The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-10-31 00:00:00

TiiE STOITRiI:fIiDGE OBSERVFIi.

From what we can learn it appears that Bishop
is a labourer, and was left in the house with
some children, his son having left home about
five o'clock to go to work. Shortly after he had
left Bishop left the house and soon returned with
bis throat cut and bleeding. On entering the
house he remaiked that he had done it but not
effectually, and would sit down and smoke a pipe.
Suiting the action to the word, he lit his pipe
and began to smoke, blood issuing from his
throat. The police and Dr. Thompson were at
once sent for, and the surgeon immediately
sewed up the wound, Bishop remarking that the
1 sewing up of the wound was more painful than
I the cutting of his throat had been. Every
no-
eesssry assistance seas rendered, and the man is
doing as well as can be expected.

STOURBRIDGE BURIAL BOARD.

A meeting of the members of this Board was held
in the Commissioners' Room, in the Corn Exchange,
on Wednesday morning last. There were present:
Messrs. Shepherd (in the chair), Stringer, Platt,
King, Evers, Billingham and Turney.
The Clerk read the minutes of the last meeting,
which were confirmed by the vote of those present,
and signed by the Chairman.
The last meeting was adjourned to allow the
members to make further enquiries as to the ex-
penses of burial in cemeteries, the area of burial
ground, de, and
The Chairman said he should be very glad to
listen to any information that any of the members
might have to impart on the above subject. As
far as he himself was concerned he had made a few
enquiries. One of the points on which they wished
to obtain infortnation was the probable area that
should be provided, and according to the calcula-
tion which had already been arrived at they should
require a space of from nine to eleven acres. The
population was 12,273, and they proposed that pro-
vision should be made for 50 years. lie had made
some enquiries about Oldbury, and from that
place he had received the following information.
A Burial Board was formed in Oldbury in the year
1858. The area of their burial ground 9 acres 2
roods and 13 perches. The population in 1871 was
17,000. The purchase money for the land was
£3,132 13s 6d, and the money borrowed for that
and all other expenses amounted on the whole to
£6,500. There were two chapels, two houses, and
a wall all round. The cemetery there was divided
into two departments, with a road running right
through the middle of it. On one side was the
consecrated portion and on the other the uncon-
secrated portion, and there was a keeper for each
'portion. The ground sloped towards a brook, and
the brook took off all the surface water. They
borrowed their money in the usual way at five per
cent., but the provision under which they bor-
rowed was that the whole of the money should be
repaid in 20 years. Every year they paid 5 per
cent. upon the principal and 5 per cent. upon the
interest. With reference to the rate at which
funerals took place, he was informed that during
the year 1873 there were 469 funerals. Its under-
stood that there was a little space still remaining
in the old churchyard, but that practically they
had taken all the funerals of the district, and in a
few cases some who were not parishioners were
buried in the cemetery. The total number of
funerals that had taken place there up to August
1875, was 5893. They could conclude from that
that the ratio of funerals was increasing. He
should have liked to ascertain how many graves
were provided for in an acre, or an acre and a half,
it was very difficult to arrive at that, as they had
no map like they had at Worcester. Judging from
the arrangements at Worcester, he should say thcr,
were were something over 1.000 graves to an acre.
Mr. Evers : 1,500, that is counting two yards to
a grave.
Mr. Shepherd went on to say that the area of the
cemetery at Worcester was 19.) acres, and the total
number of graves which that would allow of was
about 23,000. At that rate of calculation there
would be in 9 acres of ground accommodation for
about 12,000 burials, and that would be nearly as
much as they had already calculated to provide
for.

