The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1886-05-08 00:00:00

SPECIAL MEETING OP COMMISSIONERS.
THE LOCAL DEBT.

A epecial meeting of the Commissioners was held
in the Commissioners Room, Corn Exchange, on
Tuesday night. Mr. Platt presided, and there were
also preeent, Messrs. Newnam, W. J. Turney, J. E.
Jones, C. 11. Collis, F. J. Haskew, J. W. Woolley,
Purkies, W. Baker, H. Hughes, Perkin, J. Skelding
E. Stringer, and W. Jones.
The Clerk (Mr. Jno. Taylor) read the notice con
vening the meeting to fully consider the uneatiefae-
tory weight and permanence of debt owing by the
town, and if possible devise a plan to alter and re
duce the same.
Mr. Platt said it was hardly necessary he should
apologise for calling that meeting as it was of such
importance. Ile wanted the meeting to be held
sometime ago. They had -• • - there to consider
the debt. It was an old ue.., and some people
seemed to regard it with awe, but he did not. The
debt was nearly 60 years old, and become almost
a curiosity; it would he a gcod thing if they ceule
send it to the exhibition. He thought they ought
to do so.-nething in reference to the debt, It was
understood wine time ago that they could not pay
the debt. • It was only true in one way, and that
was, if they borrowed the money it would be pay.
able in 50 years, and before that time they would
all-bave peel the one debt of nature, so therefore
'boy could not pay the debt But it not only
could, it ought and must be paid, Debts oagtit to
be paid whether borrowed by the town or single
Individuals. Since the tee omit had been borrowed
' it bad not been reduced one shilling, and it was
, borrowed about 58 years ago. If they had borrowed
the money on the same system as the Burial Board
and School Board it would have been peid long
Teey (the Cotumis-ioners) had paid 5 per
cent. for 40 years, 4f per cent. for 36 years, and
they were eow going to pay 4 per cent. for a year.
He should that night offer to find the £20,000 at
34 p,r cent. In order to have the matter fully
discus,vd be prop,s,d Lha following resolulion,
• That in order to pay ff 'the cld debt of £16,070,
the debt of .2 l 500, and Ole debt of £2,000, making
a total of £19,570, tnis Board CO borrow the sum
of i 120,000 at tee rate ut 3f per cent. per al num, to -
belletleeeeici, iii;,6o years by equal ;MUM ill4,ll4qatlati

, r by way of annuity, and that Messrs. J. Haakew,
W. jonep, W, J. Turney, and C. H. Collis be, and
are hereby appointed, to procure tho loan on the
most reasonable terms possil le," If they could
get this huge la•ndrance to the top of the hill ana
then give it a kick, that would be the besraway to-
wards getting it off.
Mr. Turney seconded the resolution. He said
that ten or twelve years ago he pointed out that the
Board had then paid in interest on the £16,070
something like .R 38,000 and at that time those
figures startled the Board and startled the rate-
payers, but nothing was done. Be was glad that
the Chairman and others were now taking a lively
inter( at in the matter with the view of extinguish-
ing the debt.
Mr. W. Jones thought it was Thigh time they
tpckhd the debt which had hung about their neclis
for SO many years; and high time they rut
their shoulder to the wheel to pay it off. They had
not created the debt, and, if it was paid it 'would
not all fall on the present generation, He pointed
out in detail the advantage it would be to carry
the proposal out, and stated that down to the pre-
sent time ~t 43,389 had been paid in interest on the
I town debt.

Mr. Collis said be understood the Chairman that
he hal had an offer of the money.
The Chairman said that was co
Mr. Collis asked what procuration fee they would
have to pay for the money.
The Chairman said that was a matter of detail.
Mr. Collis thought it was a point they ought to
know something about.
Mr. Turney saiot the matter had been mentioned
to him, and he did not think it would exceed 1 per
ent. The town could not make any progress un-
less the huthorities of the town set about relieving
the ratepayers of this dead weight which rested
upon them. It was a burden which had been a
oerpetuity for years. Although the time did not
seem opportune, yet tho longer they went on the
Norse position they would:be in; and the sooner
they tackled it the better. They could tackle it
And they must tackle its.. If it was handled in a
proper manner it would infuse more paha spirit
into the operations of the Board, and .9 ould make
tneini:ers take interest in the various sources of
revenue, itc. He should be happy to support the
, resolution.

