The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1881-08-20 00:00:00

THE STRIKE IN TAE NAIL TRADE.

On Monday last, the nuilinakers held meetings
at Old 11111 and Halesowen, when it was stated
that steps were being taken to get the hole of the
employers to consent, to pay wages in accordance
with the prices set down in the 1879 list. It was
said that tne majority were willing to concede to
the required advance, but objected to attend a
meeting of the trade to sign an agreement. It ‘, as
unanimewly resolved to "play on" until the mas-
ters did call a meeting and sign an agreement.
On Thursday, an open air meeting of nailers on
strike was held at Halesowen.
The chair was occupied by Mr. John Price the
President of the Nail Forgers' Association, who
stated that he regretted the nailers in the Sedgley
Gornal, and Hasbury districts had decided to re-
sume work before the whole of the employers had
consented to pay wages in accordance with the
prices specified in the list of 1879. He had no
hesitation in stating that, if the employers were
not united in giving the advanced wages, within
one mouth another reduction would he enforced,
and then all their labour in endeavouring to im-
prove their positions would have been in vain—
(hear, hear). A meeting of the employers was to
be held at Bianiugham to-day to consider the ques-
tion ; but in consequence of the weakness of a large
nurnbr of the operatives, he was afraid they
would not be able ta come to a very satisfactory
conclusion. He, however, hoped they would unani-
mously agree to give the required advance, and to
eud the dispute—(applause)
A. resolution to "play on" was carried.

BRIERLEY HILL.
DBUNSENNESS.—At the Police Court, on Mon-
day, before Mr. F. Evers, Joseph Hickms n was
charged with being drunk and disorderly on the
7th inst. Police-constable Lafford said thst de-
fendant was drunk and staggering about, and had
his jacket off, at half-past eleven o'clock at night,
in Moor Lana. Defendant denied being drunk and
called for a witness to support his denial, but he
could not be found. The Bench fined him Is. and
costs.—William Leary, labourer was fined 2s. 6d.
and costs for being drunk at California, Kingswins
ford. Police-constable Farnell proved the case.—
David Brooks, marine store dealer, Moor Lane,
was eharged with being drunk and disorderly on
the 7th inst. Police-constable Lafford said that
defendant was drunk and threatened to double
him up and burst him. Defendant, who pleaded
that he was not "over drunk," was fined 2s. 6d.
and costs.—George Parson, miner, Wordsley, and
Leonard Smith, ironworker. Brettle Lane, were
each fined 2s. 6d, and costs, with the alternative of
7 days' imprisonment, for being drunk. Police-
constable Tytherley proved the case.
THROWING Srceiss.—A youth residing in Wood
Street, Hart's Hill, named Ephriam Smith was
summoned for throwing stones on the highway.
Police constable Eden said that on the 28th ult.,
he saw the defendant throwing stones in the
direction of the railway at Round Oak. Defendant
pleaded guilty to throwing one stone. The Bench
discharged defendant, upon him promising not to
offend again.
Com. STEALING.—Before Messrs. F. Evers, and
H. Hall, Benjamin Homer (16), Edwin Mallin (1').
and John Blakeway (11) were charged with
stealing coal the property of the Earl of Dudley
on the sth inst. Additional-constable Taylor said
that the defendants were taking coal from off the
coke hearth at No. 25, Wallows Colliery. Homer
was fined ss. or seven days; the other defendants
were each fined 28. 6d. in default of payment to
have 6 strokes with the birch rod.—J•shn Ilig,s
(11) was fined ss. or 12 strokes with the birch rod,
for stealing coal the property of the Earl of Dathey
on the 9th inst.—William Hendrick (10) was also
fined 28. 6d. with the alternative of 6 strokes with
the birch rod, for stealing coal from No. 30,
Wallows Colliery.
KEEPING A BAGATELLE BOARD WITHOUT A
LICIENSE.—EdWiII Hatton, landlord of the Golden
Cup, was summoned for keeping a public bagate,lle
board without having a license. Police-const ible
Eden said that on the 6th inst., he was in the back
yard on the deftndant's premises and heard bagat-lle
playing going on. He went into the malt room
and saw five young men playing at bagatelle. De-
fendant told him that he intended applying for a
license. The defendant was fined ss. and costs.
WILFUL DAMAGE AND ASSAULT.—EIiza Hughes
was charged with damaging growing wheat the
property of George Smith. She was further
cbarged with assaulting Ann Maria Gregg' on the
3rd inst. Mary Hughes, mother of the above de-
fendant, was summoned for using threats towards
Ann Maria Gregg.—lt was stated by Ann Maria
Gregg that she was tenant under Mr. Smith and
was watching the field and on the day in question
she saw Eliza Hughes, pulling th.i wheat up. She
went and caught hold of 11,r to las d her till a man,
who also was watching, came up. Defendant
began to pull her about ad strike her. A stone
was given to her which she also struck complainant
with on her shoulder. Mary Hughes, the mother
of the above defendant, came up and began to use
threatening language towaras her. Witnesses
were called who denied that any threats were used
by the defendant. The Bench fined Eliza Hughes
2s, 6d. and costs but discharged the mother.
TRANSFERS.---'l:he following transfers were al-
lowed: The Lion Inn, Kinver, frsin the
executors of Valentine B. Russell to Emma Russell
the widow ; White Hart, Kinver. from Samuel
Stevens to Thomas Skidmore ; The Albion, Brierley
Hill, from Thomas Hyde to Edward Bennett.