The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-04-25 00:00:00

TfiE STOMPARIDGE OPSERVER.

elected chairman; the other members present
being Messrs. Billingham, Wall, Stringer. Scott,
and Prescott.

At the last meeting a letter wag read from one
of the deacons of the Baptist Chapel, offering
treir place of worship and schools to the Board
'or the sum of 1:800. On the motion of Mr.
Billingbam, seconded by Mr. Prescott, it was de-
.: led to sk M. ,with, the architect, to make a
report upon the Baptist L hapel and school build-
lugs, as to their auapt fbility for School Beard
purposes.
The Chairmen read a letter from Mr. Holber-
mn, which stated that in the writer's opinion,
the Inspector of Schools for the Education De-
partment might ho asked to give his opinion as
to the school site on Hanbury Hill, and also the
adaptability of the Baptist Chapel and schools.
Mr. Stringer thought it would be better to get
tile inspector, under these circumstances; but
Mr. Scott opposed taking any such course until
the Board had fixed upon a site themselves. No
doubt the inspector would sanction many build-
ings that that Board would not sanction. If
they, as a Local Board wished to do the matter
cheaply, very likely Government would meet
thew half.way ; but it should be the aim of that
Board not merely to satisfy Government.
The Chairman remarked that if the Govern-
ment Inspector came cloven to give an opinion
that the buildings now under discussion were
suitable, it would have great weight with him.
It would be a saving of two or three thousand
pounds to the Board to hays that building.
Mr. Billinghatn pointed some of the disad-
vantages appertaining to the proposed site on
Mr. Hughes's land, on Hanbury Hill. One of
these was the di•tance the school would be from
the highway. He, for his part, objected very
strongly to tricking a road Ili 130 yards to the
school. There was also the consideration of the
expense. As soon as they attempted to purchase
land at £1,200 they should launch into an ex-
pnditure of £2,000 or £3,000, and he considered
teat the rates of Stourbridge were not in such
a state that they were prepared to involve the
ratepayers in farther taxation. lie also con-
sidered it would be very foolish for the Board
to engage temporary schools for six months.

Mr. Scott did not think it would save much
time to get the Inspector's opinion on the sites,
without they had the architect's plan. The In-
spector would ask them at once how they in-
tended placing tho projected building. It was
making rather light of their architect to go tu
the inspector before they went to him in the mat-
ter.

The Chairman said supposing the inspector
came down and decided that the building would
not do afterwards. It would have saved a good
deal of expense if they had gone to the Inspec-
tor. tie should like to know as soon as possible
whether that building would do.
Mr. Scott remarked that they mold take tin
opinion of the inspector and the architect slum'.
taneously.

A desultory conversation ensued, anti it we,
ultimately moved by Mr. Billingham, and sec
ouded by Mr. Stringer, that Government be re
quested to send down an inspector on or before
the 27th inst., providing it would be no expense
to the Board.

This, on being put to the meeting was carried,
and the proceedings shortly afterwards termi-
nated.

THE CONGREGATIONALIST YOUNG
MEN'S MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.

The annual Conversazione in connection with
the above society was held at the Congregation
alist Chapel, High-street, on Monday evening
last. The usual "tea," formed, of course, one
of the most prominent features of the meeting,
and about 120 sat down to an excellent repast.
After tea, the chair was taken by the Rev. Lioyu
Harris, F.S.A.

The Chairman said he was very much pleased
to meet them there on that interesting occasioi,
—the occasion of holding the second anniver-
sary of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement
Association. Nearly two years ago that society
was started so that ID young men of the con-
gregation might improve their intellectual
powers, and the young men were gathered to-
gether there that night to gain from those pre-
sent an expression of sympathy and encourage-
talent. He was extremely thankful that they bad
so many young men in the association. It spoke
well for the future when so many young men
took an interest in the success of that society.
That society was established by several gentle-
men connected with the congregation, one of
whom was taken away from the society a year
ago. He hoped some one would arise, who
would take as great an interest in the society as
Mr. Shoebotham had—(applause). The young
men of that class would always think well of him
(hear, hear). There was another who had don,
a great deal towards founding that society, ant
that was Mr. Hickliu. And if Mr. Hicklin was
the father of the society, Mrs. ilickliu most cer-
tainly was the mother of it. He was sorry ta,
say that the latter person was prevented by in
ness front being present on that interesting or
elision. He hoped that Mrs. Hicklitt would ht
restored so that she inigtit still take at; iuteres:
in them. He then cal:ell upon the secretary t,
rea.l the report for the p ist year.
Mr. J. lteatiiiig, the secretary theu read tht
report for the heist y, itr, which showed that th,
number of members aas :33 There had beet,
tier lectures delivercu ~aring the year, namely,
to by the her. Deliewer Villiants, on " No-
thing like Leather;" three by Mr.J. C. A. Scott,
on "Zoology ;" and the other by Mr. Robinson,
of Dudley. The ardinary work of the society
daring the past year consisted principally el
writing essays, holding discussions on various
topics, giving recitations, Sze.
Mr. Taylor moved this' adoption of the report.
In doing so, he said that judging from the work
the young men had done duringlthe past year
they had done well, and he hoped peace and pros-
perity would attend that congregation.
. _