Mr. Yurki-s said they all realia3d the importbnce
of the subject, and agreed that it was best to make
a clean sweep of the matter at once. it would be
a good thing to :accept the tangible offer made by
the Chairmaa.
Mr. Woolley thought there should be a commu—
nication with the present bondholders before they
took any step; but this view was opposed, and the
Chairman said he wanted an acceptance or refusal
of the c ffer that night.
There was no amendment, and the Chairman put
the r a lution to the meeting, and it was curl, d
nem. CM

Mr, H. Mil!s (solicitor to the Board) said the
Annual replyment of prineipil and interest in a
term of fifty years would aduotult to 5s 3id ler
eclat.

MISSRS. FORDER AND CO.—We understand that
.he well-known carriage and cab manufacturing
)usiue.ss of Messrs. Forder and Co. Limited, Cleve-
and Road, Wolverhampton has been transferred
o Messrs. W. J. Turney, W. Horton. and II IT.
s3ochrane, and will be carried oe by them in the
e.uture under the style of Forder and Co.
THE SAD SUICIDE AT BEAUTY BANK. -- Mr. J.
;orbet, Deputy Coroner, held an inquest at Mrs.
(ellsy's, the New Inn, Enville Street, on Saturdey
efte: noon, on the body cf Rosannah Mills (65), who
anninitted suicide on the previous Thursday morn.
ng under c.rcurnstances reported in our last int-
plosion. The medical evidence, given by Mr. A.
Freer, clearly showed the state of deceased's mind
tt the litre of the sal affair, and the jury at one.
returned a verdict oi Suiciae whilst in a state of
temporary insanity."
"SHALL THE LCYAL BE DESERTED AND THE
DISLOYAL SET OVER Inee.t."—This is the title of
a- pamphlet written by Mr. William Arthur, as an
topeal to Liberals and Nonconformists on the great
enpendhig question of "Home Rule" for Ireland.
It is caret ul.y vtritten dad contains a vast amount
of sound commonesenie on this, the greatest and
Lost important motion brought before the inhabit.
rats of the. English-speaking wcrld We earnestly
recommend this valuable work to the notice of our
s aders. It is published at 6d, by Messrs. Bemrose
vad Son, 23, Old Bailey, and Derby.
" CATHOLIC MlssloNs."—Under this heading the
irst issue of a monthly illustrated record in con-
loci ion with the Society
.for the Propogation of the
.Otith, has made its appearance this mouth. It is
In undertaking, at his own risk and responsibility,
,y Mr. Donovan, and is pnblished at 27, Wellington
street, Strand, London. Having carefully peruses
he contents of the first number we can confiden ly
reeommsnd it to the no ice of our Catholic contri-
nntors in the town and neighbourhood. The annuli
subscription, post paid within Postal Unions, is 3s.
OLDSWINFORD CHURCHYARD.—A meeting of the
Burial Board was held on Wednesday-11r. 11.
Billingham in the chair—at which an interview
esith Mr. W. B. Collie, one of the churchwardens
Oldswinford, on the subject of the closing of the
ehurchyard there, was reported. It was resolved
to refer the subject back to a committee appointed
it the last meeting to consider, negotiate, and re-
pos.: further to the Board.
MR. HARRY POOLE'S NEW TRIPS ABROAD
rile name of Poole in connection with dioramas has
eecome a household word, and we have gre it
ehsasnre in announcing in the advertisement on
our front page that Mr. Harry Poole will visit this
Town next week with an entirely . new and novel
sxhibition. From the high praise bestowed upon it
by the London and provincial press, this dim:one
far surpasses anything of the kind ever preeentcd to
the public before. In a Widen to the really :steed
midis of art which form the scenes there will be a
number of high-class artists, both vocal and instill-
mental, and we venture to predict a meat successful
week for Mr. Poole.
,SERIOUS ACCiDENT.—A serious accident occurred
re Mr. Chappell, of ehe firm of Messrs. Bailey,
Pegg, and Co., about one o'clock yesterday. Mr.
