The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-03-28 00:00:00

Nocat anb 4,istrict ljetus.

STOURBRIDGE LIBERAL ASSOCIATION.

The first General Meeting of the above Aso-
elation, which has been recently rmformeil and
re-organised, we held in the Union Rail, nu
Monday evening last. The attendance was
rather meagre, there m,t being more th ,n 40
persons preient daring the evening. The chair
was t.iken by the Rev. D. Magiunis, and tdero
were also present :—The Rev's. J. Richards and
Li yd Harris. and Messrs. J. B. Shepherd,
Mills, J. Collis, G. Perry, C. Evers, H. Hughes,
H. Billingbani, and J. Woolley.
Previous to the business of the meeting being
formally opened, several of those present gave
in their names to Mr. T. Southall, who was act-
ing as secretary pro tem., to become members of
the association.

Mr. Maginnis, on taking the chair, said they
were not met for the purpose of making
spoeches, but for transacting business. He had
to communicate to them a telegram, which he
had received from Mr. C. Cochrane, who ex-
pressed his regret that be was unable to be pre-
sent; and a letter which he had received from
Mr. Scott, informing them of LW inability to
attend throng!) a domestic bereavement. They
were not a large meeting there that night, but
some of the most important movements, in poli-
tical and other things, had had their beginnings
in a small way, and though they were not very
numerous, he had no doubt they represented a
large number or persons out of doors who sym-
pathised with them and would help them at the
proper moment. Some time ago it was thought
desirable that an association should be formed,
and a committee drew up a draft of rules, which
were adopted for the time being, but they were
about to appoint :another committee who would
frame such rules for the government of the as-
sociation which they deemed fit. He then
called upon Mr. Southall to read the report
which had been adopted
Mr. Southall then read the report which was
to the effect that an association be formed called
the " Stourbridge Liberal Association ;" that the
first general meeting of the association be held
on the 23rd of March, for the purpose of draw-
ing up rules and electing the officers of the as.
sociation. The object of the association was to
promote the return of " Liberal Members," for
East Worcestershire; and a subscription of Is
per year, or upwards, would have to be paid by
members.

Mr. Maginnis then read a draft of the changes
which had been made, and said it was desirable
that some persons should be elected at that
meeting to represent that association at the East
Worcestershire Association He bad broached
the subject, and no doubt some gentlemsn would
be prepared to make a move in the matter.
Mr. Hughes said he had had the honour of
presiding over the preliminary meeting. The
riles just read required no remark, as they were
v-ry simple in themselves. He moved that the
Venort, as read, be adopted.
This was seconded by Mr. J. Pagett, and car
-
tied unanimously.
The meeting then proceeded to the election
of officers, when the following gentlemen were
appointed :
President : Mr. Shepherd.—Vice-Presidents:
Messrs. H. Hug Les, C. Cochraae, J. C. A. Scott,
H. Billingham, and the Rev. D. Maginnis.—
Treasurer : Mr. G. Perry.—Secretary : Mr. H.
Mills.—Committee : Messrs. J Woolley, J.
Lowe, W. Packwood, C..2lvers, W Le, is, jun.,
J. .T. Cartwr;ght, J. Pei!. it, M Pa:frey,
1). ;• l. Sout'tall, Fawkes, G. Perkins,
Wkiiktl. 11'4 e.. Cooks.