The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1873-02-15 00:00:00

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE

ASSOCIATED INSTITUTE.

On Monday evening, the annual meeting of
the above Institute was held in the Lecture-room
of the Institution. J. C.A. Scott, Esq., J.P.,was
voted chairman. Previous to the general meet-
ing, the Mechanics held their meeting for the
election of officers for the ensuing year. The
members of the committee were as follows :
Messrs. J. Pagatt, J. Barritt, J. Butler, E.
Blurton, W. Stanley, J. F. Muckley, W. Squires,
E. James, H. Yates, W. Thompson, and F. H.
Joscelyne. Mr. C. Evers was re-elected secretary,
and. Mr. J. Taylor treasurer.
The Chairman then called upon the Secretary
to read the report for the last year.
Mr. C. Evers then read the report of the
Mechanics' Institute for the past year, which
stated that there were 42 annual and 60 quarterly
members, making a total of 102; being an in.
grease of 3.

k mailer. —The receipts for the year, including
the balanee brought forward of £24 18 4d, were
£75 Os lid; and the expenditure £57 14 ; leaving
a balance of £l7 (is 11d.— Perry Bank.—The
popularity of this branch of the institution is in-
creasing in number of depositors, the deposits
showing a considerable increase as the follow-
ing figures will show :—Deposits for the year,
£356 19s Zel, and the withdrawals to £352 8s 8d ;
leaving a balance to the credit of the trustees, in
the Post Office Saving's Bank of £135 3s 23.-
11'o/ding Boom. —Tho report showed but little
alteration during the past year. The Times,
Standard, Daily News, Pall Mall Gazette, Bir-
mingham Post, Daily Gazette, anti Morning
News,had been taken in daily ; also the Illustra-
ted London News, The Graphic, Punch, Fun,
Judy, Saturday Review, Worcester Herald, and
Engineer, weekly; and the following periodicals:
Art Journal, Westminster Review, Blackwood,
Cornhill, Macmillian, and the Gentlemen's
Magaziues, All the Year Round, Chambers
Journal, and the Herald of Peace.—The Library.
—During the year the committee had expended
£lO in procuring new books. Fifty-one volumes
had been added to the library at a cost of £5 13s
lid, leaving a sum of £4 6s Id still to be ex-
pended. The Commissioners of Patents had
made a grant of 65 volumes of specifications of
patents to the library. " parnard's Setting Sun,"
had been presented to the library by Mr. G. B.
Marten, and " Macaulay's Essays" by Mr. James
Anderson. The issue of books had been 1,674,
being an increase of 134.—C/eses.—The follow-
ing classes had been in operation during the
year :—French, by Mona. de Vit : Latin, Rev.
H. Sherrard ; English Literature, Mr. J. B.
Shepherd; Political Economy,Rev. D. Magiunis ;
Chemistry, Mr. T. Bland; Mathematic, Mr. J.
Anderson. The average attendance had been
very satisfactory. At the Society of Arts examina-
tion held at the Institute in April last. Four
certificates in arithmetic had been obtained by
Edward Vaughan, J. N. Woodward, Charles
Hammond, and J. M. ething.
The Chairman congratulated the meeting on
the generally satisfactory character of the report.
The matter in which he took the deepest interest
was the classes carried on under the auspices of
the institute. He confessed, in regard to those,
that it was not the subject taught that mattered
so much, but that the real advantage of this
must be leoked for in the direct contact of mind
with mind ; I list was to say, in the direct contact
of mods le a more advanced condition with
those les, advanced, and in the mental discipline
involved —Omar, hear). There could ho no doubt
,that that institution had been doing excellent
service for many years, yet, when they compare
the state of the neighbourhood now with what
it was twenty or thirty years ago, he thought
they could not but conclude that that institution, ,
notwithstanding its great nierite, did not answer
the real requirements of the town and neighbour-
hood in the promotion of literature, art, aud
science, or with regard to a library or reading.
room. Let them look at the Birmingham and
Midland Institute, which had already exercisel
a great influence, and was destined to exercise a
still greater and increasing influence on all
towns within a radius of fifty wiles. Ile believed
that there were many plants which threw off '
thousands of seeds which were wafted by the
winds to distant places, and there took root and
flourished, and he could not help wishing that
this great Midland Institute were in the habit,
as it were, of throwing out seed spores to drift
over the whole of the Midlands, and that one
such seed were planted in their own town of ,
stourbridge in the form of a new and better in-
stitution. He thought the time was not far
distant when there would be a simultaneous
movement among the inhabitants of that neigh-
bourhood in favour of something of that kind ;
and he could not help thinking that all of them
should look forward to a larger institution, or a
building better adapted to the purpose. They
did not want four or five small reading rooms,
nor four or five small libraries ; but what they
wanted was one large reading-room and one
large library, and he hoped they would all be
prepared to give up something in order to de-
velop the institution, and make it really adequate
to the requirements for the neighbourhood
(applause).
Mr. Richards read the reports of the Working
Men's Institute, which appeared in our last
week's issue.

