved making the ageeement with the de-
fendant who was to pay is 7d per week. Joseph
William Woodward proved serving the notice to
quit. And defendant was ordered to leave the
house in 21 days.
NEGLECT OF WORK—Thomas Taylor, moulder,
of the Lye, was summoned for neglecting the work
of Messrs. Thomas Eveson and Son, of Shepherd's
Brook, on the 2 tth December, he being under a
contract. Mr. Perry appeared for the prosecution.
William Pear, ,n, clerk produced the contract
signed by the defendant, which was for twelve
months, and that the defendant received .g 3 as
hiring money. On the above date the defendant
was set to do some moulding work he refused to
work at it and left. Defendant agreed to work at
moulding and hammer making. Defendant has-
not worked since the 24th December. P.S Rea
proved that the defendant was at work at Mr.
Wooldridge's, The Beefeaters. The defence was
that he did not agree to work at moulding, The
Bench considered the case proved, and ordered
him to pay .62 17s 6d and cost; in default to find
two sureties in ..C5 each and himself in .210, to ful-
fill the contract.
CHARGE OF NEGLECTING TO SUPPORT OF WIFIL
—James Meanley, of Daisy Bank, was summoned
by James Barrett. relieving-officer, to show cause
why he should not contribute to the support of his
wife. Mr. Barratt proved that the defendant's
wife became chargeable to the Union on the 28th
December, and had a broken leg. The cost
amounted to over 17s fid. Mr. Stokes, for the
defence, said that defendant's wife had not lived
with him for the last 17 years; that she had lived
with a man named Glaze four years, and that
when she did not live with him she got her living
at prostitution, and defendant was not liable to
pay. P.O Freeman proved that defendant's wife
in 1861 lived with Glaze, and was besting Mrs.
Meanley when the police interfered, and Glaze
beat the officer in a brutal way and received 12
months imprisonment for it. And that the woman
had her leg broken at the time through Glaze's
violence, and was sent to the Union. After hear-
ing the above evidence, the Bench discharged the
defendant.
CHARGE OF BlGAYT.—Squire Halt VW charged
with committing bigamy by entermarriage with a
girl named Elizabeth Carter, his present wife
being still alive. Mr. Addison appeared to prose-
cute, and Mr. Waldron defended. On the applica-
tion of Mr. Addison the case was adjourned to
Brierley Hill. As defendant's fi-ait wife was ill the
case was adjourned; defendant being bailed out—
himself in £2O, and two sureties of £lO esch.
_ _

Assannr CAsz.—James Cogzell, was charged by
Eli Timmins with assaulting him on the Ist inst.
Mr. Addison appeared for complainant. From the
evidence given, it appears that both parties are in
the same trade, and that in the Market Hall on
the ahove date they had some words, when the de-
fendant struck the complainant twice, and then
threw an orange box at him. Adjourned for a
week.
THROWING A BOY INTO THE RIVICH STOUR.—
George Glaze, engineer, was charged with assault-
ing Laban Hill, on the 4th by throwing him into
the River Stour. Defendant .admitted throwing
him into the Stour, and in defence said that the
complainant and others, were throwing snow-balls
and stones at him while he was repairing the
engine at Messrs. Evers and Sons, that he could not
go on with his work. He ran the complainant and
threw him into the Stour, but it was shallow
water, Witnesses were called to prove that the
complainant first threw a stone at the defendant,
Fined los and costs.