Tills was seconded by Mi I. Woolley, and
carried unanimously.

-
The following programme was then gone
through :

PROGRAMME.
Song.—" Nelson," Brohini. Mr. J. E. Southall.
Rending,— .` John tididn," Mr. John Taylor.
llecitaiion,—" Ourselves and others," Mr. G. Illipwood
Song,—.4 Say a kind word when you can," Mr. J. Woolley
Remtation,—" The Picket oi the Potomac,"

Mr. Woodcock.
Dislogue,—Scene between Brutus and Cassius,

_
Messrs. J. Marshall and W. Lewis.
Duet, pianoforte,— tirs from Martha,"
't he Misses Taylor.
Reading,—" The Natural Bridge in Virginia."

Mr. Shoebotham.
Recitation.—" Charge of the Light Brigade," Mr. Thomae
Song,—" Shyhe Bowe," Mies Taylor.
Reading. Mr. Hickliu.
Song and Chorus,—' Onward," The Clam,
Reading,—" The Leek-Seed Chapel," Mr. Bridgwater.
Duet,—" Tell me, gentle stranger,'

„
Alr. J. land Miss L. Southall,
Dialogue,—” The Review," Henn. E. &J. Smith,

W. Reading, and Le Nif
Piano solo,—" Blue Bells of Scotland," aims Taylor.
Recitation,—" A Bachelor is his own master,"
Mr. W. Reading
tading.—" The Mariners of England." Mr. u. panto..
Song,—" The Anchor's Weighed," Mr. J. E. Southall,
Birc..tation,—•' Farmer's Wile coil the °moon,"

Mr: A. White.

The above programme was gone through in a
very creditable manner, many of the performers
eliciting considerable applause for the excellent
way in which they rendered the various pieces,
and a very pleasant and prufit.ible evening was
spent.