Metions having been put and carried adopting
the ri ports, and ordering them to be printed.
Mr. Blurtou read the report .f the Building
Committee. This showed an income of £4B Is
lid., and an expenditure of £4l I4s 2d, leaving
a balance in hand of .t 2 7s 9d.

On the motion of Mr. Joscelynd, the report of
the committee was adopted.
The Rev. 1). Maginnia, Messrs. J. Taylor, E.
Hughes, J. Barratt, F. Murton, J. T. Short,
Hickini, W. Newman, Litchfield, and Richards
were elected members of the Building Coal.
mitt& .

On the motion of the Rev. D Maginnis,Messrs.
J. T. Short, and E. Blorton were re•elected
secretaries for the year, and votes of thanks WI. re
passed to them for their services.
. . . . . .

A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the
proceedings.

THE CHRISTY'S MINSTRELS. A company
travelling under the above title, gave an enter-
tainment in the Corn Exchange, on Wednesday
evening last. There was but a poor attendance,
which was accounted for by the fact that there
were counter attractions elsewhere. The enter-
taiument was of the usual character consisting
a Solos, part songs, witticisms and breakdowns ;
but some of the performers displayed much more
than average ability. This was especially con-
spicuous in -the second part of the entertainment,
when one of the "minstrels,' who had a beauti-
ful tenor voice, sang, " I dream of thee, Sweet
Madeleine," in first-class style; and two others
gave excellent solos on the violin and harp re-
spectively. The whole performance was, in fact,
an excellent one and should they visit this town
again we hope they will meet with that patronage
which they deserve.
THEATRE ROYAL.—Crowded houses and de-
lighted audiences have been the rnle at the above
place of entertainment during the past week.
The really marvellous performances of Sextillian
have nightly been received with thunders of ap-
plause. In addition to the above wonderful
gymnast's feats, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Waite, and
the sisters Nettie and Emma have performed
comic duets andiburiesque entertainments with
great ability and skill; and those clever negro
comedians, Messrs Lambert and Martin, have
caused roars of laughter by their grotesque
eccentricities. Miss Ida Temple (serio-comic
vocalist), Mr. Fred Bamford comic vocalist), and
Mr. Tom Lovett (Irish comedian), also contribu-
ted their respective shares towards the evening's
amusement. To-night (Saturday), is the last
night advertised for this entertainment, and we
would advise all who have not seen this talented
company to seize the opportunity and go at
once.

MARIONETTES IN THE CORN EXCHANGE. It
Will be seen, from an advertisement in another
column. that Mr. Caseidy's Imperial French
Comic Marionette Performances will be given in
Ithe Corn Exchange for six nights, commencing
on Thursday evening next. From the "Opinions
of the Press," it appears that this entertainment
is of a highly intevating character, and we
doubt not, will well repay a visit.
FAT STOCK SALE.—Mr. 11. King held Ha
monthly stock sale on Monday. The was an
excellent supply of beef and mutton, and prices
ruled high. The sale included upwards of 350
sheep, 45 head of cattle, and 150 pigs. 'The
highest price realised for sheep was 87s 6d per
head • for fat cows, £2B 28 6d ; for fat oxen, £25
12s 6d • for cows and calves, £24 13s. The
Auditing WPA large, and the competition brisk.

DRUNK AND INCAPABLE.—At the Public Office,
on Monday, before Mr. C. W. Firmstone, Phillip
Healey was charged with being drunk and in-
capable on the Bth inst. P.O Hyde proved the
case,aud defendant was Sued ss. and costs, 14s.
DRUNK AND RIOTOUB.—John Stanton was
charged with being drunk and riotous on the
Bth inst. Police-sergeant Jones said he was on
duty on the above date. He heard a noise in the
I direction of the "seven houses." Went there and
I found defendant throwing stones at an old woman's
window and that he had broken two panes. Fined
5s and costs, 12s &I—Thomas Burke, an old
offender, was also charged with being drank on
I the night on the Bth lust. P.S Jones said that
as he was taking the above defendant into
custody, Burke incited the mob to rescue him,
and was the ringleader. Superintendent Free-
man said that the defendant was a well-known
bad character, he had been five times before the
• Court. On one occasion he had 14 days; on
I another, three months for pigeon-stealing; he
was also tined 40s for assaulting a person named
Billingbain; and another 20s for assaulting P.O
Limpet. Mr. Firmstone remarked that it was
quite clear defendant was a bad character, and
should sentence him to one month's hard labour
without the option of a fine. .