citappell. accompanied by his two daughters, was
driving towards hame, and in turning the corner of
amblecote Lane the horse stumbled and Mr. Chap-
pe:l was thrown out of the conveyance on to the
road, sustaining serious injuries to the head. He
was removed to Mr. C. Parkes's, the Rising Sun Inn,
led D-. Birt was sent for. On his arrival it was
found that no bones were broken, and the unforitno
ate eentleman was afterwards conveyed to Ws own
residence.
BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—At the usual meeting of
this Board, yesterday, Mr. fluke* presided. It
was reported tbat during the week 17 persons were
admitted, 15 discharged, 3 born, and 3 had died.
There were remaining in the house 544, against 551
for the corresponding week last year. Out door
relief, Kinesveinford £49 17s fqd, Stourbridge ..£3l
1I s B,ld, Haleeowen £27 3a 9d, non-residents £2 is
ad, total .2114 03 4d, against. £lO2 14s 5d last yeas.
CLASSICAL CONCERT. The seventh of these con-
certs was in in the Corn Exchange on Monday
night, and musically speaking was a great success,
the instrumental portisn being especially fine, Aida e
Velini and Mr. H. Mobberley were both in grand
voice and were much appreciated.
SENT TO PRISON.—At the Clerk's Office, on Thuta-
day, before A Freer, Esq., Joseph Gould and John
Benton, tramps, were sent to prison for 7 days for
begging on the sth inst.
SHORTNESS OF MAGISTRATES.—The business of
the Court yesterday was delayed for half an hour
in consequence of only one magistrate (Mr. Webb)
being present.
DRUNKENNESS.—At the Police Court yesterday,
before A. Freer and E. Webb Eeqs., Richard JODO4
was fined 2s 6d and costs for being drunk on the
Ist lost at Cradley.—Elizabeth Dainty, an old
woman about 74 years of age, was charged with
being drunk and incapable on the 6th inst at Crud-
ley. The defendant was found lying down m a
helplees condition. Mr. Freer said they should
discharge her this iinie on account of her age and
infirmity.
APPLICATION.—Mr Clulow made an application
ou behalf of William Jefferies for an interim au-
thority for the Spring Tavern, Clent, The applica-
tion was granted.
THE INFECTED AREA:— Thomas Cooper was
charged with meet iog pigs along the highway, into
and out of an infected area, and within half a mile
of infected premises, on the 4th inst Defendant
said be had not seen any notices. P.C. Stone said
there were bills posted at Stamber Mill, and Lye.
P.S Oakey saw the defendant dtiving 15 Pigs
through the Lye on the day in question, The
Bench said he was liable to fine of £5 for each pig.
As it was the first offence defendant was only fined
2s 6d and costs —James Cooper was charged
cuisine the above pigs to be removed. The case
was withdrawn on payment of Oa 6d,—Harry Guest
was summoned for committing a similar offer oe on
the 3; I inst. Defeniant was driving a p;g within
150 yards of an infected place. Fined 2s 6d and ;
costs.

Poou RATE.—A. poor rate of is 4d in the p;und
was granted fLr the parish of Belbroughton.
THE DISEASED ANIMAI.9 ACT. John Richards
was charged with having a diseased animal in his
possession without giving proper notice to the p
The case was adjourned for a week.
OBSTRUCTION. William Manders was urged
with obstructing the free passage of a footpath by
throwing bricks and mortar thereon Fined 15s and
sods.

Thomas Ii

AGGCAVATED ASSAULT. rvin was
charged with assaulting Margaret Giilooly on the
26th ult. Complainant said defendant came out of
the Woodman Inn, New Street, and used bad laa-
gu,ge I She told him to go home and defend/Alt
then strusk her o'i the fat* and gave her a blitek
Wye, lie oilie imeeked ha dont sad bruited her

side so badly thati she could not lie on it. The
bruiees were not well yet. Emma Poyner gave cor-
roborative evidence. Defendant ple.ried guilty hut
he was aggravated to di) it. Fined 104 a,n
oasts.