by Mr. T. Connolly, emigration agent for the
Canadian Government.
There was a very good attendance.
The lecturer, before commencing, said Mr.
Packwood had promised to take the chair; but,
doubtless, something had detained him, and he
would be there presently. In the meantime, as
there was such a large number there, and his
own time was limited, he would ask theui to act
as their own chairmen for the time being, and
keep order, end he would at once proceed to the
business of the evening. With reference to the
subject in hand, he might tell them that he was
going to talk to them in a plain and unvarnished
manner about Canada. They must not expect/
to be treated to any flights of oratory or flowers
of eloquence, as he simply intended to recount to
them facts, just as he himself had gained them
in what Benjamin Franklin said was the dearest
school in the world, namely, that of experience.
He had studied the subject until a million and a
half of his fellow-workmen had become citizens
of that great country, and he (the speaker) then
went to America himself, to ascertain whether
there was a better chance of getting on there
than was to be met with here. It might seem
to many people very hard to fancy anything
more prosperous, happy, or free than this great
country, especially when they saw all Re:advan-
tages s.zt forth by our great men of learning and
science. There never was an empire greater in
the world than this. When they spoke figura-
tively, they said that the sails of its commerce
whitens every sea. The real difficulty of their
statesmen was to know how to arrange the sur-
plus of the taxation which came into their bands.
Such a country ought to be the most prosperous
country on the face of this earth; but it was a
fact that they had seven millions of pounds ster-
ling Bpent (very year on the relief of the poor,
and th it one reit of every 24 or 25 of the popu-
latien were paupers. He had a very strong no-
tion that were %key well or wisely governed there
ought not t i be an able-bodied pauper within the
British tees—(applause). No man ought to
have to WOI k for a lese Sum than what would en-
able him to provide his wife and family with a
decent eustenance. Our colonial resources were
such that we could not have the slightest concep-
tion of ti eir vastness. To give them souse idea
of this, he would mention the fact that in Canada
alone we owned 334,000 square miles of territory
more than was contained in the whole of the
United States. He granted that a great portion
of that land was unsuitable for emigration, but
contended that they had so much that was good
with an abundance of natural resources, that they
could easily sustain a population of 150,000,000,
and it struck him that instead of 15 out of every
hundred being shut up in workhouses or gaols,
they might—the greeter portion of them—be
producing corn and the other necessaries of life
if they were in Canada, whilst at the same time
:hey might be free and independent citizens in-
stead of being paupers or criminals. The ex-
tent of Canada, front east to west, as the ere%
ties is 3,400 miles. The British possessions ex-
tended from the St Lawrence to the Pacific, and
all that immense territory has a population of
less than 4,000,000, and he thought he was quite
right in saying that there was room for many
millions more—(applause). He had been through
a great portion of that territory, and he could
assure them that there was es good laud there as
was to be found in any portion of Great Britain.
It was also very rich in minerals. In Nova
Scotia coal and iron abounded. New Brunswick
was rich in minerals, and the land, too, was very
fertile. Labrador was also rich in iron. He had
-teen magnetic iron of excellent quality, found
there close to the surface of the soil. Ontario
was about the size of England, and grew every•
thing that would grow in England, besides lots
of other things that would not grow in this
country. Peaches would grow there in the open
air, and wheat, and oats, and barley, were grow.
lug there to the greatest perfection. To the
west of Lake Superior it was fertile prairie laud.
Ile knew portions of it on which wheat bad been
grown in the same field for thirty years in suc-
cession. They might boast of the fertility of
the soil of this country, but he would like to see
the English farmer who would put wheat into his
land for two or three years in succession, much
less thirty. British Columbia was as large as
France and Spain put together; yet it only had
population of about 19,000 persona. It was
very rich in minerals. The climate of Vancou-
ver's Island is similar to that of Great Britain.
independent of ,these natural resources, the
fisheries were the richest on that sea board, and
the fisheries on the Atlantic sea-board were the
richest in the world. In Nova Scotia the great
bulk of the population were Scotch and Irish,
with a good mixture of Anglo-French. Its Lower
Canada the French language was spoken, and
the religion was the saute as that of the mother
country. Ontario possessed au English-speak.
lug population; and some of the most stalwart
people on the face of the globe at the present
day speaking the English language, lived in
Canada. Now the Scotch, the Irish, and the
Frenen had no difficulty in getting wives among
the Indian population, and, consequently the
"seat bulk of them were hall-breeds, most of
them preferring to live by fishing and hunting,
end leaving agriculture to the emigrants from
the old countries. It was a most extraordieary
thing that in their dealings with the Indians th,
CALIVIILLUS have uever had any disagreement with
them, whit h is the re, erse of the ease with the
United States. The result Was they supplied
the Indian hunters with the things they required,
receiving in exchange shins, die., thus; both par-
ties derived mutual benefit. lie would now tell
them something about the form of government
in the Dominion. It was generally recognised
by all countries that England was the freest on
the face of this earth. They enjoyed under
British rule better order and greater liberty than
:Lifted anywhere else upon the face of the earth.
they had reached a very high point in their form
of Government. But he did not ask them to
stop at that. From the moment they ceased to
prsgress they would retrograde, and when the
.uan at the helm begins to slip they put another
in his place. Iu Canada they would have as
much liberty as the most rabid Radical could
desire. The laws were rather more democratic
Clan those of England, and, he believed, they
were a little more evenly administered—(ap.
plause). Each !province had a Parliament of its
own to manage its local affairs, and, in proper-
lion to its population sent representatives to the
General Parliament that assembled at Ottawa to
legislate on what they might call the Imperial
business of the country. Ho (the lecturer) sat
during a whole session of Parliament at Ottawa
to see whether the simple emigrants who went
out from this and other countries couldemake
laws like the learned men at St. Stephen's. He
came to the conclusion that they were quite as
good law makers. It WEIS true they were not
educated at Oxford or Cambridge, but simple
matter-of -fact people, farmers, and mechanics,
who had made their fortunes out there. Instead
of making long-winded debates they would make
an Act of Parliament while those in this country
were thinking about it—(laughter). If the hoe.
members at Westminster were not in a hurry to
be off to the moors and mountains whets the
grouse season set in, he was afraid no Acts would
he passed at all. The Canadians were matter of
fact, sensible men taken from the people; they
made laws to suit themselves, and those found
unsuitable were quickly remedied; as they had
no scruples about altering a law if they found it
did not work well. They were the most indus-
trious people in the world, and he would advise
those who did not like work to stay away from
Canada. As a proof of their industy be would
mention a province that eighty years ago was an
impenetrable bush without a house, save a wig.
warn or two, and which now turned out
300,000,000 dollars' worth of agricultural pro-
duce in a year. The revenue of the country was
19,000,000 dollars a year, and the expenditure
about 15,000,000. It was estimated that it Lost
the English 11 dollars per head, man, woman,
and child, for government, per year; the United
States paid 111 dole. ; yet the Canadian people
managed to govern the country at the rate of 41
dollars per head, and life and property were as
secure there as in Great Britain, and the general
prosperity of the sountry was such as bore out
sufficient evidence of the wisdom and untiring
industry of the people. The lecturer then referred
to Canada's geographical position, and said there
were 1,360 miles of navigable water within the
dominion. Vessels sailed from Chicago to Liver-
pool with corn, (ie. Referring to the customs, he
said, so thoroughly English was Canada that an
emigrant might fancy himself removed ontl of one
English county to another. People were exactly
the same as at home. The Irishmen on each side
of the St. Lawrence were the same as those found
on each aide of the Shannon. They had their pro-
cessions and festivities on St. Patrick's Day, and
he could assure them they drowned the shamrock
with a drop of the " cratur " at night—(laughter).
There were also Scotehmen, with their St. Andrew's
and Caledonian Societies, and in every house were
to be found a copy of Burns's Works and the

