The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1872-01-27 00:00:00

CRADLEY.

Lzeverte.—On Monday evening last, a lecture was de-
livered in the Wesleyan School Room, by Mr. Adam
Brazier, on " Mahomet." The lecture was instructive
and interesting, and at its close Mr. Yeomans in compli-
mentary terms, proposed • vote of thanks to the lecturer,
which was seconded by Mr. Geo. Taylor, and unani-
mously carried.
MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.-013 Stiterdlly even-
ing last the members, sze., discussed the question,
"Which is the more advantageous to the working classes
—an increase af wages, or a diminution of the hours of
lsbour ? The discussion was opened by Mr. T. Cramp.
ton, who advanced some pointed arguments in favour of
an increase of wages. He was followed by Mr. C. Bache,
who argued in favour of • reduction of the hours of
labour. At the close • decided majority were of opinion
that a reduction in the hours of labour would be far more
beneficial to the working classes, than an increase of
wages. Also, the opinion was strongly expressed that in
order that the working classes may reap the full advan•
tacos of higher wages or shorter hours the Permissive
Bill should be passed that their etronges temptation and
direst foe mav be removed from their midst.
OPRNING or New BRITIsII Sy/ON/LB.—The New Bri-
tish Schools atithis place being now completed, they
were formally opened on Monday last by a public tea
meeting, which was very numerously atteuded. The
room had been very tastefully decorated with evergreens,
die., by Miss Clew., assisted by other ladies, arid it pre-
sented is very pleasing appearance. After tea a public
meeting was held, which was crowded to excess. It
commenced by singing and prayer, and then J. W. Aston,
Esq., was introduced by the Rev. M. Morgan, as chair.
nian of the meeting. He rose in the midst of applause,
and in the course of a few humourous remarks said that
he was pleased to know that that day had been such a
success. He also said that he should not enter upon the
great subject of education, but would leave that for 80111 e
of the other speakers to do. After some other remarks,
he called upon T. Homer, Esq., to address the meeting.
He began by saying that he was in an awkward position
that night, for he had not the slightest idea that he
should be the first speaker, being nearly the last-named
on the bills. It was a common idea he said among the
people that lawyers were very fluent speakers, but there
were many exceptions to that, and especially in his own
case. He would follow in the steps of the chairman, and
not enter into the subject of education, but would take
one of the beautiful mottoes placed ou the walls, viz.,
" Unity is strength," for his subject. He then said that
if the Baptists at Cradley had not been united, those
buildings would not have been erected. Reference was
here made to the great work which they had done for
Cradley, and he said that the inhabitants ought to be
truly thankful. Ile concluded by hoping that the new
schools might he productive of much good. The Rev. M.
Gr. Aetbury (Independent) was the next speaker. In the
course of a most elaborate and lengthy speech, he re-
ferred to the great necessity and advantages of education,
urging the parents present to see that their children re-
ceived a good education. The Rev. T. Parker also ad-
dressed the meeting upon this subject of education.—
Votes of thanks were than accorded to the chairman, the
builder (T. Lewis), to Miss Clews, for decorating the
room so beautifully, and to the choir, who duriug the
evening rendered great service by singing various an•
thems.—The Doxology and Benediction, by the Rev. M.
Morgan, brought the meeting to • close.
A Wrig BIATER.—At the Petty Sessions, yesterday,
before Major Fletcher and Messrs. R. L. Freer and-J. B.
Cochrane, Thomas Richards wits charged with us:milting
Mary Richards, his wife, on the 13th inst. The case was
adjourned for Superintendent Freeman to examine the
premises, to ascertain if it was possible for a person to
see out of the Rock Yard, where the assault took place.
After hearing the evidence, defendant was fined 10. and
costs; in default 14 days.
CHARGE OF PERMITTING DRONKENNESS.—Oeorge Bib
linghaw, beerhouse-keeper, Cradley, was summoned by
Superintendent Freeman for permitting drunkenness in
his house on the 14th inst. Police-constables Roe and
Cooling proved there were ten men and women in the
house, most of whom were drank. Fined 108 and costs,
and cautioned. . .

ACCIDENT AT THE STATION. Yesterday morning
about Ave o'clock an accident, which might have bean
attended with serious results, occurred at the Railway
Station. It appears that the Worcester goods' train from
Birmingham to Worcester, at Cradley, shortly before five,
and whilst engaged in shunting pushed some trucks
across the road, with the intention of putting them into
a siding. The points, however, sot being turned, a pitch
in took place, and two trucks belonging to Mr. U. J.
Eveson, of this town, were damaged. The one end of
each truck was knocked in, and the sides split, and the
buffers injured. The driver of the train was severely
shaken.