_
BEG GING.—JoEeph Wasaall was charged with I
e :ging on the 6th inst in the public streets. r,c.
Davis said the defendant met him and asked for a
copper. Defendant had a bag with him which
eo itail,ed a quantity of bread and meat, and he had
iourpence on him in coppers. There had 'been
complaints made lately about begging. The Bench
sad it he came there again he would have to go to
priion; as it was the first time he would be dis-
charged. —James Macdonald was sent to gaol for 7
dity for begging on the 6th inst.

CONSERVATIVE BANQUET AT WORDSLEY,

ADDRESS BY MR. CECIL RAIBES, M.P.

A. complimentary dinner was given to Mr. A.
Staveley Hill, Q C., ' M.P. on Monday night, in the
Drill Hall, Wordsley, by the local Conservative
Association. The room was beautifully decorated
in keeping with the occasion, and there was a large
attendance, about 500:being present. Major Webb
ptesided, supported right and left by Mr. A. Stave-
ley Bill, Q.C., M.P., and the Hon. Cecil Raikes ;
and amongst those present were Mr. Alfred Hick-
man, M.P., Lieutenant-Colonel Thorneycroft, the
Revds. J. J. Slade, G. Gilbanke, J. S. Boldero, It.
H. Streeten, Bishop, Messrs. A. F. Godson,
Edward Webb, C. Webb, F. Stuart, A. M. Hanby,
H. Smith, G. W. Grosvenor, J. L. Holberton, W.
H. Stuart, W. Corbett, J. S. Williams, W. W.
Boulton, A. Freer, Major Walker, Captain Collis,
Captain Hammond, Icc.
The Chairman read lett,rs of apology from the
Earl of Harrowby, the Earl of Dartmouth, Mr. H.
W. Foley, Viscount Lewisham, Sir. H. Lambert,
Turney, and others.
The Chairman gave the loyal toasts, and Mr. A.
l. Golson proposed "Church and State," to which
the Rev. J. J. Slade responded.
Mr. Grosvenor proposed and Major Walker re-
4Don(led to the toast of the "Army, Navy. and
Auzi'iary Forces."
Lieutenant-Colonel Thorneyeroft proposed "The
aous of Lords and Commons," associating with
the toast the name of the Hon. Cecil Raikes.

in replying to the toast, Mr. Raikes said although
the House of Commons was at present so young
much anxiety prevailed in some quarters about its
'.lealt',. The highest authority it was possible to
consult had recommended a remedy no less sellout/
than amputation. ("Hear, hear," and laughter.)
In the Judgment of that gentleman it was wipes
-ible to !serve the State, unless it was deprived of
one of its largest and most active members. He
ventured to think that in the course of the present
century Parliament had never been called upon to
pronounce upon A more serious, a more grave, he
might say a more alarming question, which, shortly
.nd iyiiefty, amounted to a proposal to unmake the
British empire. They knew what sacrifices and
patriotism there had been to make up the fabric of
the empire in which they lived; and it was indeei
lameatable that the Legislature of the United
Kingdom should be invited at a moment's noti.e,
without warning and wi,hout consideration, to
break up that great inheritance which had been so
dearly purchased and so nobly preserved. (Cheers.)
There were few among them who bad not studied
:qr. Gladstone's proposals, but he thought they
%you'd be aAonished, as he was astonished, on
ceinzng there that evening to learn that by a per-
fe fly novel and unexpected declaration the Prime
Minster had now set himself to prove that up to
the present time they had all of them been elabor-
ately hoaxed. In the shape of an address to the
electors of Midlothian, the leader of the House of
C.ctnnloro had appealed from the House of Com-
mons to the constituency which sent him there,
was not aware there was any-precedent for a course
so repu ;nant to constitutional tradition, as while a
, question was under the consideration of the repro-
' sentatives of the people at large, for the Prime
Minister of the Crown to appeal beyond C.at
assembly to endeavour to forestall its decision by
, making the best appearance he could as a candidate
for popular agitation. (Hear, hear.) But if they
read that remarkable document, they would find
the scheme was not, according to his statement,
the scheme upon which he invited the opinion of
the country. He said the question of the repres, nta•
:ion of Ireland at Westminster was not at issu!—
that the consideration of the proposed Parliament
was not at issue, that the ontribution from Ireland
to the Imperial exchequer was not at issue. Heaven
and earth, what was at issue? He would tell them
what was at issue in the Prime Minister's mind It

