The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1887-06-18 00:00:00

°cat anb giotrid 1615

VOLUNTEER INSPECTION ON THE RACE.

COURSE.

Colonel Carr held an inspection of four companies
of the First Worcestershire Volunteer Battalion, on
Ttvaday afternoon last, on the Racecourse, at
Norton; tha other field officers present were Col.
Sir F. Knight, Col. Watson, Major Adams (Adju -
dant), and Majo:. E. J. Morton. There was a fair
att3ndanee of spectators. The following are the
companies and their respective strength all ranks:
F, Halesowen, 78; G, Dudley, 141; I, Stourbrid;e,
100; an! K, Oldbury, 95; grand total, 414; being
the good average of 103.2 for each company. Pro•
ceedings were commenced about half-past two 11,:
the companies being drawn up in line, and the
Colonel inspecting them, closely examining the
arms, accoutrements, clothing, and also noted the
cut of the men's hair—always a point in the inspec-
tion of regulars; after which the Colonel expressed
himself well-satisfied with the inspection. The
companies afterwards marched past in column,
quarter-column at the trail, and at the double.
The men were next formed in line and were put
through the manual and fling exercise; also the
blyonet drill under command of the Adjudant.
Various other I.etttalion movements having been
gone through, the men went through the attack
formation, which was performed with much steadi-
110S3 and highly pleased the inspecting officer,
That most useful section of the battalion--flag sig-
nalling —was also represented, and executed an
instructive drill. The ambulance detachment, an
invaluable requisiti in this year, was in attendance
under command of Dr. H. Smith. iThe companies
were dismissed about half-past five and shortly
after marched away to the strains at their respective
b tads, the diill havieg been creditably accom-
plished. Thl weather throughout was all that
could be wi-bed for and added greatly to enhance
the proceedings.

ANNUAL MEETING OF COMMISSIONERS.

Mr. W. J. Turnsy p esided at the anual meeting
of this Board on Wedneslay afternoon, held in the
Assembly Room, Talbot Hotel; there were also
present Messrs. James, Hushes, Griffin, Collis,
Cadwallader, Bake', Walker, Woolley, Stringe .
Nash, P act, W. Jones, Perkin, Haskew, Purkis and
J. E Jones.

The minutes of the last annual meeting were
read and confirmed
The first business was to elect a chairman for the
ensuing year. Mr. Hughes propo.ed that Mr.
Turney b re-elected, say n it would be appropri -
ate in view of the public works which were being
carried out with his assistance.

Mr. Stringer seconded the resolution. Mr
Tarney had taken a leading part in pla.ing the
new town hall scheme on foot and ought now to
a-e it floishe ; and he bad also contributed largely
to the fund. It was not Mr. Turuey's wish to
occupy the posi ion, an t it was only on pleszure
being brou4ht to bear on hi!a that be had con.
seated to be proposed as chairman for the ensuing
year Mr. ['askew hd flaed positions on that
B )ard with ability, and bad been named for the
chairmanship. He (Mr. Stringer) thought that a
straightf ward and manly course vad been adopted
in reques.in; Mr. Tarney to take the chair. They
could not get a better man and he hoped they
would be unanim,ms on the point. .

Mr. Platt said he had not joined in the requisition
alking Nlr. Turney to Bland agaia because he be-
!ved they were pr.,pared to serve under him
loyally, and a requisition was unnecessary.
Mr. Haskew sAid he took it there was nothing
more c,mmon than for such a requisition to be
sent in wnen it was desired to re-elect a chairman
Or a mayor a second time,

Mr. Collis said h did not think the reqUisition
weld have been got up. only for Mr. Turney say—
ins some little time ago tuat he did Dot wish to
on.nipy the position again, unless it was their
desire for him to do so.

The resolution was carried unanimously.
Tile Chairman thanked them for the compliment
paid him, and said he had felt he had been mono.
polis.w the po•ntion of chairman a great deal in
the pas • but in this instance th.ire might be some
re tinS fo,. his occupying the position one year
more. Ile had been in the town 21 years, and out
of that time he hal 1.,..een a commissioner 19 years;
and out of the 19 years he had been their chairman
9 years. A good deal had been done during the
pait year, and he ho,ied to see the important work
waich was going on satisfactorily finished, and his
servic-s should be at their disposal in the coming
year as in the past one.
. Mr, Platt poposed and M-. James seconded a
vote of thanks to the Chairman for his services dur-
ing the past year, which was unanimously caried.
Tue Chairman briefly responded.
The annual financial statement of the Commis-
Si mere for the past year was presented, and certified
under the nand of the chairman..

In reply to Mr. Collis, Mr. Ilaskew stated that
the draft of the statement had not been before the
Finance Committee, except as it came before them
ire t ,e monthly accounts.
Mr. Coliis said he thought it ought to come be-
fore the committee bl'ore being presented.
The Ch3irrnan said tile itsuai course had been
foLowed. and the Clerk whi te,,ponsible for the
form it toolc.

J4ines urged them
'File meeting next proceeded to elect two auditors
Clot rtant a i one of the
ttoo a
euldeiett thea accot:aoru:
eurte6
Jana
auditors.

Ar. Nash was of opinion that a skilled person
s be app.)inted for looking the accounts over,
awl by all taear.s have someone skilled in figures,
and let tile thing be done in a methodical and
prop:r manner _

- Air. Collis said it would not cost any more to hare
a chartered accountant.

Mr. Platt said they :could not have their rights
taken away from them as ratepayers because they
were:Commissioners, They did not want to appoint
men to do it bo the rule of thumb, but to do it
properly and have no "hanky parkying."
Mr. ti Scott : Does Mr. Platt believe there has
been any "hanky panky" business during the last
four years.
Mr. Platt said they were the first words that came
to hand and he did not mean to imply anything
improper.
Tile Chairman said it was simply Mr. Platt's
way of expressing himself.
Mr. Scott said it was a, very peculiar way.
Mr. Turney : The responsibility must rest with
the speaker.
Mr. Scott said lie simply wished to call attention
t) the matter.

The v,ting was then proceeded with and multed
as follows : Mr. Henry Scott, 35 ; Mr. Otto Scoti,
2,G ; Mr. George Scriven, ; and Mr. S. Walker,
11; the first two are elected.