Bible; and they read the Bible to some profit, for
did it not teach them to assist and love one
another ? and who like the Scotehmen were famed
more for that ? And the result of the cohesion
was that much of the wealth of the country was
divided between them. The English portion, as a
rule, were less regretful at leaving home, but most
proud of their allegiance to England. In asking
working men to make Canada their home he was
not asking an impossible thing, for prospects of
settlement were fifty times easier than when emi-
grants first set foot there. The property owners,
the merchants and traders of to-day, were those
men who went out a few years ago with scarcely a
penny in their pockets' and the story of their life
was nearly identical. There was yet ample scope
for men able and willing to work, and they might
depend upon a rich reward for their labour. There
was no country in the world where money was
made faster than in England, but it was not the
agricultural labourer, the carpenter, and the black-
smith that got it. Those were the men, however,
who made it in Canada. Then as to the wages,
the labourers received from 16 to 18 dole, per month,
and lived in the house, sat at the same table with
the master, and were treated with the same respect
as one of the family. They had meat three times a
day and were in every wayithoroughly comfortable
The worst commodity a man could take into a new
colony was money, because he would never begin
the tough work in hand till the money was gone.
He advised those who took money to put it into the
bank, get seven per cent, interest on it, and in a few
years they would be able to work better with .8200
than they would with .82,000 at first. Having
given an interesting narrative of a voyage across
I the Atlantic, be proceeded to quote the average
amount of wages earned by artizans. Outsisle
workers could make eight months during the year,
and could often get 31 dole, a day, or 14e. 7d. Brit-
ish money. Their board would not cost them more
than 31 dole, per week—a days wage—and a steady
man could put by five days' pay a week. One of
the best things in living there was that it obliged
a man to be economical and lay up a store for winter.
This stock laid in, with his newspaper and com-
forts could sit in his house and laugh at the wea-
ther outside. The lecturer having dwelt upon the
natural beauties of the "far West," referred to the
climate. The cold was felt as in England, and
with the thermometer 23 deg. below zero he felt
warmer than in the humid and foggy atmosphere
of the English winters. Everything in Canada
was bright, cheerful, and beautiful. A working
man had a chance of rising even to the magisterial
bench. The Magistrates were not "parsons," but
substantial men who had risen from the ranks. So
much were the Government of Canada now alive
to the advantage of emigration that, through their
Ageut-General, they were giving passage warrants
to Quebec for £4 15s. to agricultural labourers and
country mechanics. It was his firm conviction—
and he would do anything rather than lead his
fellow-working men astray—that any young man
having the pluck and resolution, and not doing
well at home, should go out to Canada and begin
life afresh. There was no such a word as failure
in a country where there was ample scope for all
(applause).