The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1873-12-06 00:00:00

3*ocat anb itrict'43eins.

According to an announcement in our advertle-
ing columns a new Methodist paper is to appear
on Janusiy Ist, to represent the growing liberal-
ism of Methodist sentiment, on matters affecting
especially our national educational policy, and the
Established Churches of these realms. We have
pleasure in calling attention to this advertise-
ment.

AURICULTIMAL RETURNS.—We have received
the following summary of agricultural returns for
the County of Worcester, from the Board of
Trade, which show that there is a decrease in the
number of acres under cultivation with wheat dur-
ing 1873, as compared with 1872, of 926 acres;
barley, 1,545; oats, 163; and potatoes, 791. On
the other hand, there has been an increase in the
number of horses used in agriculture during the
same period of 486; cattle. 6,75; sheep, 14,020.
But there has been a decrease in the number of
pigs reared during the same period of 2,551.
WOLLASTON ROAD PRESBYTIMIAN SCHOOLS.—
A meeting of a very interesting character was held
at these schools on Monday evening last, in res-
ponse to a proposal that the Old Scholars should
be afforded an opportunity of spending a social
evening together. The proposal was regarded
with so much favour that the tickets were all
speedily sold; the supply (limited by the capacity
of the room) being quite insufficient to meet the
demand. Among the Old Scholars who met on
the occasion, there were not a few who passed
through the schools half a century ago,and almost
every subsequent year was represented. 234 per-
sons sat down to an excellent tea, and later in the
evening that number was considerably increased.
At tea and afterwards, for the space of nearly two
hours, a brisk conversation in which everybody
uemed to take part, was kept up, and of which
the chief topics appeared to be school-day inci-
dents, school companions, changes that have taken
place, times past, times present, tic. The Rev.
I). Maginnis then took the chair, and made 901113
remarks suggested by the occasion. He had plea-
sure in being able to state, and he was sure that
many of the Old Scholars would be glad to hear
that both the Schools were in a very prosperous
condition, and that they continued to be perfectly
nnsectarian, no attempt being made to interfere
with the religious beliefs of the day scholars. Mr.
William Baylie, an Old Scholar, spoke in"strong
terms of tho good work the schools had done,
counnended their unsectarianisin, and rejoiced to
hear of their prosperity. The other proceedings
of the evening were as follows .—reading, by the
Rev. Lloyd Harris; recitations, by Mr. A. J.
Nash and Mr. M. Pratt; pianoforte duet, from
Tancredi, by Misses Hutton and Maginnis ; glee,
by Chapel Choir; duet, by Misses Millward mud
Harris; songs, by Miss Millward, Miss Ilarris
(encored), Mr. Bowater. and Mr. T. Guest; Mr.
E. Forrest presiding at the piano.—On the motion
of Mr. Henry Billingham, thanks was voted to the
Chairman ; after which this vele scc c dal re-
union was closed with the National Anthem.
A DKU N KILN T VEL L EU. —At the Police Court,
on Tuesday, before Major Fletcher and B. Little.
wood, Esq., Thomas Allen was charged with being
drunk and obstructing the railway officials, at the
Stourbridge Station, on the 29th tilt, whilst in the
execution of his duty. Joseph Ruck, porter, said
that on the above date defendant was drunk and
disorderly, and incapable of walking. Defendant
fell off the platform, on to the line, in front of two
trains. Had they been in motion, he must hive
been killell, Two porters went to get him up off
the line, when the defendant struck witness with
a bottle containing rum, over his head, and broke
it. Defendant was then taken outside:and told to
go about his lousiness. In a few minutes lie re-
turned, having scrambled over the railings and
fallen on to the lino. Defendant was then given
into custody. Defendant pleaded guilty, and said
go did not remember anything about it. For
being disorderly, defendant was fined 20.3 and
costs. The second charge of assault was with-
drawn, defendant being severely reprimanded.
A DIM N KEN WoMAN. —Bridget Mack. a widow,
was charged with being drunk and disorderly on
the night of the let inst. Police-constable Grif-
fiths proved that he found the defendant in the
High-street, about a quarter past ten o'clock, very
drank, and he had to lock her up. Pleaded guilty.
Fined ls and costs. •

TRANFIFIRS.-At the Public Office, yesterday,
before Major Fletcher and Mr. B. Littlewood, the
following transfers took place :—The Wagon and
Horses, Worcester-street, from John Gardner to
Henry Gould; the Car and Horses Inn, Market.
street, from Samuel Ward to John Gardner; the
Mount-street Tavern, from Ralph Wood to Charles
Shaw.

DRUNK AND DIFORDKRLT. - John Lloyd DOA
charged with being drunk and disorderly, at the
Lye, on Tuesday night last. Police-constable liar-
risen proved the case. Defendant did not appear,
and he was fined 28 6d and costs; in default seven

days.
Ncor,scr OF WORX.—Thomas Jones was charged
with absenting himself from the employ of John
Fs ekes, on the Bth September; and comhlainant
claimed &him compensation. Mr. Collie appeared
to prosecute. Complainant proved that the de.
fend%nt left without giving the usual 14 days'
notice—contrary to his agreement—and in conse-
quen e of his lowing several puddlers bad t cease
work. Ordered to pay the 30e and o Ate ; in de-
fault one month.