- Mr. Stringer said he went to Kidderminster and
got some information from one of the sextons.
The latter told him that the ordinary graves in
Kidderminster were about five feet in depth; but
he should recommend them to be nine feet deep in
every instance. St. Mary's burial ground was
closed, but there were still a few funerals taking
place at St. George's. And here he (Mr. Stringer)
might isform them that 2i yards was the quantity
of space required for a brick grave.
The Chairman asked Mr. Stringer if he would
kindly reserve his information for a short time, as
the would come to that shortly. At present they
were on the subject of population, and he rather
wanted to see what they had got to do from the
experience of other people who had been at work
for some time. With reference to the population
and the area required, what they had learned from
other quarters would seem to point out that the
conclusion they had arrived at was rather over
than under the mark. At Oldbury their provision
of about 9} acres for a population of 17,000 was
found, as a matter of fact to be considerably more
than was necessary for the 20 years for which it
was intended to afford accommodation. They had
only used half of it in 16 years, which seemed to
show that it would go on affording accommodation
for more than double that time. As the Board had
intended to provide for 20 years only, and found
in fact they had provided for nearly 60 years, they
had thrown a much larger amount of rates on the
ratepayers for the 20 years than was needed. They
learnt from that that the Oldbury Burial Board,
with a larger population to deal with than ours,
had made a provision for nearly 50 years,and that
would justify them (the Steurbridge Burial Board)
he thought, acting upon their experience, in look.
about for an area about the KUM as theirs because
it would last for the time they required it. By
spreading the payment of the money over 50 years
it would make the rate in this town less than one
half what they had to pay in Oldbury. They
would next turn to the question of burying in the
same grave. He was told that the provision they
made at the Oldbury cemetery for burials in graves
the second time was that there no grave was dug
less than six feet in depth, and each grave was
charged at the rate of 10s, and if they were made
deeper than that every extra foot of depth was
charged for at the rate of 2s 6d. If a grave was
more than 6 feet, it could be re-opened for fresh
interments, so long as the last was not nearer the
surface than six feet; so that if it was taken 12
feet, they could bury in it until the last coffin was
within six feet of the surface.
-

One of the members here ;emarked that it was
necessary that there should be two feet of earth
between each coffin. Others said six inches was
sufficient.

The Chairman went on to say that at Oldbury
ordinary graves were six feet and brick graves
nine feet deep. Re was told they could go down
as low as 16 feet without finding water; but they
did not go lower than was sufficient for two corpses
and so he supposed that 11 feet was the depth to
which they usually went for brisk graves. For
children they did not have the grave quite so
deep, but no person over 12 ye us of age was buried
in a grave less than six feet deep. The arrange-
, moats for burials a second time in graves at Wor-
cester were comparatively lighter, but at Oldbury
there would be larger accommodation for them.
The arrangemexts there for a person who had lost
his wife and wished to be buried with her could
have a grave re-opened that was only 6 feet deep.
If it was a brick grave eight feet deep the charge
would be 15s.
A discussion ensued as to the area that would be
required for a cemetery in Stourbridge.
The Chairman said that according to the infor-
mation that was before them something less than
nine acres would be sufficient.
Mr. King said they must not lose sight of the
number of burials that would take place in Old-
swinford. People who owned vaults there would
be buried there.
The Chairman said it was possible that the
population in the future would be larger than what
they had now to provide for.
Some suggested that eight acres would be suffi-
cient, and
-

Bfr. Stringer remarked that before they fixed
upon the exact quantity of land they would have
it would have to be decided whether the Board
contemplated making it an ornamental burial
ground; because if it was to be a burial ground,
pure and simple, it would not require so much
land.
The Chairman said at Oldbury it MA not a bare
burial ground. They had a nice bit of garden,
and it was nicely kept; but there was not much
in the way of ornament. At the same time 7fr
acres would give them enough according to the
present population. They must bear in mind that
the area for a chapel for a small burial ground
would have to he taked into calculation. Some-
thing less than eight acres would probably be
sufficient.