was that he should remain Prime Minister. (Cheers.)
He did not think any man would be fooled by such
a plausible pretence as that put before them to
blind their eyes to the red issue. After Mr.
Gla istone, in a speech of three hours and a halt,
explaining the provi4ons of his scheme, the pretent
document went to show it was merely dust thrown
in 11 eir eyes, and that he never meant anything
serious at all. But did not the document also show
the Prime Minister was aware that the scheme be
had presented had failed ? (Hear, hear.) Did it
not show that the people of England, Scotland, and
Wales, and the loyal people of Iraland—(Cheorpi)--
were not prepared to submit to the dismemberment
of the Empire for the sake of erecting by the side
of this country a hostile anl malignant Govern-
ment? (Hear, hear.) Had he not also realised
that the people of this country, already taxed to
their utmost capajty, were not prepared to contri-
bute 150 mil:ions for the withdrawal of the only
elements of law and order at present to be found in
!hat distracted country P (Cheers.) If proof was
wanted of the value of Parli imentary institutions
tin y had it in the fact that, although they were
living in a state of things, which perhaps this
country had never experienced before, under the
inflaence and domination of one statesman who
overshadowed the political hot izon in a way none
of his predecessces had ever done, they had still a
Parliament which could sift, examine, scrutinise,
n l expose designs against the good of the empire.
(Cheers.) The debates and dissensions in the
Eloise of Commons ~had already crumbled to the
duet, that conspiracy against the greatness of the
country and the gcod of the people. Although, he
confessed, he thought the late Reform Bill was
has!ily passed, and im;:erfeetly considered, and
there were a great many more of those uninstructed
people who called themselves Radicals in the House
than he could wish to see there—(laughter)—y-t
th 3 country was sufficiently represented in the
House to be able to pronounce with an honest and
unfaltering voice upon this great question. One of
the most gratifying and consoling things witnessed
in the collutry had been the manly attitude of those
members of the Liberal party who had allowed their
patriotism to rise above party feeling. (Cheers.)
llat he hoped -vas the augury of a better day, and
lie did not think Mr. S:aveley Hill would have to
c-cue down to seek re-election this year. To all
the other infatuations of her Majesty's principal -td-
ti:-ers there could not be added the delusion that
the country was with them. Should they force
upon the country another dissolution, they would
get an answer which would ring through the pages
ot history, and show the determination of the Eng-
lish people and the new electorate to maintain and
tr,4nsmit to their children the splendid, unequalled,
iii unparalleled heritage they received from those
wt.o went before them. (Cheers.)
The Chairman gave the toast of the evening,
"I he Health of Mr. Staveley Hill," which was re -
ceived with great enthusiasm.
_ _ _ _ _

Mr. Hill, In replying, expressed Ws g:atification
at the support given him in the last election. He
said that Mr. Gladstone had shelved all other
projects of useful reform to take up this Irish ques-
tion; but all agreed that Parliament could not deal
with it unless commissioned by the constituencies.
this scheme was one which had the most pernicious
tendencies, and if carried it must result in the dis-
integration of the empire.
Other toasts followed.
Mr. Biokley's glee party samg a number of glees
in a very sweet manner.

OPORTING NOTES.
(By our Sporting Correspondent.)
NEWMARKET SECOND SPRING MEE rING,

Sporting readers of these notes must have been
on good terms with themselves after the result of
the Chester Cup became known, as my selected
Eastern Emperor, fully bore out the opixion ex—
pressed of his chance some three weeks ago in these
columns when remunerative odds were procurable.
I likewise plumped for him in my final notes. Next
week the Newmarket Spring Meeting will take
place, the chief event being the Newmarket Spring
Handicap, run over the Banbury mile, which event
should go to either
BEAULIEU or LISBON.