-
SPECIAL COMMISSONEHS' MEETING.—On Satur-
day afternoon, a special meeting of the Improve.
ment Committee was held in the Board-room,
Mr. Hughes in the chair. There was also pre-
sent : —Messrs. Stringer, J. Hughes, Edwards,
Stanley, lielly, Perkins, Emery, Blunsona,
Allsop, and Packwood. The Clerk read the
notice calling the meeting. The Chairman said
he thought it was thoroughly understood by
those present the object of the meeting. They
did not want to oppose the Great Western Rail-
way Company in passing the bill in question,
but only to take power which would enable
them, if requested, to appear before the Parlia-
mentary Committee. Mr. J. B. Shepherd said
he had communicated with the engineer of the
Great Western Railway Company in regard to
the point which the Commissioners wished to be
attended, and in reply the engineer stated that
he would advise the directors to erect a foot-
' bridge near St. John's schools, and also to lower
the road in Birmingham-street, as suggested, if
I it could be done without detriment to the ad-
jacent property. As to reducing the time for
I the construction of the line, he 'believed Lord
Redesdale would look after the interests of the
I Public in that particular, and lie would advise the
I Commissioners to wait and see what was pro-
posed, but take the necessasy powers to urge
their views if it should afterwards appear desir-
able to do so.—After some discussion, it was
resolved, on the motion of the Chairman,
seconded by Mr. Stringer, that it was expedient
to oppose the bill in question, and to provide for
the costs and expenses in regard to such opposi-
tion, by applying the improvement and highway
rates in a pro rata proportion for such purposes;
and that the Improvement Committee be
authorised to take such proceedings as they
might think necessary to give effect to the re-
solution ; but that it be an instruction to the
committee to abandon all opposition to the bill
if the Great Western Company would, to their
satisfaction, undertake to comply with the views
of the Commissioners, as embodied in the Im-
provement Commissioners report, adopted at
the last monthly meeting, either wholly or parti-
ally, as the committee might think desirable.
STEALINe UNDERWOoD.—At the Petty Sessions,
held yesterday, before Col. Barrows, Witham
Pacer and John Williams, of Dudley, were charged
with cutting and stealing a quantity of underwood
on the morning of the 14th tilt, the property of
Mr. Foley, of Prestwood. Henry Toy, watcher,
proved that he found the two defendants about
half-past four o'clock. They had 170 sticks, which
were worth 4s. The defence was that they done
it from want. Defendants were fined 2s tkl each,
and ordered to pay the value, and costs ; in default
it days.
ASSAULT Case—James Cogzell was charged
with assaulting Eli Timmins, in the Market Hall,
on the let bast, From the complainant's statement,
it appears that defendant called complainant to
him, and when he went towards him defendant
struck him twice and threw an orange box at him,
which caught him on the side of the head, John
Squires and Elizabeth Timmins, corroborated
complainant. Defendant denied striking com-
plainant at all, and called Edwin Downes, who said
he was in the Market Place, and heard the whole
of the bother between the parties; but did not see
a blow struck by either. The Bench were of
opinion that the best way to put a stop to such
grievances was to bind both over to keep the peace.
in one surety of .€,5 each.
CHIMNEY ON Fiaz.—Before Messrs. R. L. Freer,
J. C. A. Scott, W. C. Firmstone, and Col. Barrows,
Joshua Brydgea, of the Talbot Hotel, was ordered
to pay the costs, 6s f3d, for allowing his chimney to
be on fire. P.O Bladon proved the offence.

STEALING COAL.—Elizra Clewes and Maria Cart-
wright, two little girls, were ordered to pay the
costs for stealing coal belonging to Messrs. Perrens
and Harrison. Mr. T. Perrens appeared for com-
plainant's. The money was paid.
CHAIWE OF EMBEZZLEMENT.—John Randall WES
charged with embezzling the sum of .6110 13s 6d,
belonging to John Barnbrook. The case was re-
manded for a week.