Mr. l'il-rney asked whether it wouhl be wise to
tie themselves down to the emet messummeht i

A long discussion ensued in the course of which because, of course, they should have to have a
it was stated, as probable, that the cost of erecting chapel and a wall.
the tower would amount to as much as .8300 The Clerk reminded them that when they had
It was eventually proposed by Mr. Prescott and conic to a resolution upon the subject, they would
seconded by Mr. Billingham that Mr. Smith be
instructed to make out two quantities for theerec- have to go before the Vestry with their proposal.
The Chairman remarked that they were in hopes '
of a school with and without a tower; together that they should be enabled to puichase a burial
ground so as not to throw the expense, or only a
with a masters house and to make all the neces-
sary alterations in the specifications in accordance portion of iton theparish ; but he found they had
with the plans as modified. The meeting was payed the whole ot the money at Oldbury. The
then adjourned to Monday nemt. burial fees amounted to £299, but the payments
made for the persons employed were £260; so that
BOARD OF GUARDIANS. out of the fees that had arisen they had spent
The usual meeting of this Board was held .£260. and there were, thus, only .e.. 30 available for
yesterday; Mr. Grainger, in the chair. Then off the interest.
e Poll'
Mr. Dillingham reminded him that they should
were also present :—Messrs. I. Rollinson, Wood,
have to borrow money at less than 5 per cent.
Giles, Guest, Baker, W. Rollinson, 11. Billing-
The Chairman
said his impression was that they
ham, William, Homer, Thompson, Hall,
(the Government) would lend them money at 35
Rhodes, Fiddian and Homes. The minutes of per cent., and that they would create a sort of
the last meeting were read and confirmed. Ad- sinking fund, so as to distribute it more equally
misted into the house during the week, 6 ; over the whole period. If that was so it would be
discharged, 1 ; dead, 0; born, 0; remaining, 317. better for them and for the parish generally. He
Corresponding week last j ear, 341.—0ut door hoped they would take the money in the shape of
relief liingswinford district £22 Is Oil: Stour- a sinking fund, so much every year. The only
bridge district, £l7 Os Od ; Halesowen district, other information he had received svas very frag-
£lo 8s Od ; non.resident paupers, us 8d ; mentary. He also gave some information respect-
total £57 108 8d ; against £59 13s 3d last year. hag Crewkerne, the population of which was
A precept was received for Staffordshire 8,243. That was all the information he had been
County Rate amounting to £995 7s Id, being an able to obtain for their guidance. Having taken
increase of £174 Is 9d. I that report into consideration, they should get
eight acres instead of the nine acres, which they
had recommended in the report.
Eventually, it was proposed by Mr. Evers, that
having taken the subject into consideration, it
appeared to be desirable to obtain a site of from 8
to 9 acres as a burial ground.
This was seconded by Mr. Tinsley, and carried
unanimously.
The site for the roposed cemetery was the next
subject that occupied the attention of the Board.
After some discussion it was decided that the whole
of the members should meet this day week, and
visit various likely places with the object of select-
ing a site.
There was no other business of importance.

TIM QUEEN'S MINSTRELS. - This talented
company will give an entertainment in the Corn
Exchange this evening.,

CHORAL SocrEzv.--wOn Monday evening next,
this society will give a performance in the Corn
Exchange. The piece selected for the oc•
casion is Mendelssohu's "Hymn of Praise."
DRUNKENNESS.-At the Police Court, yesterday,
before :Captain Cochrane, Joseph Hazledine was
charged with being drunk at the Lye, on the night of
the 26th inst. Police-constable }anis proved the
case. Defendant was fined 28 6d and costs.