The other events had better be left to your
Travelling Correspondent's morning wires from the
scene of action, which can be had by sending the
price of a message, 12 stamps, to care of Tissue Of-
fice, Hull, At Kempt n Park (this day) the West-
minster Cup should go to °armlet ; the Richmond
Mid-weight Handicap to Sevanter: the Wolsey
Welter Plate to Forbidden Fruit or Odille; the
Kempton Park Great Breeders Produce Stakes of
1,000 sovs. to Red Cross or April Fool; and tne
Kempton May Stakes to Teddes,ly or Lizard.

A Chelmsford pader says: Facts of interest are to be
treasured.: Mr. James TomliFon, Chemist,Tindal Square
writes: a well-known resident of Chelcasord. had an
affection of tt e ankle and mnsclesof the leg which crippled
him. He used crutches for twelve months. He was under
two doctors, and in London Hositittls, without benefit.
He was persuaded to try St Jacobi' Oil, and penisted in
its use. Its action was marvellous, and he ti r.w a
his crutches cured.

St Jacobs 0 1 is sold by Chemists at 24. d, a b,tt
or by post 2s. 9d., from the Lharles A. Vogeler Cow-
pay, Nit I'n:rioters, 48, Farriagdo Bead, 1,9449 u,

THE NEW PRESIDENT OF THE MARYLE4
BONE CRICKET CLUB.

Lord Lyttelton, who has been elected President
of the Maryl3bone Cricket Club, was born at Hagley
Park. Stourbridge, October 27th, 1842, and suc-
ceeded to the title on the death of his father in
1876. His height when but eighteen years of age
was 6ft. 2in. Ile was educated at Eaton and Trinity
College, Cambridge (B.A. 1864, MA. 1867), and sal
as M.P. in the Liberal interest for East Worcest, r
shire from 1868 to 1874. Married in 1878 the Hon.
Mary Susan Caroline Cavendish, daughter of the
second,Baren Chesham, and has issue. He is a
member of a famous cricketing family, and brother
to the Hon. N. G., G. W. S., Robert H.. Edward,
and Alfred Lyttelton, all celebrated on the cricket
field. He is described as a free and effective hitter,
a good round-arm bowler, medium pace, also de-
livering underhand lobs, and could keep wicket
Appeared in Eton v, Harrow at Lord's on July 9th
and 10th, 1858. When but eighteen years of age he
first formed one of the Gentlemen's Ileven V.
Players, and his career, though rather short, may
be termed one of the best on record. In a match 1
at Hereford, August 3rd, 1865, between Hereford.
shire and Worcestershire, be obtained sixteen
wickets, and in that between Cambridge Quidnuncs
and Pickling Green in 1863 he made 74 runs in 26
hits. He twice caught or stumped six in one innings
at the wicket, ouce for Free Foresters v. Surrey in
1862, and once for I Zingari v. Rickling Green, in
or about the same year. Out of his seven younger
brothers no less than six appeared in the Eton
v. Harrow, at Lord's; and. his father, Lord Lyttel-
ton, formed one of the Cambridge Eleven v. Oxford
in 1838. Played in the single end :double tennis
match far Cambridge v. Oxford in 1863, being on
the winning side on both occasions; also won the
s cond prize, silver cup and medal, given by the
M.C.C. for tennis, five years in succession' namely,
in 1869, 1870. 1871, 1872, and 1873. In the Third
Trinity 803,t Club Athletic Sports, December 10,
1862, he threw the cricket ball 100 yards 3m.; and
en the Cambridge -University Sports in 1863 or 1864,
te threw 106 yards, being, with this fine throw
only third. Had to retire in 1867, owing to illness,
and did not afterwards reappear in first-class
eriaket. In or about 1874 he became one of the com-
mittee of the M.C.C.