CHARLIE AGAINST • LICZNSZD VICTULLIB.—
Thomas Eveson, landlord of the Crispin Inn,
Church-street. was charged with allowing intoxica-
ting liquors to be consumed on the premises on the
6th Met : and further charged with allowing gam-
ing in his house, on the same date. Mr. Collis de-
fended. P.O Jones said about 10 minutes past-
one am, on the morning, of the 6th inst, he was
passing defendant's house, in company with P.O
Woudhall. They stood outside a minute or two,
and heard someone talking inside. The front door
was locked. He then went round to the back of
the house, and he heard voices in the back kitchen.
The first remark he heard was, " We will go for
2e and half a gallon of ale." He listened there for
several minutes, and heard the noise of cards on
the table, ano a voice said, "Here is Jack ; that is
game." Another remark was, "Its my time, and
I start with the ace of spades." He then went
and got a ladder, and by that means got into de-
fendant's yard. When he got there the men
seemed to be on the move, and one saidthat makes
five games, and there is half a gallon to come in.
He went to the side door and rapped it, and defen-
dant asked. who was there. Witness said "Police,
it is Sergeant Jones; open the door." There vas a
great confusion in the kitchen. He saw one or
two men go into the front place. Defendant kept
him outside three or four minutes. Witness heard
the jingle of glasses and something was thrown on
the fire. He heard some one upstairs, and defen-
dant -.efused to open two doors for him. P.O Wood-
hall corroborated the sergeant. Mr. Collis, in
defence, submitted that there was no case against
defendant. The men, who were in the house, were
there as lodgers. Defendant, Benjamin Taylor,
Eli Halton, and Caleb Webb, corroborated. Mr.
Collie's stat...ment. The Bench retired for a short
time, and on returning fined defendant 20s and
costs for allowing gaming, and as there was a doubt
as to the men being lodgers they should give de-
fendant the benefit of it and dismiss the case.

THVATRICAL LICENSE.-W. Wall, made—Wplica-
tion for a license to perform stage plays on behalf
of Messrs: Bennett and Patch,of the Theatre Royal,
for 3 months' commencing, March 2nd. The applica-
tion was granted.
STEALING Com..—Sarah Ann Hainaut and Lousia
Trothan, was charged with feloniously stealing
400Ibs weight of coal, on the sth Mt, the property
of Messrs. Joseph King and Co. P.O Roe said that
he was on duty on the above date, and saw the two
defendants, with four bags, containing coal. They
also had two large aprons filled with coal. llamas
ran away. The weight of the coal was 400Ibs and
a quarter. John Bird, clerk to complainant's, said
they were often robbed, and were obliged to take
the present proceeding to put a stop to it. They
did not wish to press the case, if the defendants
would pay the costs. Defendant was ordered to
pay costs, 6s 6d, and cautioned.
HIGHWAY 0/FENCE. - Abraham Hardy, was
charged by Superintendent Freeman with firing off
a gun on the highway at Cleat, on the sth inst.
Defendant pleaded guilty, and was ordered to pay
costs.

HAWKING W/THOUT A LICZNSIL—EIiza Chance
WWI charged with hawking pipes on the 13th inst,
not being duly licensed. p..c Smith proved the
case. Defendant said she sold the pipes for Mr.
Bellamy, of the Lye. On defendant promising to
take out a license, she was discharged with a
caution.

REFUSING TO QUIT. Judith Carrigan was
charged with being drank and refusing to quit the
Holly Bush Inn. Coventry-street, on the 10th inst.
The evidence went to show that defendant was
drunk and refused to quit, and used bad language.
The defence was that complainant had two pawn-
tickets belonging to her, and refused to give them
up. Mr. King, the clerk, said that no person had
a right to buy pawntickets, and if they (lid SO they
rendered themselves liable to a penalty of 40s.
Defendant was fined Is and costs; in default?
days.
LARCENY.—John Garbett, labourer, was charged
with stealing an iron brick cleaner in August last.
the property of Joseph Chapman, builder, of Old-
sw; iford. William Haines, labourer, proved that
he :,ought the cleaner in question of the prisoner.
on the 15th August. And gave 4d for it. Prose-
cutor proved that the article in question was his

property, and his name was upon it, and it was
worth 1,6 d. Defendant said that he found it.
Ordered to he locked up for 24 hours.

TLLI LA.

Siwomia ACCIDENT.-011 Wednesday evening List,
blind man named William Gaudin. residing at Hay
Green, was taking a load of coal to Mr. U. Cook's, the
Windmill Inn, in company with a boy. After unloading
the coal, Gaudan told the boy to go on, and as the cart
was leaving the yard a clothes line, which was across the
yard, caught him nod, the chin, pulled him out of the
cart, and fractured MA arm. The unfortunate men is
doiAg well.

SATUB PA , ;