ASSAULTING A Edward Hall. of
the Lye, was charged with using threats towards his
wife, Emma Jane Hall, on the 28th inst. Complain-
ant said her husband had been drinking all day, and
when he came home he beat her with his tist and
afterwards said he would run his knife in her. She had
been married about four years. She had had trouble
with him before when he was drunk. Defendant said
he was having something to eat, when complaimuit
" began her games," and he struck her with his dis-
engaged hand. His master had been giving them a
little supper, and he was rather the worse for drink.
He did not threaten her with a knife. Defendant was
bound over in his own recognizauces of ..£lO to keep
the peace towards complainant for three months.
DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.—WiIIiIIIII Bretlell was
charged with being drunk and disorderly at the Dell
Inn, Lye. Police-constable Harris proved the case,
and defendant was thud 2s fish and costs.—Saninel
Foxhall was charged with being drunk, at Creaky, on
the 26th bast. Pdice-constables Heath and Neale
proved the case. Fined 2s 6d and costs,

a THILEATENED.—PriSeiIIa TiIIIIIIiIIS Wag charged
with threatening Myra 'l'iminius, on the23ril instant.
Case dismissed.

ROBBERY BY A SERVANT GIRL. Alice Wilkes
(19), was charged with stealing five pocket handker-
chiefs, one ',,01d piu and case, and one pair of gloves,
on the 23rd instant, the property of Charles Edward
Firmstone. Prosecutor, an ironmaster, said that the
prisoner was in his house as servant. In September
he missed the gold pin produced, and gloves, which
were his property. Mrs. Firmstone identified the
handkerchiefs as her property. Police-sergeant Jones
proved searching the prisoner's box, and finding the
gloves and pin. The handkerchief was handed to
him by Mrs. Firmstone. Prisoner asked to be for-
given, and appeared very penitent. Mr. Wall, who
defended, addressed the Bench in mitigation of
punishment. Mr. Firmstone said that he did not wish
to press the case, and prisoner was sentenced to 14
days' imprisonment.

ANOTHER RoBBERY BY A SERVANT GlRL.—Ellen
Oliver (14), a domestic servant in the employ of Wil-
liam Goddard, was charged with stealing two lockets,
jet chain, gloves, pocket handkerchiefs, slippers, a
quantity of lace, and other /alleles, on the 24th hist,
the property of her master. Sarah Goddard, wife of
prosecutor, said that the whole of the articles pro-
duced were her property. She missed some of them
and found a bundle tied up ready to be sent to the
prisoner's mother's house. She opened the bundle,
and found the articles produced, secreted in the lining
of a skirt. Police-constable Philpot proved appre-
hending prisoner, and charged her with stealing the
articles produced. Prisoner said " she never took
them." On being charged, prisoner pleaded guilty.
Mr. Goddard asked the Bench to be ns merciful as
they could. The Bench remarked that it was a very
serious thing for servants to rob their inastersZas
great trust was necessarily placed in them. Prisoner
was then sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment.
Sraamtio LEAD.—Edward and William Pardee
were charged with stealing a quantity of lead, the
property of John Davis. Edward was sent to an la-
dustriid School for live years, and William fm. three
years.

Art UNFOUNDED CHAEGE.—WiiIIaDI Elliott, all
old man, was charged with feloniously stealing a frail,
a rabbit, albs of beef, some whiskey, and other
articles, on the 24th instant, the property of William
Cartwright. Prosecutor, who described hiinself as a
bookbinder and printer, said that on the night of the
24th he went to Branford's shop to be shaved. He
had with him at the time a frail, which contained albs
of beef, a rabbit, a bottle of whiskey, and other arti-
cles. He did not wish to accuse the prisoner of steal-
ing it. There were frails near where he put his.
He asked Branford who the man was that had taken
his frail in mistake. Branford did not tell him, and
no doubt thought it was a rare joke to do him out of
his Sunday's tinnier. Had he told him he stould not
have gone to the police. He believed that the mist,
ner took it in mistake. The Bench did not think
there was any felonious intent, and discharged the
prisoner.

COAL STEAING.— Maria AMOS (7), Susannah
Hart (8), and Elizabeth Lloyd were charged with
stealing a quantity of coal, on the 26th instant, the
property of Messrs. Joseph King and Co. Police.
constable Heath proved the offence. The two children
were discharged, and Lloyd was sentenced to 14 days
imprsonmeut.